WESTERN Australia is set to serve up top women’s tennis when the Fed Cup final is hosted in Perth for the first time since 1971.
The International Tennis Federation announced the final would be held on home soil after team Australia, captained by WA’s Alicia Molik and led by Australia’s No.1 tennis player and recent Roland Garros champion Ashleigh Barty, defeated Belarus in the semi-final in April.
It will be the first time Perth has staged the final of the world’s largest annual international women’s tennis team competition since the 1971 edition. Australia last won a final in 1974.
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READ NOWThe competition will take place at RAC Arena on November 9 and 10, and the players will begin to arrive from November 2 for a week of training and official functions.
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Fed Cup Captain Alicia Molik and Cottesloe Tennis Club junior Jess Culley joined Premier Mark McGowan and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia at the RAC Arena practice court for the announcement.
Premier Mark McGowan said: “This is a win for WA, a win for tennis and a win for families.
“Western Australians will have a chance to be part of this significant international sporting spectacle and with the free children’s tickets, it will make it more affordable and easier for families to attend,” he added.
“I’m pleased Perth is becoming host to more top-quality sporting events like this, and I would encourage Western Australians to take advantage of this terrific opportunity and join us in supporting our Australian tennis stars when they play here in WA this November.
“The more we continue to secure major events like these in Perth, the more it helps boost visitor numbers and tourism spend in Western Australia, which helps grows the economy and creates more jobs.”
Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said it was a great coup for the Fed Cup final to return to Perth after 48 years
“Perth last hosted a Fed Cup final in 1971 when Australia defeated Great Britain at the Royal Kings Park Tennis Club,” he said.
“Western Australians are passionate about tennis and I’m sure will jump at the opportunity to see Aussie champions including Ashleigh Barty, Samantha Stosur and Daria Gavrilova take on France’s finest.”
Pre-sale tickets go on sale today and to the general public from tomorrow. Visit www.ticketek.com.au/fedcup for more details.