Argentina announces plans for National Training Centre in Buenos Aires
Exciting times lie ahead for Argentinian tennis after an agreement was signed between Asociación Argentina de Tenis (AAT) and the Government of the City of Buenos Aires for the establishment of a National Training Centre.
Such a facility has been a long-held ambition for the AAT, and it is hoped the project at Manuel Belgrano Park in Buenos Aires will enhance the on-court prospects of a proud tennis-playing nation.
Under the terms of the agreement, the AAT will take over the management of existing facilities, with improvements and enhancements made over time. The ITF is currently working with the AAT on an application for an ITF Facility Grant to assist with ongoing works.
“This is an historic moment for Argentine tennis,” said AAT President Agustin Calleri. “For many years, this has been something we’ve been fighting for, and we’re finally seeing it happen.
“Few federations in Argentina have their own training centre, and this represents a significant advance for our sport – this ‘house of tennis’ will change our sport in Argentina.
“It will become the epicentre for the development of high-performance tennis and the training of new generations of players, as well as the headquarters for national and international tournaments.”
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The plan is for the National Training Centre to have six clay courts, a micro stadium with a 1,000 capacity, two fast courts, three mini courts for early years development, classrooms, video rooms, multi-purpose spaces and a dining room.
“It is the most important work in the history of Asociación Argentina de Tenis,” said AAT Vice-President Mariano Zabaleta.
“After more than 100 years and many failed attempts, this marks a milestone in the development of tennis in our country and promises to propel Argentine tennis towards a bright future.
Cesar Kist, the former world No. 119 who represented Brazil in Davis Cup in 1986, has been the ITF Development Officer for South America since May 2015 and appreciates the significance of the announcement.
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“For many years, the Asociación Argentina de Tenis had been looking for a location for a National Training Centre – this dream is now coming true,” said Kist.
“The centre will be very well located, easy to access and close to the main clubs and courts of Buenos Aires. The facility will be excellent, with many projects around tennis development to take place there, in addition to the organisation of tournaments. Congratulations, AAT.”
The intention is for the National Training Centre to be the headquarters for national and international competition of all categories, including Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge ties and ITF World Tennis Tour events.
This news comes in the same year as the AAT is hosting a record number of women’s tournaments on the ITF World Tennis Tour, with a total of 12 taking place in 2023, while there are six men currently in the Top 100 of the ATP Rankings.
Tennis in Argentina looks set for a bright future.