Viktorija Rajicic (Vic) is set to be joined by Japan’s Hiroko Kuwata (JPN) and Misa Eguchi (JPN) when they compete at the second annual City of Salisbury Tennis International, to be held at the Salisbury Recreation Precinct from 16-23 February 2014.
Local fans will have the opportunity to attend the free event and watch Rajicic, Kuwata and Eguchi as well as a crop of up-and-coming tennis stars where they battle it out for USD$15,000 prize money and valuable world ranking points.
As the highest ranked player in the field, world No.281 Kuwata will be looking to make inroads at the City of Salisbury Tennis International after singles victories at the USD$10,000 Usak and Kyoto tournaments in 2013.
Eguchi, currently ranked 285 in the world, will be looking to replicate her success of last month, heading to Salisbury off the back of a three set win in the final of the 2014 McDonald’s Burnie International. Eighth ranked Australian and world No.298 Viktorija Rajicic will be making her way to the City of Salisbury Tennis International for the first time.
World No.320, Zuzana Zlochova (SVK) and world No.489 Jessica Moore (WA) who played off in the final of the 2014 City of Salisbury Platinum AMT early in January are also set to play the tournament. Zlochova was also a finalist in the inaugural City of Salisbury Tennis International in 2012.
Local South Australian players to keep an eye out for include Leah Daw (Hyde Park, SA), Nicole Collie (Athelstone, SA) and Chloe Hule (Underdale, SA) who will take their place in the qualifying draw, all vying for a lucrative position in the main draw.
“Following the success of the tournament in 2012, we look forward to the local community getting behind the event again,” said Breanna Hassam, City of Salisbury Tennis International Tournament Director.
“The tournament is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to watch the world’s up and coming players close to home,” Hassam added.
On Sunday 23 February the tournament will host a MLC Tennis Hot Shots Community Play Gala Day from 10:00 am.
In an exciting addition to the 2014 event, children are invited to come and play MLC Tennis Hot Shots and try their hand at the speed serve as part of the free MLC Tennis Hot Shots Community Play Gala Day. Families are encouraged to register at www.mlctennishotshots.eventbrite.com.au.
Qualifying will start on Sunday 16 February with main draw matches commencing on Tuesday 18 February. Entry to the tournament is free with matches commencing at 10:00 am daily and the singles final commencing on Sunday 23 February at 12:00 pm.
The City of Salisbury Tennis International is part of the 2014 Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn their first world ranking points.
For more information about the Australian Pro Tour, Tennis Australia or the players visit www.tennis.com.au. For more information on the ITF Pro Circuit visit www.itftennis.com.
For Australian Pro Tour score updates follow @oztennisresults on Twitter. For all tennis news follow @tennisaustralia.
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