PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the first time in 22 years, Philadelphia will be the host city of a professional women’s tennis tournament.
The Philadelphia Tennis Classic is a WTA 125 Tournament that will feature top professional women’s tennis players at the University of Pennsylvania’s Hamlin Tennis Center from Aug. 23 through 29.
“It is a tennis town. We’ve had so many events back in the days with Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, and even Elton John. We have a whole song, ‘Philadelphia Freedom,’ just written for Philadelphia and tennis,” said Alex Sykes, co-creator of the Philadelphia Tennis Classic and wife of comedian Wanda Sykes.
Sykes and Ashley Lunkensheimer with Philadelphia Sisters have been championing the return of women’s professional sports to Philly and said the Philadelphia Tennis Classic welcomes the sport back. Philadelphia was home to the Advanta Championships of Philadelphia, also known as the Virginia Slims, from 1970 to 2005. It was one of the longest-running stops on the WTA tour.
Sykes said the tournament is the perfect precursor to the U.S. Open, which is the week after.
“So a lot of players will be expected in the city, and some of them will be playing the U.S. Open.”
Sykes said there will be VIP and Pride nights, and a whole week of celebrations for women’s sports, so come prepared to party.
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