Stellenbosch, South Africa – Next week, international professional tennis returns to Stellenbosch in the Western Province when the Digicall Futures 1 will be played from Monday 2 November with the final played on Sunday 8 November.
The tournament is the first of three back to back international men’s and women’s events to be played simultaneously each week at the same venue, The Maties Tennis Club on the University of Stellenbosch sporting grounds.
The Digicall Futures 2 will be played from Monday 9 November with the finals on Sunday 15 November and the Digicall Futures 3 from Monday 16 November until Sunday 22 November.
A strong entry of local and international players has entered the Digicall Futures 1 including South Africa’s Davis Cup squad players Nik Scholtz and Lloyd Harris.
Nik Scholtz currently ranked the third highest player in the country at 450 said “It is always great to play at home, the amount of support you get is always great. Playing at home also means the climate is on your side as you are more used to it. This also gives those players who would otherwise be unable to travel overseas to participate in such a tournament.”
Lloyd Harris who is currently ranked 497 and the fourth highest ranked player in the country said “It is great that we are having a Futures Series in the country. Normally South African tennis players have to travel to other countries which is usually quite costly. Having a Futures Series in the country helps all South African players to participate in a world class tournament at a fraction of the price.”
There will be players from 12 different countries represented in the men’s tournament.
The women’s draw which includes South African number three and South African Fed Cup team player Madrie Le Roux also has players representing 12 countries entered in the women’s draw including rising star from Hungary Naomi Totka and Jasmin Jebawy of Germany.
Tournament Director Le Roux Conradie said that he was delighted with the strength of the entry. “It’s always good to host international players in South Africa, especially in Stellenbosch which has over the years been a major attraction for tourists and a popular tournament venue. The field of players entered is top class and promises for some exciting tennis. The Digicall Futures series will also enable our rising South African players to earn world ranking points which will enable them to position themselves on the international rankings and assist them with their future careers.”
The qualifying rounds from the Digicall Futures 1 will be played on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November with the main draw commencing Tuesday 2 November. The finals of the Digicall Futures 1 are scheduled for Sunday 8 November.