ACT Claycourt International #1 more than doubles its prizemoney to US$60,000

The ACT Claycourt International #1 has more than doubled its prizemoney and will stay a women's tournament from 2018 onwards in a major coup for tennis fans in the capital.

The tournament has been promoted from US$25,000 to US$60,000 and increased its ranking points, with the ITF Pro Tour event set to draw some big names to Canberra this month.

The ACT Claycourt International #1 and #2 will take place at the Canberra Tennis Centre from 17 March – 1 April, but the latter will remain a US$25,000 tournament.

It marks the third year the tournaments have been held on clay, with last year's event being named as a finalist for most outstanding professional tournament at the Newcombe Medal awards.

Rising star Destanee Aiava made her first tour final at the tournament as a 15 years-old in 2016, while Ash Barty won back to back doubles titles with Arina Rodionova.