MIDLAND, March 17, 2021 (Press Release)
The Dow Tennis Classic and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that Michigan’s premiere tennis event will be elevated to a WTA 125K Series event beginning November 1 – 7, 2021. As a global leader in women’s professional sports, the WTA consists of more than 1,650 players and is recognized as one of the most high-profile sports organizations.
In May 2012, the WTA introduced WTA 125K Series events, a new stream of tournaments that provides emerging markets a chance to showcase women’s professional tennis, offering up-and-coming players an opportunity to play additional tournament matches and earn ranking points. In 2019, the WTA hosted 11 WTA 125K Series events across eight different countries that attracted top players such as Bianca Andreescu, Eugenie Bouchard, Jennifer Brady and Jessica Pegula.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the WTA and recognize this as an opportunity to bring the Dow Tennis Classic to the next level,” said Steve Cook, Executive Director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center. “Since its inception, the Dow Tennis Classic has had a rich history of introducing the top players in tennis while positively impacting the Great Lakes Bay Region.
With total prize money of $125,000 and 160 ranking points for the champion, WTA 125K Series events are one level above the ITF World Tennis Tour and USTA Pro Circuit. The Dow Tennis Classic previously offered $100,000 in total prize money and 140 ranking points for the champion.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the Dow Tennis Classic to our lineup of WTA 125 series of tournaments which will provide a great opportunity for the next generation of WTA stars,” said Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO. “Midland has a rich history of hosting world-class tennis events, where current WTA stars Coco Gauff, Caty McNally and Shelby Rogers have enjoyed success, and we are confident that the new WTA 125 event will be no exception.”
The Dow Tennis Classic has proudly been part of the Midland community for 32 years and was previously the longest running women’s stop on the USTA Pro Circuit.
“The Dow Tennis Classic has been a staple of the USTA Pro Circuit family for over 30 years and we have been incredibly fortunate to witness the growth of the event during that time,” said Megan Rose, Managing Director of Major Events at the USTA. “We are thrilled to see they are elevating to a WTA 125K and will be cheering them as they continue their tradition of world-class tennis combined with world-class hospitality in Midland.”
In February 2020, it was announced that world-class tennis will continue to be staged in the Great Lakes Bay Region thanks to a three-year extension of title sponsorship by Dow. The agreement between Dow and Greater Midland calls for the tournament to remain at the Greater Midland Tennis Center through 2023, ensuring this long-standing international event will continue to have a home in Midland.
