Mackay tennis expecting increased interest after Ash Barty’s Australian Open win

Mackay’s tennis scene is one of the big winners after Ash Barty’s triumphant effort in the Australian Open.

Ash Barty’s historic rise in the tennis world has been a well-documented, feel-good story across Australia.

The tennis superstar’s drought-breaking Australian Open championship was a title that will be used as inspiration for the rising players of tomorrow, especially Queenslanders.

Roger Tennis Academy head coach Ken Rogers said there had been a drop in the sport’s interest before Barty’s rise on the world stage.

“There had been a slight drop off with young females coming into the sport, but she’s a positive influence, she has good work ethic and is humble,” he said.

Skye (from left), Kane and Zoe Nicolson at Mackay Tennis Association. The family trains with Ken Rogers at the Rogers Tennis Academy. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“We’ve had Sam Stosur coming through, but being number one in the world is different, there’s different recognition.

“I asked some of the girls here in Mackay about Priscilla Hon or Maddison Inglis, who are both Australian, but they didn’t notice them.”

Rogers has labelled Skye, Zoe and Kane Nicolson as future stars of Mackay tennis, with the three siblings all competing in tournaments throughout Queensland.

Skye said it was amazing to be able to watch Barty’s grand slam triumph.

Skye (from left) and Zoe Nicolson at Mackay Tennis Association. The family trains with Ken Rogers at the Rogers Tennis Academy. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“It was great to watch it, she is my favourite player and it was my favourite game in the tournament,” she said.

“I want to play professional tennis like Ash and win grand slams.

“I’m playing in tournaments in Townsville and Brisbane and other places at the moment.”

Enjoyed as both a social and competitive sport, Rogers said it was important to nurture tennis talent from juniors to seniors because a lot of kids drop off as the competitions become more competitive.

Zoe Nicolson at Mackay Tennis Association. The family trains with Ken Rogers at the Rogers Tennis Academy. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“It’s so important to help the transition from junior competitions to seniors, because it’s so easy to stop at that stage,” he said.

“We now have a modified game for kids aged from five, so kids are able to get out and play so much earlier.

“There’s a lot of juniors who have never played the sport before and have started taking lessons with their parents, so it’s one of those sports they can learn together.”

Originally published as Mackay tennis expecting increased interest after Ash Barty’s Australian Open win