Gorky Tennis Park Becomes First Official Roland-Garros Club in Central Asia

Gorky Tennis Park: A New Era for Tennis in Central Asia

Nestled in the vibrant city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Gorky Tennis Park has officially earned its title as the first Roland-Garros club in Central Asia. This recognition places it among an elite group of only three clubs worldwide affiliated with the prestigious French Open, a testament to Kazakhstan's rising stature in the global tennis arena.

The strategic partnership between the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF) and the French Tennis Federation signifies a crucial step in enhancing the country's tennis framework. This achievement highlights Kazakhstan's commitment to establishing international standards in the sport, led by the KTF's president Bulat Utemuratov, who has been a driving force behind the growth of tennis in the region.

In conjunction with this honorary title, Gorky Tennis Park will serve as the exclusive venue for the regional qualifying rounds of the Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault for Central and Western Asia. The excitement culminates in a grand finale set to take place in Tokyo from October 13-19, 2025, where aspiring young talents from the region will compete for recognition on an international stage.

Aymeric Labaste, the International Development Manager at Roland-Garros, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, "The French Tennis Federation is delighted to partner with Gorky Tennis Park, a world-class clay court complex. As the exclusive partner in Kazakhstan, the club sets a new benchmark for tennis in the region, and we are especially pleased to see it host the qualifying rounds of the Junior Series starting in 2024."

The Gorky Tennis Park's designation as a Roland-Garros club comes after extensive efforts by the KTF to broaden access to high-quality facilities and international opportunities. With the introduction of ATP 250 tournaments since 2020, initially in Astana and now hosted in Almaty since 2024, the KTF has made significant strides in promoting international competition and raising the profile of Kazakh tennis.

Over the past 18 years, the KTF has established 38 tennis centers throughout Kazakhstan, laying a vital foundation for the sport's grassroots development. Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the KTF, noted, "This designation reflects years of investment in tennis infrastructure and nurturing Kazakh talent. We are proud to see Kazakhstan's leadership in tennis recognized at such a high level."

Under the guidance of Bulat Utemuratov, Gorky Tennis Park has undergone substantial renovations, including the establishment of a professional academy, modernization of facilities, and the construction of new clay courts that adhere to international standards. This partnership emphasizes Kazakhstan's ambition to be a regional leader in tennis and underscores the vision of the KTF for sustainable development, from grassroots initiatives to elite performance.

The acknowledgment of Gorky Tennis Park not only enhances its profile but also inspires a new generation of players in Kazakhstan, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in tennis. As the nation embraces its role as a hub for tennis excellence in Central Asia, the future looks bright for aspiring athletes and tennis fans alike.

For more information and updates on the Gorky Tennis Park and its upcoming events, fans can keep an eye on official announcements and press releases by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation.