Tennis event begins on a high despite downgrade

The organisers of the Eastbourne International say the quality of its tennis on show will be just as high as previous years, despite a downgrading of its status.

The downgrade means the women's event at Devonshire Park will face greater limitations on who can enter, including the number of top-ranked players.

But top British players appearing in Sussex include Emma Radacanu, Jodie Burrage, and Brighton's Sonay Kartal.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova is top seed in the women's draw, while Dan Evans - who has been ranked as high as number 21 in the world - is appearing in the men's event.

The downgrade was the result of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and the All England Club achieving their aim of staging a women's tournament at Queen's in London in the first week of the grass court season from 2025.

This year's women's champion will only receive 250 ranking points instead of 500.

Tournament director Rebecca James said she believed this would not impact the level of competition.

"Around the grounds you wouldn't see any lower standards," she said.

"There are only enhancements to the tournament facilities.

"We have the reigning women's singles Wimbledon champion, a number of former singles grand slam champions and a host of British stars."

It will be Kartal's first appearance at Eastbourne as a player, but she told BBC Radio Sussex she had "fond memories" of coming as a child.

"From six upwards I was doing what these kids are doing, running around getting autographs," she said.

"So it's nice to be here and I'm excited to get going."

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Ken Pollock, president of the Devonshire Park Tennis Club, agreed that Eastbourne would continue to be a highlight of the tennis calendar.

"It continues to be a fantastic event for the town" he said.

"The shop windows are full of items celebrating the competition, and the fun park is back in town so there's a real buzz.

"Numbers don't seem to be any different. If anything gives me a buzz, it's seeing those people enjoy themselves so much."

Father and daughter George and Julie Bell were among the early bird spectators turning out to enjoy the action.

"We like all of it, but it's interesting to see the home-grown talent" said Ms Bell.

Mr Bell agreed, adding: "It's really fantastic. A stand-out day of the year."

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