COMPETITORS from around the globe were getting in early practice at Mildura Lawn Tennis Club on Friday.
With the Mildura International qualifiers scheduled to start on Sunday, many players opted to arrive early in order to familiarise themselves with the conditions, including Thai player Punnin Kovapitukted, who was having a hit on grass for the first time ever.
Conditions were blistering at around noon on Friday, perhaps a small glimpse of what’s to come.
Maximum daily temperatures over the next week are expected to range between 37 and 41 degrees.
After a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic and floods, tournament director Jason Simmons said the entry list looked strong for the pro tour event.
“We’ve got players from about eight or nine other countries around the world,” he said.
“There’s not a lot of grass court events on the tennis tour anymore, this is one of only a handful of them, so it’s great for our players to get experience on grass, as well as the international players as well.”
Simmons said it was exciting to have the event up and running again.
“It’s a great facility, it’s easy to watch matches and you’re seeing world class tennis up close and personal. You can see how true professional’s play the game.”
Qualifying matches for the Mildura International begin Sunday from 10am.
