3 May 2019

Get ready for a starry and eventful summer of tennis

With the British grass court tennis season edging ever closer, to get you in the mood we take a look at some of the upcoming highlights of the summer 

GB Fed Cup stars Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter set to battle for Nottingham crown

Johanna Konta and Katie Boulter will be hoping they can continue their fine form on British soil when they return for the Nature Valley Open at the Nottingham Tennis Centre from the 8-16 June.  They will be joined by a strong women’s field with top 10 player Ashleigh Barty looking to defend her title and 2017 winner Donna Vekic also in the mix.

 

There is not only lots of professional tennis on show in Nottingham but also the opportunity for you to get on court too with the Nottingham Parks Tennis League running throughout the summer and open to men and women of all standards.

Naomi Osaka returns to the Nature Valley Classic Birmingham

The WTA Premier-level event is set to have the strongest line-up in its 38 year history, with reigning world no.1 Naomi Osaka joining current world no. 2 and defending champion Petra Kvitova, 2016 champion Madison Keys and British no.1 Johanna Konta on the grass courts at the Edgbaston Priory Club. The closest local league to play in yourself is Solihull or Sutton Coldfield.

A world class field at The Queen’s Club

The Fever-Tree Championships was voted as the 2018 ATP-500 Tournament of the year by the players on the ATP Tour and it is therefore unsurprising that it continues to attract the big names this year. Stan Wawrinka, Maric Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, Juan-Martin Del Potro, Kevin Anderson Nick Kyrgios, Kyle Edmund, Stefan Tsitsipas and Milos Raonic have all already confirmed their attendance at the event which takes place at The Queen’s Club in London from the 17-23 June. Want to get on court? Try the nearby Hammersmith & Fulham or Holland Park Tennis League

First grass court wheelchair tennis ranking event outside of Wimbledon

After a successful launch as an exhibition event in 2018 the Fever-Tree Wheelchair Tennis Championships returns with an elevated status this year.  Eight of the world's leading wheelchair players will be taking part at the Queen's Club with ranking points contributing towards qualification for the Paralympics in Toyko next year.

The Paul Hutchins Trophy

A new 18 and under team competition, named in honour of former British Davis Cup captain Paul Hutchins who died earlier this year, will also be hosted at the Fever-Tree Championships at Queen's. Great Britain will take on the United States in an annual event which will include four junior players from each nation representing their respective countries.

Caroline Wozniacki aims for a hat-trick  in Eastbourne

The defending champion has had lots of success by the sea, winning the title twice, finishing as runner up three times and reaching the semi-finals twice. Johanna Konta will be one of the players hoping to stop Wozniacki's charge, having confirmed her entry in her hometown tournament which takes place from 21-29 June.  The Nature Valley International is now a combined men's and women's event, so keep an eye out for more exciting player announcements. If it all makes you want to compete yourself, the Eastbourne Tennis League starts on 27 June, just before the international event closes.

The Wimbledon No. 1 Court roof is ready for use

The new £70 million retractable roof on the No. 1 court at Wimbledon is complete and ready for use at this year’s championships. Play on both show courts will now be able to continue whatever the weather, putting an end to the frustrating rain delays for many spectators. There is more good news for the fans with the No.1 court capacity being increased by 1000 seats and all seats within the stadium have been replaced for improved comfort.

YOUTUBE: WIMBLEDON

Earlier start time on outside courts at Wimbledon

There will be tennis on TV just in time for that mid-morning cup of tea with play on the outside courts starting 30 minutes earlier at 11am.

Hawkeye coming to four more courts at Wimbledon

The electronic line calling system is being introduced on Courts 14-17, so expect to see plenty more player-challenges this year.

Andy Murray’s return to action?

Andy Murray recently revealed he is now pain-free after his hip surgery and that he could return to action this summer. Officially he has until 18th June to apply for a Wimbledon wildcard, however the All England Club would be prepared to give him more time to decide whether or not to play in his home Grand Slam. To play opposite the tournament yourself join the Wimbledon Park Tennis League which offers singles, doubles or women's singles.  

Want to be courtside this summer? There are still tickets available for all the LTA major events hereFinally, don't forget the AELTC Community Sports Ground Tennis League. This outstanding and incredibly good value facility, which is owned by the All England Club, is the next best to playing on Centre Court - and now there is league here too!


Main pic Naomi Osaka by Peter Menzel/CC-BY-SA-2.0