If you hear the term ‘real tennis’, you’d be forgiven for immediately thinking about Roger Federer dominating at Rod Laver Arena, Wimbledon or Roland-Garros – well, anywhere really.
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Think again.
Thought to have originated in Europe between 1200 and 1500 AD, real tennis is actually where the modern version – and every other racquet sport we know today – was developed from.
If you ask Ex-Services Tennis Club guru Chris Doucas, it’s not just the original either – it’s the best too.
That’s why he wants to bring it to Orange.
“It’s probably a sport that not a lot of people know about and I want to get it out there,” Doucas explained.
“I want to get a club built here … it’s something original but more than anything I’d like to make it a really family-focused club with a restaurant and [an area] for kids, I’d hope it would help get some kids off the streets as well.
“We don’t necessarily have that in Orange right now, a family sanctuary.
“I think it would be well worth it, certainly something unique.”
Doucas is well aware of the challenges he faces in accomplishing his goal, especially considering the sport is only played in four countries worldwide.
Australia is one of those four already, but only Melbourne, Hobart and Ballarat boast clubs.
Doucas – a former tennis and squash professional in Canada – has actually just returned from Melbourne, where he helped his Sydney club claim the Barry Toates Trophy.
That win came after he secured the singles and doubles titles at the Sydney Club Championship, that was the first time he represented Orange.
“That was played in Melbourne too, we have a Sydney club but we don’t have the facilities,” he said.
Doucas says his plan is also a way to make the sport accessible to everyone.
“It is about making it accessible … but right now I’m just trying to raise awareness and see what interest and potential sponsorship might be out there,” he said.
Anyone interested in the concept, and potential sponsors and investors can get in touch with Doucas on 0419 252 810.