A participant returns a shot to an opponent (unseen) during the singles match.

MANAMA, Dec 19: The fourth Arab Elite Tennis Championship commenced the day before yesterday, featuring a selection of the finest Arab players who hold rankings with the Professional Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation's Junior division.

Engineer Ali Al-Mutairi, Secretary-General of the Arab Tennis Federation, announced that the championship's opening day saw 16 players from nine Arab nations—Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia—compete in eight matches.

Al-Mutairi commended the players' high skill levels and the outstanding competitive spirit displayed during the first round of matches, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain at the courts of the Bahraini Public Security Officers Club.

He acknowledged the active involvement of Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Arab Tennis Federation's Board of Directors, highlighting his dedication to organizing such events that promote tennis and provide opportunities for elite players to enhance their skills.

Al-Mutairi also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its warm hospitality and successful hosting of the championship. He praised the Chairman and Board members of the Bahrain Tennis Federation for their collaboration and commitment to the event's success and expressed appreciation to the Bahraini Ministry of Interior for their meticulous organization and support of the Public Security Officers Club facilities.