With Wimbledon now in full swing, global attention shifts to tennis, creating a racket of excitement across the world. In South Africa, tennis has historically taken a backseat to more popular sports like cricket, rugby and soccer.

In a bid to revitalise the local tennis scene, Curro, in partnership with Tennis South Africa, has brought a fresh wave of energy and opportunity to the South African tennis field by hosting three International Tennis Federation (ITF)  men’s and women’s prize money tournaments at Curro Hillcrest in Durban during June and July 2024.

The prestigious series is the first to feature professional men’s international tournaments in South Africa since 2021 and marks an important step in bringing the sport to the forefront. The total prize money for the three tournaments is an impressive $110,000 (R2,040,000), providing a substantial investment in local and international tennis talent and having the potential to make a profound difference in the lives of the winners.

“By hosting and investing these tournaments, we aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of South African tennis champions. “Generally, South African players must travel to other countries to play in tournaments of this calibre. In fact, the last time a tournament of this kind was held locally, was in 2021. Having these tournaments in South Africa not only offers valuable exposure and experience but also helps elevate the status of tennis in our country.  Our commitment is to create a thriving tennis culture that encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential, ensuring that South Africa is represented with pride on the global tennis stage,” said Curro CEO, Cobus Loubser.

Photo Credit: Google

Courting Competition

The series began with a combined M15 and W15 tournament from 17-23 June, with a prize pool of $30,000 (R560,000) for both men and women. This was followed by a combined M25 and W15 competition from 23-30 June, offering $25,000 (R462,500) for men and $15,000 (R277,500) for women. The series is currently concluding with a combined M15 and W25 event from 1-7 July, offering $15,000 (R277,500) for men and $25,000 (R462,500) for women.

At the end of week two of the series, rising South African tennis stars Isabella Kruger and Khololwam Montsi claimed impressive victories in the women’s and men’s singles finals, respectively. Kruger, a 19-year-old Curro alumni and sixth seed, dominated Japan’s Michika Ozeki to win 6/2, 6/4, while 21 year old Montsi and fellow Curro alumni qualifier, triumphed over Devin Badenhorst with a 6/4, 6/2 score. These victories highlight the potential and talent within South Africa that is being nurtured and brought to the international stage.

By the end of the series, 39 South African men and 28 South African women will have competed, earning valuable ATP ranking points. These points are crucial for their professional careers and are typically gained at a much higher cost in international tournaments. The series significantly reduces the financial burden on local players, allowing them to compete at a high level without the expense of international travel.

“The success of the Curro Centre Court Series underscores the importance of local support and investment in tennis. It demonstrates that with the right opportunities and platforms, South African players can shine on the international stage, inspiring future generations to take up the sport,” concludes Loubser.