Last week, the sunny, seaside town of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast, welcomed a host of British and International tennis players, who descended on the town for the inaugural Cromer £10,000 Progress Tour event - the largest ever prize money tennis event to visit the County.
Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club boasts some of the best kept grass courts in the country, thanks to the support of North Norfolk District Council and to the tireless work of Head Groundsman, Matt Jordan and his team. With first class grass courts, a welcoming team of passionate volunteer members and a healthy supply of fresh strawberries and cream on tap, the scene was set perfectly for this Wimbledon by the Sea event.
A high quality line-up, including a number of aspiring junior players, ATP and WTA International players, as well as a large cohort of returning US College scholars, completed the strong field. The event presented players with the opportunity for some much valued grass court competition, substantial prize money and wildcard opportunities, providing a fantastic showcase of high-level tennis for the Norfolk crowd.
On court proceedings, saw top seed Joanna Garland (WTA 380) playing under Chinese Taipei, lift the Women's title with a straight sets victory over University of Florida student-athlete, Alicia Dudeney, a Quarter-finalist at last years Junior Wimbledon Girl's event. Mens 2nd seed Toby Samuel (ATP 1809) lifted the Men's trophy, with victory over his training partner at The University of Bath, David Quayle. The event marks Samuel's 4th consecutive Progress Tour title, and extend his winning streak to 18 matches, stretching back to last summer. Both players walk away with £2,000 winners cheques and earn WCs into the Wimbledon play-offs, due to take place at the AELTC later this week.
Throughout the week, players were treated to the hospitality of club members, volunteers and host families, as well as being provided with a steady supply of locally produced porridge via our partner - Norwich Porridge. The event also operated a community engagement programme, with players taking part in junior coaching clinics, a pro-am event and a number of club social events with barbecues organised by the club, and fresh strawberries and cream on offer throughout. Fantastic to see this interaction between the event and the club, and to witness the positive impact events such as these can have on the local community.
The Cromer event marked the first of three summer swing events, and with its conclusion, we look towards the next two events approaching in the coming weeks - the £5,000 Prize Money Event in Redhill (20-24 June) and the £10,000 Prize Money event in Sutton (27 June - 2 July). Registration for Redhill closes this Thursday at 2pm, so head on over to our events page and submit your entry while you still can! If you're not joining us, you can follow all of the action via Instagram and our other platforms.
See you on court!
The Progress Tour Team
Comentarios