The Diplomacy Open: Where the World Serves for Peace
Written by Rhiannon Frater
In a moment when the global stage feels more fractured than ever, one event is quietly reshaping what diplomacy looks like-and it’s happening not in a boardroom, but on a tennis court.
A New Model for Modern Diplomacy
The Diplomacy Open, hosted by Tennis Central, will take place at THE MOST legendary exclusive Private Club near Washington DC. This invitation-only tournament gathers ambassadors, global executives, and cultural icons for an experience that transcends sport-a weekend where influence meets integrity and competition becomes connection.For founder Yann Auzoux, a former Davis Cup player and visionary behind Tennis Central, the event’s purpose is deeply human:
“The Diplomacy Open is more than a tournament-it’s a platform for dialogue, respect, and shared humanity.”
Each match pairs diplomats with business leaders in doubles play-a format that naturally demands trust, communication, and balance. In a world often defined by division, these simple qualities become revolutionary. On this court, tennis becomes the great equalizer: there are no flags, no agendas, only the rhythm of the game and the shared pursuit of excellence.
Sport as the Universal Language
Throughout history, sports have served as a subtle but powerful stage for diplomacy-from Ping Pong in 1971 that thawed U.S.–China relations to Olympic gestures that bridged ideological divides. The Diplomacy Open builds on that legacy, using tennis as a vessel for peace, understanding, and connection among nations.Over the course of the weekend, the event unfolds as a journey through culture and collaboration. Mornings begin with an Interfaith Breakfast led by global faith leaders, a unifying reflection before competition begins. Afternoons feature yoga, mindfulness sessions, and cultural showcases at the Nations Piazza, where cuisine and art from over 45 countries create a sensory celebration of global heritage.
The highlight of the event, the main doubles matches, see ambassadors and CEOs trading volleys, laughter, and handshakes in an atmosphere of good-spirited rivalry. Later, as the sun sets, the Diplomatic Gala transforms this grandest private club into a formal evening of music, performance, and meaningful conversation. Every table is a mix of nationalities, every conversation a bridge being built in real time.
Beyond the Court: Building a Legacy
Proceeds from the Diplomacy Open benefit the Tennis Central Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth worldwide through tennis scholarships, training, and cultural exchange. The Foundation’s mission is simple but transformative-to open doors for young athletes who might otherwise never get the chance to bridge their talent into something more meaningful.“Every serve and every conversation here directly supports access to sport for young talented athletes who might never have that chance,” says Auzoux. “It’s about shaping a generation that sees sport not just as competition, but as connection.”
The numbers tell their own story: over 100 players, 300 guests, and 50 nations represented, all gathered with one shared purpose-to elevate diplomacy through empathy and shared experience. It’s a global microcosm of what’s possible when people come together under one unifying banner: the love of sport.
The Power of Gathering
The event is not open to the general public. It’s exclusive, not for the sake of elitism, but to preserve a space where influence can act freely without pretense. That’s the paradox of The Diplomacy Open - the more private it is, the more globally impactful it becomes.By reimagining how the world’s most influential figures meet and interact, Tennis Central is creating something that feels almost radical in its simplicity: people coming together to play, talk, and understand each other. At a time when the world is searching for common ground, The Diplomacy Open reminds us that sometimes, the most profound diplomacy begins with a handshake across the net. To learn more about The Diplomacy Open, visit www.tenniscentral.us.
