RANCHO SANTA FE, September 10, 2022 (by Steve Pratt)
Every great band needs an entertaining and exciting opening act. One week before the WTA 500-Level San Diego Open plays host to some of the world’s top women’s players at Barnes Tennis Center, the Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club will host the second annual Rancho Santa Fe Open October 3-9.
Debuting last fall, the Rancho Santa Fe Open is part of the USTA Pro Circuit and ITF World Tennis Tour and offers $80,000 in prize money, as well as valuable WTA World Tour ranking points. The event will attract WTA players ranked from No. 50 to No. 300 in the world, along with their support teams and families.
“We are excited to once again bring world-class tennis to Rancho Santa Fe and the surrounding North County area,” said Tournament Director John Chanfreau. “Because of the WTA 500 tournament at Barnes Tennis Center the following week, we are looking to possibly have players that are top 50 in the world, which would be a big deal for our community and for our tournament.”
Chanfreau has announced two Southern California players who have been granted wild cards into the tournament. They include the nation’s ITA preseason No. 1 player in the nation Eryn Cayetano from USC and 17-year-old Katherine Hui of San Diego. Hui, a Santa Fe Christian Schools senior who is headed to Princeton, recently competed in the US Open Junior Girls’ tournament and placed fourth at the USTA Hardcourt Nationals at Barnes Tennis Center in August.
Presenting Sponsor of the tournament is Gillian and Prentiss – Compass.
“As strong community supporters and members of our RSF Tennis Club, we are thrilled to be the Presenting Sponsor for this year’s $80K RSF Open,” said Gillian Gillies. “When asked to contribute we immediately jumped in.” Prentiss Van Den Berg chimed in, “The RSF community has shown that it loves the tournament as the audience gets bigger and bigger every year. As our own local US Open, it is inspiring to watch our new tennis hopefuls courtside.”
Last year, top-seeded Rebecca Peterson from Sweden beat American teenager Elvina Kalieva in straight sets to win the first RSF Open.
The RSF Open “Opening Day” festivities will kick off the tournament taking place Friday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. The night will include an opening ceremony and sponsor recognition, pro doubles exhibition and appetizers and drinks with the community and incoming players.
