Tennis Festival Showcases Ipswich

David Lems | 9th February 2010

IPSWICH’S bid to host international events received a massive shot in the arm yesterday with Tennis Australia confirming the city would stage five major events throughout April.

With 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash in Ipswich, the George Alder Tennis Centre yesterday became the focus of international attention.

Cash helped launch the Gallipoli Youth Tennis Cup, which develops bonds between Australia and Turkey.

The Cup ambassador plans to return in April to be part of Ipswich’s “festival of tennis” from March 31-May 2.

“I’m still lucky enough to travel around the world on the Legends Tour and as a regular commentator,” Cash said.

“I’m excited about it. I’m coming back from overseas – Colombia of all places – to be here.”

The Gallipoli Youth Tennis Cup will be held from April 17-23.

Other national or international events being staged at the redeveloped $6.2 million Leichhardt venue are:

The Optus 14s National Claycourt Championships – from March 31 to April 5;

Optus 12s National Claycourt Championships (April 6-11);

Ipswich ITF Junior Grade 4 (April 11-17); and

The Ipswich Pro Tour (April 24- May 2).

“For the month of April, the tennis spotlight around the country will most certainly be on Ipswich,” Tennis Australia official Mark Handley said yesterday.

The feast of tennis comes as Ipswich regional sport moves ahead through the construction of two top-class hockey fields at Raceview and last week’s formation of the Ipswich Football Association to develop juniors.

Attracting a strong line-up of tennis events is a coup for Ipswich after the new facility was opened in October, 2008.

Handley said more than 600 players, organisers and officials are expected to be involved at Leichhardt this year.

He said the nationals would attract more than 240 young players competing for national rankings points.

The Ipswich Pro Tour for men and women will help players earn world ranking points.

“These events also provide an excellent opportunity for Australia’s up and coming junior athletes to play on clay in the lead-up to the European summer,” Handley said.

The Ipswich ITF Junior Grade 4 is designed to give Australia’s emerging tennis talent experience at an international level.

The presence of Cash yesterday added some prestige to the quality tennis being planned.

The Queensland Times is a partner for the top events.

For the month of April, the tennis spotlight around the country will most certainly be on Ipswich.