History of the Loiret Paratennis Open
The first Open de l’Orléanais was held in 2001 on the courts of the FJC in Saran. It was hosted after the 17th French Disabled-Tennis Championship that took place in 2000. The tournament was held each year in September on the outdoor courts of the Forest Complex until 2004. To better meet the players’ expectations, the tournament was then moved to the indoor courts.The dates were changed and since 2005 the tournament has been scheduled for the end of October, making the Open de l’Orléanais the last tournament of the qualifying season for the French Championships. This place in the calendar is a real boon as it ensures an exceptional level of play.
In 2005, the city of Orléans hosted The Open d’Orléans, the well-known Tennis Tournament of the Orléans, which led to a new change in the dates for the reasons of the availability of the volunteers, who are indispensable for both tournaments.
In 2011, the tournament name changed to « l’Open Tennis Handisport du Loiret » in order to no longer be confused with the l’Open d’Orléans tournoi challenger.
In 2018, the tournament changed the name again following the integration of tennis in wheechair to the FFT and became the Open Paratennis du Loiret, also becoming an international sport event.
In 2023, the tournament moved up a category to ITF2. It was extended from 4 to 5 days.
The tournament is lucky to be able to count on its volunteers every year. They are the special feature of this tournament since they all come from different backgrounds. Indeed, the Open de l’Orléanais is not organized by a tennis club, but by the sports enthusiasts who want to promote wheelchair tennis.
The volunteers
Every year, the tournament is fortunate to be able to rely on its volunteers. They are what makes this tournament so special, as they all come from different backgrounds. The Open de l’Orléanais is not organised by an able-bodied tennis club, but by sports enthusiasts who want to promote wheelchair tennis.
Tables
In 2023, the number of players will increase, with a main men’s singles draw of 24 players, a secondary men’s singles draw of 12 players, a women’s singles draw of 16 players and a quads draw (a specific wheelchair tennis category for players who, in addition to being unable to play standing up, have an upper limb disability) of 8 players.
The Loiret Open Paratennis is an international-level tournament (ITF2), and now welcomes 60 players, with the same friendly spirit that reigns throughout the 5 days.
Tournament values
The aim of the Open de l’Orléanais is to raise awareness of a disability tennis. For this purpose, the facilities are accessible to all, and the public can attend the meetings free of charge, at the weekend.