Are there other tournaments like ours? Where are they held? How does our tournament compare to others?
In 2023, there are Four (4) tournaments at the $100,000 level. They are held in Charleston, SC, Landisville, PA, and right here in Bonita Springs, FL. The location of the fourth tournament for 2023 is still being determined, but will take place the week of November 6th. Of course we are biased, but we can share with our members what the USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournament team, the players, and even the officials tell us – that our tournament is at another level and simply put…THE best! We attribute that to our member volunteers and member support. Of course, without the effort and expertise of our sports, spa, fitness, food and beverage, engineering, and even our golf team, this tournament would not be possible. It is very exciting to be a part of this! And the Gala that is held in conjunction with the tournament has raised tremendous awareness and monies, $1M and still going, for the Lee Health Cancer Infusion Center at the new Coconut Point campus.
Who determines which players come to our event?
The USTA (United States Tennis Association) determines which players come to the event based on ranking. At times, they may give preference to American players, as that is part of their mission to grow and develop American tennis players.
Why do some players get invited to the Main Draw while others have to play in the qualifiers?
All positions in the tournament are based on player rankings in the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association).
How do players get to the French Open?
So far, it is a cumulative highest point total for a series of tournaments. We are presuming this is happening this year not have not been given any details yet. This is also an agreement with the USTA (United States Tennis Association) and the French Tennis Federation, which is negotiated every year.
Do players get points for playing in a tournament like this? What are the points used for? How are they awarded?
One of the main reasons players compete in events like the FineMark Women’s Pro Tennis Championship is to earn points to determine their ranking. This in turn, allows them entry into larger tournaments that help their ranking even more, and they have an opportunity to win more prize money.
What do the Champions get paid? Do all the players win something?
The prize money allocation is determined by the USTA (United States Tennis Association). Our tournament winner gets a check for about $15,000 and the doubles champions about $5,600. Every player wins some prize money, even in the qualifying rounds. Based on what the winners receive you can determine the other rounds are significantly less.
As mentioned above, our tournament is $100K and the US OPEN is $30M (for the women). Losing in the first round in the Main Draw at the US OPEN nets a player $80,000, which is more than five (5) times the amount they make for winning our tournament.
How are the initial match pairings determined?
The USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournament supervisor and their assistant compile the draw. They set the seeded players based on rankings, and then the rest of the draw is “pulled” at random.
Why are the doubles matches third set tie breakers and the singles are best of three (3) sets?
The match tie break is used in lieu of the 3rd set to build excitement and shorten the match time for the doubles. Despite doubles being the most popular game at the club level, singles is the preferred game for spectators.
How do I get involved? What volunteer committees are there and what are they responsible for?
Our volunteer committees are responsible for a variety of duties and consist of Ball Runners, Welcome Desk, Security and Transportation, Player Services, Housing and Accommodations, Marketing, Program, Sponsorship, Ushers, Gala, Photography, Match Announcers, and general volunteers. For more information on how to get involved, please submit your inquiry using the website contact form.