In a major coup for the Clare Valley region, Tennis SA and Tennis Australia, in conjunction with the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, will host the inaugural Clare Valley Tennis International at Clare Tennis Club from Saturday 21 February to Sunday 1 March 2015.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) Futures-level women’s event looks set to attract a strong field of Australian and international players to compete for USD$15,000 in prize money.
“Tennis Australia is thrilled to be bringing the Australian Pro Tour to the Clare Valley region. This event will form part of the 2015 Australian Pro Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn not only prize money but also crucial world ranking points,” said Tennis Australia Tournament Operations Coordinator Jason Simmons.
“Australians have had great success on the Australian Pro Tour in the past, with Alicia Molik (SA) and Casey Dellacqua (WA) both having used these events as stepping stones in their careers,” he added.
Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council Manager of Recreation and Lifestyles, Andrew Waters, said the tournament would become a highlight of the region’s summer tennis calendar.
“The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, along with the Clare Tennis Club, is delighted to be supporting and hosting the Clare Valley Tennis International in 2015. This will be the first tournament we’ve hosted of this level and it provides us with a fantastic opportunity to showcase our local area on an international stage,” he said.
“The tournament also offers a great chance for locals to watch the world’s up-and-coming players close to home and we look forward to welcoming both them and tournament staff to the Clare Valley.”
“While we are in the planning phase for the event we would strongly encourage local businesses to put forward their interest in being a sponsor for the tournament, with naming rights currently on offer,” he added.
The Clare Valley Tennis International will form a major part of South Australia’s Pro Tour calendar, set to take place from January to March 2015.
“Tennis SA is thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Clare Valley Tennis International to the South Australian Pro Tour calendar for 2015,” said Steven Baldas, Chief Executive Officer Tennis SA.
“We are thoroughly looking forward to working with the team at Clare Tennis Club to put together a fantastic event in its inaugural year,” he added.
The player field for the Clare Valley Tennis International will be announced in February 2015.
The Clare Valley Tennis International is part of the 2015 Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior tournaments and the WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn their first world ranking points.
For more information about the Australian Pro Tour, Tennis Australia or the players visit www.tennis.com.au. For more information on the ITF Pro Circuit visit www.itftennis.com.
For Australian Pro Tour score updates follow @oztennisresults on Twitter. For all tennis news follow @tennisaustralia or like us on Facebook.
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