Dow Tennis Classic to Join WTA 125K Series Circuit

source: Dow Tennis Classic/Greater Midland Tennis Center

The Dow Tennis Classic and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have announced that the next tournament in November will be elevated to a WTA 125K Series event. The Dow Tennis Classic is scheduled for November 1- 7.

The WTA introduced the 125K Series in May 2012, to give emerging markets a chance to showcase women’s professional tennis, offer up-and-coming players an opportunity to play more tournament matches and earn ranking points.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to join the WTA and recognize this as an opportunity to bring the Dow Tennis Classic to the next level,” said Steve Cook, Executive Director of the Greater Midland Tennis Center. “Since its inception, the Dow Tennis Classic has had a rich history of introducing the top players in tennis while positively impacting the Great Lakes Bay Region.”

With total prize money of $125,000 and 160 ranking points for the champion, WTA 125K Series events are one level above the ITF World Tennis Tour and USTA Pro Circuit. The Dow Tennis Classic previously offered $100,000 in total prize money and 140 ranking points for the champion.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Dow Tennis Classic to our lineup of WTA 125 series of tournaments which will provide a great opportunity for the next generation of WTA stars,” said Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO. “Midland has a rich history of hosting world-class tennis events, where current WTA stars Coco Gauff, Caty McNally and Shelby Rogers have enjoyed success, and we are confident that the new WTA 125 event will be no exception.”

The Dow Tennis Classic has been held in Midland for 32 years and was previously the longest running women’s stop on the USTA Pro Circuit.

“The Dow Tennis Classic has been a staple of the USTA Pro Circuit family for over 30 years and we have been incredibly fortunate to witness the growth of the event during that time,” said Megan Rose, Managing Director of Major Events at the USTA. “We are thrilled to see they are elevating to a WTA 125K and will be cheering them as they continue their tradition of world-class tennis combined with world-class hospitality in Midland.”

In February 2020, it was announced that world-class tennis will continue to be staged in the Great Lakes Bay Region thanks to a three-year extension of title sponsorship by Dow. The agreement between Dow and Greater Midland calls for the tournament to remain at the Greater Midland Tennis Center through 2023.