100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

'It is possible': Ash Barty has shown Sunshine Coast kids the way to victory, coach says

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Region’s newest heritage trail launched

Sunshine Coast Council has unveiled a new heritage walk that showcases a town's history, including its First Nations significance and timber heritage. The Landsborough Heritage Walk More

Falcons and Storm to end decade-long partnership

The Sunshine Coast Falcons have confirmed their long-standing feeder club affiliation with the Melbourne Storm will come to an end after the 2025 season. The More

Photo of the day: ocean paddlers

Paddlers off Kings Beach at Caloundra, by Lesley Evans. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must be horizontal/landscape and More

Lucrative prizes on the line for freshwater fish

The state’s most successful recreational fishing initiative is gearing up for a major milestone. The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) is marking 25 years, with More

Young man dies in Kandanga crash

A 19-year-old has died after a campervan veered off the roadway and crashed near Kandanga Creek bridge early on Sunday morning. Police and emergency crews More

Two dead in crash with stolen car near Gympie

Two people have died following a crash involving a stolen vehicle at Chatsworth yesterday afternoon. About 3pm, emergency services were called to a three-vehicle crash More

Ash Barty’s big win at Wimbledon is set to boost tennis on the Sunshine Coast and local club officials believe it’s only a matter of time before the region produces a champion.

The 25-year-old from Ipswich defeated Karolina Pliskova in the early hours of Sunday morning, to become the first Australian woman to win the title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980.

Michael Poulos, who is the co-director of Elite Tennis International at the Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre at Caloundra, said Barty’s victory would inspire generations of players and encourage people to take up the sport.

“It’s going to be a boost (to tennis), for sure,” he said.

“Everyone is very excited about it. Her win is pretty much the first thing people talk about when they come to the club.

“And the best thing is, she is just a great person.”

He said Barty proved that it was possible to go from a Queensland club to tennis glory.

“Ipswich is only a short drive from here, two hours down the road, and that makes her win much more real for the kids,” he said.

“They can say, ‘hang on, someone has done it from near here, so it’s possible.”

And he expected a champion to emerge from the Sunshine Coast before too long.

“It’s undoubtable.”

“We’ve already had Pat Rafter (who played junior tennis at Eumundi before winning the US Open in 1997 and 1998).

“I think it just takes one person to break the mould for the new generation and everyone follows, so I can see it happening for sure.”

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/scnews2020/

Caloundra tennis talent Milly Bonassi in action.

Mr Poulis said tennis was a popular pastime and sport for and it had experienced growth on the Sunshine Coast during the past year.

“Our centre has been pumping.”

“Since COVID, there has been a boost. People aren’t doing the big-ticket items, so they’re playing a bit more tennis and jumping into sport and trying to keep healthy. It’s been sensational.”

He said about 600 kids were connected to the Caloundra centre, and some of them had already shown potential.

“We’ve got a really good bunch coming through, around 10-11 years old, so it’s exciting times and when they’ve got a leader like Barty to inspire them, it’s pretty cool.”

Help us deliver more news by registering for our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.

Goolagong Cawley, who calls Noosa home, lauded Barty for her achievement.

“She made me proud from the first time I saw Ash. She must have been about 13,” she said via AAP.

“She was playing at the Australian Open and (my husband) Roger and I stayed and watched for a bit and we saw one whole point where she showed all the skills.

“She did the slice, the volley, the smash. Everything in one game and we both just looked at each other and thought ‘oh, she’s got it, she’s going to be our next champion’.

“So look at her now.”

 

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share