TENERIFE/STARNBERG, October 9, 2021
Carla Suarez Navarro will be the official ambassador of the Tenerife Ladies Open, a WTA 250 tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events at the Abama Tennis Academy from October 16 to 24. The former World No. 6 from Spain, who after many successes on the court, has managed to win the most important battle against Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“I am very happy to be here and to be able to enjoy good tennis,” says Suarez Navarro, born on September 3, 1988 in Gran Canaria, another island in the same archipelago.
“Being an ambassador is a pleasure for me and my intention is that spectators can enjoy the atmosphere of a WTA tournament and especially that the players feel comfortable and want to come back next year. I will do whatever it takes.
“Events like this are very important for the development of sport on the Canary islands and especially for the development of tennis. We have a great advantage, which is the climate, and we have to take advantage of it. Outdoor sports are very positive for our health and fortunately in the Canary Islands this can be done throughout the year. An event like this is essential for young people who have the opportunity to attend high-level tennis, admire their idols and continue dreaming of imitating them and hopefully one day play a tournament like this.”
La tenista española @CarlaSuarezNava tiene algo que anunciar 😍👇🏼@VisitTenerifeES | @WTA_Espanol | @CabildoTenerife | @visit_tenerife | @WTA | @RFETenis | @ESPNtenis | #TenerifeLadiesOpen | #CarlaSuárezNavarro | #tennis | #Tenerife pic.twitter.com/kyz42yMDFe
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 9, 2021
The entry list is led by World No. 7 Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine.
“The possibility of having Elina Svitolina in Tenerife is a luxury, and Spanish players like Sara Sorribes Tormo will contribute to a great atmosphere. There will be players who are trying to get into the Top 10 and will do their best to get there. All the athletes in the main draw are ranked inside the Top 80 and this is all very positive,” says Suarez Navarro, who is now cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy.
The 32-year-old ended her career following a first-round defeat to Danielle Collins at the US Open.
“There were months of reflection, learning and also spending time with my family and doing things that I could not do during my career. Now, I am feeling good. I was lucky to play again after my illness. I was able to take part in high-level tournaments and I was able to show a good level of tennis, which seemed to be the most difficult thing after such a long time. Being able to decide where and when to retire from tennis was very nice. It was a very emotional end of the race for me. My teammates, the fans and my family made it even more special,” Suarez Navarro explained.
What will be next for her?
“First of all, I need to rest and to step back from everything. There were many years of maximum demand, of efforts and of practically not being able to stop and relax. Then, I would like to get involved in humanitarian and solidarity tasks. I would also like to be a mother,” she said.
For Tenerife Ladies Open tickets, please click here.
