ENTRIES have opened for the Wangaratta Lawn Tennis Club's annual Australia Day tournament.

The Australia Day tournament is the club's biggest event for the year that attracts players from all over the state.

All events in 2023, except for open singles, will be round–robin.

Prior to the group winner playoffs, most players will play a minimum of three sets, however, some will play two sets and some will play four sets depending on numbers.

WLTC president Barry Sullivan said he's looking forward to planning getting underway.

"We've had some flood related damage to the lower bank so we're looking at getting that remedied at the moment and it should be in good condition by Australia Day," Sullivan said.

"The rest of the courts are playing really well and the facilities are looking a treat.

"Hopefully we can get the park mowed and that will only improve the aesthetics even more."

The sponsorship from Premier Panels covers prizemoney for the open singles winners, runners–up and semi–finalists, to the tune of $1200, $400 and $100 respectively.

"We're really thankful to have Premier Panels on board again," Sullivan said.

"They're putting in $5000 worth of prizemoney which will be spread among the semi–finalists and finalists."

Sullivan is confident the tournament will once again attract talented players.

"Last year we had some impressive talent and we're certainly looking to do that again," he said.

"We're going to make a big deal of players who have entered and we're also looking at having a bio for all of our seeded players in the singles.

"Another thing that's on the cards is having a fixed time for all of the semi–finals and finals so that people can come down and have a look.

"We've already had enquiries on bookings for the tournament, even from as far as Macedon so we're confident we'll get some good entries."

The club hosted games under lights last year which will once again be a feature of the upcoming tournament.

"We've got plenty of options with having six lit up lawn courts and six hard courts," he said.

"They will allow us to play deep into the evening if needed.

"We had a quarter final under lights last year which was a big hit."

Sullivan said there will also be a food related draw card at the event.

"We've got a bit of a special treat this year," he said.

"We've got a guy coming down who finished in the top dozen of a massive barbeque competition over in the US.

"He'll be bringing all of his secret herbs and spices one night for all to enjoy a barbeque dinner.

"The winner of this competition won hundreds of thousands of dollars so we're looking forward to tasting some delicious ribs and other things."

A printable entry form is available from the club's website on the tournament page, but online entries are preferred.