Australia’s pro tennis players will compete for $450,000 prizemoney in a new domestic series starting this weekend.
The UTR Pro Tennis Series will feature matches in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, starting in Sydney on Saturday 27 June.
“With so much of the tennis season still uncertain, our aim through the UTR Pro Tennis Series is to give as many of our athletes the chance to compete and, importantly, also earn prize money, after months of not being able to make their living playing the sport they have devoted their lives to,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.
“Our team has put an enormous amount of time and effort into the planning of these events, and have worked closely with the authorities and tennis staff around the country on the ground to ensure they are run according to strict local biosecurity protocols.”
The first phase of the event will run until August and it may be extended, subject to the resumption of the ITF, ATP and WTA tours.
Event organisers have worked closely to ensure hygiene and safety precautions are in place as well as distancing.
On court personnel will be limited, with a chair umpire, minimal lines-people and no ball kids. Players will bring their own towels.
“We are excited to work with Tennis Australia to bring the UTR Pro Tennis Series to the country and provide an innovative way for professionals to compete close to home safely and have their results count on a global scale,” Universal Tennis Chairman and CEO Mark Leschly said.
“Every tennis player – from social and league players to pros – in Australia can use Universal Tennis to measure their competitive ability. Players who have participated in Tennis Australia comps and tournaments already have a UTR, and can view their rating and register for events on MyUTR.com for free.”
Participating players, including wheelchair exhibition events, will be announced in the coming days.
