The very special ITF tournament in Santander: "I love the city and the club"
An excellent location on the Cantabrian Sea with excellent sandy beaches and a rich summer program. The northern Spanish metropolis Santander still shines with this today, although most of the historical monuments in the old town were reduced to rubble and ashes by a major fire in 1941.
by Florian Heer from Santander
last edit: Aug 28, 2022, 11:25 am
Annual events also include an international tennis tournament, held in the extreme east of the headland on the La Magdalena peninsula, not far from the famous El Sardinero beach. A recurring "plop, plop, plop" can be heard there. However, not from the tennis facility. Right next door, the locals of the elegant seaside resort with 180,000 residents train their quite remarkable skills in beach ball.
The fact that events are often held in scenic locations may well be nothing new. However, the location of the Real Sociedad de Tenis de la Magdalena is a particular feast for the eyes, with the best views of the sea, the largest of the city's 30 public parks and the Palacio de la Magdalena.
The club was founded by the Spanish King Alfonso XIII. and nobles founded in April 1906 and is one of the oldest tennis clubs in the country. The Real Sociedad de Tenis de la Magdalena has over 8,000 members today, with new members often being reserved for children or members of current "socios".
Strict door club
It is also appropriate for an exclusive club that strict controls are carried out at the entrance. Just passing to catch a few rallies at the 73rd edition of Torneo Internacional RST La Magdalena? Impossible. Only those who have a valid membership card or are in possession of a guest card may attend the ITF World Tennis Tour M25 event. A specific dress code is also required. You almost feel like you've been transported back to the time of a teenager who, in the presence of the bouncer, is courting entry to a coveted party club in his town.
How many professional tennis tournaments these days are only held under the eyes of their own club members? No idea. However, it certainly represents a special feature in times of commercialization.
"It's a special place for me," says Oscar Jose Gutierrez. The 29-year-old Brazilian is the top seeded player in the $25,000 clay court event this week in August. “This is my third time here and the atmosphere is very special. I love the city and the club," confirms number 371 in the ATP world rankings.
"There is an excellent view of the sea here and there are many excellent restaurants in the vicinity," enthuses Gutierrez, who was successful in singles in 2019 and in doubles in Santander last year.
Highlight Davis Cup
In July 22 years ago, when the Davis Cup semi-final match between Spain and the United States was held, those responsible proved that the Real Sociedad de Tenis de la Magdalena can also handle events of larger dimensions.
The aerial photos of the impressive three-day event still underline the uniqueness of the location. For Spain it was also the gallop to a historic event. Five months later, the Selección achieved their first Davis Cup victory with a 3-1 triumph over Australia in Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi.
Droguet wins ITF title
However, there was no other success for Gutierrez this year. The Brazilian lost 7-6, 6-0 to 21-year-old Frenchman Titouan Droguet in the final. This year's champion was also more than impressed by the tournament. "This is the best event I've played so far this season," commented Droguet.