LOCAL tennis enthusiasts will be able to catch a glimpse of some of the country’s best players in Hervey Bay this weekend.
Just under 80 players have signed up for the Fraser Coast Regional Council Hervey Bay Open at the Colyton Street courts in Torquay.
Qualifying matches get underway this afternoon.
NOW READ: Hervey Bay Cricket Association looking healthy at the crease
The main action starts tomorrow morning, with the finals scheduled for Sunday.
Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association President Geoff Arnell said the event was littered with top performers.
“There are some big names and highly ranked players [on the cards], some within the top 100. It should be a great turnout,” Mr Arnell said.
ALSO READ: Rising of the Fraser Coast Phoenix
Megan Smith and Louis Clark are the number one seeds in the women’s and men’s singles, respectively.
“Each year the tournament seems to grow and the quality improves. I think it is a great weekend and its awesome to see these players coming to Hervey Bay. It’s great for our juniors to come out and see some top players on the court.”
REVEALED: QLD’s top ten beaches, find out which Hervey Bay spot is the best
The Fraser Coast Regional Council entered a three-year sponsorship deal (2020, 2021, 2022) last year to help the association host Australian Ranking Points Tournaments.
Mayor George Seymour said players from across the country and New Zealand would feature over the weekend.
“It brings together the tennis community and it’s great for locals to see top-tier tennis being played here,” Cr Seymour said.
The mayor described tennis as a great sport for people of all ages.
“This tournament helps people and inspires them. I really commend the Hervey Bay and District Tennis Association for putting on this event, attracting people to our region and inspiring our tennis players.”
ALSO READ: Gran Fondo cycle race confirmed for Fraser Coast
He said sports tourism was important to the local economy.