Bumper crowds expected to see tennis pros in Shrewsbury
Extra seating has been added to cope with expected demand from fans as professional women's tennis returns to Shropshire tomorrow.
A strong field of up-and-coming stars from around Europe have entered the Aegon GB Pro-Series, with organisers hoping for big crowds at The Shrewsbury Club.
Defending champion Oceane Dodin, 19, the French prospect who has rocketed up the world rankings since her victory last year, will be defending her crown.
"We know that Shrewsbury and Shropshire tennis fans respond well to these tournaments," said Alvin Ward, manager of The Shrewsbury Club.
"The final of the men's event here in March was one of the best attended Aegon finals around the UK at any prize money level and we're really proud of that fact.
"There were so many spectactors, more than 400, that it was actually a job to get everyone sat down, so we've now increased our tiered seating for the advanced stages of the tournament and there will be better seating to ensure we can comfortably seat crowds of that size.
"We're looking forward to big crowds coming along throughout the week to enjoy some great tennis."
Players were arriving today to sign in for the $25,000 event, with qualifying starting tomorrow.
Round one starts on Tuesday morning with the draw, which will be conducted by Shropshire celebrity chef Marcus Bean, taking place at a civic reception on Monday night.
The singles final, which will be watched by special guest Judy Murray – top tennis coach and mother of British stars Andy and Jamie – will be next Saturday.
Ward added: "It's a great way of showing how the town, the town council and local businesses get behind the tournament and make this event happen.
"It's a really expensive event to put on so we need the town to get behind it and the civic reception showcases the support we get from Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council to put on the event.
"It makes the players and LTA officials feel welcome. It's just something else to ensure that the players go away from Shrewsbury talking about what a great tournament it is and means more and more are keen to enter the following year.
"We know the tournaments brings business to the town, but it also showcases what a fantastic town Shrewsbury is and we should be really proud of showing it off."
Admission will be free throughout the week.
