EMERGING tennis talents will strut their stuff on the lawns of Red Cliffs this week.
The Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club’s annual junior tournament hits the courts on Saturday and Sunday as the next generation of talented youngsters take to the court.
About 100 under 18 players are expected to compete in singles and doubles competition, from A Grade through to B1, B2, C1, C2 and D grades.
The junior tournament is also a precursor for the Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club Senior Championships next weekend.
Defending A Grade boys champion Jack Burford will be back to defend his crown, while it is hoped an A Grade girls division will return this year after an absence in 2023 due to low entries.
Tournament director Robert Keens said everything is on track for another big tournament.
“All is looking good at this stage,” he said.
“We’re on track with registrations as they usually build up in the last few days before the tournament.
“The weather looks good at this stage, likely no need to worry about the weather intervening which is great. We’re now getting to the busy end of the organising.”
Keens said the courts were primed ahead of the club’s two big weekends.
“The courts are in great condition and have been for a while now, they should be top notch for the next two weekends,” he said.
“It caters for players up to 18 years old but we’ve actually got some really good younger players who will be in A Grade around 14 or so years old.
“It’s one of the strong area we have at the moment, some good talent around the mark, especially on the boys side.
“Unfortunately the girls A Grade didn’t go ahead last year and we’ve been a little light on with entries so far, but I’m hoping there’s a few who will give it a go because they are talented enough to do so.”
Singles competition on Saturday and doubles on Sunday begins at 9am each day. Dependent on entries, all events will be in a round robin format.
Trophies and medallions will be awarded to the winners and runners up in each grade.
Entries close at 5pm on Thursday. To enter contact Robert Keens on 0408 563 016, or keensrobert@gmail.com.
