Tennis courts built at 2,300 meters in Kayseri Erciyes: National tennis player rebels, citing 'vote' system

In Kayseri Erciyes,a facility consisting of 12 tennis courts has been opened for use, as part of projects initiated to make the Ski Center available to athletes during the summer months as well.

The completed project was put into service with an International Tennis Tournament that began simultaneously on all 12 courts. The tournament, held on the courts built at an altitude of 2,300 meters in Erciyes, the ITF International Tennis Tournament, has begun.

Through the investments, projects, and initiatives of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Memduh Büyükkılıç, the courts, built for promotional purposes under the name '2024 European City of Sports Kayseri', received significant backlash from athletes in their first week. 

According to the report by Ümit Genç from Sözcü; Ali Koçak, the general manager of the company operating the facility, stated that it is very difficult to find courts in Antalya during the summer months, which is why they chose Erciyes for the facilities. Criticism began on social media following increasing complaints from athletes participating in the tournament regarding weather conditions. 

'THEY SAY IT'S NOT FOR VOTES'

İpek Şenoğlu, who represented Turkey 104 times on the national team  and was the first Turkish tennis player to play in a WTA-level final, criticized the facilities on her social media account. Quoting a video shared on X showing the tennis courts, Şenoğlu made the following remarks:

'What do you think this facility was built for? Will trees be planted later? How is the wind? Is the oxygen/altitude suitable for a match? Then they say, "I swear it's not for the 'vote' and 'delegate' system." Who would believe that? Use it for a tournament for show for 1-2 weeks, then let it sit empty all year. It is a real shame for my dear country's money!'

What do you think this facility was built for? Will trees be planted later? How is the wind? Is the oxygen/altitude suitable for a match? Then they say, "I swear it's not for the 'vote' and 'delegate' system." Who would believe that? Use it for a tournament for show for 1-2 weeks, then let it sit empty all year. It is a real shame for my dear country's money... https://t.co/kTTRTT5R57

— İpek Şenoğlu (@ipeksenoglu) October 14, 2024

'THE HIGHEST ALTITUDE FACILITY IN EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST'

Erciyes AŞ Chairman of the Board Hamdi Elcuman had previously provided the following information regarding the courts: 

'It is being done for the first time in Turkey. The facility built here holds the distinction of being the highest altitude tennis court in Europe and the Middle East. There will be very enjoyable matches here. National athletes will be trained. I believe we will send athletes from here to many organizations around the world. Both summer and winter activities continue at full speed in Erciyes.'

News Source: 12punto