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Central Kentucky Hosts Women's Professional Tennis Tourney

theguardian.com

Central Kentucky is playing host to an international women’s professional tennis tournament this week.  The WTA competition, including the likes of Serena and Venus Williams and Coco Gauff,  is being held at the Nicholasville Top Seed Tennis Club.

General Manager Jon Sanders says the facility hosted a professional exhibition event over the Fourth of July and one thing led to another. “That got some notice from some national-international organizations including the WTA and they were looking for a home for a tournament in August and I started talking with them as well as a company called Octagon and, between the three of us, we worked out a deal that go us an amazing tournament,” said Sanders.

Sanders said a ‘bubble environment’ has been established this week with an entire hotel rented out and hundreds of coronavirus tests run.

He said success will be defined by health and safety.  “People have asked me the entire week, what’s success for you Jon?  Is it Serena in the finals, is it this, is it that?  And my answer is always the same because it’s true is my success is defined by if these players leave Kentucky healthy and happy and the same way that they came in,” explained Sanders.

Sanders says the finals are scheduled for this Sunday.  No spectators are permitted at the event.

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