Elite tennis players will be looking to make their mark as they hit the courts at Tamworth’s Tennis Centre over the next two weeks.
Adam Pengilly, spokesperson for Tennis NSW, says the event has attracted players from around the world, traveling from as far as the United States, Japan, Poland, Turkey and even the Northern Mariana Islands.
“It’s great to have this calibre of players looking to make the next step in their professional career,” said Pengilly.
“So, guys that are ranked around that 400 plus in the world and who are trying to get a foothold in the top 100 or 20.”
Joining the line-up will be Lleyton Hewitt’s son, Cruz, who will also be part of the main draw and competing as he looks to take the next step in his career to becoming a top professional.
“He’ll be one of the favourites and he’ll be one of the top three or four ranked players who’s going to be featuring in Tamworth.” said Pengilly.
“He’s been steadily climbing the world rankings, playing in different events all around Australia and around the world. His form has been relatively good leading up to the tournament, so we’re expecting big things from Cruz.”
And there is plenty on the line, with the event sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, so players will be able to earn world rankings by competing in Tamworth.
“There aren’t too many events of this nature that get held in regional areas like regional New South Wales and Tamworth, like they will be for the next two weeks.” said Pengilly.
Pengilly says Tamworth has positioned itself as a sporting hub of regional NSW, having invested in upgrades to the local courts.
“It’s not often you get a professional sporting event that carries significance on a global stage featuring your town. So, I’d suggest to get down and watch some of these highly talented and very motivated athletes doing their best to try and win, what for them, is a very significant event in a town like Tamworth.” said Pengilly.
Head to the International Tennis Federation website to see the draw and follow results.
“Try and watch some fantastic local action because this will be some of the best sporting event, a sporting theatre you’ll see in your local area, in Tamworth and the New England region for a long time.”
The action begins this Sunday, September 7.
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