ADELAIDE NORTHERN MESSENGER – JAMES GRATTON – 5 JULY 2017
Challenger for Playford City Tennis Centre
INTERNATIONAL tennis stars will battle it out in the northern suburbs, after Tennis Australia announced it would host a professional tournament later this year.
Tennis Australia will host the ATP Men’s Challenger and ITF Women’s Future tournaments at the Playford City Tennis Centre from December 30 to January 7.
As reported in the Northern Weekly two months ago, players listed from number 100 on world rankings will compete in the nine-day men’s challenge. The Challenger Tour is a level below the ATP World Tour and has attracted the likes of former world number 8 Marcos Baghdatis and US player Ryan Harrison in the past.
The winner will pocket an estimated $14,000 out of total prize pool of almost $100,000.
The women’s tournament has a prize pool of $32,000, with the winner earning $4000.
The event is being held at the new $8.9 million, 26-court Playford City Tennis Centre, set to open in September.
Grove Tennis Club, which will relocate to the centre ahead of its summer season, will help run the tournament.
“The local community now has an opportunity to see such great players first-hand,” said club secretary Gloria Dennis.
“It will really help get more people out to the club.” Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the tournament would be a boost for the north.
“It’s the perfect way to showcase our new state-of the-art tennis centre and our residents and businesses will play an important role in this event,” Mr Docherty said.
Players will be announced later this year.
