The week-long tournament is entering its second year, although it is the first time at the Jacobs Pavilion.
CLEVELAND – Tennis in the Land has proven to be a real ace to our local economy. In fact, organizers predicted that more than $2.1 million would benefit Cleveland.
The week-long tournament will see 48 players from around the world playing more than 50 matches for a chance to play at the US Open. Tennis in the country is one of three chances to earn a spot.
Although in its second year, organizers say this year is bigger and better than ever.
“We’ve learned a lot over the past year and as a result have been able to make a lot of operational and visual improvements,” Mike Mulhall, vice president of business development at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, told 3News.
Adding another push this year, Mulhall was a bigger crowd and a prime location: Jacobs Pavilion along the Cuyahoga River.
“It’s obviously a very unique place,” he said. “It’s also really great for us because it’s being broadcast on the Tennis Channel around the world.”
Restaurants, hotels and area attractions will all get a boost from the event. Also successful? Nonprofit Advantage Cleveland, the official tournament beneficiary.
“We have over 300 kids — Downtown, 79th, and Hough,” said Todd Wojtkowski of Advantage Cleveland and Topnotch Tennis Tours. “We give children poetry, literacy, wellness, fitness and tennis.
“Tennis is the catch, let’s get through the door by hitting some balls and then, you know, want to educate them. And the students who do well throughout the year, we sort of promote them to an after-school program where they get tutoring and tennis after school, so it’s a safe place for them.”
RELATED: Advantage Cleveland — Where tennis and poetry meet to create a bright future
With tennis legend Serena Williams approaching retirement, Tennis in the Land is also serving as an inspiration for the young girls at Advantage Cleveland.
“I think it opens a door and you see that in all sports,” Wojtkowski explained. “When a legacy leaves, it opens the door for someone else to share their story, and I think that really motivates the kids and they can say, ‘I want to be the next one to fill that void.’ “
Ola Golawska with Topnotch is a lifelong tennis player who has now retired from competition. She says Serena is motivational for all women, and especially those who play tennis in the country.
“In my opinion, she changed the world of tennis [and] Women’s empowerment,” Golawska said. “I feel like she introduced a new version of tennis to a lot of young women and women who are currently on tour – the strategy, the mentality on the court and just [the] Approach to sport and women in sport in general…the attitude, the power and the confidence.
“She inspired us that we can achieve anything if we just put all the work and heart into what we want.”
There is still time for tickets to tennis in the country, which runs until Saturday. For ticket and timetable information click HERE.
RELATED: ‘Lots of emotions’ at Serena Williams’ first game since announcing retirement
Comments are closed.