Thanyapura to host ITF tournament

The winner of the pre-tournament Thanyapura Tennis Challenge 2011, on October 14-16 at the same venue, will gain a wild card for the ITF event.
With prize money of US$10,000, the men’s ITF competition is set to attract leading international and Thai pros who play on the satellite circuit.
Both tournaments will be played on state-of-the-art Plexicushion tennis courts, also used at the Australian Open.
TSLC vice president David Roberts said being granted an international tournament is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing world-class facilities for both professionals and amateurs.
“It is an honour to host Phuket’s first ITF event at the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club,” Roberts said. “These satellite tournaments are a breeding ground for young tennis players to learn about the rigours of life on the tennis circuit and I am sure it will be the start of a long relationship between the ITF and the TSLC to promote the sport in Phuket and attract more players to their circuit.”
Roberts added the event was part of a long-term plan by the TSLC to attract more tournaments to the club, where grandstands can accommodate 600 spectators, and to attract professionals to practice as they follow the various circuits around the world.

Record prizemoney
Next year’s Australian Open will be the richest tournament in Grand Slam tennis history, with the winners of both the men’s and women’s singles to pocket $2.3 million ($US2.2 million). Organisers announced that a total of $26 million ($25 million) will be paid out in next January’s event.
Martina Hingis will be the main attraction to the new women’s legends event, although there was no immediate confirmation of reports the former women’s No 1 would play mixed doubles with fellow Swiss Roger Federer.