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For several weeks now, the unofficial announcement of a tennis event to be held on Saint-Barthélemy, bringing together some fifteen former glories of the men's professional circuit, has been spreading. However, with two weeks to go before the dates published on the organization's website (June 11 to 14), nothing seems to be ready. At the Saint-Barth Tennis Club, which is supposed to host the matches over two days, the uncertainty remains. There is also concern, as the event will require two additional grandstands to be erected around the center court. How will this be done? By which company? Time is running out, and no one seems in a position to answer these questions. Nor does anyone seem in a position to provide an answer to the cost of such an organization. Will it be necessary to cut out the fencing surrounding the SBTC court? And who will be responsible for restoring the site after the matches? Here again, no answer. For its part, the local authority claims not to have "given any agreement" to the organizer "in the absence of sufficient guarantees". However, on the brochure announcing "an unforgettable premiere in Saint-Barth", the organizer has already printed a note from President Lédée, who writes: "Hosting the Legends Team Cup is an honor for the island (...) This tournament embodies the spirit of Saint-Barthélemy: prestige, passion, welcome. "
Borg, Gasquet and dollars
Founder and president of the Legends Team Cup, Marten Hedlund says the decision to locate the event at the Saint-Barth Tennis Club was made during his visit to Saint-Barth.was made during his visit to Saint-Barthélemy, "in agreement with the president Xavier Lédée". For him, there is no doubt that the fourteen former champions will be in Saint-Barthélemy between June 11 and 14 to play tennis matches.
It has to be said that the financial stakes are high.
Five similar tournaments are due to be held around the world in 2025. One million dollars is up for grabs at each match, and the winning team of the tour will take home five million dollars. In addition, the arrival of some big names has been announced for weeks in Saint-Barthélemy for June 7. These include Bjorn Borg, the former Swedish world number one. But also France's Jo-Wilfied Tsonga and Richard Gasquet. The latter has already recorded a video in which he invites the public to Saint-Barth after his last French Open. Problem: nothing is ready yet.
But Marten Hedlund remains confident. We organize this type of event all the time, all over the world," he says. There will be meetings between the island's young practitioners and the players in the morning. And it won't just be for this year. The idea is for it to be an annual event. "But we still have to get the first lift off the ground. As it's never been held before, people are asking questions," explains the organizer. There are still a few things to sort out, but it's a great challenge. "For potential future spectators too, as they'll have to pay between $90 (for under-15s) and $700 for a one-day ticket, or between $220 and $1,890 for a three-day package.
