Tennis Classic of Macon Moves On Campus to Mercer University

For Immediate Release

• The Tennis Classic of Macon
• Presented by the W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation
• MERCER UNIVERSITY - LEROY PEDDY TENNIS CENTER - OCT 25 - NOV 1, 2015
• 2015 Tennis Classic of Macon Moves to Mercer University

MACON, Georgia, (June 30, 2015) Professional tennis returns to Macon this fall. Following a successful two-year run at Stratford Academy, this year’s USTA Pro Circuit 50K events moves to Mercer University’s Leroy Peddy Tennis Center.

The presenting sponsor, The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation and Mercer head men’s and women’s coach, Eric Hayes, make sure this event keeps getting bigger and better each year.

“We are very excited to have the USTA Tennis Classic of Macon at Mercer University this coming October,” said Hayes, who had run this event in Troy, Ala. for 10 years before moving it to Macon. “There have been major improvements to the facility that include resurfacing all the courts, adding new fencing, and more is being planned. Want to thank Stratford Academy for letting me host the event the last two years and all the help given, specifically Jaime Kaplan. Jaime will still be heavily involved in the tournament. By moving the event will bring tremendous exposure to Mercer and the tennis program. We will also be able have night matches now that will attract a great crowd after work to a centralized part of Macon”

Hayes says he is always looking for additional partners for the tournament and there still is time to get involved.

“It has been great to see the entire Macon tennis community get behind the tournament and interact with the players,” explained Hayes. “Talking to the players, I think they had even more fun than the fans. We need to continue getting that support and then keep building on it.”

This year, the Tennis Classic of Macon will once again be a 50K event.

The last two years, Middle Georgia tennis fans have been treated to watching the likes of Ajla Tomljanovic, Madison Brengle, Irina Falconi, Nicole Gibbs and Sachia Vickery play at Stratford. These players all have spent time in the top-100 in the world. Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine is the defending singles champion.

Tickets will be available soon, and volunteers will be needed once again. Call Mercer tennis coach and tournament director Eric Hayes at (478) 301-2269.

About the Leroy Peddy Tennis Center

The LeRoy Peddy Tennis Center is the home for Mercer University men's and women's tennis. The facility is located just inside the South campus entrance, nestled among its pine tree lined western perimeter and adjacent to MU's softball stadium and practice fields. The Center features a total of eight courts, aligned in a picturesque bi-level configuration (four courts each on the upper and lower tiers). The lighted venue also has ample parking and seating for fans on either level and a park-like walkway for access between the two sections.

About the USTA Pro Circuit

With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2014, the USTA Pro Circuit provides players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. John Isner, Maria Sharapova, Sam Querrey, Sloane Stephens, Mardy Fish, Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray are among today’s top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.

The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation

The W.L. Amos Sr. Foundation is the presenting sponsor of the tournament

Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation

The mission of the Middle Georgia Tennis Foundation is to raise funds to support tennis programs, especially youth programs in Middle Georgia.  

For more information:

Website: www.ustamaconclassic.com

Twitter:  @USTAMacon50K