Lafayette, Louisiana Mayor Joey Durel has declared the week of April 24th-30th as Tennis Week in Acadiana. Tennis Week is held in conjunction with the Courtesy Automotive Group Championships; a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s event.
Tennis Week is designed to encourage an active lifestyle through the participation of tennis. The Courtesy Automotive Group Championships annually help generate funds for local public parks and an interest in grassroots programs.
The USTA Pro Circuit event in Louisiana marks the fifth straight week that the South has hosted a circuit event. The City Club at River Ranch will host the event with hopes of making Tennis Week a huge success.
Highlighting this year’s field is Mississippi native Megan Bradley. Megan, 22, originally hails from Columbia, Mississippi. She recently graduated from the University of Miami last June where she earned All-American status. Bradley is one of four Americans vying for a championship.
The Louisiana tournament serves as the fourth 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.
For more on the tournament event visit www.cityclubatriverranch.com
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.