Following a year off from the tennis scene in the lower mainland, the Odlum Brown VanOpen returns to West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Country Club and is schedule for play August 12 – 20, 2017.

Having covered the event in the past, it’s a great opportunity for not only tennis supporters, but fans alike to see the stars in the tennis world on home soil.

The event offers a prize purse of $200,000 (US) and the tournament will see 140 professional Men’s and Women’s stars from over than 45 countries compete for the title.

Debra Hewson, President and CEO of Odlum Brown Limited stated “We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with this high-caliber tournament and excited to return as title sponsor.”

Organizers are extremely excited to rekindle the 14-year history of top players in tennis competing in Vancouver, and the tournament will continue to be devoted to producing a best-in-class tennis event for players and fans.

Past champions of the event include current world No. 9 Johanna Konta (2013 and 2015), former world No. 8 Marcos Baghdatis (2009 and 2014), five-time Slam champion Maria Sharapova (2002), and hometown favorite Vasek Pospisil (2013).

Mark Roberts, CEO of Tennis BC stated “Tennis BC enthusiastically supports this high-quality professional tournament in Vancouver and by adding an event of this magnitude gives fans and players the opportunity to experience world-class play in our own backyard.”

Head Coach of Tennis Canada’s National Training program in BC mentions “This will help plant the seeds of a culture of excellence and sports entertainment for so many sport lovers, families, tennis fans, next generation junior players and younger children in the community.”

He continues “This type of event places the city of Vancouver on the world map of the professional tennis tour and the world’s leading sporting events.”

Rik de Voest, a former professional tennis player and 2006 Odlum Brown VanOpen champion, will serve as Tournament Director.

“I’m thrilled to join the Odlum Brown VanOpen as tournament director and look forward to working with one of the finest sporting events in Canada,” said de Voest.

He continued “As a competitor, I know how the tournament and venue provided a world-class experience for players, fans and sponsors, and I look forward to helping bring that back.”

Thanks to Brian Wiebe, media relations for the press release.