The United States Tennis Association announced Monday that professional tennis is coming back to Joplin.
The one year absence was due to damage incurred by last years tornado that forced the cancellation of the USTA Pro Circuit Men's Futures Tournament.
"The USTA Pro Circuit is 90 developmental profession tennis events and we need communities like Joplin who are willing to support our initiatives to grow the next American champion," says USTA Pro Circuit Director Brian Earley.
In honor of the tournament's return Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean declared July 16-22 as "Tennis Week" in Joplin.