Hot on the heels of another successful JM Glendinning Group Ilkley Open Tennis Tournament, the Lawn Tennis Association has been quick to pledge its support for the event.

They have confirmed to the club that the International Futures event will not only be held again at Ilkley in 2009 but will also be elevated to a $15,000 event.

Greater prize money (up from $10,000 in 2008) will also mean that the international rankings of the players will be even higher in next year's event.

Club Chairman Val Kerr said: "We are delighted that the LTA has once again committed to hosting such a prestigious event at the club and we look forward to welcoming all our international visitors next year."

The Ilkley Open 2009 will be in its 113th year. It takes place at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club at the end of July/beginning of August and is a huge festival of tennis bringing together not only the international men's tennis event but alongside this, national standard juniors play in an LTA tournament and local club players in handicap events.

Paul Glendinning, the managing director of the JM Glendinning Group, said: "We are delighted to support this unique event. It is fantastic to see not only the top players in action but to also see local players pitting their wits against each other.

"As a company, the JM Glendinning Group is keen to support the local community and this event ties in with our core values and ideals."

The main international singles event this year was won by top seed Mathieu Rodriguez, 22, from France who has seen a meteoric rise in his ranking since the end of last year and is tipped for great things. He also partnered fellow countryman, Gregorie Burquier, to the men's doubles title after beating him in the singles final.

These players follow in the footsteps of a fine pedigree of players. The 2006 Wimbledon Champion Amelie Mauresmo played at Ilkley in 1994 and the 2007 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Champion Jamie Murray played in 2005 with Tim Henman having taken part as a junior.