Nottingham gets in to the swing of things as the Aegon Open takes place at the city tennis centre this June.
This year will feature twice the world class tennis talent compared to last year. Not only does the men’s ATP World Tour 250 return to the city for the first time since 2008, but the brand new WTA International women’s tournament is also launching here.
The whole event will be taking place at the award winning Nottingham Tennis centre. The building, which features some of the only grass courts in the UK outside of Wimbledon, is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Some of the worlds best tennis players will be taking part in both of the major tournaments in preparation for Wimbledon which starts at the end of the month.
Top ranking female players will be returning from the French open just in time for the start of the grass court season, one of the most popular periods of the year for tennis players.
Video: Rebecca James talks about the preparations for the Aegon Open.
Players look forward to the grass courts season as they only come round for a short time each year, due to the fact that they are notoriously hard to maintain.
Rebecca James, Tournament Director of the WTA, says that with just three days to go, preparations are going along smoothly.
“The event is a great opportunity for Nottingham, it’s a long time since a top level of women’s tennis has been here.
“Women’s professional tennis is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, global sports for women, and it’s fantastic for women’s elite tennis to come to the east Midlands, to be able to give fans a chance to see these players up close and personal.”
We’re hoping to create a fantastic venue and a really superb experience for everyone.
Rebecca James, tournament director for the WTA.
Several major tennis stars will be attending the event. British No. 1 Heather Watson confirmed that she will kick off her 2015 grass court season at the WTA tournament.
James Ward, another British star and No. 2 in the country, has also confirmed that he will be completing his Wimbledon preparations at the Open. Ward last played at the event when it was last held in Nottingham in 2008.
Nottingham Tennis Centre has 9 full-sized grass courts, and therefore is a very popular spot for professional and amateur players alike.
As well as being able to watch major tennis stars play, there will also be several free family coaching sessions.
The Aegon Open will not be the only tennis event going on in Nottingham, the LTA will also be hosting several different tournaments ranging from junior to veteran throughout the summer months.