The North-West University (NWU) will be home to a number of national and international tennis players during February.

Last year the university was announced as the official venue for the week one and week two tennis tournaments of the Ilana Kloss international events.

These tournaments form part of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour - which is the umbrella name for all former ITF pro circuit (Futures) and junior circuit tournaments - and serves as the ITF’s pathway into the elite levels of professional tennis.

The Ilana Kloss International week one and week two tournaments will start on 8 February. The events will take place in a Covid-19 bio-bubble at the Fanie du Toit sports grounds in Potchefstroom.

Sheldon Rostron, head of NWU Sport, says the university has put all the necessary measures in place to host a successful competition.

“It is a privilege for the NWU to host these international women's events in honour of Ilana Kloss,” says Sheldon.

“We are grateful to participate in sport again and appreciate the confidence the ITF and Tennis South Africa (TSA) has in us to host these two weeks. The facilities and support services of the NWU are well equipped and we will do our best to ensure that things run smoothly, despite the continued effects of Covid-19.”

According to Helene Botha, sports manager at the NWU, the upgraded tennis surfaces, the two additional grass courts and the impended clay courts have made the NWU the home of tennis.

The last time the university hosted a tournament of this magnitude was in 2020, but it was unfortunately halted due to the international outbreak of Covid-19.