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Sports Minister Karl Hampton today welcomed news that Australian tennis star Alicia Molik will come out of retirement to make her competitive comeback at next month’s Australian Tennis Pro Tour tournament in Darwin.

 

“Tennis is a much loved sport throughout the Territory and I am sure there will be even bigger crowds with news that Alicia Molik is making her professional comeback,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Alicia has a great following throughout the community and has done herself and her country proud through the many professional tournaments she has competed in, as well as the Olympics, Hopman Cup and Federation Cup.

 

“The former World Number 8 has won many titles throughout her career, and won bronze at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and I wish her all the best for her professional comeback.”

 

The Territory Government is supporting the tournament with $180,000 in funding as part of a three-year deal with Tennis Australia.

 

“Apart from Alicia Molik, we will see some top international players here in the Territory playing for more than $100,000 prize money and vital world ranking points,” Mr Hampton said.

 

“Alicia applied her trade at these types of events early in her career along with other past Pro Tour players including Lleyton Hewitt, Pat Rafter 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.”

 

Complimenting the athletes on the court, a host of off-court initiatives will be launched in Darwin to allow the Territory community the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s and indeed the world’s best up and coming tennis professionals.

 

“Tennis Australia will be specifically targeting the school children of Darwin with our official kids starter program Aviva Tennis Hotshots just one of many tennis opportunities available during the event,” Tennis Australia’s Co-ordinator of Pro Circuits Mark Handley said.

 

“We will also be looking to encompass the wider tennis community by hosting a Ladies Day amongst other activities and the opportunity for the general public to sit courtside in the grandstand seating.

 

“Entry is free of charge and we are encouraging all of the Darwin community to get behind the Northern Territory’s inaugural International Pro Tour Event.”

 

The first Pro Tour tournaments will be played in September in Darwin with tournaments scheduled for Darwin and Alice Springs in 2010 and 2011.

 

Contact: Edwin Edlund 0401 119 563
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Hampton.070809.Molik.pdf ( 301.69 kb )