14 September 2011 | Tennis Victoria

Sam Groth, Dayne Kelly, John Peers, James Lemke, Olivia Rogowska and Viktorija Rajicic are among the players who will headline Tennis Victoria’s Premier League competition in 2011.

Grace Park’s No.1 player, James Lemke, said he was attracted to playing in the competition because of the team aspect.

“It’s fun to play team tennis,” said Lemke, who is playing in the competition for the first time.

“There are a couple of other players from the Pro Circuit in the team as well so it should be fun.”

Nominated for their respective tennis clubs, the players will compete in the five rounds plus finals competition commencing on Sunday 2 October.

“It is great to see such highly ranked players nominated to play and supporting the competition,” said Chris Larkin, Open Competitions and Tournaments Manager at Tennis Victoria.

In the inaugural year of competition in 2010, Liston Tennis Club won the men’s title and Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club won the women’s.

“There have been some changes to the teams from last year, but all the clubs competing have named strong teams that feature some of Victoria’s best juniors and touring players who will be in Australia at this time of the year,” said Larkin.

Clubs:

Men’s

1. Dingley Tennis Club
2. Geelong Lawn Tennis Club
3. Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club
4. Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club
5. Liston Tennis Club
6. Melbourne Cricket Club Tennis Division (MCC)

Women’s

1. Dendy Park Tennis Club
2. Geelong Lawn Tennis Club
3. Grace Park Lawn Tennis Club
4. Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club
5. Liston Tennis Club
6. Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club

Dates: 

R1 – Sunday 2 October from 11.30 am R2 – Saturday 8 October from 11.30 am – (double header)
R2 – Saturday 8 October from 11.30 am – (double header)
R3 – Sunday 9 October from 11.30 am – (double header)
R4 – Sunday 16 October from 11.30 am R5 – Wednesday 19 October from 2.30 pm (afternoon/twilight game)
R5 – Wednesday 19 October from 2.30 pm (afternoon/twilight game)
Semifinals (2 vs 3) – Sunday 23 October from 11.30 am Final – (1 vs winner of semifinals) – Sunday 6 November from 11.00 am
Final – (1 vs winner of semifinals) – Sunday 6 November from 11.00 am

As an added incentive for players and clubs, the top four finishing teams will be invited to take part in a National Tennis League – Victorian Division pilot in late November. More information about the National Tennis League is available at tennis.com.au/competitions/national-tennis-league.

See the media release for a full list of players and the Premier League page for more information.