World class tennis in Eastbourne

Eastbourne presents a world class getaway this June with tennis star, Ana Ivanovic, ranked the No 2 player in the world, making her Devonshire Park debut in two weeks. The International Women’s Open is already attracting top tennis names from around the world when it returns from 14-21 June, including Amelie Mauresmo, Lindsay Davenport and Marion Bartoli.

Boasting some of the highest calibre grass courts in the world, Eastbourne makes a first class destination for a June getaway with the opportunity to watch international stars up close.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “This year’s championships are shaping up to be one of the best tournaments yet in the event’s 33-year history. Boosted by the fantastic news earlier this year that from 2009 the men’s tournament will join the women’s at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne is becoming recognised alongside top sporting destinations across the globe. Anyone visiting Eastbourne within the next few weeks is sure to be gripped by tennis fever.”

With Ladies Day, Twilight Tennis and Tennis on the Beach all scheduled into the week long tournament for 2008, Devonshire Park offers a real garden party atmosphere.

Girls will be lining up to get their glad rags on for Ladies Day on Tuesday 17 June when all visitors to the event will be able to pick up a goody bag. There is a chance to watch all the action on the prestigious grass courts, do some celebrity spotting and top the day off with a glass of champagne.

Or for those who are hard at work during the day and miss out on the tennis action, organisers are introducing a Twilight Tennis session for the first time on Wednesday 18 June. With a main draw match starting at 6pm, spectators can come along after work to enjoy a 3rd round match with cocktails and Boogie Woogie blues entertainment from Big Al’s Trio after the match.

Plus kids can join in the tennis action too with Tennis on the Beach. Kidzone activities will take place Monday - Friday on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns with children from local schools being coached by staff from the LTA.

With plenty of places to choose from when it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Eastbourne, spectators enjoying the International Women’s Open can opt for 5-star luxury, small friendly guesthouses, or harbour-side apartments. See www.visiteastbourne.com for accommodation inspiration.

June also sees the opening of the town’s new da Vinci Hotel. Eastbourne’s first art hotel is located less than a 5 minute walk from Devonshire Park and is taking bookings now.

For more information on this year’s tournament visit Eastbourne-tennis.co.uk.