Tweed Heads NSW, Australia, 13 September 2016 | tennis.com.au

Due to the success of the inaugural Tweed Coast Tennis International last year, the 2016 event will offer an increased prize pool of $US 25,000. The event also marks the beginning of the women’s Australian Pro Tour calendar.

“Destination Tweed is delighted to once again be involved with the Tweed Coast Tennis International,” said Bill Tatchell, CEO of Destination Tweed, the event’s major sponsor.

“Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, it’s clear that people have an appetite for tennis in this region. This event not only offers them the exciting spectacle of world class professional tennis but highlights everything the Tweed Coast has to offer.

“We welcome everyone to come along and enjoy the event.”

With a Family Day to be hosted on Saturday 24 September (9:00am – 11:00am) that includes a free gift bag for the kids and admission to the day’s semifinals and finals action, the event promises something for everyone.

Family Day activities include:

• Red ball “Hot Shots” tournament
• Inflatable “Serve Speed” and “Hit the Target”
• Ball machine consistency challenge
• Cardio Tennis session
• Face painting and BBQ sausage sizzle.

Local Queenslander and rising teen star Priscilla Hon heads a solid line-up of seeded Australian players including Canberra’s Alison Bai and Victoria’s Olivia Rogowska as well as another young Queenslander in Olivia Tjandramulia.

The international brigade will be led by top-seeded American Jennifer Elie (world No.288) and No.2 seed Katy Dunne from Great Britain, with players from China, Italy, Japan, Slovakia, and Ukraine also vying for the valuable WTA ranking points on offer.

18-year-old Hon has had somewhat of a break-out year in 2016 which included winning a Pro Tour title in Brisbane and earning a wildcard into the Australian Open, her Grand Slam debut.

“It’s kind of crazy how quickly it’s all gone,” Hon said.

After recently returning from the US and overcoming a slight injury niggle, Hon is now ready to jump into the Australian Pro Tour season.

“I’ve been home for six weeks now and I’m just looking forward to playing again,” she said. “I’m so excited that it’s Tweed Heads and so close to home. I love being down the coast. It’s amazing.”

Hon, the world No.333 and a quarterfinalist in Tweed Heads last year, is eyeing off an entry into the top 200 in the not too distant, but for now is focusing on what’s directly in front of her.

“I’m just excited to get some matches in,” she said. “Hopefully I can do well.”

The Tweed Coast Tennis International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn their first world ranking points.

The event runs from September 18 to 25 at the Tweed Heads Regional Tennis Facility at Arkinstall Park, Tweed Heads.

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available at tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit tennis.com.au/protour.