Almaty, August 5, 2025 – Gorky Tennis Park in Almaty has been awared the status of being a Roland-Garros Club, as it has become part of the exclusive group of three clubs around the world associated with the French Open. The French Tennis Federation recognises Kazakhstan’s growing international role in tennis, as well as the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation’s commitment to world-class standards as led by its president Bulat Utemuratov. Gorky Tennis Park will be the exclusive host of the Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault regional qualifying event for Central and West Asia, where finalists will compete at the series finale held in Tokyo from 13th to 19th October 2025.
Photo Credit: Gorky Tennis Park
‘A world-class clay court facility’
Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, said: “The designation reflects years of investment into Kazakhstan’s tennis infrastructure and talent pipeline. We are proud to see Kazakhstan’s leadership in tennis acknowledged at the highest level.”
The head of International Development at Roland-Garros, Aymeric Labaste, also stated: “The French Tennis Federation is proud to partner with Gorky Tennis Park, a world-class clay court facility. As our exclusive partner in Kazakhstan, the club sets a new benchmark for tennis in the region. We are especially pleased to see it hosting the Junior Series qualifiers since 2024.”
Photo Credit: Gorky Tennis Park
Bulat Utemuratov throws support behind Gorky project
With the aid and support of Bulat Utemuratov and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Gorky Tennis Park has been completely renovated. This includes the launch of a professional academy, modernised facilities and brand-new clay courts built to international specifications and standards. The partnership emphasizes the Federation’s long-term goals.
The Federation has launched 38 tennis centers over the past 18 years in Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation attempts to expand access to high-quality infrastructure and opportunities for global events, including hosting ATP 250 tournaments from 2020 onwards, previously in Astana, and then in Almaty since 2024.
Over the past decade, Kazakhstan has evolved from a promising tennis nation into a formidable contender on the global stage. Elena Rybakina’s Wimbledon triumph, Alexander Bublik’s steady rise, and a new wave of top-ranked juniors are no coincidence; they are the product of a long-term, meticulously executed strategy.
In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Yuriy Polskiy, President of the Asian Tennis Federation and Vice President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF), explains how strategic investment, public-private partnerships, and a grassroots approach have fundamentally reshaped the country’s tennis landscape.
TCA: Kazakhstani tennis players have recently made headlines at top international tournaments. How would you assess Kazakhstan’s current standing on the global tennis map? Are the successes of Elena Rybakina and Alexander Bublik, as well as the emergence of top juniors, the result of systemic work or just coincidence?
Polskiy: Luck plays a role in any athlete’s career, but it’s fleeting. Kazakhstan’s results, among both professionals and juniors, are consistent, which points to a system that delivers. Over the past decade, we’ve seen numerous players ranked in the world’s top 30: Shvedova, Voskoboeva, Kukushkin, Golubev, Korolev, Nedovyesov, and more recently, Diyas, Putintseva, Danilina, Bublik, and, of course, Rybakina. Together, they’ve secured four Grand Slam titles, reached multiple singles and doubles finals, and won WTA 1000, 500, and ATP/WTA 250 tournaments.
Among the juniors, talents like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Amir Omarkhanov, and Sonya Zhienbayeva have ranked in the ITF Top 5 and Top 20. Our Under-14 and Under-18 national teams have reached the world’s top four and consistently defeated traditional powerhouses such as Australia, France, Italy, and Argentina. These results underscore the strength of Kazakhstan’s national coaching program and the Federation’s long-term vision.
In 2024, Kazakhstan had six players in the ITF junior Top 100, including three in the Top 50. Seven more under-14s were ranked in the Tennis Europe Top 100, more than Italy, currently the leader in that category. Notably, all 13 of these top-ranked juniors were born and raised in Kazakhstan, highlighting the success of a nationwide, structured development model that blends public support with private initiative.
TCA: What is the Federation’s strategic outlook for the next five to ten years? How extensive is the infrastructure, and are there plans to expand into smaller cities?
Polskiy: Since 2007, when businessman and philanthropist Bulat Utemuratov became the KTF president, Kazakhstan has built 38 major tennis centers, each with at least six courts, totaling 364 hard and clay courts nationwide. Over the past 17 years, more than $150 million has been invested in infrastructure. Hundreds of coaches have been trained, particularly for early childhood programs. The number of certified ITF coaches has nearly doubled in five years, now surpassing 400.
Infrastructure growth has significantly reduced training costs: hourly court rental has dropped from $50 in 2007 to just $10 today. Facilities now exist in 16 of the 18 regional capitals and smaller cities like Lisakovsk. Major complexes in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Karaganda, Aktobe, and Ust-Kamenogorsk each include six indoor and ten outdoor courts, allowing over 1,000 children per city to train regularly.
However, demand continues to outpace supply. In Astana and Almaty, each center maintains waitlists of 500-600 children. To meet this, new high-standard complexes are being constructed, including a 14-court facility in Almaty and another in Astana. Additionally, the Federation is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to introduce tennis in kindergartens and schools, ensuring access for children from remote regions.
International partners like Lexus play a crucial role, funding equipment and supporting coach education and certification. These partnerships help ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
TCA: How well prepared is Kazakhstan’s coaching system to produce new stars? Is there still reliance on foreign specialists?
Polskiy: Our priority is developing local players and coaches. These go hand in hand: strong coaching develops talent, and working with top athletes enhances coaching expertise.
For example, last year, Eva Korysheva of Aktobe, coached by Pavel Tsoy, became Asia’s top U14 player and competed at the AO Elite Trophy in Australia. Traveling with her coach, Pavel gained firsthand experience of a Grand Slam-level event – a priceless opportunity.
We emphasize maintaining the bond between a player and their first coach. Seminars and educational initiatives support this, and when foreign experts are brought in, local coaches work alongside them. Former players like Dastanbek Tashbulatov, Ayap Sagadat, and Zhansultan Chembotaev are now part of Team Kazakhstan, nurturing the next generation under international mentorship.
TCA: How many children currently play tennis in Kazakhstan? What support exists for regional talents?
Polskiy: More than 30,000 children now play tennis in Kazakhstan. Around 3,500 receive free training and participate in tournaments at no cost. Many regional teams benefit from free or discounted court time during off-peak hours.
The top 150 players under 14 are enrolled in a national development program. Another 32 older athletes receive full or partial funding through the Team Kazakhstan scholarship. Selection is based on national tournament performance and expert evaluations.
Team events like the U12 and U14 Kazakhstan Cups are central to talent discovery, as they energize coaches, motivate young athletes, and allow for the early identification of standout players. Inspired by Italy and Canada, the Federation has introduced talent ID systems across regional centers and continues to invest in hosting national and international tournaments. Families are essential partners, from logistics to emotional support, in building long-term success.
TCA: What are the national teams’ goals at events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup? What role do stars like Rybakina and Bublik play?
Polskiy: The men’s team aims to return to the Davis Cup World Group, while the women’s team is targeting victory in the Billie Jean King Cup. We believe both goals are realistic.
These victories inspire the next generation. Young players want to emulate Rybakina, Bublik, Putintseva, and Zhukayev. We host regular masterclasses, giving children the opportunity to meet, train with, and learn from these stars, boosting their confidence and drive.
TCA: Does Kazakhstan have a realistic shot at winning a Grand Slam or team world championship soon?
Polskiy: Absolutely. Elena Rybakina has already won Wimbledon. Yaroslava Shvedova holds two Grand Slam doubles titles. Anna Danilina has won in mixed doubles. Rybakina also finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, just shy of a medal.
Our national teams have beaten world-class opponents including Italy, Germany, Japan, Argentina, Switzerland, and Australia. With the right support and experience, we’re confident our near-wins will become titles.
TCA: How stable is the Federation’s funding? Who are the key backers?
Polskiy: Financial stability is one of our core strengths. Federation President Bulat Utemuratov supports KTF through personal investment and long-term partnerships. Our relative independence from government funding allows for consistent, long-term planning, unaffected by political or economic shifts.
A major milestone was acquiring the license to host an ATP 250 tournament in Kazakhstan. This annual event draws global attention and attracts new sponsors. For instance, Lexus backs the “Tennis for Life” initiative, KPMG supports wheelchair tennis, and numerous companies now sponsor junior tournaments and regional players.
TCA: What are the biggest challenges facing Kazakhstani tennis today? What goals have been set for the next five years?
Polskiy: Our immediate priorities include earning as many Olympic and Paralympic berths as possible, winning junior and senior Grand Slam titles, and capturing the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup.
Achieving these goals requires unity. That’s why we invest deeply in developing the Federation’s human capital, preserving institutional knowledge, building continuity, and enhancing our support infrastructure.
TCA: What message would you share with young players starting out in tennis?
Polskiy: Tennis mirrors life. On court, you make choices, face consequences, and grow through setbacks. A match isn’t over until the final point, so there’s always a chance to come back. Tennis shapes not just champions, but resilient individuals. Every loss is a lesson. The game is a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Jas Leader Akademiiasy program, launched by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation in 2021, has completed its pilot phase and its ongoing management will now be handed over to leading certified local organisations to drive further expansion. The initiative has served to cultivate the necessary skills for leadership, and aims to empower the youth of Kazakhstan.
Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
What is the Jas Leader Program?
The reach of the program has been wide-ranging. Around 41,500 schoolchildren have taken part. The roll-out has reached 124 schools, spanning across 17 different regions of the country. The aspirational sessions pass on the values of confidence, teamwork, communication, and self-expression through hands-on, interactive learning. More than 200 teachers have been specially trained to deliver the curriculum and facilitate sessions, to students from Grade 5 all the way up to Grade 11.
Conducted as extracurricular workshops, the program features discussions on leadership, biographies of inspiring figures, games, group projects, and practical exercises designed to foster personal growth and mutual respect. One participant, Akzhan Bakytbekova, a Grade 11 student from I.V. Panfilov School-Lyceum No. 5, shared:”Jas Leader became more than just a class. I learned how to speak openly, collaborate in a team, and truly listen to others. In one activity, we had to stand together on an ever-shrinking sheet of paper, we had to support each other not to fall. It may seem simple, but it taught us about trust and unity. That’s what the whole program is about.”
Photo Credit: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
‘We are proud’ – Bulat Utemuratov Foundation CEO
Each academic year culminated in the Jas Leader forum in Almaty, which brought together the most engaged participants from across the country. The most recent event, in July 2025 at Tau Samal summer camp, brought together over 200 teenagers for a three-day experience that included training sessions, excursions, and sports activities. Notable Kazakhstani personalities including documentary filmmaker Aliya Ashim, performer Murat Muturganov, dancer Randy, and UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov joined the forum to share their stories.
“From 2021 to 2025, Jas Leader empowered tens of thousands of students to gain practical skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork,” said Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. “We are proud to hand over the program to trusted local institutions so that even more children across the country can benefit from this transformative experience.”
In recent years, Kazakhstan has become a notable presence on the global tennis map. The Central Asian country regularly hosts prestigious ATP tournaments and has nurtured top-tier talent. Leading the way is Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who has become a global star in women’s tennis. On the men’s side, Alexander Bublik’s breakthrough at Roland Garros, where he became the first Kazakh man to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal, turned attention toward the country’s rising influence in tennis.
Junior success
Over the past three years, Kazakh juniors have made significant strides in tournaments worldwide. At the 2024 Junior Davis Cup, Kazakhstan secured fifth place, defeating four-time champion France twice – first in the group stage, and then again in the playoffs. In the tournament qualifiers, the Kazakh team also triumphed over Australia.
This followed a fourth-place finish in 2022 at the 14-and-under world team event for boys and 10th- and 9th-place finishes in 2023 at the Junior Davis Cup and the Junior Billie Jean King Cup, respectively.
Three Kazakh boys are currently ranked in the ITF junior top 100. The best among them, Amir Omarkhanov, reached as high as No 4 before the Junior Australian Open. He has already had several notable performances at the professional level, including reaching the semifinals of the $25,000 WTT tournament in Astana in July 2024 and competing in the qualifiers for the ATP Masters Madrid Open and the ATP250 Almaty Open.
Sixteen-year-old Zangar Nurlanuly won three junior tournaments last year and climbed to No 32 in the ITF junior rankings. Eighteen-year-old Sonja Zhiyenbayeva won two professional $15,000 WTT tournaments last year, and finished the year ranked No 17 in the ITF junior rankings. She is currently ranked No 630 among professionals.
In December, 14-year-old Ansar Niyetkaliyev received the prestigious Overseas Player of the Year award from Tennis Europe, a regional division of the ITF. Another Kazakh player, Akhmadi Makhanov, ranked 13th in a recent Tennis Europe U14 ranking.
In 2024, Kazakhstan had six players in the top 100 of the ITF junior rankings (both boys and girls), including three in the top 50. Additionally, seven players were ranked in the top 100 of the 14-and-under Tennis Europe rankings – more even than tennis powerhouse Italy.
All 13 of these highly ranked players were born and developed in Kazakhstan — the result of a nationwide, systematic approach to player development employing a combination of structured programs and dynamic private initiatives.
In the final of the French Open in doubles, Kazakhstani Anna Danilina and Serbian Aleksandra Krunic lost to the 2024 Olympic champions, the second seeded pair of the current Roland Garros, Italians Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini with a score of 4:6, 6:2, 1:6.
“Congratulations to Anna Danilina on her great game and the final at the French Open. This is not the first time that Anna has delighted tennis fans in Kazakhstan with her bright performances at Grand Slam tournaments: in 2023, she won the mixed doubles at the US Open, and in 2022, she reached the doubles final at the Australian Open. On behalf of all tennis fans, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Anna for her significant contribution to the development of tennis in Kazakhstan, for the inspiration she brings to young people, and for the pride we feel watching her achievements,” noted the President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Bulat Utemuratov, in his congratulatory speech.
Kazakhstani tennis players continue to delight fans on the courts of Roland Garros
For the first time in his career, the leader of the men’s team, Alexander Bublik, reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament. The leader of the women’s team, Anna Danilina, achieved similar success in doubles. For Anna, this is also the first quarterfinal at the French Open. The achievement made by two players at once at such a prestigious tournament underlines the irreversible progress of Kazakhstani tennis in the international arena.
Alexander Bublik (World No. 62) reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament in singles for the first time in his career. In the fourth round of the French Open, the leader of the Kazakhstan men’s team won an impressive victory over the world’s fifth-ranked player, Jack Draper. Having lost the first set, Bublik managed to turn the match around and achieved a confident victory — 5:7, 6:3, 6:2, 6:4. Thus, he became the first tennis player from Kazakhstan to reach the quarterfinals of a major in men’s singles. Bublik will play against the world’s first racket, Jannik Sinner, for a place in the semifinals of Roland Garros. The match will take place tomorrow, June 4.
Anna Danilina paired with Serbian Aleksandra Krunic met the fifth seeded pair of the tournament, Asia Muhammad (USA) and Demi Schuurs (Netherlands), in the 1/8 finals and won a confident victory in two sets – 6:4, 6:0. For a place in the semi-finals of Roland Garros, Danilina and Krunic will play against the duo of Kateřina Siniakova (Czech Republic) and Taylor Townsend (USA), seeded first.
The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has made a generous donation of 500 apartments to the Akimat (City Hall) of Astana, in order to help local residents who are in need of accommodation.
Apartment donation for Astana families
The contribution by the Foundation, valued at 10.5 billion tenge, was made as part of its ongoing charitable Balamaken project. The initiative was launched in 2019, with the purpose of providing homes across Kazakhstan to vulnerable groups. So far, around 1,000 families have been housed. This includes those with disabilities, large families, and victims of natural disasters — in the Aktobe, Akmola, Kyzylorda, and Turkistan provinces.
Photo: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
Founded in 2014, the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has invested in more than 98.4 billion tenge in several philanthropic projects – all of which have made a huge significance to the lives of many. The brand-new apartments are situated in modern residential developments in Astana. Residents of the new apartments include those such as teachers, doctors, emergency service workers, and other public sector employees.
Firefighter Yerlan Shaikhymov, one among the residents of the new apartments, has said: “This apartment is hugely important for us. I’m a father of five, and this is a tremendous support for our family. Now we can live with peace of mind and confidence in the future. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity.”
Photo: Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
‘Housing is a fundamental need’ – Bulat Utemuratov Foundation
The buildings provide a range of facilities including elevators, facial recognition security systems, underground parking, and spacious courtyard areas, ensuring a safe and secure living environment for them.
Ainur Karbozova, CEO of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, stated on the initiative: “We are committed to providing long-term, tangible support to those who need it most. Housing is a fundamental need, and through Balamaken, we aim to help families improve their lives and look forward to a more stable future.”
The first semi-finalist of the qualifying tournament of the Asia/Oceania Final Juniors Billie Jean King Cup zone was determined at the Beeline Arena National Tennis Centre in Shymkent.
In the quarterfinals, the Kazakhstan girls’ team under 16 won against the Indian team. In the first game, Yerkezhan Zhanatayeva won a strong-willed victory over Mundhe Arun in a two-hour battle – 6:7 (3:7), 6:4, 6:3. The decisive point for the Kazakhstan team was brought by Eva Korysheva, who confidently beat Aakhan Aakhan with a score of 6:1, 6:1.
Thus, the team from Kazakhstan has made it through ahead of schedule to the final stage of the Billie Jean King Junior Cup, which will be held in Chile in November 2025. In 2023, the Kazakhstani U16 girls’ team took 9th place at the final stage of the World Championship in Seville.
In the semi-finals of the selection, Yaroslava Shvedova’s team will meet the winners of the match between the teams of the Republic of Korea and Chinese Taipei tomorrow, May 16. Let us recall that in Group D, the Kazakhstan team took first place, beating the teams of China (2:1), Thailand (3:0) and the Philippines (3:0).
The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and Verny Capital opened an 8,550sq/m community center which has been donated to the city of Kosshy. This is the second social project gifted by the Foundation to the city, after the establishment of a new secondary school in September 2023 for up to 1,500 students. The center contains a wide range of multi-purpose spaces, from educational hubs to sports facilities, and it is designed to be accessible by the entire local community. Several prominent figures attended the opening ceremony on 20 March 2025, including Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, Akmola region Governor Marat Akhmetzhanov, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Dr. Almaz Sharman.
Photo Credit: BUF
$20 million investment
Bulat Utemuratov, Founder of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, said: “We are committed to supporting the development of modern and accessible infrastructure that improves the quality of life for communities across Kazakhstan. This community center employs leading global practices, creating a space where the residents of Kosshy can learn, engage, and thrive.”
The $20 million investment features a large sports hall with spectator seating, as well as outdoor sports facilities (including basketball, tennis, football and volleyball courts). The center also provides a variety of coworking spaces and educational facilities, including a 328-seat lecture hall and a library, and entertainment facilities like a cinema hall, multiple exhibition and conference rooms, creative studios, and workout areas.
Photo Credit: BUF
‘Residents can learn, engage and thrive’ – Bulat Utemuratov
There will be a wide range of events and educational sessions for children and adults alike, including chess, dance, robotics, and crafts. This center is a space where people will get to take part in social development, integration and community engagement.
The community center will provide residents with the opportunity to socialise, learn and have access to a mixture of other amenities. The Bulat Utemuratov Foundation has offered the city a community hub that will aim to be the driving force for future urban development.
