Box office tennis figures slam record

Box Office figures for one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments hit an all time high this year, with ticket sales income up 14.5% on the 2007 all time record. Nearly 6,000 spectators turned out to witness Agnieszka Radwanska slam Nadia Petrova to victory on Saturday and win the International Women’s Open title at Devonshire Park. Eastbourne’s famous grass courts also saw Liezel Huber and Cara Black triumph in the doubles final, in the week long tournament that played host to some smashing displays of tennis from world renowned players.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “What a brilliant week of tennis action in Eastbourne! This year’s tournament was one of the best yet and the finale was action-packed, lasting more than 2½ hours! The weather managed to hold out for the whole week and there was plenty of interest from tennis fans, who can’t wait for next year’s tournament when the men’s championships join the women’s in Eastbourne.”

Devonshire Park provided a real garden party atmosphere last week with Pimms on the lawns, a nail bar for the ladies, and after work entertainment with Twilight Tennis attracting an early evening audience. Kids also enjoyed tennis on the beach all week, with top coaches teaching school children how to serve on the Western Lawns.

Boosted by the news that from 2009 the men’s pre-Wimbledon event will merge with the women’s championships at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne is excited at the prospect of breaking even more records next year.

The International Lawn Tennis Centre (ILTC), which last week played host to some of the world’s best female tennis players, is holding an Open Day on 1 July from 11am – 8pm. Local businesses and private clients will have the chance to view the first class facilities for themselves, which can be booked for meetings, tennis days or special celebrations outside of the tennis season.

The Devonshire Park turf is now being prepped ready for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) County Cup Grass Court Championships from 21-25 July, with tennis events set to continue all summer.

For more information, log on to Visiteastbourne.com.