While Wimbledon and Roland-Garros capture the glamour of tennis, the unassuming Tunisian coastal city of Monastir has become a vital engine for the sport’s grassroots.
Known for its historic Ribat fortress and Mediterranean beaches, Monastir has established itself as a global hotspot on the ITF World Tennis Tour. In 2025, the city hosted a relentless schedule of roughly 30 professional tournaments, making its resort courts a familiar proving ground for rising stars.
This year, Monastir leveled up, successfully hosting its first-ever ATP Challenger Tour event, the Monastir Open. Players praised the consistent court conditions, perfect weather, and the convenience of the on-site hotel, which serves as the tournament’s base.
“We’re very satisfied, and so are the players,” said Tournament Director Chiheb Belhaj Youssef. While acknowledging challenges like attracting more spectators and sponsors, he confirmed plans to continue and potentially expand the Challenger event in 2026, solidifying Monastir’s unique role in developing the next generation of tennis talent.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
