Mercer Tennis Classic gets underway Sunday morning

By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

            Two players in the world’s top 100 highlight the field of the Mercer Tennis Classic.

            The action gets underway on Sunday with qualifying and lasts a week.

            Belinda Bencic of Switzerland is the highest ranked member of the field at No. 41. The winner of two WTA titles has been ranked No. 7, and has beaten both Williams sisters, Carolina Garcia, and Angelique Kerber.

            The highest ranked American is No. 95 Madison Brengle, of Delaware. Initially, No. 66 Taylor Townsend was in the main draw, as of earlier this month, but isn’t on the final list.

            There are nine players ranked in the top 150, six from the U.S.

            The tournament has a 32-person singles qualifying draw, 32-person main draw, and a 16-team doubles draw. Players need three wins to qualify for the main draw.

            The Tennis Channel will cover the semifinals and final on its platforms.

            The weather looks to be cooperative.

            The tournament, which underwent a recent name change, is in its sixth year, second as an $80,000 event. It’s the second-largest tournament in Georgia for prize money, and is now the longest-running tournament in the state.

            The tournament impacts the field at the Australian Open.

            Action starts at 10 a.m. with four courts in play.

            Monday night, a ceremony honoring longtime Tattnall Tennis Center coordinator Robin Bateman will be held at the Mercer courts, starting at 5:30 p.m. Drills with USTA Pro Circuit pros will follow.

            Those interested in volunteering can call Mercer tennis coach and tournament director Eric Hayes at 478-301-2269. For more info, visit the website.