publish time

03/05/2017

author name Arab Times

publish time

03/05/2017

Mohammed Jassim Khalid Al Marzouq, Patrick Mouratoglou, Ahmed Sarawi with Tamdeen Group and Kuwait Tennis Federation pose for a group photo during the signing ceremony.
KUWAIT CITY, May 2: Tamdeen Group, Kuwait’s leading mixed-use property developer, which is developing the upcoming, state-of-the-art Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex, has signed on the France-based Mouratoglou Tennis Academy to establish a world-class tennis coaching facility in the country. The academy is one of the most sought-after and successful tennis academies in the world, rated according to the caliber of its alumni of distinguished tennis players.In the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, President of Kuwait Tennis Federation and Mohammed Jassim Khalid Al Marzouq, Chairman of Tamdeen Group, the agreement was signed between Patrick Mouratoglou, Founder & President, Mouratoglou Tennis Academy and Ahmed Sarawi, CEO, Tamdeen Shopping Centers Co.Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah said: “There is tremendous sporting talent in Kuwait whose potential is yet to be fully harnessed. It is my firm belief that our partnership with the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy will herald a new wave of tennis players from Kuwait and the wider region as we nurture home-grown talent to take their place on the global tennis stage.”The academy partnership, along with the Kuwait Tennis Federation (KTF), will see Patrick Mouratoglou spearhead the program. The Kuwait academy, scheduled to open in 2019, will be his first international facility outside of France.The tennis complex is an integral part of Tamdeen Group’s expansion project, which will feature several new to the market retail brands and a signature five-star hotel. There will be a seamless relationship between the mall, the tennis facility and the hotel.Mohammed Jassim Khalid Al Marzouq said: “Tennis is a sport which Kuwait excels in and by developing world class tennis facilities, including our partnership with Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, we are committing to the development of the sport in the country. This is indeed a momentous occasion for all Kuwaitis as it paves the way for our country to become one of the most sought-after destinations for tennis.”Under Mouratoglou’s guidance who has been Serena Williams’ coach since 2012, the academy will bring highly experienced coaches, nutrition experts and top facilities to the region. He has enabled players, including Serena, to win 10 grand slam titles, 2 Olympic golds, 3 WTA Tour championships and 14 premier titles.At Mouratoglou Tennis Academy’s original outpost in France, over 7,500 matches are played by students annually. Last year it enrolled 145 students across 35 nationalities who not only received intense training but also a rigorous academic education. The academy is also a world leader in organizing tennis camps. In 2016, over 2,800 young players from 45 different nationalities trained at the academy. Students from the academy also get the opportunity to become professional players and, or graduate from an American University.Patrick Mouratoglou remarked: “The facilities and playing conditions at Kuwait’s Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex will be on par with the best in the world and will merit coaching of the highest standards. I believe that our partnership with Tamdeen Group and the Kuwait Tennis Federation will give rise to a new breed of tennis champions from the region and I look forward to eventually seeing them play in the grand slams.”The partnership between Tamdeen Group and Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in addition to the support and collaboration  granted by the Kuwait Tennis Federation will help cement Kuwait’s position in the global sporting arena and contribute to a diversified economy.