Swept Away tennis championship serves off Saturday
THE Couples Swept Away Open Clay Court Tennis Championship which began in 1991 has developed the reputation over the years as Jamaica’s premier open tennis tournament.
This October marks the 21st anniversary of the tournament. After a five-year hiatus this year, the Swept Away resorts will again host this local event through which Jamaica has received worldwide recognition for its contribution to the sport.
This milestone event will feature top players from Jamaica, the Caribbean, USA, Canada and Europe October 18-20 at Couples Swept Away Negril.
According to tournament director, Llockett McGregor, without the Swept Away tournament there is a big void in the professional tennis league in Jamaica.
“The tournament has grown from a top-16 competition to one of the biggest tournaments of an international calibre in Jamaica. This year players will be coming here from as far as China. Swept Away provides the best facilities that tennis players and enthusiasts look forward to each year,” McGregor said.
This annual event has successfully exposed young players to the international arena of the sport of tennis, and has developed to internationally accepted standards. The tournament will be advertised by the Professional Tennis Registry’s website and magazine with over two million active members in Europe, the United States and Asia.
President of Tennis Jamaica John Bailey, in endorsing the event, said the championship is a great opportunity for senior players to compete at the professional level.
“A significant number of players from Jamaica, the region and overseas will help to build a momentum that will hopefully lead to a continued commitment to develop the sport. We need to have our minds ahead by at least three to five years, which can result in a win-win situation for everybody,” Bailey said.