Long-running Scottish tennis tournament recognised with ITF award
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A long-running Scottish tennis tournament has been honoured by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as part of its Tournament Recognition Programme.
The ‘Longevity Award’ was presented for the success of the annual ITF men's and women's event at Scotstoun Tennis Centre in Glasgow, which has been delivered by Tennis Scotland since 1998. Previous title winners include home favourites Andy Murray, Aidan McHugh, Jamie Murray, Colin Fleming and Maia Lumsden.
The award recognises venues that have hosted ITF World Tennis Tour events consecutively for 25 years or more and have demonstrated consistency and commitment in delivering high-quality international tennis tournaments.
Launched in 2023, the programme aims to reward and recognise tournaments and national associations for the delivery of events that perform well against ITF standards. Also honoured was the Junior International Roehampton (Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre), which is delivered by the LTA.
Scotstoun has already hosted an international event this season, with the Lexus Glasgow Challenger taking place in February, and will be the home in October to this year’s edition of the combined women’s and men’s ITF event, which also forms part of the LTA Performance Competitions Calendar.
The number of international events in Scotland continues to increase each year, with ITFs at senior and junior levels, as well as the ATP Challenger Tour. Meanwhile, we are regularly hosting events on the Tennis Scotland Open Tour and Lexus British Tour, giving players a significant number of opportunities to complete at a high level on Scottish soil.
'Going from strength to strength'
Mike Cohen, Head of Competitions & Events at Tennis Scotland, said: “We are delighted to see our event in Glasgow receive international recognition after delivering top-class tennis for 26 years.
“The event continues to go from strength to strength and is an integral part of our competitions calendar, providing Scottish and British players with opportunities to compete against top professionals from around the world.
“Planning is well underway for this year’s event, and we are looking forward to welcoming a strong field of players to a terrific venue at Scotstoun, where tennis fans always create a great atmosphere.”
Alan Milner, Head of Sport for Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers sport and culture in the city to enhance physical, mental and economic wellbeing – said: “As an internationally renowned destination for sport, Glasgow boasts world-class venues which not only allow the city to host major sporting championships and important tournaments, but also provide vital and outstanding training facilities for both elite and amateur athletes and players.
“Scotstoun, one of our flagship sports venues, is a much-valued focal point for tennis within the city and right across the country, and we are proud of its incredible record of being at the heart of the prestigious ITF World Tennis Tour for well over two decades, and the lasting legacy that has resulted in by inspiring, encouraging and enabling the development of great talent in the sport.
!It is a real honour for our venue teams to win this special recognition from the ITF of the annual event’s continued success at Scotstoun.”
Chris Pollard, LTA Managing Director – Commercial & Operations, said: “It’s fantastic to see our events in Glasgow and Roehampton receive this recognition for delivering world class tennis events here in Great Britain for over 25 years.
“These tournaments are an integral part of the British tennis calendar and offer our professional and junior players significant opportunities to play and compete against other top-level competitors from around the world as they continue to develop in their careers.
“For many years, they have played a key role in inspiring more players to continue their journey in our sport and we are grateful for the incredible work behind-the-scenes from the various teams involved. We hope that the tournaments will only continue to grow and thrive over the years to come.”