25 February 2020 | Tennis West

The Tennis West Festival of Tennis, drew record crowds over the weekend, with over 700 people attending the free family-friendly event, held at the State Tennis Centre (Burswood) on Saturday 22 February.

 

The promise of ANZ Tennis Hot Shots racquets to the first 200 kids through the gate, along with signings by Casey Dellacqua, and the opportunity to stand beside the Australian Open Trophies, drew record crowds to the state’s home of tennis, with many families lining up well before the Festivals official opening of 10:00 am.

Families were well catered for, with a host of free entertainment, including the Channel 9 News Desk, face painting, bouncy castle, toddler ball pit, garden games, animal farm, and live music, alongside plenty of fun tennis activities and an array of food and beverage options.

 

Held as the centrepeice to the back-to-back Perth Tennis International Pro Tour events, visitors to the Festival were also able to witness world class female tennis with the Doubles Final and Singles Semifinals taking place throughout the day.

 

WA’s very own, world number 114, Maddison Inglis, didn’t disappoint the packed grandstand, winning her way through to the Final in a tough three set challenge against in-form Japanese qualifier Shiho Akita. Inglis went on to claim her fifth ITF title on Sunday, winning the W25 Perth Tennis International #1 title in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (4) over fellow Aussie Destanee Aiava.

 

Tennis West Marketing and Events Manager Elle Mazza, said she was delighted with the Festivals success and hoped that the sport would benefit by seeing a new generation of children hitting the courts for the first time.

 

‘We were absolutely thrilled with the turn out on Saturday, with over 700 people coming along to the Festival of Tennis, many of whom were enjoying their first experience in tennis”

 

‘Our role as the governing body of the sport in Western Australia, is to engage with our communities by making tennis more accessible to everyone,’

 

‘We saw plenty of families and children of all ages, having a great time at the Festival, and that’s what it’s all about,’

 

‘Tennis is a great sport for the whole family, and hopefully, the Festival’s success gives families a sport they can enjoy together for many more years to come,’ Mazza said.

 

The Perth Tennis International Pro Tour continues this week, with the W25 Perth Tennis International #2. Live Scores and Results can be found at: https://bit.ly/2Tpua1B