[7 April 2025, HONG KONG] The inaugural ITF Beach Tennis Tour event in Hong Kong concluded yesterday with resounding success, showcasing thrilling matches, growing global interest, and outstanding performances by the athletes. This year’s inaugural event set the new yardstick for future audience engagement, player participation, and competitive spirit.
Maks Andersons of Latvia and Sergey Gvardeitsev of Malta defeated Japanese duo 6-4 6-3 in the final to lift the men’s title. Earlier in the quarterfinals, Andersons and Gvardeitsev came from a set down to oust Hong Kong’s No. 7 seed Arnault Brac de la Perriere and Anthony Caillaud 3-6 6-2 [10-8] before knocking out top-seeded Satoshi Goda and Kengo Masuda in the semis.
On the women’s side, No. 1 seed Eri Homma and Erina Otsuka of Japan justified their top billing by romping through the draw in straight sets, culminating with a win in the final against No. 2 seed Prakaikan Sawisit and Nikarat Wateenukit of Thailand 6-1 6-1.
Held at Tai Pak Beach, Discovery Bay, it is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. Stretching some 400 meters, this sandy beach offers a picturesque setting along the sparkling waters of the South China Sea, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
“We are thrilled to bring the excitement of ITF Beach Tennis to Hong Kong for the first time,” said HKCTA Immediate Past President and ITF Beach Tennis Committee Chair, Mr. Philip Mok. “This tournament marks a significant milestone in the global growth of the sport, and we are confident that the vibrant energy of Hong Kong will provide the perfect backdrop for world-class competition. We look forward to inspiring new fans and players while showcasing the dynamic, fast-paced nature of beach tennis on this spectacular stage.”
The conveniently located D’Deck provided a nice option of bars and restaurants to replenish the energy of famished players, as well as visitors.
The tournament witnessed participation from over 140 athletes representing 28 countries, emphasizing the sport’s expanding international appeal. Several new countries debuted in the competition, reflecting the ITF’s efforts to globalize beach tennis.
Arnault Brac de la Perriere and Anthony Caillaud, Hong Kong’s lone entry in the tournament, did all they could against Andersons and Gvardeitsev. The former, ranked No. 270 and the latter, at No. 1102, are the only locals to hold an ITF Beach Tennis ranking at the moment. Brac de la Perriere reached the final of the BT10 Boracay earlier this year but is still hunting for his maiden title.
On the women’s side, Charmaine Chau is currently the only local player to hold a women’s world ranking. She partnered Aleksandra Bankova Bellver of Bulgaria and reached the quarterfinals before they were ousted by No. 4 seed Hiromi Okazaki and Miku Onishi of Japan 7-6(5) 6-4.
This weekend’s beach tennis events places Hong Kong on the international beach tennis map, showcasing the city’s ability to host world-class sporting events. It highlights Hong Kong’s commitment to promoting diverse sports and attracting global talent. It showed that beach tennis can foster community engagement and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. It can provide a unique opportunity for local residents to experience a new sport and participate in related activities.
Introducing beach tennis at this level in Hong Kong helps in the development and popularization of the sport within the region. It encourages local participation and provides a platform for aspiring athletes to compete at an international level.
The first-ever ITF Beach Tennis Tour events in Hong Kong were well-received and underlines the sport’s potential to grow and its ability to captivate new audiences. It aligns with the mission to host the biggest beach tennis events in Asia by 2026, paving the way for larger and more prestigious competitions.
Follow ITF Beach Tennis news for upcoming tournaments and relive the best moments by visiting the official website https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/?categoryId=beach-tennis.
(Last updated on 8 April 2025)