Grass-Court Tennis in Santa Ponca: Summer, Sun and Close to the Stars

Grass-Court Tennis in Santa Ponca: Summer, Sun and Close to the Stars

From 20 to 27 June the Mallorca Country Club turns into a small grass stage

When in June the pine trees murmur above the sea and the air in the harbour of Santa Ponca smells of saltwater and grilled fish, it's not just holiday time here – the grass court roll-out for an ATP tournament is also underway. From 20 to 27 June the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Mallorca Championships take place, an event that once again puts the island on the map as a venue for unusual top-level sport.

The facility at the Mallorca Country Club is maintained down to the smallest detail. Matches are played on real grass, certified according to the All England Club's standards; that means: a fast surface, specific maintenance intervals, and a playing experience rarely encountered outside Great Britain. For spectators this means: matches with short rallies and dramatic volleys – and all in a compact, almost familial setting.

And proximity is indeed a topic. Anyone sitting in the stands or walking between the practice courts often meets not only fans but professionals warming up. Names such as Tallon Griekspoor, who won the tournament in 2025, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik are on the entry list. Tournament director Toni Nadal has deliberately assembled the field to combine attraction and quality – players who promise excitement and a memorable spectator experience.

The event schedule is family-friendly: Sunday, 21 June, is Family Day with activities for children; kids under 12 get free entry. “Champi”, the tournament mascot, has almost become part of the furniture and brings cheer when it runs through the fan zone. This year the fan zone is fully shaded – a noticeable relief on Summer in Santa Ponsa: Beach, Breeze and Perfect Evenings on August 6, when DJs provide a relaxed atmosphere after the matches.

There is also plenty on offer culinarily: local vendors provide small dishes and drinks, there are seating areas to linger, and the atmosphere remains relaxed – not overcrowded stands, but rather a meeting place for locals, residents and visitors. Calvià residents benefit from a discount, and with ticket prices starting at around €20 a day of ATP tennis is comparatively affordable.

What the tournament means for Mallorca can be seen in small scenes: early in the morning a man cycles down the Camí de sa Vora with his dog past the club where groundskeepers are already at work with knives and shovels; at midday restaurant owners sit on the plaza and talk about expected visitor numbers; in the evening families arrive with their beach bags in the car to catch a match. The event fits into summer life without overwhelming it, as local reports observe in Easy Summer in Santa Ponsa: mild breeze, warm air — no rain in sight.

For young players on site the tournament is a chance to watch and be inspired. When professionals sign autographs or hold a practice session on a side court, you can immediately see how children widen their eyes and later practise with their own rackets. That may be the most lasting effect: enthusiasm that flows back into local clubs.

Those who want to go will find a straightforward offer: day tickets, family tickets, reduced prices for residents. And because the venue is compact, a visit can be easily combined with other summer plans – an early morning swim in the bay (Sunny Summer Day in Santa Ponsa: August 1 Brings Ideal Beach Conditions), a late lunch on the promenade, then an afternoon of tennis.

The Mallorca Championships are not a big tabloid spectacle, but an event that feels pleasant: high-quality sport, yet approachable. For the island it is a reminder that Mallorca offers more than beaches and nightlife: it creates spaces for sports culture, for encounters and for days when you listen to rallies with a drink in your hand while cicadas sing in the background.

A tip for first-time visitors: bring a sun hat and a light jacket, secure shaded seats in time and allow plenty of time – grass-match moments live from closeness, not distance.