Tennis Australia president Steve Healy today proclaimed that the Hobart International has a strong and secure future.
“It is here to stay,” he said told media after a Presidents Brunch at the Domain Tennis Centre.
The 2014 Hobart International has featured one of the strongest fields in the tournament’s history, which has resulted in improved ticket sales.
Healy, who was the guest of honour at the brunch, said he was impressed with the tournament, which is being headlined by Australian no.1 Samantha Stosur.
“I think Sam Stosur coming here is absolutely fantastic,” he said. “(The field) is very strong and I think it is very exciting for Australian tennis to have the quality of lead-up events we had last week and this week.”
“We’re very proud of it.”
Healy said Tennis Australia was committed to the Australian Open Series and providing strong lead-up tournaments to the Australian Open all across the country.
“The more events in Australia the better,” he said. “We would like all of the players coming to our grand slam to be beginning their preparation in Australia. We are always happy when they come here first.”
Healy said Hobart’s Domain Tennis Centre was lucky to be a picturesque venue, making it the perfect place for an Australian Open Series event.
“It’s probably the most scenic court in the world, maybe Monte Carlo might have an argument about that, but looking out from the top of the stadium into the sea is fantastic,” he said.
MLC Tennis Hot Shots players have been involved in this year’s tournament, with many taking part in Kids Tennis Day on Saturday. Several lucky players are also getting the chance to interview players after their press conferences.
Healy said the growth of junior tennis program was something Tennis Australia was also proud of.
More than 120,000 junior participants are registered for MLC Tennis Hot Shots, making it one of the country’s biggest junior sports participation program.
“It is bringing tennis to a much younger age group,” he said. “It’s a fantastic story for tennis in Australia.”