Seventh Sarasota Open returns to the Key Club

The future of American tennis will be on display when some of the world’s top players hit the courts for Southwest Florida’s premiere professional tennis event.

The seventh annual Sarasota Open returns to the Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Tennis Gardens Stadium April 12 through April 20. The tournament, which draws top names on the Association of Tennis Professionals Tour, has attracted more than 30,000 spectators in past years.

This year’s tournament will begin with qualifying rounds April 12 and April 13, followed by the main draw April 14 to April 18. Women’s and men’s singles finals and doubles finals are April 19 and April 20.

James Blake, who won the tournament in 2011 and is ranked in the top four, 2012 champion Sam Querrey and NCAA doubles champions Jarmere Jenkins and Mack Styslinger will be among those in this year’s field vying for a piece of the $100,000 in prize money, which is split between divisions.

“It’s a unique opportunity locally to watch some world-class tennis and to see some young players who will be the next (Rafael) Nadal or (Novak) Djokovic,” Sarasota Open CEO Tony Driscoll says. “You really get to see the speed of the ball that you don’t get to see on TV.”

Sarasota Open officials already have sold more than 14,000 tickets for this year’s tournament, with approximately 95% of box seats and four of five VIP boxes sold.

Organizers hope to enhance the tournament with the addition of local bands and entertainment as part of the Sarasota Open Night Match experience. Bands will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 14 through April 18.

On April 14, the Sarasota Open will hold its players party at a luxury private residence in downtown Sarasota. Top American John Isner and Hall of Fame coach Nick Bollettieri both will be on hand. Isner also will be at the Sarasota Open for an autograph session and charity serving contest.

The Paragon Art Festival will take place during finals weekend and will bring another 10,000 to 20,000 patrons to the Key.

IF YOU GO
Seventh annual Sarasota Open

Date: April 12 through April 20

Location: Resort at Longboat Key Club’s Tennis Gardens Stadium, 3100 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key

Cost: $5 to $10 (qualifying round); $20 to $40 (main draw); $50 to $100 (finals); $150 (general admission pass)

Parking: $5 if parking the Resort at Longboat Key Club property; tram service will be available outside the resort.

Information: sarasotaopen.org