Centre court at the Canberra Tennis Centre has been transformed into a purpose built grass court in preparation for the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II First Round tie between Australia and Ukraine from 10-11 February 2018.
Work began to transform the court following the conclusion of the East Hotel Canberra Challenger 2018 final on January 13. The court consists of 153 modules which are 2.4m x 2.4m in size and each piece weighing approximately 1.5 tonnes each.
The portable grass court was previously used in Australia’s Davis Cup World Group First Round clash against USA at Kooyong in March 2016, along with the Davis Cup World Group Play-off tie against Slovakia in Sydney in September 2016.
It will be the first time the Australian women have played a Fed Cup tie on a portable grass court.
Tennis ACT CEO Kim Kachel is excited by the transformation at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
“Following the conclusion of the East Hotel Canberra Challenger, work began immediately to prepare the court. It has been fabulous to watch centre court transform and we are excited to welcome the Australian and Ukrainian teams to Canberra in February.”
Tennis Australia turf consultant Shayne Ried has previously worked at Wimbledon and currently oversees 55 grass courts in Albury Wodonga. Ried has worked on 11 Davis Cup ties, with Canberra being his first Fed Cup tie. He is pleased with how the installation has gone.
“The actual surface was in good condition prior to its move, it looks like it’s gone down really well. It’s a good site here because it’s nice and flat and easy to access.
Ried will remain in the capital over the coming weeks as he continues to prepare the grass court surface.
“Through this warm weather we need to make sure the court has the right amount of water, lots of rolling to make sure the joins are nice and even and mowed.”
Two-day ticket packages available through Ticketek are $80 for adults, $63 for concession card holders, $25 for children and $186 for a family pass. Click here to purchase tickets
Team nominations for Australia and Ukraine will be announced ten days prior to the tie.
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