Geelong has secured hosting rights to the 2021 Oceania Regional Seniors Tennis Championships – a tournament described as the 'most prestigious seniors tennis event in Oceania'.
An estimated 300 players aged 30 and over will call the region home for five days, showcasing their skills for a local audience and providing valuable business for Geelong accommodation and hospitality providers.
The tournament will be played from 4-8 March on grass at the historic Geelong Lawn Tennis Club, with support from the City of Greater Geelong via Geelong Major Events funding.
The Council's Major Events portfolio chair, Cr Ron Nelson, said the announcement of a new major sporting event for Geelong was a further step on the region's road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Major events play a hugely important role in our local economy and they've been sadly missed during 2020," Cr Nelson said.
"It's so positive to see a tournament of this size and stature coming to Geelong in March and we look forward to welcoming competitors from near and far."
Geelong Lawn Tennis Club President Bob Spurling said securing the event was a major coup.
"We will have the opportunity to showcase the Greater Geelong region to a host of visitors, many here for the first time, and we're committed to delivering an event of the highest standard," Mr Spurling said.
"Our aim will be to create a lasting impression of not only the tennis experience but also to encourage all visitors to spend some time exploring the great attractions our region offers."
The tournament is part of the International Tennis Federation Seniors Tour and rates behind only the World Seniors Championships in terms of status and rankings points on offer.
The number of competing international players will be dependent on travel restrictions at the time of the tournament.
