Kelowna Futures Tennis event attracts top-ranking players

Special to the Okanagan Weekend

Back in 2012, all they had was a single grandstand facing the fenced courts of Parkinson Recreation Centre.

The program was a few sheets of notes stapled together and run off on a friend’s copier.

To say things look a little different is an understatement of fairly epic proportions.

Now considered one of the premier ITF stops in all of North America, the Kelowna Futures Tennis event is a draw of note to many of the best up and coming tennis professionals in the world.

Tournament co-ordinator Joachim Nierfeld explains, “for seven days, our city will be home to some of the best players around.

“Philip Bester (ATP rank #345), Filip Peliwo (ATP rank #312), Alexander Sarkissian (ATP rank #274). Many of them have competed — and won — against some of the most recognizable tennis stars on the planet.

“They play in the Australian Open, Wimbledon, the French Open, Indian Wells and more. And for one incredible week each year they come to Kelowna. We could not be more privileged.”

The ITF Professional Men’s circuit exists to help boost players to the highest levels of competition available on the World ATP Tour. To get to the ATP, you have to go through the ITF.

And while the $25,000 in prize money is a huge draw even that can pale in comparison to the desire for the valuable ranking points on offer — the very same points that Andy Murray, Novak Djokavic, Roger Federer and Milos Raonic fight for every single week.

In fact, many of Tennis Canada’s best and brightest head to Kelowna each year for the event, including Davis Cup coach Martin Laurendeau.

As always, the event is non-profit, with every dollar raised going into improving the event for fans and players alike. Anything left over is used to support to the growth of youth tennis in Kelowna.The main event runs June 26 to July 2 with qualifying rounds starting this Saturday. Tickets are available onsite or at KelownaFuturesTennis.com