Q COSTA RICA — The emblematic Copa del Café that opened on Saturday, January 11, is closing the curtain on its 60th edition tomorrow, January 18.
In 2025, this tournament of great regional prestige made history thanks to the changes implemented to improve the game and by a Costa Rican tennis player who stole the spotlight.
The youth sports event, considered one of the most important in Latin America, is taking a turn that has transformed the experience of both players and spectators.
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For the first time, matches are played on covered courts, an innovation that marks a before and after in the national event.
The tournament, which is held at the Costa Rica Country Club, located in Escazú, has not only its traditional infrastructure, but also the roofs that were inaugurated in 2025 in the playing areas. This change will guarantee better conditions for the matches in the face of changes in the tropical climate.
This modification responds to the need to offer a controlled environment that allows players to compete without interruptions due to rain or wind, something that had been a challenge in previous editions.
In addition, this modification reinforces the international character of the tournament, by offering a more professional and attractive format for young talents from around the world.
This innovative project, approved by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), has taken a great step to modernize the tournament and adapt it to current times.
The arrival of this modification could serve as a model for other ITF events and other countries.
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Carlos Bravo, president of the Costa Rican Tennis Federation, highlighted the importance of this change, which places the country in the orbit of the tennis elite.
“We contribute to the development of tennis worldwide. We do not boast of being the first, we do it as a contribution to sport worldwide,” said Bravo.
The tournament is also recognized for being a springboard for numerous young athletes. High-caliber tennis players, such as the Swiss Roger Federer, had stellar performances on the courts of the Copa del Café.
This year, Julián Garnier and Lucía Gallegos, the two representatives of Costa Rica, demonstrated their potential in the Under-18 category.
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In the opening of the event, Garnier made his debut in singles facing the American Simon Caldwell, who was superior and closed the match with a score of 6-0/6-0. For her part, Lucía Gallegos fell in singles against the American Ligaya Murray, with a score of 7-6/6-4.
The surprise came in doubles, where the Costa Rican teamed up with the American Ireland O’Brien, and together they won the first round, advancing to the quarterfinals. Then, Gallegos and O’Brien managed to beat a Mexican and Venezuelan duo, sealing their place in the semifinals.
This historic participation has not been achieved by a Costa Rican tennis player in this tournament for 24 years, previously it was Julia Roca in 2001.
The Copa del Café continues to be an event that not only highlights the quality of its players, but also the passion and excitement of the fans who support the future stars of tennis.
“We are contributing our grain of sand to the growth of the development of young tennis players, to have the possibility of exposing themselves and playing in an environment very similar to the professional one, with fans cheering and asking for autographs,” said Luis Fernández, president of the Organizing Committee.
The matches are being played at a high level, with a large number of spectators enjoying every moment in the stands, creating a festive atmosphere.
This edition promises to be unforgettable, not only for being the 60th, but for the transformation it will bring with it, ensuring that the Copa del Café continues to be a reference for global youth tennis.
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