Tennis boom across Australia as Barty, Alcott, Kyrgios and Kokkinakis success 'breeds success'

Every time 14-year-old Milly Bonassi gets on the tennis court, she knows what she wants. 

The success of a retiring Ash Barty — a three-time Grand Slam winner — has added to the aspiring tennis player's dedication and determination to succeed in the sport.

«I want to be like Barty on court. She's strong and kind.» Milly said.

«Barty made me think like, 'I can do that'. And I'll get on the court and try harder every training session to play like she does.»

And the Sunshine Coast teen is not alone.

Tennis Australia reports that since the Australian Open in January, interest in the sport has increased  343 per cent, and it is now «the fastest growing sport across all ages».

«The success and impact of our homegrown heroes at the Australian Open 22 extend well beyond the event this summer,» Tennis Australia's chief tennis officer Tom Larner said.

«The impact on grassroots tennis across the nation is incredible.»

Mr Larner said the interest was cross-generational, with an 80 per cent increase in enquiries for the junior's Tennis Hot Shots, while interest in the recreational cardio tennis programs soared 105 per cent.

There has also been a 33 per cent increase in casual court hire bookings through the play.tennis.com.au website.

That enthusiasm has been felt at the Sunshine Coast Regional Tennis Centre.

Head coach Matt Deverson said he had been «run off his feet» trying to keep up with the surge in participation this year.

«It always gets busier after the Open, » he said.

«But there's been an increase in teenage kids coming down for a hit, hiring courts, hiring rackets which is not that normal.»

However, on top of the interest among recreational players, Mr Deverson also expected a surge in participation at the competitive level because