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First names released for 2018 Fuzion 100 Ilkley Trophy show another incredible line up

 

The first names for the men’s 2018 Fuzion 100 Ilkley Trophy (formerly the Aegon Ilkley Trophy) have been announced showing that in its fourth year the tournament continues to attract some of the top up and coming names in the game. Starting on 16 June the Ilkley Trophy will welcome some of the best professional tennis players in the world to Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club [ILTSC] for eight days of intense, high stakes grass court tennis as part of the Association of Tennis Professionals [ATP] Challenger Tour.

 

Playing to increase their experience on the surface ahead of Wimbledon, players ranked within the global top 100 will challenge for a total prize fund of $150,000.  More players will be confirmed after having secured wildcards for the tournament but among those already signed up to play in Ilkley this year are BritLiam Broady (24).  Broady knows the Ilkley courts well having played the opening rounds of the tournament in both 2015 and 2016. A regular ATP Challenger finalist, Stockport based Broady – currently #164 - will be looking to secure his first title.

 

Also keen to come to Ilkley is Australian Jordan Thompson, currently ranked #91. Thompson has got off to a flying start so far this year, winning his fifth ATP Challenger Tour title in Chennai, India this February. A finalist at the 2017 ATP Challenger tournament in Surbiton, Thompson reached a career high of #63 last year.

 

Fellow Australian James Duckworth is working his way back through the rankings following a year-long break to recover from foot surgery. Currently ranked #105 the 26-year-old will be aiming to make a return to the top 100 in 2018.

 

Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky’s biggest career win came in 2013 when in the Wimbledon second round he brought to an end Roger Federer’s 36th straight run into a quarter final. Currently #127, the 32-year-old peaked at #31 back in 2010 and is consistently ranked in the top 100 by the end of each season.

 

ILTSC Manager Charlie Maunder commented: “We know that our courts and facilities, as well of course as our friendly Yorkshire welcome, are a major attraction for players with many choosing to return to compete here whenever they can. We invest year-round in maintaining our facilities to ensure they are ready for an international tournament of this scale. We’ve increased the seating capacity this year because the tournament attracts more and more spectators every year and with players still to be confirmed we can safely say that the 2018 tournament will be another must-see event, rain or shine!”

 

The Fuzion 100 Trophy is part of the ITF Pro Circuit & ATP Challenger Tour with a total prize fund of $250,000: $150,000 for men, $100,000 for women. 

 

The women’s draw will be announced on Friday 1 June.

 

Tickets are on sale here: https://www.theticketfactory.com/ltaci/online/