14 February 2019 | Tennis West

The State Tennis Centre will be a hive of emerging international tennis talent next week, when the Perth Tennis International returns to town from 18-24 February. The main-draw is already boasting a huge international contingent with 7 different countries represented, including top seeded French player Irina Ramialison who will compete against some of the world’s top aspiring professional players when she takes to the court to compete for a share in the USD$15K prize pool.

 

Top seeded Ramialison, comes off an impressive 2018 season, winning three ITF Events in France, Slovenia and Portugal, and featuring in three Quarterfinals and two Semifinals.

 

Joining Ramialison in the top ranks is the USA’s Jennifer Elie (2). At age 32, second seeded Elie, will bring unrivalled experience and game time with more than 700 ITF matches under her belt.

 

Local WA players, will also make a main draw appearance, with Jelena Stojanovic (7) and Giorgie Jones (17) looking to capitalise on their home ground advantage. Stojanovic, who is ranked 27 in Australia and plays State League for Royal Kings Park Tennis Club, has spent considerable time abroad during the 2018 season, playing a total of 24 ITF tournaments, and securing a place in six quarterfinals.

 

Playing alongside the WA representatives are fellow Aussies Bojana Marinkov (NSW), Alicia Smith (NSW), Alexandra Osborne (NSW) and Lisa Mays (ACT), who have all secured a place in the main draw. WA’s Lexie Weir, Nadia Rajan, Luna Jokanovic and Casey Tay will need to win through qualifying to ensure a main draw spot.

 

Adding to the local female tennis talent, the State Tennis Centre will also play host to the Women’s State League Showcase on Saturday 23 February, which will run alongside the Pro Tour Doubles Final and Singles Semi Final. Local WA State League Teams, Hensman Park v North Beach and City Beach v Cottesloe will feature on the day.

 

Tournament Director, Loretta Hughes is delighted that Perth will once again play host to this event.

 

“These events form a launch-pad for the players into the world of professional tennis, and allow spectators to become familiar with some of the future champions of our game” Ms Hughes said.

 

“From a local perspective, this tournament provides a valuable opportunity for our own WA talent to compete against some quality international competition, whilst also allowing the local community to witness some spectacular tennis talent right here in our own backyard, free of charge” Ms Hughes said.

 

Appearing on the Australian Pro Tour schedule, the Perth event provides players with the opportunity to earn world ranking points whilst vying for a share in the US$15,000 of prize money. In addition, the Perth Tennis International brings some of the world’s biggest rankings movers together, for a glimpse into the world of professional tennis.

 

-ends-

Perth Tennis International Fast Facts:

• Venue: State Tennis Centre: 282 Victoria Park Drive, Burswood
• Dates: Monday 18 February – Sunday 24 February 2019
• Surface: Plexi-cushion
• Prize Money: $US15,000
• Entry: Free for spectators
• Draw Release: Monday 18 February at 6pm at Quest Apartment Rooftop, East Perth

(Any media attending Draw Release, please RSVP to Elle Mazza on email below)

 

Main Draw Direct Acceptance List

(Correct as at 14.02.2019):

Seed	Player	Nation	WTA Ranking
1	RAMIALISON Irina	FRA	373
2	ELIE Jennifer	USA	444
3	ARAKAWA Haruna	JPN	473
4	SUN Lulu	SUI	558
5	YOSHITOMI Aiko	JPN	682
6	IVANOV Valentina	NZL	738
7	STOJANOVIC Jelena	AUS	776
8	MARINKOV Bojana	AUS	776
9	SMITH Alicia	AUS	833
10	OSBORNE Alexandra	AUS	850
11	MAYS Lisa	AUS	850
12	FURUYA Michiru	JPN
13	OGATA Haine	JPN
14	BOENTGEN Patricia	GER
15	COLLENS Brittany	USA
16	STUART Amelia	GBR
17	JONES Giorgie	AUS
18	FRIANT Eimi	JPN

 

For more information about the Australian Pro Tour, Tennis Australia or the players, including live scores and streaming of all Australian Pro Tour Events,  visit: www.tennis.com.au/protour

 

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.