Gabriela Sabatini Appointed Ambassador of the Mallorca Women’s Championships

Icon Sabatini makes Mallorca's autumn tennis a matter of the heart

When in early October the pine trees cast long shadows around the Mallorca Country Club and the breeze from the sea brings a hint of salt, tennis here feels particularly special. From October 4 to 12, high-class women's tennis returns to the island with the Mallorca Women’s Championships. And as the cherry on top: Gabriela Sabatini will accompany the event as ambassador. For Santa Ponça this is almost like a small, charming sports festival – with the aroma of coffee and freshly cut grass.

Why Sabatini is more than just a name on the flyer

Gabriela Sabatini stands for an era many here still remember vividly: elegant baseline strokes, a powerful slice and the big US Open title in 1990. She will not only take on a symbolic role but will personally honor the winners and also take part in the celebrity padel. That will provide not only photos but also conversation topics in the little street cafés of Santa Ponça and Palmanova. A touch of glamour, but without airs.

The tournament and on-site offerings

The competition features 32 players, with the main matches planned at the Country Club and the early rounds supplemented at the Polideportivo in Magaluf. The location is convenient: short distances, a relaxed atmosphere, and if you wish you can spend the afternoon at the beach afterwards. Families, tennis fans and holidaymakers will find a mix of sporting event and a relaxed autumn outing. The starting field includes players from several countries, including Germany and Great Britain – international, yet manageable.

Tickets, side events and organisers

The organisational concept feels community-oriented: entry is free on the opening weekend, thereafter day tickets cost between around €15 and €40; VIP passes are about €120–130. The organiser is the e|motion group. Its CEO Edwin Weindorfer said they want to position Mallorca as a year-round destination for high-quality tennis. The new title sponsor is the US company Vanda Pharmaceuticals. For the island this means: world-class players, celebrity appearances and a few days with more sport and fewer tourists – at least in the mornings.

What the island gains — and what we gain from it

Events like these are not just an item on the calendar. They bring local service providers business, fill restaurants in the low season and create short but lasting PR moments for Mallorca. Children watch and may pick up a racket for the first time, and local clubs gain new momentum. There remains the image of older gentlemen discussing a particularly beautiful slice in the club house in the evening, while seagulls pick the last breadcrumbs off the court.

An invitation to island residents

If you feel like it, reserve a spot on the small stands, preferably with a coffee in hand and the light breeze at your back. It is these quiet October days when Mallorca shows its best side: good weather, less hustle and high-quality sport on an equal footing. For families, tennis fans and the curious, this is an invitation worth accepting.

A finish with a view

When Sabatini smiles at the winners' photo and the trophy gleams in the autumn sun, it is a lovely symbol: Mallorca as a stage for quality sport, beyond midsummer. Tomorrow you might be back in the café discussing who had the better slice. And who knows — maybe the tournament will have a more lasting effect than just nice pictures and a few headlines.

So: mark the calendar, pack your bag and don't forget your racket. Or at least the camera. It will be autumnal, sporty and a little magical – that's Mallorca.