TENNIS SA is behind a push for a national tennis league to feature night matches in Adelaide and finals at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open.
Players would be paid to play in the franchise-based competition during November and December.
The proposed competition would see the men’s and women’s finalists from each state face-off in Melbourne next year.
Tennis SA is in talks with Victoria about piloting the program this season.
Under the proposal:
-TENNIS SA would invite expressions of interest from clubs to enter the competition.
-SIX men’s and six women’s teams would be selected to take part.
-TEAMS of four would play singles and doubles, the matches to be played at night and most likely mid-week so as not to conflict with pennant competitions.
“Internationally and locally the sport is strong, but this is to lift the profile of tennis nationally,” Tennis SA chief executive Alistair MacDonald said.
“And to compete against other codes like football and soccer we need to spread the net and create more income opportunities.
“The major attraction is for a club to be known as the best in the country and hopefully it provides professional income and experiences for the players.”
Match payments and total prizemoney is tipped at between $50,000 and $60,000.
It’s hoped players like top international junior Luke Saville, current pro Colin Ebelthite and 15-year-old ATP-ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis will join the best local players in the competition. The regular season fixture would work in with the ITF circuit to allow the best possible players to compete.
“We’re confident it will go ahead,” MacDonald said.
“And Victoria has been very receptive.”
Tennis SA will begin consultation with clubs about the proposal next month.
It is hoped the league will expand to include teams from every state and territory in coming years.
“Tennis Australia will own and manage the league and we are just one of the drivers,” MacDonald said.
“And we hope this will be the start of the journey.”
CREDIT: REECE HOMFRAY, ADELAIDE
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