Beach Tennis USA, the organization responsible for launching the sport of beach tennis in North America, will hold its Ft. Lauderdale Open May 9-10.

Players from all over the country will compete for the $1,000 first-place prize and a guaranteed spot in the 2009 Beach Tennis USA National Championship in Long Beach, New York, on September 5-6.

Beach tennis, which was launched in the U.S. as a pro and recreational sport in 2005, is a hybrid sport that combines tennis and beach volleyball into an exciting and fast-paced game. It is played on a beach volleyball court with two players using standard tennis racquets to hit a depressurized tennis ball over the net without letting it hit the sand.

Since 2005, Ft. Lauderdale has become a "hotbed" for beach tennis talent, producing some the pro tour's best players, including Ric Simeon, Nic Paalzow and Whitney Kraft.

Traditionally popular with college students seeking warmth and sunshine during spreak breaks, Ft. Lauderdale has successfully sought to broaden its appeal to couples, families and timeshare owners.

It is located between the blue waters of the Atlantic and the Everglades National Park, offering a wide range of sightseeing cruises and nature trips as well as sunbathing and water sports activities for the entire family.