Q: The $100,000 Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships referred
to as a "Challenger" tournament...what is a Challenger tournament?
A: Challenger tournaments along with Futures tournaments make up
the USTA Pro Circuit. These events are a professional tennis player's
stepping stone to top tier USTA and ATP tour tournaments and majors such as
the US Open.
Higher-level Challenger tournaments, such as the Fifth Third Bank Tennis
Championships, showcase players with rankings from approximately 50 to 200
in the world.
The USTA Pro Circuit:
- America's gateway to tennis stardom
- Circuit started over 20 years ago
- The most comprehensive development tour in the world
- Over 2,000 tournament players each year
- Professional tournament competition for pros beginning
their careers, pros who previously have broken
into major tour ranks and are looking to return
to the top and top-ranked junior players
- Managed nationally by the USTA and executed locally by
tournament staff
Q: What's "International" about the tournament?
A: Players from all over the world participate in the
tournament. This reflects the international character of tennis. Players
from Canada, Venezuela, Germany, Great Britain, Australia, Chile, the
Netherlands, China, Puerto Rico and Argentina have played in the Fifth Third
Bank Tennis Championships over the years.
Q: Are Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships players mostly
college players and club pros?
A: No - they are touring pros. The players compete in tennis
tournament around the world year-round.
Q: If these players are so good, why don't I see them on TV?
A: Watch the early rounds or check the scores of any top tier
tournaments or Grand Slam event and you will recognize many of the players
that participate in the Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships.
Q: Are there any opportunities for amateurs to play tennis
during the week of the Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships?
A: Yes - check our the calendar of events for activities that
you can participate in, including the Pro-Am that begins on Monday, July 21.
Q: How much prize money are the Fifth Third Bank Tennis
Championships players competing for?
A: There is $100,000 in total prize money to be awarded along
with valuable tour ranking points. The singles winner receives $7,700 and
second place is awarded $4,200 while each member of the winning doubles team
receives $2,800 and the runners-up $1,500.
Q: How are players selected to participate in the Fifth Third
Bank Tennis Championships?
A: A player can get into the main draw of the tournament in
one of four ways:
1) If their world ranking is approximately #150 or greater,
they often gain entry into the main draw of
the tournament.
2) If their world ranking is approximately #150-600, they can
play in the qualifying tournament which
begins on Saturday before the main draw. The four players who
win all three of their matches in the
qualifying tournament gain entry into the main draw.
3) One of the players who lost in the last round of
qualifying is selected via a random drawing and
may
get into the main draw if a spot opens up due to the
withdrawal of one of the main draw players.
4) Local tournament officials as well as USTA officials can
give any player they choose entry into the main
draw or the qualifying tournament. These players are referred
to as "wildcards." Typically, there are 2-4
wildcard entries into both the qualifying and main draws.
Q: I have a day job and can't attend day matches on weekdays.
A: Don't make excuses! Main draw featured evening matches are
scheduled for each night during the week.
Q: Who is responsible for organizing the Fifth Third Bank Tennis
Championships?
A: The tournament is a United States Tennis Association Pro
Circuit event that is officially sanctioned by the USTA and ATP. However,
most of the logistical and organizational work is managed by BEST. Additional support is supplied by the University of Kentucky
Athletic Department.
Q: Can I volunteer to work at the Championships?
A: Definitely - you can be part of the action. Meet the
players and help make the Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships a success.
Volunteers are needed to help in the following areas:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Special Events
- Ushers
- Operations
- Ball Kids
Q: Is there a phone number I can call for additional details and
information about the Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships?
A: Tournament Director Jon Albaugh can be contacted at BEST
Collegiate Sports at 859.264.8020 or at
jalbaugh@experienceBEST.com.
Q: I am a member of the media and want to do a story about the
tournament and some of the participating players - who do I contact to set
up interviews and get more information?
A: Jim Durham will be our media liaison for the Championships.
For more information about the tournament or to request a media credential,
Jon Albaugh can be contacted at BEST Collegiate Sports at 859.264.8020
or
jalbaugh@experienceBEST.com.