Many young tennis enthusiasts turned out on Wednesday, February 4th, at the Open Occitanie, held at the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier. This event provided a fantastic opportunity for dozens of children and teenagers, who came with their tennis clubs, to experience the thrill of competition firsthand.
Wednesday marked Youth Day at the Open Occitanie, a men’s tennis tournament running until February 8th at the arena. On this day, which coincided with a school break for many students, the stands and corridors of the venue were filled with eager spectators.
The atmosphere at the arena resembled a playground as numerous children sought autographs from the tennis players after their matches. With beaming smiles, Victor and Sacha displayed their signed tennis balls, sharing their excitement about the experience. “It wasn’t easy; it was hot amidst the crowd, but we did it,” one of them said. “It feels weird because usually we only see them on TV,” added his friend.
Anaïs was also thrilled to see professional players in action. With her eyes glued to the tennis court, she intently followed the fast-paced rallies, commenting, “I’m learning new techniques. For instance, I need to always reposition myself.”
The tournament has a family-friendly vibe, according to coach Olivier, who noted, “Before coming here, we explained to them that they’d be watching professionals hitting balls at over 200 km/h. It’s wonderful for them.” He further emphasized the importance of exposing young players to the professional world and competition.
Children have the chance to watch matches, observe training sessions on side courts, and even chat with professional players. “This tournament is very accessible, quite different from other events like Roland-Garros,” shared Alexandre, who enjoys coming every year with his son. “It’s great for the kids to be so close to the players, and the ease of moving around to see matches makes it enjoyable.”
In the Hérault region, the French Tennis Federation reported nearly 25,000 licensed players in 2025. Nationwide, more than one million people participate in tennis, making it the second most popular club sport in France after football. This increasing interest among young players highlights the sport’s vibrant community and its potential for growth in the future.