Women’s international pro tennis returns to the Wirral Tennis & Leisure Centre from Sunday 12 February to Saturday 18 February, and this year’s entry list includes a very strong overseas line up
The Aegon GB Pro-Series Wirral is an ITF Pro Circuit women’s $15k event with a great blend of British and international players on the entry list. All the world’s top players sharpened their pro careers at this level, and a number of the players in action at the Wirral are steadily working their way up the rankings in their quest to reach the top.
The highest ranked player is Norwegian Melanie Stokke, world ranked 352, whilst Elixane Lechemia (France), and Julie Wachaczyk (Germany) who are both at current career highs are two of six players with a top 400 ranking.
17 year old Katie Swan is the highest ranked Brit. Swan has had a highly successful junior career, reaching number 2 in the world in 2016, and the Australian Open junior final as a 15 year old in 2015. Having also won her first professional title in 2015, the Bristol teenager is now concentrating on her professional career, having already broken into the top 400.
There is local interest with Sarah Beth Grey, from Wallasey, in the main draw, who will also be defending the women’s doubles title she won with Olivia Nicholls at last year’s event. Whilst Eden Richardson, who previously trained at the Wirral Tennis & Leisure Centre, will be competing in the qualifying event. Good luck to them both!
The women’s qualifying event is Sunday and Monday, and main draw starts Tuesday.
Richard Joyner, Tournament Director, said ‘We’re really looking forward to returning to the Wirral. This year’s event boasts a particularly strong field, with a great mix of British and overseas players’.
Joyner added ‘Entry for spectators is free throughout the week, with courtside seating for the Women’s Singles final at 11.30am on Saturday 18 February. The whole week is a great way to see close up some of the world’s up and coming players’
Entry throughout the week is free to spectators, whilst from Tuesday you can follow the action through live scoring and watch live on the LTA web-site www.lta.org.uk/agbps
For an updated player list http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/women's-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100039001