July 31, 2023 – The Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic, a USTA Pro Circuit tournament, has returned to Decatur’s Fairview Park for the 25th—and final—year.
Balls started flying this morning at the Fairview Park Tennis Complex, where about 70 players from across the world will compete for $25,000 in total prize money and Association of Tennis Professionals pro ranking points. The Pro Circuit has become the largest developmental tennis tournament series in the world, and the Ursula Beck tournament has served as a gateway for players to gain further experience and recognition.
The tournament kicked off with the first qualifying round for men’s singles at 9 a.m. and will conclude with men’s singles finals at noon on August 6, with various mens’ and women’s tournaments held in between. Although this year marks 25 years of inviting pros to Decatur as part of USTA play, it will be the last, with the retirement of Tournament Director Chuck Kuhle. The Decatur Community Tennis Foundation hosts the event and it’s sponsored by the Darrell and Ursula Beck family, with other local businesses donating resources via sponsorships.
Notable past players include Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka, Taylor Fritz, and John Isner. In 2022, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries competed at Pro Circuit tournaments like Ursula Beck in cities nationwide.
The public is encouraged to attend and watch future pros play throughout the week. Kuhle joined Byers & Co. and Soy City Buzz last week to discuss the event—click HERE and HERE to listen to the podcasts.
For more information, including entry lists and the order of play, click HERE.
