As part of its upcoming Winter Collection experiences to be hosted in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi has enlisted world #3 ranked player, US Open semi-finalist (as of this morning), and tennis great in the making — Daniil Medvedev — to offer guests private lessons. Yes… really.
For the limited window of November 22nd to December 1st later this year, “Sonevians of all ages” will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one coaching sessions as well as friendly matches with the Russian talent at the award-winning barefoot luxury resort’s Olympic-sized tennis courts (open-air or covered).
RELATED: Eight Years Ago, You Could Book Tennis Lessons From Ash Barty For $16.50
This is, in our view, almost completely unprecedented given a) Medvedev is an active competitor currently among the sport’s elite (not some retired hitter staving off boredom or after an easy paycheque); and b) this isn’t some charity giveaway.
For the uninitiated, a few of the former world #1’s greatest accomplishments range from becoming the first player to break the Big Four hegemony after 18 years when he claimed the top ranking in 2022; winning the Rotterdam Open, Qatar Open, Dubai Tennis Championships, Miami Open, as well as the Italian Open in this year alone; and boasting a total of 20 titles to date (including the 2021 US Open).
In addition to tennis lessons from Daniil Medvedev, Soneva Fushi will also be offering sailing lessons from renowned British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston aboard the 23-metre Soneva in Aqua, where guests can “[explore] the waters of the Indian Ocean like never before.”
Sir Robin’s claims to fame include taking on the legendary Sunday Times Golden Globe race and cementing his place in history as the first man to sail non-stop solo around the world (finishing on April 22, 1969, after 312 days at sea).
RELATED: The Maldives Is Building A Floating City With Residents To Move In By 2024
Soneva Fushi adds: “In 1994, he won the Jules Verne trophy, alongside Peter Blake, for the fastest non-stop circumnavigation of the world in just 75 days… He also became the oldest yachtsman to complete a round-the-world solo voyage in the Velux 5 Oceans at the age of 68.”
Between these exceedingly rare experiences and the Soneva Fushi guarantee of unrivalled hospitality against the backdrop of literal heaven on Earth, suffice it to say, there are certainly worse ways to spend the last stretch of 2023.
