The Dow Tennis Classic returns beginning Oct. 31, through Nov. 6.
Hosted at the Greater Midland Tennis Center, this Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour 125 event will welcome world-class players as they compete for a $115,000 purse and valuable WTA ranking points. This year will mark the 34th edition of the event, and the second as a WTA 125 Tour level event after spending many years as an ITF event on the USTA Pro Circuit.
“Last year, the community was excited to see this storied event be taken to the next level when joining the WTA Tour,” said Jeff Rekeweg, tournament director of the Dow Tennis Classic and executive director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center. “The Dow Tennis Classic is a historic staple of the Greater Midland event calendar, and we are excited to continue building the event for the future.”
As Michigan’s largest professional tennis tournament, the Dow Tennis Classic continues to thrive under the direct support from Dow with their title sponsorship. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Aug. 1.
“The Dow Tennis Classic is unique in how much support is given from the whole Greater Midland Community,” said Rekeweg. “However, we would specifically like to thank Dow for their continued support over the years not only on this event, but the Great Lakes Bay Region as a whole.”
The Dow Tennis Classic has been a marquee American event for players progressing from the ITF level to the WTA Tour. Players who have come to the Great Lakes Bay Region to take part in the event include former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova, two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na, and current WTA stars Coco Gauff and Shelby Rogers.
This year’s WTA 125 tournament will be even more memorable with Dow celebrating its 125th anniversary. Throughout the 125 years, Dow has placed value in providing opportunities to the area to attract and retain top-talent, and has historically contributed to bringing professional sporting events to the Midland community.
“Each year we look forward to the community impact this tournament generates and have a great deal of pride partnering with Greater Midland to bring a professional tennis event to be witnessed first-hand alongside our customers, coworkers, neighbors, friends and families right in our own backyard at the Greater Midland Tennis Center,” said Chris Chandler, director of Dow Sports Marketing.
Around 250 volunteers will be needed, said Cassie Nealis, Marketing and Design Specialist with Greater Midland, when the opportunity opens. Those currently interested in volunteering for the 2022 tournament should contact Nicole Northard at NNorthard@greatermidland.org.
In addition to the support from Dow, the event continues to be a unique stop on the American women’s tennis calendar for the WTA players due to the community support from Greater Midland. From the involvement of local sponsors, the player hospitality provided and the unique community engagement opportunities available, the Dow Tennis Classic has become a great way for players to round out their WTA Tour schedule in the United States.
Those interested in supporting the tournament through other means should reach out to Rekeweg at JRekeweg@greatermidland.org.
As the tournament approaches, more information can be found online at www.dowtennisclassic.com.
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