The Aegon GB Pro-Series, which is a men’s international tennis event attracting a total prize money purse of $10,000, kicks off at the Sunderland Tennis Centre on Sunday 6 October.
Leading the challenge on the home front is Cheshire’s Ashley Hewitt, British No. 9, who will be hoping to add to the title he won in Newcastle back in May. However he will face tough opposition from Surrey’s Tom Farquharson, who having been runner-up earlier in the year in Manchester and Ilkley, will be looking to win his first ITF Pro-Circuit title by taking the Sunderland crown come Saturday 12 October.
There are plenty of local players for the home supporters to cheer on; John Thompson and Sam Archer, both from Newcastle, and Sunderland’s Daniel Bennett have all entered into the event. 15 year old Bennett, from Grangetown, is no stranger to Sunderland Tennis Centre where he first started playing tennis and if he moves into the Qualifying Event, will be playing in his first ever professional event.
Leading the challenge from overseas is Marcus Daniell from New Zealand. The 24 year-old, who is no stranger to British events, will also be hoping to add the Sunderland title to the one which he won at Ilkley.
Julie Piper, Tournament Director, said: “I’m once again looking forward to returning to Sunderland Tennis Centre. The Centre, with its excellent facilities, coupled with the warm and friendly welcome we receive is always very popular with the players and tournament officials.
“For many of the world’s top players, the events on the ITF Pro-Circuit have acted as the springboard to go on to do greater things on the ATP Tour and I’m sure this year will be no different.”
Play starts at 10.00am from Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 October, and then at 10.30am on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October. Play goes on throughout the day and entry for spectators is free of charge.