Organisers have announced that the Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament will move to Liverpool Cricket Club, after 12 years at Calderstones Park.
The event, which is seen as a warm-up tournament for professionals heading to Wimbledon, has been won by high profile names such as David Ferrer and Caroline Wozniacki since it was established in 2002.
Anders Borg, the tournament director and organiser from Northern Vision, told JMU Journalism: “Basically the tournament is a chance for ATP and WTA players to practice before Wimbledon.
“We moved the event away from Calderstones Park down to Liverpool Cricket Club, which is one of the oldest sporting venues in England, dating back to the 1800s. I think it’s a fitting place to stage a tournament and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
He added: “I feel the event has outgrown the park and Liverpool Cricket Club have the right foundations to be a lasting home for the tournament.”
The cricket club last hosted a tennis event back in 1954.
JMU Journalism Radio: Ida Husøy reports
Mayor Joe Anderson has spoken of his support of the event, saying: “The Liverpool Hope International Tennis Tournament is a fantastic event for the city. The event not only sees people returning to the city year on year, but is succeeding in attracting new crowds and aficionados of the sport.
“Liverpool’s sporting history is rich and diverse, and despite being home to two Premier League teams, it’s fantastic to be recognised for something other than football.”