ITF

28 ITFWorld // SUMMER 2018 GIVEN ITS COMMITMENT TO ENSURING GENDER EQUALITY WITHIN SPORT, THE ITF STRONGLY WELCOMED THE HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT BY organisers that September's BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia will be the first ever all-women tournament. The third edition of the competition, which is an ITF Pro Circuit women's event, will once again be staged on Spain's east coast and the clay courts of Valencia Tennis Club, taking place from 22-30 September. In a trailblazing twist to the norm, women will occupy all of the leading officiating roles; the position of referee will be filled by a female, as will those of six chair umpires, 12 line judges and 24 ball kids. "A drive for greater gender equality throughout sport, and particularly tennis, is something the ITF wholeheartedly endorses. It is a key priority for us and intrinsic to the ITF2024 strategy," said ITF President David Haggerty. "I am therefore delighted to learn of the innovative and cutting-edge intentions of the Spanish Tennis Federation and tournament organisers with regard to this year's BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia. "The ITF is proud to be leading initiatives, such as the establishment of the ITF Women in Sport Committee, Empowering Female Leaders programme and Advantage All campaign, to ensure that equal opportunities for women are the rule and not the exception. An ITF Pro Circuit tournament in Spain is set to make history by becoming the first-ever all-female competition with an officiating team comprised entirely of women. "Having one of our member National Associations hold a tournament with an all-women officiating team not only reflects and reinforces our stance on gender equality but sets a weighty example." The BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia, which will feature 32 players in the main draw of the singles and 16 pairs in the doubles, will distribute $60,000 – plus hospitality – in prize money this year, up from $25,000 12 months ago. "The tournament covers an important gap in the Spanish tournament calendar, since in September there is hardly any competitions in Europe," said tournament director Anabel Medina, who won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. "The BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia has grown to become the second best tournament in Spain, with more matches and longer days, including night sessions. We hope to welcome players in the top 100. Most will be ranked between 100 and 150." Ramiro Verdejo, President of Valencia Tennis Club, suggested: "The ITF women's tournament is a strategic decision in the promotion of tennis", while Maite Girau of Valencia City Council added: "The BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia agrees with our objectives of supporting sports and promoting women's sports." Romania's Irina Bara is the tournament's reigning champion after she defeated Olga Danilovic of Serbia in the 2017 final. ■ LEADING THE WAY This year will be the third edition of the BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia

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