The Benalla Tennis Singles Championships offers a local, no travelling, singles tennis championship for all competitive players within our district.
This years categories will include all gender junior under-21s, under-16s and under 12s, as well as a Men's Open category with two divisions, split after qualifying rounds, and a Women's Open section.
Entries close Friday, February 6, with schedules and rules to run under the same format as 2025.
For anyone that hasn't competed previously, the first rounds will see players compete in pool matches. Players are scheduled to play one round robin match per week on the Benalla Gardens hardcourts by Lake Benalla, with all championship matches to be best of three sets.
Matches are planned to commence from the second week of February, with flexible match times on Saturdays or Sundays. (Note - players can actually play their weekly matches anytime, including under lights, by agreement between you and your weekly opponent.)
Entry fees for this four-to-six-week period cover player entry, balls and prizes, and will be approximately $35 to $40 per player.
Gardens Club members fees will be slightly cheaper, but any local non-members are welcome and encouraged to enter and participate.
This year Gardens Tennis is also looking to add some new Junior categories. Open this year are an under-16 and under-12 division to find our best local junior players. We aim to give local juniors tournament experience without having to travel to other areas.
The junior comps will run on a different format to the adults and will likely be played at a set/regular time on Saturday or Sunday mornings.
We believe this structured format will be easier for parents to organise their schedules.
An emphasis will be put on junior participation and player development, and while we are looking to award Benalla's best junior players, it will be stressed that competing and improving is equally as important as winning.
Text or call Gardens Tennis on 0433 520 809 to receive further entry information or to enter yourself or your child.