KUCHING: The recently upgraded tennis facilities at the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) have earned high praise from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
It marks a significant step forward for Sarawak as a potential host for larger international tournaments.
ITF representative, Catherine Michies, said the improvements, funded by an ITF grant, have made a noticeable impact.
“The tournament is run excellently.
“The organising committee is well-established and brings a great deal of experience and knowledge to deliver an event of the highest quality.
“The facilities, having been upgraded with ITF support, are performing very well.
“It’s great to see them in use for an ITF competition this year, and we look forward to returning in a few weeks for the J300 tournament,” she told Sarawak Tribune recently.
She added that the courts are in excellent condition and even the limited use of floodlights during the event has been promising.
Michies has been in Kuching throughout the Asia-Oceania Final Qualifying Tournament for the ITF World Junior Tennis U14 competition, and praised both the event’s execution and the playing standard.
While the current event is focused on junior players, she acknowledged that the SLTA’s infrastructure could support higher-level tournaments in the future, subject to continued development and ITF review.
“Our highest level of junior competition is the J500, with one held in each region.
“It’s something the department and committee are currently reviewing. In the future, it is entirely possible.
“We have many countries looking to elevate the level of their tournaments, and this is part of a wider review.
“It can certainly be considered, and I know SLTA President, Datuk Patrick Liew, has expressed strong interest,” she said.
The ITF World Junior Tennis event runs from April 2 to 15, featuring top young talents competing for four qualifying spots at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals this August in the Czech Republic.
