There’s a huge spike in the participation numbers in the Vodafone Suva Open Tennis Championship according to Tennis Fiji president Rimal Patel.
A total of 163 players competed over the course of four days in 19 different categories.
Some came as far as Tuvalu, the Philippines, Malaysia and New Caledonia as well as those from the western parts of the country.
Patel said they were surprised to see the number of participants this year comparing it to previous years they’ve had the tournament.
“Huge spike, big numbers and we are surprised ourselves. This tournament is organised by Suva Tennis; Tennis Fiji is just supporting them. Suva is the only district that holds this kind of events apart from the Fiji Open that is held in Nadi. The Suva Open in the second largest tournament,” he said.
This huge interest shows that the future of the sport in Fiji is promising.
“I can tell you there is a lot more entries this year. It is a very positive sign because what it shows is that people are embracing the sport more, there is more interest in the sport which is what we are here for.
“We want to grow the sport; we want everybody to appreciate this beautiful sport of tennis and come and play.”
A notable increase is in the young and kids’ category with Patel crediting this positive trajectory to an effective schools’ program that Suva Tennis has.
The Suva Open concluded yesterday at the Victoria Tennis Courts in Suva.