The Hunter Valley may have just found its new ace, with Signature Slam Academy (SSA) launching the region’s first ITF-compliant courts, a development set to attract international players and boost sporting tourism.
Currently, the Lovedale venue is already staging UTR Pro Tennis Tour events as it positions itself as a future powerhouse for the sport’s elite.
Co-owners Dr Jerry Schwartz and Krishna Singh have known each other for more than 20 years, but the idea for the SSA emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latter’s son had been competing in Europe, and the challenge of getting him home sparked a bigger question.
“We thought, why can’t we have a one-stop tennis academy in Australia?” Singh said.
“Why should our kids have to go overseas to play?
“Our vision was to do something that has never been done before.
“Less travel, less fatigue… a better experience for everyone.”
From there, the pair built something completely new.
The $10 million project mirrors Australian Open standards as the complex features the same GreenSet surface used in Melbourne Park, Grand Slam lighting, and seating for about 3,000 spectators on each court.
“These are the only ITF-compliant courts in the region,” Singh said.
“Players walk in and are blown away by the facility.
“Officials come from all over the world, and they say it feels like a holiday, not work.
“These players are the absolute best at what they do.
“So, attracting these types of athletes into the Hunter region is really exciting.
“We’re already seeing the economic impact.
“Each event brings 40 players, plus their families and coaches, which flows straight into local accommodation, hospitality and jobs.”
With a resort, golf course and transport infrastructure already on-site, Signature Slam Academy has signed a five-year deal with UTR Sports to host the UTR Pro Tennis Tour (PPT).
Each event includes a men’s and women’s tournament, while carrying USD $20,000 prizemoney.
They’re also broadcasted live through Amazon Prime.
“We have players from Belgium, Singapore, Malaysia, the US, and from all over Australia,” Singh told the Newcastle Weekly.
“When we hosted our first event in May, we made history.
“There hasn’t been a sports event in the Hunter that’s been televised, let alone tennis.
“We’re definitely reaching our goals.”
Located in the middle of the charming vineyards, the venue has quickly become a favourite.
Four events will be staged each year – two weeks in May-June and two in July-August – all locked in for the next five years.
Players from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia are also gearing to serve it up, as part of the Asia and Pacific calendar, from 24 to 30 November.
SSA is now in discussions with Tennis Australia about expanding into additional tours.
Singh said the long-term plan was even bigger.
The Lovedale site is earmarked for a 70-court expansion worth about $180 million – a build that would make it the largest tennis complex in the world.
“We’re taking it step-by-step, but the vision is huge,” he said.
“If international players can base themselves here, acclimatise, rest, then play back-to-back events, it puts the Hunter on the global tennis map.
“And, with the vineyards and mountains as the backdrop, we want the world to see just how special the Hunter Valley really is.”
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