The USTA Pro Circuit was formed in 1979 to provide players with an opportunity to gain the professional ranking points they need to compete on the major pro tours. It has since grown into the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, consisting of approximately 90 tournaments and offering nearly $3 million in prize money.
The women’s Pro Circuit consists of $15,000, $25,000, $60,000, $80,000 and $100,000 tournaments that range from entry-level events, giving young players the opportunity to earn their first ranking points, to premium-level tournaments, with competition close to that of the WTA.
Evansville, IN has held a Women’s Pro Circuit Event for 18 years and counting. Our tournament is one of the longest running Pro Circuit events, Men or Women, in the country. Originally held at the University of Evansville and sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, the tournament relocated to Wesselman Park where it has been since. Currently named the Women’s Hospital Classic, features some of the top American juniors and collegiate players each year. The Women’s Hospital Classic attracts players from all over the world. Players from Russia, China, Mexico, Australia, Poland, England, Columbia, Japan and more have traveled to the city of Evansville to participate. Our tournament is a staple event in the Pro Circuit community. Each year 32 women compete for the singles title while 16 doubles teams compete for the doubles title.
Each year we offer several events free to the public. Our Doubles Clinic is hosted at Wesselman Park, where local coaches from the University of Southern Indiana and University of Evansville provide an hour of free instruction with the help of touring professionals. The Women’s Hospital Classic is also proud of its Multi-cultural and Family Day, held every year before the semi-finals. Players and fans are welcome to come before play to participate in an hour free instruction and games, as they compete for prizes. Multi-cultural and Family Day is taught by Evansville Tennis Professionals, local High School coaches, top-ranked junior players and touring professionals. in addition to these great events we also host a Ladies Day. Each year before the singles finals, Lic’s Ice Cream and Deli serves Strawberries and (ice)Cream to any attending fans.
Our tournament has included players who have won USTA National Junior Championships, and NCAA All-American Awards. Players have also competed in Junior Grand Slam Finals, The Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
The USTA Pro Circuit was formed in 1979 to provide players with an opportunity to gain the professional ranking points they need to compete on the major pro tours. It has since grown into the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, consisting of approximately 90 tournaments and offering nearly $3 million in prize money.