Guests from many of Tennis Europe’s member nations were joined by representatives from the ITF and national tennis federations from around the world at Roland Garros this weekend for a special soirée to mark the 50th anniversary of the organisation’s founding.
The event was hosted by the French Tennis Federation, whose President Gilles Moretton greeted the guests providing a reminder of France’s unwavering commitment to Tennis Europe since its creation, and of the pivotal role the FFT plays in the development of international tennis in general.
Tennis Europe President Henrik Thorsøe Pedersen was also on hand, and spoke of how Tennis Europe’s core values of unity, development and the provision of a clear international pathway for juniors remain in line with those of the organisation’s founders half a century ago.
Former Tennis Europe President Francesco Ricci Bitti, also a former President of the International Tennis Federation, made an emotive speech paying tribute to those who laid the foundations for the establishment of Tennis Europe, making special mention of those who were not able to join the gathering in Paris.
On 31st May 1975, representatives from 17 countries met at the Foro Italico in Rome to formally create the European Tennis Association. That meeting marked the culmination of two years of intensive meetings and negotiations by the members of the ‘European Working Group’, who worked tirelessly to realise their dream of uniting Europe’s national tennis federations.
Professional, junior and senior circuits, European championships for individuals and teams of all ages, and development and networking programmes were immediately established – events and initiatives that thrive to this day.
Since then, Tennis Europe has grown in both size and scope. The 17 founding nations have proliferated to become 51 – with the Faroe Islands set to join the European tennis family in 2026.
As it celebrates this golden jubilee, Tennis Europe continues to work to develop the sport across the region, supporting the ITF and providing unparalleled playing opportunities and a first taste of international tennis competition for young players from the region and beyond.
Almost all of today’s top professionals competed on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour as they gained early experience of international competitions, with some familiar faces eager to send their anniversary wishes and memories:
The formalities were brought to a close by Tennis Europe Vice-President Florence Alix-Gravellier, who raised a toast to the next 50 years of Tennis Europe. More coverage of Tennis Europe's landmark anniversary will follow later in the year.