Six Love a thing of the past
WESTERN tennis players competed in the second round of Regional NSW Universal Tennis Rankings (UTR) over the weekend.
Some of the best players from across the region gathered at the Paramount Complex in Wingewarra St, playing a series of matches where players of all ages get a rating of their ability against an international standard.
The novel system assesses players of all ages with the aim of ensuring future tournaments will pit people of equal ability.
Matt Edwards who is the Tennis NSW Club Development Manager, Western explained UTR.
“If people play matches where they lose 6-0: 6-0 or win by similar margins nothing positive is obtained. In fact, quite the opposite, it can be a real turn off for everyone.
“By putting this novel system in place we are sure more people will stay involved in the game for longer. There’s no fun in one-sided competitions but when players are more evenly matched they are much keener and their skills improve,” Matt added.
Matt says Ash Barty’s rise to the top and the emergence of young male players like Alex De Minaur, John Millman and Alexei Popyrin has attracted new people to the sport.
“I think the virus has also played a part too because families are looking for other activities. Our courts are full during the week with different competitions and there seem to be more people wanting to have a social hit.”
Matt heads up the Paramount Coaching team.
“Lyndall Murray and my son and I are here every day training players of all abilities. We cater for juniors, adults and Pee Wees. We offer advice on equipment and do individual as well as group sessions,” Matt smiled.
Tennis at Paramount goes back to 1923 when players served on the original sand courts in Bultje St. In 2004 the Club took on 12 extra synthetic surfaces when they took over Dubbo City and the club now boasts an enviable complex.
For more information on the UTR program or other programs contact Paramount Tennis Club on Facebook.