Gran Canaria Paradise Cup 2023 – Your Tournament in Paradise
There has been a lot of confusion around the tournament in Gran Canaria this autumn – is it happening, is it not happening, where exactly is it happening…
It is time to end the uncertainty and speculations! Gran Canaria Paradise Cup 2023 will be held 27.09 – 01.10.2023 in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria at the Conde Jackson Maspalomas tennis center. It’s a different tournament with another tournament team, but it will be the same venue as in the previous years, just as much tennis and just as much fun.
We have asked a few questions about the new tournament from Merit Lookene, GLTA Board Member and Gran Canaria Paradise Cup 2023 tournament director.
This new tournament comes as somewhat of a surprise. How did this happen?
The Gran Canaria Open organized by Alfredo has been a hugely successful tournament for years. I think it came as an unpleasant surprise for many GLTA players when he announced that he was not going to organize it in 2023. Nobody wants a tournament in a perfect location to just not happen – which is why the GLTA Board decided to offer an alternative for all the players in 2023.
I live on the island, have experience at organizing GLTA Tournaments and so I thought – okay, I’ll consider this. But when some local guys and some friends from Estonia offered their help as volunteers my mind was made up.
It’s a five-day tournament, from Wednesday to Sunday. That’s a lot of tournament days…
With five days we will have enough time for all the matches. Also – Gran Canaria is a holiday destination, so people don’t usually come here for just the weekend. I’m hoping everyone is up to 5–6 days of tennis as we are planning to start already on Tuesday with some warm-up/fun matches.
Tell players about the venue
The tournament will take place at Conde Jackson Maspalomas tennis center. Those who have been there in previous years know that this is the best tennis center in the southern part of Gran Canaria if not on the entire island. We will have 7 clay courts at our disposal.
There are several hotels around the tennis venue – EO Maspalomas, Jardin Dorado, Seven Hotel & Wellness, Bungalows Cordial Green Golf. It’s a very short walk to the Conde Jackson Tennis center from all of these hotels.
How many players are you expecting?
We can have 130 participants. It’s not a very big number compared to some other GLTA tournaments so I suppose it would make sense to register early to secure one’s spot.
What about social events?
Our team will be organizing social events and everyone who is up for it will have an opportunity to participate at the shows. At this time, I cannot yet go too much into the specifics, but the social events will include a day of social tennis before the tournament, a welcome party with a karaoke competition, a dinner party with a show and a trophy party on the last day of the tournament.
And of course, since it’s Gran Canaria, there is a lot going on every night at Yumbo Center.
When does the registration start?
The registration starts on Friday, April 21 at 09.00 (London time). Please join our Facebook group Gran Canaria Paradise Cup to be up to date on all news and announcements!
