World Tennis Tour Timaru Receives Prestigious International Award

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After a highly successful first edition in 2025, the World Tennis Tour Timaru event has been awarded as an outstanding event on the international tennis calendar, through the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Tournament Recognition programme.

The event is one of just 40 recognised, out of more than 1200 events held globally across 2025. The ITF Tournament Recognition programme rewards events that meet the highest international standards of organisation and delivery as decided by player and officials’ survey feedback in areas such as facilities, organisation, promotion and player wellbeing.

The event is back on the calendar from 9 to 15 March 2026, with tickets for semi-finals and finals days on sale from today. Attendance is free during weekdays, with ticketed sessions over finals weekend. Corporate hospitality boxes are also on sale and proving very popular, with limited spaces still available.

The professional event for men and women offers official ATP and WTA world ranking points, a total prize pool of more than $100,000, and will attract up and coming tennis pros from around the world. Once again, the event is an opportunity for tennis fans in Timaru and the wider region to experience top level international tennis up close.

Tennis New Zealand Chief Executive Julie Paterson said the recognition is a significant achievement for a first year event.

“Receiving this award after just one edition is an outstanding result and a real credit to the team in Timaru. It reflects the professionalism, care, and attention to detail that went into delivering this event. We’ve set the standard as one of the world’s best events at this level of the professional tour and local fans can expect more of the same this year”

Tennis South Canterbury General Manager Peter Burt said the award confirmed what organisers believed during the tournament.

“Even though this was the first edition of the tournament, it was clear during the week that we were part of something special. The crowds were fantastic, and there was a real buzz around the venue. It was incredibly energising for the South Canterbury tennis community, and to now have that recognised at an international level is very rewarding for everyone involved. We can’t wait to welcome the World Tennis Tour back to Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre in March.”

Event partners Venture Timaru echoed these sentiments.

“It’s an impressive achievement for this event to gain an international prize in its first year, and a tribute to the organisational skills of Tennis NZ and the local team at Tennis South Canterbury. Events of this scale and standard help put Timaru on the map and get our region noticed, plus there’s a significant economic impact for the district from the visitors who come over multiple days to participate or spectate,” said Di Hay, Venture Timaru’s Operations & Destination Manager.

The event has been supported through the Timaru District Council’s Major Events Support Fund which is administered by Venture Timaru.

Beyond the on-court action, the event is expected to deliver a positive economic impact for the region, with players, officials, support teams, and spectators travelling to Timaru for the week-long tournament. The influx of visitors provides a boost to local accommodation providers, hospitality businesses, and retailers, while also showcasing Timaru as a destination capable of hosting high quality international sporting events.

The 2026 tournament will once again feature 32 player singles draws and 16 pair doubles draws for both men and women, played in a knockout format.

2026 Event Details
Event: ITF World Tennis Tour: Timaru
Dates: 9 to 15 March 2026
Venue: Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre, 27 Benvenue Avenue, Timaru
Play begins: Daily from 11am
Admission: Monday to Friday entry is free. Finals weekend (Saturday and Sunday) tickets from $12.
Tickets, hospitality enquires and further information is available below.

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