27 September 2016 | Tennis Australia

Bendigo locals will have the chance to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best emerging tennis players when the Bendigo Festival of Tennis 2016 hits the William Loud Tennis Complex from 23-30 October.

The Bendigo Tennis International Pro Tour event promises to be a Festival of Tennis highlight, with local fans having the chance to see the best tennis talent from Australia and around the world compete for USD$50,000 in prize money and valuable WTA ranking points.

Now in its eighth year the Bendigo Tennis International is one of the longest standing Australian Pro Tour events and the tournament continues to go from strength to strength. Thanks to support from the City of Greater Bendigo and Government of Victoria, the venue will undergo a $4 million redevelopment, scheduled to commence immediately after the 2016 event, with enhanced facilities anticipated to create creating further excitement and anticipation for future tennis opportunities.

As one of only four events at the highest category on the Australian Pro Tour, Bendigo is one of the most valuable stops for players. The likes of Casey Dellacqua, Daria Gavrilova and Ashleigh Barty have all competed in Bendigo at an event that attracts some of the world’s best.

The Bendigo Festival of Tennis also has a focus on creating local opportunities for the region and the players, providing the community with a direct connection to the sport.

These values are supported by the Hon Maree Edwards (Member for Bendigo West). Ms Edwards said events like the Bendigo Festival of Tennis reaffirms Victoria’s reputation as the nation’s sporting capital, and showcases the best of everything Bendigo can offer.

“Events like the Bendigo Festival of Tennis are a great opportunity for Victoria’s regional centres to shine.

“I encourage all tennis fans in Bendigo to come along and see some of the best in their own backyard,” Ms Edwards said.

The Bendigo International, which along with Canberra is one of just two pinnacle events in the Pro Tour season, also offers the incentive of Grand Slam glory. Australian Open main draw wildcards in singles and doubles are up for grabs for the best-performed Australian females across the two events.

“These top international events on the Pro Tour calendar provide a vital springboard for players to move up the rankings and Bendigo, being the last Australian Pro Tour event before the Emirates Australian Open Series, will be a valuable warm-up for players heading into the Summer of Tennis, and culminating in Melbourne for the Australian Open,” said Tennis Australia Pro Tour Manager, Fiona Luscombe.

“Following the success of the tournament over the past seven years, we look forward to the local community getting behind the event again and thank the City of Greater Bendigo for their continued support,” Luscombe said.

The Bendigo Festival of Tennis 2016 will take place at Bendigo Tennis Association, Nolan Street, Victoria from 23-30 October 2016.

For more information on the Australian Pro Tour or Tennis Australia visit tennis.com.au. For more information on the ITF Pro Circuit itftennis.com.