Fujairah International Tennis Championship begins with participation of over 90 players

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Serving as a platform for budding players for years, the 13th edition of the Fujairah International Tennis Championship began in the emirate.

Sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and organized by the UAE Tennis Federation, the event is taking place at the picturesque Tennis & Country Club Fujairah.

More than 90 players under the age of 18 are in the fray for the J60 Fujairah tournament.

Pavlos Tsitsipas, world No. 17, a brother of Stefanos Tsitsipas, is among the top stars battling for honours at the event.

The Czech Republic’s Jonas Kucera, Russia’s Makar Elesin, Amir Asylkozhaev, and Spain’s Bryan Hernandez Cortes are also competing in the championship. Marwan Al Marzooqi is the lone UAE participant competing alongside the big names.

Polina Skopintseva, Sin Yu Che, Andra Izabella Sirbu, and Daria Shubina are featured in the girls’ category.

India’s Jannat Chiripal, Aditi Gulati, Diya Tamse, and Riya Matharoo are also bidding for the title.

Abdul Ghafour Behrozian, Chairman of Tennis & Country Club Fujairah, welcomed the players taking part in the event and wished them success.

Behrozian acknowledged the UAE Tennis Federation's efforts and support, which helped make all competitions successful and attracted many players with high global rankings in the youth division to Fujairah.

"We are pleased to host this event, and with some big names in the fray, fans of the game will relish the matches, bringing joy to audiences and benefiting the upcoming players," said Behrozian.

Hania Reggi (right) poses for a picture with the participating players.

Hania Reggi, General Manager Tennis & Country Club Fujairah, said: "Since the increase in sports activities post-pandemic, the club is now a destination of choice for individual athletes and squads."

"It is an ideal location to host major sports events thanks to its accessibility and amenities required to welcome participants and the audience," Hania added.

Lawrence Carpio, Director of Tennis at LAT Tennis Academy in Florida, also attended the draw held for the tournament and witnessed the preliminary round matches.

Carpio praised the Tennis & Country Club Fujairah facilities, which make them a perfect host for major sporting events.

Meanwhile, to promote the growth of tennis in the UAE and the young players who compete in tournaments held at the Tennis & Country Club Fujairah, the club also signed a sponsorship arrangement.