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Tennis Open 'makes powerful equality statement'

Perisha Kudhail
BBC News, West Midlands•@PerishaKudhail
Getty Images A general view of play during the Women's Singles Final match between Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia and Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan in June 2024. Crowds of people are in tiered stands around the grass court with advertising hoardings surrounding itGetty Images
The Lexus Birmingham Open is the first of the professional season to be played on grass as players prepare for the Wimbledon championships

For 150 years, professional grass court tennis in Birmingham has been the preserve of women players.

But now, as this year's Lexus Birmingham Open gets under way, male players are for the first time serving alongside their female counterparts.

In contrast to accusations of sexism that overshadowed the scheduling of matches at the French Open, tournament directors in Birmingham say the move is a "powerful statement that celebrates male and female athletes equally".

Held at the Edgbaston Priory Club, it is the first tournament played on grass this season in the build-up to this year's Wimbledon championships.

While Leyla Ogan, director of racquets at the priory, does not see it as a "downgrade", the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) event is for the first time since 2021 a "challenger" tournament.

A female tennis player stands at the baseline on a grass tennis court, as she throws up the ball to serve. In the background there are banks of seats for spectators and there are also match officials standing to the left of the shot.
Players in the 2025 tournament are playing in qualifying matches over the weekend, before the full action gets under way on Monday

Moving from a WTA 250 in 2024 to a WTA 125, it means players will win fewer ranking points and prize money on offer is lower.

"'We don't view the tournament as a downgrade or relegation as it's a brand-new event, welcoming both men and women to the club for the first time in our 150-year history," said Ms Ogan.

"The combined format offers a completely new atmosphere and environment for young fans and aspiring players to be inspired by the game in their city."

Getty Images Yulia Putintseva, the winner of the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham in June 2024. Putinteva is sitting on the grass in her whites holding a silver coloured trophy in both hands Getty Images
Yulia Putinseva was the champion at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham, in June last year

With the mix of male and female players, it means there are now seven courts of action for fans to enjoy.

The tournament will bring new players to the grass, as well as familiar locals like Dan Evans who will be playing on home turf.

Edgbaston Priory A groundsman dressed in black polo shirt and shorts is holding a large stencil showing GHAM as he walks off a grass tennis courtEdgbaston Priory
After playing on the hard courts across the winter, the Edgbaston tournament is the first of the season on grass, in the build up to the Wimbledon championships

The newly revamped grass courts are attracting players to make their debut off hard courts and those who are climbing in the ranks from matches earlier in the year.

Qualifying matches for the tournament continue later before the competitive matches begin in earnest on Monday.