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With loss of professional tournament, GATA will focus on expanding public events

2019 Braidy Industries Tennis Classic champion Ellen Perez (AUS).
ASHLAND, Ky. — The Braidy Industries Tennis Classic will not return to Ashland for a third straight year this summer. Economic factors would not allow for a contract to be made with the United States Tennis Association ahead of its needed commitment deadline.
With Ashland’s inability to host, the tournament dates of July 27-Aug. 3, 2020, were awarded to Springfield, Ma.
The pro tournament was beneficial to the Ashland Tennis Center and provided over $150,000 over its two years. The tournament contributions included resurfacing all 11 outdoor courts, creating a pickleball court, sidewalk repairs, GATA building repairs, improved landscaping and grounds.
GATA will now focus on expanding a number of events throughout the summer at the Ashland Tennis Center, including free tennis lessons, a multi-sport recreation clinic, pro-am tournaments with local tennis pros and a tennis party to celebrate the renovation of the Jim and Helen Fout Building.
Among the GATA planned events for 2020 are:
• June 8 to July 1 — Julie Ditty Qualls Free Tennis Lessons (group ages 6-10 and 11-18)
• July 31 to Aug. 2 — Ashland City Junior Championship
• Jim Fannin Coaching Youth Recreation Day presented by the Ashland Area YMCA on four indoor courts
• Junior and adult pro-ams
Australian Ellen Perez (AUS) claimed the 2019 Tennis Classic in a 6-2, 3-2 retirement against Zoe Hives (AUS). The 2018 Tennis Classic was awarded the Tournament of the Year by the Kentucky Tennis Association. American Gail Brodsky won the 2018 singles championship, her first $60,000 USTA Pro Circuit title.
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