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Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesRecord 114 Players Set to Compete at Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament

Record 114 Players Set to Compete at Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament

A record 114 tennis players from the U. S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts, several U.S. Mainland states and Europe will compete in the 5th Annual Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament, set for Feb. 18-21, at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. Just as exciting as the quantity of players is the quality of talent. There will be everyone from ATP-ranked competitors in the Men’s Open division to a strong B division in nearly every classification, including those age 60 and older.
Nick Monroe, of Frisco, Texas, who is the number one seed and will play in both Men’s Open Singles and Doubles divisions, says, “I’ve never been to the Virgin Islands but have heard nothing but great things. So, I figured it would be great to visit, enjoy the weather and get some matches under my belt before heading into a five-week string of pro events.”
Monroe will compete with Oystein Steiro, an 18-year-old Davis Cup player from Norway, in Men’s Open Doubles. Other ATP-ranked players in the Men’s Open division are second seed Maciek Sykut, Robert Jendelund from Sweden, Taavo Roos from Estonia, Christian Welte and Chris Kwan.
“The number of good players scheduled to compete is great for the tournament,” says George Lewis, STYC tennis pro, who will himself play in the Men’s Open division. “What is also a big hit is the number of B players because they bring the tournament forward each year. We even have some junior B players who will be competing for the first time.”
The B Division will see play by men and women in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles as well as Men’s Over 60 Doubles. Play will be best of three sets for all divisions. Winners in the Open divisions receive a $2000 cash prize (split between the winners in the Doubles) and the runner-up pockets $1000. Winners in the B Division are awarded $600.
U.S. Virgin Islands’ first lady, Cecile R. de Jongh, a life-long tennis enthusiast who has been a supporter of the Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament since its inception, said, “This week’s activities encourage camaraderie, sportsmanship and appreciation for a game that is embraced by people of all ages worldwide. The Chrysler Cup, in particular, highlights the skills and talent of local and stateside tennis players, including professional athletes, whose passion for the sport is inspiring and motivational.”
Matches will take place at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, Anchorage Condominiums and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, and be officiated over by USTA and International Tennis Federation head referee Hector Figueroa from Puerto Rico. The public is invited to come out and watch the action.
The 5th Annual Chrysler Cup Tennis Tournament is sponsored by the Chrysler Group and the U.S.V.I. Department of Tourism.
For more information, e-mail ChryslerCupTennis@gmail.com

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