Pro Tennis heats up Santa Clarita starting today.

Starting today and going through Sunday, some fierce competition is expected as the USTA Pro Circuit $50,000 Challenger kicks into high gear at the Paseo Club in Valencia.

It is the second year the event has been in Santa Clarita, and aside from giving fans a thrill, the pros will be battling it out to move up in the world rankings.

This Challenger also represents the last chance for players to qualify for the French Open.

At the Club on Wednesday, veterans of the world stage and young stars alike warmed up together.

“All the players are using these events as a stepping stone,” said Rajeev Ram, who is currently ranked somewhere between 175-180 in the world.

Adam Davidson, a local tennis player, received the wild card and got a chance to play with the pros.

Cecil Mamiit, who is a 10 year veteran of professional tennis who was once ranked 72 in the world, will be playing in this tournament. He’s known for once beating Andre Agassi and Michael Chang in the same tournament.

“You see new faces and you see old faces,” said Mamiit, “It’s a real treat.”

The Singles and Doubles matches will be on the agenda for today, and will continue through the weekend.