TENERIFE/STARNBERG, November 22, 2022
Professional tennis is ready to return to Tenerife. After hosting a WTA Tour 250 event and an ATP Challenger tournament in 2021, the largest and most populous island of the Canary Islands is back in the spotlight and is doing so by hosting no less than three events on the early 2023 season calendar.
The tournaments will be played on outdoor hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy in Guía de Isora, a municipality in the western part of the island. Gran Canaria native David Marrero will serve as the tournament director.
An ATP Challenger 100 tournament will be held from 15 to 22 January followed by two ATP Challenger 75 events taking place from 29 January to 5 February and from 5 to 12 February. This was announced by MEF Tennis Events during a press conference held at the Abama Resort Tenerife, attended by World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
“I have very fond memories of my time on the Challenger Circuit and I think there can’t be better for players than playing here in Tenerife: the setting is wonderful,” said Alcaraz, who captured four titles on the ATP Challenger Tour.
“This is my first time in Tenerife and I was positively surprised. The people are welcoming and the scenery is beautiful,” the 19-year-old added. Alcaraz chose the island to rest and start recovering from the abdominal injury that prevented him from playing the Nitto ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals.
“In these days I have rested. Of course I can’t wait to get back on the court, but it’s important to take moments to switch off at the end of a very long season. I’m going to the gym now and then, but without overdoing it.”
During his time off the tennis courts, the Murcia native had time to pursue his passion for golf at the Abama Golf course: “I really enjoy playing when I can.” Asked about a possible competition with Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz replied: “I am absolutely not at his level. To get there I need years and a lot of training.”
Together with world No. 1 @carlosalcaraz at @AbamaResort to announce the return of professional tennis to #Tenerife
Stay tuned ⏳ #tennis #CarlosAlcaraz #ATP #AbamaResort #meftennisevents @visit_tenerife @CabildoTenerife @visitguia_isora @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/BvxqC3qU8s
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) November 22, 2022
Marcello Marchesini, President of MEF Tennis Events said: “During last season many players asked us if we would be able to organise the tournaments in Tenerife again, which is a proof of the great work as well as the beautiful location. We will play again on the courts of the Abama Tennis Academy, a unique place highlighted by a Centre Court overlooking the ocean.”
Brendan Breen, Abama Tennis and Abama Golf facilities manager, said: “I am proud to be here with World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. The Abama Resort Tenerife has invested in the facilities to provide excellent conditions. Our goal is to continue to host great events in the future and to do even better.”
