The West African ATP Challenge tournament, known as the Côte d’Ivoire Open, will be held from April 14 to 27, 2025, on the tennis courts of the Sofitel Hôtel Ivoire Sports Complex in Abidjan.
The Côte d’Ivoire Open tournament ‘s date was announced on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, by the President of the Ivorian Tennis Federation (FIT), Koyo Sylvere.
The Côte d’Ivoire Open, which is among the top tier of ATP Challenge tournaments, awards points for world ranking of professional players.
The tournament is expected to bring together more than 70 athletes of various nationalities from around the world, according to the FIT President.
He noted that Côte d’Ivoire is the 95th country to join the global calendar of tournaments of this type.
For Koyo Sylvere, the ATP’s confidence in the tournament represents a real challenge for Ivorian tennis, “since its success will now allow the Côte d’Ivoire Open to be included in the list of ATP tournaments worldwide, just like Roland Garros, the US Open, and Wimbledon.”
He pointed out that this competition is part of the federation’s strategic plan, which focuses on several areas, including continuing and strengthening the performance dynamics of players at the national and international levels.
Tournament director Arzel Mevellec explained that holding this competition on the African soil allows players from the continent to climb the ranks through the awarding of internationally recognized points. This saves them from traveling abroad for competitions.
He also explained that the tournament will feature 32 players in the quarterfinals, 24 players in the qualifiers, and 16 players in the doubles. The players who will participate in the final draw will be ranked between 200th and 600th in the world.
The desire to organise such a tournament comes from the Ivorian Tennis
Federation, which wants to create an ecosystem rich in job creation and opportunities for Ivorian youth. Players from around the world will compete in this champion-revealing competition, with a total of 64 matches played, and 50 ATP points to be won for the winner.
The Minister Delegate for Sports and Living Environment, represented
by Commissioner Kodo Esso, welcomed this initiative, which will showcase Côte d’Ivoire across the continent following the organization of the 2023 AFCON.
He also praised the actions of the Ivorian Tennis Federation, which are aimed at ensuring the success of this major international sporting event by upgrading the infrastructure to host the tournament.
AP/Sf/fss/gik/APA