The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Shane Rattenbury, today joined with the CEO of Tennis ACT, Ross Triffit, to announce the schedule of tennis action for the new Canberra Tennis Centre in 2015/16.
“The transformation of this site over the last twelve months has been incredible. These wonderful new courts, offering a variety of surfaces, a new pavilion, new lighting, junior Hots Shots courts and the indoor tennis centre, really does present a new era for tennis in the ACT and region,” Mr. Rattenbury said.
Mr. Rattenbury explained that the Territory has invested $7.15 million into tennis –related works on this site, working in partnership with Tennis ACT and Tennis Australia to achieve a wonderful outcome.
“We are delighted to have secured a number of international events at the Canberra Tennis Centre. These events provide a launch pad for future tennis champions and since 2013; Nick Kyrgios, James Duckworth, Sam Groth, Casey Dellacqua and Daria Gavrilova have all featured on the honour roll at events in Australia. For local professional players such as Alison Bai (WTA 355), Alexandra Nancarrow (WTA 416) and Jake Eames (ATP 765), who spend the majority of the year on the road, it is a great opportunity to compete in their home town. The Canberra International will showcase the amazing new facility we have in Canberra and the community will have the chance to watch world class tennis” Mr. Triffit commented.
Triffit went on to explain that the Canberra International, a $50,000 ATP Challenger and ITF Women’s $50,000 event will take place from 1- 8 November 2015. It is expected to attract players ranked 100 to 300 in the world, taking to the new plexi pave courts as part of the lead in to the Australian Summer of Tennis which culminates in Melbourne at the Australian Open.
“It is an outcome that will not only support community tennis participation and athlete development, but position Canberra to host an increased amount of event content. As announced today, through our partnership we have secured additional event content for at least the next three years, including the Canberra International this November along with Pro tour events, ITF junior and senior events and a number of domestic tournaments” Mr. Rattenbury commented.