27 June 2013 | Tennis West

Earlier this year at Melbourne Park, the tennis version of Twenty20 made its Australian Open debut.

“I totally forgot”, Matt Barton said of the “let” served by opponent Miles Armstrong of Western Australia, which he watched bounce gently before realising that this was not an ordinary format, and he had just been aced!

Now a firm favourite with the players and fans, the five state conference winners and three overseas teams will compete for $100,000 in the Final Playoffs, after sharing $20,000 prize money in their own states. Tennis Australia also contributes player payments totalling $36,750 in each State. The aim is to strengthen our domestic tennis industry by presenting an innovative league to inspire players and clubs in a team environment.

State League will be positioned as a strong underpinning league. The associated Junior ATL will provide recognition for adolescent players and a pathway into the ATL. Most importantly, this year the ATL will create opportunities for clubs to leverage off the ATL and lift their local community profile, by engaging members and locals, fundraising and building a close relationship with their local council. Watch for the SUPER ROUNDS or hosted home matches in your area!

Team applications close on July 8th. Contact [email protected] for information.