The USTA announced that the Drysdale-managed CopperWynd Resort and Club will host the CopperWynd Women’s Pro Challenge for the first time on November 8-15 of this year. The CopperWynd Women’s Pro Challenge, a USTA Pro Circuit event, is the largest women’s professional tennis tournament in Arizona and only 1 of 2 women’s professional tennis tournaments in the state.
The field for the CopperWynd Women’s $50,000 Pro Challenge will feature 32 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Tournaments at the $50,000 level typically feature players ranked from #100 to #500 in the world. They are stepping-stones to WTA Tour events and Grand Slam tournaments like the Australian and US Open. Each year, more than half the players in the US Open Women’s draw have either played or are currently playing on the USTA Pro Circuit.
CopperWynd’s inaugural tournament will be the last leg of the Australian Open Wild Card Challenge, in which the American woman who earns the most WTA ranking points at two of the three chosen USTA Pro Circuit events will receive a wildcard to compete in the Australian Open main draw. “It is very exciting to host a tournament in this series,” says Scott McCulloch, VP of Operations for Cliff Drysdale Tennis Management and the CopperWynd Pro Challenge Tournament Director. “The CopperWynd Pro Challenge will provide spectators with a chance to see these up and coming players in an intimate setting and then cheer for them at the Grand Slams.”
The CopperWynd Pro Challenge will feature several community tennis events throughout the week, including a Kids Day to kickoff the tournament on Saturday, November 7th. “This community loves tennis, and we are excited to be able to host such a dynamic event,” states William Hinz, owner of CopperWynd. “We are looking forward to continue spreading our love and passion for the sport of tennis.”
For ticket or sponsorship information, please contact: Scott McCulloch at 239-246-5303 or email s.mcculloch@cliffdrysdale.com
About the USTA Pro Circuit
With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging $10,000 to $100,000 the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched it’s Pro Circuit 33 years ago to provide players the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed in cities nationwide. Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Caroline Wozniacki, James Blake, Li Na, Andy Murray and Mardy Fish are among today’s top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit.
About CopperWynd Resort & Club
Nestled on 14 acres in the scenic desert foothills of the Sonoran Desert and overlooking Scottsdale,CopperWynd Resort and Club is an intimate, boutique resort offering 32 spacious guest accommodations all with private patios or balconies. Located just minutes from some of Scottsdale’s most acclaimed shopping and dining venues and offering panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert mountain ranges, the resort features a 26,500 square foot clubhouse, brand new fitness center, a full-service spa, two pools including a mountainside lap pool and two restaurants. Known for its extensive tennis programs and facilities, CopperWynd features 9 lighted championship tennis courts including a stadium exhibition court, tennis boutique and a spectator’s terrace. The resort also offers a country club component offering varying types of private memberships. The property has been honored by some of the industry’s most prestigious publications including Conde Nast Traveler’s “Reader’s Choice Awards” and “Gold List”, Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “500 World’s Best Hotels”, and Zagat Survey’s “Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts and Spas.” CopperWynd Resort and Club is managed by Enchantment Group, a leading hotel management company based in Scottsdale, Arizona.