Game, Set, Match: Professional Tennis Returns to Clemson
How the ITF W15 Tournament Showcased Clemson as a Premier Destination for Sports and Tourism
The Clemson area wasn’t just the center of the college football world—it was a premier destination for professional tennis. For the second time, the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce had the distinct privilege of partnering with the Clemson Women’s Tennis team to host the ITF W15 Clemson Professional Tournament.
Held at the state-of-the-art Duckworth Family Tennis Facility, this event brought rising professional stars from around the globe to our backyard, competing for world ranking points and a share of the professional prize purse.
More Than a Tournament: A Community Showcase
Hosting an event of this caliber does more than just provide great entertainment for local sports fans. It puts Clemson on the map as a world-class host for high-level athletic events.
By utilizing the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility—widely considered one of the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference—we are sending a clear message: Clemson is open for business when it comes to professional sports tourism. Events like this bring:
- Economic Impact: Players, coaches, and families from across the country stayed in our hotels, ate at our restaurants, and shopped in our local boutiques for over a week.
- Global Visibility: With professional circuits like the ITF, Clemson's name appears on international schedules, highlighting our community to a global audience of tennis enthusiasts.
- Inspiration for the Next Generation: Local youth players had the opportunity to see professional-level grit and talent up close, right here in their own community.
Fueled by Our Partners
A professional tournament of this scale is only possible through the immense generosity of our local donors and sponsors. Their support provided the foundation for everything from player hospitality to facility operations.
We want to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to every business and individual who stepped up to sponsor this event. Your investment isn't just in a tennis match; it's an investment in the reputation and economic health of the Clemson area.
Looking Ahead
The success of this second professional tournament solidifies Clemson’s place as a "tennis town." The Chamber is committed to continuing our work with Clemson Athletics to bring more events like this to our region, further promoting our community as a premier destination for sports, tourism, and business.
Whether it’s on the gridiron or the hardcourts, the Clemson spirit of competition and excellence continues to shine!
