Australia’s crop of rising female stars will compete in the capital over two weeks as the Canberra Tennis Centre hosts the ACT Claycourt International #1 and #2, back to back women’s USD$25,000 ITF World Tennis Tour events from 18-31 March 2019.
Eighteen-year-old Destanee Aiava (Vic) currently ranked No.197, will lead a strong contingent of Australian’s which features 13 of the country’s top 25 players.
It has been a solid start to 2019 for Aiava, returning to the world’s top 200, after coming through qualifying to reach the second round of the Brisbane International. Aiava boasts a strong record in Canberra, making it through to the finals of three Pro Tour events, including twice at the clay court event.
2018 Apis Canberra International champion, Zoe Hives (Vic) will also return to the capital. The Victorian hit a career high ranking of No.178 in January after progressing to the second round of Australian Open 2019 with a straight sets win over Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA).
Jamiee Fourlis (Vic) will defend her ACT Claycourt International #2 title from 2018 with the 19-year-old excited to start the clay court season in the capital.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Canberra. Last year was a really good year. I was able to win one of the 25’s [ACT Claycourt International #2] and that set me up really well in Europe.
“It’s the first week of the clay court season for me, to start here and play on some really good clay courts. The clay is pretty much exactly the same here as in Europe so hopefully it will be a good build to start off here and continue that over in Europe,” Fourlis added.
Fourlis defeated Ellen Perez (NSW) in the final last year, with Perez returning to the capital off the back of five Pro Tour finals appearances in 2018 and breaking into the world’s top 200 for the first time.
Abbie Myers (NSW) sits at a career high ranking of No.273 while Olivia Rogowska (Vic) will be looking to continue her strong record in the capital. Naiktha Bains (Qld) comes in full of confidence after claiming her first 25K ITF World Tennis Tour Title in Mildura last week, as does Kaylah McPhee (Qld) who made her first finals appearance.
The international contingent will be led by top seed and world No.165 Irina Bara (ROM) along with former top 100 players Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR) and Risa Ozaki (JPN). Former champion, Eri Hozumi (JPN) will also be one to watch, along with fellow countrywomen Mai Minokoshi and Haruka Kaji.
Canberra’s Alison Bai will represent the local hopes with the world No.355 currently one of the top seeds in qualifying.
ACT Claycourt International Tournament Director Lenka Greenhalgh is looking forward to showcasing women’s tennis in the capital.
“We are looking forward to two weeks of world-class tennis right here in Canberra.
“There is such great depth in women’s tennis in Australia at the moment and we are excited to welcome so many of these players back to the capital.
“Former world No.60 Cagla Buyukakcay has played in all four Grand Slams and boasts a WTA title, so it will be great to see her in action,” Greenhalgh added.
A number of players including Fourlis, McPhee and Bai are currently competing in the ACT Open, a Platinum Australian Money Tournament offering $10,000 in prizemoney which runs until Sunday 17 March at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
The ITF World Tennis Tour events will provide opportunities to inspire and show case women’s sport in the capital through a range of off court activities over the two weeks.
Tennis ACT has partnered with the Australian Government’s Girls Make Your Move campaign for a sports day on Sunday 24 March from 9am-11am, a free community event aiming to inspire, energise and empower women and girls to be more active.
A number of ACT based sports will have a presence including AFL, Basketball, Brumbies Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, and Volleyball. Next Gen Canberra will offer Yoga and Zumba sessions. A jumping castle, face painting, and Enchanted Canberra’s Rapunzel and Wonder Woman will also be in attendance. Participants can then watch the final of the ACT Claycourt International which is scheduled for 11.00am.
On Sunday 24 March in conjunction with Canberra Women in Business, Tennis ACT will host a Sport and Leadership Networking Brunch with Libby Minogue the keynote speaker.
A girls only Bronze Jour Tour event will take also take place from 22-24 March, while a female only Foundation Coaching Course will be held on Sunday 31 March.
Greenhalgh, who is also the Participation Manager for Tennis ACT, said there were plenty of opportunities to encourage female participation in sport.
“The next two weeks is a celebration of women’s sport and we encourage women and girls in the Canberra community to get involved in the activities and hope that it inspires them to become more active”.
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