FORMER United States Open finalist Greg Rusedski is backing Great Britain's newest challenger tournament – the Aegon Ilkley Trophy.

The Great Britain No 1, who officially opened Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club's five refurbished indoor courts in 2010, as well as doing some coaching there, said: "I want to congratulate Ilkley Tennis Club on holding their new challenger tournament."

The tournament, which has $50,000 in prize-money at stake for both the men and women, will be held on Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, June 21, and former world No 4 Rusedski added: "It is going to be a great tournament. The Aegon Ilkley Trophy is one of the biggest tournaments leading up to the Wimbledon Championships, so good luck and enjoy the tournament."

Rusedski, whose mother Helen was born in Staincliffe Maternity Hospital, near Dewsbury, the town where he received a civic reception, and the hard-hitting left-hander said: “It’s fantastic that Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club has been added as a venue to this year’s Aegon Trophy Series.

"I visited the club in 2010 to coach some of the young players, and I’ve seen first-hand quality of grass courts, level of facilities and the wonderful, enthusiastic team who work behind the scenes at the club, and who, I’m sure, will make this tournament one to remember.

"I’ve a strong affinity with Yorkshire and this event will offer people in the region a brilliant opportunity to watch world-class tennis, and some of the sport’s rising stars, right on their doorstep.”

Tickets are already on sale of for the Aegon Ilkley Trophy, which is the highest-ranking tennis tournament ever held in Yorkshire.

The club will stage more than 100 matches over eight days involving more than 100 players from across the globe.

A variety of tickets are available for 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/