Following the success of the Canberra International last week, the ATP have announced a $75k Challenger event will take place in Australia’s Capital in January 2016.
The Challenger, which will be played in addition to November’s event, will take place at the Canberra Tennis Centre from 9-16 January, 2016.
The reduced qualifying fields for the ATP 250 tournament in Auckland, New Zealand and Apia International Sydney meant there was a space for an additional event on the Tour calendar. With Canberra now boasting a world class venue, it was a logical choice for the ATP.
The event, which takes place the week of Australian Open Qualifying, is expected to attract up to six top 100 players as they prepare for the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.
Tennis ACT CEO Ross Triffitt said it was a major coup that Canberra had been selected to host the tournament.
“Thanks to the redevelopment of the Canberra Tennis Centre, we now have a world class venue capable of hosting top level ATP, WTA and ITF events.
“It is fantastic that the ATP have recognised this and awarded us the Challenger. January is without doubt the most exciting month for tennis in Australia and we’re thrilled that Canberra is now part of the action and fans can enjoy elite level tennis in their own backyard.
The Canberra Tennis Centre underwent at $10.5 million redevelopment this year thanks to a joint collaboration between Tennis Australia, Tennis ACT and the ACT Government. The facility now boasts eight outdoor plexipave courts, four indoor plexipave courts, 12 European clay courts, four synthetic grass courts and four ANZ Tennis Hot Shots courts.
The Canberra $75k ATP Challenger will take place in addition to the $50k Canberra International ATP Men’s and ITF Women’s event in November. The Centre will also host back to back women’s clay court event as part of the Australian Pro Tour in March 2016.
The Canberra International was held last week from 31 October-8 November. The free event attracted a packed crowd to see Queensland’s Ben Mitchell secure his first ATP Challenger singles title and the United States’ Asia Muhammad take out the women’s title.
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