The $50,000 Yakima Regional Hospital Tennis Challenger will make its debut this weekend in Yakima, beginning Sunday.  It is the only U.T.S.A. Pro Circuit event for men or women to be held in the state of Washington in 2012.

This event is open to the public and is FREE of charge and will be held July 8th through the 15th at the Yakima Tennis Club.

It is an awesome opportunity to see world-class caliber players, typically ranked #150-700 in the entire world! 

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Future stars of the W.T.A. entered into the main draw for this tourney include: Grace Min, the 2011 U.S. Open girls' singles champ; Madison Brengle, the former junior Wimbledon finalst; and 17-year-old Madison Keys, who, in 2011, became the youngest player to win a match at the U.S. Open since 2005.

This year, the U.S.T.A. will be awarding one women's singles main draw wild card into the 2012 U.S. Open to the American woman who finishes with the best combined results in two of three U.S.T.A. Pro Circuit events to include Yakima as well as Lexington, Ky. and Vancouver, B.C. (all held over the next few weeks.)

In addition to the tournament, there will be a welcome party on Monday night.  Former Olympic medalist and World Cup Champion skier Phil Mahre will speak about what it takes to go from world class to world champ.  The players welcome party is $20 and includes dinner.

For more information, contact Yakima Tennis Club 509.248.2938

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