The Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational is set to continue the success of previous years despite the impacts of Covid, says Te Anau Tennis Club President Greg Sheppard.

“It’s all come together in the end, but Covid has led to us being well behind schedule for this year. We didn’t even decide to hold the event until the beginning of the month” says Sheppard. 

The event will be held over Tuesday, December 28 and Wednesday, December 29 at the Te Anau tennis courts, and has once again managed to secure eight of the top male tennis players in the country. 

Five-time winner and number one ranked tennis player in the country Rubin Statham is returning, hoping to repeat his 2020 victory. 

The Distinction Hotels Te Anau Tennis Invitational is due to take place next week. Photo: Southland App

Challengers include kiwi player Connor Heap, competing off the back of a convincing win at the Auckland Tennis Open, and Finn Tearney, who has played in the Invitational every year since its inception and is “always a threat,” according to Sheppard. 

Returning competitor Alex Klintcharov is described as a “wildcard and a character” by Sheppard, and is sure to provide the crowd with some entertaining tennis over the tournament. 

Also returning is Rob Reynolds. “He’s a handful of a player,” says Sheppard. “Definitely don’t rule him out.” 

The Invitational also draws Corban Crowther, who previously competed in the 2020 International Tennis Federation World Tennis Tour M15 event in Te Anau, and a newcomer to Te Anau, Columbian player Francisco Mendieta. 

The event also boasts a first for the Invitational; a Te Anau local competing in the tournament.

“Local boy Sky Lovill is competing this year, which definitely adds to the local interest. It’ll be great for everyone to get behind him on the day. He tells me he won’t be placing eighth, so it’s good to know his confidence is up!” 

“Any of them could win on the day,” says Sheppard, and competition is likely to be fierce, 

The tournament this year has needed to adapt to the new traffic light system, but Sheppard says this hasn’t been too much of a problem for organisers.  

“We’ve called around all of the businesses who usually take corporate tables, and they’ve all still been able to come.” He says all players, officials and other staff at this years’ event are vaccinated. 

Tickets are door sales only, and are $15 per adult, with children under 12 free. 

All those aged over 12 need to hold a My Vaccine Pass, to be shown upon entry.

“People should get on down on the day,” says Sheppard. “There’s going to be some really good tennis.”