Tennis Ireland to Host ATP Challenger 75 for the First Time in Almost Two Decades
The ATP Tour returns to Elm Park Golf & Sports Club, Dublin, 14–20 June 2026
Dublin to host a professional men’s grass-court tennis tournament the week before Wimbledon qualifiers
Top level men’s tennis is returning to Ireland. An ATP Challenger 75 tournament will be held at Elm Park Golf & Sports Club, Dublin, from Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th June 2026, bringing world-ranked players to Irish soil and opening the door for Irish talent to compete against them at home. The last ATP Challenger event on Irish soil was the 2008 Shelbourne Irish Open.
About the Tournament
The ATP Challenger Tour is the second tier of men’s professional tennis, sitting directly below the ATP Tour and serving as the primary pathway for the world’s rising talents and established professionals. A Challenger 75 event draws a highly competitive international field and awards 75 ATP ranking points, points that can be transformative for players seeking to break into or move up the world rankings.
The event will be played on grass at Elm Park, one of Ireland’s most prestigious sports venues, and takes place the week before Wimbledon qualifying begins. This scheduling positions the tournament as a significant grass court preparation event on the international calendar, attracting players specifically seeking competitive match play on the surface ahead of the world’s most famous Grand Slam.
“Elm Park is delighted to support the ATP Challenger 75 grass tournament and looks forward to a week of memorable tennis, while welcoming players and tennis fans alike.”
Gary McCarthy, Tennis Captain, Elm Park Golf & Sports Club.
A Landmark Moment for Irish Tennis
For Irish players, the tournament offers the possibility of wildcard entries, a chance to compete against world-ranked professionals on home soil, in front of a home crowd. The ATP ranking points and international experience on offer could prove pivotal for players at a critical stage of their professional development, and the event underlines Tennis Ireland’s commitment to creating meaningful competitive pathways for Irish athletes.
Beyond the players, the tournament is an opportunity to grow the sport at every level inspiring participation, raising the profile of tennis in Ireland, and demonstrating to the international tennis community that Ireland is a credible and ambitious host nation.
“Bringing an ATP Challenger event back to Ireland is a huge moment for Irish tennis. It gives our players a rare chance to compete against world‑class opposition at home and puts Ireland firmly back on the international tennis map”
Ronan Reid, Chair Tennis Ireland.
Community at the Heart of the Event
Tennis Ireland wishes to extend its sincere thanks to both Elm Park Golf & Sports Club and Claremont Railway Tennis Club, who have generously made their facilities available to host this special event. Elm Park Golf & Sports Club will host the tournament and Claremont Railway Tennis Club have generously offered their grass tennis courts for player practice during tournament week. Events of this scale are only possible through the goodwill of Ireland’s broader tennis community, and both Elm Park’s and Claremont Railway’s contribution to this historic occasion is greatly appreciated.
About Tennis Ireland
Tennis Ireland is the national governing body for tennis on the island of Ireland, responsible for the development and promotion of the sport at all levels — from community participation to elite performance. The organisation represents 192 affiliated clubs and more than 101,000 members across the island, with over 45,000 entries recorded in Tennis Ireland tournaments in 2024. For more information, visit tennisireland.ie.
Media Contact
Laura Daly
087 495 3819
Image courtesy of Tennis Ireland. Available for use by media outlets in connection with this release.
