The annual Walt Herrick Memorial Foundation Men's Open singles and doubles prize money tournament returns to The Racket Club on Friday, January 2 - Sunday, January 4. Highly accomplished players will be present including nationally ranked high school players, Division 1 college players, regional teaching pros, and even young pros hoping to make a living playing professional tour tennis. Last year's singles final featured highly touted Northwestern University freshman Konrad Zieba outdueling ATP World Tour top-300 player Marek Michalika.

Play begins Friday, January 2 at 5 pm, Saturday, January 3 at 10 am, and Sunday, January 4 at 10 am. Friday and Saturday's matches will go until 11 pm, and Sunday's semifinals and finals will wrap up around 4 pm. The public is invited to stop by and watch the tournament action. Spectator admission is only $2. There will be great close up views through the spacious lounge windows. For those who may not have ever had such an opportunity, the speed and sound of the action has to be seen to be believed!

In keeping with the vision of one of the Racket Club's founders, the late Walt Herrick, Sr., the event raises funds toward tennis lessons for deserving boys and girls of the local community. Every year, the Foundation awards Racket Club tennis instructional scholarships for applicants who demonstrate dedication on and off the court to tennis, academics, and the improvement of their surroundings.

The Racket Club, a facility of Crystal Lake Park District, is located at 9101 South Route 31 (one mile south of Rakow Road) in Algonquin, Illinois 60102. Please call club manager/tournament director Rob Laue with questions at 847-658-5688.

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