TICKETS are to go on sale for the Aegon Ilkley Trophy – the highest-ranking tournament to be played in Yorkshire – next Tuesday.

The men's and women's events, which take place at Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club (ILTSC) from Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, June 21, will include more than 100 matches over eight days, with players entering from all over the globe.

The tournament, which has a total of $100,000 in prize-money, is the first new date for Challenger grass-court tennis in the United Kingdom for several years, offer spectators a unique opportunity to watch top players and up-and-coming British and international talent against the world-renowned backdrop of Ilkley Moor.

A variety of tickets are available for matches throughout the tournament, including the opening weekend of qualifying matches, where tickets are free; ground pass tickets for the main draw on Monday to Thursday at £5 (£4 for students and over-60s and £15 for a family ticket, including two adults and two children); and the men's finals on Saturday and the women's finals on Sunday (£15 allocated seating, £12 students and over-60s, £30 family tickets, including two adults and two children).

Tickets can be purchased by phone on 0844-5816903 or online at https://www.theticketfactory.com/ltaci/online/

Meanwhile, ILTSC are having three themed days at the tournament in a bid to introduce more people to the sport, starting with a family fun day on Sunday, June 14, where special activities will be on offer, as well as the opportunity to watch top-class tennis from one of the five grandstands.

The following day, member of any Yorkshire League club can watch at a 50 per cent discount, while Thursday, June 18 has been designated Ladies Day, which is the perfect excuse for females to dress up on the Centre Court and enjoy tea, scones and a glass or two of Pimm's!

The tournament is a major coup for the club, which celebrates its 135th anniversary this year, and it hoped it will attract the next generation of top tennis stars, who will be following in the footsteps of Tim Henman, Amelie Mauresmo and Greg Rusedski.

ILTSC general manager Charlie Maunder said: “We look forward to welcoming people from across Yorkshire and beyond to Ilkley this June to join us in watching some outstanding tennis.

"Yorkshire is quickly becoming known for hosting fantastic sporting events, and the Aegon Ilkley Trophy is the latest to cement this reputation. "This is a world-class tennis event that everyone – players and the public alike – can enjoy for stunning sport, the friendly atmosphere and all the glorious and uniquely Yorkshire surroundings.”

Tournament schedule – Saturday, June 13: Men's qualifying. Sunday, June 14: Men's & women's qualifying. Monday, June 15: Final qualifying, main draw starts. Tuesday, June 16-Friday, June 19: Main draw continues. Saturday, June 20: Men's finals, women's semi-finals. Sunday, June 21: Women's finals.