Tennis ACT hopes a $43,000 prizemoney boost helps lure a strong field to the Canberra International next month as the capital edges closer to its goal of securing the rights to a Davis Cup tie.
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Canberra will take another step toward becoming an ATP and WTA world tour venue when it hosts the lucrative $US135,000 ($A169,000) tournament at the end of October.
Tennis ACT is still hopeful of hosting Davis Cup or Fed Cup fixtures in the coming years after investing in a new multi-million dollar facility at Lyneham.
But chief executive Kim Kachel is confident the rise of the Canberra International and ATP challenger events will give the capital a solid grounding to chase bigger prizes.
Tennis Australia, ITF pro circuit and ATP challenger tour officials agreed to raise the prizemoney on offer at the Canberra International after reviewing last year's event.
Kachel is hopeful of luring a handful top 100 players to event, with men competing for a share $US75,000 while the women's prize pool is $US60,000.
"It's a pretty significant injection of prizemoney and really recognises the tournament and world class facilities for what they are," Kachel said.
"We're hoping to lock in some world-class players with this elevated status to secure some more top 100 players to come to this event.
"We had nine top 100 players at a tournament in January ... if we get anywhere between three or six for the Canberra International, it's fantastic. If we get more than that, it's an excellent result."
Canberra players Alison Bai (WTA No. 581) and James Frawley (ATP No. 899) will be part of the Canberra International draw as they look to improve their rankings.
Tennis ACT is also set to host the Canberra junior international next week, junior claycourt titles and the inaugural Canberra wheelchair open.
The Australian Davis Cup team will play against Belgium in Brussels next week in the hope of securing a rare home final.
"The Davis Cup always depends on the draw, who we're playing and the preference for surface type," Kachel said.
"But we are interested in getting a tie, whether that's Davis Cup or Fed Cup, we'll be ready.
"I think everyone recognises what a quality facility it is at the Canberra Tennis Centre and I think it puts us in a really good position for hosting future events."
