Utah State Open Tennis Championships begin Aug. 9

The 75th playing of the Utah State Open Tennis Championships will begin Aug. 9, and among the events scheduled will be a step-back-in-time wooden racket tournament.

The state tournament, sponsored by Ivory Homes, is open to all divisions — men, women, juniors, seniors and wheelchair. Prize money in the open divisions will be $1,000 for singles and $500 for singles runners-up, and $500 per winning team for doubles and mixed doubles.

Matches will be played at the Ivory Ridge Swim and Tennis Club in Lehi, the Sports Mall and Liberty Park Tennis Center courts.

There will also be a QuickStart tournament on Aug. 14 for kids 10 and under. Players will play on a smaller court, use a shorter net and play with low-compression tennis balls.

Also on Aug. 14, at the Ivory tennis club, from 11 a.m to 1 p.m., there will be a tennis party celebrating the 75th anniversary of the tournament. Those attending are encouraged to wear tennis attire of years past. There will also be a tournament played with wooden rackets. Those players with wooden tennis rackets are encouraged to bring them. There will also be wooden rackets available onsite for play.

Cost of the player party and wooden racket tournament is $10, with all proceeds going to the Utah Tennis Junior Foundation. Those interested in playing in the wooden racket tournament must register online at www.utahtennis.com or call 801-944-8782.

Deadline for the Utah Open is Aug. 1. Entry forms are available at tennis centers around the state or through the Utah Tennis Association. Forms must be returned to the UTA, 2469 E. Fort Union Blvd., Suite 104, Salt Lake City, UT 84121. For information, call the UTA at 801-944-8782, ext. 13.