KUALA LUMPUR: When it comes to hosting lower-tier ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments – formerly known as Futures events – Malaysia has seriously lagged behind when compared to Asian tennis powerhouses such as China and Thailand.
But that could start to change beginning from next year as Tennis Malaysia (TM) is aiming to host at least six tournaments here next season.
TM vice president Datuk Seri Farid Ridzuan said the hosting such competitions here is important to help Malaysian players make the transition from junior tennis to playing on the senior pro circuit.
“Having these tournaments here is very important for our players as they offer them the opportunity to win valuable rankings points without having to travel abroad, which is expensive,” said Farid during a press conference at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) today (Nov 23).
“It is an entry point for them to move up the ranks and go on to play in bigger tournaments.
“ITF have been pleased with how we have hosted the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup (Asia-Oceania division competitions) in recent seasons.
“And they have placed their trust in us to host more international competitions, such as M15 events, next year.
“To host these events, however, is not cheap. They cost about RM200,000 for each event as the prize purse has been increased to US$20,000 (RM83,350).
“We are hoping the corporate sector will come on board and lend their support so we can organise more of these events to give our players more opportunities to compete.”
Farid was speaking after the conclusion of the second ITF M15 event hosted at NTC this month. This is the first time Malaysia has hosted a men’s M15 event since 2019.
M15 and W15 are the lowest tier events for the men’s and women’s tour. TM tournament director Helmi Mohamad said the national body is likely to host two women’s events and four men’s events here next year.
National team coach Adam Jaya welcomes the move.
“Top tennis nations in Asia such as Thailand, China and India each host between 20 to 25 events each year which saves their players a lot of money,” said Adam.
“For one (Malaysian-based) player to go and play such a tournament abroad it would cost roughly RM8,000 to RM10,000 in expenses.
“Being held here would also give our players the chance to get main draw wild cards.
“This would make it easier for them to earn ATP or WTA points which will significantly boost their confidence.
“I hope that maybe in two or three years time, Malaysia can host about 10 of these tournaments each year.
“But for next year, six to eight would be a great start for us.
Poland’s Karol Filar won the second M15 tournament in Kuala Lumpur after beating Japan’s Yuta Kawahashi 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in a rain-interrupted final at NTC today.
Kawahashi had won the first tournament last week. He beat Frenchman Arthur Weber 7-5, 6-4 in the final.
The tournaments, organised by TM, were supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, Malaysia Stadium Corporation, KLK, Alfa Romeo Malaysia, F&N and Head.
Each venue must host back-to-back M15 or W15 tournaments, this is a requirement by ITF intended to reduce players’ travelling expenses.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
