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

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

In a significant achievement for Kazakhstan, Gorky Tennis Park, located in Almaty, has been officially designated as a Roland-Garros Club, marking its entry into an elite group of only three tennis clubs worldwide affiliated with the prestigious French Open. This recognition represents a major milestone in the development of tennis in Kazakhstan, underscoring the nation's commitment to elevating its international stature within the sport.

The strategic partnership between Gorky Tennis Park and the French Tennis Federation reflects a concerted effort to position Kazakhstan as a burgeoning hub for tennis in Central Asia. This collaboration was celebrated by Bulat Utemuratov, president of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, who has been instrumental in pushing initiatives to raise the standard of tennis across the nation.

As part of this new affiliation, Gorky Tennis Park will serve as the exclusive host for the Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault regional qualifying event, which encompasses competitors from Central and West Asia. The series culminates in a grand finale in Tokyo from October 13 to 19, 2025, providing young talents from the region with international exposure and competitive experience.

Aymeric Labaste, Head of International Development at Roland-Garros, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, "The French Tennis Federation is proud to partner with Gorky Tennis Park, a world-class clay court facility. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for tennis in the region and reinforces our commitment to foster tennis development globally."

This recognition is not merely symbolic; it builds on the foundation laid by the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, which has been proactively expanding access to high-quality tennis infrastructure. Since 2020, Kazakhstan has hosted ATP 250 tournaments, first in Astana and subsequently in Almaty since 2024. Over the past 18 years, the Federation has established 38 tennis centers across the country, ensuring a robust pipeline for talent development.

Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, remarked, "This designation reflects years of investment into Kazakhstan's tennis infrastructure and talent pipeline. We are proud to see Kazakhstan's leadership in tennis acknowledged at the highest level."

Gorky Tennis Park has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, thanks to the support of Utemuratov and the Federation's strategic vision. The venue has launched a professional academy, upgraded its facilities, and constructed new clay courts that meet international specifications, further solidifying its status as a prime destination for tennis in the region.

This partnership not only elevates Gorky Tennis Park's profile but also enhances Kazakhstan's position as a regional leader in tennis. It underscores the Federation's vision for long-term development, fostering a pipeline from grassroots participation all the way to elite-level competition.

In conclusion, Gorky Tennis Park's recognition as a Roland-Garros Club is a testament to Kazakhstan's commitment to tennis and its dedication to nurturing future champions. As the nation builds upon this momentum, it is poised to make significant strides in establishing itself on the global tennis stage.