Tag: Tennis

6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business & Industry

After return to London, tennis’ Laver Cup will head to Los Angeles in 2027

Los Angeles has been confirmed as host city for the 10th edition of the Laver Cup, with the three-day men's team tennis competition set to take place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood from 24-26 September 2027. The tournament will arrive in California a year after the Laver Cup returns to London, where The O2 will host the 2026 edition from 25-27 September. For travelling tennis fans, Los Angeles promises a very different setting for the competition – and another opportunity to combine world-class sport with a city break in one of the world's biggest entertainment destinations. It will also form part of an extraordinary period for sports tourism in Los Angeles. After hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city will also host Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Olympic and Paralympi...

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24Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trends

Tennis travel kit: I play with Jack Draper’s racket – the Dunlop FX 500 Tour (2026)

For sports travellers, few things beat the chance to test the same equipment used at the highest level of the game. Ramy James Salameh gets his hands on Dunlop's FX 500 Tour Series racket and a set of AO Balls to put them both through their paces... Famous sporting brand ambassadors are hard to ignore, we see them delivering at the elite level and want to emulate them. Certainly, this is no more prevalent than in tennis. A game where technique and footwork must be on-point, alongside, balance, dexterity and artistry with the racket. Dunlop have British tennis sensation Jack Draper on their books, a strapping 6’4” player who already has three-career titles under his belt and been ranked as high as number 4 in the world. And maybe like Matteo Berrettini and Gregor Dimitrov has those fi...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event calendars, Events

Tennis 2026 events calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments

In this 2026 tennis events calendar we start by taking a look at the dates of the four grand slams – plus the big ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 tournaments and the team competitions being held around the world. The next tennis grand slam, the fourth and final major of the year, is the US Open from 30 August to 13 September 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. The ATP and WTA tours span the globe with key stops like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome, along with thrilling year-end championships: the ATP Finals in Turin and the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Team competitions will add to the drama, with the United Cup in Australia kicking off the year, followed by the Billie Jean King Cup, Laver Cup and Davis Cup. Top image: PxHere.com Other sports calend...

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9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Tennis travel: Europe’s best resorts and hotels for tennis holidays

Tennis is no longer just a sport people play when they arrive at a resort. Increasingly, it is the reason they book the trip in the first place.  As sports-focused travel continues to grow, tennis holidays are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the luxury travel market. From dedicated coaching programmes and professional-level academies to tournament experiences and wellness-focused recovery facilities, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the quality of the courts as much as the quality of the hotel.  Industry reports point to a rise in destination-driven travel centred around sport, with tennis joining golf as one of the key activities inspiring holiday decisions. The growing popularity of racket sports has not gone unnoticed by the h...

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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Tennis travel: Mouratoglou Tennis Center opens at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has unveiled the opening of the Mouratoglou Tennis Center at the resort. The inauguration was attended by Patrick Mouratoglou, founder of the globally renowned Mouratoglou brand and one of the most influential figures in professional tennis.  Following an opening ceremony, a full programme of high-energy tennis and padel matches created a vibrant atmosphere. Turkish tennis icon İpek Soylu was among the guests, with figures such as Zeynep Tuğçe Bayat, Anıl Altan, Ece Sükan and Cansel Elçin, all coming together to share in the excitement of this event. And as the sun set over the Aegean Sea, the celebrations culminated in an exclusive gala dinner.  The Mouratoglou Tennis Center selected Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum to be its sole and long-term location ...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts, Trends

Tennis travel: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella

With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.  In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.  At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_-Sb5VAjA Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spa...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry, Venues & Stadiums

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has unveiled plans for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex. Initial enhancements will debut at the 2026 edition in February, with the full transformation completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. Designed to elevate the player experience and enhance fan engagement, the expansion marks the most significant upgrade to the Al Garhoud venue in its 30-year history. The redesign, which is being led by specialist stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern and with Turner & Townsend as project managers, positions the Championships as a tournament reflective of Dubai’s global reputation as a world-class host city for international sporting events.  ...

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25Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry

Explora Journeys names Jannik Sinner as brand ambassador 

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a partnership with four-time tennis grand slam champion Jannik Sinner, who becomes the brand's new ambassador. At the heart of this collaboration is The Ocean State of Mind, Explora Journeys' guiding ethos – a philosophy inspired by the sea and its ability to create calm, clarity, and connection. For Italian star Sinner, 24, these values are essential to his performance: balance to navigate high-pressure moments, resilience to recover, and the ability to remain grounded in the constant pursuit of improvement. This alignment reflects a shared understanding that excellence is not only about results, but also about process, authenticity, and wellbeing.  "I'm honoured to join Explora Journeys as the...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: padel and tennis at The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia 

The Datai Langkawi has partnered with LUX Tennis to bring world-class tennis and padel coaching experiences to the iconic Malaysian rainforest resort – making it the first resort in Langkawi to introduce padel courts.  Through its partnership with LUX Tennis, the resort further enhances its existing activity offering with bespoke sporting experiences, including premium coaching and tailored programmes. Nestled within the enchanting rainforest surroundings of The Els Club Teluk Datai, The Datai Langkawi's tennis and padel facilities provide the perfect setting for guests to elevate their game, refine their skills, compete against a professional, or simply enjoy an exhilarating match in a breathtaking natural setting.  Stéphane Duvacher, general manager of The Datai Langkawi, said...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis on a floating court at a French château

As if staying at a 13th century château in France was not idyllic enough, tennis lovers are in for a real treat at Domaine des Étangs, Auberge Resorts Collection in Massignac. The property in the Charente region in south west France is home to a floating tennis court, gracefully placed on a tranquil pond near the swimming pool.  Exemplifying the Domaine’s ethos – blending luxury with whimsy, seamlessly integrated into its natural, art-filled setting – the floating tennis court has been widely featured as one of the world’s most beautiful and unique tennis courts. Giving the chance to “play a match on water”, this unique facility also offers spectator viewing benches, shaded by trees, so guests can enjoy the action in comfort. Other activities for guests to enjoy include walks ar...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Travel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business & Industry

US tennis ace Jessica Pegula named World of Hyatt ambassador

Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s World of Hyatt loyalty program has welcomed American tennis star Jessica Pegula as its newest ambassador, bringing her passion for excellence and travel to the World of Hyatt portfolio.  Through this collaboration, Pegula will offer exclusive insights into elite tennis travel, showcase Park Hyatt hotels around the world, and provide World of Hyatt members with unique opportunities to engage with the sport at the highest level. Pegula said: "I'm thrilled to join World of Hyatt as its newest ambassador. When you're on the road for nearly 10 months a year, finding a place that feels like a true home-away-from-home makes all the difference. The spacious accommodations at Park Hyatt hotels give me the freedom to keep up with my workouts and even enjoy a spa...

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27Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy in Cyprus

Tennis star and former world No.8, Marcos Baghdatis, was back in Wimbledon recently – not to play on the hallowed courts, but to showcase his tennis academy. Guests were treated to an hour-long Q&A with the Cypriot, who opened up about the highs and lows of his sparkling career, which saw him reach the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2006. He also discussed the evolution of his tennis academy, which is integrated within the City of Dreams Mediterranean, a luxury resort in Limassol that is redefining Cyprus's lifestyle and sports offering. The 12-court facility provides high-level coaching from a team hand-picked by Baghdatis, who intends to lead some training sessions himself, as he aims to spend 75% of his time at the academy. As a popular player...

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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis at Kalimera Kriti resort in Greece

The Kalimera Kriti Hotel & Village Resort, a five-star property on the island of Crete, is a world-class sports resort that’s home to the largest tennis and padel centre in Greece. Located on the island’s northeastern coast and offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, Kalimera Kriti boasts a selection of rooms and bungalows, sandy beaches, swimming pools, health and wellbeing facilities, plus restaurants and bars.   For sports travellers, the main highlight is the tennis and padel centre, which was upgraded in 2023. Together with Patricio Travel – a specialised tour operator for tennis, padel and fitness travel – and other partners such as Wilson, the Patricio World-Class Tennis Center Crete has 20 real clay courts, six artificial grass courts, five padel courts, and a Wils...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Hotels & Resorts, Trips & Experiences

The Lensbury tennis retreat review: game, set and relax in London

Ramy James Salameh headed to The Lensbury, a premier sports resort situated beside the River Thames in south west London, to enjoy a two-day tennis retreat alongside plenty of R&R. Framed and signed squad shirts, silver glinting trophy cabinets and a champions honours board are just some of the sporting memorabilia adorning the walls of The Lensbury Hotel, located on the banks of the River Thames in Teddington. It all reflects more than a century of sporting excellence, ever since its formation as a sports and social club in 1920. Today, its 25-acres of manicured lawns play host to some of the world’s best teams and sportspeople, who come to prepare and train ahead of major competitions. When England's Lionesses became European women's football champions in 2022, they used The Le...

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2Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business & Industry

Novak Djokovic serves up global partnership with Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has announced a new partnership with Novak Djokovic that will see the tennis icon become the airline’s global brand ambassador and wellness advisor.  A multi-year collaboration that positions Qatar Airways as the official airline partner of Djokovic, the partnership was unveiled at the Altitude Wellness Centre at Al Maha Qatar Airways Crew Accommodation Building. Djokovic stands as one of the greatest athletes in history, with 24 grand slam titles and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He said: "It is my great pleasure and honour to partner with Qatar Airways, a company I admire for many years not just for its impeccable service to its customers and employees, but also because it recognises the importance of wellbeing and longevity which is a passion of mine...

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24Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Trips & Experiences

Tennis holidays: LUX Tennis Star Event at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives will welcome former tennis professionals Julia Görges and Wesley Koolhof to the luxury island resort for a LUX Tennis Star Event from 7-14 January 2025.  Featuring a week of group and private lessons with Görges and Koolhof, the programme will begin with a complimentary meet and greet with the players for all guests. Throughout the week, Görges and Koolhof will alternate between one-hour group sessions and 30-minute private lessons. Group clinics will cost guests $90 (£70) a session, with private lessons costing $150 (£115) a session.  Playing on a state-of-the-art court surrounded by Baa Atoll’s tropical foliage, guests at Finolhu have the opportunity to develop their game and enjoy a unique tennis experience.  Currently present in 43 p...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Norrie and Zverev confirmed for the 2024 Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic

British No.1 men’s tennis player Cameron Norrie has been confirmed on the line-up for the 2024 Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, taking place from 25-29 June at The Hurlingham Club in Fulham, west London. Norrie will be joined in the grass-court tournament by a number of ATP stars, including world No.5 Alexander Zverev, world No.12 Holger Rune, world No.17 Karen Khachanov, and world No.21 Frances Tiafoe.  Held ahead of the Wimbledon grand slam, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic is returning to The Hurlingham Club for its 30th edition this year, with Italian luxury fashion house Giorgio Armani as its title partner for the third year in a row. The Tennis Classic offers exclusive and intimate access to one of the country's most renowned members’ clubs, combining timeless elegance with qu...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Hotels & Resorts

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa serves up a stunning padel court

Is this the best padel court in the world? At Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa in the Maldives, guests are encouraged to pick up a racquet and enjoy a game of padel tennis at the resort’s new floating court, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. From its quiet beginnings in the 1970s, padel tennis is now growing in popularity and quickly becoming one of the most exciting racquet sports for both professional players and enthusiasts around the world. The new padel court is located on a private islet, connected by a jetty to Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa’s seven-hectare island in the Raa Atoll. The over-water court, with its open and unobstructed views over the ocean, will welcome guests to rally with friends and family while taking in the coral reef and rich ...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel, Trips & Experiences

Tennis holidays in Greece and Turkey with Mark Warner in 2023

From intensive tennis weeks to private one-on-one coaching, independent activity holiday company Mark Warner has been serving up tennis holidays for nearly 50 years. Each of its five properties in Greece and Turkey have a choice of courts, and with a team of expert coaching staff on hand, there are options for all ages and levels.   Guests all enjoy complimentary access to the courts and equipment, with social tennis sessions included in their stay and drills sessions also available. Additional activities which can be booked and paid for either in advance or locally range from serve clinics and group tennis coaching sessions, to one-on-one tuition and private tennis lessons as well as LTA courses and mini and junior LTA courses for children.  Padel and pickleball Alongsi...

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