Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet set to make tennis return on unique sand courts at event in Spain

After bidding farewell to the sport they love, retired tennis stars Dominic Thiem and Richard Gasquet are set for a brief comeback at a special tennis event in Luanco, Spain.

While tennis fans are used to seeing their favorite stars compete on hard courts, clay and grass, the Torneo Tenis Playa event stands apart as it is held on the sandy beaches of Luanco. The unique surface has been in place at the Torneo Tenis Playa for over 50 years, with the likes of Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer and last year's winner Diego Schwartzman all prevailing at the fan-favorite tournament.

The tournament is set to begin on Monday, August 4, 2025. Thiem and Gasquet are two of the biggest names in the draw, but they will be joined by several other ATP stars.

Former World No.18 Benoit Paire is also slated to compete at the event. The Frenchman appears to be at the tail end of his career, as the 36-year old has become a staple on the ATP Challenger Tour.

Gasquet called it a career at 2025 French Open

Joining Paire on the list of entrants are 2023 champion Edas Butvilas and 2024 runner-up Pedro Cachin. Additionally, ATP veterans Paire and Zapata Mirrales will be competing at the event, as will the two Spanish stars Bernardo Munk and Miguel Avendano. The 20-year old Avendano is the son of Juan Avendano, the most successful player in tournament history who has won the event nine times.

Thiem rose to prominence in the mid 2010's, climbing to a career high of World No.3 and winning the 2020 US Open. The Austrian subsequently dealt with several injuries, which led to him retiring at the 2024 Vienna Open after a 13-year career on the ATP circuit.

Conversely, Gasquet enjoyed a loner period on the ATP Tour. The Frenchman reached a career-high ranking of World No.7, winning 16 ATP singles titles during his 23-year career on Tour. The 39-year old would finally hang up his racket in front of his home crowd at the 2025 French Open.