Sports lovers in Pāpāmoa will have the opportunity to watch some of the best up and coming tennis players from around the world this December, when The World Tennis Tour returns. Now in its third year, the EVES Open will be held at Pāpāmoa Tennis Club from 16-22 December, attracting players who will compete for coveted world rankings points and more than $60,000 in prize money.

 

The tournament has fast become a favourite for young players on the tennis circuit. Tennis New Zealand Commercial & Marketing Manager Gareth Archer says several players have declared it amongst the best in the world at this level of the professional tennis pyramid. “We’ve had players from more than 20 different countries come to Tauranga over the first two years of this event and it’s quickly become a real highlight they look forward to. The crowds, the entertainment and the summer vibes are what really make it iconic,” says Gareth.

 

The event will have something for everyone, featuring a school holiday programme for junior players and the NZ Wheelchair Tennis Championships, which will be held alongside the pro tournament. Popular courtside hospitality tables will be available, featuring local food and wine served just metres from the action. Public entry is free for spectators, with good vantage points watching from the grass banks behind the courts. Pāpāmoa Tennis Club president Gerald Greig says it’s fantastic to have the event return for a third time to Pāpāmoa.

 

In previous years, supporters came from across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, he says. The event has been a success within the local community since it was first held in December 2022. It brought large crowds every day of the week in the lead-up to Christmas, with fans young and old sitting on the grass banks under pōhutukawa trees watching high-quality tennis action.

 

There was “nothing but rave reviews, just complete over-the-top rave reviews”, says Gerald, who adds that the local tennis community is supportive of the event. It is an opportunity to host a free community event for locals in Pāpāmoa and promote the sport they love, which Pāpāmoa Tennis Club is “super excited” about. “Tennis is a sport for everybody,” says Gerald. “Everybody’s really, really excited.” Naming rights partners EVES Real Estate are also looking forward to bringing worldclass tennis back to Pāpāmoa. “This event is always a highlight of the summer season and EVES are thrilled to be back on board for another year, helping bring world-class sport to Pāpāmoa,” says EVES Sponsorship & Events Manager Vicki Semple.

 

“If you’ve never seen top level tennis up close, you need to get along this year.” In addition to EVES, the event is supported by Tauranga City Council and TECT through their event funds, helping ensure the event remains free to attend for spectators. More information, including expressions of interest for courtside tables, is available www.tennis.kiwi/evesopen

*Article credit Papamoa Post.