More than 150 elite tennis players from around the world will compete in the Bermuda Breeze Championships next week.

Hosted by The Coral Beach & Tennis Club from December 9 to 15, the USTA Level 2 and ITF 700 tournament has attracted a vast international field, drawing players from North America, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, along with top Bermudian talent.

The tournament features multiple world-ranked competitors across various age divisions, with particularly strong fields in the 40+, 45+ and 75+ categories, including many players ranked among the world’s top ten.

Official United States Tennis Association umpires and match officials will travel from the US to oversee the tournament.

Patrick Singleton, sports director at Coral Beach, introduced the tournament to Bermuda nine years ago and is delighted by its growth.

“This tournament’s remarkable growth reflects Bermuda’s historic connection to tennis in the Americas,” Singleton said. “Few people realise that Bermuda played a pivotal role in bringing tennis to the United States in 1874, and Bermudians were instrumental in establishing the USTA in 1881.

“Today, we’re proud to be one of the few venues outside the United States authorised to host USTA National Championships. The quality of tennis that spectators will witness during tournament week will be exceptional, with multiple world-ranked players competing. Events like this significantly boost Bermuda’s sports tourism profile, bringing visitors to the island during our shoulder season and showcasing Bermuda as a premier tennis destination.“

Nik Bhola, general manager of Coral Beach, expressed his enthusiasm about the event.

“The international response to this year’s tournament has been extraordinary,” he said. “To host such a distinguished field of players, including multiple world-ranked competitors, is a testament to Bermuda’s appeal as a tennis destination and our club’s world-class facilities.

“Our recent investment in state-of-the-art lighting on our stadium courts allows us to extend play well into the evening hours, enabling us to accommodate this record-breaking field of competitors in December. This event truly showcases Bermuda’s position on the global tennis stage."

Tournament director Monika Rowat emphasised the calibre of players competing this year.

“The calibre of this year’s field is extraordinary,” Rowat said. “Tennis fans will witness world-class competition across all age divisions, from 30s through 70s, in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.”

Bermuda Tourism Authority has been instrumental in promoting the event, with Butterfield & Vallis, Goslings and BGA providing essential backing. BermudAir and Current Vehicles are offering special discounts to players, while Coco Reef and Azura hotels are providing preferential rates for tournament participants.

For more information about the tournament you can call the tennis shop on: 239-7216 or email tennis@coralbeach.bm.

Details of the entry list and players in action can be found here