On Monday, the organisers of the Waves Open 57 tennis tournament held a press conference to introduce the players for the 7th edition which will be played between 24 June and 3 July 2016 at the Tennis Club Moulinois de La Saussaie near Metz.

This International Women’s Tennis Tournament brings together amateur and professionals players in the most important of the National Circuit of Grand Tournaments in France. This volunteer-run tournament was elected the Best Tournament of the French Circuit last November, attesting to the quality of the organisation.

Defending champion Stéphanie Foretz (WTA ranked #220) and finalist Almandine Hesse (WTA #177) are both slated to play this year along with the 2013 winner, Luxembourg’s Mandy

Minella (WTA #128), the 2014 winner Mathilde Johansson (WTA #218), Pauline Parmentier (WTA #89), Virginie Razzano (WTA #182), Claire Feuerstein (WTA #443), Irina Ramialison (WTA #317), Constance Sibille (WTA #1206) and Spanish player Laura Pous Tio (WTA #249).

Special events organised in addition to the tennis competition include opportunities for spectators to test their football skills in honour of France hosting the Euro2016 football tournament, try out adventure tree climbing, or watch Wimbledon or Euro matches on a giant 12.2 m tv screen, and even test tennis skills on a special court surface or meet the Waves 57 players. Starting on 25 June, there will be a wine and champagne bar close to Centre Court. A paddle tennis court will be set up to allow visitors to discover this growing sport.

For further information see the Waves 57 official website at www.wavesopen57.com.

Photo by Jan McIntyre of Mandy Minella at the Waves Open 57 tournament in 2015