South African tennis amateurs can once again look forward to joining their peers worldwide to compete in the 2011 Kia Amateur Australian Open world finals in Melbourne, Australia.
As the major sponsor of the Australia Open, the motor company has hosted the Kia Amateur Australian Open tournament since 2002 to give amateurs the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of the Grand Slam as well as to show their prowess on the court.
Kia Amateur Australian Open tournaments are held in each of 16 participating countries worldwide. The best amateur players – one male and one female – from each participating country go on to compete in this non-ranking event. Not only do the Kia Australian Open competitors get to watch some of the Grand Slam action, but they also get to play their matches almost side-by-side with tennis greats – the amateur tournament is held on site during the second week of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
There is no prize so to speak – the two winners from each country win an all expenses paid trip to Australia with hospitality and the opportunity to play internationally.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for amateurs,” comments Vinola Pillay of Kia Motors, South Africa. “What makes this tournament unique is that it is aimed at amateurs who play at club level and yet it’s linked to a major international tournament. Competitors in the Kia Amateur Australian Open get to watch and compete in world events, a major coup for any amateur.”
South African amateur players are invited to apply to compete in what is billed to be a major national playoff for their place in Melbourne, and entries close on the 21st November 2010.
The national playoff will be held from Friday, 26th November – Sunday, 28th November at the University of Pretoria. The format is a set of mixed doubles followed by mens / ladies singles set and the winning team needs to win two of three sets.
Entry is open to any South African amateur tennis player over the age of 18 who is a member of a club affiliated to SATA. Participants may not at any stage have had a professional singles or doubles ranking appearing on the ATP or WTA ranking lists. Any person who has competed in a previous Kia Amateur Australian Open cannot play again. SA winners must be available to travel to the Australian Open between January 17 and 30, 2011. For full details on requirements enquiries can be directed to: Lisa Wade: lisa@langazela.co.za or 082 904 1805
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