The Smashing Valentine tournament will be played according to the rules of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance is the international organization that manages and sanctions the gay tennis circuit around the world. The GLTA is comprised of 50 gay and lesbian tennis clubs around the world. With over 50 annual GLTA-sanctioned tournaments in the U.S, Canada, and Europe, the GLTA is the fastest growing gay sports organization. An estimated 7,500 players took part in GLTA tournaments in 2009, and the number of tournaments and players are expected to grow each year.

To assist Tournament Committees in assigning players to more uniform ability classifications, the GLTA has developed division standards. This helps players to sign up in the appropriate divisions:

Click here for GLTA Division Standards.

For more information about the GLTA , please check out the website www.glta.net

The other European tournaments are:

Amsterdam

The Pinkster Tournament is the largest tournament on the GLTA tour. It takes place around the Pentacost/whitsun weekend (21-24 May) and is played on clay courts at the Amstelpark tennis centre in Amsterdam. Amsterdam was elected Best GLTA tournament in 2007.

Dublin

A new tournament on the GLTA Calender !! It is the first doubles only tournament in Europe. Similar events in the US proved to be great successes. it will take place in the beautiful Irish capital in March 2010

Paris

TIT Paris. The sixth edition of this tournament is played mid April at a new venue. The surface is red clay. Sorry, it is not Roland Garros, but still worth a visit. Another good reason to visit Paris!

London

The Tennis London International Championships. This tournament is played on indoor hard court and clay outdoor courts. In 2009, the tournament was organized in the last weekend of August, The tournament is played on the courts in Sutton, not far from Wimbledon.

Madrid

Magato: Gay Tennis club Madpoint organizes the tournament on the hard courts in a wonderful parc including (important!) a swimming pool. The Madrid nightlife is an other good reason to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid had the honor to be the first European Master tournament in 2007.

Düsseldorf

The tournament will be played in the last weekend of April. It is played on red clay courts and easy accesible from the Ruhr Gebiet , Belgium and the Netherlands. The venue is beautiful and intimate.

München

King Ludwig Cup. This tournament is played on the red clay courts in the Olympiapark. A wonderful Bavarian Style tournament. It is organized in the last weekend of June. Munich has the honor to be selected as a 2010 Master Event. 

Pisa, Viareggio

Another new tournament. Sorry guys.. This is the only women's only tournament in the world. All women are expected in this pittoresque area in Italy. Play takes place mid July.A great new initiative !!! 

Zürich

Zürich Rainbow Open. This tournament is organized by Gay Sport Zürich. The red clay courts are situated at the borders of the beautiful Limnat River. A magnificant picture with the Alps on the background. Play takes place mid August in the Swiss Gay capital. The tournament was the European Master event in 2008. Since 2009 the tournament also includes women draws.

Milan

Italian Gay Open. This tournament is organized in the first weekend of September on covered red clay courts. The parties and Italian food at the tournament banquet are famous among the participants.

Barcelona

This tournament is organized mid September in the Olympic tennisstadium of Barcelona. In this arena Capriati and Rosset won their Olympic titles in 1992. Barcelona was the host of the EuroGames in 2008 and elected Best GLTA Tournament in 2008.

Cologne

The Gay Games wll take place from 31 July - 7 August.  After Amsterdam 1998 it is the second time that the Gay Games will be organized in Europe. And which gay city can be more central then Cologne !!

Manchester

In 2008 new on the tour calender but already a vast asset :Manchester. The tennis facilities, organization and the gay venues in town must be your reason to participate in Manchester. The tournament will be organized the third weekend of September.

Prague

In 2009 new on the GLTA calender was Prague in the Czech Republic. After the iron curtain came down Prague has become one of the most appealing cities in Europe. The committee has brought a fantastic new event on the tour schedule! 

Rome

The European season will be closed by the newest tournament. Rome !!!
One of the most beautiful cities in the world is now on the GLTA calender. WIth the Vatican around the corner, it must be a spiritual and blessed event. It will take place in the first weekend of October 2010.