LES ORMES could become the biggest indoor tennis tournament centre in the British Isles next year if there is support for the International tennis events to continue growing.

Following some excellent feedback from tennis officials in the Island for the recent $25,000 ladies’ Caversham event, there is the possibility that Jersey could host tournaments next year that would offer prize money of over $200,000.

This year the tennis facility at Les Ormes will host it’s first ever ATP event in November for which there will be a $50,000 prize fund and in 2009 there could be a $75,000 ladies’ event in March along with another men’s $50,000 competition.

Later in the year there could also be a $35,000 ladies’ event and another $50,000 men’s challenger.

‘We could potentially be the biggest sporting event in monetary terms in the Island,’ explained CILTA officer Hugh Raymond. ‘We would have the most amount of prize money on offer for an indoor centre in the British Isles.

‘That is the possibility but I would need to know we have sponsors on board and the backing of the States and the Island before we went ahead with this, which hasn’t been discussed at this stage.

‘We would need to know if the Island actually wants something like this and also the tennis community, while there must also be a benefit to the youngsters.

‘Following the success of the events we have already held here, the CILTA is now in negotiations with the LTA, ATP and ITF with regards holding bigger events.

‘I think we have got a few i’s to dot and a few t’s to cross but Les Ormes is a great place to hold events – we’ve just got to look at the structure and how it’s all run, because it might be too much work for our small

team. In terms of the facilities, accommodation, and travel though, everything is there.

‘There are very few indoor centres with the same surface and this is one of the better ones so it’s a great opportunity to host international events.

‘But we have to have the support from everyone and we would need to know that the Island wants this because we would not do this unless there is a desire for something on this scale.’

If there is support for the events, they would be scheduled in by as soon as April when the tennis calendar for the following year is decided.

An event such as the one in November should attract top players with those between 50-100 the highest ranked. At present, players in this position include Sebastien Grosjean, Mario Ancic, Gael Monfils, and Maret Safin.