Johannesburg, South Africa – The world’s top wheelchair tennis players will be battling it out for world ranking points in South Africa in April this year.
Wheelchair Tennis South Africa confirmed that they it once again be hosting two major International Tennis Federation events next month.
In what has become a popular autumn swing on the international wheelchair tennis circuit, the back to back tournaments will host top players from over 15 countries worldwide some ranked in the top 10 of world tennis in their respective categories.
The Airports Company South Africa Gauteng Open will be played from 8 – 12 April at the Gauteng East Tennis Complex in Benoni. This will be followed by the Airports Company South Africa SA Open to be played at the “Grand Old Lady” of tennis in our country, Ellis Park in Johannesburg from 14 – 18 April.
“South Africa has over the years become a popular destination for top wheelchair tennis players and we take pride in hosting some of the best tournaments in the world. The “Autumns Africa Swing” on the international wheelchair tennis circuit promises to attract a first-rate entry and spectators can be assured of top-class tennis” said Wheelchair Tennis South Africa General Manager, Karen Losch.
The Benoni event is an ITF1 Series tournament (13 worldwide) with the Airports Company South Africa SA Open in Johannesburg, an ITF Super Series event. There are only six Super Series events on the calendar; the other five are staged in Australia, Japan, France, Britain and the USA.
Both tournaments will have Men singles and doubles, Women singles and doubles, Quads singles and doubles and Boys and Girls (juniors) singles event and a Mixed Doubles event.
“We are delighted to host both tournaments with Wheelchair Tennis South Africa once again this year,” says Unathi Batyashe-Fillis, Spokesperson of Airports Company South Africa. “Airports Company South Africa has worked closely with Wheelchair Tennis South Africa in building a powerhouse of wheelchair tennis in South Africa. Our partnership has, over the years, assisted in developing some of the top players in the world. We see top tournaments like the Airports Company South Africa Gauteng and SA Opens as major achievements in our overall objectives through the partnership.”
Picture credit: Reg Caldecott
