Cairns QLD, Australia, 2 October 2014 | Tennis Australia

Jarmere Jenkins (USA) and Rika Fujiwara (JPN) will headline the field as top seeds in the 2014 Cairns Tennis International at the Cairns International Tennis Centre from 4-11 October 2014.

Local tennis fans will have the opportunity to attend the free event and watch a crop of up-and-coming tennis stars from around Australia and the world compete for $30,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points at the Australian Pro Tour event.

Top seed Jenkins will face strong competition in the men’s event from the likes of defending champion Andrew Whittington (VIC), Queenslander Maverick Banes and second seed Brydan Klein (GBR). 

The field is further bolstered by the exciting inclusion of US Open junior singles and doubles champion Omar Jasika (VIC).

In the women’s draw, Fujiwara will be joined by top Australian female talent including Isabella Holland (QLD), Jessica Moore (WA) and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sally Peers (VIC). 

Exciting young Queensland teenagers Naiktha Bains and Priscilla Hon will also feature prominently when the main draw commences on Monday.

“It’s fantastic to see such a strong field for the 2014 Cairns Tennis International. These events provide a chance for people outside of the capital cities to see top quality professional tennis,” said tournament director Travis Dragojlo.

“The local community can come and watch Grand Slam quality tennis in their own backyard.”

Dragojlo also praised the Cairns Regional Council for their ongoing support and encouraged the community to get behind the future of Australian tennis at the event.

“Following last year’s success, we hope the local community can once again head down to watch our country’s up and coming tennis stars take their next step onto the global tennis stage at this free community event,” he said.

As well as watching top-quality tennis, kids will be able to try ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, watch a Cardio Tennis demonstration or have a go at Speed Serve.

Qualifying will begin on Saturday 4 October and the main draw on Monday 6 October with play commencing at 10am each day.

The Cairns Tennis International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for players to earn their first world ranking points.