The 2017 Apis Canberra International is set to receive a significant boost in prizemoney, with Tennis ACT announcing the Men’s event has been increased to a USD$75,000 ATP Challenger, while the ITF Women’s event will now offer USD$60,000.
In consultation with Tennis Australia, the ITF Pro Circuit and ATP Challenger Tour, Tennis ACT has been able to secure a huge injection in prizemoney. This is a glowing endorsement of the events in Canberra and all players will benefit as they look to transition onto the WTA and ATP World Tours.
Tournament Director and Tennis ACT CEO, Kim Kachel says the increase in prizemoney will further entice top players to the capital.
“With USD$135,000 in prizemoney on offer at the Apis Canberra International, we are expecting top quality tennis in November. Our Pro tour events in the past two years have attracted some of Australia’s top players including Jordan Thompson, Ashleigh Barty, Sam Groth, John Millman, and Arina Rodionova.”
“Canberra has proven to be a launch pad for the next generation of tennis players. Australian youngsters Alex De Minaur and Jaimee Fourlis have both competed at events in Canberra and since gone on to make their Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open 2017 recording impressive first round wins. Likewise, Canada’s Denis Shapovalov played earlier this year in Canberra and has since gone on to beat Rafael Nadal (ESP) and set himself in the top 100.”
The Apis Canberra International will also provide local athletes such as Alison Bai (WTA 581) and James Frawley (ATP 899) the opportunity to improve their WTA and ATP rankings in their home town.
The ACT Government have welcomed the news with Minster for Sport and Recreation, Yvette Berry, MLA saying “It’s great to see Tennis ACT hosting this event at the Canberra Tennis Centre. The ACT Government and Tennis ACT partnered in bringing this facility up to such a high standard so we could attract the best events and the best players to Canberra and today’s announcement shows this partnership delivering on its potential.”
Canberra based professional firm, Apis will again support this event with Partner, Anthony Honeyman saying “Apis is proud to continue our relationship with Tennis ACT as lead sponsor for this significant international event, which provides Canberrans the opportunity to see some of the best tennis players in the world compete in our own backyard.”
The prizemoney increase is sure to further enhance the event which was honoured at the 2016 Australian Tennis Awards, Newcombe Medal as the Most Outstanding Professional Tournament.
Tennis Australia Pro Tour Manager, Fiona Luscombe said “The Apis Canberra International sets the highest benchmark on the annual Australian Pro Tour Calendar which offers 28 events for men and women. These events are critical for aspiring tennis professionals as it is the pathway for the crop of current players as well as the next generation. The Apis Canberra International offers players not only a world class tennis arena but all other elements of a prestigious event that ensure players have such a great week in the Capital.”
The Canberra Tennis Centre is set for a busy few months, also hosting the Canberra Junior International (September 22-28), 12/u & 14/u Australian Claycourt Championships (September 29-October 4) and the inaugural Canberra Wheelchair Tennis Open (September 29 – October 1).
The Apis Canberra International will take place from 28 October – 5 November 2017 at the Canberra Tennis Centre, Lyneham.
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