Australian tennis great Wally Masur was among the special guests to mark the official opening of new tennis courts in Katoomba in November.
The former Davis Cup captain was joined by Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, Katoomba Tennis Club head coach Nicole Arendt, and fellow Tennis Australia representative, Jaslyn Hewitt-Shehadie.
Also attending the official opening of the new hard courts was Katoomba Tennis Club president Eddie Goodberg, and Blue Mountains City Councillors Chris Van der Kley, Don McGregor and Kerry Brown.
The new Rebound Ace Synpave hard courts, painted blue to match the Australian Open surface, are unique in the Blue Mountains and will allow players to practice on courts similar to those played on by the champions.
Club president Eddie Goodberg said the courts were an example of true teamwork with labour from club members and funding assisted by grants from all three levels of government plus Tennis Australia.
Since 2016 all four courts have now been resurfaced. Former World No. 3 Nicole Arendt said: “These courts now mean anyone of any age has the ideal surface to make themselves into their best possible player – or just have a great hit of tennis.”
Wally Masur and Jaslyn Hewitt-Shehadie were quizzed by kids about life on the tennis circuit before joining Ms Doyle and club treasurer John Tremble to have a hit on the new courts, which they all declared a success.
Mr Masur said in response to a local’s question about becoming a champion: “Work hard, practice hard and enjoy yourself. Tennis is a challenge, but it’s a sport that you can play at any age and has taken me all over the world.”
For more information on socials or coaching for any age, visit www.katoombatennisclub.com.