Celebrations were under way at the Hume Tennis Centre on Thursday as players and officials launched the Australian Wheelchair Tennis Summer Series.
Commencing January 10, the world’s best wheelchair tennis players will compete at the Hume Tennis Centre, allowing for locals to witness tennis stars up and close on their doorsteps.
Hume Tennis Centre managing director Tim Connelly said he was looking forward to the matches starting in the new year.
“To have the world’s best wheelchair tennis players compete at Hume Tennis prior to playing at the Australian Open is a privilege and an opportunity for the community to experience world class sport,” he said.
The players will compete across men’s, women’s and quad fields. Players include, world No.1 and defending champions Diede De Groot (NED) and Shingo Kunieda (JPN) who will lead the women’s and men’s field respectively, and world No.1 Niels Vink (NED) and [2] Sam Schroder (NED) leading the Quad field.
“Each tournament day there will be a feature match from 5pm allowing for people to enjoy after work action,” Mr Connelly said.
“During the Melbourne Wheelchair Tennis Open, January 16-20, the club will have the Australian Open playing on the big outdoor screen, so people will be able to enjoy the best of both events.”
Tourism Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the event would bring visitors to the state.
“We’re backing a spectacular summer of blockbuster events that will draw tens of thousands of visitors to the state, boosting local jobs and businesses whilst putting Victoria front of mind for spectators across the globe,” he said.
“Tournaments like the Victorian Wheelchair Open give fans the chance to see top athletes in action, while providing a vital pathway for the next generation of sporting greats.”
