Tamworth is set to serve up top-class tennis this September, with the city to host its first-ever Australian Pro Tour event – the Capital of Country International.
Australian tennis legend John Fitzgerald was in Tamworth to launch the new event alongside Tamworth Regional Council Mayor Russell Webb and Tennis NSW CEO Darren Simpson.
Running over two weeks from Sunday 7 September to Sunday 21 September, the event will feature back-to-back Men’s 25 ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments, held at the newly redeveloped Courts at the East venue.
The revamped venue features International Tennis Federation (ITF) standard cushioned acrylic hard courts and premium facilities, bringing international tennis to the heart of regional NSW.
Mayor Webb says the city is excited to host the Capital of Country International and support such a prestigious event.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the Tamworth Region, with thousands of visitors expected to visit the region across the two-week event.”
“Local workers and businesses will benefit from the increase in visitation, while aspiring athletes will have the chance to witness some of the best players from across the world.”
“The Tamworth Region is renowned for its exceptional sporting facilities that attract high level events to Tamworth. These events serve to inspire the next generation of Tamworth athletes to progress along the sporting pathway,” Mayor Webb says.
The Capital of Country International is expected to attract a strong field of both Australian and international players competing for over AUD $60,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points.
“Hosting international tennis in communities such as Tamworth is about more than just prize money and ranking points,” said Lawrence Robertson, Tennis Australia Director of Pathways & Tennis Services.
“These events deliver significant economic value – more than $1 million in this case – while also providing a fantastic opportunity to engage the local community, showcase our sport, and inspire more people to pick up a racquet.”
John Fitzgerald, a two-time Davis Cup winner for Australia and nine-time Grand Slam winner in doubles events, was delighted to be back in Tamworth after inspecting the Courts @ East venue during the recent upgrade works.
“This is an outstanding venue which is going to come alive when the aspiring players on the Pro Tour circuit arrive in September. These events are so important to the developing players looking to establish themselves on the world tour and it is extra special to bring events of this calibre to regional centres like Tamworth,” Fitzgerald said.
Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson said, “The Capital of Country International showcases the strength of regional NSW as a sporting destination and reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-performance opportunities across the state. We’re proud to support an event that will inspire the next generation and leave a lasting legacy for tennis in the region.”
The Capital of Country International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events held throughout the year to bridge upcoming players with the ATP Tour, providing an opportunity to earn significant world ranking points. This event is free for spectators who wish to come along and enjoy world-class tennis.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.