Inspired by the timeless tradition and unique challenge of playing on natural grass courts in the UK, a bold idea took root – to cultivate this elegant form of tennis in Switzerland. This is the story of determination, collaboration, and the creation of a new landmark for grass tennis in the heart of Europe: the Bonmont Grass Tennis Court and the ensuing Masters Tournament.
The Seed of an Idea: Inspired by UK Grass
During a visit to the UK in 2022 to explore tennis training opportunities, Yannick Fattebert and Benjamin Dracos were captivated by the elegance and heritage of playing on natural grass courts. They stayed with Paul Reardon, who introduced them to the particularities of grass tennis and shared his personal journey of building a grass court at his home. While the idea of organising group visits for European players to the UK was initially considered, the complexities and costs involved quickly became apparent.
This led Benjamin and Yannick to ask a pivotal question: What would it take to build a grass tennis court back home, in Switzerland?
The Challenges and Expertise Required
Paul generously shared his expertise. He explained the painstaking challenges in creating a playable grass surface, including meticulous site selection, proper drainage systems, and the intricate stratification of layers such as subgrade, backfill, topsoil, and the type of grass seed itself. Grass courts also require skilled maintenance to ensure the durability of the court and the performance qualities. You can learn more about the detailed process of building a grass court here: ITF Court Construction Guide – Grass. Despite learning of these hurdles, Yannick and Benjamin were unwavering in their resolve — the dream was set in motion.
Construction: From Vision to Reality
Back in Switzerland, they found the perfect location for their project, thanks to their friendship with Daniel-Sacha Fradkoff, President of Bonmont Tennis Club. Bonmont was a serene estate renowned for its rolling meadows and tranquil beauty.
After navigating local permissions, significant planning, and logistics, work on Bonmont’s very own grass tennis court began in earnest in 2023. The construction process was far from simple, demanding expertise across landscaping, turf science, and careful financial planning to address costs.
Daniel provided additional financial help from his company Edge Tennis, which supports young players worldwide to become game stars.
Edge Tennis – supporting young tennis players worldwide
So, after more than two years of dedication and collaboration, their vision finally came to life. In 2024, Bonmont officially opened its first grass tennis court to players in Switzerland — a historic achievement for tennis in the region.
The Inaugural Bonmont Tennis Masters Tournament
In the summer of 2024, Bonmont reached another milestone: hosting its first official grass tennis tournament, now proudly branded as the Bonmont Tennis Masters. The event drew tennis players and enthusiasts from Switzerland and across Europe, eager to experience the rare thrill of playing on natural grass.
The support for the inaugural tournament was overwhelming, with Edge Tennis, sponsors, and donors stepping forward to ensure its success. The community rallied together, demonstrating their passion for the sport and belief in the Bonmont mission – to make grass tennis accessible in Switzerland.
The Bonmont Masters: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The Bonmont Masters has quickly gained fame as an annual highlight in the European tennis calendar. The tournament, hosted at Bonmont Estate, blends the legacy of traditional grass court tennis with the spirit of Swiss innovation, fostering a unique and enchanting ambience. Players compete in an environment of natural beauty, surrounded by the Alps and lush rolling hills.
The Bonmont Masters website showcases the event’s rich offerings, including its competitive matches, player highlights, and the community involvement that makes the tournament truly special. Tennis enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the site and learn more about the upcoming events, player schedules, and how to participate or spectate.
A Flourishing Venue and a Bright Future
Today, Bonmont is flourishing as the first venue in Switzerland where players can compete on grass and practice year-round. The courts have been carefully maintained, allowing athletes to adjust to the unique surface ahead of tournaments or embrace the timeless pleasure of playing on grassy turf. This high level of care is essential, as grass court maintenance presents unique challenges compared to other surfaces: Common Tennis Court Problems & Maintenance. It is a remarkable testament to how dreams, determination, and collaboration can overcome even the most significant challenges.
Bonmont has proven that great things can grow from a simple yet bold idea. Yannick and Benjamin’s initial inspiration has blossomed into an enduring legacy, thanks to the close collaboration with Daniel and Paul, reshaping Switzerland’s tennis culture and bringing players closer to the elegance of grass court play, echoing the sport’s historical roots (History of Tennis Courts – Grass. As the grass tennis courts continue to thrive and the Bonmont Masters flourishes, Bonmont’s story inspires all who dare to dream big, even in the face of difficulty.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the evolution of grass tennis in Switzerland, Bonmont is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a tennis aficionado, a player looking for an exciting new surface, or someone who appreciates the beauty of sport meeting nature, Bonmont is the perfect place to experience it all. On top of that, if you wish to experience grass tennis throughout the world, join the Grass Tennis Club – it is free and available on the Grass Tennis Club website. GTC has all the information you would ever need on Grass Court Tennis.
Visit Bonmontmasters.com for more information on tournaments, events, and the magic of Swiss grass tennis.
