JIM Elphick Tennis Centre coach Tom Denahy says the sport needs to do what it can to take advantage of its popularity during the Australian Open as locals take inspiration from the likes of Nick Kyrgios and Ash Barty.
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Local club traditionally receive a large boost in casual players picking up a racquet throughout January, and this year has been no different.
"The courts have been really busy, the numbers do increase this time of year and everyone's full of enthusiasm for the junior comp which starts next weekend," Denahy said.
"It's a great boom for our industry in January and February, we're very lucky to have that every year.
"A lot of people are watching the tennis so they tend to want a bit of a hit, especially on the school holidays with the kids."
Avid player Cleo Campbell, 12, said she notices an increase in fellow juniors giving the sport a go through the opening major tournament of the year.
"It's really inspiring to watch the Australian Open. Coco Gauff (American who made fourth round) is only 15, so that's really inspiring for kids," she said.
"It's really amazing what Ash (Barty) is doing. It's good she quit tennis for a bit and chose to come back."
Wagga will host the first round of the Junior Development Series for the south-west region on Sunday, February 9.
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