Launceston back on beefed-up pro tennis calendar

The Launceston International is back on a beefed-up north and north-west summer tennis schedule, with two international junior events also in the mix. Get the details here.

Tennis Tasmania general manager Darren Sturgess and vice president Pip Leedham with Launceston junior tennis players Edward Reid, 7, and Sophie Reid, 9, at the announcement of new tournaments in Launceston on Tuesday. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

Tennis in the state’s north and north west is set to return to its glory days with the return of the Launceston International part of a beefed-up five week block of international tournaments.

Launceston Regional Tennis Centre is currently undergoing a $3.1 million facelift, with the centrepiece a new clubhouse, before the Launceston International returns for the first time since 2020 in early February.

Tennis Tasmania general manager Darren Sturgess also announced on Tuesday two Junior ITS International tournaments will be held in Burnie and Launceston, with the Launceston International preceded by the Tasmanian Championships in Devonport and the Burnie International.

The upgrades at Launceston have been funded by $2m from the state government, $500,000 from federal government, $300,000 from Tennis Australia and $300,000 from the City of Launceston.

“We’re incredibly excited to have five weeks of world class tennis in the north and north-west, We’ve got an incredible facility here in Launceston and we’ve got great facilities in Devonport and also Burnie,” Sturgess said.

“Without this funding we would not have had the Launceston International back, and we wouldn’t be able to host these junior tournaments as well.

“I’d like to thank the Burnie Tennis Club who have helped us out keeping these world class events in Tasmania the last couple of years returning from Covid.

“These tours bring in players from all over the world and across Australia, it gives us a chance to showcase north and north-west Tasmania.”

Sturgess said the junior tournaments gives local young talent the chance to showcase what they can do at home.

“They are scheduled for after the Australian Open, and what’s most exciting for me is it puts something within grasp of our local Tasmanian players,” he said.

“Having these tournaments give our kids coming through the pathway a chance to aspire to that level.”

Burnie Tennis Club captain Shaun Summers was pleased the tennis circuit would now be expanded further across the state.

“The (funding) support will enable the Burnie International to go ahead in 2025, and it will also enable the introduction of new ITF Junior Internationals in Tasmania,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate Launceston on their developments, it’s great to have them back on the international circuit.”

The north and north-west schedule will begin just over two weeks after Tennis Tasmania’s jewel in the crown, the Hobart International, is held from January 6-11.

SCHEDULE

From Jan 27: Burnie Junior International ITF

From Feb 3: Launceston Junior International ITF

From Feb 10: Tasmanian $20k Championships, Devonport

From Feb 17: Burnie International

From Feb 24: Launceston International