HUNTSVILLE- North Alabama has a long-standing reputation of hosting and supporting tennis events of all divisions. Next up for the southern hospitality of the Tennessee Valley will be the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Pro Circuit Championship scheduled for May 22-28 at the Athletic Club of Alabama (ACA) located in Huntsville.

The USTA Southern Section is launching a four-tournament playoff series culminating with the May week-long event. The winner of each playoff series tournament will earn a wild card into the USTA Southern Pro Circuit $15-thousand Tournament main draw, while the finalist will get a qualifying wild card. All players must be eligible to represent the United States as per ITF and Olympic rules and regulations.

“Thanks to the strong relationships with all of our partners, we welcome the USTA Southern Section Pro Circuit Championship to Huntsville,” said Judy Ryals, President and CEO of the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The Athletic Club of Alabama, located on Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville, is no stranger to elite style tennis tournaments as the location has hosted an array of elite player tournaments through the years. Even ACA owner Eddie Jacques grew up at the club and went on to an outstanding playing career in tennis. He, too, is excited about the elite event choosing Huntsville as its home base.

“We are proud to host this championship and look forward to a great event that will feature some of the top young talent in the country,” said Jacques. “It’s exciting to see the USTA Southern Section create opportunities for a diverse set of players to get experience and learn the ropes of life as a professional.”

Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, and former member of the Huntsville City Council for 16 years, said, “Huntsville has a strong tennis community, and it is good to see that continue in partnership with the USTA Southern Section to create this event for professionals in the region. We welcome all the competitors to the Rocket City for a great week of tennis.”

The USTA Playoff Series expands the pathways for juniors and young adults of all ages to move from the amateur tournament play to a professional-level competition. Additional details on the rising tennis stars’ event will be available at a later date.