Tariq Simons is targeting a triumphant return to the Deloitte Open tennis tournament, when the action starts at Pomander Gate Tennis & Pickleball Club today.

In 2024, Simons swept to victory in the men’s A singles and doubles, as well as the mixed doubles. Last year, he could not defend any of his titles as the tournament was held while he was away in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Davis Cup duty.

The 25-year-old comes into the Deloitte Open having recently won the Temple of Tennis Tournament.

“I’m going into this one having played two tournaments already this year,” Simons said.

“I’m pretty comfortable, but I’m just recovering from a shoulder injury on my right side and it feels almost 100 per cent recovered right now.

“I’ve been going to the physiotherapist for treatment, but I do expect to go into the tournament and do well in all the categories that I entered.

“More importantly, I’m going in to observe a few of my junior players that represent Bermuda nationally. It’ll be a pretty exciting event for me as a whole.”

In Simons’s absence last year, veteran Gavin Manders defeated Sebastian Pukk to win his tenth title. That saw the 40-year-old steer clear of Ricky Mallory as the most successful player in the tournament.

Manders, who is in Trinidad & Tobago for the ANSA Bank Open, the Caribbean’s first Minor League Pickleball event, has taken a break from the sport that gave him fame, having retired internationally in November 2023.

“As a ten-time Deloitte Open champion and the defending men’s singles champion, I’d like to wish all the players the very best this week,” Manders said.

“The Deloitte Open has been a longstanding fixture on Bermuda’s tennis calendar and has played a significant role in my own tennis journey.

“Unfortunately, due to a herniated disc, I have stepped back into retirement from competitive tennis, so I’ll be watching from the sidelines this year.

“This year’s tournament is especially exciting as it serves as a great lead-in to Bermuda hosting the historic Davis Cup later this year.

“It’s another opportunity to showcase the strength of our tennis community and for the next generation of players to step forward and make their mark.

“To the players, I would like to say enjoy the experience, embrace the challenge and leave everything on the court.

“I look forward to following the action and seeing Bermuda tennis continue to move forward.”