$50,000 Savannah Challenger Returns for Third Consecutive Year
(SAVANNAH, GA) For the third consecutive year, The Landings on Skidaway Island will host the $50,000 Savannah Challenger. This year’s tournament, which will feature 32 world-ranked tennis professionals, takes place April 30-May 8 at The Landings on Skidaway Island.
“The Challenger continues to grow and become a part of the fabric of Savannah,” says Tournament Chairperson Robin Gold. “As we go in to our third year, people are recognizing that the Challenger is the go-to place for world-class tennis in an intimate setting. We have a great opportunity to witness some of the best tennis players on their way up in world rankings.”
Each year, the USTA hosts 16 Challenger Tournaments around the country. Participants are usually full-time ATP tour players with a world ranking of 40-200 who play in the tournaments to improve their rankings and advance to Grand Slam events.
The 2010 tournament, which was held May 1-9, attracted more than 3,000 fans from around the country, who descended upon Savannah to see some of the world’s best rising tennis stars in action. Kei Nishikori of Japan won the 2010 singles tournament, defeating Ryan Sweeting of the United States 6-4, 6-0, while the doubles team of Jamie Baker and James Ward of Great Britain bested the team of Bobby Reynolds (United States) and Fritz Wolmarans (South Africa) 6-3, 6-4.
Among the professionals competing in the 2010 $50,000 Savannah Challenger, 56 percent went on to compete in the Australian Open, while 50 percent competed in the U.S. Open, 50 percent competed in Wimbledon and 31 percent competed in the French Open.
This year’s tournament will be preceded by a Challenger Qualifying Tournament February 25-27 at The Landings. The winner will receive a Wild Card into the qualifying rounds of the 2011 $50,000 Savannah Challenger.
In addition to the professional competition, the 2011 $50,000 Savannah Challenger will feature a Kids Day Clinic and a Ladies Day, as well as a Pro-Am in which 100 percent or the proceeds will be donated to a local charity.
Both the Challenger Qualifying Tournament and the 2011 Savannah Challenger are open to the public. For more information, please visit www.savannahchallenger.com .