Both the Shepparton District Tennis Association and Shepparton Junior Tennis Association are back out on the courts of Greater Shepparton this weekend - with some even starting last night.
There have been some slight changes to the SDTA competitions, but the same amount of teams will be fielded across the season.
“We've got two matches (last night) and the rest (today), it should be good,” SDTA president Murray Akers said of the round one schedule.
“It looks like we've got good weather as well.
“We'll have the same number of teams as last year which is good, we were looking like dropping a few but some late entries boosted us back up.”
The top divisions of the competition will again play in a merged Pennant-A1 draw before splitting off for finals, with nine teams involved in the action.
Unlike last season, the other 12 teams in the SDTA will now be grouped in one section as well - competing in the A2-A3-A4 draw until finals start.
“I think we were relatively successful in how we ran the top section last season so we're going with that again,” Akers said.
“The bottom section will be a bit different with a big amount of teams this year, but the message from teams is that they don't want to be playing the same people every week, so this will (give them plenty of variety) and allow everyone to play at least one week of finals.
“It's not a long season this summer so more tennis is good.”
The highlight of the opening weekend is a pennant grand final rematch between champion Shepparton North and Old Students.
“Everyone seems pretty enthusiastic which is good, teams don't look a whole lot different to last year in the top section but it should be a good season,” Akers said.
“We've added Kialla Park to the top tier after only losing one match in the past two years, so that will be a good challenge for them.”
● Junior action also starts today, with 60 teams entered in nine grades of the SJTA.
A large number of teams will take part in the beginner grades - which play with green dot tennis balls - as it is a great way to introduce new players to the sport and develop the skills of those just starting out.
Tallygaroopna Tennis Club is back on court as well with a team in the DD2-grade.
Some quirks of the draw this summer include all round four matches being scheduled for November 1 at 5.30 pm due to the Melbourne Cup long weekend, while a super round for A1-A2 and B1 grades on November 29 at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club at 5.30 pm.
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