Tennis fans in Nottingham are set for a double dose of world-class tennis this summer with the news that the AEGON Trophy will be followed by the AEGON Nottingham Challenge the week after.
The two events are part of the Nottingham Festival of Tennis, which will provide fans with the chance to watch some of their favourite players, free of charge.
The City of Nottingham Tennis Centre will hold the tournaments featuring some of Britain’s established stars and promising youngsters who will join an international field which descends on the East Midlands from May 28 to June 12 2011.
British number one Elena Baltacha took the honours at the AEGON Trophy in 2010 to complete a triumphant week for home-grown tennis stars – Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski took the men’s double title while Sarah Borwell was victorious in the women’s doubles.
Paul Hutchins, Tournament Director for the AEGON Trophy and AEGON Nottingham Challenge, said: “The AEGON Trophy is the first chance to play a top class tournament on grass this season so I’m expecting the standard to be very high once again this year.
“The Nottingham public have always turned out to support the event and I’m sure it will be the same again this year. And with the added benefit of a second tournament the following week I am hoping more will come along to show their support.
“The players will be looking to get a feel for the grass again ahead of Wimbledon so we are in for an action-packed fortnight.”
Hugh White, Director for Sport, Culture & Parks of Nottingham City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that top quality, world class tennis is returning to the city.
“Last year’s event was a real success and I’m convinced the public will return to the City of Nottingham Tennis Centre to watch the tournaments this year.”
Alongside the competition on the courts, local school children will be invited to hone their skills at the Babolat Schools Tennis Festival from June 6 – 10. LTA qualified coaches and instructors from South Notts College will put the children through their paces.
Entry to both the AEGON Trophy and AEGON Nottingham Challenge is free for all spectators.