Meet Antomi Ramos, world champion beach tennis & top performer at Aruba Open
The month of November marks the official start of the Holiday season, and the 11th day of the 11th month of the year is also the opening of the new Carnival season, yet in Aruba another highlight marks the calendar in November: the Aruba Open. If this is your first time reading our blog, or your first time planning a vacation to Aruba, you might want to read this story on the ins and outs of one of the most popular outdoor sports in Aruba: beach tennis. Every year in November the white sand beaches of Aruba serve as center court of the largest international beach tennis tournament in the world, the Aruba Open.
Boardwalk supports local sports events when and where possible, like the annual Aruba Hi-Winds surfing competition, as both hotel owners and many staff members have an affinity with kite boarding and windsurfing. Another favorite amongst the Boardwalk staff is beach tennis, and its festive and exciting international tournament, the Aruba Open on Bushiri Beach. In November 2023 Boardwalk Boutique Hotel opened its doors for Antomi Ramos, two-time world champion beach tennis and currently ranked number 5 in the world. While Antomi participated at the highest level in the Aruba Open, Boardwalk provided a tranquil and relaxing home-base in Aruba where he could recover and recharge for his next matches. As our hotel guest we asked Antomi to share a bit about himself and his professional beach tennis career with you.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 30 years old, I’m from Gran Canaria, Spain but currently living in Campinas, Brazil where I am training and competing in beach tennis. I’ve been a professional beach tennis player for 14 years, and became a world champion in beach tennis for the first time in 2018 in Italy.
What do you like most about beach tennis?
The vibe on tour, and also traveling around the world, playing beach tennis on the best beaches of the world.
Who is your biggest competitor in this sport today?
The best team is Nicolas Gianotti and Mattia Spoto, they both rank number 1 in the world, and they are playing at the Aruba Open, too.
What do you think of the Aruba Open tournament?
This is my 7th or 8th time participating in the Aruba Open, an amazing tournament that I like a lot. And I simply love this island.
What is unique about the Aruba Open?
Here the organization is of another level. Also, the vibe on the central court is a unique experience that you can't find at any other beach tennis tournament in the world. There is this nice energy and always a party going on in the audience during the game.
How did you do in this year’s tournament?
I reached the semifinal in singles, and I wanted to play mixed too, but my partner fell sick so she couldn’t play the tournament. In men’s doubles, we won our first round 6-3/6-3 on the central court. Unfortunately, we lost the men’s semi-finals 6-7/6-1/5-10 to Andre Baran and Michele Cappelletti, who ended up winning the 2023 Aruba Open Championships. We stay motivated and I truly hope to win the men’s doubles championship next year, so I will definitely be back here in Aruba.
In Aruba Beach Tennis has quickly gained a position in the top 3 of most performed outdoor sports on the island. How many people in Brazil play beach tennis? Is it getting more popular, or is regular tennis or pickleball more popular?
In Brazil Beach Tennis is one the biggest sports in the country. Everybody is playing beach tennis, including celebrities which is very important for the sport and also for us players.
Do you have time to explore Aruba?
Yes, I always make time to explore the island. I keep thinking that I have visited almost everything there is to see on this island, but the island is always surprising me with something else to visit, or something new to experience.
What are your favorite spots on the island?
I love Eagle Beach and Baby Beach.
What is your experience at Boardwalk; can you tell us what you like about this hotel?
It’s an amazing experience to be at Boardwalk Hotel. I love the gardens with many trees, palms and plants, and the tranquil vibe on property, it’s so quiet and peaceful here. I also like the decorations; the casitas are really cute and colorful. They transmit happiness.
What is a great activity to do with your mom while staying in Aruba?
We visited many beaches all around the island. I also like to take her on a UTV tour with me because she also likes adrenaline, just like me.
Any last words?
I would just want to thank Boardwalk Hotel for the wonderful experience this year 2023. This is for sure one of the best hotels I have stayed at in my life.
