Today, this sport is experiencing an exceptional boom.  They were only about thirty players two years ago with their feet in the sand of Réunion Island to return the small yellow ball.  Today, there are three clubs that feature in the competitions schedule of the beach tennis, a fourth one is on the starting block and will soon open its doors.  Located along the western and southern coast, the beach tennis has everything to be successful.       

Fun, young, sunny and sandy, a totally relaxed atmosphere, the beach tennis has the support of the Reunionese press today.  Bertrand Coulet, the president of the ARTVBT (Association Réunionnaise Tennis Volley et Beach Tennis) club is pleased: "We now have local press releases after each Sunday tournament.  A sign that the beach tennis is revealing itself from the shadow, it attracts more and more people."  Cousin of the tennis volley, it pleases as long as it will be featured in the Olympic games of Pékin.           

An incredible match

A lighter ball, a wider racket, a free serve, a prohibited bounce, a smaller playing area than a tennis court but which bursts with adrenaline.  It's out of question to rest on the beach, the beach tennis is a sport that brings out incredible rhythms.  The game is strategic, the score is similar to the tennis except that the bounce is less. 

True smacks, the rallies bang at a phenomenal speed, hence presenting a match that is worth a detour or yet a look.  The single match is challenging during competition, quite physical coupled with progress, lobes, accelerations and dives, one must play with tactics and wait for the right ball.  The double match is likewise awesome; the least ball tossed is immediately sanctioned even smashed.           

Réunionese winners

The Réunionese are fierce opponents in the court.  They eyed scornfully the Italians in the world championship whilst teasing them the first places.  "Being undisputed masters of this discipline, the Italians prefer to come to Réunion Island for a match rather than going to Portugal, they know that here they'll be able to measure themselves against fearsome opponents" states Bertrand Coulet.  The Réunionese teams have a talent for repartee and have forged a small reputation of thrusting.         

It's simple, in the last World's champion, the Réunionese delegation who represents the French team ended up being second with the "national team."  The junior girls, under 21 years were also awarded a silver medal.  It must be said that the skilful team looks like Bertrand Coulet, world's champion of this discipline in 2005 and spearhead of the dynamic beach tennis in Réunion Island.          

The world' tournament in Saint-Pierre

Do you want to get an idea of the event?   The big show of World's tournament is promised to be held in March on the beautiful grounds of Saint-Pierre.  The capital of the south will welcome the best teams in the world for three competition's days.  Of course, the rumba will rock. 

Text : Florence Merlen
Photos : Florence Merlen & Bertrand Coulet