LUX Tennis Brings Luxury Tennis Events to Maldives Resorts

LUX Tennis, the leading tennis management company, continues to deliver world-class tennis experiences to luxury hotels and private clients around the world. Not only do they offer exclusive LUX Tennis Star Events, but they also bring some of the biggest names in tennis, padel, and pickleball to their partner resorts. In particular, they have partnered with 12 stunning properties in the Maldives, offering guests unforgettable tennis experiences in one of the world’s most breathtaking locations.

Each year, LUX Tennis hosts over 30 LT Star Events, featuring a remarkable lineup of tennis stars. As a result, guests enjoy a unique opportunity to witness top-tier tennis in stunning locations. Moreover, LUX Tennis consistently brings together tennis icons to ensure that attendees experience elite-level sports. Currently, 12 tennis celebrities are scheduled to attend the upcoming LT Star Events, giving guests the chance to meet renowned tennis players up close and personal in exclusive settings.

Upcoming LUX Tennis Star Events

Holger Rune – Former World No. 4

Joali, Maldives | 13 November 2024 – 15 November 2024
Holger Rune, a rising star from Denmark, reached ATP No. 4 in 2023. Thanks to his aggressive, all-court game, he has won four ATP titles, including the 2022 Paris Masters. Furthermore, he made deep runs in prestigious tournaments such as Wimbledon and the French Open, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting young players on the tour.

Karolína Plíšková – Former World No. 1

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 03: Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic celebrates victory after her match against Naomi Osaka of Japan during day four of the 2024 Brisbane International at Queensland Tennis Centre on January 03, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives | 10 November 2024 – 19 November 2024
Karolína Plíšková, known for her powerful serve, became World No. 1 in 2017. In addition, she has won numerous WTA titles and was a runner-up at the US Open. Besides her singles success, Plíšková has also been an accomplished doubles player, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 11.

Denis Shapovalov – Former World No. 10

Jumeirah Maldives | 10 November 2024 – 13 November 2024
Denis Shapovalov, a Canadian tennis sensation, is known for his explosive playstyle and iconic one-handed backhand. Since his breakthrough in 2017, he has consistently delivered exciting performances, quickly climbing to No. 10 in the ATP rankings.

Mirjam Björklund – Former World No. 123

Jumeirah Maldives | 10 November 2024 – 13 November 2024
Mirjam Björklund, a Swedish professional, reached a career-high ranking of No. 123 in the WTA. Additionally, she has won multiple ITF titles and is recognized for her competitive spirit and determination to keep climbing the ranks.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina – Former World No. 21

Patina Maldives | 11 November 2024 – 17 November 2024
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, ranked as high as No. 21, is a Spanish professional known for his dynamic game and tenacity. Since turning pro in 2017, he has claimed multiple ITF and ATP Challenger titles. Most notably, he reached the quarterfinals of the 2021 French Open and won his first ATP doubles title at the 2020 Chile Open.

Jiří Lehečka – Former World No. 23

Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives | 13 November 2024 – 23 November 2024
Jiří Lehečka, one of the top players from the Czech Republic, reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 23. With an ATP title at the 2024 Adelaide International and two quarterfinal finishes in ATP Masters events, Lehečka is quickly emerging as a top contender on the global stage.

Iga Świątek – Current World No. 2

One&Only Reethi Rah | 14 November 2024 – 23 November 2024
Iga Świątek, the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam, captured her first French Open title in 2020. Since then, she has risen to World No. 1 and remains one of the dominant players on the WTA Tour. Currently ranked No. 2, Świątek’s powerful baseline game makes her a formidable force in women’s tennis.

Ugo Humbert – Current World No. 14

One&Only Reethi Rah | 21 November 2024 – 23 November 2024
Ugo Humbert, a French player, reached a career-high ranking of World No. 13 in 2021. Furthermore, his aggressive playing style and powerful serve continue to impress fans, and his recent success at the ATP Masters 1000 in Paris propelled him to World No. 14.

Angelique Kerber – Former World No. 1

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas | 27 November 2024 – 8 December 2024
Angelique Kerber, a former World No. 1, has secured three Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open, US Open, and Wimbledon. Because of her powerful game and consistency, she is widely regarded as one of the all-time greats in tennis.

Marion Bartoli – Former World No. 7

Siyam World, Maldives | 9 December 2024 – 14 December 2024
Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, is known for her competitive edge and unique playing style. In fact, she won Wimbledon without dropping a set, achieving a significant milestone in her career. Bartoli’s fierce determination led her to a successful career with numerous accolades.

Julia Görges – Former World No. 9

Finolhu, Maldives | 7 January 2024 – 14 January 2024
Julia Görges, a former World No. 9, enjoyed an impressive career with seven WTA titles. Additionally, she reached the Wimbledon semifinals and represented Germany in the 2012 Olympics. Görges retired after a successful career, which included winning the 2017 Zhuhai Year-End Championship.

Wesley Koolhof – Former World No. 1 in Doubles

Finolhu, Maldives | 7 January 2024 – 14 January 2024
Wesley Koolhof, an expert in doubles tennis, became World No. 1 in doubles and boasts 19 ATP titles, including a 2023 Wimbledon title. Moreover, Koolhof has represented the Netherlands in two Olympic Games and reached two US Open finals.

About LUX Tennis

Founded in 2017, LUX Tennis provides personalized tennis management for luxury resorts across the globe. Led by Joan Soler (Founder & CEO) and Tony Rajaobelina (Co-Founder & COO), the company works with former and current ATP and WTA professionals to deliver top-notch coaching. Whether it’s for private clients, VIPs, or celebrities, LUX Tennis offers a perfect blend of performance improvement, fun, and expertise. In particular, their services are available at luxury destinations and private residences, catering to tennis, padel, and pickleball lovers worldwide.

Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.

Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out

He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.

He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.

Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.

At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply:
“To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“

His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.

Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly

Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.

With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.

For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares:
“I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”

Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.

Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.

Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes

Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.

That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.

So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.