KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s emergence as a host for international professional tennis is just beginning, with Tennis Jamaica already in discussions to keep two ATP Challenger events on the calendar next year and potentially increase the number of tournaments staged on the island.

John Azar, president of Tennis Jamaica noted that the two historic tournaments, which brought a strong international field to Jamaican soil, have been hailed as a major step forward for the development and profile of tennis locally.

Azar said the ATP team was pleased with the overall execution of the events despite a few early teething problems, and discussions have already started about Jamaica’s future as a regular host.

“The ATP team here in Jamaica, notwithstanding a few minor hitches early on, were very happy with the events,” Azar said.

“Discussions are already underway, not only to ensure that these two events are on the ATP calendar next year and beyond, but to expand the number of ATP Challenger events held in Jamaica going forward,” he added.

The tournaments represented a significant opportunity for Jamaica’s top players to test themselves against international professionals without having to leave home.

Just as importantly, they gave local tennis fans a chance to see first-hand the standard, intensity and professionalism required at the professional level.

For Tennis Jamaica, one of the biggest victories was the interest generated among youngsters who turned out to watch the matches.

“I was especially happy seeing many of our youngsters out watching the action,” Azar pointed out.

The hope is that seeing international players compete at close quarters will motivate the next generation of Jamaican players to commit themselves to the sport and chase their own ambitions.

The tournaments also appeared to leave a positive impression on the visiting players, many of whom expressed an interest in returning to Jamaica.

“The players were very happy and many of them expressed their desire to come back in the near future,” he noted.

That response could strengthen Jamaica’s case as a viable destination for professional tennis and provide a platform for further growth.

The success of the events also comes at an important time for Jamaican tennis, as the country seeks to give its best players more opportunities to compete at a higher level while exposing younger players to the demands of the international game.

Azar believes the impact could extend well beyond the tournaments themselves.

Tennis Jamaica is now looking towards a future in which Jamaica hosts more ATP Challenger events, giving local players additional opportunities to earn valuable experience, compete for ranking points and measure their progress against some of the world’s emerging professionals.

After making its mark with two historic events, Tennis Jamaica is clearly thinking bigger.

“Stay tuned, the best is yet to come,” Azar declared.

— Howard Walker