06 May 2025
Press Conference Held for the Wheelchair Tennis World Team Cup
The press conference for the BNP Paribas World Team Cup, the most prestigious event on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) wheelchair tennis calendar, set to take place from 6–11 May 2025 at Ali Bey Club Manavgat in Antalya, has been held.
The press conference for the tournament, which will host 44 teams from 20 countries, was attended by President of the Turkish Tennis Federation (TTF) Şafak Müderrisgil, Director of Sports Events, Ministry of Youth and Sports Ercan Yıldız, ITF Wheelchair Tennis Director Alistair Williams, General Manager of Club Ali Bey Kerem Kutbay, national team athlete Zeliha Aksak, and Member of the Japan Women’s National Wheelchair Tennis Team Yui Kamiji.
“They inspire us all with their determination, sportsmanship, and success.”
Highlighting that the Wheelchair Tennis World Team Cup is not only a sporting competition but also a powerful symbol of perseverance, determination, and equality in sport, Turkish Tennis Federation (TTF) President Şafak Müderrisgil stated: “Wheelchair tennis represents a sporting culture without boundaries, and we are working tirelessly to further promote this culture in Türkiye. We are extremely proud to be hosting this prestigious tournament organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for the fifth time in our country. The Wheelchair Tennis World Team Cup brings together the world’s best athletes, including Paralympic champions. Our Quad National Team, which reached a historic milestone last year by finishing second globally, is participating directly this year, while our Women’s and Men’s Wheelchair National Teams are competing with wild cards as the host nation.”
Emphasizing that this tournament marks a significant step forward in establishing Türkiye as a center for wheelchair tennis, Müderrisgil said: “As a federation, our primary goal is to ensure that individuals of all age groups and levels of physical ability are introduced to tennis and can make it a part of their lives. In line with this goal, we continue our efforts across many areas, from accessibility for individuals with disabilities and infrastructure investments to educational programs and international collaborations. I would like to express my gratitude to all who contributed to the realization of this major event, particularly the ITF officials, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Spor Toto Organization Directorate, our host venue Ali Bey Club Manavgat, and our esteemed sponsors. I also extend special thanks to our national athletes who continue to represent Türkiye with great success in this field. They inspire us all with their determination, sportsmanship, and achievements. Between 6–11 May, this tournament will witness not only matches on the court, but also heartfelt competition off the court in Manavgat. I invite everyone to share in this excitement and witness the unifying power of sport. Thank you all for your participation, and I wish the best of luck to all teams competing in the tournament.”
"Our country is now in a position to choose its events."
Ercan Yıldız, Head of the Sports Events Department at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasized that by hosting such events, Türkiye is steadily moving toward realizing long-envisioned tournaments. Highlighting that this tournament is one of the most prestigious events in wheelchair tennis, Yıldız stated: “We are all proud and excited to host such an important tournament. This is truly a major event. Antalya, as we all know, is a renowned tourism hub. At the same time, it has become a prominent sports city. In recent years, it has hosted numerous large-scale sports events with great success. These activities are extremely important in promoting our country. We recently hosted the Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye. Major, mass-participation events are being held here. Our country is now in a position to choose its events. We are now a preferred country. We believe that these efforts will pave the way for even greater events in the future. Step by step, we are reaching the tournaments we have long dreamed of.” Expressing his gratitude to the Turkish Tennis Federation and the sponsors, Yıldız added: “Events like this serve as significant references for future hosting opportunities. We see this tournament as a source of inspiration for individuals with disabilities. I would like to thank everyone who contributed. I wish success to all athletes, coaches, and referees. I look forward to following the matches in the spirit of fair play.”
“This event holds flagship status for us”
Alistair Williams, ITF Wheelchair Tennis Director, emphasized his delight in being part of the event, stating: “This event holds flagship status for us. We have truly elite players here, winners of international team competitions, There are Paralympic medal-winning athletes among us. I also see this tournament as a platform for future generations. It’s an incredibly important event that brings together our top athletes and the next generation of players. I hope our collaboration will continue in the years to come.”
“We carried out all preparations with great care and attention.”
Kerem Kutbay, General Manager of Club Ali Bey, stated: “We are proud to host this prestigious event for the fourth time. At Ali Bey Club Manavgat, we believe that barriers are not only physical, and we fully support the right of every individual to engage in sports under equal conditions. In line with this belief, we carried out all preparations with great care and attention in order to enhance the accessibility of our facilities and ensure the comfort and safety of all our athletes. For us, this is not merely a sports tournament, it is a celebration of human stories, perseverance, and solidarity. I hope the tournament proceeds in the true spirit of sportsmanship, and that all athletes complete it safely, successfully, and in good health. At Ali Bey Club Manavgat, our greatest goal is to ensure that every guest feels at home. It is our pleasure to welcome you, and I wish the best of luck to all teams participating.”
National athlete Zeliha Aksak expressed her happiness stating: “For the past few years, we have been hosting tournaments in our country consecutively. It’s a real pleasure for us. Competing with such high-level athletes is a great opportunity.”
World No.1 in women’s wheelchair tennis, Japanese national player Yui Kamiji also thanked those who contributed to the organization. She said: “This is my third time in Türkiye. The matches will start today. I’m very happy to be playing in this beautiful weather.”
06 May 2025
