TA Press Release, September 14, 2018
The next generation of top tennis players are set to compete when the Australian Pro Tour launches this weekend in Queensland with the Cairns Tennis International at Cairns International Tennis Club from 15-23 September.
Rising tennis stars from across Australia and the world will compete at Pro Tour tournaments around the country over the next six months.
The Australian Pro Tour is a combination of International Tennis Federation (ITF) women’s and men’s and ATP Challenger tournaments and is a stepping stone to introduce tennis players to the professional ranks and a pathway to the WTA and ATP tours.
Tennis Australia’s Pro Tour Manager Fiona Luscombe is pleased to welcome the start of a new Australian Pro Tour season in Cairns starting on Saturday.
“The 2018/19 Australian Pro Tour calendar is shaping up to be one of the best yet,” Luscombe said.
“Being able to host 28 international standard tournaments right here in Australia is so important for providing local and Asia-Pacific emerging players the opportunity to compete at the top level.
“The general public can head along to any tournament around Australia for free. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families, fans and aspiring tennis players from around the country to get down and watch some of Australia’s best up-and-coming talent.”
The 2018/19 Australian Pro Tour runs between September 2018 and April 2019 and offers a prize money pool of more than $USD 1 million dollars.
Women’s Pro Tour dates
|
Main Draw start date |
Location |
Tier ($US) |
|
17 September |
Cairns (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
24 September |
Darwin (NT) |
ITF $60,000 |
|
1 October |
Brisbane (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
8 October |
Toowoomba (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
22 October |
Bendigo (Vic) |
ITF $60,000 |
|
29 October |
Canberra (ACT) |
ITF $60,000 |
|
31 December |
Playford (SA) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
28 January |
Burnie (Tas) |
ITF $60,000 |
|
4 February |
Launceston (Tas) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
11 February |
TBA (SA) |
ITF $15,000 |
|
18 February |
Perth (WA) |
ITF $15,000 |
|
4 March |
Mildura (Vic) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
18 March |
Canberra (ACT) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
25 March |
Canberra (ACT) |
ITF $25,000 |
Men’s Pro Tour dates
|
Main draw start date |
Location |
Tier ($US) |
|
17 September |
Cairns (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
24 September |
Darwin (NT) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
1 October |
Brisbane (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
8 October |
Toowoomba (Qld) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
22 October |
Traralgon (Vic) |
ATP Challenger $75,000 |
|
29 October |
Canberra (ACT) |
ATP Challenger $75,000 |
|
31 December |
Playford (SA) |
ATP 80 Challenger |
|
7 January |
Canberra (ACT) |
ATP 70 Challenger |
|
28 January |
Burnie (Tas) |
ATP 70 Challenger |
|
4 February |
Launceston (Tas) |
ATP 70 Challenger |
|
25 February |
TBA (NSW) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
4 March |
Mildura (Vic) |
ITF $25,000 |
|
18 March |
Mornington (Vic) |
ITF $15,000 |
|
25 March |
Mornington (Vic) |
ITF $15,000 |
Australian Pro Tour fast facts
· The Australian Pro Tour began in 1978
· The Australian Pro Tour consists of International Tennis Federation (ITF) men’s and women’s and ATP Challenger tournaments
· The Australian Pro Tour gives players the opportunity to compete on a international level and create a pathway to the WTA and ATP tours
• The calendar includes 28 tournaments held across all states and territories between September 2018 and April 2019
• The total prize pool for the Australian Pro Tour series is more than $USD 1,000,000
· Top Australian tennis players including Ash Barty, Daria Gavrilova, Sam Stosur, Nick Kyrgios, Alex De Minaur, John Millman, Jordan Thompson and Thanasi Kokkinakis are some of the players who have competed in Australian Pro Tour events.
