History
Under the sun of the 1970s , on the beaches of Italy , a new game was born, combining the passion of tennis with the relaxed atmosphere of beach volleyball. It was in Ravenna, on the magnificent Adriatic coast, that Gianni Bellettini and his group of friends had the ingenious idea of merging these two emblematic sports. Armed with beach rackets and a light ball, they began exchanging balls under the curious gaze of intrigued vacationers.
In the beginning, beach tennis was simply a pastime with friends, a joyful way to enjoy the sand and the sun. But its success quickly grew, giving rise to local and regional tournaments in Italy. The growing demand for official rules became evident as the game grew in popularity across the country.
Professionalization
In the following decades, beach tennis crossed borders to conquer the hearts of beach sports enthusiasts in Europe and South America. National associations have emerged, working for its expansion on a global scale.
In 2008, official recognition from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) propelled beach tennis onto the world stage, legitimizing its growing appeal. Since then, renowned tournaments such as the Beach Tennis World Championships and the Beach Tennis World Cup have attracted high-level competitors and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
Now how do we get started?
Beach tennis combines tennis with the freedom of beach volleyball, with one simple rule: the ball must never touch the ground. The score is calculated in the same way as in traditional tennis. In competition, the beach tennis court measures 8 meters by 16 meters, providing ample space for quick and spectacular rallies. The rackets, light as a feather (around 300g), are designed with a few perforations to allow better air circulation, thus guaranteeing fast and precise movements.
Today, beach tennis is much more than just a beach game. It is practiced by millions of people around the world, on dedicated courts, and even on adapted tennis facilities. Dynamic, fun and accessible, this sport continues to captivate new fans and delight outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Whether you are in France or on the other side of the world, beach tennis courts await you, ready to welcome you for a sunny and thrilling game. So, what are you waiting for? Up to you !
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