Tennis stars head to grass courts event
SHELDAN KEAY STOCKPORT’S Naomi Broady and former junior Wimbledon champion Laura Robson are among the tennis stars heading to Manchester from June 11 to compete for the Aegon Manchester Trophy.
The grass-court event is being held at The Northern Lawn Tennis Club in Didsbury, and will also feature a host of international talent honing their game ahead of competing in Wimbledon.
Broady, who lives in Stockport and trains at The Northern will be looking to use her home court advantage at the $100,000 ITF Pro Circuit Women’s event.
Robson, who won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics partnering Andy Murray in the mixed doubles, has struggled with a wrist injury since 2014 but looks to be heading back up the rankings with a recent tournament win in Japan.
The Northern Lawn Tennis Club has an illustrious history having hosted the Northern Open Lawn Tennis Championships from 1920 to 1988. Winners include 39 time Grand Slam Champion Billie-Jean King (1966) and French Open champion and TV presenter Sue Barker (1979).
Aegon Manchester Trophy Tournament Director Richard Joyner is excited for the event, and is glad to have the likes of Broady and Robson involved.
“We’re delighted to be hosting a women’s international event at The Northern in Manchester,” he said.
“It is the largest prize-money event ever to be staged in the north-west, and our player line-up reflects this.
“As well as Naomi and Laura providing British interest, we also have a strong overseas field, which promises to provide some great tennis to view over the week.”
Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman of Manchester City Council was equally as thrilled about the event heading to his city.
“We are really excited to bring yet another prestigious sporting event to Manchester,” he said.
“With free entry for everyone across the qualifying rounds and top British stars to cheer on, this is an unmissable opportunity to enjoy world-class tennis and yet another highlight in the city’s packed summer calendar.”
Entry to the event is FREE for the qualifying rounds on Sunday 11 June and Monday 12 June and tickets start from £7 for the other days.
Tickets holders are allowed to travel free on the Metrolink tram network while the event is taking place.
Tickets for this year’s Aegon Manchester Trophy are on sale now and can be purchased from www. theticketfactory.com or by calling 0844 581 1530.