Tennis becomes a national pastime during the month of January, particularly this year as we cheer on Aussie hero Ash Barty in the women's final of the Australian Open this weekend.
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A Batemans Bay tennis coach is encouraging people to continue the momentum from this weekend and take up tennis as a full-time pastime.
Brad Baranowski is the owner and operator of the South Coast Tennis Academy based at the Batemans Bay Tennis Club and Club Tomakin.
He said January was the best time of the year to get involve din a sport "for all ages and abilities".
"A lot of people are watching the tennis, so it's a great time to start," he said.
"We run local leagues for both kids and adults, and we're looking for more players to run more leagues.
"It's a great time to either start or get back into tennis - just come down to the (Batemans Bay) club and say hello.
"Tennis is a great way to have community, have fun, meet people, and get active."
Mr Baranowski, 30, has been an accredited tennis coach since his teenage years, and has run the South Coast Tennis Academy for three.
"I've been playing since I was six years old, and I started at the Batemans Bay Tennis Club," he said.
"I've played at a national level, I represented Batemans Bay and the South Coast as a junior.
"I completed my Level 1 coaching course when I was 17, then I finished my Level 3 masters when I was 26.
"Everyone can play tennis - any age or ability.
"I've got so many kids who have tried a lot of other sports who will come to tennis and shine, adults as well. They just find their element, and it's nice to see them get active when they didn't originally think they were sporty."
Mr Baranowski said being a tennis coach was rewarding when he saw the "difference it makes in people's lives".
"They can come to tennis and not have a great game, but they'll always leave with a smile on their face," he said.
"Tennis can be people's therapy - they'll come to play and they'll always have fun.
"It's a nice feeling to be a part of this community, and have a connection to everyone through sport - I'm blessed to be able to do that."