Tennis Stars Trade Court for Luxury Resorts: Fans React to Exclusive ‘Lessons’ Program
The 2025 professional tennis season has concluded, but top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek are already engaging in off-season activities, sparking debate among fans. Beyond exhibition matches, a new program offering “tennis lessons” at high-end resorts, orchestrated by Lux Tennis, has drawn criticism and bewilderment from the tennis community.
Lux Tennis aims to “craft extraordinary tennis experiences that resonate both on and off the court,” and has secured participation from some of the biggest names in the sport. Alcaraz, Swiatek, Paula Badosa, and Matteo Berrettini are among those involved in the initiative, which promises exclusive access and instruction to affluent clientele.
Specific locations and dates for these unique engagements are emerging. Swiatek is slated to host an event in Mauritius in November, while Alcaraz will appear in the Turks and Caicos Islands in December. Badosa and Berrettini are confirmed for a program in the Maldives later this month, all under the Lux Tennis banner.
The financial details of these arrangements remain undisclosed, but speculation is rampant on social media. Many fans believe the players are receiving all-expenses-paid vacations and additional perks in exchange for their time. “Alcaraz does NOT need an all expenses paid holiday what is he doing this for,” one fan posted online, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Another questioned, “The bills can’t be this high Iga. Get up what are you even doing?”
The perceived disparity between the players’ already substantial earnings and these additional benefits has fueled the online discussion. One fan expressed a desire to participate, stating, “But I want to go to Berrettini’s class in the Maldives, sorry.” Others voiced disbelief at the concept itself. “Wtf is it true that famous tennis players go for free to the Maldives and other luxury resorts in exchange for ‘lessons’ to super-rich guests?????? I’m shocked here there are Alcaraz Berrettini Swiatek and others, who knows if Jannik does it too,” a user wrote.
A common thread in the commentary suggests that the ultra-wealthy are willing to pay a premium for exclusive experiences. As one observer noted, “The super-rich are super bored and would pay almost any amount just to be able to say they’ve done something super exclusive… I get the tennis players, in the end for an hour of tennis equivalent to a stroll they get the vacation gifted.”
Alcaraz and Swiatek recently concluded their competitive seasons. Alcaraz reached the final of the ATP Finals, while Swiatek exited the WTA Finals in the group stage. Financial reports indicate Alcaraz earned $18.8 million in prize money during 2025, and Swiatek secured $10 million on the WTA Tour this season.
Looking ahead, both players have exhibition matches scheduled. Alcaraz will compete in Miami in December alongside Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, and Joao Fonseca, including a mixed doubles tie. Swiatek will participate in The World Tennis Continental Cup in China in December, joined by Andrey Rublev, Elena Rybakina, and Arthur Fils.
The Lux Tennis program represents a novel approach to off-season engagement for professional tennis players, capitalizing on their star power and offering unique experiences to a select clientele, but it has undeniably sparked a conversation about wealth, privilege, and the evolving landscape of professional sports.
