In partnership with the world-class sports management organisation RTC (Royal, Timeless &
Challenging) Sport, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is launching its new Tennis
Academy this festive season: a stellar coaching school boasting a line-up of some of the sport’s
most celebrated figures, starting with former World #1 and four-time Grand Slam Champion
Ekaterina Makarova.
Train with Legends, Play Like a Champion
The exhilarating new Tennis Academy program offers guests the rare opportunity to master their
serve, perfect their backhand and elevate their on-court strategy with elite coaching from four
world-class tennis coaches throughout the coming year. Each of these iconic figures brings their
own legacy of championship victories and a deep well of on-court expertise to guests of Kuda
Huraa.
“Our partnership with RTC is a true game-changer,” says Didier Jardin, General Manager of Four
Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. “It’s an excellent opportunity for our many tennis-loving
guests to take their skills to the next level by learning from true tennis royalty.”
A Champion’s Pedigree
Serving up her award-winning take on the game for the Tennis Academy’s 2023 festive season
from December 19-26, 2023 is former World #1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Ekaterina
Makarova. Makarova dominated world tennis doubles for many years, winning the 2012 US
Open with Bruno Soares and the 2013 French Open, 2014 US Open and 2017 Wimbledon
Championships with Elena Vesnina. In 2016, together with Vesnina, she soared to Olympic gold.
Ekaterina was officially proclaimed World Doubles #1 on June 11, 2018 and claimed 15 titles on
the WTA Tour. She also shone as the World #8 in singles, winning three WTA titles, and was a
cornerstone of Russia’s victorious 2008 Fed Cup team.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with the guests at Four Seasons
Maldives at Kuda Huraa,” says Makarova. “I hope to inspire tennis-loving individuals to enhance
their skills and on-court strategy with unique training techniques honed through my years of
professional experience, while sharing my deep-seated passion for the game.”
Play in Paradise
The Tennis Academy is set in the award-winning serenity of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at
Kuda Huraa, a breath-taking oceanfront village setting awarded a third-consecutive Forbes Five-
Star rating in 2023. Guests will sail by traditional Maldivian dhoni across crystal-clear waters to
reach the Resort’s scenic court, discreetly screened by lush greenery.
There will be tailored sessions for singles, couples and groups, adults and juniors, beginners and
experienced players alike, all under the glorious Maldivian sun. Shaded seating, refreshments
and towels keep guests cool while enjoying all the thrills of the game.
Throughout the year, the Tennis Academy will be overseen by Dmitrii Studitskii, Director of
Tennis at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa.
Dmitrii Studitskii is a formidable blend of seasoned professional tennis player and dedicated
private coach. Fluent in English, Russian and Spanish, he has extensive experience in both the
technical skills of the game and the psychology required to win. His talent for creating training
plans tailored to each player’s skill level, from beginner to advanced, ensures that everyone
experiences on-court success and grows their love of the game.