SEEING two of world tennis' most sought after trophies up close will inspire the region's next generation of stars, according to Warrnambool Indoor Tennis Centre owner-manager Rob Urquhart.
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The Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup (women's singles) and the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup (men's singles) visited the south-west tennis venue on Thursday as part of its regional tour.
A number of lucky Warrnambool tennis players got the chance to see the Australian Open trophies up close and personal. The last time the trophies visited the city was over 15 years ago.
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Urquhart said it was a great opportunity for the community and would play a part in inspiring future stars.
"It brings the whole event closer to them and makes it feel real as they are the trophies the men's and ladies are going to win," he said.
"A lot of the kids might not be able to go to the event so this is bringing it to them.
"This has to be an inspiration to them. It's been fantastic. The kids have been very excited and the parents are a bit excited as well and will get a few photos with it too.
"It really is good to have this opportunity and it's a rare opportunity to have them down here."
Urquhart said enrolment for a new year of tennis programs for players aged from three right through to adults at the centre is open until the end of the month.
The centre is also holding an open day on January 24 for anyone interested in joining up.
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