Mikhail Kukushkin, one of Kazakhstan’s most renowned tennis players, has returned to the courts in Almaty to compete in the Almaty Open ATP 250, the final tournament of his professional career. He is competing thanks to a wildcard from the organizers, who have given him the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd one more time. The day before his debut, he played an exhibition match against Alexander Bublik and held a press conference to announce his retirement from professional tennis. A first-round victory On October 19, Mikhail made his tournament debut against Greek player Stefanos Sakellaridis, winning 7–6(4), 7–6(3). Both sets went to a tie-break, and Mikhail came out on top in both. Following his retirement announcement, his appearance in Almaty has become more than just a farewell. He remains in the draw and will compete in the second round. There, he could face Stefanos Tsitsipas, one of the most prominent players of his generation. [caption id="attachment_387" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Photo: Almaty Open[/caption] Mikhail Kukushkin and his academy at RozaRossa This news is particularly special to us. Mikhail has opened his tennis academy with us, and we know him not only as a professional tennis player but also as a down-to-earth and humble person. After so many years on the tour, he has never lost his passion for tennis or his respect for the people around him. For the entire RozaRossa team, it is a joy to see our friend back on the court. We congratulate him on his victory and wish him the best of luck in his next match. We would also like to thank the organizers of the Almaty Open, an ATP Tour event, for their support of Mikhail, their recognition of his career, and the opportunity they have given him to enjoy these days…
Women's professional tennis brings together players from all over the world who compete in different tournaments throughout the year. The results they achieve in these competitions influence their position in the world rankings and their opportunities on the circuit. Understanding what the WTA Tour is helps provide a better understanding of how this sport works. What is the WTA Tour? The WTA Tour is the international women's professional tennis circuit organised by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). This organisation was founded with the aim of giving women's tennis greater recognition and improving the conditions for professional players. Since then, the circuit has grown to include competitions in different countries and on different surfaces. Throughout the season, players take part in tournaments at different levels. They face opponents from all over the world and aim to achieve good results to move up the rankings. Some players regularly compete for the most important titles, while others try to make their way up the circuit and reach higher positions. The calendar includes events played on hard courts, clay courts and grass courts. Each surface has its own characteristics and can favour different playing styles. For this reason, players need to adapt their preparation and strategy to the conditions of each tournament. WTA Tour tournaments The circuit includes competitions in different categories, which vary in importance, the points they offer and the level of participation. There are also four major tournaments that hold a prominent place in the international calendar. Grand Slam: these are the four most important tournaments in tennis. They include the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. Although they are not organised directly by the WTA, they are part of the professional players' season and award up to 2,000 points to the singles champion. WTA 1000: these are…
Knowing the rules of tennis is the first step to enjoying every match, whether you are starting from scratch or already play and want to better understand how the game works. With a clear grasp of the basics, playing or following a match becomes much easier and more enjoyable. Rules of tennis: what to keep in mind before you play These are the rules every player needs to master to move confidently on court, from the playing area to behavior during the match. 1. The court and its lines A tennis court is 23.77 metres long and 8.23 metres wide for singles. For doubles the width increases to 10.97 metres, because the side tramlines are added. The net divides the court in half and measures 91.4 centimetres at the centre and 1.07 metres at the posts. The baselines and the sidelines mark the limits of the court. The service lines, located 6.40 metres from the net, mark out the two boxes the serve must land in. Knowing this layout helps you position yourself better and decide where to direct each shot. 2. How does scoring work? Tennis does not count points one by one. Scoring is organised into four levels: Points: counted as 15, 30 and 40. When a player has not scored yet, it is called "love" (zero). The next point after 40 wins the game. Deuce and advantage: if both players reach 40, you need to win two points in a row to take the game. The first player to win a point after deuce has the "advantage". Set: won by reaching six games with a two-game lead over your opponent. Match: played as the best of three sets, or five in some competitions. The first player to win the majority wins. 3. The rules of the serve…
The warm-up exercises for padel are the starting point of any well-planned session, whether you are playing for the first time or have been stepping onto the court for years. A routine lasting just a few minutes can completely change how your body responds during the match. Why is doing warm-up exercises vital for your body before stepping onto the court? Physical preparation before a match is the most effective barrier against sports injuries. In padel, explosive movements, torso rotations and sudden changes of direction place a lot of strain on the joints. A good warm-up raises body temperature and prepares the tissues to absorb impact and twisting, reducing the risk of suffering tears, sprains or overload. Joint mobility often takes a back seat, limited to static stretches that, just before playing, do not contribute much. What matters is to activate the neuromuscular system with dynamic movements that reproduce the actions typical of the game: turns, braking, starts. When the body arrives on court already "awake", performance and safety improve from the very first point. Warm-up exercises for padel A complete routine combines different blocks that progressively prepare the body: Joint mobility Spend at least five minutes mobilising the areas that receive the most work during the match: Ankles: gentle circles with each foot and dorsiflexion exercises, to prepare the joint for the constant braking and starting movements. Wrists: rotations in both directions and light pressure, key for handling the racket and controlling impact. Shoulders: wide circular rotations forwards and backwards, which loosen the muscles involved in smashes and volleys. Dynamic stretching Before increasing the cardiovascular intensity, it is advisable to loosen the leg and hip muscles with movements while walking, rather than static stretches. Walking lunges, knee-to-chest raises or butt kicks while moving across the court wake up the…
Learning to play padel seems simple at first: racket in hand, small court and soft ball. But the technique has more nuances than it may seem, and many players carry bad habits for years that slow down their progress. Detecting mistakes when learning padel technique in time is what allows you to stop getting stuck at the same level and start making the progress you are looking for. Mistakes when learning padel technique Most mistakes in padel do not come from a lack of strength or physical condition, but from gestures that have been incorrectly automated from the beginning. These are the most common ones: 1. Incorrect racket grip Many players hold the racket as if it were a tennis racket, with a grip that is too closed or too flat. This detail, which may seem minor, affects everything that comes afterwards: the ball's exit angle, the ability to create spin and comfort on high shots such as the volley or smash. A continental grip, neither too closed nor too open, allows you to move from forehand to backhand without changing your hand position each time, something that is difficult at first but ultimately saves reaction time. 2. Hitting only with the arm It is common to see beginners move only their arm when hitting, leaving the rest of their body still. The shot loses power and accuracy and, above all, becomes slower to anticipate. Correct technique involves rotating the torso and accompanying the shot with the legs, so that the arm finishes the movement rather than generating it entirely. Without this coordination, the player gets tired sooner and the ball loses consistency. 3. Not moving your feet Another very common mistake is staying static and waiting for the ball to arrive instead of moving towards it. Padel is played…
Choosing the right racket is a decision that directly affects both your performance on the court and the health of your joints. In both tennis and padel, the market offers a huge variety of options, which can be confusing if you do not know which factors to prioritise according to each player's profile. At RozaRossa Tennis Academy, today we want to share some tips to help you choose the right tennis or padel racket. Tips for choosing a tennis or padel racket Before looking at the brand or the latest popular model, there are several practical things you should consider to make the right choice. Be honest about your actual playing level It is very common to think we play better than we really do, and this often leads to choosing demanding rackets that punish every shot that is not perfectly executed. If you are still learning or improving your technique, you will benefit more from a racket that is more forgiving, allowing you to enjoy the game while improving instead of feeling frustrated with every point. Think about your physical condition first Your strength, endurance, and how well you cope with a long match matter more than any technical specification. If you have little strength in your arm, you will notice fatigue sooner with a heavy racket. If your arm is well trained, that same weight can help you hit with more power without putting in extra effort. Knowing your own limits is the first step before looking at any technical specifications. Be clear about your playing style Playing comfortably from the baseline is not the same as trying to finish points at the net. If you usually stay at the back of the court, you need help generating enough power to reach the other side. If you prefer…
Tennis lessons for kids are much more than simple sports training; they represent a unique opportunity to develop motor skills, discipline and socialization in a healthy environment. If you're looking for the right place in Estepona or Marbella for your child to learn to play tennis, it's essential to understand which factors make the difference between a purely technical introduction and a well-rounded sporting experience. Why are tennis lessons ideal for children's development? Introducing tennis at an early age is an investment in children's overall growth. Beyond the racket and the ball, this sport acts as a driver of psychomotor development, notably improving hand-eye coordination and lateral agility, skills that are fundamental during the stages of greatest physical development. The nature of the game, which combines short bursts of high intensity with moments of pause, allows children to stay active without becoming overly fatigued, encouraging a natural and motivating learning curve. From a social standpoint, tennis lessons for kids are also a space where they learn to handle wins and losses, fostering empathy and respect for their opponent. In these early years, the focus should be on playful introduction: when the child experiences the session as a game rather than a technical obligation, their willingness to make an effort increases and their interest in the sport is sustained over the long term, creating a healthy habit that lasts well beyond childhood. Tennis academy in Estepona Choosing a tennis academy in Estepona like RozaRossa Academia de Tenis means looking at several factors beyond the courts: How are the groups chosen? Children's physical and cognitive maturity varies greatly from one age to another, which is why well-segmented groups allow the coach to adapt language and exercises to each stage. Within each age range, homogeneity in skill level also matters: a well-balanced group…
Sunshine, sport and the sea come together on the Costa del Sol, and few places capture that combination as fully as RozaRossa. Set between Marbella and Estepona, just a short drive from Benahavís, we bring together tennis, padel, fitness and wellness in one destination built for holidaymakers, residents and families alike. Whether you're staying in the area for a week or you call the Costa del Sol home, RozaRossa is designed for days that mix movement with relaxation: a morning on the court, an afternoon by the pool, and an evening that feels like part of the holiday itself. Tennis and padel for every level Sport sits at the heart of what we do. Our courts and coaching programmes are open to complete beginners and competitive players alike, with private lessons, group sessions and academy programmes for children and adults. Tennis in Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís Our professional coaches work with players of every level, from someone picking up a racket for the first time to those training for competition. Programmes include: Private and group tennis lessons A tennis academy for children and adults Family sessions where parents and children play together Intensive tennis camps for visitors looking to improve during a short stay Padel courts and coaching Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Spain, and it has a natural home at RozaRossa. Guests and members can: Rent a court by the hour Book private padel lessons Join group coaching sessions Take part in club tournaments Whether you're searching for padel in Marbella, Estepona or Benahavís, our courts and coaching staff are set up to welcome first-timers and regular players alike. Beyond the courts: Lifestyle, wellness and family Life at RozaRossa isn't limited to the courts. Around the sport, we've built a space where families can spend the…
Many times, the challenge is not finding time to spend with the family, but finding a place where everyone can enjoy the outdoors together. At RozaRossa Tennis Academy, you can combine sports and leisure in one place, making it a great option for planning a different day out doing family activities in Estepona and Marbella. Would you like to know what activities you can enjoy at our centre? Keep reading! The importance of taking part in family activities Sharing activities as a family is a great way to strengthen relationships and break away from the daily routine. Between work, school and everyone's responsibilities, it is not always easy to find time to enjoy together. That is why spending a few hours doing a shared activity helps create lasting memories and make better use of your free time. When these activities take place outdoors, the benefits are even greater. Playing sports helps everyone stay active, take a break from screens and enjoy a different environment. You do not need previous experience or a high fitness level; the most important thing is finding an activity that everyone feels comfortable with and can enjoy. Another important point is that sport also teaches values such as effort, perseverance, respect and teamwork. When these experiences are shared as a family, children learn naturally while spending quality time with the adults. Different family activities in Estepona and Marbella If you are looking for ideas to enjoy a different day out, at RozaRossa we offer a variety of activities that combine sport, leisure and family time without the need to travel to different locations. Tennis lessons and court hire Tennis is the club's main activity and an excellent option for families. Whether you already play or want to start from scratch, you can book a court or…