Curro Holdings is partnering with Tennis South Africa (TSA) to bring two International Tennis Federation (ITF) men’s and women’s tournaments to the Van der Stel courts in Stellenbosch.
This continues the successful Curro Centre Court Series held at Curro Hillcrest in June and July.
Taking place from Sunday 1 to Sunday 15 December these are Men15 (M15) and Women15 (W15) events, with the first tournament running from 1 to 8 December and the second from 8 to 15 December. Each category boasts prize money of $15 000 per week, with an overall pool of $60 000.
As the tournaments form part of the men’s and women’s ITF tour, the series allows some of the world’s best up-and- coming players to improve their rankings through earning points for their performances. As in Hillcrest, courtside is expected to be packed with spectators in Stellenbosch.
“There is a healthy number of South African men and women playing in these tournaments, many based overseas, who relish the opportunity to return home and compete against world class competition,” says Cindy van der Merwe, portfolio manager at Curro Sport
The SA contingent is strong, led by SA Davis Cup team players Alec Beckley, Leo Matthysen and Phillip Henning, winner of week one of the series in Hillcrest.
Adding some spice to the men’s draw is Leo Borg, son of Swedish tennis legend and five-time Wimbledon winner, Bjorn Borg. Top ranked junior player, teenager Connor Doig from Westville, will also want to impress.
In the women’s draw, SA’s hope will be pinned on Isabella Kruger and teenager Jahnie van Zyl, a top junior player.
Kruger, daughter of the late Springbok rugby legend Ruben, had an up-and-down performance at Curro Hillcrest, winning the second week’s women’s title but falling early in the other two weeks.
“This is a rare opportunity for people to experience international tennis in SA,” Van der Merwe adds. “The standard is exceptionally high and those who take the time to come and soak up the action will be richly rewarded.”
