Andy Murray affect on Huddersfield’s tennis clubs

Jul 2 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Andy Murray affect on Huddersfield’s tennis clubs

MURRAY mania has swept the country.

Wimbledon fortnight and yesterday’s passage of Britain’s Number One Andy Murray into the semi-finals has led to an increase in people picking up their racquets.

The courts at Greenhead Park and facilities at the Huddersfield Lawn Tennis and Squash Club are busier than ever.

Tennis coaches say they have already seen a rise in the number of calls they are getting from people wanting to book a court.

Robert Whittaker, parks development officer, said: “It’s about the only time of the year when the tennis courts are always busy.

“People see the matches on TV and pick up their rackets and have a go.

“It’s quiet the rest of the year but there’s plenty of people out on the courts now.”

They cost just £2.40 per hour, although during the evenings when the park’s cafe is closed the tennis courts are open for all.

And while preparations are under way for Huddersfield’s own tennis tournament starting this Saturday, coaches at Huddersfield’s Tennis and Squash Club are all glued to their TV screens backing Andy Murray.

Tennis manager Becky Lee said: “We always get more calls around Wimbledon from people wanting to give tennis a go.