ABIDJAN/STARNBERG, April 23, 2026
The ATP Challenger Tour is back in the Ivory Coast for the second edition of the Cote d’Ivoire Open, with back-to-back tournaments taking place in Abidjan. A Challenger 50 event is unfolding first, immediately followed by a Challenger 75, both held on hard courts at Le Central Tennis Club. More than just two tournaments, this consecutive scheduling gives players a rare opportunity to compete, gain valuable ATP Ranking points, and build momentum without leaving the region.
But the significance of this week goes far beyond the draws and scorelines.
The return of the ATP Challenger Tour to Abidjan reflects a broader commitment to expanding tennis in Africa – creating pathways, visibility, and opportunities in regions that have historically had limited access to high-level professional events. Hosting consecutive tournaments in the same city is a strategic move: it maximizes impact, attracts deeper fields, and allows local fans to engage with the sport over a longer period.
At the center of this expansion is Arzel Mevellec, whose work spans multiple African cities including Kigali, Rwanda and Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. His efforts are helping to establish a more and connected Challenger presence across the continent, linking emerging tennis markets with the global tour.
And Abidjan itself plays a key role in this story. As one of West Africa’s most dynamic cities – known for its economic strength, cultural energy, and growing international profile – it provides a fitting for this evolution. This week, its courts are not just hosting matches; they are helping shape the future footprint of tennis in Africa.
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
