Lexus Wrexham Open will help inspire next generation of tennis players in Wales

Staging a world-class tennis tournament in Wrexham later this year will help inspire the next generation of tennis players in Wales, according to a former British star.

Mel South, who was ranked in the world’s top 100 during her own playing days and also represented Great Britain in the Fed Cup, now known as the Billie Jean King Cup, was a guest at the official launch of the Lexus Wrexham Open.

The event will be the biggest women’s tennis tournament to be played in the UK this year, outside of the Lawn Tennis Association's grass court season, and will take place at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre between October 19-26.

“It's a really exciting tournament, a great level,” said South, who lives in South Wales and is now a television tennis commentator.

“I think it’s great for the British players to have home support at W100 level. They can really use it as a platform to drive themselves on and go up into the WTA events.

"The fact that the tournament is coming to Wrexham now and spurs on all the players and the youngsters in Wales as well will be really important.

“The more people we can get to come and watch the tournament, to see live sport, the better.

“You get so close to the players at these type of events. Playing at home you always connect with the fans more, especially when you’re signing autographs for the kids, so it can really inspire the next generation to go on and do well and follow in your footsteps."

Above; Former professional tennis player Mel South, ranked in the world’s top 100 during her playing days, one of the guest speakers at the recent launch event . Photos by James Baylis.

The Lexus Wrexham Open will feature established players from the world’s top 100 who play at Wimbledon and the other Grand Slam tournaments, alongside rising British and international stars.

Kirsty Thomson, event manager at the LTA, added: “It’s really exciting and this level of event just tops off our performance competition calendar.

“This event really helps our younger players that don’t get an opportunity normally with their current ranking to be able to qualify for a tournament at this level.

“We will be able to maybe give them the chance of getting a wild card into it and to have the opportunity to gain some valuable ranking points and prize money, so it’s really helpful.”

Alwyn Jones, interim chief executive of Wrexham Council, is looking forward to welcoming the tournament to the city.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Wrexham, for us to show everything that’s best about Wrexham,” he said. "To have an international event of this nature within Wrexham helps well and truly add to Wrexham being on the map.”

The official launch event for the Lexus Wrexham Open, held at the city’s Ramada Plaza hotel, was hosted by event promoter Dave Courteen.

He told guests, including sponsors from the local business community, what they can expect from the tournament and some of the many ways they can get involved.

“This will be a wonderful event for Wrexham and Wales,” he said. “The whole week will be an exciting festival of tennis and there is so much to look forward to in October. We are delighted to be bringing world-class tennis to North Wales.

“It was fantastic to see so many people at the launch event and nice to hear just how much everyone is looking forward to the tournament.”

A 600-seat capacity arena will be constructed around the main indoor show court at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre to allow spectators to enjoy the action.