LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
Tennis fans age eight to 80 can look forward to a fun day on the court Saturday, July 8. The fourth annual PHS Tennis Open is taking place at Paris High School, and local tennis players of all ages and skill levels, from novice to professional, are invited to play.
Registration runs from 8:30 - 9 a.m. on the morning of the event. Matches begin shortly after at 9:15. No pre-registration is necessary.
Contestants will be split into men’s and women’s divisions, with age-based divisions to be determined based on participation. Participants are guaranteed two matches but can play up to three.
The entry fee is $10 and all proceeds benefit the PHS boys and girls tennis teams. According to coach Stefan Aydt, the funds raised by the event will likely cover one of two expenses.
“Our next big expense coming up is new uniforms for boys tennis next spring,” said Aydt. “We may also need some money for replacing one of the hitting walls behind the courts that got destroyed by the wind last Thursday.”
After the Open debuted in 2017, the event continued for two more years until the COVID-19 pandemic put the tournament on hold. This Saturday marks the first time Paris High School could host the competition since 2019.
“This is the first year we’ve brought it back,” said Aydt.
Event winners will be rewarded with gift cards to local restaurants, but the true prize is a chance for participants of all ages to play the game they love.
In the event of rain, be sure to check the Paris Athletics Facebook and Twitter pages for updates. Participants below the age of 18 will need to sign a release form to participate.
To receive a release or ask questions, contact Stefan Aydt at saydt@pchs.k12.il.us.