A thrilling week of tennis is being served up in Tauranga when a world-class event returns to town on Monday, December 16.
The EVES Open World Tennis Tour Tauranga is at the Venture Developments Western Bay of Plenty Tennis Centre in Pāpāmoa from 11am daily from December 16-22.
The tournament attracted more than 500 players, coaches and officials from more than 20 countries in its first two years – this year offers a 32-player singles draw and 16 pair doubles draw, and knock-out competition for men and women. General admission is free, and courtside hospitality is available via bookings.
Part of the official world tennis circuit, the EVES Open allows players to compete for world ranking points as they begin their professional journeys, and so attracts rising tennis stars from across the globe.
Tennis NZ commercial marketing manager Gareth Archer said the EVES Open in Tauranga is a very special event for all involved.
“Several players who took part last year said it’s their favourite tournament all year.”
Archer said Tennis NZ is “stoked” to have stakeholders EVES, TECT and Tauranga City Council share its vision for free, world-class events in the community.
“The Tennis NZ Summer Series ensures the public gets to enjoy professional live tennis this summer, with most events free to enter and options for courtside corporate hospitality available.”
Kiwis Finn Reynolds and Marcus Daniell in action at a previous EVES Open in Tauranga. Photo/supplied.
Archer said Tauranga is the ideal host city. “Tauranga offers everything needed for an exceptional event – a fantastic tennis facility, strong local support and a summer setting that players and fans love. The relaxed holiday atmosphere in Pāpāmoa makes this tournament truly special.”
He also emphasised the unique experience the Tauranga event offers spectators.
“If you’ve never seen top-level tennis up close, it’s an amazing sight to witness how hard these players hit the ball and their incredible skill on the court.”
This year’s event includes wheelchair tennis have-a-go sessions to encourage local wheelchair users to try tennis in a welcoming and fun environment and an expanded holiday programme so kids can learn tennis skills, meet the players and experience the action firsthand.
“The NZ Wheelchair Tennis Championships will again run alongside the World Tennis Tour, celebrating the sport’s diversity and inclusivity.”
Former NZ Paralympian Tiffiney Perry in action during last year’s event. Photo/supplied.
For more information on the EVES Open World Tennis Tour Tauranga, see: https://tennis.kiwi/evesopen/
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