Peter Norfolk won the British Open quad singles title in 2011
The British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships has been voted tournament of the year for 2011 on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour by the ITF.
The Tournament of the Year award is presented once a year to a tournament on the Tour, which is acknowledged because of it's contribution towards the development of wheelchair tennis at national and international level, the quality of organisation and the promotion of the event and wheelchair tennis in general.
The British Open, organised by the Tennis Foundation, is one of six Super Series events on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour and is on the level of tournaments just below the Grand Slams.
Tournament Director Becky Tilley commented;
"The British Open is a real team effort and would not be possible if it wasn’t for the dedication of our small, but highly efficient team of volunteers and staff. The event has evolved over the 23 years it’s been running and we always aim to push the boundaries to improve the experience for everyone involved.
"Nottingham Tennis Centre is an excellent venue and we had over 120 of the world’s best players compete in 2011. The tournament in 2012 will have even more importance as the players, who will have already qualified for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, compete for points towards their seeding at the Games."
In 2011 the British Open celebrated its 22nd year and came within the year-long wheelchair tennis qualification period for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, making it one of the highest quality events on the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour and one of the most popular with players from around the world.
The 23rd British Open is scheduled for July 17-22 at Nottingham Tennis Centre and entry is free to spectators to come along and watch the world's top players.Look back at the 2011 British Open here.