Adelaide, 30 January 2013 | tennis.com.au

The inaugural Charles Sturt Adelaide International (2-10 February 2013) will get underway for the first time at West Lakes Tennis Club in South Australia on Saturday.

The ATP Challenger event, the highest level tournament to be staged in South Australia since 2008, will see 32 professional tennis players from around Australia and the world compete for $50,000 in prize money.

Tournament Director Ty Allen is expecting a talented group to battle it out.

“We are excited to be hosting some of the world’s top Pro Circuit players. World No.183 John Millman (Carina, Qld), who as a qualifier took a set off world No.3 Andy Murray in the second round of the Brisbane International, will lead the Australian contingent.

“James Duckworth (Gordon, NSW) will look to continue his impressive start to 2013, following his second round appearance at the Australian Open.

“Other Australians set to play include Ben Mitchell (Worongary, Qld), John-Patrick Smith (Kelso, Qld), Matt Reid (Dural, NSW), ATP’s fastest serving man Sam Groth (Templestowe, Vic),Brydan Klein (Warnbro, WA), Greg Jones (Manly, NSW) and Adam Feeney (Tumbi Umbi, NSW),” added Allen.

World No.133 Yuichi Sugita (JPN) is expected to lead the international group of players and will be joined by world No.175 Hiroki Moriya (JPN), Peter Polansky (CAN), Alessandro Giannessi (ITA), Erik Chvojka (CAN) and James Ward (GBR) in the West Lakes draw.

“Local fans are encouraged to get along to the club to see high-quality tennis and support a field of up and coming tennis stars. Entry is free,” said Col Lawson, West Lakes Tennis Club President.

“A 250 seat grandstand has now been erected, courts are about to have a final clean and tennis court lines will be repainted ahead of Saturday.

“Our 60 ball kids are about to have an experience that will last them a lifetime and our courtesy drivers and on ground staff are looking forward to servicing this group,” continued Lawson.

Following the tournament, West Lakes Tennis Club will undergo a $200,000 court resurface. Investment from the club, The City of Charles Sturt, The Department of Recreation and Sport and Tennis Australia have been secured to ensure this upgrade, giving the club an opportunity to grow in the future.

Qualifying for the tournament will begin on Saturday while the main draw will start on Monday.

Charles Sturt Adelaide International is one of three ATP Challenger events on the 2013 Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour, providing players with the opportunity to earn their first world ranking points.

For more information on the 2013 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.