Blockbuster tennis action returning to Adelaide's Memorial Drive

Blockbuster tennis is returning to Adelaide in early 2022 with back-to-back Adelaide International events to be held at the newly transformed Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.

The world-class sporting precinct on the banks of the River Torrens will play host to some of the biggest stars in tennis in the lead up to the Australian Open breathing vibrancy and excitement into the city.

A jam-packed calendar will see two tournaments held at the Drive. The first will be hosted from 2-9 January and will feature a WTA 500 and ATP 250 combined tournament followed by the second Adelaide International event – a WTA 250 and ATP 250 tournament from 9-15 January.

Premier Steven Marshall said the events will be a fantastic way to kick off the new year, creating jobs and boosting city vibrancy.

“Our investment of $44 million for Stage Two of the Memorial Drive redevelopment is creating a world-class venue capable of hosting not just tennis but a range of sporting and entertainment events into the future,” Premier Marshall said.

“Tennis events over the next decade are going to generate even more jobs for South Australians and attract thousands of people to our great state which in turn will boost our economy.”

South Australian Tourism Commission chief executive Rodney Harrex welcomed the return of world-class tennis and the benefits it will bring to CBD operators.

“After the hugely popular A Day at the Drive in January this year, we’re bringing back some of the world’s best tennis stars to Adelaide and enticing thousands of fans and spectators into Australia’s most liveable city,” Mr Harrex said.

“Summer is a sensational time in Adelaide and events like this are crucial for boosting visitation and expenditure in our visitor economy.”

Adelaide International tournament director, Alistair MacDonald said: “We are very pleased to announce that Adelaide will host some of the world’s best over two weeks in the lead up to the Australian Open.

“We have worked closely with the South Australian Government to ensure that not only will the players have the best possible preparation for the Summer of Tennis, but that we protect the health and wellbeing of our South Australian community.

“We know that the players love coming to Australia and we look forward to welcoming them to Adelaide in six weeks time,” MacDonald continued.

Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey said: “We are thrilled to welcome professional tennis back to Memorial Drive and we are expecting strong player fields as the season kicks off in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open.” 

The $44 million stage two of the Memorial Drive redevelopment includes enhanced patron facilities, a new media centre, multipurpose event and function spaces, and more.

It will be event ready for the Adelaide International in January 2022, with project completion expected in mid-2022.

Adelaide International is proudly supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission, and will be held at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre from 2-15 January 2022.

More: adelaideinternational.com.au.