Wagga Wagga is set to serve up top-class tennis this September, with the city to host its first-ever Australian Pro Tour event – the Wagga Wagga Tennis International.
Running over two weeks from Sunday 7 September to Sunday 21 September, the event will feature back-to-back Women's 35 International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour tournaments, held at the newly redeveloped Jim Elphick Tennis Centre.
The venue re-opened in April this year and features ITF standard cushioned acrylic hard courts and premium facilities which allows international tennis to come to regional NSW.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Georgie Davies said it's great to see an international level sporting event being held in Wagga Wagga.
"The redevelopment of the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre is already producing benefits for our city as it is set to host the Wagga Wagga Tennis International," Cr Davies said.
"Hosting this tournament is a great opportunity for the people of Wagga Wagga and surrounds to enjoy some world-class tennis without having to go to one of the major cities.
"The event also brings with it the opportunity for the local economy to benefit from the extra visitors to town."
The Wagga Wagga Tennis International is expected to attract a strong field of both Australian and international female players competing for over AUD $60,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points.
"Hosting international tennis in regional centres such as Wagga Wagga delivers benefits far beyond prize money and ranking points," said Lawrence Robertson, Tennis Australia Director of Pathways & Tennis Services.
"These events provide a platform to promote our sport and get more people playing tennis more often.
"The Wagga Wagga Tennis International will 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."
Tennis NSW CEO Darren Simpson said, "This Pro Tour event showcases the strength of regional NSW as a sporting destination and underscores our commitment to delivering high-performance opportunities right across the state.
"We're proud to support an event that will inspire the next generation of players and leave a lasting legacy for tennis in the region."
The Wagga Wagga Tennis International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events held throughout the year to bridge upcoming players with the WTA Tour, providing an opportunity to earn world ranking points.
The tournament will be held at the Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, Bolton Park Wagga Wagga, between Sunday 7 September to Sunday 21 September and is free for spectators who wish to come along and enjoy world-class tennis.
