27 February 2020

Two ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments to be named after former tennis star llana Kloss

Tennis South Africa have confirmed two ITF tournaments will be named after former tennis star IIana Kloss to mark her achievements on and off the court. 

The W25 Potchefstroom events, which are taking place next month, will now be called the 'Ilana Kloss International Series'.

During her career she won the US Open doubles and French Open mixed doubles titles in 1976 and played 13 ties for her country in the Fed Cup.

Since her retirement she has became the CEO and Commissioner of the World Team Tennis professional league. 

Kloss and her partner Billie Jean King remain strong ambassadors for gender equality, inclusivity and diversity in sport.

Kloss said: "Tennis has been such an important part of my life and it is an honour to have my name added to these two ITF tournaments and help advance the opportunities for girls and women to compete in South Africa and the surrounding regions.

"Currently there are a limited number of tournaments where players can earn valuable ranking points so adding these two events will provide greater access, more opportunity and a chance for these women to earn points in Africa toward improving their ranking and be able to play in tournaments around the globe."

In addition, the best female South African player at the tournaments will receive a travel grant to play at more international tournaments outside of the country. 

The events will take place from March 2-8 and 9-15 in South Africa at the North West University.

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