Australia’s 2022 summer of tennis starts in Bendigo and Traralgon

International tennis players are in regional Victoria for the Bendigo and Traralgon Internationals, which begin at the Bendigo Regional Tennis Centre and the Traralgon Tennis Centre from tomorrow.

Traralgon will host one of the first events in the summer of tennis calendar, as players begin their preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open.

A record 17 tournaments will be staged across the country before the Australian Open, providing more competition opportunities for more players during the Australian summer than ever before.

Xiyu Wang from China (WTA Ranking 130) and Jiri Lehecka (ATP Ranking 141) from the Czech Republic lead the Main Draw lists for the Traralgon International, while Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa (WTA Ranking 155) and Nikola Milojevix (ATP Ranking 138) of Serbia are the top seeds heading into Bendigo.

On the Men’s side, Czech Republic pair and Zdeněk Kolář will head to Traralgon along with Jason Kubler from Queensland, Australia (ATP Ranking 206)

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan said the region was ready to welcome tennis to Traralgon this summer, commenting “we’re looking forward to welcoming two elite tennis events to Traralgon this summer, both of which are lead-in events to the Australian Open, bringing some of the best upcoming international and Australian competitors to our region.

“Events of this calibre offer many benefits to our community, helping to inspire our young people, support our local accommodation and hospitality businesses and boost tourism in the wider Gippsland region.”

Bendigo Tournament Director Andrew Reynolds said the venue is proud to host the event, advising “we’re very excited to welcome some of the world’s best tennis players to Bendigo for this fantastic event, which will launch the Summer of Tennis right here in Regional Victoria.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for the local and wider community to enjoy a week of truly world-class tennis, which hopefully inspire more people to pick up a racquet this summer.”

Pleased to have tennis back in regional Victoria, Tennis Australia Chief Executive, Craig Tiley added “it’s incredibly important to have the world’s best players competing across the country, inspiring the next generation of players and growing interest and excitement in our sport.

“It’s also fantastic to bring tennis back to regional Victoria, where I know the local communities of Bendigo and Traralgon will welcome these global events with open arms.”

The Bendigo and Traralgon Internationals run from 2nd to 9th January 2022.

Image: Bendigo Tennis Academy.