Curro Holdings serves an ace as Centre Court Series returns to Curro Hillcrest
The courts are calling, and champions are answering. As winter settles over KwaZulu-Natal, Curro Holdings proudly serves up another winning ace with the return of the Curro Centre Court Series, displaying world-class talent at Curro Hillcrest in partnership with Tennis South Africa. Like a perfectly executed serve-and-volley combination, it brings together the raw ambition of rising stars with the experience of seasoned international players across the tournament’s host courts.
The three-week series, featuring both the men’s and women’s ITF Pro Tours, runs from 30 June to 20 July 2025. It begins with a W15 and M25 event (30 June to 6 July), followed by a W35 and M15 competition (7 to 13 July), and ends with a W15 and M15 tournament (14 to 20 July). Tennis enthusiasts can expect baseline brilliance as racquets clash and every point counts. With the sharp crack of ball meeting racquet echoing across the courts, the series promises a top-tier show of talent.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Centre Court Series back to Curro Hillcrest for another three weeks of world-class tennis. This tournament has become a key event in our sporting calendar and seeing the calibre of international and local talent it continues to attract is truly remarkable. It’s particularly rewarding to witness how our South African players have embraced this platform, claiming seven out of ten singles titles since the inaugural shows the incredible potential we have right here at home,” Cindy van der Merwe, Portfolio Manager, Curro Sport
This is more than just another tournament on the calendar, it’s an opportunity for South African tennis to shine on the international stage. As players from around the globe compete for much-needed ATP and WTA ranking points and substantial prize money, the Curro Centre Court Series stands out as a highlight of the country’s growing influence in world tennis.
“These ITF World Tour tournaments play a very important role in the player pathway, where they provide our junior players with a vital stepping stone to transition onto the professional tour, which is very critical. They also offer our local players the invaluable opportunity to gain exposure to international competition, earn ranking points, and compete for prize money on home soil without the cost of traveling abroad. On behalf of Tennis South Africa, I would like to thank Curro Holdings for making these events possible and for their continuous support and commitment to the development of tennis in South Africa. Hosting these events not only elevates the standard of the game but also helps develop champions. We are able to develop champions through this kind of competition and inspire the next generation of South African tennis stars,” says Anthony Moruthane, Tennis South Africa General Manager.
Local tennis royalty will once again take to centre court, with South Africa’s top young talent ready to display their skills. Among them is Devin Badenhorst, a first-time winner of the Centre Court Series in Hillcrest. Representing Baylor University in the USA, Badenhorst joins a strong line-up that includes Davis Cup player Phillip Henning, a three-time Centre Court Series champion in Hillcrest and Stellenbosch. Also stepping onto the court will be 18-year-old Leo Matthysen, a rising star, and Davis Cup player, as well as Khololwam Montsi, a past Davis Cup representative and former Centre Court Series Hillcrest winner, currently playing for the University of Oklahoma in the USA.
Leading the charge on the women’s side are some of South Africa’s most promising junior players. Danielle Chapman, who reached the Round of 16 last year at just 14-years-old, returns with more match experience under her belt. Joining her is Jahnie van Zyl, who reached the quarterfinals of both weeks last year and recently competed at the Junior French Open. Curro Hillcrest’s very own Grace Koenig, now in Matric, will also be in action, alongside 18-year-old Billie Jean King Cup team member Donna le Roux, who earned her first professional WTA points at last year’s event which has marked her impressive step onto the professional scene.
While many familiar names remain in the line-up, Tunisian player Aziz Dougaz brings new international energy to the men’s draw together with Benjamin Lock (ZIM) and Marc Polmans (AUS). In the women’s tournament, Denmark’s Elena Jamshidi a singles finalist in Stellenbosch earlier this year, is set to challenge the field once again, alongside other well-ranked internationals including Michika Ozeki (JPN), Ksenia Laskutova (RUS), and Darja Suvirdjonkova (SRB).
This series is all about nurturing talent, opening doors, and giving South African players a real shot on the global stage. Since the very first event, we have seen the tangible impact of having these events in South Africa, with local players taking home seven out of ten singles titles. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recognised the tournament series last year and awarded an official ITF player recognition star for exemplary delivery, a considerable milestone that reflects the calibre of the tournament and the talent it attracts.
The stage is set, the draw is made, and the only question remaining is who will claim their place in this year’s series. “This series represents our commitment to developing South African tennis talent while offering world-class sporting entertainment. We are proud to provide a platform where local champions arise and international careers take flight, and we look forward to seeing who will make their mark at this year’s Centre Court Series,” concludes van der Merwe.