The main draw of the Aegon GB Pro-Series Newcastle gets under way on today (Tuesday 7 May), with British number 6, Dan Evans making his first pro appearance back on British soil after his Davis Cup heroics at the Ricoh Arena last month.
Evans, the top seed in the Men’s $10k event at The Northumberland Club, opens his account against qualifier Josh Page, with a host of top quality tennis on show.
With Newcastle the third of three weeks on clay (after Bournemouth and Edinburgh), last week’s winner in Edinburgh, Andy Fitzpatrick, has an intriguing first round clash against 2nd seeded Axel Michon from France, whilst Bournemouth champion Borna Coric is matched up against Australian Dayne Kelly. 16 year old Coric, from Croatia, has again had to win through qualifying, and the 4th ranked junior in the world who has 2001 Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic as part of his back up team, is looking to continue his rise up the rankings..
Ashley Hewitt, who trains at Bolton Arena, has shown good form at Edinburgh, and Bournemouth, plays against 7th seed Neil Pauffley, whilst a few young British players are playing for their first world ranking point.
There is local interest in the Men’s Doubles where 2000 US Open Junior Doubles champion and world junior number 1 (doubles), James Nelson, who now coaches at The Northumberland Club, has paired up with Club Member and Vets GB player Ian Baggett. In a match scheduled for not before 6.00pm, they are in action against 3rd seeds, Constantin Belot (France) & Erik Crepaldi (Italy).
Play starts 10.00am on Tuesday, with free entry to spectators.