Eleven of the region’s hopes will continue their bids for home-court success when play gets under way at the Pertobe Road courts today.

Warrnambool pair Jake Dunn and Sam Wilde survived three rounds of qualifying on the weekend to progress to the main draw of the men’s singles.

They join Warrnambool wild card entrant Matt Moloney and Casterton’s Stephen Tomkins in the round of 32. Main draw action starts today.

Warrnambool’s Sophie Drake is through to the round of 16 in the women’s singles, thanks to her win against Melbourne’s Eve Humphries yesterday.

The teenager also beat Nada Milenkovic to progress to the quarter-finals of the 16 and under girls’ singles.

Others to shine under a clear sky included Hawkesdale’s Eloise Swarbrick, who progressed to the 12 and under girls’ singles and doubles quarter-finals. She will play against another south-west hope in Warrnambool’s Greta Dabizzi in her doubles match today.

Hawkesdale’s Jessica Swarbrick and Hamilton’s Willow Sainsbury are also in action today, vying for a spot in the 14 and under girls’ doubles final.

Warrnambool’s Wihan Van Der Merwe is still in contention for the 12 and under boys’ singles and doubles crowns.

Warrnambool’s Ben Wilde has reached the 16 and under boys’ singles quarter-finals, a section he is the seventh seed in.

Warrnambool Grasscourt Open director Sam Baulch said he was pleased with the smooth start to the tournament.

Baulch said 254 players would hit the courts over the five days, down about 50 on last year, although organisers were pleased with the figure.

“The courts are quite good, although it has been a bit dry this year. They’ve come up really good,” he said.

“It’s been perfect weather for tennis, not too hot, not much wind, and it looks like it’s going to be a reasonable week.”