The sport of tennis is venturing into an unexpected arena—sand. This year, some of the world’s top tennis players are set to swap their traditional hard courts for the sandy shores of Luanco, Spain, where the Torneo Tenis Playa, a novel beach tennis tournament, is gearing up to captivate fans. This event offers a fresh take on the beloved sport, blending athleticism with the casual vibe of the beach.

Beach tennis, often regarded as a hybrid between traditional tennis, volleyball, and even elements of paddleball, has been gaining popularity over the last few decades. Played on sand, this version of tennis requires players to master a different skill set, as the surface affects movement and ball behavior drastically. The sport utilizes a smaller court than conventional tennis courts—similar in size to a beach volleyball court—and players wield solid rackets without strings, hitting depressurized tennis balls designed for slower, lower bounces. Unlike standard tennis, the ball cannot touch the ground; players volley continuously, making for an intense, fast-paced game.

The roots of beach tennis can be traced back to Italy in the early 1970s, where it was first played along the coastal strips of Ravenna. It steadily spread across Europe, especially Spain and Brazil, before gaining international recognition. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) embraced beach tennis in 2015, helping to formalize rules and promote global tournaments. Today, there are professional beach tennis circuits, with players competing for ranking points and prize money, bringing a growing legitimacy to what was once merely a recreational pastime.

At the heart of this year’s Torneo Tenis Playa is an impressive roster of athletes crossing over from traditional tennis to embrace this coastal challenge. Notably, Dominic Thiem and Richard Gasquet—both seasoned ATP players with impressive careers—bring star power and competitive intensity to the sand. Thiem, a Grand Slam champion known for his powerful baseline game, commented on the novelty of the experience: “Playing beach tennis is like table tennis meets tennis on the beach—unpredictable and requiring quick reflexes.” Gasquet, whose elegant one-handed backhand is a hallmark in traditional matches, praised the precision demanded by the sport, likening it to “trying to hit a bullseye on a shifting surface.”

A familiar face adding intrigue to the competition is 20-year-old Miguel Avendano, the son of Juan Avendano, a legend in the Torneo Tenis Playa’s history with nine titles to his name. Heritage and expertise might give young Miguel a significant advantage, as mastering beach tennis takes not only skill but an intimate understanding of how to navigate the peculiarities of the sand and the unique pacing of the game.

Other prominent competitors include Edas Butvilas, the reigning 2023 champion, and Cachin, who was runner-up in 2024. Veterans like Benoit Paire and Zapata Miralles promise to bring their powerful serves and sharp tactical minds to an event where the usual tennis conventions are upended by the beach setting. Rising Spanish talent Bernardo Munk also joins the fray as a player to watch, adding to the mix of experience and youthful energy.

The challenge of beach tennis lies less in brute strength and more in adaptability. With softer footing and unpredictable bounce dynamics due to the sand, players must recalibrate their serves, volleys, and return shots. Each movement requires careful balance to avoid slipping, and strategy revolves around placement and timing more than power. As Gasquet aptly put it, “The sand makes every rally a moving puzzle—you have to anticipate and react like never before.”

Historically, tennis has evolved in various forms on different surfaces—from grass courts of Wimbledon to the red clay of Roland Garros—each demanding unique skills. Beach tennis continues this tradition of surface-specific variations, offering players a fresh challenge and fans an entertaining alternative. Its growth is also part of the wider trend of adapting traditional sports for diverse environments, reflecting the increasing fusion of athletic competition and lifestyle.

For tennis fans and sports enthusiasts alike, the Torneo Tenis Playa promises a vibrant showcase of agility, precision, and innovation. It’s not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of sport’s versatility and the joy of playing in the sun and sand. Whether you’re a seasoned tennis aficionado or new to the game, catching this event offers a chance to experience the sport from an exciting new perspective.

As Dominic Thiem humorously encapsulates the spirit of the event, “When life gives you sand, make beach tennis.” This ethos of embracing change and fun underscores why the Torneo Tenis Playa is fast becoming a must-watch sporting spectacle on the tennis calendar.