Liverpool Hope University has announced it will continue to sponsor the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament in 2017.
Launched in 2002, the tournament has grown to be one of the largest and longest-running tennis exhibitions in Europe.
It has introduced up and coming and established WTA and ATP players combined with the ever-popular Legends of Tennis, with the varied order of play often providing excellent entertainment for those watching.
Subsequently, the University has decided to extend its previous four-year deal to cover the 16th edition of the tournament, which will take place 15-18 June at Liverpool Cricket Club.
The University recently opened a new £14.47m Sports and Science Complex, and its School of Health Sciences is currently working on the UK’s largest study into the health benefits of playing tennis as we age.
Tennis legends Jeremy Bates and Peter McNamara, ATP player and world number 73 Wang Qiang and tennis protégé Macy Clarke helped the University launch the tennis study in the build-up to last year’s tournament.
And speaking about the decision, Dr Omid Alizadehkhaiyat says the university is delighted to be sponsors once more as the tournament and their study share the same aims.
“Liverpool Hope University is delighted to be title sponsors of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament for another year,” he said.
“The tournament and the research we are currently undertaking in the School of Health Sciences have the same aims – to promote fitness and wellbeing and raise awareness of how playing tennis can have a positive health impact on people of all ages.”
Anders Borg, the organiser of the Liverpool Hope University International Tennis Tournament, added: “We are so pleased with our continuous relationship with Liverpool Hope University and are looking forward to another great event this summer.
“Tennis is going through one of its best times ever, combining Andy Murray’s world number 1 ranking with Roger Federer’s 18th Grand Slam over the weekend. It’s also very encouraging that we are learning more about the long-term health benefits of playing tennis.
“It is important to have Liverpool Hope University and other partners on-board, to keep the largest tennis exhibition in Europe here in Liverpool.”