18 October 2016 | Tennis Victoria

Australian Ash Barty will continue her tennis resurgence at the Bendigo International Pro Tour. Barty will headline a quality field of national and internationals players in the Bendigo International Pro Tour at the Bendigo Tennis Centre from 23-30 October 2016.

Barty has returned to tennis in recent months and enjoyed success on the grass of Eastbourne reaching the semi-final in May.

The three-time doubles Grand Slam runner up will go up against Top seed Risa Ozaki (JPN) who returns to Bendigo after reaching the final of both Bendigo Pro Tours in 2014.

Second seed Asia Muhammad (USA) fresh from a doubles quarter final berth at the 2016 US Open will also hope to go one better than her semi-final loss to 2015 Bendigo International Pro Tour champ Misa Eguchi.

“It’s fantastic to see such a strong field for the Bendigo International Pro Tour, every year the player list continues to have more depth. Many of these women will be playing in Australia across the summer of tennis including the Australian Open 2017, Brisbane, Sydney and Launceston Internationals and the Bendigo International Pro Tour is an important Tournament in their preparations,” said Tournament Director Andrew Reynolds.

Top ranked Australian Arina Rodionova (AUS) (186) will be looking to add to her successful 2016 which has included a doubles quarter final berth in the Australian Open 2016 with sister Anastasia, Federation Cup, Rio Olympics and runner up in Lexington USA.

The 2016 Bendigo Festival of Tennis is supported through the contribution of City of Greater Bendigo, State Government of Victoria, Bendigo Tennis Association, Tennis Victoria and Tennis Australia.

Acting Minister for Sport, Martin Foley MP, said the Victorian Government was pleased to welcome players of the calibre of Barty to Bendigo.

“The opportunity to watch high profile players such as Ash Barty can inspire Victoria’s next generation of tennis stars to pick up a racquet and have a go,” Minister Foley said.

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said this is an important international sporting event that will attract some of the world’s best tennis players.

“This is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience world class tennis action right here in Bendigo.  It’s exciting for Bendigo and it’s exciting for local tennis fans,” said Mr Karamaloudis.

Local tennis fans will have the opportunity to attend the free event and watch the international players ply their trade against a crop of up-and-coming Australian and international tennis stars compete for $50,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points.

“The Bendigo Tennis Association are looking forward to hosting the Bendigo International Pro Tour event, as a part of our 2016 Bendigo Festival of Tennis.  This will be the 8^th year of the Bendigo International, an event which has played host to some of Australia’s leading female players.  This years will be no exception, with a strong national and international field, sure to provide some great entertainment throughout the week,” said Leon Retallick Executive Manager Bendigo Tennis association.

Qualifying begins Sunday 23 October. Main draw begins Tuesday 25 October with play commencing at 10am each day.

The Bendigo International  is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn their first world ranking points.