The Lexus Wrexham Open will inspire a new generation of players in Wales, according to former British tennis star, Mel South, who was ranked in the world’s top 100 during her playing days and who also represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup, now known as the Billie Jean King Cup, was a guest at the official launch of the Lexus Wrexham Open.
Largest Women’s Tournament
The event will be the largest women’s tennis tournament to take place in the UK this year, outside of the Lawn Tennis Association’s grass court season, and will take place at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre from 19th to 26th October.
“It’s a really exciting tournament, a great level,” said South, who lives in South Wales and is now a television tennis commentator. I think it’s great for the British players to have home support at W100 level. They can really use it as a platform to drive themselves on and go up into the WTA events. “The fact that the tournament is coming to Wrexham now and spurs on all the players and the youngsters in Wales as well will be significant.
The more people we can get to attend the tournament and watch live sport, the better. You get so close to the players at these types of events. “Playing at home, you always connect with the fans more. This is especially true when you’re signing autographs for the kids. It can really inspire the next generation to go on and do well and follow in your footsteps.”
“Really Exciting”
The Lexus Wrexham Open will feature established players from the world’s top 100. Many of whom play at Wimbledon and the other Grand Slam tournaments, alongside rising British and international stars.
Kirsty Thomson, event manager at the LTA, added: “It’s really exciting and this level of event just tops off our performance competition calendar. This event really helps our younger players, who don’t usually have the opportunity, given their current ranking, to qualify for a tournament at this level.
“We will be able to give them the chance of getting a wild card into it and to have the opportunity to gain some valuable ranking points and prize money, so it’s really helpful.”
Alwyn Jones, interim chief executive of Wrexham Council, is looking forward to welcoming the tournament to the city. He said, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for Wrexham, for us to show everything that’s best about the city,” he said. “An international event of this nature within Wrexham helps put us well and truly on the map.”
Ramada Plaza Hotel
Event promoter Dave Courteen hosted the official launch event for the Lexus Wrexham Open at the city’s Ramada Plaza hotel. He informed guests, including local business community sponsors, about what they could expect from the tournament and how they could participate. “This will be a wonderful event for Wrexham and Wales,” he said. “The whole week will be an exciting festival of tennis. There is so much to look forward to in October.
“We are so proud to bring world-class tennis to North Wales. It was fantastic to see so many people at the launch event. It was also especially nice to hear how much everyone is looking forward to the tournament.”
A 600-seat capacity arena will be constructed around the main indoor show court at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre, allowing spectators to enjoy the action.
Photos by James Baylis.
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