Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic Premier Tennis Tournament
Kicking off on July 30th and running through August 5th, the 48th Annual Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic will bring the world’s best women’s tennis champions to its new venue at San Jose State University. Beginning after Wimbledon, the Silicon Valley Classic is and part of the Women’s Tennis Association, serving as the opening tournament of a five-event series leading up to the U.S. Open and is the world’s longest running women’s tennis competition.
Formerly the Bank of the West Classic, the tournament was held in Palo Alto at Stanford University since its inception in 1971 but was relocated to SJSU’s new Spartans Tennis Complex just this year. The University and International Management Group (IMG) have a five-year, $1.5 million deal to host the professional women’s tournament, which will enable San Jose State to construct a custom stadium court holding 4,000 spectators as well as make other renovations to the facility.
The University is no stranger to playing host to high-visibility sporting events, having accommodated the Carolina Panthers for Super Bowl 50 as well as the Argentina national men’s soccer team and its star player, Lionel Messi, for Copa Americano 2016.
During its storied history, the tournament has attracted the talents of women champions, including the likes of WTA founder, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Chris Evert, Martina Hingis, and the Williams sisters, who will both play in the upcoming competition.
The 2018 player field includes defending champion, 23-year-old Madison Keys, 23-time Grand Slam Champion winner, Serena Williams, whose opening round match will be held Tuesday, July 31st at 7pm, seven-time Grand Slam Champion, Venus Williams, and two-time Grand Slam Champion, Victoria Zarenka.
There will be 28 single players and 16 team doubles, with the women vying for prize money totaling $799,280.
The week-long premier events melds “tennis with technology in a festival of sports and entertainment.” In addition to edge-of-your-seat tennis played by top-notch women athletes, the tournament experience will include local cuisine and fine wines, daily autograph sessions, and interactive fan exhibitions. With its six fully illuminated outdoor courts, the Spartan Tennis Complex offers spectators a high-end experience, bringing fans closer to the players to immerse them in the action of the competition.
Tickets are available online and can be purchased for individual sessions, the entire championship series, or for the finals weekend playoffs.
The Silicon Valley is a great place to live, work, and play. San Jose State athletic director Marie Tuite says, “Northern California is known for its outstanding tennis at all levels and its support of professional tennis tournaments. It will be a privilege to host a world-class event like the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic.” If you are a tennis enthusiast, this incredible WTA competition is not to be missed!
