Around 250 entrants will compete across 25 events, with competitors coming from as far afield as Sydney, Maitland, Canberra and Bega. Some of the South Coast region’s top players, plus a host of Eurobodalla Shire locals will also be among those fighting it out at the Hanging Rock tennis courts over the course of the long weekend.

The highlight of the competition will be the open events, where some of the top junior players in Australia will be competing against some of the top adult players.

In the men’s draw, number one seed and 15-year-old Nathan Lewis will be one of the favourites for the event, but will be up against some stiff competition in former professional player Glenn Knox.

Knox has won the tournament twice before, and used to be ranked in the top 500 in the world. Boasting one of the biggest serves you will see, Knox is a player to watch at this year’s South Coast Open.

Other players to keep an eye out for include number three seed Daniel Frasier, plus local hope Nelson Parker, who is seeded number nine.

On the female side of things, it is another 15-year-old who is seeded number one with Ellen Perez of Shellharbour earning the tournament’s top billing. Already ranked in the top 100 of Australian female tennis players, Perez is a star of the future and promises to excite at the event.

She will face tough competition from Ivana Vlakic, who is only 19 years old and will be the number two seed, while both will keeping their eye out for 27-year-old Melissa Anderson, who has many more years experience than both of the girls.

The sole local hope will be number four seed Tara Paxton, who has shown some solid form already this year.

Batemans Bay Tennis Club head coach Rob Frawley said he was expecting some high quality tennis over the course of the weekend.

“The women’s draw this year is excellent and personally I think it’s the strongest field we’ve had for a few years so that’s going to make things pretty exciting,” he said.

“I can’t see anyone matching Glenn Knox in the men’s draw, he’s going to be very hard to beat but I’m sure there will be some really tough matches played.

“There’s also some really talented youngsters taking part which will add to the whole event.”

Spectators are encouraged to come and watch some of the best tennis the coast has to offer, and witness some of the rising stars in Australian tennis. A barbecue will run all weekend for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while a bar will be serving alcohol for those who want to sit back and relax while watching some great tennis.