A week-long tennis celebration unfolded at the Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club, with world-class women’s tennis players competing in the fourth annual Vero Beach International Tennis Open, a USTA Circuit Tournament.

The event featured more than 100 top-level Women’s Tennis Association professionals from 35 countries earning points toward their WTA ranking as they competed for the tournament title and a $75,000 prize.

Grand Harbor left everything out on the court during the week-long tournament, hosting a variety of off-the-court events as well.

A Fashion Show and Dinner featured the latest styles from the Grand Harbor Golf and Tennis Pro Shops, Bluefish Sport, Tara Grinna Swim and Resort Wear, and a selection of clothes from tournament title sponsor Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi of Melbourne, which also brought along some enviable vehicles for a Porsche and Muscle Car Show.

A juried Art Show, curated by ML Norton, featured 20 Grand Harbor artists and a Kids’ Day offered a tennis clinic, games and crafts from Coastal Connections. Additionally, advanced and beginner tennis enthusiasts were afforded an opportunity to play with the pros.

Despite the Opening Night Ceremony having to be moved indoors due to inclement weather, spirits were high among all of those who gathered to kick off the week of high-level tennis play.

“We’re only a city of 17,000 people within a relatively small county. We have a tremendous amount of opportunity for entertainment, culture and sports,” said Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, thanking Grand Harbor for hosting the tournament.

“This is one of the premier events for our county. It draws a lot of attention throughout the region and showcases where we live; why this is such a special community,” Cotugno added, noting how supportive residents are of events such as these.

The event was a successful one, despite the rain and chilly weather, and before the final day of play on Sunday, Grand Harbor hosted an evening Dinner Dance featuring fine dining and the musical group, the Floradelics.

“This is a members’ event,” said Michael Gibson, Grand Harbor general manager, noting that more than 100 club members had been involved in the tournament’s organization.

Marco Osorio, Grand Harbor director of sports, agreed, adding that the genesis for the tournament was to engage Grand Harbor members while also promoting tennis.

“The tournament is growing,” said Osorio. He noted the prize purse has increased from $25,000 to $75,000 over the past four years.

After the final matches on Sunday, Solana Sierra (ARG) emerged as the singles champion and Carmen Corley (USA) and Eva Vedder (NED) won the doubles championship.

For more information, visit grandharbor.com/international-open.

Photos by Joshua Kodis and John Pearse