Cairns served an ace on the international tennis circuit when great Australian and former world number one doubles player and seven grand slam titles winner, John Fitzgerald, launched a premier event for the city yesterday.

‘Fitzy’ joined Mayor, Val Schier, to announce the inaugural Cairns Tennis International planned for September this year at the brand new Cairns Regional Tennis Facility.  A host of big name players will wow fans of the game.

“This week long event, sponsored by Cairns Regional Council, Tennis Australia and Tennis will put Cairns on the map as a serious tennis destination,” Cr Schier said.

“Cairns will have the best of the best to offer when the $5.5 million world class courts and facilities are completed - a wonderful climate, a beautiful backdrop of rainforest and reef and this combination offers top of the list opportunities for national and international tennis events.

“This high profile tournament set for the first week of September will be a mix of celebratory events attracting hundreds of visitors, players, officials and their families. This will be a great injection into local economy.”

Chair of Sport, Arts, Community and Cultural Services Committee, Cr Margaret Cochrane said the Cairns Tennis International Tournament will run 5-12 September this year coupled with a swath of accompanying events including a gala dinner compared by Paul McDermott and Mikey Robbins of Good News Week fame.

“As part of the week long program, celebrity players will meet for an interactive match similar to that of the Australian Open.  Players will be miked on court so the audience can ask questions,” Cr Cochrane said.  “Fitzy will be court side at the Freshwater Tennis Club tomorrow to conduct a fun day clinic with local junior players.”