On Sunday, February 11, the South Devon Tennis Centre is hosting a special Davis Cup day.

This one-off event will see the Ivybridge-based tennis centre turned into a tennis clinic, with targeted coaching classes for members and non-members provided by former Davis Cup players.

The event is being run with the help of Bright Ideas for Tennis, a charity which has been set up by former top-ranked British tennis players to support tennis clubs, increase membership and improve facilities: And it is thanks to them that the tennis clinics on February 11 will be led by Danny Sapsford, former Davis Cup player for Great Britain (1990-1995).

Danny, who competed in four majors, reaching the third round of Wimbledon in 1999 before losing to Pete Sampras, will then partner with another former Davis Cup player in an exhibition match against two of Ivybridge Tennis Academy’s own top players.

Paul Butcher, director of tennis at South Devon Tennis Centre, said: “This is fantastic for tennis at our club and fantastic for Devon. Tennis is a very popular sport in Devon, but it is so rare for local fans and players to be able to get tips from players of Danny’s calibre without having to travel to London or further up country.

“We are so grateful to Danny and his team for coming to Ivybridge. Any proceeds made from the day will be invested into new carpet for the South Devon Tennis Centre’s indoor courts, to ensure we continue to deliver top-quality facilities and coaching for the next generation of players.”

Danny Sapsford, director of Bright Ideas for Tennis, said: “We are dedicated to improving tennis facilities in the UK.”

Bright Ideas for tennis’s primary goal is to support tennis clubs in the UK by increasing membership numbers, raising participation levels and improving playing facilities.

An exhibition match between the Davis Cup pros and the Ivybridge Tennis Academy’s top players will begin at 2pm on the day at the South Devon Tennis Centre, and spectators are welcome. If player fancy joining in, the club is offering a draw for doubles pairs and the prize is the chance to take on the pros.

The tennis coaching session run by the Davis Cup pros are being booked on a first come, first served basis and can be booked by calling Rachel on 01752 426322, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm