TAMWORTH is set to serve up top-class tennis this month, with the city to host its first Australian Pro Tour event – the Capital of Country International.

Australian tennis legend John Fitzgerald was in Tamworth recently to launch the new event alongside Tamworth Regional Council mayor Russell Webb and Tennis NSW CEO Darren Simpson.

Running over two weeks from today, September 7, to Sunday, September 21, the event will feature back-to-back Men’s 25 ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments, held at the newly redeveloped East Courts venue.

The revamped venue features International Tennis Federation standard cushioned acrylic hard courts and premium facilities, bringing international tennis to the heart of regional New South Wales.

Cr Webb says the city is excited to host the Capital of Country International and support such a prestigious event.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Tamworth Region, with thousands of visitors expected to visit the region across the two-week event,” Cr Webb said.

“Local workers and businesses will benefit from the increase in visitation, while aspiring athletes will have the chance to witness some of the best players from across the world.

“The Tamworth region is renowned for its exceptional sporting facilities that attract high level events to Tamworth. These events serve to inspire the next generation of Tamworth athletes to progress along the sporting pathway,” he said.

The Capital of Country International, an Australian Pro Tour tennis event, starts in Tamworth today.

The Capital of Country International is expected to attract a strong field of both Australian and international players competing for over AUD $60,000 in prize money and valuable world ranking points.

Tennis Australia Director of Pathways and Tennis Services, Lawrence Robertson, said hosting international tennis in communities such as Tamworth is about more than just prize money and ranking points.

“These events deliver significant economic value – more than $1 million in this case – while also providing a fantastic opportunity to engage the local community, showcase our sport, and inspire more people to pick up a racquet,” Mr Robertson said.

John Fitzgerald, a two-time Davis Cup winner for Australia and nine-time Grand Slam winner in doubles events, was delighted to be back in Tamworth.

“This is an outstanding venue, which is going to come alive when the aspiring players on the Pro Tour circuit arrive in September,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“These events are so important to the developing players looking to establish themselves on the world tour and it is extra special to bring events of this calibre to regional centres like Tamworth.

Tennis NSW CEO, Darren Simpson said the Capital of Country International showcases the strength of regional New South Wales as a sporting destination.

“It reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-performance opportunities across the state,” Mr Simpson said.

“We’re proud to support an event that will inspire the next generation and leave a lasting legacy for tennis in the region.”

The Capital of Country International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events held throughout the year to bridge upcoming players with the ATP Tour, providing an opportunity to earn significant world ranking points.

The event is free for spectators who wish to go along and enjoy world-class tennis.