The sport of Pickleball will be included in this year’s Deloitte Open for the first time.

The sport, which is one of the fastest growing in the United States, has become increasingly popular on island with many playing on a regular basis.

Incorporating many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, the sport has proved so popular that Pomander Gate Tennis Club has taken the decision to officially add it to the Deloitte Open line-up.

The annual tournament, which will combine tennis and Pickleball events for the first time, is returning following a one-year hiatus, owing to the Covid pandemic, and will take place from July 2 to 9.

Sponsored by Deloitte, the event has grown to become a player-favourite on the tennis calendar in Bermuda, attracting participants to establish, defend or improve their ranking. This year’s tennis events will be sanctioned by the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association and will offer valuable ranking points.

Both the Tennis and Pickleball tournaments will include men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions, while there will also be men’s senior singles and doubles tennis category. Matches will be played daily from 5.30pm to 9pm on weekday evenings and from 9am to 5pm at the weekend.

“Along with a full slate of tennis events we are thrilled to welcome the Pickleball community to this year’s tournament,” said Rich Daley, Deloitte Open Tournament Director. “We are also excited to once again have Deloitte as our tournament sponsor for this premier sporting event in Bermuda.”

• For more information on the tournament and how to enter email deloitteopen21@pgtc.bm.