TENNIS GARDENS WELCOMES LADIES INVITATIONAL
Addition of the Ladies Tournament Presents Rare Opportunity to Enjoy Top Caliber Men’s and Women’s Tournament Play at the Same Event
The Sarasota Open is not just for the men anymore! The highly popular, clay-pounding event that takes place each April at the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club, is pleased to announce the addition of a 16 player Ladies Tournament during the Sarasota Open this April. With an initial prize purse of 10K and Wildcard entries, this highly anticipated tournament will draw the top female talent from the tennis world for the opportunity of a win at this prestigious, invitation only event.
“We are excited to be announcing the addition of a Ladies Tournament during the 2012 Sarasota Open,” said Tony Driscoll, Tournament Co-Director. “With the addition of this invitational tournament, we bring the tennis audience a rare opportunity to see some of the top ranked male and female talent in the game today playing at one event.”
“The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club is once again the host facility of what will be yet another iconic and outstanding tennis event this coming April,” said Michael Welly, General Manager of Longboat Key Club & Resort. “The combination of the Ladies Tournament with the already highly touted Men’s Tournament, guarantees the crowds will be gathering early in anticipation of a week of highly professional and challenging play – with some of the most popular and upcoming tennis stars on the circuit today. This is a wonderful way to mark the success of the Tournament and to celebrate its 5th anniversary.”
Now in its fifth year, the Sarasota Open has launched some of the top tennis talent in the world, into the spotlight. Attracting national and international attendees to the week-long series of events, the tournament continues to generate excitement among tennis fans as well as creating significant economic opportunities for the region.
The facts:
What: Sarasota Open 2012–
Men’s Professional USTA/ATP 100K Tournament
Ladies Professional 10K Tournament
Where: The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club
3100 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key, Florida 34228
(Longboat Key Club & Resort offers special Sarasota Open Packages – book online at www.longboatkeyclub.com)
When: April 14 – 22, 2012
(Advance tickets can be purchased at www.SarasotaOpen.org)
About the Sarasota Open
The Sarasota Open is the largest USTA sanctioned tennis event in the Sarasota area attracting over 30,000 patrons annually. Now in its 5th year, the tournament has evolved into the most prestigious clay court event prior to the French Open. Previous winners include James Blake in 2011 and Kei Nishikori in 2010. The week long events include qualifying rounds for both the men’s and ladies’ tournaments, Finals Rounds and the Final Championship tournament on Center Court accompanied by Sponsored Hospitality offerings. Tickets to the Sarasota Open are available at www.SarasotaOpen.org and range from $5 for Qualifying Round general admission tickets to $100 Finals Round Box Seats. Finals will be held on April 22, 2012.
About Longboat Key Club & Resort
Longboat Key Club & Resort is Sarasota’s premier AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort and private club renowned for its distinctive guest service and unparalleled amenities. Easily accessible from two international airports, the resorts on-site amenities include: championship golf; 25 Har-Tru tennis courts; a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre; Island House Spa offering over 50 services; six unique restaurants; a 291 slip deep-water marina; and a private white sand beach. Located at 220 Sands Pointe Road, Longboat Key, Florida, reservations can be made by calling (941) 383-8821, (800) 237-8821 or by contacting us online at www.LongboatKeyClub.com. Special Sarasota Open Packages are available.
About the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club
Home of the Sarasota Open, the 4.5 million dollar facility is the recipient of the 2009 USTA Outstanding Facility Award and is a 2011 “Top Ten Gold Medal Tennis Resort, Worldwide” by Tennis Resorts Online. Featuring 20 Har-Tru clay courts, professional instruction, a tennis concierge, clubhouse pro-shop, locker rooms, meeting room and equipped for nighttime play, the facility also offers excellent, casual dining at Court 21 Café and Lounge overlooking the tournament court action. Director of Tennis is John Woods. For more information please call (941) 383-8821.
SANDRA RIOS
DIRECTOR of COMMUNICATIONS
LONGBOAT KEY CLUB & RESORT
T: 941.387.9151
F: 941.387.9559
www.longboatkeyclub.com
