Keen tennis fans in Winchester need not be disappointed that Wimbledon is over as there will be the opportunity to see international tennis at Winchester Tennis and Squash Club, Bereweeke Road, from next Monday (July 16). The club opens its doors throughout the week of the tournament and everyone is invited to come and watch the competition.

Over 400 players will compete in this year's Slazenger Winchester Tennis Open which gets underway on Monday. The tournament involves 10 events with categories for 18s, 16s, 14s and 12s and under boys and girls as well the men's and ladies' open.

The prime events of the tournament will be the International Tennis Federation 18 & Under and the Tennis Europe 16 & Under categories. The ITF 18 and under event attracts players from around the world and this year the tournament has players from as far a field as Australia, USA and India. This event has attracted the likes of Maria Sharapova and Tim Henman as juniors in the past and the quality of tennis is always of the highest standard.

The 16 & Under Tennis Europe category has a similar international flavour with players from a number of European countries taking part.

Local entrants who will be looking to make an impact are all of the recent winners of the club's internal championships with Will Allen (Boys 18s), Ashtey Pauls, (Boys 16s), Karl Grossey (Boys 14s), Andrew Sanders (Boys 12s), Hannah Crawford (Girls 14s), Emily Kerr (Girls 12s) as well as other top club juniors Katie Beeton and James Crawford.

Play starts each day from 9am with matches taking place well into the evening. The finals are on Saturday (July 21) from around 9:30 in the morning - if you enjoy watching top class tennis, please take the opportunity to come along and see the finals. There is no charge for entrance.