AS Murraymania sweeps the nation, tennis clubs in Taunton and West Somerset are bracing themselves for an influx of new members with people hoping to emulate their hero.

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumph last weekend is expected to inspire a new generation of tennis fans, and Taunton Tennis Centre Manager Kerry Quirk says the centre is already feeling the effects of the men’s final.

She said: “The centre’s generally busy, but this week it has been busier than ever.

“I think more people are coming down wanting to play tennis, learn about it and be coached.

“The weather has obviously helped and we always see big numbers during Wimbledon, but after Murray’s win it’s even busier.”

Such has been the buzz, Taunton Tennis Centre has had to put on extra sessions over the summer holidays for beginners or those returning to the game.

It has also hired extra coaches for the junior section and opened up further spaces in classes.

Junior classes have been filling up rapidly since Sunday, and Kerry is encouraging more people to get involved.

She said: “We’ve hired the extra coaches to be able to expand our numbers.

“If people have been inspired by Wimbledon and Andy Murray they should contact the centre and find out what’s on offer to suit their ability.

“They can book coaching or just book the court for a one-off game.”

Tennis coach Simon Woodhill thinks the sport’s rising profile can only be a good thing, but it must be sustained.

He said: “I think it’s about making sure children coming here are given the right information and that they enjoy playing the sport.

“We need to show that tennis is an all-year round sport and not just played during the two weeks of Wimbledon.”

It’s not just Taunton riding the wave of Wimbledon euphoria – Minehead Tennis Club is also expecting more and more people to take up the game in West Somerset, and club chairman Peter Reece says they are ready for a boom in participation.

He said: “We hope there will be a positive effect from Andy Murray’s success and we’re ready for it.

“We started a club on Saturday afternoons called ‘Rusty Racquets’ where people come along and play, have a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

“You don’t have to be a member to come along either.

“Any youngsters interested in playing tennis should come along on a Monday evening after school, speak to myself and the coaches, and go from there.”

If you are interested in starting tennis or want to take it up again, get in touch with your local club.

Who knows? The next British Wimbledon champion could be from Somerset.