Australian professional tennis player, John-Patrick Smith won the Men’s Final Trophy at the Wither Hills West End Cup last month.
In the Women’s Singles, Israeli professional player Julia Glushko, ranked 186 in the world, circuit took the Women’s title over 22-year-old Australian Masa Jovanovic in a tough matche 6-2,6-1. Glushko commented that the Wither Hills West End Cup is one of the best club tournaments she has played in.
The West End Lawn Tennis Club turned on their largest-ever West End Cup Tournament with the help from main sponsors Wither Hills, Waitemata Local Board, Ray White Damerell Group, Auckland City BMW and SMP Solutions. Players vie for a prize pool of aproximately $15,000. This is the first year the event has been televised live on Sky Sport for national viewers to enjoy the finals of the tournament. The tournament itself promises to be even bigger with the exposure from Sky Sport and a growing tennis audience.
Large crowds from the local community enjoyed three days of tennis, either in corporate hospitality at catered courtside tables on finals day, or siting on the grassy bank and grandstand. The event is always free to view for the public and has a family friendly feel with the Under 16 Boys and Girls tournaments and a Kids Zone for the younger children.
The Wither Hills West End Cup is aligned with Tennis Auckland and is described as the 'Queens Club Championships' to the ASB Classic, as a build up to the January tournament. Tennis Auckland CEO Karl Budge said, “We were really impressed with the standard of the event and we are pleased to have it under the Tennis Auckland umbrella.”
Founded in 1928, West End Lawn Tennis Club is club one of the largest tennis clubs in Auckland, with over 450 members ranging from children to senior citizens. The club house has just gone through major renovations in 2016 and now has a slightly larger, modern facility overlooking six astro-turf courts. The clubhouse is often hired out for functions and community groups.
Event organiser and coaching company head World Tennis Justin Mackenzie said it’s encouraging to see top players coming back to play. They seem to enjoy the laid-back hospitality and warmth of the local Auckland crowds. John-Patrick Smith commented that the Wither Hills West End Cup is a good tournament to play in as a build-up to Australian Open.