#Kazakhstan #Almaty #Roland-Garros #Gorky Tennis Park

Gorky Tennis Park Welcomes New Era in Tennis

In a groundbreaking development for the sport, Gorky Tennis Park located in Almaty, Kazakhstan has been officially recognized as the first Roland-Garros Club in Central Asia. This prestigious acknowledgment places the park among a select group of only three clubs worldwide associated with the famous French Open. The recognition is a major testament to the growth and development of tennis in Kazakhstan and reflects the commitment of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF) to fostering world-class facilities and standards.

A Strategic Partnership Emphasizing Growth

This landmark recognition was made possible through a strategic partnership between the French Tennis Federation and Gorky Tennis Park. The collaboration signals an important step forward for tennis in the region, as the park is set to host the regional qualifying rounds for the Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault starting from 2024. As part of this initiative, finalists will compete in the series finale in Tokyo from October 13 to 19, 2025.

Aymeric Labaste, the Head of International Development at Roland-Garros, expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, stating, "The French Tennis Federation is proud to partner with Gorky Tennis Park, an exceptional clay court facility. As our exclusive partner in Kazakhstan, the club is setting new benchmarks for tennis in the region. We are particularly excited for the Junior Series qualifying tournaments that will be held here starting in 2024."

Recent Developments and World-Class Infrastructure

The acknowledgment also highlights the KTF’s efforts to integrate high-quality infrastructure and international opportunities into the tennis scene. Since 2020, Kazakhstan has been hosting ATP-250 tournaments, initially in Astana and now in Almaty, demonstrating the country’s ambition to elevate its international standing in the sport. Over the past 18 years, the KTF has successfully built 38 tennis centers across Kazakhstan, establishing a nationwide foundation for the development of tennis.

Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of KTF, noted, "This designation reflects years of investment in tennis infrastructure and youth development in Kazakhstan. We are proud that Kazakhstan's leading role in tennis at the highest level is recognized."

Gorky Tennis Park has undergone extensive renovations over the years under the leadership of Bulat Utemuratov, President of KTF. The park now boasts a professional academy, upgraded facilities, and newly constructed clay courts that meet international standards. This investment in quality and infrastructure aims to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a regional leader in tennis and underscores KTF's vision for long-term development ranging from grassroots initiatives to elite competition.

In summary, Gorky Tennis Park’s recognition as a Roland-Garros Club not only marks a significant achievement for the facility but also showcases Kazakhstan’s evolving status in the global tennis arena. As it prepares to host the Junior Series, the park looks poised to make a meaningful impact on the future of tennis in Central Asia.