Gorky Tennis Park: First Roland-Garros Club in Central Asia

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

In a groundbreaking development for the sport of tennis in Kazakhstan, Gorky Tennis Park in Almaty has received official recognition as the first Roland-Garros Club in Central Asia. This designation not only signifies a prestigious partnership with the French Tennis Federation but also places Gorky Tennis Park among a select group of only three Roland-Garros Clubs worldwide.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in the efforts to elevate tennis standards in Kazakhstan, reflecting the commitment of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, led by president Bulat Utemuratov, to foster a world-class tennis culture in the region. The club will host the regional qualifying event for the prestigious Roland-Garros Junior Series, which aims to unearth future tennis talents from Asia Central and beyond.

Aymeric Labaste, the International Development Director for Roland-Garros, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “We are excited to work with Gorky Tennis Park, a world-class clay court facility. As our exclusive partner in Kazakhstan, this club sets a new benchmark for tennis in the region.” Gorky Tennis Park is set to host the Junior Series qualifiers starting in 2024, culminating in the finals in Tokyo from October 13 to 19, 2025.

Gorky Tennis Park's recognition is a major achievement for the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, which has undertaken various initiatives since 2020 to expand the reach and quality of tennis in the country, including hosting ATP 250 tournaments in Astana and Almaty. Over the past 18 years, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation has established 38 tennis centers across the country, providing access to high-quality facilities and support for aspiring athletes.

Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, emphasized that this designation is the result of substantial investments in tennis infrastructure and talent development in Kazakhstan. He stated, “We take pride in the recognition of Kazakhstan’s leadership in tennis at the highest levels.”

Under Utemuratov's leadership, Gorky Tennis Park has undergone significant renovations in recent years, featuring a professional academy, improved facilities, and new clay courts built to international specifications. This modernized infrastructure not only enhances training and competition experiences for players but also reinforces Kazakhstan's standing as a leader in regional tennis development.

The long-term strategic vision of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation is to promote tennis from grassroots to elite levels, fostering talent and access to top-notch facilities nationwide. The recognition of Gorky Tennis Park as a Roland-Garros Club aligns with these objectives, positioning Kazakhstan as a critical player in the international tennis arena. As such, it will serve as a beacon for young athletes across the region, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and aspirations in the sport.

Photos of Gorky Tennis Park and its facilities highlight the commitment to excellence in tennis by showcasing the state-of-the-art infrastructure that players can utilize. This recognition not only elevates the stature of Gorky Tennis Park but also embodies the spirit of growth and competition that defines the future of tennis in Kazakhstan.

In conclusion, Gorky Tennis Park's official designation as the first Roland-Garros Club in Central Asia is a significant achievement for Kazakhstan, paving the way for the development of the sport regionally and inspiring the next generation of tennis players in the country.