MARBELLA, Spain - The Andalucía Tennis Experience, a brand new addition to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour schedule in 2009, was announced on Thursday at the Club de Tenis Puente Romano in Marbella. The International event is set to take place on the red clay of the Club de Tenis Puente Romano from April 6-12. Participating in the official announcement were Tour legend Conchita Martinez, who is the tournament director, and two members of the Junta de Andalucía: Luciano Alonso, the minister of tourism, commerce & sports; and Ignacio Rodríguez, director general of sports.
Martínez, who retired from the Tour in 2006, was chosen to lead the new event. "Serena Williams and Amélie Mauresmo are among the players who will be coming, and I'm sure there will be other top players too," the 1994 Wimbledon champion and former No.2 said. "I feel great we've got these world No.1s coming to the tournament. It will be a great opportunity to see the best tennis in the world in Spain, and will hopefully help drive Spanish women's tennis."
Reigning Roland Garros doubles champions Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual have also been confirmed for the tournament, and were present during Thursday's presentation at the Club de Tenis Puente Romano as well.
The Andalucía Tennis Experience, which will offer $220,000 in prize money and 280 ranking points for the singles champion, has a 3,500-seat center court and other matches will take place on two other show courts. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the tournament's website at www.andaluciatennis.com.
