Back | Print

The Territory will later this year host the Australian Tennis Pro Tour for the first time with tournaments to be held in Darwin later this year.

 

Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced the NT Government will support the tournaments with $180 000 in funding.

 

“This agreement is a three year deal with the NT Government providing $60 000 per year to bring the events to the Northern Territory,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“We will see some top international players here in the Territory playing for more than $100,000 prize money and vital world ranking points.

 

“Past Pro Tour players include Lleyton Hewitt, Pat Rafter, Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua.

 

“This is an exciting development for the Territory with the benefits expected to extend beyond the sporting arena.

 

“Expected economic benefits to the local community is over $500 000 per tournament with players, officials and supporters spending on essential services and recreational activities.”

 

As a part of this agreement Tennis Australia have also agreed to upgrade the courts in Alice Springs to national standard.

 

“The upgrading of the courts had been planned for a later period but with the advent of this tournament it will take place sooner than expected,” Tennis Australia Manager of Tournaments and Competitions, Cameron Pearson said.

 

“We want Territorians to not only have the opportunity to see world class tennis, but the chance to one day play.”

 

We will see the first Pro Tour tournaments played in September in Darwin with tournaments scheduled for Darwin and Alice Springs in 2010 and 2011.

 

 

Contact: Natasha Fyles 044 88 66 312

Related files:
Hampton.14.07.TennisA.pdf ( 275.3 kb )