The ITF Beach Tennis Sand Series, which is a new series of events at the highest level of the game, will kick off in Saarlouis, Germany on 26-29 August.

The Sand Series expects to attract entries from some of the world’s best players and for five days later this month sport-loving fans in Saarland can enjoy the fast-paced rallies of beach tennis in an urban environment at the Kleiner Markt.

Deutscher Tennis Bund Vice President Eva-Maria Schneider said: "We are very pleased that we were able to establish Saarlouis as one of the key locations worldwide for the Sand Series. This is a great sign for German beach tennis and at the same time shows the international recognition we have earned with this spectacular tournament.”

Saarlouis is no stranger to hosting beach tennis events, having been home to the Beach Tennis Open for three years between 2017 and 2019.

The concept of beach tennis in Saarlouis is very different to other events that take place on the ITF Beach Tennis World Tour. Most events on tour are held in coastal destinations with beautiful beaches as their backdrop, but in Saarlouis, the matches are played in the middle of the city centre, with the Kleiner Markt being transformed into the biggest sandpit in the country.

“I always had a good connection with Saarlouis,” said world No. 3 Flaminia Daina. “I have won, I have had great feelings there – it’s such a beautiful environment, good organisation. I’m dying to play there and I can’t wait to get back on tour and to start with a tournament like that is a dream.”

Admission for spectators is free on all days. The German Championships will take place at the same venue on 25 August followed by the main event – the launch of the Sand Series.

There will also be an Amateur Cup and beach tennis for kids to encourage the next generation of players.

The ITF Beach Tennis Sand Series moves from Germany to Gran Canaria, Spain on 23-26 September, before heading to Brasilia, Brazil on 14-17 October and Reunion Island, Reunion on 28 October-1 November.

The final of the expected five-strong Sand Series events in 2021 is due to take place in Durban, South Africa but has yet to be confirmed.