Estoril Open is back and in summer mode
Top-level tennis returns to Estoril, and this time it comes with a major twist: for the first time, Portugalâs biggest tennis tournament is swapping the breeze â and occasional downpour â of spring for the heat of summer. For 35 years, the tournament belonged to April and May. Now, it shifts seasons to fit the ATP Tourâs post-Wimbledon calendar, without losing the essentials: clay courts, big names, Portuguese players in the main draw and that unmistakable Estoril atmosphere.
The move to July brings longer days, warmer temperatures, school holidays and, of course, the hope that "the weather gods will be in a better mood than last year", says tournament director JoĂŁo ZilhĂŁo, recalling a rain-soaked final and even a day without power during the blackout.
A summer-ready edition
In practical terms, the change means more shade, more comfort, more seats on Court Cascais and a programme designed to turn the tournament into a full-day outing. The singles semi-finals and final are also moving with the summer rhythm, starting later, at 5.30pm, on Saturday and Sunday. The Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night sessions remain.
Who is playing
On court, the line-up has serious weight. The entry list includes seven top-40 players and several names used to the biggest stages, among them Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Luciano Darderi, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Alejandro Tabilo, Matteo Arnaldi and Alexander Blockx. There are also familiar faces for Portuguese fans, including Hubert Hurkacz, Est