BUDDING Djokovics, Williams and Nadals will be able to practice their serves, volleys and backhand smashes with ease next year thanks to a new booking system.

January will see new on-line booking and charging introduced at the newly refurbished, secure all weather tennis courts in Newton Abbot’s Bakers and Forde Parks and at Buckfastleigh’s Duckspond.

From Monday, January 15, the new electronic gate access and charging system will be introduced which allows you to book and pay on-line, providing you with playing certainty via a code to access the court.

The refurbishment and the new booking system is part of a joint initiative with the Lawn Tennis Association to encourage more people to take up the sport and to remove the uncertainty and waiting for a court to become free.

Until 15 January, you will be able to continue to play for free and from Friday,  January 5 will be able to buy a £36 annual tennis pass which covers up to 10 people in a household, and which provides a 10-day advanced booking option.

Those who prefer to Pay to Play will be able to book seven days in advance from 8 January, paying £6 per court per hour.

When booking a court for the first time from 5 January, you will need to set up a free account with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA.) 

This is a normal part of the initial set up process and creates a log-in allowing you to book the courts and purchase an annual pass or pay per court per hour.

Teignbridge Council anticipate that the Teignmouth Den Tennis Court will become part of the initiative in the spring once surface paint works, and the replacement nets and posts are completed.

Until then there will be no charge to play at the Den.