Darwin NT, Australia, 11 March 2015 | Tennis Australia

Darwin has been named as host for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarterfinal against Kazakhstan, to be played on a purpose built grass court in July.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles and Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins were joined by Tennis Australia’s Todd Woodbridge to make the historic announcement in Darwin today.

“This is huge for the Territory and great news for local tennis fans,” Chief Minister Giles said.

“We have worked hard to secure one of the world’s most widely watched and highly anticipated sporting events and I’m confident there will be a huge turnout at Marrara for some first class tennis.

“This major international event will showcase our great sporting facilities, highlight our fantastic outdoor lifestyle and promote the Territory as a great tourism destination.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins said one purpose-built grass playing court and two practice courts will be installed at Marrara in the coming weeks.

“We anticipate a worldwide audience of several million will watch Australia’s young guns of tennis,” Minister Higgins said.

“This partnership will also see Tennis Australia further invest in the Territory through coaching and skills development clinics for budding young tennis players.”

Australian Davis Cup Captain, Wally Masur, is looking forward to taking his team to the top end for the first time.

“All the boys are really looking forward to heading to Darwin for the quarterfinals. It’s been a long time since Australia has had the opportunity to play a home Davis Cup tie in the World Group and I know the people of the Northern Territory will be keen to support the team and spur us all on.

“Being able to play on grass in the middle of the Australian winter is an absolute bonus and will give us our best chance to progress to the semis. I’m sure the atmosphere will be incredible and we promise to put on a good show.

“Australia’s Davis Cup fortunes are certainly on the rise. It’s always good to be in a position where there’s tough competition for spots in the team, and all our players have had a tremendous start to the season.”

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to host the Davis Cup quarterfinal here in Darwin,” Sam Gibson, Manager of Tennis NT said today.

“This is a big vote of confidence from the Northern Territory government and from Tennis Australia. We have a fantastic tennis culture here in the NT and this is our chance to continue to promote grow our grassroots programs and engage more people in our terrific sport.

The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarterfinal will be held from 17-19 July at the Marrara Sports Complex.

The event will form part of the Festivals NT calendar and ticketing information will be released closer to the date.