20 April 2012 | Tennis Victoria

Australia’s largest tennis competition kicks off this weekend where 3300 players will compete in excess of 14,000 matches over the coming months, as part of Tennis Victoria’s Pennant competition.

In total, 478 teams from 135 clubs from across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas, including Geelong will take part in this year’s competition.

Lyn Robinson, a participant for 48 years and the Pennant Secretary from Essendon Tennis Club, says the club has 10 teams taking part and the players are looking forward to competing again.

“Clubs are looking forward to the Pennant season starting again and players are looking forward to playing regular competition again.”

Played over 14 weeks plus finals, Pennant features 11 grades in the men’s, six in the women’s, a women’s open doubles and six seniors 35+ grades, ensuring all playing standards are catered for.

The men’s and women’s format will see teams playing an alternating format of singles one week and doubles the next, while the seniors 35+ and women’s open doubles grades play a best of three tie-break sets, doubles-only format every week.

Play will take place on Saturdays and Sundays in AM and PM timeslots.

Barry Prior, the Pennant Secretary from Dendy Park Tennis Club is pleased with the standard of competition, in particular in Grade 1.

“I have seen the standard of Pennant grow over the last few years, it is a great competition for those looking for a tough game of tennis.”