BENDIGO Tennis Centre’s completed $6-million redevelopment has won rave reviews.
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The new facilities were unveiled on Sunday on the opening day of the Bendigo International Pro Tour and Australian Money Tournament.
Special guest was 16-time Grand Slam men’s doubles winner Todd Woodbridge, who praised the Bendigo Tennis Association on its vision and ace new facilities.
The $6 million upgrade includes a new clubhouse and parking and upgrades to several courts.
It was jointly funded by the state and federal governments, City of Greater Bendigo and tennis association.
Once the formalities were out of the way, a raft of politicians, including Senator Bridget McKenzie, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and Bendigo Mayor Margaret O’Rourke hit the courts for a casual hit.
Meanwhile, play in the main draw of the Bendigo International Pro Tour starts on Tuesday.
BTA executive officer Leon Retallick said the association was again looking forward to hosting the traditional international tournament.
“Bendigo Tennis is again very excited to host the ninth addition of the Plexipave Bendigo International Pro Tour tournament at the new-look Bendigo Ttennis complex,” Retallick said.
“We look forward to welcoming the next wave of great female players, led by Destanee Aiava, Lizette Cabrera and Pricilla Hon, who will be looking for good results in the lead up to the Australian summer.
“We have had some fantastic players attend our tournament over the past nine years, including Ashleigh Barty, Casey Dellacqua and Daria Gavrilova, going on to become house-hold sporting identities.
“Eliza Long will also be returning to the Australian Pro Tour, with the Bendigo local making her fifth appearance in the qualifying event, which started on Sunday.”
Partners in last year’s doubles tournament, Arina Rodionova and Asia Muhammad will start among the favourites.
Rodionova, who is currently ranked 116th in the world, has enjoyed a career best season, with main draw wins at both Wimbledon and the French Open after coming through qualifying.
The 27-year-old is a former winner in Bendigo, having beaten the No.1 seed Olivia Rogowska in 2012.
Rogowska, ranked 224th, is also back in Bendigo.
Muhammad will be keen to atone for her loss in last year’s final to Japan’s Risa Ozaki.
The 26-year-old American was a finalist in Brisbane last month.
Players will be competing for $60,000 in prize money and valuable ranking points.
