The 2018 NSW Country championships are heading to Forster Tennis Club this weekend.
One of the biggest NSW tennis tournaments of the year, the event is set to begin on Friday, July 6.
The event will feature under 18 and open events over the first three days.
Monday, July 9 will see the juniors take to the courts, with players taking part in under 10 to under 16 events.
All matches will consist of singles and doubles sets.
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The NSW Country tennis championship features a long history, with years of success dating back to its 1909 inception at Double Bay.
Later on, the event moved to White City off of Rushcutters’s Bay in the eastern suburbs.
The first players came from Katoomba, Goulburn, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga to participate in teams for a week’s play.
“The golden age of NSW Country tennis came about in the 1920s with the fear and anxiety of the great war behind people,” explained Forster Tennis Club’s June Southwell.
“The grass overgrown courts were soon cleared and resurfaced with loam or antbed and meticulously rolled flat for play.
“Tennis was being played as often as people could get on the courts and participation numbers soared.
“A star player of the time was Anne Gray of Goulburn, NSW who brought speed, style and vigour to the women’s game along with Marjorie Cox from Narrandera, NSW.
“Marjorie later went on to marry international star of the times Jack Crawford.
“Women played in long skirts and high knee socks, which is quite a contrast to today’s standard of dress.”
Fast forward to 2018 and the tennis championships have come a long way, with the tournament being hosted by tennis clubs around NSW for three year terms.
“Forster has proven to be a desired spot for parents and players because of the Forster Tennis Club and supporting club facilities, coupled with the ideal winter accommodation rates, dining, shopping and local beauty,” June continued.
Laia Pasini of the Forster Tennis Club is set to play in the junior and open sections of the tournament.
Laia has consistently performed well over the last year and is hoping for strong results.
Winner of the Tuncurry Twin Towns open, Brenton Chambers will also compete in the men’s open singles and doubles events.
“The volunteer work of the Forster Tennis Club members doesn’t go without notice and a huge thank you goes out to you all,” June added.
“Cakes and slices are always appreciated and can be dropped off at the club canteen on opening day.”
