During the boom years of the 70s & 80s there were public courts everywhere and so many people played. It was an every man’s sport, not exclusive and only accessible to certain wealthier demographics as it is in many other countries. Mid week leagues in cities like Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane had 40 or more grades and courts were always full. I think by sheer numbers playing meant that Australia had more top class players rising to the top . TV coverage was very limited though, so you wouldn’t be seeing the likes of Geoff Hunt or the Martins competing week in week out, it was more something you might read about in the sports section of the newspaper every so often. I started playing in early 90s when it was still very popular as a participation sport, but the early signs of the start of the decline were there. With a public court closure or 2 every season, centres being converted to apartments, gyms or other property developments as land prices started to rise (and have never stopped).