GRAN CANARIA, July 29, 2024
After successfully hosting 18 ITF Pro Circuit tournaments from 2015 to 2022 on the picturesque island of Gran Canaria, with two consecutive women’s events each year as well as launching the inaugural ITF World Tennis Tour W100 tournament in August 2023, professional tennis is back on the third-largest island of the Canary Islands.
The ITF W100 DISA Gran Canaria will once again welcome some of the world’s top professional female tennis players to the stunning island, where they will compete for the prestigious title and valuable WTA Ranking points.
Two Spaniards lead the field
This year’s field is led by Top 100 star Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who is currently ranked a career-high World No. 77. The 21-year-old Spaniard is enjoying her best season so far, winning three titles. Following two triumphs on the ITF World Tennis Tour, Bouzas Maneiro clinched her maiden WTA Tour 125 crown by lifting the trophy of the Magasaray Hotels Open in Turkey last March. The Galician will open her title bid on home soil against Camilla Rosatello of Italy.
Bouzas Maneiro is joined in Maspalomas by her compatriots Marina Bassols Ribera and Nuria Parrizas-Diaz. No. 2 seed Bassols Ribera leads the bottom half of the draw and will face Belgian wild card entry Ysaline Bonaventure in the first round. Parrizas-Diaz is seeded fourth and takes on Amanda Hesse of France in her opening match.
Veterans and rising stars
The home favourites, however, will face strong competition. Czech teenager Sara Bejlek, who captured her first WTA Tour title in Colina, Chile last November, is bidding for her first title of the season. Bejlek won the 2022 French Open girls’ doubles event, partnering with Lucie Havlíčková. In addition, she reached the semi-finals in singles. The 18-year-old is seeded third and starts her Gran Canaria campaign against Angela Fita Boluda of Spain.
Former World No. 21 Jill Teichmann will also be part of the line-up. The 27-year-old from Switzerland has claimed two WTA Tour career titles but had a difficult season last year, which saw her drop out of the Top 100. Teichmann opposes qualifier Victoria Kan in her first match.
“We are among the best tournaments in the world. We are the highest category ITF event held in the Canary Islands and the highest category ITF tournament to be held worldwide during that week,” said tournament director Oti Santana.
Gran Canaria welcomes athletes and fans with perfect weather conditions
One of the most appealing aspects of playing tennis in Gran Canaria is its year-round mild and sunny weather. The island enjoys an average temperature of 24°C (75°F), making it an ideal location for outdoor activities at any time of the year. This consistent climate allows for uninterrupted play, free from the concerns of extreme weather conditions that can affect many other locations.
Gran Canaria’s tennis infrastructure is well-developed, featuring a range of courts to suit all preferences. From clay to hard courts, players can find the perfect surface to match their playing style. Many of these facilities are situated in scenic locations, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s lush greenery. The combination of top-notch amenities and stunning surroundings creates a unique and enjoyable tennis experience.
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In addition to its excellent facilities, Gran Canaria hosts several tennis events and tournaments, drawing participants and spectators alike. These events provide an opportunity to witness high-level competition and to meet fellow tennis aficionados. The island’s welcoming atmosphere and vibrant tennis community make it easy for visitors to immerse themselves in the local tennis culture.
Beyond the courts, Gran Canaria offers a wealth of attractions and activities. After a match, players can relax on the island’s pristine beaches, explore its charming towns, or indulge in the local cuisine. The island’s diverse landscape, from mountains to dunes, provides ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable stay.
The ITF World Tennis Tour W100 DISA Gran Canaria 2024 is organized by Club Deportivo Conde Jackson and sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the collaboration of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council. Main sponsor for the seventh consecutive year is Grupo DISA. Co-sponsors include eó Hotels Gran Canaria, the Real Federación Española de Tenis, and others.