For the fourth consecutive week, the USTA Pro Circuit will have a tour stop in the USTA Southern Section. Dothan, Alabama and the Westgate Tennis Center will play host to this week’s $75,000 Movie Gallery USTA Pro Classic.
The main draws for singles and doubles begin play on Tuesday, April 18th and continue through the week with championship matches on Sunday, April 23rd. The $75,000 purse is the highest prize money amount on the women’s USTA Pro Circuit.Included in this year’s field is Mississippi native Megan Bradley. Bradley recently graduated from the University of Miami last June where she garnered All-American status. Bradley is one of nine Americans in the main draw in search of the crown in Dothan. Lilia Osterloh of San Francisco is the highest world ranked American in the field (No. 131).
The Alabama tournament serves as the third stop of a seven week USTA Pro Circuit women’s clay court season. The seven week period serves as an opportunity for players gearing up for the French Open in May. The French Open is the only Grand Slam event played on clay.
The USTA organizes, sponsors, and administers the USTA Pro Circuit - the gateway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis professionals, and a frequent battleground for established players. The 2005-2006 circuit features nearly 100 events for men and women. Prize money at the USTA Pro Circuit events range from $10,000 to $75,000, with more than $3 million in purses this year. Players also earn valuable ATP and WTA tour ranking points. The USTA Pro Circuit boasts an alumni of some of the biggest names in tennis, many of whom have gone on to win Grand Slam titles, including Andre Agassi, Lindsay Davenport, Chanda Rubin, Tim Henman, James Blake, and Mary Pierce.