Back in Budapest: The European Senior Tennis Championships
The largest European Masters tennis event of the year, the Budapest European Championships, has come to an end. In 2024, the Hungarian Tennis Federation secured the hosting rights for the European Masters Championships for a three-year period. Following the outstanding success of the inaugural edition, the world’s best senior players once again took to the courts in Hungary between June 1 and 7. The scale of the event and the growing demand were clearly demonstrated by the fact that, for the second time, the tournament was held across four Budapest venues: the National Training Centre, the Vasas Sports Centre on Folyondár Street, the Szépvölgyi Tennis Centre, and the Római Tennis Academy. Nearly 500 players from 42 countries participated, with a total of 533 matches played on 21 courts.
The European Masters Championships is the most prestigious senior tennis event organized by Tennis Europe. In addition to competing for European Championship gold medals, winners also received 1,000 ranking points on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour rankings. Both women and men competed in 13 age categories in singles and doubles, ranging from the 30+ division all the way to the oldest 90+ category. Alongside singles competition, champions were also crowned in the highly popular doubles and mixed doubles events. Fans around the world could follow the action through live scoring and streaming broadcasts on the Tennis Europe website. Once again, the organizing teams of the Hungarian Tennis Federation (MTSZ) and the Hungarian Leisure and Senior Tennis Association (SZTSZ) delivered an exceptional tournament week in Budapest.
Registration with the two indispensable organizers: Bernadett Beothy and Csaba Erdei
As an interesting note, it is worth mentioning that E. Szilveszter Vizi (former President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) competed for the gold medal against a Romanian player in the 90+ category. Here is the academician’s witty comment at the end of a two-minute interview:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CZWH913pE/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The exceptionally high standard of this year’s Championships was evident from the very first days. Among those training in Budapest was former world No. 1 doubles player and multiple Grand Slam champion Paul Haarhuis. According to a brief report by my colleague Sándor Árvay, a true tennis legend was practicing on Court No. 3 of the Szépvölgyi Tennis Centre. Although he had simply come for a training session, many spectators gathered to watch him. Not surprisingly, as a six-time Grand Slam champion had never before played on the courts of the Virág Benedek Street club.
One might assume that the combined ITF Masters Tour MT1000 tournament and European Masters Championships in Budapest would provide an easier challenge for the sixty-year-old Dutch star. However, that was not the case. Together with his Russian friend and tennis partner Igor Rubinchik, they moved down into the highly competitive 55+ age category. Despite entering only as the second seeds, they successfully captured the gold medal in a strong field.
Among the participants was former Hungarian Davis Cup player András Lányi. He won a very long opening-round singles match but was unable to advance beyond the second round. My personal favorite was Glenn Busby, whom interested readers may remember from one of my previous reports:
https://www.aktivpihenes.hu/auf_deutsch/mallorca-ist-die-hochburg-der-senior-tennisspieler/
Glenn Busby on the left (in outstanding form at age 70)
This year’s tournament proudly welcomed Serena Wines 1881 as its main sponsor. Players enjoyed a wide selection of Serena Wines’ premium products, including alcohol-free alternatives, during the social events surrounding the tournament.
Another innovation introduced by the organizers was the Masterclass Brunch. Players had the opportunity to listen to leading experts in physiotherapy, nutrition science, and injury prevention. In addition, a prize draw offered participants the chance to win accommodation for two at the Serena Wines 1881 facility in Italy.
One of the highlights of the brunch was an interview with Paul Haarhuis, former ATP doubles world No. 1, six-time Grand Slam champion, and first-time participant in the European Masters Championships. Having competed in only two Masters Tour events so far, he remains undefeated after winning the Men’s 55 Doubles title alongside Igor Rubinchik. The pair has not lost a single set in either tournament.
Spectators could even cheer from the observation deck of the National Tennis Centre
Sports magazines rarely devote much attention to match results themselves, as that is generally the role of specialized publications. However, due to its remarkable story, we would like to recommend a short report about one particular match in which I was personally involved. Out of more than 500 matches played during the week-long event, this was the only one officially decided by disqualification or walkover:
https://rekreator.hu/fair-play-elismeres-a-dobogo-arnyekaban/
It is also appropriate to introduce the distinguished management team behind the June European Senior Tennis Championships. Representing the Hungarian Tennis Federation (MTSZ) was Secretary General Petra Schmitt; representing Tennis Europe were Chief Referee Dima Leifman and Officer Nadja Koran. On the Hungarian side, the organizing team included SZTSZ President Csaba Erdei, Secretary General Tamás Bibók, referees Bernadett Beothy and Sándor Árvay, Tournament Director Tibor Szávai, and the ever-helpful organizers Andrea Lukács and Zsófi Gáspár, among many others.
On this occasion, special recognition should be given to Tournament Director Tibor Szávai. In addition to ensuring the smooth operation of the event, he demonstrated exceptional humanity and empathy throughout the week. Despite his countless responsibilities, he personally participated in the search for a competitor’s lost mobile phone. After a lengthy search, the phone was eventually found. While many people contributed to the successful outcome, the initiative and commitment to solving the problem clearly reflected his attitude.
His kindness and attentiveness were evident in countless other situations as well, earning him widespread appreciation among participants. As the saying goes, “A fish rots from the head down,” yet in this case the exact opposite proved true: the exemplary attitude of the leadership was reflected throughout the entire organizing team.
Tournament Director Tibor Szávai (in black) at work in the waiting area
The list of contributors would be far too long, as many people played a role in the success of the event. Special mention should be made of the two court supervisors from Transylvania, Marci and Pali, who worked at the tournament’s central venue. Through their conscientious efforts, they made a significant contribution to maintaining the courts in excellent condition. In addition to watering duties, they carefully ensured that the white lines remained free of clay, carrying out their responsibilities with great professionalism and attention to detail.
Overall, sincere thanks are due to everyone who contributed their work, time, and expertise to the success of the tournament. The true foundation of events like these is always the dedicated people working behind the scenes, doing everything possible to ensure that participants return home with lasting memories.
Szalay Attila
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