Statement from AUSTIN125 Tournament Director Christo van Rensburg on our Upcoming WTA Tournament

“As we are just days away from kicking off the inaugural AUSTIN125, there is lots of excitement around the women’s pro tennis game about what we’re building in the capital of Texas. We have put together a sensational player field. Unfortunately, due to recent injuries, the tournament has lost four tremendous players: Katie Boulter, Sloane Stephens, Peyton Stearns, and Ajla Tomljanović. Injuries are a painful part of sport; it’s always a tough thing for the players to go through and a disappointment for the fans.

“As a former pro player, and now as a tournament director, you never want to see any player having to withdraw from an event due to injury. All of us wish Katie, Sloane, Peyton, and Ajla a speedy recovery. We look forward to seeing all of them back on tour soon, and on court in Austin for one of our two amazing WTA Tour-level events.

“But there’s also good news to report. We have commitments from some outstanding U.S. players including seventeen-year-old sensation Iva Jovic—the youngest player in the WTA 100, she is currently ranked #38 in the world; Caroline Dolehide—who has had a doubles career high of world Top 10, is world Top 45 and made a nice run at this year’s ATX Open; Alycia Parks—who has a career high of 41, and has wins over a world Top 5 and world Top 15 player this season; great international players including Renata Zarazua—who played the main draw at all four Grand Slams last year and started her professional career in Austin; and two talents right here in Austin, who proudly play women’s tennis for the University of Texas—Malaika Rapolu and Carmen Herea.

“Despite her season-ending injury, Longhorn legend Peyton Stearns will still be on hand to support her fellow players and spend time with the fans. We’re thrilled to have such a strong crop of players joining us at the Austin Tennis Academy from November 3-9. They’re going to put on quite a show.”

For media inquiries, contact Tournament Media Director Frank Ward (512-422-7960 or Frank@PoplarGroup.com)