Tahiti hosts two beach tennis tournaments

The 4th edition of the Open International de Beach Tennis de Tahiti began last weekend with a first tournament at Taharu beach in Papara and will continue today with a second event at the Beach Stadium of Paofai, running until Sunday. The Tahiti beach tennis association is organizing the event, which is recognized by the ITF (International Tennis Federation).

Expanded program with youth and university events

This year’s event has grown in scope, with organizers deciding to host two tournaments instead of one. The first took place on Saturday at Taharu beach, while the second starts today in Paofai, featuring youth tournaments and the first University Championship of Polynesia of beach tennis. The official opening ceremony will occur tomorrow.

Event reclassified due to budget cuts

Despite the expanded program, the Open has decreased in category. International beach tennis events are classified based on prize money, with the Open previously classified as BT50, offering $4000 in prize money. It was upgraded to BT100 with $10,000 in 2025 but has returned to BT50 this year due to budget constraints. Subsidies are now focused on the Pacific Games, which do not include beach tennis.

Impact on international participation

The reduced prize money has affected the quality and number of international players. The 2025 edition featured top players like Japanese Tomioka Hiroyuki and Erina Otsuka, but this year’s field includes fewer international names. Visitors will compete alongside local players, with some staying longer due to the new Taharu’u tournament in Papara.

Tahitian players are strong contenders

Tahitian players performed well in the first tournament, with local pairs dominating. Yankell Clavery and Jérémy Duchier won the men's doubles at Taharu’u and are strong candidates for the title in Paofai. In women’s doubles, Sarah Santacruz and Nelly Bartolo are also expected to perform well. Both Clavery and Bartolo are also favorites in singles if they compete.

Event builds momentum through Friday

The Paofai tournament begins today but will intensify starting Friday. Organizers are still waiting for confirmation of additional international players, including two Argentinians and the Slovak Alexander Rozyn, who may team up with another Italian if he joins the event.