Curro to host 1st prize-money international tournaments for ITF World Tennis tour
06 June 2024Curro has partnered with Tennis South Africa to host three International Tennis Federation (ITF) combined men's and women's prize tournaments at Curro Hillcrest in Durban in June and July. Robbie Koenig, the world’s most acclaimed tennis commentator (and formerly a professional player himself) has applauded the creation of a new local tennis tournament that forms part of this World Tennis Tour.
The Curro Centre Court Series will consist of three women's and three men's tournaments run over three weeks between June and July. These events will offer an opportunity for rising local tennis stars to face off against international professional players with attractive prize pots on offer. The events promise to be one of the hottest highlights in the South African tennis calendar.
The events are expected to attract a mix of the best South African juniors and local fledgling professionals, as well as international players from across Africa and abroad. Local professional players expected to compete include the country’s top women's player, Isabella Kruger, and Davis Cup player Philip Henning, to mention a few.
Unparalleled opportunities for South African champions
“Generally, South African players have to travel to other countries to play in tournaments of this calibre because there are very few events of this nature hosted locally,” says Curro CEO, Cobus Loubser. “We aim to inspire generations of South African champions by creating unparalleled opportunities and driving excellence in sports and that is why we have hosted ITF Junior Tournaments for top-ranking players from all over the world over the last few years. However, the Curro Centre Court Series expands our efforts, catering for professional players and offering significant prize purses. We are once again demonstrating our support for tennis in South Africa because we see ourselves as a driving force in the long-term growth of tennis in our country.”
The first event will be a combined M15 and W15 tournament between 17-23 June, with $30,000 (R560 000) prize money on offer for men and women. This will be followed by a combined M25 and W15 competition between 23-30 June, with $25,000 (R462 500) on the line for men and $15,000 (R277 500) on offer for women. Finally, a combined M15 and W35 event will be held between 1-7 July, with a prize purse of $15,000 (R277 500) up for grabs for men and $25,000 (R462 500) on offer for women.
“These tournaments are another big step forward for elite men’s and women’s tennis in the country, and we are looking forward to thrilling contests throughout the three weeks of competition,” said TSA President Gavin Crookes.
“We are delighted to have international men’s tennis events back in South Africa, as well as more quality women’s events thus adding to the existing opportunities on offer for local players. Having combined events not only makes economic sense but is another step in the right direction, to assisting all South African players with international ambitions with the opportunity to secure valuable ranking points and prize money on home soil.”
“Our longstanding partnership with Curro is well-known within the South African tennis community, and these events demonstrate Curro’s continued intention to create further opportunities for South African players, something for which we at Tennis South Africa are truly grateful,” concludes Crookes.
Praise from Robbie Koenig
Robbie Koenig, who achieved a singles ranking of World No. 262 and won five doubles titles, reaching the semifinals of the 1998 US Open men's doubles competition, says the series will offer a valuable yardstick for local players to measure themselves against international competitors.
“Exposing aspiring players to international competition helps them to understand the level that is required if you want to pursue a tennis career,” he says. “You might be good in South African terms, but in global terms, you might find you have a lot you need to work on. Tennis is also an expensive sport, so having a tournament like this in your backyard is invaluable as it drastically reduces travel costs.”
Koenig’s son, Luc Koenig, also a promising rising star who has competed in professional events over the last two years, will be taking part in the upcoming tournaments along with the likes of the country’s top women's player, Isabella Kruger; Devin Badenhorst, Alec Beckley, and Davis Cup player Philip Henning, among others.
International players are attending from countries including Canada, Australia, the USA, Great Britain, Bulgaria, Zimbabwe, Italy and Japan. It will be the first time since 2021 that professional men’s international tournaments will be held in South Africa.
Curro a trailblazer, says Robbie Koenig
“Curro is a trailblazer in school tennis and has taken it to a whole different level,” says Koenig. “Beyond that, they've become such a strong force in the tennis community, not only in terms of participation, which, of course, is one of the most important things, but also development.”
He adds that South Africa has the conditions to create good sportsmen and sportswomen. “Because of the climate that we have, we’re blessed with good weather all year round. We can play outdoor tennis pretty much all year round. You know, that's a huge advantage. For people who are investing in tennis, the breeding ground for success is good. It’s an expensive sport, so we need sponsors for the development of our young players. The more of these events we can have, the better it's going to be for the next generation.”
Koenig encourages tennis lovers to come to support and watch the Curro Centre Court Series tournaments. “You will not believe the level until you see with your own eyes how good these guys and girls are. I know, because I'm around the very best players! And I know from my playing days how much better the players have got. The level is so deep these days. So come out and watch – it'll blow your mind, and it's right on your back doorstep.”