TIM History

Created in 1983, at the request of Jean-Paul LOTH (National Technical Director) and the President of the Essonne League, Albert GUILBERT, the Sainte Geneviève des Bois International Minimes Tournament (TIM) is one of the major international tournaments reserved for young people under 14 years old. ​ Classified as Series 1 of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour, since its inception, the tournament responds to the need to confront and measure the best players from Essonne and France

Alternately called TIM, then TIM 91 and TIM ESSONNE, it is in the European calendar, the first major event of the season. Its success grows every year. From 5 nations in 1983 to 35 nations in 2005, nearly 50 countries have participated in this event. ​ From the family organization of the beginning, with unsuitable premises but a friendly atmosphere, our team has become more professional and structured, to give this event all the scope it deserves.

In 1983 and 1984, foreign teams were housed with host families and French players stayed in hotels.   Since 1986, after a one-year hiatus, TIM has welcomed a larger number of foreign delegations and since then, it is the French players who reside with host families, which are increasingly numerous in welcoming them. ​ The meals for players and volunteers were previously served under the stands of the football stadium located near the league, then it was under the tent set up

In 1991 and 1992, Yannick NOAH honored TIM with his presence by signing autographs for the public and young players, as part of a stand dedicated to the Association "Les Enfants de la Terre" created by his mother Marie-Claire NOAH. ​ For the 10th anniversary of the TIM in 1993, Marie-Claire Noah and Arnaud Boetsch – the first French player to win the TIM in 1983 during its inaugural edition – honored us with their presence. Arnaud Boetsch was delighted to return to the courts

In 2003, for the 20th anniversary, a video projection on a giant inflatable screen retraced the history of TIM ESSONNE with all the winners and all the volunteers who have marked the history of this tournament.

In 2005, Richard GASQUET, Patron of the Essonne Tennis League and TIM ESSONNE, came to visit us to the great joy of the participants and volunteers. ​ For the past ten years everything has accelerated, first with the arrival of computer technology in the management of tables but also with the management of a larger fleet of vehicles put in place for the transport of players and captains.   However, our management of the event remained humane.

The friendly competition of its origins has now become a professional competition with significant stakes. The refereeing of the matches plays a crucial role in the tournament's success. Arbitres du TIM

Many tennis stars have played at TIM ESSONNE, including these highly talented players from the WTA circuit: Amélie MAURESMO Justine HENIN-HARDENNE Martina HINGIS Kim CLIJSTERS Elena DEMENTIEVA Iva MAJOLI Aranxta SANCHEZ VICARIO Nathalie DECHY

Many tennis stars have played at TIM ESSONNE, including these players who thrilled us for so many years: ​ Arnaud BOETSCH Paul-Henry MATTHIEU Tommy ROBREDO Rafael Nadal Roger Federer Mario ANCIC Guillaume Raoux Richard GASQUET Sébastien GROSJEAN Arthur SON

Many tennis stars have played at TIM ESSONNE, including some from Essonne: Anne CHAUZU Olivia GRAVEREAUX Laetitia Renault Amandine DINCAU-SANDEI Richard MUNOZ.

They have always supported us: The French Tennis Federation The General Council of Essonne The Departmental Directorate of Youth and Sports The town of Sainte Geneviève des Bois

They are always faithful to their post! Here are our teams at TIM: ​ Welcome Administrative Referees Clubs Accounting Order Interview Accommodation Referee Restoration Employees Transportation