Beach Tennis has conquered the world, transitioning from a simple beach leisure activity to a structured professional sport. The international circuit, governed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), offers intense and spectacular competitions on the most beautiful beaches in the world.

The Organization of the World Circuit: The Role of the ITF

Beach Tennis is organized by the ITF, which manages the world ranking and supervises high-level tournaments.

The ITF Beach Tennis World Tour Circuit The circuit is divided into several categories, offering varying ranking points:

• BT World Tour (BT10, BT50, BT100, BT200, BT400): These are the basic weekly tournaments. The number (10, 50, 100, etc.) indicates the number of points awarded to the winners. BT400 and BT200 events attract the best players.

• BT Master (BT M4): Prestige tournaments that offer a large number of points and larger cash prizes, often located in iconic cities.

• ITF World Championships: The most important annual event, bringing together the best nations and the best pairs to claim the supreme title.

The World Ranking (ITF Ranking) The ranking is based on a system of points accumulated over the last 52 weeks. Since Beach Tennis is played exclusively in doubles, the ranking reflects the effectiveness and consistency of the players as a team.

Major Tournaments Not to Be Missed

Certain events are considered the unofficial "Grand Slams" of the circuit due to their prestige and the density of the draw.

• The ITF World Championships (Cesena, Italy): Italy is the birthplace of the sport, and the World Championships are often held there.

• The Beach Tennis World Cup: A national team competition (similar to the Davis Cup), where countries compete for the title of the best nation in the world.

• The Brazilian Circuit (Major Stages): Brazil, with locations like Copacabana, organizes some of the most important and frequented tournaments on the calendar, with a unique local fervor.

The Stars Who Dominate the Sand

The professional scene is marked by solid pairs who excel in communication and aerial play.

• Italian and Brazilian Domination: Historically, Italian and Brazilian players have dominated the rankings. Italy was a pioneer in structuring the sport, and Brazil brings the athletic spirit and beach culture.

• The Role of the Specialist: High-level pairs are often composed of a powerful smasher (often the right-hander) and a player who is very agile at the volley and control (often the left-hander or the center player).

• Required Qualities: The top level requires cardiovascular endurance, quick reactions, and exceptional aerial striking ability.

Conclusion: A Sport on the Rise

The international Beach Tennis scene is dynamic and offers a unique summer spectacle. With a clear competition structure and growing global popularity, the ITF circuit continues to attract new talent and confirm the place of Beach Tennis as a fully-fledged professional racket sport.