International tennis is set to return to the Clare Valley in 2017 with the announcement today that Clare Tennis Club will host the Australian Pro Tour from 25 February – 5 March.
The Clare Valley Tennis International, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) women’s tournament, is sure to attract a strong field of Australian and international players to compete for $US 25,000 in prize money.
“Tennis Australia is glad to see the Australian Pro Tour returning to the Clare Valley region. This event will form part of the 2017 Australian Pro Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn not only prize money but also crucial world ranking points,” Australian Pro Tour Manager Fiona Luscombe said.
“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,” she added.
Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council Mayor, Allan Aughey OAM, is glad to welcome the event back to the region.
“The Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council, along with the Clare Tennis Club, is delighted to be supporting and hosting the Clare Valley Tennis International again in 2017. This will be the second 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,” 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 2017.
“Tennis SA is thrilled with the inclusion of the Clare Valley Tennis International to the Australian Pro Tour calendar for 2017,” said Tennis SA CEO Steven Baldas.
“The 2015 event was a spectacular showcase of the sport and we are thoroughly looking forward to working with the team at Clare Tennis Club to put together another fantastic event in 2017,” he added.
The player field for the Clare Valley Tennis International will be announced in February 2017.
The Clare Valley Tennis International is part of the 2017 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.
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