CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above is from a previous story.
Tennis in the Land has kicked off at Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica and a familiar face to tennis fans will be taking the court Monday evening.
Lauren Davis will take on Anett Kontaveit, who is 30th in the world and the second seed in the tournament. Their match will take place Monday evening at 6 p.m.
The 2021 Tennis in the Land event is the inaugural one here in the city, and it has brought the world's most-watched women's sport here for the very first time. Organizers said a contract was signed that guarantees the event will be hosted in Cleveland for three years.
The tournament is one of three qualifying tournaments for the U.S. Open, which takes place next week. 48 players from 15 different countries will compete in 54 matches in both singles and doubles at Jacobs Pavilion.
"The event's going to broadcast in over 120 countries and 60 million homes in the U.S. Alone," Sam Devall with Topnotch Management said.
At Jacob's Pavilion, a temporary stadium court has been erected inside the pavilion itself, with five additional temporary courts on three lots outside the pavilion.
Tournament coordinators told 3News they won't be asking for vaccine statuses, but will require masks for players using indoor facilities between matches. More than 1,000 COVID-19 tests will be administered throughout the week-long event for players and tournament staff.
"[This] gives people an opportunity, not only locals, but people who are coming into town to see what Cleveland has to offer," Emily Lauer with Destination Cleveland said.
Spectators coming to the city for the tournament are expected to boost the local economy, and organizers predicted $2 million in direct spending.
"It brings in money from out of town," Lauer said. "It builds our reputations, helps change perceptions and change the narrative of Cleveland outside of Cleveland."
Tonight's match between Davis and Kontaviet will be broadcast live on the Tennis Channel and Bally Sports Great Lakes.
Tickets for all this week's matches can be purchased HERE, and range in price up to $220.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player below is from a previous story.