SA To Serve Up World's Best In Tennis
Adelaide is set to host some of the world’s best tennis stars in January at the Adelaide International.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, David Ridgway today confirmed newly crowned Wimbledon champion and current world No.4 Simona Halep (ROU) is set to headline the high-quality field.
“With more than $2 million in total prize money on offer, the event will bring tennis superstars and their fans from across the globe to our wonderful city,” said Minister Ridgway.
“The Marshall Liberal Government’s $10 million investment in the redevelopment of the Memorial Drive sporting precinct has made it possible for South Australia to score the Adelaide International.
“The newly developed precinct will allow fans to get up close to the action which will take the spectator experience to a whole new level.
“In addition to matches being played on centre court under the new canopy, the tournament will utilise 4 additional match courts including a feature show court at Next Generation Clubs, Memorial Drive.
“Adelaide is a premier destination for world-class tourism and sporting events and the Adelaide International will compliment a summer of blockbuster events including; the Asian Le Mans Series, Santos Tour Down Under, ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open and the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup,” added Minister Ridgway.
The internationally sanctioned ATP (men’s) and WTA (women’s) tennis tournament will be
held from 12 January to 18 January 2020, forming part of Tennis Australia’s Summer of Tennis event calendar.
The 7-day tournament - to be held annually for the next five years - includes a multiple match, day / night format, with 120 of the world’s top singles and doubles players expected to attend.
The 2020 tournament is expected to generate more than $6 million in economic benefit for South Australia and will be broadcast to a global audience of 200 countries.
Further announcements on players and schedule will be made in the coming months.
The Marshall Liberal Government committed a further $10 million to the Leisure Events Bid Fund for the period 2018-19 to 2021-22, bringing the total fund to $46.9 million. The Fund has been used to secure a range of new events, including the Adelaide International.