Youtennisnet BOOK 2014 – ENG

Transcription

Youtennis.net Book 2014
After “e-tennis MAG” of 2011 and 2012 and the “youtennis.net Book 2013”, we introduce the
“youtennis.net Book 2014”, where you will find all there is to know about all the tournament
where Crionet was present. Pictures from all over the world, articles and draws, without
forgetting our section dedicated to the strongest players and to all the venues, with plenty of
useful information. Good tennis to all!
By: Matteo Veneri
Text by: Francesco D’Amato, Matteo Grigatti, Matteo Veneri
Graphics and Layout: Paolo De Matteo
2
Index
7
INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA
11ATP
12
15
ROYAL GUARD OPEN CHILE
RIO OPEN presented by CLARO hdtv
59
JAPAN WOMEN’S OPEN TENNIS 2014
62
GARANTI KOZA WTA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
65 THE FIRST WTA TITLE
18
19
22
ON & OFF COURT
BRASIL OPEN
SHENZHEN OPEN
25 THE FIRST ATP TITLE
26
67
68
Titles won by nation
Statistics WTA
69 DAVIS CUP
70SLOVENIA-PORTUGAL
70
& SLOVENIA-ISRAEL
Titles won by player
26
27STATISTICS ATP
71
ITALY-GREAT BRITAIN
28WTA
72
74
FED CUP/A1
77
WTA 125K SERIES
84
87
90
“YINZHOU BANK” INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S TENNIS OPEN
OPEN GDF SUEZ DE LIMOGES
OEC TAIPEI WTA LADIES OPEN
29
WHO LEFT TENNIS
78
JIANGXI INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S OPEN
81SUZHOU LADIES OPEN 2014
31
34
37
40
43
BRASIL TENNIS CUP
XXI COPA CLARO COLSANITAS
BMW MALAYSIAN OPEN
TEB BNP PARIBAS ISTANBUL CUP
BAKU CUP 2014
46 ON & OFF COURT
47
50
53
56
PRUDENTIAL HONG KONG TENNIS OPEN
TASHKENT OPEN 2014
Kia Korea Open
GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S OPEN
93 DID YOU KNOW...
94 CHALLENGER TOUR
3
95
98
101
COPA CLARO
VISIT PANAMA CUP
SHIRAM CAPITAL P.L. REDDY MEMORIAL
175
178
181
184
FERGANA CHALLENGER
ASPRIA TENNIS CUP TROFEO CDI
TIANJIN HEALTH INDUSTRY PARK
CHALLENGER 2001 TEAM ‘CITTA DI PADOVA’
187SOCIAL
188
191
104
107
110
113
116
119
122
TROFEO PERREL - FAIP
STATE BANK OF INDIA
MORELOS OPEN
ASTANA CHALLENGER
ONGC-GAIL DELHI OPEN
ATP CHALLENGER GUANGZHOU
KAZAN KREMLIN UP
125 DID YOU KNOW ...
126
129
132
135
III ATP CHALLENGER ‘VISIT PANAMA CUP’
CLARO OPEN BARRANQUILLA 2014
SAO PAULO CHALLENGER DE TENIS
CITTA’ DI VERCELLI TROFEO MULTIMED ATP CHALLENGER CHINA INTERNATIONAL
DISTAL & ITR GROUP TENNIS CUP
194
SAN BENEDETTO TENNIS CUP
197
ATP CHALLENGER TILIA SLOVENIA OPEN 2014
200
GUZZINI CHALLENGER
203
PRESIDENT’S CUP
206
AAMULEHTI TAMPERE OPEN
209
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT OF CORTINA
212
SAN MARINO GO&FUN OPEN
215
ATP CHALLENGER INTERNAZIONALI DI TENNIS DEL FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
218 SOCIALS STATS
“MEMORIAL STEFANIA GERVANA CASTELLI”
138
CAMPEONATO INTERNACIONAL DE TENIS DE SANTOS
141
GEMDALE ATP CHALLENGER
141
CHINA INTERNATIONAL 2014
144
2014 SANTAIZI CHALLENGER
147
SEGUROS BOLIVAR OPEN
150
ADIDAS INTERNATIONAL GIMCHEON 2014
153
ROMA OPEN 2014
156REFEREES
157
SAMARKAND CHALLENGER
160
163
166
169
172
KARSHI CHALLENGER
INTERNAZIONALI DI TENNIS ‘CITTA DI VICENZA’
XII VENICE CHALLENGE SAVE CUP
CITTA DI CALTANISSETTA
KOSICE OPEN 2014
219
CITTA’ DI COMO
222
225
228
231
234
237
240
240
243
246
249
252
AON OPEN CHALLENGER
CLARO OPEN MEDELLIN 2014
BANJALUKA 2014
TROFEAMEX – ISTANBUL CHALLENGER
LII COPA SEVILLA
CHALLENGER PULCRA LACHITER BIELLA
CAMPEONATO INTERNACIONAL
DE TENIS DE CAMPINAS
CLARO OPEN CALI 2014
TASHKENT CHALLENGER
INDORE OPEN ATP CHALLENGER
4
255
258
261
264
267
270
273
276
COPA SAN JUAN GOBIERNO
MSLTA CHALLENGER
COPA GOBIERNO DE CORDOBA
SPARKASSEN ATP CHALLENGER
TROFEO CITTA DI BRESCIA
URUGUAY OPEN
LIMA CHALLENGER COPA CLARO 2014
ATP CHALLENGER TOUR FINALS
280ITF
281
283
284
285
287
289
291
292
293
295
296
298
299
300
302
303
304
305
306
308
308
310
ISROTEL MEN’S FUTURES MEN ISRAEL 1
VALE DO LOBO MAGNESIUM-OK
ITF LOULE’ 2014
SIERRA HOTEL EGYPT FUTURES
FORTE VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
COPA MOTOROLA BY MOTO X
QATAR INTERNATIONAL FUTURES 2014
FUTURE NATAL INTERNACIONAL
ABIERTO INTERNACIONAL DE TENIS
VARONIL BERIMBAU 2014
310
312
313
313
315
317
319
321
323
324
VARONIL DE MORELIA 2014
VARONIL DE OBREGON 2014
TROFEO MARCHI GIORGIO
MOSCOW OPEN 2014
OPEN CANOTTIERI MINCIO CITTA’ DI MANTOVATROFEO INVIO
4° MEMORIAL ROSSINI TROFEO BPER
KAZAN OPEN 1
KAZAN OPEN 1
325
327
329
330
332
334
336
337
339
340
340
342
344
345
347
TROFEO GRUPPO MAZZINI
COPA INDER MEDELLÍN
OPEN CLUB EL RODEO 2014
ECU F5
ECU F6
NORWEGIAN TENNIS OPEN
HELLENIC ZEUS PRO ITF CIRCUIT
PRIMER TORNEO INTERNACIONAL
VARONIL FUTURE HUATULCO
HERODOTOU TENNIS ACADEMY CYPRUS
ITF PARQUE DEL ESTE
CHI FUTURES 12
349 ITF WOMEN
350
CIRCUITO FEMININO FUTURE DE TENIS 2014
5
352
354
356
357
359
360
361
363
364
366
367
369
370
371
372
SGE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
CIRCUITO FEMININO DE TENIS 2014
COPA ALTO TENIS
CIRCUITO FEMININO FUTURE DE TENNIS 2014
373
375
377
378
380
382
384
386
387
388
390
392
INTERNAZIONALI FEMMINILI DI TENNIS
CITTA’ DI CASERTA
XVII TORNEO INTERNAZIONALE CITTA’ DI GRADO
MOSCOW OPEN 2014
KAZAN SUMMER CUP
MUNDIAL DE TENIS DE CAMPOS DO JORDAO
2014 PADOVA CHALLENGE OPEN
CIRCUITO CREDITO REAL
CARACAS WOMENS OPEN 2014
MAMAIA IDU TROPHY COMVEX
394
396
398
399
400
402
404
406
408
410
412
414
415
416
418
420
421
423
425
427
429
431
433
435
437
439
440
442
444
446
447
448
449
4° TROFEO CPZ SPA
MOSCOW CUP
COPA FET
MOSCOW CUP
BATUMI OIL TERMONAL OPEN
IZIDA CUP 2014
TELAVI OPEN 2014
ROYAL CUP NLB MONTENEGROBANKA
VARNA CUP
INTERNACIONAL FEMENIL ALPINO CHIPINQUE
ALBENA CUP
INTERNACIONAL FEMENIL ALPINO CHIPINQUE
ALBENA CUP
ABIERTO TAMPICO 2014
AL HABTOOR TENNIS CHALLENGE
ITF ASUNCION 2014
ITF NEW DEHLI 2014
WTA COSTA AZAHAR
ITF ASTANA WOMENS 2014
COPA ALTO TENIS
VANESSA PHILLIPS TROPHY
CIRCUITO DIXON VINCI
MARJORIE SHERMAN TROPHY
PTT ANKARA CUP
ITF WOMENS SERIES
ISTANBUL 10K
ITF WOMENS SERIES
ITF WOMENS SERIES
XXXV° INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR ITF
ITF BEACH TENNIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
450 LA GRANDE SFIDA
6
INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA
Date: 10/18 May 2014
Prize money: 2.884.675€ ATP, 2.628.800$ WTA
Tournament Director: Sergio Palmieri
Supervisor ATP: Lars Graf, Mark Darby, Carlos Sanches
Supervisor WTA: Laura Ceccarelli, Fabrice Chouquet
Surface: Red Clay
Balls: DUNLOP FORT CLAY COURT
DJOKOVIC AND WILLIAMS
CHARM ROME
In the epic setting of the Foro Italico, which oozes history
from every marble, like every year in May took place the
Internazionali BNL d’Italia: a Men ATP Masters1000 and a
Women WTA Premier. For the third consecutive year the
technology partner of the most important tournament
of Italy was Crionet. Many the services offered by Crionet
to make perfect the Roman event. Live score service from
all courts; management and direction of all led videos
inside the Foro Italico, to keep the fan constantly up
dated in real time on what was happening in every court
of the tournament; speed detector of the Central, the
Grandstand and the Pietrangeli and the CCTV service, just
to name a few. To win the tournament played in the eternal
city was for the third time Novak Djokovic. The Serbian
tennis player, in the fourth final reached in the last eight
years and always played against Rafael Nadal, managed to
stop the Spanish, who already lifted the prestigious trophy
seven times. 4-6 6-3 6-3 the final score. After losing the first
set to Nadal, Djokovic slowly took possession of the game.
ROMA MASTER 1000
Nadal perhaps was tired by the effort of the whole week
and the harsh struggles of the first three rounds, where
he was forced to play the third set by Gilles Simon, Mikhail
Youzhny and Andy Murray (in these last two cases he also
had to reassemble the disadvantage after losing the first
partial). Easier the semi-final, where he left only four games
to Grigor Dimitrov. Even Djokovic’s journey was far from
easy: after defeating Radek Stepanek, the Serbian player
needed three sets to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber, David
Ferrer and Milos Raonic. The Men’s Doubles was won by the
Canadian Daniel Nestor and the Serbian Nenad Zimonjic,
7
winners 6-4 7-6 (2) on the Dutch-Spanish duo Robin Haase
and Feliciano Lopez. Serena Williams, who already won the
Internazionali d’Italia in 2002 and in 2013, triumphed once
again on the red clay of the Foro Italico. This time Serena
had a flawless journey, losing only eleven games in the first
three matches. The only opponent able to enforce some
resistance was Ana Ivanovic in the semi-finals. The Serbian
managed to snatch a set to Williams, who then ended the
match 6-1 3-6 6-1 in her favour. In the final, Serena found on
the other side of the net the home heroin, Sara Errani, who
by Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik. Shortly after
starting the game, with the score of 4-0 in their favour,
their opponents, the Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci,
had to leave the court due to Sara’s Injury.
played an exceptional tennis throughout the tournament.
First she defeated in two sets Scheepers, Makarova and
Cetkovska, then played her two masterpieces, beating the
then world No. 2 Li Na 6-3 4-6 6-2 in the quarter-final and
Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals with a score of 6-3 7-5,
giving great happiness to the Roman fans. An amazing
week for Errani, ended, though, in the worst way possible.
In the final against Serena Williams, already under a set (35), the Italian had a thigh injury, making impossible for
her to play at her best and giving a free pass to Williams.
6-3 6-0 the final score. In the Doubles final, held shortly
after, bitter success for the Czech-Slovenian duo formed
8
Internazionali BNL d'Italia
CITY, COUNTRY
SURFACE
TOURNAMENT DATES
Rome, Italy
TOTAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Red Clay
10 - 18 May 2014
CITY, COUNTRY
€ 3,452,415
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
NAT
STATUS
1
2
3
4
5
WC
Q
6
7
8
9
10
11
14
9
PR
Q
12
13
14
15
16
17
7
3
18
19
20
21
WC
Q
WC
22
23
24
25
15
12
26
27
Q
28
29
30
31
32
33
6
8
34
35
36
WC
Q
37
38
39
40
41
11
13
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
4
5
50
51
52
53
54
Q
Q
55
56
57
LL
16
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
2
ESP NADAL, Rafael
BYE
FRA SIMON, Gilles
ITA VOLANDRI, Filippo
KAZ GOLUBEV, Andrey
ESP VERDASCO, Fernando
FRA MAHUT, Nicolas
RUS YOUZHNY, Mikhail
USA ISNER, John
AUT MELZER, Jurgen
COL GIRALDO, Santiago
CRO CILIC, Marin
ESP GRANOLLERS, Marcel
ESP LOPEZ, Feliciano
BYE
GBR MURRAY, Andy
SUI WAWRINKA, Stanislas
BYE
ITA LORENZI, Paolo
ESP RIBA, Pere
ITA CECCHINATO, Marco
NED SIJSLING, Igor
ITA SEPPI, Andreas
GER HAAS, Tommy
BUL DIMITROV, Grigor
FRA ROGER-VASSELIN, Edouard
ESP CARRENO BUSTA, Pablo
CRO KARLOVIC, Ivo
RUS TURSUNOV, Dmitry
ESP BAUTISTA AGUT, Roberto
BYE
CZE BERDYCH, Tomas
CAN RAONIC, Milos
BYE
ITA BOLELLI, Simone
ITA TRAVAGLIA, Stefano
RSA ANDERSON, Kevin
CAN POSPISIL, Vasek
UKR DOLGOPOLOV, Alexandr
FRA TSONGA, Jo-Wilfried
ITA FOGNINI, Fabio
CZE ROSOL, Lukas
ARG DELBONIS, Federico
CRO DODIG, Ivan
NED HAASE, Robin
FRA CHARDY, Jeremy
BYE
SUI FEDERER, Roger
ESP FERRER, David
BYE
KAZ KUKUSHKIN, Mikhail
POR SOUSA, Joao
COL GONZALEZ, Alejandro
FRA ROBERT, Stephane
LAT GULBIS, Ernests
COL FALLA, Alejandro
ESP ROBREDO, Tommy
ARG MONACO, Juan
POL JANOWICZ, Jerzy
GER KOHLSCHREIBER, Philipp
ESP ANDUJAR, Pablo
CZE STEPANEK, Radek
BYE
SRB DJOKOVIC, Novak
R. NADAL [1]
R. NADAL [1]
76(1) 67(4) 62
G. SIMON
62 63
A. GOLUBEV
64 75
M. YOUZHNY [14]
64 64
J. MELZER
76(7) 63
M. CILIC
64 20 Ret'd
M. GRANOLLERS
75 61
A. MURRAY [7]
J. MELZER
62 67(5) 63
A. MURRAY [7]
62 75
S. WAWRINKA [3]
A. MURRAY [7]
76(1) 64
R. NADAL [1]
62 62
S. WAWRINKA [3]
60 63
T. HAAS [15]
57 62 63
T. HAAS [15]
76(6) 61
P. RIBA
76(3) 63
I. SIJSLING
76(4) 75
T. HAAS [15]
61 46 63
G. DIMITROV [12]
46 63 64
I. KARLOVIC
36 63 76(4)
D. TURSUNOV
60 76(4)
T. BERDYCH [6]
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SEEDED PLAYERS
NADAL, Rafael
DJOKOVIC, Novak
WAWRINKA, Stanislas
FEDERER, Roger
FERRER, David
BERDYCH, Tomas
MURRAY, Andy
8
RAONIC, Milos
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
9
10
11
8
12
8
13
8
14
8
15
8
16
8
SEEDED PLAYERS
ISNER, John
NISHIKORI, Kei
TSONGA, Jo-Wilfried
DIMITROV, Grigor
FOGNINI, Fabio
YOUZHNY, Mikhail
HAAS, Tommy
ROBREDO, Tommy
RANK
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
LAST DIRECT ACCEPTANCE:
RETIREMENTS/WO
PRIZE MONEY
REASON
REASON
POINTS LUCKY LOSERS
K. Nishikori (Back) A. Falla
Right foot pain
WINNER
€ 549,000
1000 A. Falla
A. Golubev
Abductor strain
FINALIST
€ 269,150
600
S. Giraldo
Hip flexor strain
SEMI-FINALIST
€ 135,480
360
Right shoulder pain
T. Haas
QUARTER-FINALIST
€ 68,890
180
THIRD ROUND
€ 35,775
90
SECOND ROUND
€ 18,860
45
€ 10,185
FIRST ROUND
10
FOLLOW LIVE SCORING AT
www.ATPWorldTour.com
Mikhail Kukushkin 56
ATP SUPERVISORS
L.Graff/M.Darby/C.Sanches
75 61
NED ROJER, Jean-Julien
ROU TECAU, Horia
R. BOPANNA
A. QURESHI
4
IND BOPANNA, Rohan
PAK QURESHI, Aisam-Ul-Haq
36 63 11-9
5
GER HAAS, Tommy
CZE STEPANEK, Radek
T. HAAS
R. STEPANEK
6
USA ISNER, John
USA LIPSKY, Scott
36 62 10-5
T. HAAS
R. STEPANEK
L. KUBOT
R. LINDSTEDT [7]
62 67(1) 11-9
7
BYE
8
7
POL KUBOT, Lukasz
SWE LINDSTEDT, Robert
9
4
ESP MARRERO, David
ESP VERDASCO, Fernando
B. BRYAN
M. BRYAN [1]
wo.
D. NESTOR
N. ZIMONJIC [6]
D. MARRERO
F. VERDASCO [4]
76(3) 46 12-10
D. MARRERO
F. VERDASCO [4]
BYE
75 61
11
POL FYRSTENBERG, Mariusz
POL MATKOWSKI, Marcin
P. ANDUJAR
M. GRANOLLERS
12
ESP ANDUJAR, Pablo
63 46 10-5
D. NESTOR
N. ZIMONJIC [6]
ITA CECCHINATO, Marco
ITA SEPPI, Andreas
K. ANDERSON
J. MELZER
46 63 10-7
13
WC
14
PR RSA ANDERSON, Kevin
AUT MELZER, Jurgen
15
BYE
76(6) 62
D. NESTOR
N. ZIMONJIC [6]
D. NESTOR
N. ZIMONJIC [6]
36 76(4) 14-12
16
6
CAN NESTOR, Daniel
SRB ZIMONJIC, Nenad
17
8
PHI HUEY, Treat
GBR INGLOT, Dominic
PR
ITA BOLELLI, Simone
ITA FOGNINI, Fabio
R. HAASE
F. LOPEZ
20
NED HAASE, Robin
ESP LOPEZ, Feliciano
63 62
21
BLR MIRNYI, Max
RUS YOUZHNY, Mikhail
M. MIRNYI
19
22
D. NESTOR/N. ZIMONJIC [6]
64 76(2)
T. HUEY
D. INGLOT [8]
BYE
18
R. HAASE
F. LOPEZ
23
BYE
24
3
CRO DODIG, Ivan
BRA MELO, Marcelo
25
5
FRA MAHUT, Nicolas
FRA ROGER-VASSELIN, Edouard [5]
76(2) 62
R. HAASE
F. LOPEZ
63 62
M. YOUZHNY
ITA BRACCIALI, Daniele
ITA STARACE, Potito
WC
63 57 10-4
I. DODIG
M. MELO [3]
I. DODIG
M. MELO [3]
76(5) 57 10-6
R. HAASE
F. LOPEZ
N. MAHUT
E. ROGER-VASSELIN [5]
62 64
BYE
26
M. CILIC
S. GONZALEZ
64 67(2) 10-8
27
CAN POSPISIL, Vasek
RUS TURSUNOV, Dmitry
M. CILIC
S. GONZALEZ
28
CRO CILIC, Marin
MEX GONZALEZ, Santiago
64 67(3) 10-5
29
BUL DIMITROV, Grigor
CZE ROSOL, Lukas
G. DIMITROV
L. ROSOL
30
COL CABAL, Juan Sebastian
COL FARAH, Robert
76(5) 76(5)
G. DIMITROV
L. ROSOL
A. PEYA
B. SOARES [2]
64 36 10-2
31
ATP, Inc. © Copyright 2014
€ 3,452,415
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
B. BRYAN
M. BRYAN [1]
3
10
G. DIMITROV [12]
62 00 Ret'd
G. DIMITROV [12]
76(3) 64
G. DIMITROV [12]
67(3) 62 62
T. BERDYCH [6]
64 63
Novak DJOKOVIC [2]
M. RAONIC [8]
46 63 63
M. RAONIC [8]
S. BOLELLI
63 76(5)
36 75 76(5)
M. RAONIC [8]
K. ANDERSON
76(5) 64
75 76(4)
J. TSONGA [11]
J. TSONGA [11]
76(14) 76(5)
63 76(5)
M. RAONIC [8]
L. ROSOL
63 57 62
63 62
I. DODIG
I. DODIG
61 62
63 64
J. CHARDY
J. CHARDY
63 62
64 64
J. CHARDY
R. FEDERER [4]
16 63 76(6)
N. DJOKOVIC [2]
D. FERRER [5]
67(5) 76(4) 63
D. FERRER [5]
M. KUKUSHKIN
61 62
63 67(1) 63
D. FERRER [5]
S. ROBERT
62 63
16 64 61
E. GULBIS
E. GULBIS
67(1) 64 63
61 00 Ret'd
N. DJOKOVIC [2]
T. ROBREDO [16]
75 46 63
76(3) 64
P. KOHLSCHREIBER
P. KOHLSCHREIBER 62 64
46 76(6) 62
N. DJOKOVIC [2]
R. STEPANEK
46 62 61
57 63 64
N. DJOKOVIC [2]
N. DJOKOVIC [2] 63 75
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Red Clay
B. BRYAN
M. BRYAN [1]
BYE
2
R. NADAL [1]
16 63 75
SURFACE
10 - 18 May 2014
USA BRYAN, Bob
USA BRYAN, Mike
1
1
R. NADAL [1]
67(4) 62 61
M. YOUZHNY [14]
75 41 Ret'd
TOURNAMENT DATES
Rome, Italy
NAT.
STATUS
1
BYE
46 64 10-8
AUT PEYA, Alexander
BRA SOARES, Bruno
2
32
G. DIMITROV
L. ROSOL
ATP Tour © Copyright 2014
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SEEDED TEAMS
BRYAN, Bob / BRYAN, Mike
PEYA, Alexander / SOARES, Bruno
RANK
PRIZE MONEY (PER TEAM)
2 WINNER
€ 170,000
6 FINALIST
POINTS
ALTERNATES
REASON
600
11 SEMI-FINALIST
€ 41,750
360
MARRERO, David / VERDASCO, Fernando
19 QUARTER-FINALIST
€ 21,430
180
MAHUT, Nicolas / ROGER-VASSELIN, Edouard
25 SECOND ROUND
€ 11,080
90
NESTOR, Daniel / ZIMONJIC, Nenad
29 FIRST ROUND
€ 5,840
0
KUBOT, Lukasz / LINDSTEDT, Robert
34
HUEY, Treat / INGLOT, Dominic
41
RETIREMENTS/WALKOVERS
T. Haas / R. Stepanek
1000
€ 83,240
DODIG, Ivan / MELO, Marcelo
FOLLOW LIVE SCORING
Advanced 65 / On-Site 73
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
Rome, Italy 10 - 18 May 2014
€2,120,000 - WTA Premier 5
Red Clay
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
16
9
WC
Q
8
9
10
11
12
Q
13
14
15
5
4
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Q
13
11
WC
23
24
25
26
27
28
Q
29
30
31
8
6
32
33
34
35
36
Q
37
38
39
12
17
40
41
42
43
WC
LL
44
45
46
47
3
7
48
49
50
51
Q
52
53
54
Q
10
15
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
Q
62
2
64
63
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
WILLIAMS, Serena
BYE
OPRANDI, Romina
PETKOVIC, Andrea
PENG, Shuai
LEPCHENKO, Varvara
JOVANOVSKI, Bojana
STEPHENS, Sloane
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
GIORGI, Camila
MCHALE, Christina
CIRSTEA, Sorana
DAVIS, Lauren
ZHANG, Shuai
BYE
KVITOVA, Petra
HALEP, Simona
BYE
KEYS, Madison
RISKE, Alison
BECK, Annika
WILLIAMS, Venus
BARTHEL, Mona
SUAREZ NAVARRO, Carla
IVANOVIC, Ana
KNAPP, Karin
CORNET, Alize
FLIPKENS, Kirsten
PUIG, Monica
HANTUCHOVA, Daniela
BYE
SHARAPOVA, Maria
JANKOVIC, Jelena
BYE
KUZNETSOVA, Svetlana
KIRILENKO, Maria
BENCIC, Belinda
PAVLYUCHENKOVA, Anastasia
MEUSBURGER, Yvonne
PENNETTA, Flavia
BOUCHARD, Eugenie
SCHIAVONE, Francesca
MUGURUZA, Garbine
BURNETT, Nastassja
ORMAECHEA, Paula
NARA, Kurumi
BYE
RADWANSKA, Agnieszka
KERBER, Angelique
BYE
PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana
CETKOVSKA, Petra
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina
VINCI, Roberta
SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
ERRANI, Sara
LISICKI, Sabine
STOSUR, Samantha
SVITOLINA, Elina
VESNINA, Elena
RYBARIKOVA, Magdalena
DELLACQUA, Casey
BYE
LI, Na
Seeded Players
WILLIAMS, Serena
LI, Na
RADWANSKA, Agnieszka
HALEP, Simona
KVITOVA, Petra
JANKOVIC, Jelena
KERBER, Angelique
SHARAPOVA, Maria
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
ERRANI, Sara
IVANOVIC, Ana
PENNETTA, Flavia
WOZNIACKI, Caroline
LISICKI, Sabine
STEPHENS, Sloane
USA
S. WILLIAMS [1]
SUI
GER
CHN
USA
SRB
USA
SVK
ITA
USA
ROU
USA
CHN
A. PETKOVIC
CZE
ROU
USA
USA
GER
USA
GER
ESP
SRB
ITA
FRA
BEL
PUR
SVK
RUS
SRB
RUS
RUS
SUI
RUS
AUT
ITA
CAN
ITA
ESP
ITA
ARG
JPN
POL
GER
BUL
CZE
RUS
ITA
RSA
ITA
GER
AUS
UKR
RUS
SVK
AUS
CHN
Rank
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
1
S. WILLIAMS [1]
62 62
S. WILLIAMS [1]
63 60
V. LEPCHENKO
61 60
S. STEPHENS [16]
61 62
V. LEPCHENKO
62 62
S. WILLIAMS [1]
36 63 63
C. GIORGI
C. MCHALE
16 63 61
S. ZHANG
63 46 61
S. ZHANG
S. HSIEH/S. PENG [1]
2
Bye
3
MEDINA GARRIGUES, Anabel (ESP)/SHVEDOVA, Yaroslava (KAZ)
4
DIATCHENKO, Vitalia (RUS)/KALASHNIKOVA, Oksana (GEO) 62 57 10-4
5
DELLACQUA, Casey (AUS)/JANS-IGNACIK, Klaudia (POL)
6
PITER, Katarzyna (POL)/SCHEEPERS, Chanelle (RSA)
7
NICULESCU, Monica (ROU)/ZHANG, Shuai (CHN)
7
8
KUDRYAVTSEVA, Alla (RUS)/RODIONOVA, Anastasia (AUS)
4
9
PESCHKE, Kveta (CZE)/SREBOTNIK, Katarina (SLO)
10
Bye
11
DUSHEVINA, Vera (RUS)/ZHENG, Saisai (CHN)
12
KLEPAC, Andreja (SLO)/UHLIROVA, Vladimira (CZE)
62 46 62
64 60
P. KVITOVA [5]
S. ZHANG
76(6) 57 63
S. WILLIAMS [1]
S. HALEP [4]
61 36 61
S. HALEP [4]
M. KEYS
57 60 61
C. SUAREZ NAVARRO [13]
62 62
V. WILLIAMS
wo.
63 61
64 62
A. IVANOVIC [11]
62 62
A. IVANOVIC [11]
61 61
A. CORNET
J. JANKOVIC [6]
S. KUZNETSOVA
17
GOERGES, Julia (GER)/GROENEFELD, Anna-Lena (GER)
M. SHARAPOVA [8]
63 75
Serena WILLIAMS [1]
63 60
J. JANKOVIC [6]
62 40 Ret'd
J. JANKOVIC [6]
75 60
B. BENCIC
62 63
63 36 63
F. PENNETTA [12]
62 26 63
64 62
G. MUGURUZA
64 64
36 61 76(5)
64 63
A. KERBER [7]
P. CETKOVSKA
64 61
A. RADWANSKA [3]
S. ERRANI [10]
S. ERRANI [10]
P. CETKOVSKA
46 63 64
S. ERRANI [10]
64 76(3)
S. ERRANI [10]
3
24
5
25
62 63
26
S. ERRANI [10]
75 63
S. STOSUR
23
63 75
E. MAKAROVA
63 46 62
27
S. STOSUR
63 63
E. VESNINA
62 63
28
N. LI [2]
62 63
C. DELLACQUA
63 61
N. LI [2]
46 61 64
N. LI [2]
21
22
63 62
16 61 64
62 76(6)
WC
A. RADWANSKA [3]
61 63
A. RADWANSKA [3]
20
F. SCHIAVONE
P. ORMAECHEA
18
19
J. JANKOVIC [6]
62 63
F. SCHIAVONE
15
WC
F. PENNETTA [12]
29
61 64
WC
On-site Prize Money Breakdown - Eur
Last Direct Acceptance
Francesca Schiavone (49)
Players Representative(s)
Camila Giorgi
WTA Supervisor(s)
L.Ceccarelli/F.Chouquet
€ 387,130
€ 193,190
€ 96,595
€ 44,500
€ 22,060
€ 11,323
€ 5,820
www.wtatennis.com
facebook.com/WTA | twitter.com/WTA | youtube.com/WTA
ROMA MASTER 1000
Lucky Losers
Pts.
900 P. Ormaechea [LL] - C. Wozniacki (Knee Injury)
585
350
190
105
60
1
Retirements/W.O.
S. Halep - Left Abdominal Injury
S. Kuznetsova - Left Hip Injury
K. PESCHKE/K. SREBOTNIK [4]
62 63
16
14
61 64
60 46 60
V. DUSHEVINA/S. ZHENG
63 61
8
A. IVANOVIC [11]
M. PUIG
A. MEDINA GARRIGUES/Y. SHVEDOVA
64 61
C. DELLACQUA/K. JANS-IGNACIK
46 75 10-2
C. DELLACQUA/K. JANS-IGNACIK
wo.
M. NICULESCU/S. ZHANG
64 46 10-8
76(6) 64
6
13
76(1) 75
M. SHARAPOVA [8]
64 63
64 64
K. MLADENOVIC/F. PENNETTA
63 61
M. ERAKOVIC/A. PARRA SANTONJA
ERAKOVIC, Marina (NZL)/PARRA SANTONJA, Arantxa (ESP)
76(5) 60
M. ERAKOVIC/A. PARRA SANTONJA
KOPS-JONES, Raquel (USA)/SPEARS, Abigail (USA) 64 64
64 36 64
A. IVANOVIC [11]
63 62
Winner
Finalists
Semi-Finalists
Quarter Finalists
3rd Round
2nd Round
1st Round
HSIEH, Su-Wei (TPE)/PENG, Shuai (CHN)
61 63
C. MCHALE
64 76(2)
L.Graff/M.Darby/C.Sanches
Rome, Italy 10 - 18 May 2014
€2,120,000 - WTA Premier 5
Red Clay
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
REASON
(unspecified)
30
31
2
32
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
DABROWSKI, Gabriela (CAN)/ROSOLSKA, Alicja (POL)
MLADENOVIC, Kristina (FRA)/PENNETTA, Flavia (ITA)
40 Ret'd
J. GOERGES/A. GROENEFELD [8]
64 64
HUBER Liezel
Li
l (USA)/RAYMOND
HUBER,
(USA)/RAYMOND, Li
Lisa (USA)
64 64
L. HUBER/L. RAYMOND
CHAN, Hao-Ching (TPE)/CHAN, Yung-Jan (TPE)
62 62
JANKOVIC, Jelena (SRB)/KLEYBANOVA, Alisa (RUS)
75 76(3)
J. JANKOVIC/A. KLEYBANOVA
KUZNETSOVA, Svetlana (RUS)/STOSUR, Samantha (AUS) 75 64
E. MAKAROVA/E. VESNINA [3]
Bye
75 64
E. MAKAROVA/E. VESNINA [3]
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina (RUS)/VESNINA, Elena (RUS)
S. ERRANI/R. VINCI [2]
BLACK, Cara (ZIM)/MIRZA, Sania (IND)
62 61
C. BLACK/S. MIRZA [5]
HINGIS, Martina (SUI)/LISICKI, Sabine (GER)
64 26 10-8
C. BLACK/S. MIRZA [5]
HANTUCHOVA, Daniela (SVK)/LUCIC-BARONI, Mirjana (CRO)
63 64
D. HANTUCHOVA/M. LUCIC-BARONI
KING, Vania (USA)/ZHENG, Jie (CHN)
76(1) 61
JURAK, Darija (CRO)/MOULTON-LEVY, Megan (USA)
62 63
D. JURAK/M. MOULTON-LEVY
GIORGI, Camila (ITA)/KNAPP, Karin (ITA)
76(4) 57 11-9
Bye
61 60
ERRANI, Sara (ITA)/VINCI, Roberta (ITA)
BARBIERI, Gioia (ITA)/BURNETT, Nastassja (ITA)
Seeded Players
HSIEH, Su-Wei / PENG, Shuai
ERRANI, Sara / VINCI, Roberta
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina / VESNINA, Elena
PESCHKE, Kveta / SREBOTNIK, Katarina
BLACK, Cara / MIRZA, Sania
KOPS-JONES, Raquel / SPEARS, Abigail
KUDRYAVTSEVA, Alla / RODIONOVA, Anastasia
GOERGES, Julia / GROENEFELD, Anna-Lena
Rank
3
6
11
17
17
30
38
43
On-site Prize Money (per team) - Eur
Winner
€ 110,770
Finalist
€ 55,948
Semi-Finalist
€ 22,694
Quarter-Finalist
€ 13,940
2nd Round
€ 7,040
1st Round
€ 3,489
HINGIS / LISICKI (115)
Pts.
900
585
350
190
105
1
Alternates
Retirements/W.O.
N. Niculescu/S. Zhang (Zhang Shoulder Injury)
S. Errani / R. Vinci - S. Errani (Left hip strain)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Players Representative
L.Ceccarelli/F.Chouquet
Madison Keys
www.wtatennis.com | facebook.com/WTA | twitter.com/WTA | youtube.com/WTA
9
The protagonist
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
Born in Belgrade, Serbia, on 22 May 1987 (27 years
old), Novak Djokovic, who in the past eight years
always ended the season among the top-three
players, concluded 2014 at No. 1. The firsts good
results of 2014 arrived in March with the victory in
the Masters1000 of Indian Wells and Miami, defeating
respectively Federer and Nadal. On clay he lost the
semi-final in Monte Carlo, won the Masters1000 of
Rome and reached the final at the Roland Garros,
where was stopped by Rafael Nadal in four sets. Over
the summer it arrived the victory at Wimbledon, where
the Serbian beat Roger Federer in five sets, bringing
home his seventh Slam trophy. After the premature
defeats in the Masters1000 of Toronto and Cincinnati,
Novak was beaten in four sets by Kei Nishikori in the
semi-finals of the US Open. A great end to the season
for Djokovic who, apart from the lost semi-final in
Shanghai, managed to win the ATP500 of Beijing, the
Masters1000 of Paris Bercy and finally the ATP World
Tour Finals in London, bringing home at the end of
2014 one Slam, the ATP Finals, four Masters1000 and
one ATP500.
TENNIS & TOURISM
The combined ATP - WTA is played on the courts of the
Foro Italico, perhaps the most charming venue of the
entire circuit. The structure has fourteen clay courts
including three show courts (the Central, the Grandstand
and the Stadio Pietrangeli). Adjacent to the Foro Italico is
the Olympic Stadium, home to the football matches of AS
Roma and Lazio, in addition to the matches of Italy during
the 6 Nations Championship. Tickets cost from a minimum
of € 11 on the first day of qualifications up to € 260 for
the most exclusive seats for the day of the finals. Two are
the officials hotels: the “ATA Hotel Villa Pamphili”, near the
homonymous villa (with training courts for players) and
the “Marriott Central Park”, a few steps from Via Veneto.
Both hotel are luxurious, equipped with every comfort
and enjoy a panoramic view. Players and ATP and WTA
staff can use one of the 100 cars provided for them by
the organisation of the tournament to go and come back
from the Foro Italico. For the fans the easiest way to reach
the venue is public transport: from Flaminio tube station
there is a tram stopping close to the Olympic stadium. The
airport of Fiumicino is 40 km away from the Foro Italico,
while Ciampino is a bit closer (30 km). “Edmondo” and
“Candida” are two good restaurants no far from the Foro
Italico where to enjoy typical Roman dishes such as Pasta
all’ Amatriciana, Carbonara, artichokes, lamb and oxtail. At
only 1 km there is Ponte Milvio Square where you can find
all the best bars and clubs of the North quadrant of Rome.
The restaurant “Settembrini”, located in the homonymous
street, a few steps from Viale Mazzini, is perfect for those
looking for an exclusive and elegant dinner.
10
ATP
“I
n 2014 Crionet was present in the Masters1000 of Rome, the ATP 500 of Rio de Janeiro
and the ATP 250 of Vina del Mar, São Paulo and Shenzhen. Divided into three categories
depending on the prize money and the points made available for the ranking, the ATP is
the circuit of the major tournaments. The Masters1000 is the most important category and
includes nine events - Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, Montreal/Toronto,
Cincinnati, Shanghai, Paris Bercy - mandatory for all the top players, with the exception of
the Monegasque tournament. To follow is the ATP 500 and the ATP 250, that makes the
circuit run every week of the year.
11
Date: 03/09 Febraury 2014
Prize money: 426,605 $
Tournament Director: Alvaro Fillol
Supervisor: Tom Barnes
Surface: Red Clay
Balls: Wilson
TRIS FOR FOGNINI
Since 2012, when it was won by the Argentine Juan
Monaco, takes place in Ciudad Jardín, one of the main
tourist attraction of the Country, an ATP tournament. Born
in 1993 in Santiago, the Chilean Open is now arrived to
its twenty-first edition. After another Argentine, Horacio
Zeballos, in 2014 was Fabio Fognini’ s turn to sign the
Roll of Honour of the tournament. The twenty-seven year
old from Liguria, after the explosion of the past season,
confirmed himself as one of the players to watch for on
clay, catching in Vina del Mar his third career title. Fognini’s
journey towards the final was not that smooth. He had two
difficult matches with Jeremy Chardy in the quarter-final
and with Nicolas Almagro in the semi-finals, but, on the
other hand, the final with the Argentine Leonardo Mayer
proved easier than expected. Fognini demonstrated to
be a solid and determined player, with a great character
and mental strength. His magic moment started the
week before in Mar del Plata: as part of the Italian team,
Fabio was the protagonist of the success against Martin
Jaite’s national team, handing over to Italy the pass to the
quarterfinals of the world Group of the Davis Cup. With the
victory of Vina del Mar, Fognini reaches its best ranking at
number 14, getting closer to enter the top ten players of
the world. Unexpected victory for the seeded number 3
of the Doubles tournament, the Austrian Oliver Marach
and Romanian Florin Mergea who managed to defeat the
Colombians Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah with
a score of 6/3 6/4.
12
Vina del Mar Chile
3-9 February 2014
Red Clay
$485,760
Vina del Mar, Chile
3-9 February 2014
Red Clay
$485,760
STATUS
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
NAT
STATUS
1
1
2
1
11
12
13
14
P. CARRENO BUSTA
60 36 61
WC CHI GARIN, Christian
5
FRA CHARDY, Jeremy [5]
3
F. FOGNINI [1]
64 76(0)
A. BEDENE
26 63 63
5
6
9
10
F. FOGNINI [1]
SLO BEDENE, Aljaz
3
4
7
8
ITA FOGNINI, Fabio [1]
BYE
J. CHARDY [5]
75 60
ESP ALMAGRO, Nicolas [3]
BYE
N. ALMAGRO [3]
Q
ARG ALUND, Martin
ESP RAMOS, Albert
M. ALUND
63 64
Q
Q
JPN DANIEL, Taro
BRA BELLUCCI, Thomaz
T. DANIEL
63 63
19
20
ITA LORENZI, Paolo
P. LORENZI
62 61
21
22
Q
ESP RAMIREZ HIDALGO, Ruben
S. GIRALDO
64 62
4
BYE
ESP GRANOLLERS, Marcel [4]
M. GRANOLLERS [4]
25
26
27
28
6 WC UKR DOLGOPOLOV, Alexandr [6]
ESP GIMENO-TRAVER, Daniel
ARG ZEBALLOS, Horacio
WC CHI LAMA, Gonzalo
31
32
2
BYE
ESP ROBREDO, Tommy [2]
ARG MAYER, Leonardo
9
USA MONROE, Nicholas
GER STADLER, Simon
10
11
FRA CHARDY, Jeremy
CZE DLOUHY, Lukas
62 64
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ [7]
36 75 64
S. GIRALDO
36 64 62
S. GIRALDO
76(7) 76(2)
L. MAYER
76(2) 63
D. GIMENO-TRAVER
76(4) 36 75
D. GIMENO-TRAVER
62 64
L. MAYER
36 75 63
L. MAYER
75 75
L. MAYER
36 76(8) 64
T. ROBREDO [2]
4
12
CHI GARIN, Christian
WC
CHI JARRY, Nicolas
14
GER KAS, Christopher
BRA SA, Andre
15
ESP RAMOS, Albert
SEEDED PLAYERS
FOGNINI, Fabio
ROBREDO, Tommy
ALMAGRO, Nicolas
GRANOLLERS, Marcel
CHARDY, Jeremy
DOLGOPOLOV, Alexandr
GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo
DELBONIS, Federico
RANK
15
16
17
35
43
53
56
60
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER
$77,315
FINALIST
$40,720
SEMI-FINALIST
$22,060
QUARTER-FINALIST
$12,565
SECOND ROUND
$7,405
FIRST ROUND
$4,385
LAST DIRECT ACCEPTANCE
VINA DEL MAR
POINTS
250
150
90
45
20
0
LUCKY LOSERS
Robert - 115
REASON
RETIREMENTS/WO
REASON
1
2
3
4
SEEDED TEAMS
RANK
Tom Barnes
POINTS
$23,500
250
94 FINALIST
$12,350
150
MARACH, Oliver / MERGEA, Florin
97 SEMI-FINALIST
$6,690
90
$3,830
45
$2,240
0
CUEVAS, Pablo / ZEBALLOS, Horacio
100 QUARTER-FINALIST
FOLLOW LIVE SCORING AT www.ATPWorldTour.com
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
47 WINNER
CABAL, Juan Sebastian / FARAH, Robert
FIRST ROUND
J. CHARDY
L. DLOUHY
63 63
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
46 63 10-8
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
64 64
GRANOLLERS, Marcel / LOPEZ, Marc
O. MARACH/F. MERGEA [3]
63 64
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
62 62
C. GARIN
N. JARRY
62 64
2
COL FARAH, Robert
16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
D. GIMENO-TRAVER
S. ROBERT
26 62 10-7
J. CHARDY
L. DLOUHY
76(5) 62
URU CUEVAS, Pablo
13
O. MARACH
F. MERGEA [3]
26 63 10-7
P. LORENZI
F. VOLANDRI
76(5) 46 10-6
8
Fabio FOGNINI [1]
H. ZEBALLOS
63 63
AUT HAIDER-MAURER, Andreas
ARG MAYER, Leonardo
29
30
ITA LORENZI, Paolo
M. GRANOLLERS
M. LOPEZ [1]
64 64
O. MARACH
F. MERGEA [3]
67(2) 61 10-7
O. MARACH
F. MERGEA [3]
75 57 11-9
6
7
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ [7]
36 64 64
23
24
5
M. GRANOLLERS
M. LOPEZ [1]
61 63
D. BRACCIALI
P. STARACE
60 36 10-6
CHI LAMA, Gonzalo
CHI SAEZ, Juan Carlos
AUT MARACH, Oliver
3
ROU MERGEA, Florin
T. DANIEL
16 76(5) 76(7)
ESP GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo [7]
GER REISTER, Julian
18
WC
N. ALMAGRO [3]
62 75
7
17
4
N. ALMAGRO [3]
46 63 64
F. DELBONIS [8]
63 64
16
ITA STARACE, Potito
3
J. CHARDY [5]
63 76(5)
F. FOGNINI [1]
64 16 76(5)
PR URU CUEVAS, Pablo
8 ARG DELBONIS, Federico [8]
15
ESP GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo
AUT OSWALD, Philipp
2
F. FOGNINI [1]
64 36 62
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
NAT.
1
ESP LOPEZ, Marc
ALTERNATES
REASON
Advance - 147/On-Site - 177
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
REASON
Tom Barnes
13
The protagonist
ALVARO FILLOL
Born in Santiago de Chile on 4 December 1952, Alvaro
Fillol is a former Chilean player and until 2014 director
of the ATP tournament of Vina del Mar. To help him in
the organisation of the tournament was his brother
Jaime, former No. 14 in the world. Alvaro’s best ranking
was No. 134, however, between the end of the 70s and
beginning of the 80s he won five ATP Doubles titles.
While the previous edition will be always remember in
the history of tennis due to the return in the circuit of
Rafael Nadal after several months of absence (he then
lost the final to Zeballos), 2014 will sign the end of
the Tournament of Vina del Mar. Fognini was the last
winner of the Chilean tournament, which from 2015 will
change location. “This country lacks of sports mentality.
The high costs forced us to stop the tournament in Vina
del Mar. We have beautiful scenery and great players
but we are missing the public. And this makes things
hard” Alvaro Fillol explained just before announcing in
mid-2014 the end of “his” tournament.
TENNIS & TOURISM
VINA DEL MAR, CHILEAN SUMMER
Viña del Mar, nicknamed La Ciudad Jardín (Garden City)
is located on central Chile’s Pacific coast, a short distance
from Valparaiso. It has about 300,000 inhabitants and
boasts the main port of Chile. Vina del Mar is full of beautiful
beaches, squares and trees. The Club Naval de Campo Las
Salinas is located opposite the beach of Las Salinas and
offers to his members many different sport activites, a
clubhouse, a gym, a golf courses and twelve tennis courts
in red clay, including five with evening lighting. The tickets
for the tournament are sold on line. The cost varies from
CL$ 7,500 to CL$ 25,000, depending on the day and the
chosen seat. The official hotel is the four stars “San Martin
Hotel”, a very well maintained and modern facility. The
distance from the hotel to the club is less than 2 km, about
fifteen minutes by foot and just a couple of minutes with
the shuttle offered by the tournament for tennis players
and staff. Around the hotel and the club there are many
restaurants and night clubs, as well as a casino. The food
choice in the club is quite limited - pizza, sushi and some
drink- but at just a couple of minutes you can find different
dining options.
14
RIO OPEN PRESENTED BY CLARO HDTV
Prize money: 1,309,770 $
Tournament Director: Luis Fernando Carvalho
Supervisor: Lars Graf
Surface: Red Clay
Balls: HEAD ATP T/S
NADAL’S PERFECT COMEBACK
On his beloved red clay Rafael Nadal, returning to Brazil
after the back injury that cost him the final of the Australian
Open against Wawrinka, finds his smile back. In the first
edition of the ATP 500 tournament of Rio de Janeiro,
part of the Brazilian Open which includes also a WTA, the
Spanish player from Manacor respected the predictions
and dispelled any doubt on his physical condition.
Starting from the first match, though not brilliant, against
RIO DE JANEIRO
compatriot Gimeno-Traver “Rafa” shown great strength
and mental freshness. The following two matches proved
to be easier: he left just crumbs to Albert Montanes in
the second round and only one game to the Portuguese
Joao Sousa in the quarter-final. Much more complex,
however, the semi-final, with Pablo Andujar,
best ranking No. 33, making him suffer the
pains of hell before reaching the coveted
final. The player from Valencia fought until the
end, missing two match points, before being
overpowered by the more experienced former
world No. 1. 12-10 the final score at the end
of the tiebreak of the deciding set. After the
game Nadal complimented his opponent for
the prodigious match played. After the fight
with the No. 40 in the world things went much
more smoothly with the Ukrainian Alexandr
Dolgopolov, who unexpectedly defeated
David Ferrer in the semi-finals. The final ended
6/3 7/6, earning to Nadal his 62nd title, 43 of
which on red clay, sharing now the seventh
position with the great Guillermo Vilas in the
ranking of ATP winners. Besides numbers,
Nadal, with this victory proved to be back, and
to be in a perfect shape. The Doubles’ trophy
went to the couple formed by the Colombians Juan
Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah who defeated 6/4 6/2
the Spanish David Marrero and the Brazilian Marcelo Melo.
15
RIO OPEN presented by Claro hdtv
Rio de Janeiro BRA
17 - 23 February 2014
Rio de Janeiro, BRA
17 - 23 February 2014
Red Clay
$1,454,365
STATUS
Red Clay
$1,454,365
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
NAT
STATUS
1
1
2
1
ESP MONTANES, Albert
NED HAASE, Robin
3
4
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
4
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
POR SOUSA, Joao
Q
SRB LAJOVIC, Dusan
D. LAJOVIC
67(7) 63 40 Ret'd
Q
SVK KLIZAN, Martin
M. KLIZAN
64 46 76(4)
8
GER REISTER, Julian
ESP ANDUJAR, Pablo [8]
P. ANDUJAR [8]
64 63
F. BAGNIS
75 26 62
P. CUEVAS
67(0) 61 63
Q
3
SLO BEDENE, Aljaz
ITA FOGNINI, Fabio [3]
F. FOGNINI [3]
76(5) 06 61
7
ARG MONACO, Juan [7]
J. MONACO [7]
63 61
27
28
WC BRA BELLUCCI, Thomaz
T. BELLUCCI
36 64 63
29
30
WC BRA CLEZAR, Guilherme
F. DELBONIS
61 61
31
32
2
FRA CHARDY, Jeremy
ESP FERRER, David [2]
J. SOUSA
76(6) 26 63
R. NADAL [1]
26 63 76(10)
SEEDED PLAYERS
NADAL, Rafael
FERRER, David
FOGNINI, Fabio
ROBREDO, Tommy
ALMAGRO, Nicolas
GRANOLLERS, Marcel
MONACO, Juan
ANDUJAR, Pablo
NED HAASE, Robin
4
FRA CHARDY, Jeremy
CZE DLOUHY, Lukas
5
7
8
COL FARAH, Robert
ITA FOGNINI, Fabio
9
A. DOLGOPOLOV
67(4) 62 76(4)
11
A. DOLGOPOLOV
64 64
T. BELLUCCI
46 63 63
PR
15
2
1
5
14
17
18
34
42
43
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER
$316,400
FINALIST
$142,650
SEMI-FINALIST
$67,570
QUARTER-FINALIST
$32,605
SECOND ROUND
$16,625
FIRST ROUND
$9,150
POINTS
500
300
180
90
45
0
LUCKY LOSERS
REASON
RETIREMENTS/WO
F. Volandri
M. Klizan
REASON
Shoulder
Stomach
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
Lars Graff, Damian Steiner
D. MARRERO
M. MELO [2]
63 26 10-8
D. MARRERO
M. MELO [2]
61 64
D. MARRERO
M. MELO [2]
76(4) 75
ESP MARRERO, David
BRA MELO, Marcelo
1
2
3
4
SEEDED TEAMS
RANK
POINTS
6 WINNER
$93,460
500
13 FINALIST
$42,180
300
GRANOLLERS, Marcel / LOPEZ, Marc
49 SEMI-FINALIST
$19,890
180
HUEY, Treat / INGLOT, Dominic
49 QUARTER-FINALIST
$9,610
90
$4,920
0
MARRERO, David / MELO, Marcelo
Leonardo Mayer 94
D. BRACCIALI
F. FOGNINI
64 46 10-8
P. CUEVAS
H. ZEBALLOS
64 63
GER BEGEMANN, Andre
GER EMMRICH, Martin
16
RANK
URU CUEVAS, Pablo
BRA DEMOLINER, Marcelo
14 WC
BRA SOUZA, Joao
D. FERRER [2]
76(2) 61
J. CABAL/R. FARAH
64 62
F. DELBONIS
L. MAYER
64 62
PHI HUEY, Treat
4
GBR INGLOT, Dominic
12
13
D. FERRER [2]
46 63 63
D. FERRER [2]
62 63
Q
ARG MAYER, Leonardo
J. CABAL
R. FARAH
63 75
J. CABAL
R. FARAH
63 36 10-8
D. BRACCIALI
F. FOGNINI
63 64
AUT MARACH, Oliver
ROU MERGEA, Florin
10
J. CABAL
R. FARAH
64 62
M. GRANOLLERS
M. LOPEZ [3]
62 62
ESP ANDUJAR, Pablo
POR SOUSA, Joao
63 76(3)
A. PEYA
B. SOARES [1]
64 61
J. CHARDY
L. DLOUHY
62 67(8) 10-7
6
Rafael NADAL [1]
F. FOGNINI [3]
76(1) 46 63
A. PEYA
B. SOARES [1]
62 36 10-3
3
ESP LOPEZ, Marc
P. ANDUJAR [8]
wo.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
P. ANDUJAR [8]
61 61
A. DOLGOPOLOV
61 61
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
NAT.
AUT PEYA, Alexander
BRA SOARES, Bruno
ARG MONACO, Juan
WC
BRA SA, Andre
T. ROBREDO [4]
62 61
A. DOLGOPOLOV
26 63 60
WC BRA SOUZA, Joao
Q ARG BAGNIS, Facundo
2
R. NADAL [1]
61 60
J. SOUSA
26 63 75
T. ROBREDO [4]
76(5) 63
5
R. NADAL [1]
61 62
A. RAMOS
62 60
ESP ROBREDO, Tommy [4]
15
16
R. NADAL [1]
63 75
A. MONTANES
61 76(4)
ARG MAYER, Leonardo
ESP RAMOS, Albert
5
6
7
8
ESP NADAL, Rafael [1]
1
FIRST ROUND
ALTERNATES
REASON
Advanced 96 / On-site 105
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
REASON
Lars Graff, Damian Steiner
16
The protagonist
RAFAEL NADAL
Born in Manacor (Mallorca), Spain, on June 3, 1986 (28
years old), Rafael Nadal ended the year as No. 3 in the
world, among the top-four for the tenth consecutive
season. The Spanish player had a great start of the
year. He won the ATP tournament of Doha in the first
week of the season and soon after reached the final
at the Australian Open, where he lost in four sets to
Wawrinka. He then won the ATP 500 of Rio de Janeiro
and played on the cement of Miami the final of the
Masters1000 (defeated by Djokovic). Rafa’s beloved
season on clay was less successful then previous years
but still of great significance. The 28 year old from
Manacor won, indeed, the Masters1000 of Madrid, lost
the final of the Masters1000 of Rome to Djokovic and
finally took home his ninth Roland Garros title, losing
only two set out of the seven matches played in Paris.
Not very good, however, the second half of the season.
After reaching the second round at Wimbledon
(defeated by Kyrgios), he remained out of the circuit for
three months missing all the North American season
on cement. When he returned to play, before going
under the knife for appendicitis, he suffered painful
defeats in Beijing, Shanghai and Basel.
RIO DE JANEIRO
TENNIS & TOURISM
Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the homonymous state
and the second largest city of Brazil (after Sao Paulo). It is
the most known Brazilian city and the main international
tourist destination in Brazil and in Latin America. The
tournament is played at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, which
owns eight clay courts, including a Central with a capacity
of 6,200 people. There are also various sports equipment,
a small football pitch, a water park with three heated
swimming pools, a sauna and hydro massage pools, not
forgetting a cinema, a swimming pool, a hairdressers and
a restaurant serving any kind of food. The Open sponsored
by Rio Claro HDTV is the biggest tennis tournament
in South America and includes an ATP 500 and a WTA
International. Tickets are on sale on line -www.riooopen.
com- with prices ranging between 20 and 350 dollars. The
entrance during the qualifying weekend is free. The official
hotel is the “Sheraton”, high quality hotel located at just
fifteen minutes drive from the club. The local airport Santos
Dumont is twenty minutes drive from the club while the
International Airport of Rio de Janeiro/Galeão - Antonio
Carlos Jobim is further away, about 20 km from the centre
of Rio. There are many Italian and French restaurants in the
neighbourhoods of Ipanema, Leblon and Jardim Botanico,
while in the central districts, Lapa, Botafogo and Flamengo,
it is the Brazilian cuisine to prevail on the menu.
17
on & off court
on court
off court
18
BRASIL OPEN
Date: 24 Febraury/02 March 2014
Tournament Director: Luis Felipe Tavares
Surface: Red Clay Indoor
Balls: Wilson Australian Open
FEDERICO’S FIRTS
Hosting city of an ATP Challenger in mid-April and of the
Finals at the end of the year, São Paulo opens his doors to
tennis at the end of February with a 250 ATP tournament.
Pride and prestige of the Brazilian city, the Brasil Open
started in 2001 in the city of Costa do Sauipe to then move
to São Paulo in 2011. After the two consecutive victories
of Nicolas Almagro and the one of Rafael Nadal last year,
the Argentine Federico Delbonis stopped the Spanish
tradition started in 2008. The powerful and solid tennis
player from Azul, who already last season was one step
away from winning the ATP 500 of Hamburg, finally broke
the ice and brought back home his first ATP title. On the fast
indoor courts of São Paulo, the left-handed “Delbo” found
the perfect ground for his offensive tennis. After the great
victory in the second round against the second-seeded
Nicolas Almagro, the twenty-four year old, who adapts
well to all surfaces, in the semi-final struggled to gain the
upper hand of the home idol Thomaz Bellucci. Driven by
the support of the public, the Brazilian was able to drag
the match to the third set, before being overwhelmed by
the greater solidity of his opponent. Paolo Lorenzi, author
of the elimination of a bruised Tommy Haas in the semifinals, was able to win the first set of the final but then
Delbonis recovered the initial disadvantage and slowly
SÃO PAULO
got used to the game of the Italian player, winning the
third set with a score of 6/4. This victory launched Delbonis
straight in the top 50 players of the ATP ranking. A very
suffered victory for Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Philipp
Oswald who defeated 15-13 at the super tiebreaker of the
Doubles’ final the most quoted Colombian Robert Farah
and Juan Sebastian Cabal.
19
BRASIL OPEN
BRASIL OPEN
Sao Paulo BRASIL
24 Feb-2 Mar 2014
Sao Paulo, BRASIL
24 Feb-2 Mar 2014
Red Clay
$539,730
STATUS
Red Clay
$539,730
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
NAT
STATUS
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1
Q
23
24
25
26
T. HAAS [1]
ITA STARACE, Potito
P. STARACE
46 62 63
G. PELLA
76(4) 67(3) 76(4)
4
ARG MONACO, Juan [4]
BYE
J. MONACO [4]
Q
POR ELIAS, Gastao
ESP RAMOS, Albert
A. RAMOS
63 36 62
ITA LORENZI, Paolo
ESP RIBA, Pere
P. LORENZI
75 63
Q
6
BRA DUTRA SILVA, Rogerio
ESP GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo [6]
R. DUTRA SILVA
16 75 63
8 COL GIRALDO, Santiago [8]
WC BRA BELLUCCI, Thomaz
GER REISTER, Julian
AUT HAIDER-MAURER, Andreas
SVK KLIZAN, Martin
WC BRA CLEZAR, Guilherme
P. LORENZI
63 32 Ret'd
BYE
Federico DELBONIS
M. KLIZAN
64 63
F. DELBONIS
64 67(5) 64
J. SOUZA
75 64
29
30
F. DELBONIS
61 62
BYE
N. ALMAGRO [2]
A. MONTANES
64 23 Ret'd
F. DELBONIS
64 63
F. DELBONIS
36 63 62
SEEDED PLAYERS
HAAS, Tommy
ALMAGRO, Nicolas
GRANOLLERS, Marcel
MONACO, Juan
HAASE, Robin
GARCIA-LOPEZ, Guillermo
MAYER, Leonardo
GIRALDO, Santiago
ARG GONZALEZ, Maximo
ARG MONACO, Juan
4
BRA CLEZAR, Guilherme
WC
BRA DEMOLINER, Marcelo
5
URU CUEVAS, Pablo
4
7
ESP RIBA, Pere
WC
10
ARG BAGNIS, Facundo
11
NED HAASE, Robin
12
GER BEGEMANN, Andre
3
GER EMMRICH, Martin
13
ARG MAYER, Leonardo
14
ITA LORENZI, Paolo
15
GER STADLER, Simon
2
RANK
12
18
35
42
44
53
59
60
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER
FINALIST
SEMI-FINALIST
QUARTER-FINALIST
SECOND ROUND
FIRST ROUND
$85,900
$45,245
$24,510
$13,965
$8,230
$4,875
POINTS
250
150
90
45
20
0
LUCKY LOSERS
Lorenzi (115)
REASON
RETIREMENTS/WO
J. Souza
T. Haas
REASON
Abdominal muscle pain
Right shoulder
1
2
3
4
SEEDED TEAMS
D. BRACCIALI
L. MAYER
75 64
RANK
Lars Graff
POINTS
6 WINNER
$26,100
250
89 FINALIST
$13,720
150
90 SEMI-FINALIST
$7,440
90
CUEVAS, Pablo / ZEBALLOS, Horacio
93 QUARTER-FINALIST
$4,250
45
$2,490
0
FIRST ROUND
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
64 64
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
64 62
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
64 36 10-6
BEGEMANN, Andre / EMMRICH, Martin
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
F. BAGNIS
F. DELBONIS
75 76(8)
A. BEGEMANN
M. EMMRICH [3]
75 63
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ/P. OSWALD
57 64 15-13
F. BAGNIS
F. DELBONIS
61 75
COL FARAH, Robert
M. GRANOLLERS
P. RIBA
57 64 10-8
M. GRANOLLERS
P. RIBA
46 63 10-7
BRA SA, Andre
BRA SOUZA, Joao
9
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ
P. OSWALD
76(6) 63
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ
P. OSWALD
76(6) 57 10-4
P. CUEVAS
H. ZEBALLOS [4]
62 63
CZE CERMAK, Frantisek
RUS ELGIN, Mikhail
8
G. GARCIA-LOPEZ
P. OSWALD
36 64 10-7
M. GONZALEZ
J. MONACO
67(4) 76(7) 10-3
6
16
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
46 63 64
M. GRANOLLERS [3]
A. MONTANES
62 62
2
T. BELLUCCI
76(4) 57 63
T. BELLUCCI
63 63
AUT PEYA, Alexander
BRA SOARES, Bruno
AUT OSWALD, Philipp
P. LORENZI
64 63
A. HAIDER-MAURER
62 46 61
SLO BEDENE, Aljaz
ESP MONTANES, Albert
1
P. LORENZI
76(6) 67(4) 64
M. KLIZAN
64 63
5 NED HAASE, Robin [5]
WC BRA SOUZA, Joao
2
H. ZEBALLOS
63 64
T. BELLUCCI
46 75 63
27
28
31
32
T. HAAS [1]
63 57 62
J. MONACO [4]
76(4) 26 75
Q
3
T. HAAS [1]
76(2) 63
H. ZEBALLOS
76(3) 36 63
ARG PELLA, Guido
ARG MAYER, Leonardo [7]
7
19
20
21
22
GER HAAS, Tommy [1]
BYE
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
NAT.
ALTERNATES
REASON
Adv 136/On site 191
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
REASON
Lars Graff
20
The protagonist
FEDERICO DELBONIS
Born in Azul, Argentina, on October 5, 1990 (24 years
old), Federico Delbonis, who managed in May to
reach No. 34, his best ranking yet, ended the season
at No. 60 of the world ranking. In 2014 the Argentine
player was able to get few satisfactions at ATP level,
starting from his first ATP victory obtained in São
Paulo (until then he had only won four Challengers).
He played the semi-final of Casablanca, where was
defeated by Marcel Granollers, the final of Nice,
stopped by Ernests Gulbis and the quarterfinals
of Stuttgart. After that, darkness. In the following
twelve tournaments Delbonis was not able to win
more than one match, thus not confirming the
progress made in the first part of the year. 2014
was also the first time “Delbo” played all four Grand
Slam tournaments, with little luck, however, as was
always beaten at the very beginning: by Rola at the
Australian Open, by Laiovic at the Roland Garros and
by Nieminem at Wimbledon. A bit better at the US
Open where, after winning Rubin, was defeated at
the second round by Simon.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SÃO PAULO, THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
São Paulo do Brazil, with Rio de Janeiro, is the most
important city of Brazil. With nearly 15 million inhabitants,
São Paulo has the highest rate of people of foreign origin
(mainly from Italy, but also from Portugal, Spain, Japan,
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia). The Brasil Open is played at the
Ginásio do Ibirapuera. The sport centre has a central arena
for over ten thousand spectators and another covered area
(both air conditioned), where are set up two clay courts.
The tickets to attend the Brasil Open range from R$ 15 to
R$ 864 and can be purchased on line. At just 15 minutes
drive from the Ginásio do Ibirapuera, the official hotel is
the “Renaissance São Paulo Hotel”, with all the features
(and price) of a 5-star luxury hotel. Congonhas Airport is
about 20 minutes from the venue of the tournament and
operates flights mainly to and from other Brazilian cities
and some Latin American destinations. The main airport
of São Paulo is the Guarulhos (GRU), 45 km from the city
centre. Be aware, though, during pick time it may take
up to an hour and a half to get there. Being a multiethnic
city São Paulo has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine and
entertainment. The restaurant “América” certainly deserves
a mention as well as its famous sandwiches. To eat excellent
meat we recommend the “Baby Beef Rubaiyat”, while for
some Italian food “Cantina di Piero” is a safe bet. For Sushi
lovers we recommend “Restaurante Myiabi”. For a drink
after dinner the place to go is Barrio de Vila Madalena,
where all the most fashionable bars and clubs are.
SÃO PAULO
21
SHENZHEN OPEN
Date: 22/28 September 2014
Tournament Director: Allon Khakshouri
Surface: Hard
MURRAY’S GREAT START
China put the last missing piece of its tennis jigsaw. In
2014 Shenzhen, city bordering Hong Kong, hosted the
first edition of an ATP 250, followed a week later by the
ATP 500 of Beijing and the 1000 Masters of Shanghai. With
a top-ten (David Ferrer) and five top thirty at the starting
line, the tournament of Shenzhen was balanced and very
entertaining. To win was the Scottish Andy Murray. Both
finalists fought with all their strengths but at the end the
untameable Tommy Robredo, able during the tournament
to come out from the most difficult situation as in the
second round with Sam Groth where he badly lost the
first set, had to give in to the British player.
Murray had a tough quarter-final, lasted
over two hours and a half, with the Italian
Andreas Seppi and then in the semi-final won
in comeback against Juan Monaco. For five
times in the final Robredo, ex top-5 (2006)
find himself a step away from success, but he
was never able to ended it, not even when he
was leading 6/2 in the tie-break of the second
set, with a set of advantage. Murray cancelled
four consecutive match points and then a fifth
one during the tie-break. The Scottish player
won the deciding set with a sharp 6/1. For
Murray this was the first title of the season, the
number 29 in his career. The Doubles was won
by the Dutchman Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau, who
in the final defeated 6/4 7/6 (1) the Australians Sam Groth
and Chris Guccione.
22
SHENZHEN OPEN
CITY, COUNTRY
TOURNAMENT DATES
Shenzhen, China
STATUS
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
Q
Q
22 -28 September 2014
ESP FERRER, David
BYE
SVK KLIZAN, Martin
SRB TROICKI, Viktor
T. KOKKINAKIS
76(3) 61
S. GIRALDO [6]
36 63 64
4
ESP ROBREDO, Tommy
BYE
T. ROBREDO [4]
11
12
AUS GROTH, Sam
AUS DUCKWORTH, James
S. GROTH
63 67(5) 63
13
14
AUS EBDEN, Matthew
ITA BOLELLI, Simone
S. BOLELLI
64 62
ITA SEPPI, Andreas
A. SEPPI [8]
76(3) 62
CAN POSPISIL, Vasek
RUS GABASHVILI, Teymuraz
V. POSPISIL [7]
63 64
19
20
ARG MONACO, Juan
J. MONACO
63 75
21
22
LUX MULLER, Gilles
SUI CHIUDINELLI, Marco
G. MULLER
64 36 64
23
24
BYE
FRA GASQUET, Richard
R. GASQUET [3]
FRA SIMON, Gilles
LTU BERANKIS, Ricardas
R. BERANKIS
64 62
SVK LACKO, Lukas
RUS DONSKOY, Evgeny
L. LACKO
61 76(4)
15
16
8
17
7
18
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
3
5
IND DEVVARMAN, Somdev
WC CHN GAO, Xin
S. GIRALDO [6]
76(6) 63
SEEDED PLAYERS
FERRER, David
MURRAY, Andy
GASQUET, Richard
ROBREDO, Tommy
SIMON, Gilles
GIRALDO, Santiago
POSPISIL, Vasek
SEPPI, Andreas
SHENZHEN
RUS DONSKOY, Evgeny
RUS GABASHVILI, Teymuraz
5
T. ROBREDO [4]
16 75 63
6
AUS EBDEN, Matthew
ITA SEPPI, Andreas
7
ARG MONACO, Juan
8
NZL VENUS, Michael
9
AUS GROTH, Sam
AUS GUCCIONE, Chris
57 76(9) 61
J. MONACO
75 26 63
10
J. MONACO
76(7) 64
A. MURRAY [2]
26 63 60
L. LACKO
64 76(1)
12
A. MURRAY [2]
63 63
15
5
12
21
22
26
33
43
48
PRIZE MONEY
POINTS
LUCKY LOSERS
WINNER
$106,970
250
M. Klizan - Wrist pain
FINALIST
$56,340
150
SEMI-FINALIST
$30,520
90
QUARTER-FINALIST
$17,390
WITHDRAWALS
45
SECOND ROUND
$10,245
20
FIRST ROUND
$6,070
0
Marco Chiudinelli 171
Lars Graff
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
CHN OUYANG, Bowen
CHN WANG, Aoran
SWE BRUNSTROM, Johan
SUI CHIUDINELLI, Marco
SVK LACKO, Lukas
2
COL FARAH, Robert
1
2
3
4
SEEDED TEAMS
R. BOPANNA
A. QURESHI [3]
64 46 10-7
S. GIRALDO
M. VENUS
64 76(4)
J. ROJER/H. TECAU [1]
64 76(4)
S. GROTH
C. GUCCIONE
67(7) 76(4) 10-4
M. FYRSTENBERG
M. MIRNYI [4]
63 76(4)
S. GROTH
C. GUCCIONE
76(5) 64
J. BRUNSTROM
N. MONROE
67(3) 63 10-5
BLR BETOV, Sergey
BLR BURY, Alexander
Alt
J. ROJER
H. TECAU [1]
36 61 10-5
S. GROTH
C. GUCCIONE
63 64
POL FYRSTENBERG, Mariusz
4
BLR MIRNYI, Max
14
$655,955
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
S. GIRALDO
M. VENUS
46 63 10-4
GBR DELGADO, Jamie
LUX MULLER, Gilles
13
A. MURRAY [2]
63 75
S. DEVVARMAN
63 46 64
WC
11
R. GASQUET [3]
63 62
16
RANK
IND BOPANNA, Rohan
3
PAK QURESHI, Aisam-Ul-Haq
A. SEPPI [8]
64 63
J. ROJER
H. TECAU [1]
64 57 10-7
E. DONSKOY
T. GABASHVILI
63 63
CHN QIU, Zhuoyang
WC
CHN TE, Rigele
T. ROBREDO [4]
64 67(5) 63
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
3
4
Hard
J. ROJER
H. TECAU [1]
62 61
2
T. ROBREDO [4]
61 64
A. MURRAY [2]
BYE
2 WC GBR MURRAY, Andy
NED ROJER, Jean-Julien
ROU TECAU, Horia
1
SURFACE
22 -28 September 2014
NAT.
GBR FLEMING, Colin
SWE LINDSTEDT, Robert
S. GIRALDO [6]
64 63
Andy MURRAY [2]
TOURNAMENT DATES
Shenzhen, China
STATUS
1
V. TROICKI
63 64
V. TROICKI
57 61 30 Ret'd
WC BLR GERASIMOV, Egor
Q AUS KOKKINAKIS, Thanasi
CITY, COUNTRY
$655,955
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
D. FERRER [1]
CHN OUYANG, Bowen
9
10
Hard
NAT
Q
6
7
8
SURFACE
SHENZHEN OPEN
RANK
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
46 64 10-5
J. CABAL
R. FARAH [2]
61 61
ALTERNATES
POINTS
ROJER, Jean-Julien / TECAU, Horia
38 WINNER
$32,500
250 M. Chiudinelli / L. Lacko - [Alt]
49 FINALIST
$17,080
150
BOPANNA, Rohan / QURESHI, Aisam-Ul-Haq
55 SEMI-FINALIST
$9,260
90
FYRSTENBERG, Mariusz / MIRNYI, Max
76 QUARTER-FINALIST
$5,300
45
FIRST ROUND
$3,100
WITHDRAWALS
0 R. Gasquet (Right elbow)
Advanced 196 / On Site 200
ATP SUPERVISOR(S)
Lars Graff
23
The protagonist
ANDY MURRAY
Born in Dunblane, UK, May 15, 1987 (27 years old),
Andy Murray, whose best ranking is No. 2, ended
2014 at No. 6 of the world. A difficult season for the
Scottish player, at least the first eight months, where
he never managed to go past the quarter-finals,
with the only exception of Acapulco and the Roland
Garros. Between September and October Murray
won the tournaments of Shenzhen, Vienna and
Valencia and reached the semi-finals of Beijing. For
the first time after five years Murray didn’t play even
a single Slam’s final: he was defeated at the quarterfinals of the Australian Open by Roger Federer; at the
semi-finals of the Roland Garros by Rafael Nadal; at
the quarterfinals of Wimbledon by Grigor Dimitrov;
and finally at the quarterfinals of the US Open by
Novak Djokovic. Thanks to the excellent season
finale Murray was able to qualify at the photo finish
for the ATP World Tour Finals in London, however he
didn’t manage to go beyond the round-robin due
to the matches lost to Federer and Nishikori (he was
only able to win against Raonic).
TENNIS & TOURISM
Shenzhen, Financial Metropolis
A few hundred kilometres north of Hong Kong, in the
southern part of China, Shenzhen is one of the most
important cities in the Guangdong Province. Its territory
stretches along nearly 70 km of coastline, with beautiful
white sand beaches. Among the major financial centres of
the country, Shenzhen is a real metropolis with nearly ten
million inhabitants. One of its ports, Luohu Port, is the first
in all of China for passengers transit. The ATP 250 is played
within the Longgang Sports Centre, a facility with thirtytwo hard tennis courts, an eight thousand seats Central,
a guesthouse and two basketball courts. The admission
fee varies according to the day and the seat chosen. The
official hotel is the five-stars luxury hotel “Shangri-La”.
The ultramodern Jade Cargo International Airport is 35
km from the centre of Shenzhen and is connected to the
main airports of China and of the Pacific. A modern highspeed train links the Central Station to Hong Kong in just
forty-five minutes, while Shenzhen North Railways Station
connects Shenzhen with Beijing and other Chinese cities.
The kitchen of Shenzhen is a fusion of many different
culinary cultures of the country with the addition of local
herbs and spices. You will find an assortment of cold meat
served with hot and spicy noodles. For those who would
dare to try there are plenty of snacks on sale on the stalls
in the street. If you feel like eating something different
we recommend the Indian “Spice Circle”, the American
steakhouse “The Village Bar & Grill” and the Italian
“Ristorante Milano”.
24
The first Atp title
Federico Delbonis (05/10/1990) - São Paulo.
Born in Azul, Argentina, left-handed of good hopes who in 2013 failed to win the ATP 500 in
Hamburg, on the red clay of São Paulo he conquered his first Major title. Taking advantage of the
environmental conditions and the rather fast surface, he was able to give free rein to his trajectory
and power, winning in come back the final against a great Paolo Lorenzi. Even more complicated the
semi-final with the home idol Bellucci, defeated in three sets. A tournament where “Delbo” proved
himself from the start, with the great victory, always in come back, against Nicolas Almagro in the
second round, thus entering with merit the elite of tennis.
Roberto Bautista Agut (14/04/1988) - ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
Born in Castellon de la Plana in Spain, the methodical and atypical Spanish player surprised everyone
triumphing on the Dutch grass. With a game particularly flat and suitable for all surfaces, even the
most rapid, Bautista-Agut was able to win all the decisive matches: first with Mahut (6/3 4/6 6/3),
then with Melzer in the semi-finals and finally retrieving a set of disadvantage in the final against
Benjamin Becker. For Bautista a title that opened the doors to a magical season.
Pablo Cuevas (01/01/1986) - Båstad.
Born in Concordia, in Argentina, but with Uruguayan passport. After returning from a long injury,
he won his first ATP title on the Swedish red courts of Bastad. A tournament dominated by Cuevas,
good in the second round to retrieve a set of disadvantage to Lindell, before embarking on a journey
without “smudges”. No-match in the final despite the talented Portuguese Sousa, to who Cuevas left
only three games. Amazingly, the following week, Cuevas won also the ATP250 of Umag, Croatia.
Leonardo Mayer (15.05.1987) – Hamburg.
Born in Corrientes, Argentina, albeit living in Buenos Aires, he found in Hamburg (a tournament of
the many unexpected first times) the title that launched him among the top 30 in the world. On the
German red courts, Mayer stopped the splendid cavalcade of young Alexander Zverev, able to reach
the semi-finals, and defeated in the final the top seed of the tournament David Ferrer with a score
of 6/7 6/1 7/6.
David Goffin (07/12/1990) - Kitzbühel.
Born in Rocourt, Belgium, after a great career as a Junior he seemed to have lost his way among
the pro. But in the summer of 2014 the talented Belgian player was finally able to win his first ATP
title. After a series of successes in the Challenger Tour, Goffin dominated the first three rounds of
the Austrian tournament before reassembling a set of disadvantage both in the semi-finals against
Argentine Maximo Gonzalez, that in the final with the home idol Dominic Thiem, exceeded at the
end at the third set with the score of 6/3. A month later, he won in Marseille his second career title.
25
Na on
Total
Na on
19
United States
2
Belgium
15
Spain
2
Latvia
12
Serbia
2
Uruguay
11
Netherlands
2
Slovakia
10
Romania
2
Mexico
1
Pakistan
1
Italy
1
Denmark
1
Finland
1
New Zealand
1
Philippines
1
Russia
1
Uzbekistan
Total
9
Canada
8
Switzerland
8
Austria
7
6
6
France
Poland
Czech Republic
6
Australia
5
Croa a
5
Great Britain
4
Brazil
4
Japan
4
Argen na
4
Germany
3
Sweden
3
Bulgaria
2
South Africa
2
Colombia
2
India
Total
Player
10
Bob Bryan
10
Mike Bryan
(USA)
9
Jean Julien Rojer
(NED)
8
Horia Tec u
7
Novak Djokovic
(SRB)
5
Nenad Zimonji
(SRB)
5
Daniel Nestor
(CAN)
5
Roger Federer
(SUI)
4
Rafael Nadal
(ESP)
4
Marin ili
(CRO)
4
Kei Nishikori
(JPN)
3
Stan Wawrinka
(SUI)
3
Bruno Soares
(BRA)
3
Vasek Pospisil
(CAN)
3
Grigor Dimitrov
(BUL)
3
Andy Murray
(GBR)
3
Tomáš Berdych
(CZE)
3
Lleyton Hewi
(AUS)
(USA)
(ROU)
26
Statistics ATP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Player
Ivo Karlovi
Milos Raonic
John Isner
Aces
Marin ili
Kevin Anderson
Ernests Gulbis
Sam Querrey
Feliciano López
Roger Federer
Tomas Berdych
Aces
1,185
1,107
989
744
Matches
64
67
57
72
723
650
646
638
62
62
45
64
627
78
607
74
Service games won
Player
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
First serve percentage
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Player
Rafael Nadal
Roberto Bau sta Agut
John Isner
Denis Istomin
Ivo Karlovi
Novak Djokovic
Édouard Roger Vasselin
Kevin Anderson
Fernando Verdasco
Pablo Andújar
%
70
Ivo Karlovi
Roger Federer
Milos Raonic
Novak Djokovic
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Sam Querrey
Grigor Dimitrov
Feliciano López
Tomas Berdych
%
93
93
91
90
88
Matches
57
64
78
67
69
87
87
86
86
50
45
67
64
86
74
Break points saved
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
59
69
64
68
68
67
57
51
64
67
69
67
49
66
62
66
46
66
44
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Player
Ivo Karlovi
Milos Raonic
Sam Querrey
Marin ili
John Isner
Stan Wawrinka
Roger Federer
Tomáš Berdych
Ernests Gulbis
Feliciano López
%
Matches
84
83
79
79
64
67
79
57
79
51
79
78
78
74
78
62
78
64
45
72
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Points Won Returning 1st Serve Points Won Returning 2nd Serve
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Player
Rafael Nadal
David Ferrer
Gaël Mon ls
Andy Murray
Novak Djokovic
Guillermo García Lopez
Roger Federer
Pablo Andújar
%
35 5
9
10
Fabio Fognini
34
33 7
33
Matches
9
78
47
5
69
32
32 7
32 4
51
8
4
32 6
31 6
0
4
34
Return Games Won
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic
David Ferrer
Andy Murray
Pablo Andújar
Kei Nishikori
Fabio Fognini
Gaël Mon ls
Roger Federer
%
35
33 6
33
32
29
28
27
27
26
26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Player
Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal
David Ferrer
Andy Murray
Tomáš Berdych
Kei Nishikori
Pablo Andújar
Gilles Simon
Jarkko Nieminen
%
58 6
56 5
56 7
55 7
54 7
53
53 4
53
53 6
52 4
Ivo Karlovi
Roger Federer
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Kevin Anderson
Rafael Nadal
Jack Sock
Milos Raonic
Édouard Roger Vasselin
Sam Querrey
%
Matches
75 5
72
64
7
71
78
70
50
69
69 6
62
4
69
69
47
67
68
49
67
45
Second serve points won
First service points won
Matches
Player
John Isner
Matches
9
9
8
5
4
66
4
52
4
9
Player
Roger Federer
John Isner
Novak Djokovic
Richard Gasquet
Philipp Kohlschreiber
Rafael Nadal
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Ivo Karlovi
Stan Wawrinka
Jack Sock
%
58
Matches
78
57
57
56
69
56 4
7
56 6
1
55
59
54
50
54 6
4
51
54
54 4
7
Break points converted
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Player
Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic
Gilles Simon
Andy Murray
David Ferrer
Philipp Kohlschreiber
Fabio Fognini
Grigor Dimitrov
San ago Giraldo
%
48
45
45
44
43
43
43
Matches
59
69
52
75
78
61
64
43
60
42
67
42
55
Matches
59
9
78
75
44
66
60
47
64
78
27
WTA
“In 2014 Crionet was present with live score and several technology services in
eleven WTA International tournaments - Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, Bogota, Kuala
Lumpur, Istanbul, Baku, Hong Kong, Tashkent, Seoul, Guangzhou, Osaka – , the Masters
B of Sofia and the WTA Premier tournament of Rome.
28
Tournament Director: Luis Fernando Carvalho
Supervisor: Melanie Tabb
Surface: Red Clay
Balls: HEAD Pro
LITTLE BIG NARA
It is Kurumi Nara the first to sign the Roll of Honour of the Rio
Open, an International tournament played at the end of February
in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. In the same venue that
hosted the ATP tournament, the tiny Japanese crushed the
competition, winning her first tournament. One metre and fiftyfive cm of agility and speed, the young Japanese, class 1991,
surprised everyone with her sparkling and unpredictable tennis.
After gaining access to the semi-finals without losing a single
set, the Japanese exceeded in three sets the amazing Italian
Nastassja Burnett, on her best tournament ever. In the final Nara
took advantage of a physical problem of her opponent, seed
No. 1 Klara Zakopalova, winning the match at the deciding set.
A magical moment for the Japanese native of Osaka, capable of
reaching the third round at the past US Open and at the recent
Australian Open and the semi-finals in the home tournament
of Osaka. With the Brazilian success Nara reached after just two
months of tournaments her prefixed target of entering the top
50. “I am very happy. it’s crazy. I can’t believe it.” These were
the first words of an euphoric Nara, ready to carry on her rise
towards an higher ranking. Unexpected victory in the Doubles
tournament of the Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu and Argentine
Maria Irigoyen, who after overcoming with difficulties the seed
No. 1 in the semi-final, dominated the Swedesh Johanna Larsson and South African Chanelle Sheepers in the final act.
RIO DE JANEIRO
29
Rio de Janeiro, BRA
Rio de Janeiro, BRA 17 - 23 February 2014
$250,000 - WTA International
Red Clay
Red Clay
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
1
ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
2
DUQUE-MARINO, Mariana
3
SOLER-ESPINOSA, Silvia
Q 15
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
8
16
KING, Vania
CZE
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
COL 64 64
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
ESP
64 61
S. SOLER-ESPINOSA
BRA 60 61
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
POL
64 60
K. PITER
BRA 63 63
K. PITER
GER
57 63 61
D. PFIZENMAIER
CZE 26 64 63
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
62 61
ROU
T. PEREIRA
BRA 63 64
T. PEREIRA
KAZ
62 76(5)
P. MAYR-ACHLEITNER
AUT 64 63
T. PEREIRA
PAR
64 64
V. CEPEDE ROYG
BRA 75 76(8)
I. BEGU
ROU
63 57 61
I. BEGU
USA 64 60
6
17
TORRO-FLOR, Maria-Teresa
ESP
WC 4
5
WC 6
PIGOSSI, Laura
PITER, Katarzyna
HADDAD MAIA, Beatriz
7
PFIZENMAIER, Dinah
7
8
ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora
4
9
CADANTU, Alexandra
10
PEREIRA, Teliana
11
SHVEDOVA, Yaroslava
12
MAYR-ACHLEITNER, Patricia
Q 13
WC 14
Q 18
CEPEDE ROYG, Veronica
GONCALVES, Paula Cristina
BURNETT, Nastassja
Kurumi NARA [5]
61 46 61
N. BURNETT
ITA 75 64
Q 20
VAN UYTVANCK, Alison
N. BURNETT
SWE
06 63 62
A. VAN UYTVANCK
BEL 64 63
Q 21
KOVINIC, Danka
MNE
19
22
LARSSON, Johanna
BERTENS, Kiki
K. BERTENS
NED 75 60
GIBBS, Nicole
3
24
ORMAECHEA, Paula
P. ORMAECHEA [3]
USA
75 75
P. ORMAECHEA [3]
ARG 62 61
5
25
NARA, Kurumi
JPN
26
HSIEH, Su-Wei
K. NARA [5]
TPE 63 62
27
FRIEDSAM, Anna-Lena
GER
28
KICHENOK, Nadiya
A. FRIEDSAM
UKR 62 63
29
BABOS, Timea
HUN
30
SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
C. SCHEEPERS
RSA 26 63 62
31
DOMINGUEZ LINO, Lourdes
ESP
32
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Seeded Players
ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
ORMAECHEA, Paula
CADANTU, Alexandra
NARA, Kurumi
ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora
KING, Vania
www.wtatennis.com
1
3
K. NARA [5]
64 36 62
K. NARA [5]
76(5) 20 Ret'd
2
Lucky-Losers / Retirements / Withdrawals
Pts.
280
180
110
60
30 L. Dominguez Lino - Left hamstring strain
1
WTA Supervisor(s)
Melanie Tabb
ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora CZE
ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
CZE
2
HSIEH, Shu-Ying
HSIEH, Su-Wei
4
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
KICHENOK, Nadiya
5
BABOS, Timea
GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila
6
MOLINERO, Florencia
THORPE, Laura
7
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
IRIGOYEN, Maria
8
CADANTU, Alexandra
SOLER-ESPINOSA, Silvia
B. ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
TPE 60 62
TPE
K. ZAKOPALOVA [1]
BRA
63 62
BRA
L. KICHENOK
N. KICHENOK
UKR 62 61
UKR
I. BEGU
M. IRIGOYEN
62 67(5) 10-8
HUN
AUS
T. BABOS
J. GAJDOSOVA [3]
ARG 62 60
FRA
I. BEGU
M. IRIGOYEN
ROU
64 75
ARG
I. BEGU
M. IRIGOYEN
ROU 75 61
ESP
PIGOSSI, Laura
BRA
BRA
WC 9
K. NARA [5]
60 76(3)
Prize Money
Winner
$43,000
Finalist
$21,400
Semi-Finalist
$11,500
Quarter-Finalist
$6,175
2nd Round
$3,400
1st Round
$2,100
Katarzyna Piter (118)
Teliana Pereira
1
WC 3
4
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
26 76(7) 61
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
ITA 64 64
Rank
34
43
59
60
64
65
68
69
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
N. BURNETT
57 62 75
Q 23
17 - 23 February 2014
ALVES, Maria Fernanda
I. BEGU/M. IRIGOYEN
62 60
KANIA, Paula
10 SOLOVYEVA, Valeria
P. KANIA
V. SOLOVYEVA
POL 63 63
RUS
11 DUQUE-MARINO, Mariana
ESP
COL
BURYACHOK, Irina
12 PITER, Katarzyna
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
M. DUQUE-MARINO
UKR 36 61 10-8
POL
ADAMCZAK, Monique
13 VOGT, Stephanie
AUS
LIE
OLARU, Raluca
14 PANOVA, Alexandra
I. OLARU
A. PANOVA
ROU 62 76(4)
RUS
LARSSON, Johanna
15 SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
SWE
RSA
JURAK, Darija
16 KLEPAC, Andreja
Seeded Players
1 ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora / ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
2 JURAK, Darija / KLEPAC, Andreja
3 BABOS, Timea / GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila
4 BURYACHOK, Irina / PITER, Katarzyna
Cadantu/Soler-Espinosa (238)
Player Representative(s)
Beatriz Haddad Maia
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
M. DUQUE-MARINO
64 36 10-4
J. LARSSON
C. SCHEEPERS
wo.
J. LARSSON
C. SCHEEPERS
46 62 10-3
J. LARSSON
C. SCHEEPERS
CRO 60 63
SLO
Rank
77
124
135
148
Prize Money (per team)
Winner
$12,300
Finalist
$6,400
Semi-Finalist
$3,435
Quarter-Finalist
$1,820
First Round
$960
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1
Alternates / Retirements / Withdrawals
L. Dominguez Lino / M. Duque-Marino - L. Dominguez Lino (Left hamstring strain)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Melanie Tabb
30
BRASIL TENNIS CUP
Date: 23 Febraury/ 1 March 2014
Tournament Director: Rafael Westrupp
Supervisor: Mariana Alves
Surface: Synthetic
Balls: Wilson US Open
ZAKOPALOVA’ REDEMPTION
After losing just seven days before the final played on the
red courts of Rio de Janeiro, Klara Zakopalova was able to
redeem herself in the International WTA tournament of
Florianopolis. In the final played on the synthetic courts
of the city located in the eastern part of Brazil on the
Atlantic coast, the Czech tennis player took her avenge on
the young Garbine Muguruza, to whom earlier in the year
she lost the final of Hobart. Yet, the outcome of the final
was not that obvious and in more than one occasion the
FLORIANOPOLIS
game seemed to go in favour of Muguruza, making
everybody believe in a repeat of the result of a few
weeks back on Australian soil. Zakopalova, seed No. 3
of the main Draw, after defeating the seed No. 1 Suarez
Navarro in the semi-final, found hard to adjust to the
powerful and precise tennis of the young Muguruza,
who appeared impenetrable for large parts of the
match. With the score of 6/4 5/2 in her favour the
Spanish felt safe from any danger. Yet, the experience
of the thirty-two years old Zakopalova, who celebrated
her birthday during the Brazilian week, changed the
fate of the match. After retrieving the disadvantage,
the Czech won the second set 7/5 and dominated
the third one without losing even a single game, for a
total of eleven consecutive victories. After eight years
of fasting, the tennis player from Prague finally goes
back to win. Bitter tears for Muguruza, who got very close
to getting a second title in just two months, however, the
twenty year old from Venezuela will be remain one of the
revelations of the season. Repeating the success of the
previous edition, Yaroslava Shvedova and Anabel Medina
Garrigues won the Doubles tournament, defeating at
the super tie-break Francesca Schiavone and Silvia SolerEspinosa.
31
Brasil Tennis Cup
Florianopolis, Brazil
Brasil Tennis Cup
23 February - 1 March 2014
Hard
Florianopolis, Brazil
23 February - 1 March 2014
Hard
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
1
2
BABOS, Timea
3
BERTENS, Kiki
ESP
7
16 TORRO-FLOR, Maria-Teresa
HUN 62 62
NED
63 76(2)
K. BERTENS
KAZ 64 16 62
BRA
46 60 41 Ret'd
D. KOVINIC
MNE 63 61
M. NICULESCU [5]
SVK
63 61
M. NICULESCU [5]
ROU 60 46 62
K. ZAKOPALOVA [3]
CZE
63 36 62
K. ZAKOPALOVA [3]
CRO 63 63
K. ZAKOPALOVA [3]
SWE
63 63
A. LIM
FRA 76(5) 26 64
K. ZAKOPALOVA [3]
ROU
63 52 Ret'd
A. DULGHERU
COL 61 76(5)
A. DULGHERU
BRA
75 62
T. PEREIRA
ESP 64 63
6
17 CADANTU, Alexandra
ROU
Q 4
WC 5
Q 6
KARATANTCHEVA, Sesil
KOVINIC, Danka
7
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
5
8
NICULESCU, Monica
3
9
ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
10 VEKIC, Donna
11 LARSSON, Johanna
Q 12 LIM, Alizé
Q 13 DULGHERU, Alexandra
Q 14 DUQUE-MARINO, Mariana
SE 15 PEREIRA, Teliana
WC 18 CE, Gabriela
19 PFIZENMAIER, Dinah
21 SOLER-ESPINOSA, Silvia
ESP
22 SHVEDOVA, Yaroslava
Y. SHVEDOVA
KAZ 76(1) 76(1)
23 ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora
CZE
8
25 ORMAECHEA, Paula
Rank
16
34
35
43
53
60
63
65
30 SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
31 KING, Vania
www.wtatennis.com
3
2
BURYACHOK, Irina
PITER, Katarzyna
G. MUGURUZA [2]
62 63
Prize Money
Pts.
Winner
$43,000 280
Finalist
$21,400 180
Semi-Finalist
$11,500 110
Quarter-Finalist
$6,175 60
2nd Round
$3,400 30 A. Dulgheru - Lower Back Injury
1st Round
$2,100
1 M. Niculescu - Right Foot Injury
Donna Vekic - 94
WTA Supervisor(s)
Carla Suarez Navarro & Francesca Schiavone
Mariana Alves
4
IRIGOYEN, Maria
V. KING
B. ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA [1]
UKR 62 75
POL
V. KING
B. ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA [1]
BRA
61 62
BRA
C. CASTANO
M. DUQUE-MARINO
COL 61 64
COL
A. MEDINA GARRIGUES
Y. SHVEDOVA [3]
76(7) 61
ESP
KAZ
A. MEDINA GARRIGUES
Y. SHVEDOVA [3]
UKR 64 60
UKR
A. MEDINA GARRIGUES
Y. SHVEDOVA [3]
RUS
63 46 10-7
FRA
A. PANOVA
L. THORPE
BOL 63 57 10-8
ARG
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
SOLOVYEVA, Valeria
ROU
RUS
ALVES, Maria Fernanda
4
CASTANO, Catalina
5
MEDINA GARRIGUES, Anabel
SHVEDOVA, Yaroslava
6
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
KICHENOK, Nadiya
7
PANOVA, Alexandra
THORPE, Laura
8
Y. SHVEDOVA
63 63
32 MUGURUZA, Garbine
28 HSIEH, Su-Wei
29 GLUSHKO, Julia
KING, Vania
USA
ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbo CZE
9
Seeded Players
MUGURUZA, Garbine
ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
NICULESCU, Monica
CADANTU, Alexandra
ORMAECHEA, Paula
Q 27 VAN UYTVANCK, Alison
1
WC 3
A. CADANTU [6]
62 63
Y. SHVEDOVA
62 75
ITA 64 16 75
ARG
1
Klara ZAKOPALOVA [3]
46 75 60
P. ORMAECHEA [8]
BRA 61 62
A. VAN UYTVANCK
BEL
62 62
A. VAN UYTVANCK
TPE 63 62
G. MUGURUZA [2]
ISR
62 67(1) 63
C. SCHEEPERS
RSA 46 60 63
G. MUGURUZA [2]
USA
62 61
G. MUGURUZA [2]
ESP 62 36 75
WC 26 HADDAD MAIA, Beatriz
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
GER
20 MAYR-ACHLEITNER, Patricia
24 SCHIAVONE, Francesca
2
A. CADANTU [6]
BRA 61 63
D. PFIZENMAIER
AUT 64 36 75
4
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
ALVAREZ TERAN, Maria Fernanda
76(1) 26 10-3
10 SOLER-ESPINOSA, Silvia
F. SCHIAVONE
S. SOLER-ESPINOSA
ITA 62 63
ESP
RUS, Arantxa
11 VOGT, Stephanie
NED
LIE
JURAK, Darija
12 KLEPAC, Andreja
WC 13 PIGOSSI, Laura
Alt
A. MEDINA GARRIGUES/Y. SHVEDOVA [3]
A. RUS
S. VOGT
CRO 64 46 10-8
SLO
T. BABOS
J. GAJDOSOVA
HUN 64 61
AUS
ADAMCZAK, Monique
15 RODIONOVA, Arina
AUS
AUS
Seeded Players
1 KING, Vania / ZAHLAVOVA STRYCOVA, Barbora
2 NICULESCU, Monica / ZAKOPALOVA, Klara
3 MEDINA GARRIGUES, Anabel / SHVEDOVA, Yaroslava
4 JURAK, Darija / KLEPAC, Andreja
M. Alvarez Teran / M. Irigoyen - 266
Beatriz Haddad Maia
F. SCHIAVONE
S. SOLER-ESPINOSA
64 62
BRA
BRA
BABOS, Timea
14 GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila
GLUSHKO, Julia
16 KANIA, Paula
F. SCHIAVONE
S. SOLER-ESPINOSA
64 36 11-9
J. GLUSHKO
P. KANIA
46 63 10-4
J. GLUSHKO
P. KANIA
ISR 63 62
POL
Rank
81
84
89
119
Winner
$12,300
Finalist
$6,400
Semi-Finalist
$3,435
Quarter-Finalist
$1,820
First Round
$960
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1
J. Glushko / P. Kania [Alt] - K. Zakopalova (Viral Chest Infection)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Mariana Alves
32
The protagonist
Klara Koukalová
TENNIS & TOURISM
FLORIANOPOLIS, BRAZILIAN ISLAND
Florianopolis with its nearly half a million inhabitants is
the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Commonly
called “Floripa”, it has been declared the Brazilian capital
with the best quality of life. Having more than one hundred
beaches, its economy is mainly based on tourism. The
club is located on the west coast and has five hard purple
courts (three used for the tournament matches and two
for training). The club hosts also the offices of the Brazilian
federation of tennis (FBT). Tickets for the Brasil Tennis
Cup are on sale on line and their cost varies depending
on the seat and the day of competition. Located at just a
few minutes by taxi from the club, he official hotel of the
tournament is the “Majestic Palacte”. Florianopolis has
an international airport well connected with the rest of
South America. Near the club there are many restaurants:
“Macarronada Italian”is one of the most popular restaurants
in the city (Italian cuisine). “Pier 54 Restaurant” offers a
breathtaking view of Florianopolis, and good live music.
For good fish dishes we suggest “Ponta das Caranhas”. For
a drink after eating we recommend “Confraria das Artes”,
while if you feel like dancing our choices are “El Divino
Lounge” in Beiramar Norte (pop and electronic music) and
“John Bull Pub” in Lagoa da Conceição (pop/rock music).
FLORIANOPOLIS
Born in Prague, Czech Republic on February 24,
1982, Klara Koukalová closed the 2014 at No. 41
of the WTA rankings. Married to footballer Jan
Zakopal she used the surname Za-kopalova until
March 2014, when she divorced her husband. Her
best ranking dates back to April 2013, when she
reached No. 20. After four WTA Doubles titles,
Klara finally got in Flo-rianopolis her first WTA
Single victory. February was for Koukalová the
most fruitful month of the season: before the
triumph in Florianopolis, she played the final in the
International tournament of Rio de Janeiro. Further
on in the season on the clay courts of Katowice, the
Czech player was able to defeat the Polish Linette
and the German Beck before losing in three sets
to the French Cornet in the quarterfinals. Positive
parenthesis on the grass before Wimbledon:
the semi-final of Hertogenbosch, Netherlands,
and the quarterfinals in Birming-ham, stopped
respectively by Ivanovic and Vandeweghe. Less
positive, however, the second half of the season
with several defeats in the first round except for
the second round in Linz, Austria, and Seoul,
South Korea. Her inseparable travel companions
are two plush, a teddy bear and a tortoise.
33
XXI COPA CLARO COLSANITAS
Date: 07/13 April 2014
Tournament Director: Jhan Fontalvo
Supervisor: Kerrilyn Cramer
Surface: Red Clay
GARCIA TAKES THE SCEPTER
Three hundred sixty-five days later, the International
WTA tournament of Bogotà was ready to celebrate once
again Jelena Jankovic as the winner. Seed No. 1 of the
main draw and winner of the 2013 edition, Jankovic was
the great favourite in the final match against the young
French player Caroline Garcia, seed No. 5 of the Colombian
tournament. Garcia, class 1993, who already proved
herself in prestigious tournaments as well as winner in
2013 of the rich $ 100.000 ITF of Cagnes-Sur-Mer, had on
the red courts of Colombia a dream week, dominating
all her opponents with the only exception of the Serbian
Danka Kovinic in the second round. Physically imposing,
she relied on her strength and powerful strokes to get the
better of her rival Jankovic, a player met twice in the past
and to whom she had lost in both occasions, although
very close to beat her in Charleston. But not this time. After
losing the first set, Caroline did not let the fear take over
her and kept pushing on the accelerator earning her first
win against a top 10 player and bringing home her first
WTA title. An important victory that brought her a step
away from the top 50 players in the world. Not content
with the Singles title, the French player paired with the
Spanish Lara Arruabarrena, won the Doubles’ too. In the
final they defeated the seed No. 1 of the tournament, Vania
King and Chanelle Sheepers. Serena Williams was the last
female player to win both the Single and the Doubles title
at the 2012 Olympic Games.
34
Claro Open Colsanitas
Claro Open Colsanitas
Bogota, Colombia
Bogota, Colombia 7-13 April 2014
Red Clay
Red Clay
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
1
JANKOVIC, Jelena
2
JOHANSSON, Mathilde
J. JANKOVIC [1]
FRA 75 75
3
PFIZENMAIER, Dinah
GER
SHAPATAVA, Sofia
S. SHAPATAVA
GEO 64 26 62
WC 5
HERAZO GONZALEZ, Maria
COL
ARRUABARRENA, Lara
7
8
ORMAECHEA, Paula
3
9
KNAPP, Karin
10
SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
ITA
C. SCHEEPERS
RSA 63 76(4)
11
PANOVA, Alexandra
RUS
12
MLADENOVIC, Kristina
LIZARAZO, Yuliana
A. PANOVA
FRA 61 46 62
Q 14
VICKERY, Sachia
COL
Y. LIZARAZO
USA 75 64
BRA
15
PEREIRA, Teliana
8
16
5
17
GARCIA, Caroline
Q 18
MOLINERO, Florencia
Q 19
GIBBS, Nicole
FRA
C. GARCIA [5]
ARG 63 64
USA
D. KOVINIC
MNE 46 63 60
KOVINIC, Danka
21
OPRANDI, Romina
22
MARIA, Tatjana
SUI
R. OPRANDI
GER 76(7) 61
ROU
23
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
4
24
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
I. BEGU
SVK 63 61
6
25
KING, Vania
USA
26
MAJERIC, Tadeja
V. KING [6]
SLO 61 75
27
KUDRYAVTSEVA, Alla
RUS
29
LL 30
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
IRIGOYEN, Maria
M. IRIGOYEN
ARG 62 46 63
ROGOWSKA, Olivia
AUS
KHROMACHEVA, Irina
31
32
STEPHENS, Sloane
Seeded Players
JANKOVIC, Jelena
STEPHENS, Sloane
KNAPP, Karin
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
GARCIA, Caroline
KING, Vania
ORMAECHEA, Paula
C. SCHEEPERS
63 62
Rank
8
18
50
66
71
72
74
76
1
KING, Vania
SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
WC
2
HERAZO GONZALEZ, Maria
PEREZ GARCIA, Maria Paulina
V. KING
C. SCHEEPERS [1]
COL 16 75 10-5
COL
3
JANKOVIC, Jelena
KOVINIC, Danka
SRB
MNE
4
HSU, Chieh-Yu
KOSTOVA, Elitsa
C. HSU
E. KOSTOVA
USA 16 63 10-6
BUL
5
FICHMAN, Sharon
PANOVA, Alexandra
CAN
RUS
6
HESSE, Amandine
S. FICHMAN
A. PANOVA [4]
FRA 60 76(3)
FRA
7
ORMAECHEA, Paula
STEPHENS, Sloane
ARG
USA
8
PEREZ, Adriana
PIGOSSI, Laura
A. PEREZ
L. PIGOSSI
VEN 67(5) 75 10-5
BRA
9
COHEN, Julia
MARIA, Tatjana
USA
GER
10
ARRUABARRENA, Lara
GARCIA, Caroline
L. ARRUABARRENA
C. GARCIA
ESP 61 62
FRA
11
MOLINERO, Florencia
OPRANDI, Romina
ARG
SUI
3
12
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
IRIGOYEN, Maria
I. BEGU
M. IRIGOYEN [3]
ROU 64 62
ARG
Alt
13
GRYMALSKA, Anastasia
SHAKOVETS, Christina
ITA
GER
14
MELICHAR, Nicole
SLATER, Nicola
A. GRYMALSKA
C. SHAKOVETS
USA 46 64 10-0
GBR
15
MELNIKOVA, Marina
SHAPATAVA, Sofia
RUS
GEO
16
PARRA SANTONJA, Arantxa
Alt
C. SCHEEPERS
62 61
WC
Caroline GARCIA [5]
63 64
C. GARCIA [5]
26 63 64
C. GARCIA [5]
61 75
R. OPRANDI
64 61
C. GARCIA [5]
62 64
V. KING [6]
64 36 60
V. KING [6]
76(4) 75
I. KHROMACHEVA
RUS 62 62
M. DUQUE-MARINO
COL
62 64
M. DUQUE-MARINO
USA 63 63
www.wtatennis.com
BOGOTA’
J. JANKOVIC [1]
61 75
1
4
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO [8]
62 63
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO [8]
ESP 62 64
20
WC 28
J. JANKOVIC [1]
64 63
J. JANKOVIC [1]
64 64
L. ARRUABARRENA
ESP 61 60
L. ARRUABARRENA
AUT
64 76(3)
P. ORMAECHEA [7]
ARG 75 61
7
WC 13
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
SRB
LL 4
Q 6
7-13 April 2014
Prize Money
Pts.
Winner
$43,000 280 I. Khromacheva [LL] - S. Fichman (GI Illness)
Finalist
$21,400 180 S. Shapatava [LL] - O. Govortsova (Left Knee Injury)
Semi-Finalist
$11,300 110
Quarter-Finalist
$5,900 60
2nd Round
$3,310 30
1st Round
$1,925
1
Danka Kovinic - 144
WTA Supervisor(s)
Jasmina Tinjic
Kerrilyn Cramer
2
Seeded Players
1 KING, Vania / SCHEEPERS, Chanelle
2 DOMINGUEZ LINO, Lourdes / PARRA SANTONJA, Arantxa
3 BEGU, Irina-Camelia / IRIGOYEN, Maria
4 FICHMAN, Sharon / PANOVA, Alexandra
Jankovic/Kovinic 403
Maria Paulina Perez Garcia
USA
RSA
V. KING
C. SCHEEPERS [1]
wo.
V. KING
C. SCHEEPERS [1]
76(4) 62
S. FICHMAN
A. PANOVA [4]
57 63 10-6
L. ARRUABARRENA/C. GARCIA
76(5) 64
L. ARRUABARRENA
C. GARCIA
63 64
L. ARRUABARRENA
C. GARCIA
63 64
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
A. PARRA SANTONJA [2]
62 63
L. DOMINGUEZ LINO
A. PARRA SANTONJA [2]
ESP 46 75 10-4
ESP
Rank
96
122
164
184
Winner
$12,300
Finalist
$6,400
Semi-Finalist
$3,435
Quarter-Finalist
$1,820
First Round
$960
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1
A. Grymalska / C. Shakovets [Alt] - T. Pereira (Right Thigh)
C. Hsu / E. Kostova [Alt] - O. Rogowska (Left Thigh Injury)
C. Hsu / E. Kostova - E. Kostova (Right Wrist Injury)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Kerrilyn Cramer
35
The protagonist
Caroline Garcia (FRA)
Born in Saint Germain en Laye, France, on October
16, 1993, Caroline Garcia ended 2014 at No. 38. Her
best ranking dates back to October 2014, when she
reached No. 34. Caroline is coached by her father
Louis Paul, former Spanish tennis player, even if to
accompany her in the circuit is usu-ally her mother.
In 2014 she proved herself at international level,
winning in Bogotà her first WTA title and being the
absolute star of the Fed Cup match between France
and the US. She was, in-deed, responsible for the
three points needed to her team to win the playoffs,
guaranteeing access to the World Group I. Her first
good result arrived on the concrete of Acapulco,
where she reached the semi-finals, beating among
others, the top ten Canadian Eugenie Bouchard.
Caroline played very well even the mandatory
Premier of Madrid where, after passing the qualifying
round, de-feated in order Kerber, Kirilenko and Errani,
losing at the end in three sets to Radwanska. In the
Slam her best result was the 3rd round at Wimbledon.
In the second half of the year she took her revenge
on Radwanska, defeating the Polish player in the
quarterfinals of the Premier of Wuhan, China.
TENNIS & TOURISM
BOGOTA’, CONGRESS’ CAPITAL
Capital of Colombia and of the department of
Cundinamarca, Bogotá with its 9 million inhabitants is
one of the largest metropolis in Latin America. The city is
located on a plateau at over 2600 metres above sea level.
It is one of the major centre in South America for business
conferences, conventions and trade fairs. It has a total of
193 meeting rooms (from 15 to 1,300 delegates) to host
any kind of event. The Copa Claro Colsanitas is played at
the Club Campestre El Rancho, a facility with twenty-five
tennis courts. The club also offers to its members eleven
restaurants, swimming pools, a golf course, bowling lanes,
an area for riding, a polygon, a football pitch and a fully
equipped gym. The admission is free during the week.
On Saturday the entry fee is $ 15, while on Sunday for the
final is $ 25. The official hotel is the “TRYP by Wyndham
Bogotá Usaquén”. Its room are modern and equipped with
every comfort. Stunning its panoramic restaurant. The
nearest airport is the International Airport of El Dorado,
a few kilometres from Bogotá. The cuisine of Colombia
is not very different from those of the Mediterranean
area, based on products of the earth is quite simple and
rich in vegetables and fruits. The typical dish of Bogotá
is the ajiaco santafereño, a soup prepared with chicken,
potatoes and sweet corns and served with sour cream
and capers. Other specialties, which are found in almost
all the restaurants of the city, are the sobrebarriga (a meat
dish baked or stewed accompanied by mashed potatoes)
and the puchero, prepared by cooking together meat,
cabbage, potatoes, green bananas and pumpkin.
36
BMW MALAYSIAN OPEN
Date: 14/ 20 April 2014
Tournament Director: Keld
Kristiansen
Supervisor: Chen Shu
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
VEKIC ‘S FIRST
Donna Vekic enters the “big” of tennis winning the BMW
Malaysian Open, the International WTA taking place in the
second half of April in Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia.
On the Malaysian hard courts the young Croatian tennis
player, born in 1996, not yet 18, conquered her first WTA
title. It was just a matter of time for Vekic, who already
played two finals in the major circuit, Tashkent and
Birmingham. To win her coveted first trophy Vekic had to
battle from the first round, winning in comeback against
the player from Taipei Yung-Yan Chan. Another victory in
comeback in the second round against the Czech Krystina
Pliskova, surpassed only 7/5 at the decisive set. Once
again in the semi-final against the Chinese Zhang Shuai
the tennis player from Osjek started the match with a set
of disadvantage (1/6) before winning at the third set. A
true masterpiece, however, the final with the first-seeded
Dominika Cibulkova. Under a set, Vekic did not surrender,
bringing the match to the decisive set. With the advantage
of 5/1 Donna started to lose the concentration, giving
the chance to her opponent to catch her up and letting
everybody believe in the victory of Cibulkova. Yet, Vekic
was able to pull herself up winning the decisive match
at the tie-break, showing a great control and authority.
After 2 hours and 52 minutes of battle, the tears of joy of
KUALA LUMPUR
the young Croatian is one of the
most significant moments of the
year: for the teenager it is a leap
of thirty rankings (she flies at No.
65) in addition to the recognition
of being the youngest tennis
player since 2006 to win a WTA
title (Vania King in Bangkok). HaoChing Chan and Timea Babos
won the Doubles tournament
defeating 6/3 6/4 Yung-Jan Chan
and the Chines Zheng.
37
BMW Malaysian Open
BMW Malaysian Open
Kuala Lumpur, MAS
Kuala Lumpur, MAS Apr 12- 20, 2014
Hard, DecoTurf
Hard, DecoTurf
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
1
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
Q 2
OZGEN, Pemra
3
HSIEH, Su-Wei
WC 4
5
Q 6
GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila
ONS, Jabeur
GATTO-MONTICONE, Giulia
WC 7
DANIILIDOU, Eleni
6
8
DIYAS, Zarina
3
9
PLISKOVA, Karolina
10
KRUNIC, Aleksandra
D. CIBULKOVA [1]
TUR 61 63
D. CIBULKOVA [1]
TPE
61 62
S. HSIEH
AUS 26 64 63
D. CIBULKOVA [1]
TUN
46 62 64
G. GATTO-MONTICONE
ITA 36 64 62
Z. DIYAS [6]
GRE
61 64
Z. DIYAS [6]
KAZ 62 62
CZE
K. PLISKOVA [3]
SRB 62 62
DUAN, Ying-Ying
Q 12
VRLJIC, Ana
CHN
Y. DUAN
CRO 63 62
13
MAJERIC, Tadeja
SLO
14
AMANMURADOVA, Akgul
T. MAJERIC
UZB 46 62 60
15
BUYUKAKCAY, Cagla
TUR
16
DATE-KRUMM, Kimiko
C. BUYUKAKCAY
JPN 53 Ret'd
CRO
7
17
VEKIC, Donna
18
CHAN, Yung-Jan
D. VEKIC [7]
TPE 36 64 61
19
BABOS, Timea
HUN
20
PLISKOVA, Kristyna
K. PLISKOVA
CZE 76(6) 36 64
21
KOVINIC, Danka
MNE
22
MESTACH, An-Sophie
C. BUYUKAKCAY
64 64
Donna VEKIC [7]
57 75 76(4)
D. VEKIC [7]
16 63 75
24
25
MORITA, Ayumi
JPN
L. KICHENOK
UKR 64 62
27
LINETTE, Magda
LIM, Alize
POL
M. LINETTE
FRA 63 60
ZHANG, Ling
HKG
30
SAVCHUK, Olga
L. ZHANG
UKR 63 62
31
ZHENG, Saisai
CHN
32
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ZHANG, Shuai
Seeded Players
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
ZHANG, Shuai
PLISKOVA, Karolina
DATE-KRUMM, Kimiko
DIYAS, Zarina
VEKIC, Donna
MORITA, Ayumi
www.wtatennis.com
BABOS, Timea
CHAN, Hao-Ching
2
KRUNIC, Aleksandra
VRLJIC, Ana
T. BABOS
H. CHAN [1]
SRB 46 60 13-11
CRO
BOEY, Alyssa
YANG, Zi
MAS
CHN
DANIILIDOU, Eleni
LINETTE, Magda
E. DANIILIDOU
M. LINETTE
GRE 60 60
POL
5
GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila
HSIEH, Su-Wei
AUS
TPE
6
CHUANG, Chia-Jung
FUJIWARA, Rika
J. GAJDOSOVA
S. HSIEH [3]
TPE 63 64
JPN
7
CHAN, Chin-Wei
XU, Yi-Fan
TPE
CHN
8
SEMA, Erika
SEMA, Yurika
C. CHAN
Y. XU
JPN 63 57 10-8
JPN
9
HSIEH, Shu-Ying
RODIONOVA, Arina
TPE
AUS
10
HOZUMI, Eri
MIYAMURA, Miki
BUYUKAKCAY, Cagla
WC 11 OZGEN, Pemra
S. ZHANG [2]
CHN 26 62 62
Rank
10
46
67
81
83
93
95
112
4
12
13
PLISKOVA, Karolina
PLISKOVA, Kristyna
CZE
CZE
14
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
SAVCHUK, Olga
L. KICHENOK
O. SAVCHUK
UKR 64 46 10-8
UKR
15
LERTPITAKSINCHAI, Nicha
PLIPUECH, Peangtarn
THA
THA
16
JURAK, Darija
MOULTON-LEVY, Megan
S. ZHANG [2]
62 26 61
Prize Money
Winner
$43,000
Finalist
$21,400
Semi-Finalist
$11,500
Quarter-Finalist
$6,175
2nd Round
$3,400
1st Round
$2,100
Savchuk (171)
Gajdosova, Pliskova & Zheng
Pts.
280
180
110
60
30 K. Date-Krumm - left calf injury
1
WTA Supervisor(s)
Chen Shu
1
2
3
4
TUR
TUR
Y. CHAN
S. ZHENG [4]
TPE 60 61
CHN
M. LINETTE
61 62
2
S. HSIEH
A. RODIONOVA
JPN 67(0) 62 10-3
JPN
CHAN, Yung-Jan
ZHENG, Saisai
D. VEKIC [7]
16 63 64
S. ZHANG [2]
63 46 60
HUN
TPE
4
JPN
28
WC 29
2
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
Alt
D. VEKIC [7]
64 75
8
Q 26
D. CIBULKOVA [1]
67(3) 63 63
K. PLISKOVA [3]
64 64
D. KOVINIC
BEL 64 62
1
WC 3
K. PLISKOVA [3]
61 63
4
HOZUMI, Eri
1
3
P. MAYR-ACHLEITNER [4]
64 36 61
P. MAYR-ACHLEITNER [4]
AUT 64 26 63
Q 23
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
SVK
Q 11
5
Apr 12- 20, 2014
Seeded Players
BABOS, Timea / CHAN, Hao-Ching
JURAK, Darija / MOULTON-LEVY, Megan
GAJDOSOVA, Jarmila / HSIEH, Su-Wei
CHAN, Yung-Jan / ZHENG, Saisai
Sema / Sema (296)
Chan HC/Hsieh SY
T. BABOS
H. CHAN [1]
76(5) 62
T. BABOS
H. CHAN [1]
63 63
J. GAJDOSOVA
S. HSIEH [3]
63 63
Y. CHAN
S. ZHENG [4]
60 61
Y. CHAN
S. ZHENG [4]
46 64 10-4
L. KICHENOK
O. SAVCHUK
63 57 10-5
D. JURAK
M. MOULTON-LEVY [2]
CRO 60 64
USA
Rank
59
101
108
142
Winner
$12,300
Finalist
$6,400
Semi-Finalist
$3,435
Quarter-Finalist
$1,820
First Round
$960
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1
S. Hsieh / A. Rodionova [Alt] - K. Date-Krumm (Left calf injury)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Chen Shu
38
The protagonist
Donna Vekic
Born in Osijek, Croatia, on 28 June 1996, Donna
Vekic ended 2014 at No. 84. Her best ranking goes
back to July 15 2013, when she was No. 62. Her
coach is David Felgate, former ‘80s British pro, who
previously coached Malisse and Vaidisova. The title
won in Kuala Lumpur is the first in the major circuit
for the promising Croatian player. Not yet 18 years
old in February she represented her own Country in
four matches of the Fed Cup played in Budapest as
part of the Group Europe-Africa. A month later, after
passing the qualifiers, she reached the third round
in the mandatory matches of the Premier of Miami.
At Wimbledon she defeated Roberta Vinci in the first
round, be-fore giving in to former world no. 2 Vera
Zvonareva. In the rest of the season some physical
prob-lems and excessive pressure put a stop to the
good Dokic had built in the year. She suffered several first round defeats, some even by opponents
within her reach. To be able to enter in the top 50 in
2015 Felgate will have to work on her mental state
more than anything else.
KUALA LUMPUR
TENNIS & TOURISM
KUALA LUMPUR, TOURISM MAGNET
Established in 1857 at the confluence of the rivers Gombak
and Klang, Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, a nation
in full economic boom. Before gaining its independence
in 1957, Malaysia was under the British and Japanese
rule. With almost 9 million tourists besieging every year
its many shopping centre and wonderful beaches, it is
the sixth most visited city in the world. Among the most
popular tourist destinations are the Jamek Mosque, built in
1907, the Petronas Towers, skyscrapers symbol of the city
and several other religious temples. The BMW Malaysian
Open is played inside the Royal Selangor Golf Club, in the
“Golden Triangle” district. The club has four hard tennis
courts, including a two thousand seats Central, five grass
courts, a swimming pool and several dining places. The
admission is free until Thursday. Subsequently the ticket
varies depending on the day and seat, from a minimum of
$ 9 to a maximum of $ 45. The official hotel is the “Traders
Hotel Kuala Lumpur”, located in the city centre, a short
walk from the Petronas Towers. Inside the hotel there
are several restaurants with traditional and international
cuisine and a sky bar with panoramic views. The rooms are
equipped with every comfort. Players and staff have access
to a shuttle service to and from the Royal Selangor Golf
Club. From the hotel to the club it takes about 10 minutes
by car. The Kuala Lumpur Airport is located in the district
of Sepang, about 50 kilometres from the capital. Like all
modern cities in Kuala Lumpur you are spoiled for choice
in terms of restaurants and entertainment venues. The
district Bukit Bintang is full of bars, pubs, bistros, massage
parlours, nightclubs and shopping centres.
39
Date: 14/ 20 July 2014
Tournament Director: Coskun Erginer
Surface: Rebound Ace Pro Cushion System
WOZNIACKI: END OF NIGHTMARE
Caroline Wozniacki, former world No. 1, won in the
renewed International WTA of Istanbul, her first title of
the season. After nine terrible months, caused also by the
badly ended relationship with her betrothed Rory McIlroy,
the Danish player finally seemed to recover earning in
the World Heritage City her twenty-second career title.
A tournament strongly wanted and fought for, since
the first match against the young hope Belinda Bencic,
already playing in the international circuit. Wozniacki used
all her experience and tenacity, fighting for every single
point and leaving not even a single game to the talented
Swiss. Honoured with a Wild Card, Wozniacki carried on
her journey towards the title defeating in come back the
powerful Italian Karin Knapp and then, always in three sets,
the Czech Karolina Pliskova. Much easier the semi-final
against the French Kristina Mladenovic, who, winner of the
quarterfinals battle with the Italian Francesca Schiavone,
denied to Wozniacki the possibility of an Italian back to
back. In the final the Danish player met Roberta Vinci, who
had already defeated her in two different occasions, the
latest being a few months earlier on the red of Madrid.
This time Vinci, although strong of the final reached the
previous week in Bucharest, could not do anything against
Wozniacki, inaccessible in any area of the court and able to
end the match with a double 6/1.
To celebrate with her in Istanbul were her father and
her friend Marta Domachowska. With the Turkish title,
Wozniacki can boast the small record of having won for
the past seven years at least one title every year. Misaki
Doi and Elina Svitolina won the Doubles’ final against the
Georgian Kalashnikova and the Polish Kania with a clean
6/4 6/0.
40
Istanbul, Turkey 14-20 July 2014
Hard, Rebound Ace Pro
Istanbul, Turkey
1 WC 1
WOZNIACKI, Caroline
2
BENCIC, Belinda
3
KNAPP, Karin
WC 4
5
SOYLU, Ipek
PEER, Shahar
ITA
K. KNAPP
TUR 62 62
KULICHKOVA, Elizaveta
S. PEER
RUS 16 61 64
BUYUKAKCAY, Cagla
TUR
8
PLISKOVA, Karolina
8
3
9
KOUKALOVA, Klara
10 VEKIC, Donna
11 MLADENOVIC, Kristina
12 MAYR-ACHLEITNER, Patricia
14 JAKSIC, Jovana
15 VAN UYTVANCK, Alison
7
16 JOVANOVSKI, Bojana
5
17 RYBARIKOVA, Magdalena
Q 18 KONJUH, Ana
19 NICULESCU, Monica
K. PLISKOVA [8]
CZE 64 36 60
SVK
A. KONJUH
CRO 36 63 64
ROU
SUI
22 PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana
S. VOEGELE
BUL 64 75
23 KOVINIC, Danka
MNE
25 NARA, Kurumi
E. SVITOLINA [4]
UKR 61 46 64
Q 26 KONTA, Johanna
JPN
K. NARA [6]
GBR 62 60
Q 27 SINIAKOVA, Katerina
CZE
28 GLUSHKO, Julia
Q 29 KOZLOVA, Kateryna
Q 30 DULGHERU, Alexandra
31 TATISHVILI, Anna
2
32 VINCI, Roberta
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Seeded Players
WOZNIACKI, Caroline
VINCI, Roberta
KOUKALOVA, Klara
SVITOLINA, Elina
RYBARIKOVA, Magdalena
NARA, Kurumi
JOVANOVSKI, Bojana
PLISKOVA, Karolina
K. SINIAKOVA
ISR 62 64
UKR
A. DULGHERU
ROU 36 60 63
USA
R. VINCI [2]
ITA 62 62
Rank
15
24
32
35
37
39
41
48
www.wtatennis.com
ISTANBUL
C. WOZNIACKI [1]
62 63
4
BURYACHOK, Irina
KUDRYAVTSEVA, Alla
2
GLUSHKO, Julia
KLEMENSCHITS, Sandra
J. GLUSHKO
S. KLEMENSCHITS
ISR 63 36 11-9
AUT
3
MINELLA, Mandy
VOEGELE, Stefanie
LUX
SUI
4
DOI, Misaki
SVITOLINA, Elina
M. DOI
E. SVITOLINA
JPN 76(2) 62
UKR
5
HUSAROVA, Janette
JANS-IGNACIK, Klaudia
SVK
POL
7
Caroline WOZNIACKI [1]
61 61
WC 8
9
A. KONJUH
64 67(3) 64
A. KONJUH
64 16 61
E. SVITOLINA [4]
60 63
R. VINCI [2]
64 62
3
K. NARA [6]
76(5) 67(3) 62
R. VINCI [2]
60 62
R. VINCI [2]
63 41 Ret'd
Prize Money
Winner
$43,000
Finalist
$21,400
Semi-Finalist
$11,500
Quarter-Finalist
$6,175
2nd Round
$3,400
1st Round
$2,100
Anna Tatishvili - 111
Donna Vekic & Ipek Soylu
1
WC 6
K. MLADENOVIC
36 63 75
F. SCHIAVONE
BEL
61 64
B. JOVANOVSKI [7]
SRB 16 64 75
21 VOEGELE, Stefanie
6
1
K. PLISKOVA [8]
62 75
ITA
F. SCHIAVONE
SRB 62 63
M. DOI
JPN 53 Ret'd
24 SVITOLINA, Elina
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
C. WOZNIACKI [1]
61 36 62
CZE
K. KOUKALOVA [3]
CRO 46 60 64
K. MLADENOVIC
FRA
61 63
K. MLADENOVIC
AUT 64 62
20 DOI, Misaki
4
C. WOZNIACKI [1]
46 62 61
ISR
WC 7
Q 6
Hard, Rebound Ace Pro
DEN
C. WOZNIACKI [1]
SUI 60 60
2
Pts.
280
180
110
60
30 A. Dulgheru - Right Shoulder Injury
1 M. Niculescu - Right Leg Injury
WTA Supervisor(s)
Mariana Alves
14-20 July 2014
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1
2
3
4
UKR
RUS
SEZER, Melis
SOYLU, Ipek
J. HUSAROVA
K. JANS-IGNACIK [4]
TUR 26 61 12-10
TUR
SMITKOVA, Tereza
AUT
CZE
JOVANOVSKI, Bojana
B. JOVANOVSKI
F. SCHIAVONE
SRB 63 63
ITA
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
KICHENOK, Nadiia
UKR
UKR
KALASHNIKOVA, Oksana
10 KANIA, Paula
OLARU, Raluca
11 PEER, Shahar
ROU
ISR
BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya
12 SAVCHUK, Olga
Y. BEYGELZIMER
O. SAVCHUK [3]
UKR 60 62
UKR
SOLOVYEVA, Valeria
13 TATISHVILI, Anna
RUS
USA
KOZLOVA, Kateryna
14 SASNOVICH, Aliaksandra
V. SOLOVYEVA
A. TATISHVILI
UKR 63 75
BLR
BUYUKAKCAY, Cagla
15 OZGEN, Pemra
TUR
TUR
Seeded Players
J. HUSAROVA
K. JANS-IGNACIK [4]
62 57 10-5
O. KALASHNIKOVA
P. KANIA
60 62
O. KALASHNIKOVA
P. KANIA
67(4) 64 12-10
V. SOLOVYEVA
A. TATISHVILI
36 64 11-9
K. PLISKOVA
K. PLISKOVA [2]
CZE 62 36 10-5
CZE
Rank
98
124
BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya / SAVCHUK, Olga 142
HUSAROVA, Janette / JANS-IGNACIK, Klaudia 143
P. Mayr-Achleitner / T. Smitkova - 401
Klara Koukalova
BURYACHOK, Irina / KUDRYAVTSEVA, Alla
PLISKOVA, Karolina / PLISKOVA, Kristyna
M. DOI
E. SVITOLINA
67(4) 63 10-6
M. DOI/E. SVITOLINA
64 60
O. KALASHNIKOVA
P. KANIA
GEO 67(3) 64 10-8
POL
PLISKOVA, Karolina
16 PLISKOVA, Kristyna
M. DOI
E. SVITOLINA
64 76(5)
Winner
$12,300
Finalist
$6,400
Semi-Finalist
$3,435
Quarter-Finalist
$1,820
First Round
$960
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1
WTA Supervisor(s)
Mariana Alves
41
The protagonist
Caroline Wozniacki
Born in Odense, Denmark, on 11 July 1990, Caroline
Wozniacki, ex N0. 1, position reached on 11 October
2010 and kept for sixty-nine weeks, forty of which
consecutive, ended 2014 at No. 8 in the world
rankings. After changing in 2014 different coaches,
she is now trained by her father Piotr (a Polish
emigrated in Denmark in the eighties). She has been
engaged with the Irish golf champion Rory McIlroy,
becoming one of the most glamorous sport couple.
The title won in Istanbul is the only Single’s caught
in the season and goes to enriches an already quite
full mantel shelf, for a to-tal of twenty-three titles
including the Premier of the Indian Wells, Charleston,
Montreal, Dubai and Beijing. Wozniacki’s 2014 began
with the semi-final in Dubai, then she reached the
quarter-finals on the concrete of Miami (losing in two
sets to Li Na). In April she reached the semi-finals in
Monterrey, Mexico, followed by the one on the grass
of Eastbourne in June and on the concrete of the
Premier of Cincinnati in August. The most prestigious
(and profitable) result of the year re-mains, however,
the final at the US Open against her great friend
Serena Williams. In the last part of the season she hit
another final in Tokyo and the semi-finals in Wuhan
and in the WTA Masters of Singapore.
TENNIS & TOURISM
ISTANBUL, BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE
With over 17 million inhabitants, Istanbul is one of the
largest cities in the world. Among its uniqueness it is the
fact that it rise on two continents, Europe and Asia, divided
only by the Bosporus Strait. The city is over a thousand
years old and over the centuries changed its name several
times: Byzantium first, then Constantinople and finally in
1930 Istanbul.
The Istanbul WTA tournament takes place at the new
“Kaza World of Sports Arena”. The club is located in the
suburbs and it takes a good half a hour to reach it from
the city centre. It has five hard courts, three dedicated to
the matches and two to training, a beautiful Central, a gym
and restaurants.
The fee to enter the tournament varies according to the
day of the competition. The official hotel is the five stars
“Ramada Plaza”, located about twenty minutes drive
from the club. It offers to its clients a restaurant with
international cuisine, a swimming pool, a health spa, a
hair salon, a gym and conference rooms. Between the
hotel and the club there is a shuttle service offered by the
tournament organization. At about twenty-five minutes
drive from the hotel, Ataturk Airport is the main airport of
Istanbul.
The restaurant inside the club offers a variety of food or
you can go in one of the many restaurants in the nearby
shopping centre. No more than ten minutes drive from
the hotel there is another excellent mall, “Istanbul Forum”,
where you can find any kind of restaurants. Turkish cuisine
is of a particular taste and you must be able to adapt.
42
BAKU CUP 2014
Date: 21/ 28 July 2014
Tournament Director: Leila Meshki
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat Team
ELINA’S TROPHY
Same place, same story. After one year, Elina Svitolina
reacted the script of the previous edition of the Baku Cup,
a WTA International tournament held in the capital city of
Azerbaijan.
In 2013 the young Ukrainian, class ‘94, conquered in Baku,
her first WTA career title and once again in 2014 was able
to dominate all her opponents, losing only one set. Seed
No. 2 of the tournament, Svitolina had an easy ride up
BAKU
to the semi-finals, when she had to bring out the best of
herself to beat the former Roland Garros winner Francesca
Schiavone, winning the match in comeback. In the final
Svitolina met another young player, Bojana Jovanovski,
class ’91.
The player from Odessa show her superiority from the very
beginning, taking the lead after just twenty-two minutes
of game. The second set was more balanced and ended
at the tie-break where Svitolina started with a strong 4-0,
immediately placing the distance that will prove decisive
for the victory of the match. In Baku the Ukrainian player
earned her second career title becoming the second
teenager after the Russian Pavlyichenkova to win more
than one WTA title.
To win the Doubles tournament were the Russian
Alexandra Panova and the American Heather Watson who
defeated in two sets the Romanian Olaru and the Israeli
Peer. A difficult tournament from the very beginning for
the two winners forced in the opening match to cancel a
match point to the couple formed by Bojana Jovanovski
and Danka Kovinic.
The title won in Baku was the fourth one for the Russian,
the third one for Watson and the first one as a couple.
43
44
The protagonist
Elina Svitolina
TENNIS & TOURISM
BAKU AND THE MIDDLE EAST CHARM
Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, counts two million inhabitants,
but taking into account the metropolitan area it arrives to
five million. It lies on the South-West coast of the Caspian
Sea. Its twin city is Naples with which shears a similar
geographic position, expanding from the bay towards the
hills. The city is divided into ten districts and forty-eight
municipalities, including some islands and oil platforms
located in the Caspian Sea up to 100 km away from the
city. The tournament is played at the Baki Tennis Academy
which boast a 3.000 seats Central with a retractable roof
and eleven hard courts, six of which indoors for the winter
months. It also has a Spa, a sauna, a massage centre and
a cafeteria. To promote tennis, a sport not so popular
in this area, the access is free for the entire duration of
the tournament. The official hotel is the beautiful and
functional four stars “Qafqaz City Hotel & Residence”. The
International Airport, which offers flights to and from the
main Europeans capitals and Asia, is located 30 km from
the city, for a journey of around 35-40 minutes. Baku has
a subway with picturesque stations (they remind those
of Moscow) and a regular bus service. The bus is the best
way to reach the club. All the best places to drink and eat
are on the boulevard. Typical dishes are basmati rice with
chicken, cumin, sesame and other spices, kebab and fresh
fish from the Caspian Sea. Fishing is allowed only a few
months a year for the repopulation of the species. The old
town is full of discos and bars where young people dance
to the beat of Western music.
BAKU
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, September 12, 1994, Elina
Svitolina ended 2014 at No. 29 in the world, her best
ranking yet. She is coached by Ian Hughes, former
pro British player, who in the past, among others,
trained Andy Murray. Since starting as a pro, 2014
revealed to be the best year for the young Ukrainian,
who in Baku won her first Single WTA title. Her first
tournament of 2014 was the International Open Gaz
de France in Paris, where she reached the quarterfinals. In March she played the mandatory matches
of the Premier of Miami, defeating Bouchard at the
second round and going up to the knockout stage.
In May, in the week preceding the French Open,
she reached the semi-finals of the International of
Nuremberg. In the second part of the year, after the
victory in the tournament of Baku, Svitolina played
well in the Premier of Cincinnati, beating among
oth-ers the top ten Petra Kvitova, and then in the
Chinese Premier of Wuhan, where she beat Giorgi,
Lisicki, and Muguruza Kerber, before giving in to
Kvitova in the semi-finals. Her 2014 ended with the
semi-final of the International of Osaka, Japan.
45
on & off court
on court
Serena Williams
(USA)
Serena
Williams (USA)
Name and Surname
Maria Sharapova
Maria(RUS)
Sharapova (RUS)
26 September 1981 - Saginaw
Date and place of birth
19 April 1987 - Nyagan
-
Nickname
Masha
@serenawilliams - 4.53 Million
Account Twitter / Followers
@MariaSharapova - 1.44 Million
175 cm
Height
188 cm
70 kg
Weight
59 kg
1995
Year entering the Pro circuit
2001
18
Grand Slam
5
64
Total titles won
34
16
Head to Head
2
1
Best ranking
1
63,5 Million
Money prize won $ up to 31/12/2014
32,4 Million
off court
OFF Court
Engaged with her coach Patrick Moratoglou
Civil Status
Engaged with Bulgarian colleague Grigor Dimitrov
Shopping, snorkelling and bag & jewellery design
Hobbies
Shopping, fashion, cinema
Miami Dolphins
Fan of
-
UN Unicef Ambassador
Acknowledgments
UN Unicef Ambassador
Together with her sister Venus she is involved in
many different Charities. Among many other things
they built two schools for poor children in Kenya.
Maybe not everyone knows…
At the age of six, Sharapova participated with
Martina Navratilova in a tennis exhibition in
Moscow.
46
PRUDENTIAL HONG KONG TENNIS OPEN
Tournament Director: Kenneth Low
Surface: Hard plexipave
Balls: Babolat Team
SABINE’S COMEBACK
After three years since her last victory in a tournament of
the WTA circuit, Sabine Lisicki emerged with merit in the
“Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open”, a WTA International
played on the concrete Plexipave courts of Hong Kong.
Located on the South coast of China, the Asian metropolis
was missing a major tournament for over twenty years.
HONG KONG
The German tennis player respected the odds which gave
her as the favourite, winning a tournament anything but
simple. A real battle the one won by the twenty-five years
old who lives in Bradenton, Florida. Since the first round
she was forced to work overtime to prevail against the
Romanian Monica Niculescu: losing 6/3 4/2 she had to
play her best tennis to be able to bring the match to the
decisive set, that she dominated completely.
Not much easier the semi-final against former Roland
Garros champion Francesca Schiavone, where Lisicki
found her-self under of a break in the deciding set. The
final played with the Czech Karolina Pliskova, seed No. 3 of
the tournament, confirmed Lisicki’s fighting skills. Losing
5/1 in the first set, she didn’t give up hope and was able to
score six consecutive games and win the partial.
She then won twelve of the next fifteen games, earning
her fourth career title, the first after the victory in Dallas
in 2011.
Pliskova was able to console herself winning together
with her sister Kristyna the Doubles tournament, their
third one of the season. Beaten in two sets at the super
tie-break, after saving a match point, Mayr-Achleitner and
Rodionova.
47
48
The protagonist
Sabine Lisicki
Born in Troisdorf, Germany, September 22, 1989,
Sabine Lisicki ended 2014 at No. 27 in the world
rankings, while her best ranking dates back to May
2012 when she reached No. 12. Trained by her
brother Richard , she started playing tennis at the
age of seven thanks to her father. Having served at
210 km/h (certified) in the tournament of Stanford,
she holds the female record for the fastest
services and has been nicknamed Bum Bum Bine.
Including the one of Hong Kong, Lisicki took home
four majors titles, although her most prestigious
result remains the final reached at Wimbledon in
2013. To add to her four WTA titles are the two ITF
conquered in 2007. The first part of the season,
at least in the Single, didn’t reserved special joys:
the best result until June was the third round in
the Premier of Madrid. At Wimbledon, where she
was defending the final reached the previous year,
Sabine surrendered in the quarterfinals to Simona
Halep. She then reached the third round in the
Premier of Montreal and Cincinnati and at the US
Open. One more third round in Beijing in the last
Premier of the season.
HONG KONG
TENNIS & TOURISM
HONG KONG AND ITS SKYLINE
With Maca Hong Kong is one of the two administrative
regions that enjoy considerable autonomy from mother
China. The city and its hinterland (over 7 million inhabitants)
went back under the control of Beijing in 1997, after being
a British protectorate under the Treaty of Nanking of 1842.
The lack of space and the growing number of inhabitants
and infrastructure, brought the city to have an intense
density of buildings, making Hong Kong the most vertical
city of the Earth. Its skyline is, indeed, among the most
picturesque in the world. The tournament is played at
the Victoria Park, a club dedicated entirely to tennis. The
complex has twenty hard courts, three of which are used
for the tournament’ s matches and other three for training,
and a Central with permanent 10.000 seats grandstands.
The rest of the space is used to set up the hospitality
village, VIP areas, restaurants and outdoor areas for the
sponsors. The admission fee varies according on the day
and seat location. The official hotel is the “J.W. Marriot “,
about 10 minutes drive from Victoria Park. Being a 5-star
hotel is equipped with every comfort: SPA, swimming
pools, whirlpool, sauna and a large shopping centre. BMW,
the official carrier of the tournament, offers players and
staff a very efficient transportation service. There is also a
pickup service to and from the Hong Kong International
Airport, about half an hour by car. When is time to eat
you are spoiled for choice: Spanish, Argentines, Italians,
Brazilians, Germans, French, Eritrean, Moroccan, Japanese,
Thai and, of course, Chinese restaurants
49
TASHKENT OPEN 2014
Tournament Director: Mr. S. Uthrapathy
Supervisor: Martina Lutkova
Surface: Hard plexipave
Balls: Dunlop Fort Elite
KNAPP’S REBIRTH
Great performance of Karin Knapp at the $ 250.000 WTA
International of Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. The tennis
player from northern Italy, now living near Rome where
she trains in the Academy of her boyfriend, had a magic
week. Throughout the tournament the twenty-seven
years old native of Brunico expressed a powerful and
constant tennis, without losing a single set in the five
matches played, confirming a moment of great physical
form similar to that of 2008, when she played the final in
the tournament of Antwerp and reached her best ranking
at No. 35. Due to numerous injuries she fell over the 600th
position, but thanks to her strong will was able to get
back on top, reaching again the top forty of the world at
the end of 2013. In the most industrial city of Uzbekistan
Knapp, after a long period of six years started with the lost
final in Belgium, was finally able to bring home her first
trophy. “I got a bit stressed when I suffered the comeback
of my opponent in the second set” told Knapp referring
to when ahead 4-2 and with a set of advantage, had to
suffer Jovanovski’ s comeback before winning in the
tie -break and letting go to a liberating scream. Even if
Jovanovski failed to give a title to her own Country, Serbia
had the chance to celebrate thanks to the victory of the
young Krunic in the Doubles: together with the Czech
Siniakova, she defeated 6/2 6/1 the Russians Gasparyan
and Lazarova.
50
The protagonist
Karin Knapp
Born in Brunico, Italy, June 28, 1987, Karin Knapp
ended 2014 at No. 56, while her best ranking dates
back to February 2008 when she reached No. 35. She
is coached by Alessandro Piccari, Fran-cesco’s brother,
a former pro and her boyfriend for a few years now.
Karin started playing tennis at the age of seven on
the courts of the company where her father Alois
worked. The trophy won in Tashkent was the first WTA
title of her career. Her last final in a major tournament
(Antwerp) was six years ago, when she surrendered
in two sets to the former world No. 1 Justine Henin.
In 2009-2010 her career was significantly slowed
down first by a heart problem and then by a series of
injuries. The excellent results of 2013 (second round
at Wimbledon the most important) allowed her in
2014 to play with continuity in the WTA circuit. Her
first good result is the semi-final reached in May on
the courts of Nuremberg, beaten by Bouchard. After
the victory in Uzbekistan Knapp played another semifinal: the indoor International of Linz, beating among
others Sabine Lisicki, a finalist at Wimbledon 2013.
TASHKENT
51
TENNIS & TOURISM
TASHKENT, MODERN OASIS
Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, is a beautiful city of
over two million inhabitants. Built in an oasis, it is very
clean, has wide not too busy streets and many modern
buildings. With many green areas, in Tashkent nature and
architectures blends perfectly together. The people are
very friendly and hospitable. Not too far from the city
centre, the School of Olympic tennis has fifteen outdoors
(eleven hard and four clay) and three indoors hard courts,
a gym, a sauna and a cafeteria.
The admission is free for the entire duration of the
tournament. The official hotel is the “Lotte City Hotel
Tashkent Palace”, a four-star hotel recently renamed.
Located in the city centre it offers to its guest a gym, an
outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and a gift shop. The
tournament’s official bus takes about 25 minutes to get
to the club. Tashkent International Airport, located 13 km
away from the hotel, is accessible on demand. There are
also two railway stations: Severny and Youzhniy. Uzbek
food is very nutritious.
The traditional dish is plov (fried meat with onion and
carrot served with rice). Lagman, shurpa, somsa are
other typical Uzbeks dishes. During the tournament the
restaurant “Bek” organises buffet with European food
where players and staff can dine. Near the hotel there is
a restaurant serving Korean food with a nice atmosphere
and live music. The “Gruzinskiy Dvorik”, though not very
close to the hotel, is a very good Georgian restaurant;
another restaurant that we recommend is the “Caravan”,
where you can enjoy Uzbek cuisine and live music. For a
drink and a chat we recommend the “Chelsea Pub”, the
“Barxan” and the “CMI”.
52
KIA KOREA OPEN
Prize Money: 500,000 $
Tournament Director: Mr. Jin-Soo Lee
Supervisor: Pam Whytcross
Surface: Deco Turf II
PLISKOVA: QUICK CONSOLATION
After just one week from the final lost to Lisicki in Hong Kong,
Karolina Pliskova consoled herself in the XI consecutive
edition of the rich $ 500.000 WTA International played in
the beautiful "Seoul Olympic Park Tennis Centre". After
the one won the year before in Kuala Lumpur, the Czech
tennis player won her second career title in the capital city
of South Korea. The stronger of the twins Pliskova had a
complicated tournament starting from the second round,
arrived to the third set, with the German Friedsam. Another
difficult match was the semi-final with the Russian Maria
Kirilenko. Pliskova once again found herself under of a set
winning the beautiful Russian 6/3 in the deciding set. In
the final act she met the left-handed American Varvara
Lepchenko, at her first final ever. Pliskova had to resort
again to the third set to be able to defeat the surprise of
the week, able in the quarterfinals to beat the first-seeded
of the draw and world No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanska. After
losing the second set at the tie-break, Pliskova exploited
the numerous errors of her opponent at the start of the
third set to get a substantial advantage. The four games
of the initial partial finished all in the hands of the twentytwo Czech player, who will keep the advantage earned
up to the handshake. Karolina Pliskova was finally able to
SEOUL
end a bad string of three lost finals: first with Makarova
in Pattaya City, then with Bouchard in Nuremberg and, as
mentioned, the previous week with Lisicki. The Spanish
Lara Arruabarrena and the Romanian Begu won the final
of the Doubles played against Mona Barthel and Mandy
Minella.
53
KIA Korea Open
Seoul, Korea
15 - 21 September 2014
Hard
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
1
4
3
2
1
CHAN, Hao-Ching
CHAN, Yung-Jan
2
BARTHEL, Mona
MINELLA, Mandy
M. BARTHEL
M. MINELLA
GER 76(5) 63
LUX
3
LEE, Hye-Min
LEE, Se Jin
KOR
KOR
4
BOGDAN, Elena
KUWATA, Hiroko
E. BOGDAN
H. KUWATA
ROU 61 62
JPN
5
VORACOVA, Renata
GEO
CZE
6
BOGDAN, Ana
FRIEDSAM, Anna-Lena
O. KALASHNIKOVA
R. VORACOVA [4]
ROU 63 76(4)
GER
7
GLUSHKO, Julia
ROGOWSKA, Olivia
ISR
AUS
8
CHAN, Chin-Wei
HSU, Chieh-Yu
C. CHAN
C. HSU
TPE 62 46 10-5
TPE
9
KOVINIC, Danka
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
MNE
SVK
10
PANOVA, Alexandra
WATSON, Heather
A. PANOVA
H. WATSON
RUS 62 64
GBR
11
ARRUABARRENA, Lara
BEGU, Irina-Camelia
ESP
ROU
12
JURAK, Darija
MOULTON-LEVY, Megan
L. ARRUABARRENA
I. BEGU
CRO 61 61
USA
13
HAN, Xinyun
MCHALE, Christina
CHN
USA
14
HONG, Seung-Yeon
KANG, Seo-Kyung
X. HAN
C. MCHALE
KOR 60 62
KOR
15
KIRILENKO, Maria
WICKMAYER, Yanina
RUS
BEL
16
PLISKOVA, Karolina
PLISKOVA, Kristyna
Seeded Players
1 CHAN, Hao-Ching / CHAN, Yung-Jan
2 PLISKOVA, Karolina / PLISKOVA, Kristyna
3 JURAK, Darija / MOULTON-LEVY, Megan
4 KALASHNIKOVA, Oksana / VORACOVA, Renata
Lee Hye-Min / Lee Se-Jin 1982
Chanelle Scheepers
TPE
TPE
M. BARTHEL
M. MINELLA
60 62
M. BARTHEL
M. MINELLA
46 64 10-6
C. CHAN
C. HSU
63 62
L. ARRUABARRENA/I. BEGU
63 63
L. ARRUABARRENA
I. BEGU
62 62
L. ARRUABARRENA
I. BEGU
75 00 Ret'd
M. KIRILENKO
Y. WICKMAYER
64 63
M. KIRILENKO
Y. WICKMAYER
CZE 64 64
CZE
Rank
52
110
115
143
Winner
$17,724
Finalist
$9,222
Semi-Finalist
$4,950
Quarter-Finalist
$2,623
First Round
$1,383
Pts.
280
180
110
60
1 M. Kirilenko / Y. Wickmayer - M. Kirilenko (Left Abdominal Strain
WTA Supervisor(s)
Pam Whytcross
The protagonist
Karolina Pliskova
Born in Louny, Czech Republic, March 21, 1992, Karolina Pliskova
ended 2014 at No. 24 in the world rankings, which also coincides
with her best ranking yet. She is coached by former pro Dan-iel
Vanek. In the team that follows her in the circuit there is also
the trainer Frantisek Mandlik. She has a left-handed twin sister,
Kristyna, with who plays regularly in doubles. After joining permanently in 2013 the first hundred of the world, the results
obtained in 2014 made her go the ex-tra mile, so as to enter
the top 30. During the year she won the International of Seoul,
South Ko-rea, and of Linz, Austria. The first good result of the
season arrived in March in Thailand, where she reached the final
of the tournament of Pattaya, beating among others Cirstea
and Georges. The following month she played the semi-final
of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, losing to Cibulkova, fi-nalist of the
Australian Open 2014. At the end of May Pliskova reached the
final of the WTA of Nu-remberg, proving to be able to play well
on clay too. Before winning as mentioned in Seoul and Linz, she
defeated the former world No. 1 Ivanovic at the US Open and
reached yet another Inter-national final, Hong Kong, stopped
by Lisicki.
54
TENNIS & TOURISM
SEOUL, BETWEEN TRADITION AND PROGRESS
Capital of South Korea, Seoul is one of the most populous
cities in the world, reaching, with its metropolitan area,
nearly 25 million people. Despite the size the city is very
liveable, thanks to a very good public transport. Almost
all the Koreans have a strong civic sense of duty and are
very well coming. The Korea Open is played in the Olympic
Park, located far from the city centre, in the Olympic Village
that hosted the Olympics of 1988. It has ten hard tennis
courts and a Central with a capacity of ten thousand
seats. The cost of the ticket ranges from a minimum of
€ 7.5, for the first matches, to a maximum of € 75 for the
best places on the day of the final. The official hotels are
two: the "Lotte Hotel World" and the "Rosana Boutique
Hotel". Both luxurious hotels are close to the Olympic Park.
Ideals for business travellers. The "Lotte Hotel" has even
an amusement park. The organisation provides a shuttle
service between the official hotels and the Olympic Park,
with regular departures based on the needs of the game.
The Seoul-Incheon International Airport was built recently
and is now become one of the major hub for international
flights. From Incheon you can easily reach the city by Metro
(€ 10), Limousine Bus (€ 10) or by taxi (€ 60). The South
Korean cuisine is characterised by raw fish, cleaned and
filleted in front of you and then served on the table. For a
drink after dinner we recommend the district of Gangnam,
full of pubs, bars and discos.
SEOUL
55
GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S
OPEN 2014
Tournament director: Huang JianTing
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat
NICULESCU POWER
On the outdoor hard courts of the WTA Guangzhou
International Monica Niculescu dominated all her
opponents. In the largest coastal city of southern China,
the Romanian player crushed the competition winning
with merit her second title of the major circuit. Only
seventeen games lost in five matches, in a tournament
without worries. After defeating at the very beginning the
Serbian Bojana Jovanovski, seed No. 4, the twenty-seven
years old from Bucharest gave herself the best possible
birthday present. Helped by the unexpected exit of the
first-seeded Samantha Stosur, Niculescu had an easy semifinals against the surprising local wild card Yafan Wang. In
the final she met Cornet, tired from the toils of the semifinal with the Swiss Bacsinszki. After struggling in the first
set, Cornet had to let go, losing badly the second half of
the race and ending the match 6/4 6/0. The Romanian
player with her atypical game has been able to embarrass
the most quoted opponents. This victory brings Niculescu
among the top 50 players in the world. Her best ranking
was No. 28, reached in 2012. In the Doubles, another
disappointment for the French Cornet: paired with the
Polish Magda Linette, was defeated in the last act by the
Asian players Chuang Chia-Jung Chen and Liang with the
final score of 2/6 7/6 (3) 10/7.
56
GUANGZHOU
57
The protagonist
Monica Niculescu
Born in Slatina,
R omania,
September 25,
1987, Monica
Niculescu
ended
2014
at No. 47. Her
best ranking is
No. 28, reached
February 2012.
Daughter of two engineers, Mihai and Christian,
she started playing tennis at the age of seven and
is coached by Calin Ciorbagiu, who introduced her
to professional tennis. In 2008 she entered in a
permanent way the top 100 in the world, keeping
a consistent performance throughout the years.
She won the International of Guangzhou in China
and in 2013 the first edition of the International
of Florianopolis in Brazil. The first part of 2014
has been stingy of good results for Niculescu,
except for the 3rd round of the Premier of Doha
and the quarterfinals in Florianopolis, where she
played as a defending champion. Her first good
result arrived in July at the Open of Bucharest,
Romania, where she reached the semi-finals,
losing to compatriot Halep in three sets. Then in
mid-September she conquered the tournament
of Guang-zhou, defeating one after the other the
Serbian Jovanovski, the Japanese Doi, the Puerto
Rican Puig, the Chinese Wang and the favoured,
the French Cornet, in the final.
TENNIS & TOURISM
GUANGZHOU, FOOD CAPITAL
Guangzhoi is also called the city of goats and, indeed, the
emblem of the city is a goat. Thanks to its large port it is one
of the richest cities of southern China and is considered the
food capital of the Country. Officially it has over ten million
inhabitants, but the real figure it is at least three times that.
The tournament takes place at the Tianhe Sports Centre.
Located inside the University, close to the stadium of the
Guangzhou Evergrande FC football team, it has a Central,
three small courts for training and four indoors. The fee to
assist to the tournament varies according to the day of the
competition and the chosen seat. The official hotel is the
“Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe”. Available to players a shuttle
service to and from the club. The Guangzhou Baiyun
International Airport is easily and cheaply accessible from
the club or hotel. Guangzhou is well connected by an
efficient rail network to all the main cities of China, there
is even a fast train that arrives in Beijing covering 2400 km
in ten hours. Local food available within the sport Centre.
Those who are not fond of Chinese cuisine, can escape to
one of the many nearby Subway. Near the club there is
a German pub, not cheap but worth a visit. There is also
an excellent Japanese restaurant near the hotel with the
formula “all you can eat” at a very affordable price.
58
JAPAN WOMEN’S OPEN TENNIS 2014
Date: 06/12 October 2014
Tournament director: Ichiro Nakanishi
Supervisor: Fabrice Chouquet
Surface: Hard
Balls: SRIXON (Dunlop)
OSAKA SWEET OSAKA
There is no better place Samantha would choose to
play the tournament of her life. In the $ 250.000 WTA
International of Osaka, Japan, the Australian tennis player,
respecting the odds, conquered her third career title. It
was here in Osaka, her second most favoured tournament
after the Australian Open, that Sam won in 2009 her first
major title. A tournament dominated by Stosur, who
imposed herself on her less quoted opponents with her
fast pace game and heavy balls. However, she had to
sweat more than expected in the final played against the
young revelation Zarina Diyas. In the first set Stosur found
herself behind of two games, 3/5, having to cancel two
match points and winning the day at the tie-break, by a
score of nine points to seven. The first set will prove vital
for the economy of the match: Diyas, at her first WTA final,
will feel the pressure of the game, suffering two breaks
in the first and the last game, handling the sceptre to the
thirty years old player from Gold Coast. For Stosur this was
the sixth career title, a victory that earned her a place in
the WTA Torunament of Champions in Sofia. For Diyas,
nominated for “Rising Star” of the year, the satisfaction of
a high level tournament that launches her close to the top
30 in the world. In the Doubles, Shuko Aoyama and Renata
OSAKA
Voracova, at their first success as couple, defeated in final
Lara Arruabarrena and Tatjana Maria with a clean 6/1 6/2.
59
60
The protagonist
Samantha Stosur
Born in Brisbane, Australia, March 30, 1984, into a
family of Polish origin, Samantha Stosur ended 2014
at No. 23 in the world rankings. Her best ranking is
No. 4, reached in February 2011. She started playing
tennis at the age of eight, after having received
a racket as a Christmas present. In 2006 together
with the American Lisa Raymond, was at the top
of the Doubles rankings. In 2010 she won the US
Open, managing to break the Australian (Women)
fasting started in 1980, when Evonne Goolagong
won Wimbledon. Stosur boasts another major
final: Paris 2010 against the Ital-ian Schiavone and
six WTA titles. In 2014 she won the tournament of
Osaka, repeating the victory obtained in 2009 and
2013. The other triumphs arrived on American soil:
Charleston in 2010 and Carlsbad in 2013. Before
winning in Osaka, Sam reached the second round
at the Roland Garros and the semi-finals of the
Premier Mandatory of Beijing (defeating among
others Schiavone, Wozniacki and Cornet) and of
the Premier of New Haven.
OSAKA
TENNIS & TOURISM
OSAKA, KITCHEN OF TASTE
After Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka, located in the
Kansai region, is the third Japanese city for population
density. The Utsubo Tennis Center is located within the
homonymous urban park and every year hosts several
important tennis tournaments. The Club has sixteen hard
courts, four of which used for the tournament. The Central
can accommodate 5,000 spectators, while the Court 1 up
to 500. A ticket is necessary to watch the matches. The
official hotel of the tournament is the five stars “New Otani”,
a modern property located in the district Osaka Business
Park. In addition to two swimming pools, one outside and
one inside, sauna, Turkish bath, massage room, gym and
tennis courts, its guest can also enjoy superlative views of
the river, which surrounds the park, and of the XVI century
Osaka Castle. The club is just over 15 minutes drive from
the hotel. The tournament provides a shuttle service from
and to the club. The nearest airport is the famous Kansai
International Airport, an incredible site designed by the
Italian architect Renzo Piano in the late ‘80s. Built on an
artificial island, 3 km from the mainland, it is connected to
Osaka and Kyoto Railway Station by the Kansai Airport line.
You can eat at the restaurant of the club or chose one of
the many “bistro-van” parked around the Central. The best
restaurant in the area, is undoubtedly the “DBL”, where
you can enjoy very good Italian dishes in an elegant and
quiet environment. Osaka is also considered the “Kitchen
of Taste” of Japan. Shinsaibashi district, the main shopping
area of the city, is full of places where you can try Japanese
delicacies.
61
GARANTI KOZA WTA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Date: 28 October / 02 November 2014
Tournament director: Stefan Tzvetkov
Supervisor: Fabrice Chouquet
Surface: Hard (indoor)
Balls: HEAD Pro T/S
PETKO-DANCE IN SOFIA
For the third consecutive year the WTA season ended in Sofia,
Bulgaria, with the “WTA Tournament of Champions”. The wellestablished formula sees two groups including the six players
of higher ranking to have won at least one International WTA
tournament in the year and two wild cards. In 2014 invitations
granted by the organisers went to the Italian Flavia Pennetta and
the home player Tsvetana Pironkova. The matches took place at
the Armeec Arena. It was a very entertaining tournament, very
balanced therefore uncertain until the end. To win was the German
Andrea Petkovic, who, curiously enough, lost her opening match
and then won the qualifying against Cibulkova. Same fate for Flavia
Pennetta, the other finalist, who lost a match of the round Robin
to Garbine Muguruza, unbeaten until the semi-finals (Petkovic).
Spectacular the last act of the tournament, staged in front of a copious and noisy audience: after a start completely in
favour of Pennetta, Petkovic gradually adjusted her tennis, bringing the match to the third set. The German player could
not end the season in a better way, earning after Charleston and Bad Gastein, her third WTA title of 2014. At the end of the
match the tennis player born in Bosnia expressed her joy: “I am happy to have played the final against Pennetta because
we both returned from injury this year”. With this victory Petkovic surpassed the Italian tennis player in the ranking. Sofia
greets the WTA circuit: from next year the “Master B” will move from Bulgaria to China, with the WTA Elite Trophy, Zhuhai.
62
GARANTI KOZA WTA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS - SOFIA 2014
L
W
L
6
CORNET, Alizé
W
L
7
MUGURUZA, Garbiñe
W
W
W
L
W
L
W-L
0-4
0.00%
8 - 24
25.00%
2
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
2-1
5-2
71.43%
32 - 19
62.75%
4
PETKOVIC, Andrea
W
L
1-2
2-4
33.33%
23 - 30
43.40%
5
SUÁREZ NAVARRO, Carla
L
W
3-0
6-1
85.71%
37 - 19
66.07%
8
PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana
L
L
0-1
0-2
0.00%
4 - 12
25.00%
W
W
2-1
4-2
66.67%
34 - 31
52.31%
L
W
2-1
4-2
66.67%
30 - 27
52.63%
W
2-1
4-2
66.67%
34 - 24
58.62%
0-3
0-6
0.00%
23 - 39
37.10%
L
D. Cibulkova d T. Pironkova 63 76(6)
G. Muguruza d E. Makarova 62 61
C. Suárez Navarro d A. Petkovic 60 64
G. Muguruza d F. Pennetta 06 61 61
A. Petkovic d T. Pironkova 75 62
A. Cornet d E. Makarova 61 64
D. Cibulkova d C. Suárez Navarro 75 64
G. Muguruza d A. Cornet 63 75
A. Petkovic d D. Cibulkova 75 63
F. Pennetta d K. Pliskova 61 63
C. Suárez Navarro d T. Pironkova 76(2) 61
SERDIKA GROUP - FINAL STANDINGS
Semi-Final
E. MAKAROVA ()
Final
Champion
PLAYERS
PENNETTA, Flavia [ITA]
PETKOVIC, Andrea
61 64
MUGURUZA, Garbiñe [ESP]
SUÁREZ NAVARRO, Carla [ESP]
PETKOVIC, Andrea
16 64 63
PENNETTA, Flavia
64 62
CIBULKOVA, Dominika [SVK]
CORNET, Alizé [FRA]
PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana [BUL]
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina [RUS]
PLISKOVA, Karolina [CZE]
2 November 2014 at 20:53
Date and Time
Games
W-L
Win %
W-L
Win %
SREDETS GROUP - FINAL STANDINGS
MUGURUZA, Garbiñe
PENNETTA, Flavia
Sets
1. SUÁREZ NAVARRO, Carla [ESP]
2. PETKOVIC, Andrea [GER]
3. CIBULKOVA, Dominika [SVK]
4. PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana [BUL]
PETKOVIC, Andrea [GER]
PETKOVIC, Andrea
Round Robin Record
PETKOVIC, Andrea
0-2
F. Pennetta d A. Cornet 61 62
1. MUGURUZA, Garbiñe [ESP]
2. PENNETTA, Flavia [ITA]
3. CORNET, Alizé [FRA]
4. PLISKOVA, Karolina [CZE]
SOFIA
CIBULKOVA, Dominika
Win %
PIRONKOVA, Tsvetana
L
PENNETTA, Flavia
Win %
GROUP
SREDETS
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina - wd
3
Games
Seeded positions
Round Robin Record
Sets
W-L
1
Alt PLISKOVA, Karolina
PLISKOVA, Karolina
MUGURUZA, Garbiñe
CORNET, Alizé
PENNETTA, Flavia
GROUP
SERDIKA
MAKAROVA, Ekaterina - wd
Seeded positions
2014 SINGLES COMPETITION
Stefan Tzvetkov
Tournament Director
Points Won
Participant Fee
Round Prize Money
Won
Total Prize Money Won
340
220
180
145
145
110
75
50
25
35000
35000
35000
35000
35000
35000
35000
27000
15,500
230000
105000
55000
40000
30000
15000
0
0
0
$265,000
$140,000
$90,000
$75,000
$65,000
$50,000
$35,000
$27,000
$15,500
Fabrice Chouquet
WTA Supervisor
63
The protagonist
Andrea Petkovic
TENNIS & TOURISM
Born in Tuzla, Bosnia (at the time still part of the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), September 9, 1987,
from Serbian father and Bosnian mother, Andrea
Petkovic at the age of three moved with her family
to Germany to escape the Balkans war. She finished
2014 at No. 14. Her best ranking dates back to
October 2011, when she was No. 9. She started to
play tennis at a very young age under the watchful
eye of her dad Zoran, but both parents insisted
for Andrea to finish her higher education before
starting to play professionally. Unfortunately
her career was marred by an in-credible series of
injuries that have kept her away from the courts
for quite a long period. 2014 was the year of her
return. The first good result arrived in April on
the green courts of the Charleston Premier where
she defeated among others Lisicki, Safarova and
Bouchard, bringing home the WTA trophy. A few
weeks later she reached the semi-finals at the
Roland Garros (the first in a Grand Slam). In July she
won the International in Bad Gastein, Austria, and
reached the semi-final on the American concrete of
Stanford. 2014 ended in a perfect way, with Andrea
win-ning the final of the Champions of Sofia against
the Italian Pennetta.
SOFIA’S EPILOGUE
Sofia with more than one million inhabitants is the capital
of Bulgaria. The tournament took place at the Arena
Armeec of Sofia, a facility used for events and concerts
that can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. Inside,
in addition to the Central, there is a small court, always in
concrete, used for training. A restaurant and a very well
equipped players-lounge, with a ping pong table and
another restaurant reserved to players and coaches, make
the stay in the Arena very pleasant indeed. The entrance
fee varies according to the location of the seat and the day
of the tournament. The official hotel for players and guests
is the five stars “Grand Hotel Sofia”, while the staff and the
judges sleep in the near “Suite Hotel”, a modern four stars
hotel, which offers a comfortable and pleasant stay. There
is a restaurant that serves excellent meat dishes, room
service, a gym and a conference room. Going up in the
elevator you can enjoy a beautiful view over the university
district. There is a shuttle service between the hotel, the
Arena, and the airport (about a fifteen minutes drive). The
“Grand Hotel” is five minutes from the Arena, while the
“Suite Hotel” is about ten minutes away. The university
area is full of clubs, bars and supermarkets. Deserving a
visit is “Club35”. It has outdoor and indoor seating as well
as exclusive private rooms where to enjoy cocktails and
hot dishes. Another very nice place is the “Moderator”,
perfect for coffee and aperitifs. It also offers a special lunch
time menu. By moving toward the centre, with a fifteen
minutes ride by taxi and a small cost of 8/9 Lev (less than €
5) you can enjoy all the best restaurants of Sofia.
64
The first WTA title
Tsvetana Pironkova (13/09/1987) – WTA Sydney.
In Sidney the player native of Sofia won her first ATP title, even if she already proved to be
able to play high level tennis. The Bulgarian did not lose a single set all week. Starting from
the qualifying, she first beat Sara Errani (3) in the quarterfinals, then Petra Kvitova (2) in the
semi-finals and Angelique Kerber (5) in the final.
Garbiñe Muguruza (10/08/1993)- WTA Hobart.
As her colleague Pironkova, also the young Spanish Garbine Muguruza had an exemplary
year. Starting from the qualifying, Muguruza won the tournament of Hobart without losing
a single set. She defeated the second-seeded Flipkens in the quarter-finals and Zakopalova
(7) in the final.
Kurumi Nara (30/12/1991) - WTA Rio de Janeiro.
Born in Minoh, the small but versatile Japanese player caught on the red clay of Rio de
Janeiro an unexpected success. Credited seed No. 5 of the Draw, she had an easy path up to
the semi-finals, where she needed three sets to overcome the Italian Nastassja Burnett. In
the final the emotion took the best of her, complicating a bit what could had been an easier
match against a tired Zakopalova. Nevertheless she ended the match in her favour winning
the decisive set.
Caroline Garcia (16/10/1993) – WTA Bogotá.
Born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the French hope undertook in Colombia a formidable
journey. Starting as seed No. 5 of the Draw she defeated in the final the defending champion
Jelena Jankovic. With an aggressive game, much suited for fast surfaces, in Bogotá Garcia
took advantage of the favourable environmental conditions conquering what it looks to be
the first in a long series of trophies.
Donna Vekić (28/06/1996) - Kuala Lumpur.
Born in Osijek, the young Croatian, No. 7 of the main Draw, surprised everyone by showing
a maturity worthy of a veteran. A true gem the final played against the seed No. 1 Cibulkova,
won in comeback. On the Malaysian cement, Vekic expressed a determination and a unique
stubbornness that will be surely earn her a glorious career.
María Teresa Torró Flor (02/02/1992) – WTA Marrakesh.
Born in Villena, Spain, she surprised everyone in the Moroccan tournament. On the red clay
of Marrakesh, she managed not to lose a single set up to the final and most importantly was
able to defeat in the semi-final her compatriot Muguruza. In the final, after a close fight, she
beat the Swiss Oprandi celebrating her first career title.
Carla Suárez Navarro (09/03/1988) – WTA Oeiras.
Native of Las Palmas, Suarez Navarro took full advantage of her features to triumph in the
Portuguese tournament. Starting as favourite, she respected the predictions risking only in
the final with the Russian Kuznetsova, before ending the match at the third set. Experienced
player with a sumptuous one-handed backhand and former top-20, she won her first title
quite late in what has been already an excellent career.
65
Eugenie Bouchard (25/02/1994) – WTA Nuremberg.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, the miracle baby of international tennis took in Germany her first WTA
title. Seed No. 2 of the tournament played on clay, Bouchard struggled only in the final with the
Czech Karolina Pliskova, winning the match at the deciding set. For “Genie” this is probably the
first trophy of a career destined to the highest levels.
Mónica Puig (27/09/1993) – WTA Strasbourg.
Born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, Puig surprised everyone in the tournament played in mid-May on
the French red clay. Not credited to particular expectations, she played throughout the week
a solid and aggressive tennis, without losing even a set, in a tournament made easier by the
premature exit of the seed No. 1 in the first round. She beat Petkovic (4) in the quarterfinals and
then had an easy final against the other revelation of the tournament Silvia Soler-Espinosa.
Coco Vandeweghe (06/12/1991) – WTA Hertogenbosch.
Born in New York, the twenty-three American winner in her home town of the Slam Junior, won on
the Dutch grass of Hertogenbosch her first WTA title. Starting from the qualifying, she leveraged
on her great service to have the best, not without suffering, of her most quoted opponents.
After the excellent victory in the quarterfinals against Muguruza, she easily beat in the final the
Chinese Zheng Jie.
Madison Keys (17/02/1995) – WTA Eastbourne.
Born in Rock Island, Illinois, the young American player found on the English grass of Eastbourne
the suitable conditions for her aggressive tennis. She defeated in the final, after a long battle, the
German Kerber (5), ending the third set 7/5. Surely the first title of what will be a glorious career.
Karin Knapp (28/06/1987) – Tashkent.
Born in Brunico, in northern Italy, Knapp, after a long series of injuries that have slowed her
growth, finally found on the Uzbek cement her golden week. Reaching the final of Tashkent
without losing a single set, she won the Serbian Bojana Jovanovski recovering a disadvantage of
2-4 in the second set before closing the match at the tie-break.
Alison Riske (03/06/1993) – WTA Tianjin.
Born in Pittsburgh, United States, she won the first edition of the Chinese WTA. Seed No. 6 of the
main Draw, she had an immaculate tournament, defeating in the final the young Swiss Belinda
Bencic.
Annika Beck (16/02/1994)- WTA Luxembourg City
Born in Giessen, Germany, her name follows the one of the great Caroline Wozniacki in the Roll of
Honour of the WTA of Luxembourg. Tournament dominated by the German player who has not
lost even a set, leaving just crumbs to her opponents.
66
Total
19
Na on
Czech Republic
16
United States
13
Russia
12
Spain
10
9
Germany
Italy
9
Romania
8
China
6
Chinese Taipei
Total
1
Poland
1
Bulgaria
1
Denmark
1
Puerto Rico
1
Argen na
1
Great Britain
1
Netherlands
1
New Zealand
Total
Player
7
Serena Williams
5
Sara Errani
5
Roberta Vinci
5
Peng Shuai
5
Karolína Plíšková
4
Maria Sharapova
4
Sania Mirza
4
Ana Ivanovic
3
Petra Kvitová
3
Hsieh Su-wei
3
Andrea Petkovic
3
Cara Black
3
Flavia Penne a
3
Mar na Hingis
3
Alla Kudryavtseva
3
Anastasia Rodionova
3
Garbiñe Muguruza
6
France
5
Australia
5
Switzerland
5
Serbia
4
India
4
Croa a
4
Japan
3
Zimbabwe
3
Slovenia
3
Klára Koukalová
3
Kazakhstan
3
Monica Niculescu
3
Canada
3
Ukraine
2
Hungary
67
Statistics WTA
First service points won
Serena Williams
%
76.3
75.1
Matches
25
44
Venus Williams
70.6
70.0
35
44
Lucie Safarova
Camila Giorgi
69.5
68.5
68.3
Player
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Second game won
Player
%
81.7
80.5
44
25
Lucie Safarova
76.0
45
Petra Kvitová
36
Caroline Wozniacki
74.6
73.8
Simona Halep
73.6
Li Na
73.3
49
35
73.2
44
9
Samantha Stosur
72.9
36
10
Venus Williams
72.7
35
Break points saved
Player
1
2
3
4
Serena Williams
5
6
7
8
Li Na
9
10
Lucie Safarova
Angelique Kerber
B. Zahlavova Strycova
Dominika Cibulkova
Victoria Azarenka
Garbiñe Muguruza
Caroline Wozniacki
Jelena Jankovic
%
63.2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Chanelle Scheepers
9
10
Dominika Cibulkova
Simona Halep
Agnieszka Radwa ska
Sara Errani
Maria Sharapova
Li Na
Monica Niculescu
Annika Beck
Carla Suárez Navarro
Matches
50
49
56
38
47
%
Points won returning first service
Matches
50.3
Serena Williams
50.3
53
60
Alison Van Uytvanck
50.1
29
Petra Kvitová
55
5
6
7
8
Simona Halep
AnaI vanovic
49.9
49.6
49.1
Casey Dellacqua
49.1
43
Madison Keys
49.1
48
9
10
Li Na
48.7
35
Silvia Soler Espinosa
48.5
39
62
75
Break points converted
Player
59.5
59.3
22
48
59.3
59.2
54
54
9
10
47.4
46.3
46.2
46.0
67.7
Samantha Stosur
60.2
59.6
%
48.8
48.7
Maria Sharapova
35
36
1
2
3
4
41
35
45
61.5
60.7
60.4
Madison Keys
68.0
68.0
Player
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Return Games Won
Player
46
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Petra Kvitová
45
31
Second serve points won
Matches
Serena Williams
Coco Vandeweghe
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Coco Vandeweghe
Monica Niculescu
Zheng Jie
Simona Halep
Paula Ormaechea
Li Na
Chanelle Scheepers
Maria Sharapova
Serena Williams
María Teresa Torró Flor
Heather Watson
Matches
%
55.6
30
21
54.3
49
52.9
52.8
25
52.8 3
5
52.3
28
52.3
47
44
51.7
51.5
51.3
22
19
1
2
3
4
Player
%
Sara Errani
43.8
43.5
43.0
42.9
42.8
42.3
Monica Niculescu
Simona Halep
Matches
48
30
49
Annika Beck
42.3
28
53
59
33
Klara Koukalová
Li Na
41.6
41.4
24
35
Zheng Jie
41.4
21
Chanelle Scheepers
5
6
7
8
Agnieszka Radwa ska
9
10
Carla Suárez Navarro
Points Won Returning 2nd Serve
Player
%
61.2
60.2
Matches
28
49
Li Na
60.1
59.7
59.7
59.5
Dominika Cibulkova
59.5
47
17
53
35
36
Lara Arruabarrena
58.9
17
Yaroslava Shvedova
58.6
58.6
28
46
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Chanelle Scheepers
9
10
Simona Halep
Maria Sharapova
Kiki Berten
Agnieszka Radwa ska
Caroline Wozniacki
Matches
28
49
53
48
47
35
45.4
45.4
30
45.1
45.0
43
59
33
68
Davis Cup
“In 2014 Crionet continued its collaboration with the Davis Cup and the Italian Serie
A1. Our team was present during the matches Slovenia-Portugal and Slovenia-Israel
and during the World Group quarter-final between Italy and Great Britain, which took
place in the beautiful setting of Naples’ waterfront. After several years in Rovereto, the
final of the Itlian Serie A1 moved to the 105 Stadium of Genoa, where in three days of
tournament were awarded the Men and Women’s title.
69
SLOVENIA-PORTUGAL
& SLOVENIA-ISRAEL
Earlier this year were held in Slovenia two important Davis
Cup meetings of the group I of the Europe-Africa zone.
In the first round, which took place on the weekend of
January 31 on the indoors court of the Tennis Club Triglav,
Kranji, Blaz Trupej’s team defeated 3 to 2 the Portuguese
national team, led by Joao Sousa. The 25 year old from
Guimaraes brought his nation in advantage defeating in
four sets the No. 2 Slovenian Janez Semrajc. To put things
in place was Blaz Kavcic, with an excellent performance in
the match played against the young Portuguese Gastao
Elias. Decisive for the final score the Doubles won by the
Slovenian Kavcic and Grega Zemlja, who defeated always
in three sets Sousa and Elias. Blaz Kavcic then won 7/5
7/5 6/2 against Sousa the final Single, irrelevant for the
purposes of the final result but confirming the final score
of 3/2
SLOVENIA - PORTUGAL 3/2
Janez Semrajc – Joao Sousa 1-6 4-6 6-4 0-6
Blaz Kavcic – Gastao Elias 7/6(14) 6/1 6/4
Blaz Kavcic-Grega Zemlja – Joao Sousa- Gastao Elias 6/3
7/5 7/6(5)
Blaz Kavcic – Joao Sousa 7/5 7/5 6/2
Mike Urbanija – Frederico Silva 6/4 3/4 ret.
In the decisive round, played on the weekend of 4 April
on the red courts of the SRC Marina in Portoroz, Trupej’s
team missed its chance to be promoted to the World
Group 2015, losing 3-1 to Israel in front to his own public.
Decisive as well as unexpected the defeat of Blaz Kavcic
in the opening match. The Slovenian lost 6/4 at the fifth
set to Amir Weintraub. Blaz Rola then restored the hope
in his team, defeating Dudi Sela. But then the Slovenian
couple was not able to do much in the presence of the
experts Erlich and Ram, who won the match in four sets.
To give the qualification to Eyal Ran’s team was Dudi Sela,
victorious in four sets on Grega Zemlja.
SLOVENIA – ISRAELI 1/3
Blaz Kavcic – Amir Weintraub 6/4 5/7 3/6 6/3 4/6
Blaz Rola – Dudi Sela 6/3 6/4 6/4
Blaz Rola-Grega Zemlja – Jonathan Erlich-Andy Ram
6/7(9) 6/4 6/7(5) 3/6
Grega Zemlja – Dudi Sela 2/6 7/6(5) 0/6 2/6
Blaz Rola – Amir Weintraub no played
70
ITALY-GREAT BRITAIN
Over the weekend of 4 April took place the matches
of the quarterfinals of the World Group of the Davis
Cup, the greatest competition in the world organised
by the International Federation of Tennis. In Naples, in
the splendid waterfront of Posillipo, the Italian national
team of Corrado Barazzutti after sixteen years of absence
earned its access in the top four of the world group. In a
Central specially set up for the event, Italy subverted the
odds which were giving a fierce Britain led by the world
No. 6 Andy Murray as the favourite. To take the limelight,
however, was Fabio Fognini, No. 18, who during the
three days played a very high level of tennis. Yet, after a
shower of rain that delayed the program, it took more
than necessary to Fabio Fognini to make its first point
against the no very ductile James Ward, No. 103 in the
world and mainly a fast surface player. Andy Murray then
brought the competition to a draw, defeating in three set
a still combative Seppi. The next day, in the double which
could prove decisive in entering the semi-finals, the Italian
couple formed by Fabio Fognini and Simone Bolelli gave
a lacklustre performance, losing in four sets to the British
Colin Fleming and Andy Murray. In the final day, when all
seemed written, a majestic Fabio Fognini brought back
hope to the Italian team, beaten in three sets, 6/3 6/3 6/4,
a helpless Andy Murray and postponing the qualification
to one more single. In the deciding match, Andreas Seppi
played a very good match, overcoming the pressure of
the role of favourite and taming in three sets James Ward,
so as to give to its nation the semi-final that was missing
since ‘98.
ITALY – GREAT BRITAIN 3/2
Fabio Fognini – James Ward 6/4 2/6 6/4 6/1
Andreas Seppi – Andy Murray 4/6 5/7 3/6
Simone Bolelli-Fabio Fognini – Colin Fleming-Andy
Murray 3/6 2/6 6/3 5/7
Fabio Fognini – Andy Murray 6/3 6/3 6/4
Andreas Seppi – James Ward 6/4 6/3 6/4
71
FED CUP/A1
THE REVENGE OF THE TC GENOVA 1893
In their own city the Tennis Club Genova 1893 managed
to defeat the Tennis Club Prato, to whom exactly one year
earlier they lost in the final of Rovereto, so as to win the
league title missing since 1988. The first day of competition
ended with a balanced result, thanks to Zuzana Kucova
(Prato) who was able to reassemble an incredible match in
which she was one step away from losing to Alice Balducci
(Genoa). Karin Knapp, however, was able to simplify
the situation for the home team, beating in two partial
Maria Elena Camerin, in a match that saw the two No. 1
competing with each other. On the second day the Genoa
team was one step away from winning the title with a
nice 3-1. After the victory of Alberta Brianti on Corinna
Dentoni, the couple Balducci/Knapp was leading by a set
the Doubles match but at the end Camerin/Dentoni were
able to take possession of the game ending the match
at the tie-break (10-8). In the decisive match, played in
front of a fierce public, you could cut the tension with the
knife. To win the Doubles this time were Balducci/Knapp
bringing back to Genoa the title missing for sixteen years.
And for the Tennis Club Genoa 1893 was time to party.
Tennis Club Genova 1893-Tennis Club Prato 3-2
Zuzana Kucova (Prato) b. Balducci (Genova) 16 64 64
Knapp (Genova) b. Camerin (Prato) 75 63
Brianti (Genova) b. Dentoni (Prato) 62 75
Camerin/Dentoni (Prato) b. Balducci/Knapp (Genova)
57 64 10-8
Balducci/Knapp (Genova) b. Camerin/Dentoni (Prato)
63 62
72
BACK TO ROME
Tennis Club Genoa 1893 was very close to bring home the
Men title too, a combination missing in Italy since the 60s.
To stop them, after two very exciting days, was the Circolo
Canottieri Aniene of Rome. After the four Singles the
situation was of absolute equality, with the Genoa team
able to bring home two points thanks to Basso and Picco,
two young players supported loudly by the fans at the 105
Stadium in Genoa. To answer back promptly for the Aniene
team were the number one Bolelli, winner on a too tired
Starace, and Cipolla, who in a very nice match defeated
Eremin in three sets. Aniene had the first “match point”
thanks to the victory of the duo formed by Bolelli and the
young Berrettini, but then the couple Starace/Motti gave
new hope to the home crowd winning the match at the
tie-break. In the final Doubles, decided at the tie-break,
the perfect mix between Simone Bolelli’s strenght and
Vincenzo Santopadre’s experience had the better of Potito
Starace and Andrea Basso. At the end of the match the
Roman fans invaded the court, celebrating the return of
the title in the capital after four years of absence.
Tennis Club Genova 1893-Circolo Canottieri Aniene 3-4
Andrea Basso (Genova) b. Vincenzo Santopadre (Aniene)
63 63
Simone Bolelli (Aniene) b. Potito Starace (Genova) 62 75
Francesco Picco (Genova) b. Matteo Berrettini (Aniene)
36 64 63
Flavio Cipolla (Aniene) b. Edoardo Eremin (Genova)
64 57 63
Simone Bolelli/Matteo Berrettini (Aniene) b. Andrea
Basso/Francesco Picco (Genova) 62 63
Potito Starace/Alessandro Motti (Genova) c. Flavio
Cipolla/Vincenzo Santopadre (Aniene) 76 36 10-6
Simone Bolelli/Vincenzo Santopadre (Aniene) b. Potito
Starace/Andrea Basso (Genova) 76 46 10-6
73
WHO LEFT TENNIS
ATP
Mahesh Bhuphati (07/06/1974). Born in Bangalore, India, he started to play in the pro circuit in 1995, obtaining
his best results in Doubles, where he became the no. 1 in the world on April 26, 1999. He won fifty-two Doubles
tournaments, four Grand Slam, three of which with compatriot Leander Paes. Equipped with a powerful service, he
also triumphed in eight Mixed Doubles Grand Slam. He participated in thirty-five Davis Cup matches. He retired
after Wimbledon.
Alex Bogomolov Jr. (23/04/1983). Born in Moscow, Russia, he started to play in the pro circuit in 2002, reaching
in 2011 his best ranking at No. 33. In 2011 he won a Doubles title in Atlanta and from 2002 to 2013 ten Challenger
titles. He retired at the age of 31 due to physical problems.
Paul Capdeville (02/04/1983). Born in Santiago, Chile, he started to play in the pro circuit in 2002, reaching in 2009
his best ranking at No. 76. In 2007, paired with Oscar Hernandez , he won the Doubles tournament of Vina del Mar.
From 2004 to 2014 he played for the Chilean Davis Cup Team. He announced his retirement after the Roland Garros.
Nikolay Davydenko (02/06/1981). Born in Severodonetsk, Soviet Union, he started to play in the pro circuit in
1999, reaching in 2006 the No. 3 position of the ATP rankings. He won twenty titles in the major circuit, including
three Masters 1000 and an ATP World Tour Finals. He reached four Grand Slam semi-finals, twice at the Roland
Garros and twice at the US Open. He played seventeen matches for his National Davis Cup Team. He announced his
retirement October 16 at the age of 33.
Rik de Voest (05/06/1980). Born in Milan, Italy, he played for South Africa. He started to play in the pro circuit in
1999, reaching in 2009 No. 39 of the Doubles’ ranking. He won two titles. He retired in July after the Challenger of
Vancouver.
Alessio di Mauro (09/08/1977). Born in Syracuse, Italy, he started to play in the pro circuit in 1998. Left-handed
player. In 2007 he achieved his best ranking at No. 68. In the same year he reached an ATP final. In 2004 he joined
the Italian Davis Cup Team. He announced his retirement in September 2014.
Marc Gicquel (03/30/1977). Born in Tunis, Tunisia, French passport. He started to play in the pro circuit in 1999.
He was predominantly a fast surfaces player. He played both Singles, best ranking No. 37 reached in 2008, and
Doubles, best ranking No. 38 reached in 2009. In the Major circuit he played three Single finals and seven Doubles
finals (winning four of them). His best result in a Grand Slam is the US Open in 2006 when he reached the knockout
stages. He announced his retirement after the defeat by Nicolas Mahut in the quarter-finals of Rennes.
Paul Hanley (12/11/1977). Born in Melbourne, Australia, he played Doubles. He started to play in the pro circuit in
1999, reaching in 2006 his best ranking, No. 5 in the world. In his career he won a total of twenty-six titles. He played
six Grand Slam semi-finals and in 2005 a final in the Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon. He was part of the Australian
National Davis Cup from 2006 to 2010.
Ross Hutchins (22/02/1985). Born in Wimbledon, UK, he started to play in the pro circuit in 2002. Doubles player, he
won a total of five titles, reaching in 2012 his best ranking at No. 26. Teamed with Colin Fleming he reached twice
the quarter-finals in a Grand Slam. In 2010 he won the Silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. In 2013 after
been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, he took a break from the game. In mid-2014 he returned briefly on the
courts only to announce his retirement at the end of the year.
74
Evgeny Korolev (14/02/1988). Born in Moscow, Soviet Union, he started to play in the pro circuit in 2005, reaching
in 2010 the top 50. Winner of four Challenger titles, in 2009 he played the final of the ATP Delray Beach. Kazakh
passport, he played between 2007 and 2011 seven matches as member of the National Davis Cup Team.
Bjorn Phau (10/04/1979). Born in Darmstadt, Germany, he started to play in the pro circuit in 1999, reaching in 2006
his best ranking at No. 59. He won seven Single Challenger titles and played a Doubles final in the Major circuit. In
June he played his last official match in the Challenger of Kosice.
Andy Ram (10.4.1980). Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he played for Israel. He started to play in the pro circuit in
1998. His best Single ranking is No. 187, while in 2008 he reached No. 5 of the Doubles Ranking. Winner of twenty
category titles, including a Grand Slam, also triumphed in two Mixed Doubles (Wimbledon in 2006 and Roland
Garros in 2007). He was part of Israeli Davis Cup Team from 2000 to 2014. He announced his retirement just after
the playoff match against Argentina.
Olivier Rochus (18/01/1981). Born in Namur, Belgium, he started to play in the pro circuit in 1999. With a minute
physique but a great talent and an extraordinary one-handed backhand, he reached in 2005 No. 24 in the Single
ranking and in 2004 No. 29 of the Doubles. He won two ATP titles and two Doubles tournaments, including the 2004
Grand Slam in Paris, paired with Xavier Malisse. Between 2000 and 2013 he played twenty-eight matches for the
Belgian Davis Cup Team. He left the circuit after the tournament of Mons.
WTA
Greta Arn (04/03/1979). Born in Budapest, Hungary, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1997, reaching in 2011
her best ranking at No. 40. Winner of two WTA tournaments, took part in the Fed Cup team from 2008 to 2011. She
retired in January, at the age of 34.
Kristina Barrois (09/30/1981). Born in Ottweiler, Germany, she started to play in the pro circuit in 2005, reaching
in 2011 her best ranking, No. 57. She also played Doubles, reaching in 2012 No. 55 of the world ranking. She retired
in October after the WTA tournament in Luxembourg, where she lost the Single to Hradecka, while she won the
Doubles together with her partner Bacsinszky.
Mallory Burdette (28/01/1991). Born in Macon, Georgia, United States, she had an unfortunate career. She started
to play in the pro circuit in 2012, reaching straightaway No. 68 of the world ranking. The same year she reached
the third round of the US Open. She retired in October of 2014 at the age of 23 due to continuous problems to her
shoulder.
Cataline Castano (07/07/1979). Born in Pereira in Colombia, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1998, reaching
in 2006 her best ranking at No. 35. She won two Doubles’ titles and reached in 2012 her best ranking, No. 71. She
retired in July of 2014 after been diagnosed with cancer.
Stephane Dubois (31/10/1986). Born in Lava, Quebec, Canada, she started to play in the pro circuit in 2004, reaching
in 2012 her best ranking at No. 87. She retired in September 2014, at the age of 27.
75
Anne Kremer (17/10/1975). Born in Luxembourg, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1998, reaching the top 20
of the WTA rankings in 2002. She won two titles in the Major circuit. She said her farewell to the world of tennis in
the tournament of her own city, at the age of 38.
Regina Kulikova (01/30/1989). Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, she started to play in the pro circuit in 2004. As a Junior
she reached No. 22 of the ranking, while in the pro circuit her best ranking is No. 65, reached in 2010. Married at the
age of 19, she retired from tennis at the age of 25
Li Na (02/26/1982). Born in Wuhan, China, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1999. In 2014 she reaches No. 2
of the WTA rankings. Winner of two Grand Slam tournaments (Roland Garros in 2011 and Australian Open in 2014),
she was the first Chinese in history to win a tournament of this magnitude. Nine WTA titles, four finals in major
tournaments and six semi-finals for a glorious career. After a disappointing season on red and grass, as well as
numerous physical problems, she announced her retirement in September.
Iveta Melzer (01/02/1983). Born in Most, Czechoslovakia, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1999, reaching in
2009 her best ranking at No. 25. Two titles in the WTA circuit. She has also achieved good results in the Doubles,
landing among the top 20. She played the quarterfinals at the US Open. In 2011 together with her future husband
Jurgen Melzer triumphed in the Mixed Doubles at Wimbledon. In August 2014 she announced her retirement from
tennis.
Yvonne Meusburger (10/03/1983). Born in Dornbirn, Austria, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1999, reaching
her best ranking, No. 37, in 2014, at the age of 30. She won a WTA title and has always been part of the Austrian Fed
Cup Team. Her last tournament was the 2014 US Open.
Dinara Safina (27/04/1986). Born in Moscow, Russia, she was the former world No. 1. She started to play in the pro
circuit in 2000, winning twelve WTA Single and nine Doubles. She reached the top of the ranking in April 2009 and
kept it for twenty-six weeks. Sister of Marat, she was three times finalist in Grand Slam tournaments. In 2007 along
with Natalie Dechy she won the Doubles US Open. In 2008 she obtained the Silver medal at the summer Olympics
of Beijing. Due to the many back problems that have afflicted her during her entire career, in 2011 she played her
last match in Madrid , losing to Julia Goerges. In 2014, after three years of inactivity, she decided to retire.
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez (12/08/1982). Born in Murcia, Spain, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1998,
entering in 2010 the Top 20 of the Single’s ranking and reaching No. 5 in the Doubles’. She won a total of five Single
WTA tournaments and sixteen Doubles. In 2009 she won with Nuria Llagostera Vives an International WTA Tour title.
After numerous physical problems, she decided to retire after the Roland Garros.
Meghann Shaughnessy (13/04/1979). Born in Richmond, Virginia, United States, in 2001 she was one step away
from entering the top ten, reaching No. 11. In 2005 she reached No. 4 of the Doubles’ ranking. She won six WTA
titles. She retired at the age of 34.
Paola Suarez (06/23/1976). Born in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, she started to play in the pro circuit in 1991, reaching
in 2001 the Top 10 in the Single’ s ranking, while in 2002 she became the No. 1 seed of the Doubles. She won nine
Doubles Grand Slam tournaments, four Single and a total of forty-four Doubles tournament. After a first retirement
in 2007, she came back in 2012, for the London Olympics. She retired in the second half of 2014.
76
WTA
SERIES 125K
“IIn 2014 Crionet was present, as well as in thirteen major WTA tournaments already
mentioned in previous pages, also in five tournaments of the WTA 125K category:
Nanchang, Suzhou, Ningbo, Limoges and Taipei. The WTA 125K is a pretty new
category, specifically created in 2012 to open new market opportunities to those not
yet able to host a real WTA event.
77
JIANGXI INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S OPEN
Date: 21/ 27 July 2014
Tournament director: Adam Yun
Surface: Hard
PENG THE CHAMPION,
LIU THE FUTURE
The first edition of the $ 125.000 WTA “Zhonghong JiangXi
International Women’s Open” had the best final possible,
though, not exactly what everybody expected, still very
interesting and full of meaning. While seed No. 1 of the
tournament, the player from Hunan Shuai Peng, honoured
by a wild card from the organizers, respected the odds,
her rival, the second-seeded Zheng Jie, also invited by the
organizers, was forced to surrender at the very beginning.
In Nanchang, in the southeast of China, a new Asian star
started to sparkle. Outside the top 400 at the beginning
of the week, the eighteen year old Liu Fangzhou, last seed
of the Draw, had a fantastic week. Taking advantage of the
retirement of No. 60 in the world Zheng midway through
the second set of the first round, the young player started
a magic journey that led her to the final. Fangzhou did not
tremble in the presence of the most quoted compatriot
and after recovering a set of disadvantage, she played
a very good deciding set up to the mid partial, when
she succumbed to the greater experience of Peng. In
Nanchang Peng won her first WTA title while the Chinese
fans found a new young talented player.
The tennis player from Taipei Chuang Chia-Jung and the
Japanese Junri Namigata defeated in the Doubles’ final
the seed No. 3 couple of the Draw, Chan Chin-Wei and Xu
Yi-Fan. Final score 7-6 (4) 6-3.
78
Zhong Hong Jiang Xi International Women's Open
Nanchang, China 19- 27 July, 2014
$125,000 - WTA 125K series
Hard
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
1 WC 1
PENG, Shuai
CHN
2
HAN, Xinyun
S. PENG [1]
CHN 61 63
3
KREMEN, Ilona
BLR
4
Q 5
6
TANAKA, Mari
I. KREMEN
JPN 61 61
TANG, Hao Chen
CHN
LERTCHEEWAKARN, Noppawan
7
WANG, Qiang
7
8
DUAN, Ying-Ying
3
9
DOI, Misaki
10
JAKUPOVIC, Dalila
N. LERTCHEEWAKARN
THA 62 64
Q. WANG
CHN
61 76(2)
Q. WANG
CHN 64 76(3)
JPN
M. DOI [3]
SLO 63 76(4)
11
ZHU, Lin
12
JANG, Su Jeong
CHN
L. ZHU
KOR 63 64
Q 13
ZHANG, Kai-Lin
CHN
6
5
14
XU, Yi-Fan
15
HONCOVA, Michaela
16
ZHENG, Saisai
17
MINELLA, Mandy
18
MRDEZA, Tereza
LUX
T. MRDEZA
CRO 76(8) 61
WANG, Yafan
YANG, Zi
CHN
Y. WANG
CHN 63 61
21
MELNIKOVA, Marina
RUS
22
BARBIERI, Gioia
ZHENG, Wushuang
4
24
KUMKHUM, Luksika
8
25
BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya
26
ZHANG, Ling
27
RAINA, Ankita
Q 28
Q 29
CHN
L. KUMKHUM [4]
THA 63 63
UKR
L. ZHANG
HKG 75 62
IND
A. RAINA
JPN 64 26 62
ADAMCZAK, Monique
AUS
KOLAR, Nastja
N. KOLAR
SLO 76(5) 63
31
LIU, Fangzhou
CHN
ZHENG, Jie
Seeded Players
PENG, Shuai
ZHENG, Jie
DOI, Misaki
KUMKHUM, Luksika
MINELLA, Mandy
ZHENG, Saisai
DUAN, Ying-Ying
BEYGELZIMER, Yuliya
www.wtatennis.com
F. LIU
CHN 76(5) 20 Ret'd
Rank
50
60
85
113
115
131
169
168
S. ZHENG [6]
67(5) 63 62
Shuai PENG [1]
62 36 63
Y. WANG
64 64
L. KUMKHUM [4]
64 75
L. KUMKHUM [4]
64 61
F. LIU
64 61
L. ZHANG
62 61
30
2 WC 32
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
M. MELNIKOVA
ITA 62 46 75
NAMIGATA, Junri
S. PENG [1]
64 67(6) 63
S. ZHENG [6]
63 76(5)
SVK
S. ZHENG [6]
CHN 26 61 63
LL 20
S. PENG [1]
62 62
M. DOI [3]
62 46 63
Y. XU
CHN 62 62
WC 19
WC 23
S. PENG [1]
63 64
F. LIU
61 46 62
F. LIU
62 64
Prize Money
Pts.
Winner
$20,000 160 A. Morita - Low back pain
Finalist
$11,000 95
Semi-Finalist
$6,000 57
Quarter-Finalist
$4,000 29
2nd Round
$2,000 15 J. Zheng - Right Foot Blister
1st Round
$1,050
1
Liu, Fangzhou (423)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Mandy Minella
Chen Shu
The protagonist
Shuai Peng
Born in Hunan, China, on January 8, 1986, Shuai Peng ended 2014 at No.
22. Her best ranking is No.14, reached on 22 August 2011. Her coach is
Guillame Peyre, former French pro, who previous-ly trained Baghdatis and
Gasquet and collaborated with the Chinese Federtennis. In Nan Chang
she won her first Single title in the major circuit, while paired with Hsieh
she won the Doubles of Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the WTA Finals,
reaching the No. 1 ranking. In the first part of the season Peng reached the
quarter-finals in the International of Pattaya, Thailand, and of Marrakesh
in Morocco. She played very well in the summer, winning the 125 K WTA
of Nan Chang and de-feating at Wimbledon Kirilenko and Davis before
giving in to Kvitova. Her best performance was in New York, where on
the courts of the Flushing Meadows she beat opponents of the like of
Ag-nieszka Radwanska, Roberta Vinci, Lucie Safarova and the rising star
Belinda Bencic, before sur-rendering in the semi-final to Wozniacki due to
an injury. Her last good result of the season ar-rived in October when she
reached the semi-finals of Tianjin.
NANCHANG
79
TENNIS & TOURISM
NANCHANG, MILLENARY CITY
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang (four and a half million inhabitants) is located on the southern shores of the rivers
Ganjang and Wuhe and borders the largest freshwater basin in China, the Poyang Lake. Nanchang boasts over 2200 years
of history, eighteen archaeological sites with over six hundred exhibits and nearly thirty different places from which
to have a panoramic view of the city. In Chinese Nanchang means “prosperous area of the south” and is obviously the
most important political and economic centre of the Jiangxi Province. It has a sub-tropical climate with mild temperate
for most of the year. The ultra modern International Sports Centre of Nanchang is a true sports city with inside two
football stadiums with a capacity of forty thousand spectators, a sports hall, eighteen outdoors tennis courts with a
over three thousand seats hard Central and four more hard indoors courts. The admission is free all week. The official
hotel is the “Wanda Real Hotel”, a luxury five-stars hotel with SPA and a great customer service. The taxi in China is very
cheap and is the best means of transportation for those unfamiliar with the “Galaxy China” and its chaotic traffic. Always
remember to have with you the information of your destination in Chinese because English is still poorly known. Players
and referees can use a non-stop shuttle service between the hotel and the International Sports Centre. Those who love
Chinese cuisine, will not be disappointed in Nanchang. The traditional cuisine is called Gan and is appreciated all over
the country. Other methods of cooking used in this area are the Guangdong, Hunan and Sichuan. The specialties are the
Nanchang Noodles, fragrant rice snacks.
80
SUZHOU LADIES OPEN 2014
Date: 30 August/06 September 2014
Tournament director: Guo Qilo
Supervisor: Kerrilyn Kremer
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
CYCLONE FRIEDSAM
In the second edition of the International of Suzhou the
young German Anna-Lena Friedsam won her first WTA
trophy. The victory of the 20 years old from Neuwied,
credited seed No. 4 at the Asian tournament, was in
some respects unexpected. In the city lying on the
bank of the Yangtze River and on the shores of the
Taihu Lake the German, who in her career won ten ITF
tournaments, surprised everyone, losing not even a
SUZHOU
single set throughout the week and playing a
level of tennis well above her current ranking,
No. 100. Friedsam defeated first the Croatian
Petra Martic and then the seed No. 7 Kateryna
Kozlova in the quarter-finals. A true masterpiece
the semi-final against the first seeded player
of the tournament, the Slovak Jana Cepelova.
All easy in the final match of the tournament,
where Friedsam granted only four games to the
unfortunate Chinese Ying-Ying Dua, revelation
of the tournament able to overcome the
second-seeded Patrica Mayr-Achleitner in the
quarterfinals. A magic year for Friedsam, who
before the Asian success had never be able to
win a tournament higher than $ 50,000 in prize
money. During the transition to the major circuit
the German player reached for the first time the main
draw of a Slam (Paris and Wimbledon). Friedsam’s moment
of perfect form continued in the following month, when
she reached two WTA semi-finals (Linz and Taipei), earning
her best ranking, No. 76. The players from Taipei Chan and
Chuang defeated 10-7 in the super tie-break the Japanese
Eguchi and Hozumi, so as to win the Doubles tournament.
81
The protagonist
Anna-Lena Friedsam
Born in Neuwied, Germany, on 1 February 1994, Anna-Lena Friedsam, after reaching in October her best
ranking at No. 76, ended 2014 at No. 87. She is coached by Bijan Wardjawand, technical manager of the
Tennisverband Rheinland. Perfect prototype of XXI century tennis player, Anna-Lena’s most effective shots
are the service and the response. In Suzhou she conquered the first WTA title of her professional career,
which began in 2011. Between 2012 and 2013 she won ten ITF trophies. After missing the Australi-an tour,
she started her season with the Open Gaz de France in Paris. The first part of the year was not particularly
exciting, with a series of defeats in the first or second round. In July she reached the semi-final in the ITF
tournament of Astana. In the Slam she stopped in the first round in both Paris and Wim-bledon, while
in New York she managed to arrive to the decisive round of the qualifying. Then, as previ-ously said, the
victory at the 125K WTA of Suzhou (defeated in the final the Chinese Duan) and in October the semifinals in the International of Linz, in which she started from the qualifying matches. In Austria she beat
Cibulkova, finalist of the Australian Open 2014, at the first round. The season ended with the semi-final of
the 125K tournament of Taipei.
82
TENNIS & TOURISM
SUZHOU, GARDEN CITY
With a long history behind it, Suzhou (over 10 million
inhabitants) is one of the most economically advanced
cities of the “planet” China. Located in Jiangsu Province,
it is known in the East for its stone bridges, pagodas and
beautiful gardens (built mostly during the Ming and Qing
Dynasty), which have become a major tourist destination.
Since 1997, Suzhou and its gardens have been declared by
UNESCO World Heritage. The club has eight hard courts,
four of which are used for the tournament’s matches,
and a Central with a capacity of about two thousand
seats. Inside the club are set up a players’ lounge with a
relaxation area, a gym and a restaurant. The daily ticket to
attend the match is 40 CNY (about 5 Euro), while for the
last matches the price rises to 160 CNY (about 20 Euro).
However, with 580 CNY (72 Euro) you can access the
tournament for its entire duration. The official hotel is the
“Suzhou International Hotel”, a five-star 29-storey hotel
with swimming pool, gym, lounge with golf simulator, pool
tables, table tennis, a tennis court and two restaurants. The
city’s airport is the Xuzhou Airport, which is about 100 km
from the city centre. Though Suzhou has a metro line, taxi
is the most easy and convenient choice for getting around
the city. The kitchen of Suzhou is characterised by intense
and light flavour at the same time. The best known local
specialties are: “Mandarin fish”, “snow crab”, “shrimp in tea
Biluo”, “duck in the boat”, ham with honey, eel sautéed in
oil and soup of Brasenia Schreberi of the Lake Tai.
SUZHOU
83
“YINZHOU BANK” INTERNATIONAL
WOMEN’S TENNIS OPEN
Date: 25 October/ 02 November 2014
Tournament director: Bao Lei
Surface: Decoturf
LINETTE THE SURVIVAL
The 22 years old Polish Magda Linette had in Ningbo, China, the perfect week.
Admitted to the tournament without the favour of the head of the series but with
an important load of trust given to her by the recent victory in the ITF of Goyang,
Korea, Linette undertook a real desperate journey before been able to lift the trophy
of the Yinzhou Bank International Women’s Tennis Open, so as to win the first WTA title
of her career. Twice forced to the third set before reaching the final, in the quarterfinals she had a miraculous victory on the Chinese Saisai Zheng, second-seeded of
the main draw. Under of a set (6/1) and losing the second 4/0, Linette did not give up
and continued to fight, point by point. After catching up with Zheng she won the second set in twelve games and then
closed the decisive set 6/3 in her favour. After beating in the semi-finals her compatriot Kania with a double 6/1, Linette
had another difficult match with the Chinese Wang. Down a set and a break, Linette try her best to get back on top and
win, again at the twelfth game, the second half, before dominating the third set. After seven ITF titles, this is her best
career result. A result that projects her again near the first hundred of the world, one step away from her best ranking,
No. 106. Arina Rodionova and Olga Savchuk, seed No. 1, after recovering a disadvantage of 4/6 4/5 defeated the Chinese
Han Xinyun and Zhang Kai-Lin, ending the Doubles’ final 4/6, 7/6 (2), 10/6.
84
2014 "Yinzhou Bank" International Women's Tennis Open
Ningbo, China
25/10 - 2/11/2014
$125,000 - WTA 125K series
Hard, Decoturf
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
1
4
WC
3
2
1
2
3
4
NINGBO
1
RODIONOVA, Arina
SAVCHUK, Olga
2
HOZUMI, Eri
VANKOVA, Katerina
A. RODIONOVA
O. SAVCHUK [1]
JPN 64 36 10-6
CZE
3
BYCHKOVA, Ekaterina
DIATCHENKO, Vitalia
RUS
RUS
4
LINETTE, Magda
ZHANG, Ling
M. LINETTE
L. ZHANG
POL 64 64
HKG
5
FICHMAN, Sharon
ZHENG, Saisai
CAN
CHN
6
LIANG, Chen
LIU, Chang
S. FICHMAN
S. ZHENG [4]
CHN 75 62
CHN
7
YE, Qiu Yu
ZHANG, Ying
CHN
CHN
8
LEE, Ya-Hsuan
MAJERIC, Tadeja
Y. LEE
T. MAJERIC
TPE 63 64
SLO
9
KUMKHUM, Luksika
TANASUGARN, Tamarine
THA
THA
10
KANIA, Paula
KOZLOVA, Kateryna
P. KANIA
K. KOZLOVA
POL 46 64 10-5
UKR
11
CHANG, Kai-Chen
HSIEH, Shu-Ying
TPE
TPE
12
CHAN, Chin-Wei
CHUANG, Chia-Jung
C. CHAN
C. CHUANG [3]
TPE 62 62
TPE
13
WANG, Yafan
ZHU, Lin
CHN
CHN
14
HAN, Xinyun
ZHANG, Kai-Lin
X. HAN
K. ZHANG
CHN 26 61 10-8
CHN
15
PEER, Shahar
AUT
ISR
16
DOI, Misaki
XU, Yi-Fan
Seeded Players
RODIONOVA, Arina / SAVCHUK, Olga
DOI, Misaki / XU, Yi-Fan
CHAN, Chin-Wei / CHUANG, Chia-Jung
FICHMAN, Sharon / ZHENG, Saisai
Lee/Majeric (902)
Arina Rodionova
AUS
UKR
A. RODIONOVA
O. SAVCHUK [1]
16 75 10-7
A. RODIONOVA
O. SAVCHUK [1]
62 62
S. FICHMAN
S. ZHENG [4]
63 61
A. RODIONOVA/O. SAVCHUK [1]
46 76(2) 10-6
C. CHAN
C. CHUANG [3]
61 63
X. HAN
K. ZHANG
63 61
X. HAN
K. ZHANG
75 46 10-5
P. MAYR-ACHLEITNER
S. PEER
JPN wo.
CHN
Rank
134
144
164
167
Winner
$5,500
Finalist
$2,700
Semi-Finalist
$1,400
Quarter-Finalist
$750
First Round
$450
Pts.
160
95
57
29
1
M. Doi / Y. Xu - M. Doi (GI Illness)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Kerrilyn Cramer
85
The protagonist
Magda Linette
Born in Poznan, Poland,
February 12, 1992,
Magda Linette ended
2014 at No. 117. Her
best rank-ing dates
back to April of the
same year, No. 106.
She started playing
tennis at the age of six thanks to her parents Tomasz
and Beata. She is currently coached by Ivo Zunich.
In Ningbo, China, she conquered her first WTA title
(category 125K). Previously Linette had won seven
ITF Futures tournaments. 2014 was a very intense and
demanding year. In the first months of the year she
reached the quarter-finals in the $ 50.000 Futures of
Burnie, Australia. Result repeated in April in the WTA
International of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she
was beaten in three sets by the Chi-nese Shuai Zhang.
Then a series of ups and downs, with first or second
round reached in both ITF and WTA tournaments. In
mid-October she won the $ 25.000 Futures of Goyang
in South Korea and then the $ 125.000 WTA of Ningbo
in China. Her season ended in November with the
quarter-finals of the $125.000 WTA of Taipei.
TENNIS & TOURISM
NINGBO, MILLENARY CITY
Rich port city of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo is a metropolis of over seven million people on the northwest coast of China.
It has a very long history, whose origin dates back to 4800 BC. Currently the port of Ningbo is second only to Shanghai
in size and volume of traffic. The Ynzhou Tennis Centre is a modern building with twenty-two hard courts, sixteen of
which are outdoors and six indoors. The Central has a capacity of over four thousand seats and houses all the offices of
the tournament, the players-lounge, VIPs areas, a tennis shop and a restaurant with international cuisine. The admission
fee starts from a minimum of 50 yen in the first days of the tournament up to 80 yen for the final. The official hotel is
the “New Century Grand Hotel Ningbo”, probably the best hotel in town. Ideal for conventions and conferences, all its
rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, ironing facilities and a mini bar service. The hotel offers its guests a modern
health club, an indoor pool and tennis courts. Ningbo International Airport is just 8 km away. There is a pickup service
from the airport for tennis players and referees and a shuttle between the hotel and the Ynzhou Tennis Centre. Inside
the official hotel there are seven restaurants, all with international cuisine. Who wants to try Chinese specialties can opt
for the “Zhele Chamber Restaurant”, while if you fell eating Japanese we recommend the “Naubi”. To be mention also the
‘’Isabella Western Restaurant”, which annually hosts a festival of Italian cuisine.
86
Date: 03/ 09 November 2014
Tournament director: Pascal Biojout
Surface: Greenset indoor
Balls: Babolat VS
SMITKOVA THE WARRIOR
A few months earlier she surprised everyone, starting
from the qualifying and reaching the second round at
Wimbledon. 2014 was a very good year for the Czech
Tereza Smitková, class ‘94, who obtained her best result
right at the end of the season. In the quarter-finals in a no
so brilliant game she managed to defeat the sixth-seeded
of the tournament, the Belgian Van Uytvanck, exceeded in
comeback. In the semi-finals she won the Italian Francesca
Schiavone with a sharp 6/3 6/2. The final with the other
young player Kristina Mladenovic, hailed by the home
crowd, was a real battle: more than a hour of play only in
the first set, conquered with merit at the tie-break. Not
easier the second part, won in comeback with a double
break -she was losing 4-1. Recovered the disadvantage,
Smitkova finished off her opponent winning in twelve
games and writing for the first time her name in the Roll of
Honour of a WTA tournament. Before the title of Limoges,
the twenty year old native of Hradec Kralove, triumphed
only in ITF tournaments: four in total, three of $ 10,000
and one of $ 25,000. With the victory on French soil, the
Czech revised her best ranking at No. 83, which makes her
one of the players to watch for in the coming years. A few
days after winning the Fed Cup, Czech Republic can thus
LIMOGES
give again a joy to its people. Joy that tasted even better
thanks to Katerina Siniakova and Renata Voracova who,
Seed No. 4 of a Draw formed by only eight pairs, defeated
in the final the couple seed No. 1, the French Mladenovic
and the Hungarian Timea Babos.
87
Limoges, France 3 -9 November 2014
$125,000 - WTA 125K series
Hard, Greenset
Limoges, France
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
3
1
NICULESCU, Monica
ROU
WC 2
RAZZANO, Virginie
V. RAZZANO
FRA 46 64 63
Q 3
KASATKINA, Daria
RUS
4
TSURENKO, Lesia
Q 5
6
RADWANSKA, Urszula
SMITKOVA, Tereza
Q 7
BARBIERI, Gioia
6
8
9
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
5
10 MITU, Andreea
11 DULGHERU, Alexandra
LL 13 HOGENKAMP, Richel
SVK
A. SCHMIEDLOVA [5]
ROU 60 00 Ret'd
F. SCHIAVONE
ROU
46 64 63
F. SCHIAVONE
ITA 63 76(4)
NED
15 SINIAKOVA, Katerina
CZE
8
17 PARMENTIER, Pauline
WC 18 DODIN, Oceane
19 KUCOVA, Kristina
Q 20 PITER, Katarzyna
21 WITTHOEFT, Carina
S. VOEGELE [7]
SUI 46 61 76(8)
O. DODIN
FRA 76(5) 62
SVK
K. PITER
POL 62 64
23 KONJUH, Ana
CRO
24 BECK, Annika
25 MLADENOVIC, Kristina
26 SASNOVICH, Aliaksandra
27 KOVINIC, Danka
28 ZANEVSKA, Maryna
29 PUTINTSEVA, Yulia
WC 30 HESSE, Amandine
31 BABOS, Timea
2 WC 32
GARCIA, Caroline
Seeded Players
CORNET, Alizé
GARCIA, Caroline
NICULESCU, Monica
BECK, Annika
SCHMIEDLOVA, Anna
VOEGELE, Stefanie
PARMENTIER, Pauline
www.wtatennis.com
T. SMITKOVA
63 62
A. KONJUH
GER 36 64 61
4
F. SCHIAVONE
64 76(2)
Tereza SMITKOVA
76(4) 75
1
BABOS, Timea
HUN
FRA
2
KICHENOK, Lyudmyla
KICHENOK, Nadiia
T. BABOS
K. MLADENOVIC [1]
UKR 63 63
UKR
3
ARRUABARRENA, Lara
ESP
GEO
4
NICULESCU, Monica
SASNOVICH, Aliaksandra
L. ARRUABARRENA
O. KALASHNIKOVA [3]
ROU wo.
BLR
5
OLARU, Raluca
SOLOVYEVA, Valeria
ROU
RUS
6
SINIAKOVA, Katerina
VORACOVA, Renata
K. SINIAKOVA
R. VORACOVA [4]
CZE 64 63
CZE
7
HRDINOVA, Eva
SMITKOVA, Tereza
CZE
CZE
8
JANS-IGNACIK, Klaudia
KLEPAC, Andreja
T. BABOS
K. MLADENOVIC [1]
64 62
K. SINIAKOVA/R. VORACOVA [4]
R. HOGENKAMP
75 63
2
26 62 10-5
K. SINIAKOVA
R. VORACOVA [4]
67(6) 64 12-10
K. JANS-IGNACIK
A. KLEPAC [2]
POL 75 62
SLO
O. DODIN
64 60
O. DODIN
75 63
GER
C. WITTHOEFT
ESP 63 75
9
3
FRA
22 ARRUABARRENA, Lara
4
T. SMITKOVA
62 63
T. SMITKOVA
ITA
36 62 62
A. VAN UYTVANCK [6]
BEL 60 61
R. HOGENKAMP
ESP 64 64
16 VOEGELE, Stefanie
1
L. TSURENKO
76(2) 67(3) 61
POL
T. SMITKOVA
CZE 62 63
14 DOMÍNGUEZ LINO, Lourdes
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
L. TSURENKO
UKR 67(4) 64 60
3 - 9 November 201
$125,000 - WTA 125K series
Hard, Greenset
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
A. KONJUH
63 61
K. MLADENOVIC [9]
75 26 63
K. MLADENOVIC [9]
BLR 75 63
K. MLADENOVIC [9]
MNE
76(7) 32 Ret'd
M. ZANEVSKA
UKR 60 64
K. MLADENOVIC [9]
KAZ
62 76(5)
Y. PUTINTSEVA
FRA 63 64
Y. PUTINTSEVA
HUN
75 64
C. GARCIA [2]
FRA 67(4) 61 63
FRA
Rank
20
38
47
54
73
75
78
79
80
On-site Prize Money Breakdown - Eur Pts.
Winner
€ 16,129 160 R. Hogenkamp [LL] - A. Cornet (Lumbar Spine Pain)
Finalist
€ 8,871 95
Semi-Finalist
€ 4,839 57
Quarter-Finalist
€ 3,226 29
2nd Round
€ 1,613 15 C. Mitu - Left Knee Injury
1st Round
€ 847
1 M. Zanevska - Left Knee Injury
Andreea Mitu - 136
WTA Supervisor(s)
Richel Hogenkamp
Mariana Alves
Seeded Players
1 BABOS, Timea / MLADENOVIC, Kristina
2 JANS-IGNACIK, Klaudia / KLEPAC, Andreja
3 ARRUABARRENA, Lara / KALASHNIKOVA, Oksana
4 SINIAKOVA, Katerina / VORACOVA, Renata
E. Hrdinova / T. Smitkova - 353
Lyudmyla Kichenok
Rank
38
109
136
147
On-site Prize Money (per team) - Eur
Winner
Finalist
Semi-Finalist
First Round
€ 4,839
€ 2,742
€ 1,613
€ 806
Pts.
160
95
57
1
M. Niculescu / A. Sasnovich - M. Niculescu (Foot Blisters)
WTA Supervisor(s)
Mariana Alves
The protagonist
Tereza Smitková
Born in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, October 10, 1994, Tereza Smitkova
ended 2014 at No. 83, a position that also coincides with her best ranking.
She started to play at the age of seven thanks to her parents that made
her join a tennis club in her hometown. Tereza is coached by Jaroslav
Machovský, head coach of the Czech representative under 14 and talent
scout (Jana Novotna, Ka-rel Novacek and Jiri Novak to name a few). During
2014 Smitkova, who started the season behind the 250th position, forged
ahead earning a permanent place among the top 100 in the world. The
surface she prefers is the grass, as demonstrated by the second round
reached at Wimbledon, starting from the qualifying. Between January
and March Smitkova played two ITF semi-finals: Sunderland, England, and
Croissy-Beaubourg, France. To follow another semi-final in the $ 25.000
tournament of Karshi, Uzbekistan. After the exploits of Wimbledon, in the
second half of the sea-son Tereza reached the semi-final of Poitiers ($ 100
thousand in prize money) and finally in No-vember she conquered her first
WTA -the 125K tournament of Limoges, where among other she defeated
Schiavone and Mladenovic.
88
TENNIS & TOURISM
LIMOGES AND ITS PORCELAIN
Limoges, capital of the Limousin region, is a small town
located in the centre of France. The city, crossed by the
river Vienne, has over 140,000 inhabitants and is famous
for its production of ceramics: in the Middle Ages and the
Renaissance its porcelain and its enamels were exported
throughout Europe. With only one tennis court (greenset
indoor) and a restaurant, the Palais des Sports de Limoges
is just a few kilometres from the city centre. The cost of the
ticket during the week is € 8 while for the weekend rises to
€ 12; the affiliates to the French Tennis Federation pay half
price while children under six enter free. The officials hotels
are the “Atrium”, the “Arion” and the “Hotel B&B”. There is
a shuttle service to and from the Sport centre for players
and staff. The International Airport of Limoges is at only
15 minutes drive from downtown or you can reach it by
train. A good railway service connects the city to all major
French cities. From Bordeaux it takes around two hours
drive to reach Limoges. The most known and appreciated
French specialties are: escargot, baguette, croissants,
crepes and crème brûlée. The restaurant inside the sport
centre serves delicious local specialties, with a menu that
changes daily. To eat we recommend the “Buffalo” and “Les
Artistes” while for a drink in the evening the “Ambassade”.
LIMOGES
89
OEC TAIPEI WTA LADIES OPEN
Date: 02/ 09 November 2014
Tournament director: Philip Liu
Surface: Carpet (Gerfor Taraflex)
Balls: Slazenger Wimbledon
VITALIA BACK
WITH A BANG
The $ 250.000 “OEC Taipei Ladies Open WTA”, an
International tournament held at the end of the season
in the capital city of Taiwan, was the highest moment
of the fairy tell lived by Vitalia Diatchenko in 2014. The
beautiful Russian native of Sochi at a very young age
moved to Moscow to train. After a good career as junior
she had to deal with numerous injuries that have slowed
down her growth. In 2013 Diatchenko played, and won,
only the $ 50.000 ITF tournament of Ankara, then in
2014 she slowly climbed the rankings, triumphing in
three tournaments of the minor circuit, including the $
100,000 tournament of Astana. After obtaining the best
career result only a few weeks earlier in the WTA Premier
of Moscow, having also defeated for the first time a top50, Dominika Cibulkova, Vitalia found in Taipei the perfect
conditions to showcase all her repertoire. Equipped with
a powerful and aggressive tennis, the Russian reached the
final by dominating her opponents, losing her first set in
the semi-final with the Romanian Ana Bogdan. In the final,
after badly losing the first set to the local wild card Chan,
she began to find the right countermeasures to the good
game of her opponent, so as to win the second set. In
the third and decisive set, Diatchenko did not let go even
when she found herself in disadvantage of 1-3, scoring
a partial of five games to one to make hers the sceptre.
The Taiwanese victory allowed Diatchenko to enter
among the first hundred of the world, reaching the best
ranking of No. 71: a true miracle, considering the over 400
positions climbed during the year. Chan consoled herself
in the Doubles, defeating together with her younger sister
Hao-Ching Chang Kai-Chen and Chuang Chia-Jung with
an eloquent 6/4 6/3.
90
The protagonist
Vitalia Diatchenko
Born in Sochi, Russia, on August 2, 1990, Vitalia Diatchenko, the daughter
of an official of the UN, ended 2014 at No. 108. Her best ranking dates
back to November of the same year, when she was No. 71. She is coached
by her dad Dmitry Degtyarev, but to accompany her in the circuit is her
mother Victoria. Due to a serious injury at the age of fourteen she had
to stop for a very long time (two years). Before winning the 125K WTA
of Taipei, Vitalia scored between 2007 and 2014 nine ITF titles. In the
first part of the season she played several ITF, winning one tournament
and reach-ing a final (Sharm el Sheik, Egypt) in March. At the end of
May she played the final of the $ 25.000 tournament of Moscow and at
the end of July of the $ 100.000 ITF of Astana, in Kazakhstan. One more
victory and another final in September: the first in the ITF of Moscow
and the second in Pod-gorica, Montenegro. In October, starting from
the qualifiers, she reached the quarter-finals in the Kremlin Cup, the
Premier WTA of Moscow. Diatchenko closed 2014 with a bang, winning
in Tapei her first 125K WTA title.
TAIPEI
91
TENNIS & TOURISM
THE FRANTIC AND MODERN TAIPEI
With more than two million inhabitants, Taipei is the capital
of Taiwan. With its 30 million inhabitants the island (which
when it was under Portuguese colonial rule was called
Formosa) enjoys considerable administrative autonomy
by the Republic of China. Built in 2005 on the ashes of the
old municipal baseball stadium, the Taipei Arena is a large
indoor multifunctional stadium, often home to sporting
events of international importance as the championships
of ice skating, ice hockey, gymnastics, handball, basketball,
tennis, badminton, table tennis, football, boxing, judo,
karate, taekwondo and wrestling. The main arena has
an adjustable surface. The admission is free during the
qualifying, while there is a fee for the matches of the
main draw. The official hotel is the “Sunworld Dynasty
Hotel Taipei”. It is a business hotel located in the financial
district, near the shopping centre MOMO and only few
minutes away from the Arena. The MRT Nanjing East Road
Station is only five minutes walk from the hotel while the
Central Station, the Taipei 101 and the world trade Centre
about ten minutes by car. It offers to its customers three
restaurants, a fully equipped fitness centre and free parking
in front of the Taipei Arena. With a five minutes drive you
will reach the airport of Songshan while you need around
fifty minutes for the Taoyuan Airport. Inside the Arena, in
addition to a fast food, a supermarket and other shops for
every need, there is a canteen for those working at the
tournament. Taipei has a pretty exciting nightlife. There
are several opportunities for entertainment, from bars
to pubs and for the most discerning palates restaurants
offering tasty local delicatessen. Most of the clubs are
concentrated in the city centre, while in the suburbs you
can find Chinese ballrooms.
92
Did You Know...
• The highest player in the WTA ranking: Eva Hrdinova (CZE) 191 cm
• The shortest player in the WTA ranking: Rika Fujiwara (JAP) 155 cm
• The youngest player in the WTA ranking: Catherine “Cici” Bellis (USA) 08/04/1999
• The oldest player of the WTA ranking: Kimiko Date-Krumm (JAP) 09.28.1970
• Total number of players with WTA ranking: 1280 (77 Countries)
• Percentages players/continent: Europe 63%; South America 15.4%; Asia 11%; North America
5.6%; Oceania 3.4%; Africa 1.3%
• The most represented Nations - Top 5: USA (109), Russia (102), Japan (63), Italy (60), France (56)
• Top 5 Nations (based on the first three players in the ranking): Russia (Sharapova, Makarova
and Pavlyunchenkova), Czech Republic (Kvitova, Safarova and Ka. Pliskova), USA (S. Williams,
Williams and V. Lepchenko ), Germany (Kerber, Petkovic and Lisicki), Italy (Pennetta, Errani and
Giorgi)
Data updated on 01/19/2015
Source: Caspio - Crionet www.youtennis.net/caspio
93
CHALLENGER TOUR
“For eleven months Crionet’s crew flew all around the world to assure its presence
in sixty ATP Challenger events - last category before the Major circuit.
94
COPA CLARO
Date: 21/26 January 2014
Prize money: 40,000 $ + H
Tournament director: Jhan Fontalvo
Supervisor: Damian Steiner
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson
FALLA’S HOME VICTORY
Alejandro Falla, 30 year old native of Cali, is the
champion of the sixth edition of a $40.000 plus
hospitality tournament played on the clay courts
of Bucaramanga, capital of the department of
Santander, entering for the first time its Roll of
Honour.
Bucaramanga, founded in 1622 by Andres Paez de
Sotomayor, counts about one million inhabitants
and is an important tobacco production and
manufacture centre.
Falla arrived to the final losing only one set in
the second round to the Chilean Gonzalo Lama.
Nothing to do for the talented Paolo Lorenzi,
who, even if in the semi-final surprisingly
managed to defeat the other home idol and seed
No. 1 Alejandro Gonzalez, in the last act, had to
surrender to the vehemence and the strength of
the left-handed from Cali, losing the final 7/5 6/1
The title of Bucaramanga, tournament part of the South
American Copa Claro, is Falla’ s second victory of the season,
with the first been the one obtained a few days earlier in
Noumea, New Caledonia, in the opening tournament of
2014. Rise, therefore, to 11 the number of Challenger he
BUCARAMANGA
won in his career. His first victory at ATP level was in 2013
in Bogotá, city where he now lives.
Double celebration for the Colombians fans, thanks to
the two home heroes Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Robert
Farah, who, respecting the predictions that saw them as
favourites, won the Doubles tournament.
95
96
The protagonist
ALEJANDRO FALLA
Born in Cali on
November 14, 1983
(31 years old) Falla
is, after Mauricio
Hadad in 1996, the
second Colombian
tennis player in
history to make his
entry in the top 100
of the ATP ranking.
The
left-handed
winner in 2014 of
two
Challenger
titles ended the
year at No. 88, quite
far from his best ranking yet, No. 48, recorded
in the summer of 2012. Except the two gold of
January, his 2014 has not been brilliant. He played
some excellent matches in the first part of the
season (against Janowicz during the Indian Wells
to name one) and in early June an exceptional
ATP tournament on the grass of Halle, defeating
one after another Kubot, Haase, Gojowczyk and
Kohlschreiber and surrendering only to Roger
Federer in a final ended in two tie-break. After
Halle, though, nothing much happened, losing at
the first round of the next ten tournaments and
winning only one match in the ATP tournament
of Bogota (where in 2013 he reached the final)
against Ito. He is, however, still very popular in his
homeland for having played fourthly-five Davis
Cup matches and for being the first Colombian
ever to beat a top 10, Nikolay Davydenko at
Wimbledon 2008.
BUCARAMANGA
TENNIS & TOURISM
BUCARAMANGA, THE CITY OF PARKS
Founded in the XVII century, Bucaramanga is the capital
of the Department of Santander, Colombia. Located at
about 1000 metres above sea level, with Floridablanca
and Giron it forms a metropolitan area of over one million
inhabitants. Full of parks and gardens, the city is known
in Colombia as “Ciudad de los Parques” (city of parks). The
Challenger is played at the Club Campestre, among the
most exclusive and modern of Bucaramanga. It has nine
clay courts, five of which reserved for the tournament, as
well as a golf course with eighteen holes, swimming pools,
restaurants and an area dedicated to windsurfing, kite,
canoeing and other water sports. The admission is free for
the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is
within the Club Campestre. All rooms are well furnished,
with queen size bed, cable TV, air conditioning, minibar, complementary tea and coffee and Wi-Fi. Palonegro
International Airport is less than one hour drive from the
hotel (28 kilometres). Missing a train connection, the most
comfortable and safe way to reach Bucaramanga is the taxi
but beware of the chaotic traffic of the city. The Santandermute (a soup with beef ribs, pork, pepper, cumin and other
spices, as well as chickpeas, tomatoes and potatoes), the
oread meat, typical of the department of Santander, and
the sobrebarriga accompanied by corn arepa and tamal
pelao are the typical dishes of this area. For those wishing
to try, but only few days a year when they come out from
their holes, the “Hormigas Culonas” a particular breed of
ants that live in the region.
97
VISIT PANAMA CUP
Date: 27 January – 2 February 2014
Prize money: 40,000$ + H
Tournament director: Fabricio Valdivieso
Supervisor: William Coffey
Surface: Hard
Balls: Penn Championships Extra Duty
ODESNIK’S REVENGE
At the end of a magical week, the American Wayne Odesnik won the title
of the $40.000 plus hospitality Challenger played on the hard courts of
Chitre, Panama.
In the capital city of the province of Herrera, Odesnik beat one after the
other the Italians Riccardo Ghedin, Walter Trusendi and Paolo Lorenzi
while in the final he won against the Taiwanese Jimmy Wang, ending the
match with the score of 5/7 6/4 6/4.
Odesnik was so able to take is revenge against the man who a few months
earlier in the prestigious Wimbledon tournament, denied him the joy of
winning his first match in the main draw of the Championships. In that
occasion Odesnik was defeated by Wang during the first round, losing
7/5 the fifth set of the match and missing a match point.
In the capital city of the Peninsula de Azuero a completely different fate
awaited the 28-year old native of Johannesburg (South Africa) but now
resident of Florida. Thanks to the victory of Chitre he is getting closer to
the top 100 in the world, from which is missing since 2010.
For Odesnik, controversial figure due to his suspension in 2010 for
doping, there was a even bigger satisfaction. After a one-year suspension
for being caught in possession of eight vials containing HGH, Wayne was
able to face his mistakes and put them behind him, returning to play and
to compete with his colleagues with a completely new spirit.
The Doubles tournament was won by the American Kevin King and his
Colombian fellow Juan-Carlos Spir, ending the fairy tale of the Puerto
Rican Alex Llompart and the Argentine Mateo Nicolas Martinez.
98
CHITRE - PANAMA
99
The protagonist
WAYNE ODESNIK
Odesnik, though born in Johannesburg, South
Africa, November 21, 1985 (29 years old), is a US
citizen. When he was three years old his family
moved from one continent to another. Harold’s
father opened a jewellery store not too far from
Miami, while his mother, a successful gymnastic in
South Africa, started a new career in informatics. In
a no so great 2014 the left-handed player manage
to win only one Challenger. Highlights of his season
were the final of Binghamton and the tournament
of Lexington, where he reached the semi-finals.
Odesnik ended 2014 at No. 171 in the world. His
best ranking yet, No. 77, dates back to 2009, before
the disqualification for doping. His return to tennis
has not been very easy, due to the many suspicions
and accusations. The most famous episode was
when Andy Roddick and Ryan Harrison have
publicly spoken out against his return to the circuit.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CHITRE, IN THE HEART OF PANAMA
Chitre is the capital of the Panamanian province of Herrera.
It is located in the northeast of the Azuero Peninsula and
with its 50,000 inhabitants is the thirteenth most populous
city of Panama. If the heat is bearable the best way to see
the city is on foot. The most interesting attractions in the
city are the cathedral and the Museum of Herrera, while
not far from Chitre you can admire the ruins of ancient
cities. The club consists of seven hard courts, five of which
are used for the tournament, a bar and a restaurant.
Adults pay $ 3 after 1 pm while kids enter free all day.
The official hotel is the Azuero hotel, equipped with all
modern comforts like swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi, air
conditioning and a shuttle service to reach the club for the
players and those working for the tournament. The club
can be reached by car or taxi. The nearest airport is that of
Panama, which is, however, 4-hour drive from Chitre. A taxi
will cost you $ 300 or a cheaper option is to get a taxi up
to Panama bus station and from there, for just $ 3, a bus to
Chitre. The best restaurants around the hotel are “Da Fabio
la casa della pasta”, “Memories” and “Salsa y Carbon”. Let’s
talk now about Chitre’s typical dishes. The “Cevice”, dish
made of raw fish (or seafood), marinated in lime juice and
made even more lively by a touch of chilli or red pepper,
fresh herbs and onion. The most common dish that you
will find anywhere is the “arroz con pollo”, rice with chicken
(roasted or fried) and as a side dish fried plantain (green
banana) or yuca (a tuber similar to the potato).
100
SHIRAM CAPITAL P.L. REDDY MEMORIAL
Date: 3/8 February 2014
Tournament director: Hitel Joshi
Supervisor: Nitin Kannamwar
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat French Open
BHAMBRI THE CONQUEROR
Yuki Bhambri, 21-year old from New Delhi,
crowned in Chennai his magical week winning
both the Single and the Doubles Trophies of the
$50.000 Challenger.
Chennai, capital city of the federal state of Tamil
Nadu, seems to bring good luck to the former
Junior world No. 1, who in the season-opening ATP
tournament managed to reach the quarter-finals
by defeating in the first round the Italian Fognini.
Chennai, a city of over four million inhabitants, is
an important commercial and industrial centre, in
addition to have a rich cultural and artistic heritage.
In the capital city of the Indian car industry, Yuki
Bhambri, who trains in Florida (Bradenton) at the
academy of Nick Bollettieri, against all expectation, easily
defeated in the semi-final the most awaited player of the
board, Somdev Devvarman. Different story was the final,
where he had to fight until the end against the Russian
Alexander Kudryavtsev, concluding the match only in the
third set with a score of 7/5.
After a glorious junior career Bhambri seemed to find it
hard to prove himself at a professional level, but in Chennai
he finally showed what he is made of, triumphing also
in the Doubles tournament. Paired with New Zealander
CHENNAI
Michael Venus, he dominated the tournament, leaving
just few crumbs to his opponents before winning against
Indian Sriram Balaji and Slovenian Blaz Rola, ending the
final 7/6 6/4.
Surely a week to remember for the Indian player, true
prophet in his homeland. In the week prior to the Chennai
Challenger he also managed to win two matches in the
Davis Cup play-off against Taipei. No doubt this is for
Bhambri the best time of his career.
101
102
The protagonist
YUKI BHAMBRI
Born in New Delhi on July 4, 1992 (22 years old), Yuki
Bhambri grew up between rackets and tennis balls.
Many, indeed, the members of his family who had play,
with more or less satisfaction, as professional players.
After reaching in February No. 143 of the ATP ranking,
Bhambri ended 2014 at No. 249. He had a great start
to the season but then due to an injury he was forced
to stop for five months. During the first week of the
season Bhambri had a problem to the ankle. The fear of
aggravating it made him overload with weight the other
foot causing him a heel injury. Yuki took advantage
of the unexpected spare time and went back to the
University of Delhi to carry on his studies. In August
having recovered from his injury he made his return to
the circuit but without great results. Now he hopes to
be fit for the whole season so as to reach that ranking
position he deserves, as shown at the beginning of 2014.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CHENNAI, IN THE INDIAN CHAOS
Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal,
counts about 4.2 million inhabitants and along with Mumbai and Kolkata is a very important commercial and industrial
centre. In the past the city was known by the name of Madras, which today only indicates the historic central district of
Chennai. The very high temperatures makes walking practically impossible. The best way to visit the city is the “tuk tuk”,
a picturesque three-wheeled taxi: at a very low price it is the perfect way to go around the busy streets of the city. The
main attractions are undoubtedly the temples. In addition to the many historical and cultural attractions, Chennai boasts
the second longest beach in the world, Marina beach. It is a few kilometres from the city centre and is a perfect place to
spend a day away from the noise and smog of the city. The club has seven hard courts. The stadium home to the Central
court can hold up to 5900 spectators. The admission is free for the whole duration of the tournament. The official hotel
of the tournament is “The Spring Hotel.” The staff is very friendly and the restaurant “The Movies” offers good quality food
at an affordable price. It also has, albeit very small, a gym with all the main fitness equipment. Taxi, tuk tuk and buses are
very frequent in the city, but in the first two cases it is always better to negotiate the price or ask to turn on the taximetre.
The airport is about an hour’s drive from the city centre and the best way to reach it is the taxi. Due to the large amount
of hot spices used Indian food is characterised by strong flavours. There is a great choice of vegetarians and vegans
dishes. Lassie, a traditional drink made from yogurt, and ice cream are a must. The best restaurants are: “Goa Portuguesa”,
“Tuscana”, “The Movies” and “La Focaccia”.
CHENNAI
103
TROFEO PERREL - FAIP
Prize money: 42,500 € + H
Tournament director: Marco Fermi
Supervisor: Carmelo di Dio
Surface: Hard Indoor
Balls: Dunlop Fort
BOLELLI SHINES AGAIN
Simone Bolelli is back, and he did it in style. The 28 year old from Budrio (near Bologna), returning after a long absence
caused by an injury and invited to the tournament as a wild card, was the absolute star of the “Trophy Perrel - Faip”, a
€42.500 Challenger played on the indoor hard courts of Bergamo.
Bolelli, fallen over the 300th position due to a seven
month absence from the game, chose Bergamo to start
again. After the operation to his wrist, which forced him
to miss a good half of 2013, he managed to get good
results only in the Doubles tournaments, reaching,
together with Fognini, the semi-finals of the Australian
Open and Davis Cup.
Simone’s usual “sparkling” tennis got the large crowd
packed on the stands of the arena very excited: sudden
accelerations and peaks of pure talent as if time had
never stopped. The player from Bologna, in a crescendo
of quality, was able to outperform opponents of the
calibre of No. 1 seed Dustin Brown in the semi-finals and,
in what was a marvellous final, Jan-Lennard Struff.
After being twice (2006 and 2007) just one step away
from the title Bolelli was finally able to get even with
Bergamo, his second home, and to lift the trophy.
For Simone this is one of the most important victories of his career: his triumphal return in a major tournament, in a very
crowded hall, showed to all of us that he still has a lot to give.
Karol Beck and Michael Mertinak, present thanks to a wild card, won the Doubles tournament: the two experts Slovak,
against all the odds, defeated 10-6 in a super tie-break the couple formed by the Russian Konstantin Kravchuk and by
the Ukrainian Denys Molchanov.
104
BERGAMO
105
The protagonist
MARCO FERMI
Marco Fermi is the tournament director of the ATP
Challenger of Bergamo since its first edition in 2006,
while Gabriele Merelli, the founder of Olme Sport, is
responsible for its organisation. Once again Fermi
directed the Challenger in an impeccable way,
opening as usual the Italian tennis season. Many the
top 50 or former champions who stepped on the
fast indoors courts of the PalaNorda. In addition to
the German-Jamaican Dustin Brown, which alone
attracts a great number of people, the tournament
director decided to grant a wild card to Simone
Bolelli, who will end up winning the trophy, starting
the season in the best way possible. Another wild
card went to Gianluigi Quinzi, one of the most
promising young Italian tennis player, who made
the PalaNorda register a sold out for the evening
match of the first round against Jan Hernych. In a
calendar of tournaments that too often sees the
appearance and disappearance of many events,
Bergamo, largely thanks to the Director Marco
Fermi, remains a constant, marking the start of the
Italian season.
TENNIS & TOURISM
BERGAMO: THE START OF THE ITALIAN SEASON
Bergamo, administrative capital of the homonymous province, is an Italian town of 115,454 inhabitants, number that
rises to 481.519 if we include its hinterland. It is the fourth town in the Lombardy region by population after Milan,
Brescia and Monza. The city of Bergamo is divided into two distinct parts: Città Alta (Upper Town), a hilltop medieval
town surrounded by walls which represents the historic centre, and the Città Bassa (Lower Town), which, although is
also of ancient origin and retains historic buildings, was modernised in recent years. Due to a volleyball match of the
Foppa Pedretti Bergamo taking place at the PalaNorda, heart of the tournament and home from Monday to Saturday
to the most important matches, the qualifying games have been played at the Italcementi. The other location was the
Palazzetto of Alzano Lombardo, used from Saturday to Wednesday. Free entry for the whole duration of the tournament.
The official hotel of the tournament is the Starhotels Cristallo Palace, located in Via Betty Ambiveri No. 35. Thanks to an
all day shuttle the players can reach easily all the different locations- PalaNorda, Gym Italcementi, Alzano Lombardo
palace, the Bergamo TC for lunch or dinner and the Ranica club for training. All of these sites are less the 15 minutes of
drive from each other. In the city you can eat any kind of food you want. Around the PalaNorda there are several excellent
restaurants but also places where you can eat a quick pizza or a kebab.
106
STATE BANK OF INDIA
Tournament director: Sujoy Kumar Ghosh
Supervisor: Hans Juergen Ochs
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat Gold
SUDDENLY BOZOLJAC
Like a bolt from the blue, after six year of “fasting”,
the talented Serbian Ilija Bozoljac goes back to win a
Challenger.
In Calcutta, India’s third largest city by population and
capital of the Federal State of West Bengal, the 28 year
old from Belgrade played a spectacular tennis, a perfect
blend of power and creativity which left all his opponent
helpless and allowed him to win the $50.000 tournament.
Just a step from the first hundred of the world back in 2007
KOLKATA
(he stopped at No. 101) Bozoljac is a “crazy horse” as
he is often called by his colleagues. Unfortunately
he has not been able to confirm his talent on the
court, sliding down to No. 300 of the ranking at the
beginning of the year.
Ilija plays a great game with Roger Federer in the first
round of the Davis Cup then appears again on the
fast courts of Calcutta, where he lands in the semifinal without losing a set. In the semi-final he wins
in comeback the Ukrainian Nedovyesov while in the
final, his “sparkling” tennis allows him to dominate
the Russian Donskoy. Arrived after difficult years with
no victories, this unexpected success gives Bozoljac
the confidence to try once again to brake trough
that insurmountable wall of the top 100, an obstacle that
Ilja can still overcome, with his unique tennis, made of
games played in advance and ruthlessness.
The home fans had the chance to celebrate during the
Doubles tournament, thanks to a final all Indian. Saketh
Myani and Sanam Singh, invited to attend thanks to a wild
card, won the title defeating the duo formed by Sharan
and Vardhan.
107
108
ILIJA BOZOLJAC
The protagonist
Born on August 2, 1985 (29 years old)
in Aleksandrovac, a small town of 6000
souls, the right-handed Ilija Bozoljac
never managed to break through the
top 100, stopping just one small step
away from entering the tennis elite.
His best ranking, indeed, is No. 101,
although he ended the year at No.
207. He has a very particular style,
playing sometimes the forehand with
two hands and the backhand with
one. However his main strength is
his powerful service, always well over
200 km/h. After winning in Calcutta
Bozoljac reached the semi-finals of
the tournament of New Delhi. Up to
the Challenger of Recanati, where
on his beloved cement he reached
the final without losing a set only,
though, to give in at the end to
Gilles Muller, his season was below
expectations. In the second part of
2014 the only noteworthy result is
the semi-final on the clay courts of Como. After beating Cecchinato, Delic
and Lindell, he was defeated by Sorensen. Ilija played fifteen matches as
member of the Serbian Davis Cup team.
TENNIS & TOURISM
KOLKATA, THE NEW CALCUTTA
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the capital of the state of West
Bengal. Located on the Hooghly River, a distributaries of the
Ganges, at about 60 km from the border with Bangladesh,
it has about 4.6 million inhabitants and is an important
commercial and industrial centre. Among the main
attractions are undoubtedly to be mentioned the Victoria
Memorial, built in memory of Victoria, Queen of the United
Kingdom and Empress of India, the Fort William
and the Belur Math Shrine. The club has six hard
courts and a comfortable VIP lounge where to eat
excellent Indian and Western food. The admission
is free for the entire duration of the tournament.
The officials hotels are “The Hyatt Regency Hotel”
and “The Sonnet”, both offering great rooms and
good quality restaurants. Taxi, tuk tuk and buses
are very frequent in the city, but in the first two
cases it is always better to negotiate the price or
ask to turn on the taximetre. The airport is about
KOLKATA
15 km from the city centre, a short taxi drive. Due to the
large amount of hot spices used all Indians cuisines are
characterised by strong flavours. There is a great choice
for vegetarians and vegans. The Lassie, a traditional drink
made from yogurt, and ice cream are a must. The best
restaurants are: Barbeque Nation, The Bridge, Saffron and
the Eden Pavilion Restaurant.
109
MORELOS OPEN
Tournament director: Sergio Campos
Supervisor: Jaime Chavez
Surface: Hard
FINALLY GERALD
After years of living in the shadow of his brother Jurgen,
Melzer Gerald started to play seriously. The 24 year old
from Vienna caught in the wealthy $ 75.000 Challenger of
Morelos, his first victory in a tournament of this magnitude.
In the town named after the national hero José María
Morelos, a Mexican priest who in the eighteenth century
commanded the independence movement of Mexico,
Gerald Melzer gave the first, important sign of a tennis
player in slow and progressive growth. Left-handed, like
his brother, the stout Gerald played a perfect tournament,
winning the Challanger without even leaving a set to
his opponents. Easy victory in the semi-final against the
Tunisian Malek Jaziri and in the final against Victor Estrella
Burgos, thanks to his sharp service and his complete
domination of the back court exchanges.
Melzer, who unlike his brother Jurgen prefers clay, started
to play in majors tournaments quite late but is now
trying to forge ahead. No naturally talented, he has a very
strong will and the adequate qualities to keep improving.
Gerald, who as a child was undecided whether to choose
football or tennis, finally seems to want to have a leading
role in the circuit. Citing a motto dear to Emiliano Zapata,
revolutionary and political leader who fought during the
“Morelos Commune” : “It is better to die standing than to
live on your knees.” Melzer Jr. made this motto his own
belief, and he did so in Morelos, in the city of the Mexican
fighter par excellence. For the first time he started to be
the protagonist, he started to shine of his own light finally
stopping to simply be the younger brother of Jurgen.
Gerald together with Slovak Andrej Martin won also the
Doubles tournament, ending the fantastic ride of the two
Mexicans Moreno Figuereoa and Reyes-Varela.
110
The protagonist
GERALD MELZER
Born in Vienna on 13 July 1990 (24 years old) Gerald is the
younger brother of Jurgen Melzer (former No. 8 in the world).
After eleven ITF Futures titles, many of which, to tell the
truth, in Africa in tournaments with an entry list not overly
competitive, in Morelos Gerald managed to lift his first Single
Challenger trophy. He did indeed win a Challenger back in
2008 in Graz, but that was a Doubles played together with his
brother Jurgen. It still remains one of his best memories, says
Gerald, but his goal is to enter in the top 100 best players in
the world. The 24 year old left-handed ended 2014 at No. 165,
not too far from its best ranking yet (No. 140) recorded in May
2014. A month after the success in Morelos, Gerald reached the
semi-finals in Panama City, the one of the Sarasota Challenger
in March and the semi-final of Samarkand in May. After that
things did not go so well for the Austrian player, except two
consecutive matches won in October in the indoors hard
courts of Mons (he prefers clay), who ended the season with
five straight losses.
MORELOS
111
TENNIS & TOURISM
MORELOS, A HOLIDAY RESORT FOR AZTECS EMPERORS
Cuernavaca is the capital of the state of Morelos in Mexico.
It is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its almost
constant temperature of 27 ° C. It has long been a favourite
holiday destination for the inhabitants of the valley of
Mexico City, starting from the Aztecs emperors and the
Spanish. Still our days it is possible to see examples of
the ancient Aztec culture and admire colonial buildings
such as the Palacio de Cortés. The Club has eight tennis
courts, seven in cement and one in clay, two bars and two
restaurants. The admission is free for the whole duration
of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Camino
Real Sumiya”, equipped with all the amenities, such as
swimming pool, gym, Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The Club
can be reached by car or taxi. The nearest airport- two
hours drive- is the international airport of Mexico City. You
can reach Morelos by taxi (1200MXN) or buy bus (120MXN).
Recommended restaurants in the area are “The Madrigal”,
“Gabilondo House” and “Tamuz”. Mexican food varies
from region to region due to the differences in climate,
geographic location, ethnicity, and not least, according to
the greater or lesser
Hispanic influence.
The north of Mexico
is known for the
production of beef,
main ingredient of
the cuisine typical
of this area. The
southern
zone,
on
the
other
hand, is known
for its dishes with
spicy
vegetables
and
chicken.
“Veracruz
style”
is a characteristic
Mexican way to
cook fish. The most
famous dishes are:
tacos,
barbacoa,
guacamole and tortillas. Tequila, made from the Agave
plant, is the most popular Mexican drink.
112
ASTANA CHALLENGER
Tournament director: Alexander Rudenko
Supervisor: Roland Herfel
Qualifying supervisor: Andrey Kornilov
Balls: Dunlop Fort
GOLUBEV: “CAPITAL”
TRIUMPH
In Astana, capital of Kazakhstan (Astana in Kazakh means
“Capital”), country which he represents in the Davis Cup
since 2008, Andrey Golubev finally shone again repeating
the success obtained five years earlier.
The multi-ethnic tennis player born in Volzhski in Russia,
trained in Bra, Italy, and now resident in Astana, complying
with the odds and ending a very positive week, defeated
Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in the final, so as to win the
pretty rich Challenger.
Golubev, powerful and talented tennis player from the
wonderful one-handed backhand, after the exploits of
2010, which earned him a nomination from the ATP as the
“Most Improved Player” of the season, lived in the shadow,
plunging even outside the top 200 in the world. Andrey,
however, did not give up and after years of hard work and
sacrifice is now gradually finding his tennis again and the
confidence needed to go back to play at high levels.
In Astana he proved to be still able to play a tennis that
has nothing to envy to the top of the class. It is now
essential for Andrey, whom idols are Pete Sampras and
Roger Federer, to keep delivering the same quality of
ASTANA
tennis shown on and off during the tournament played in
his hometown Club, so as to achieve his dream of one day
becoming world No. 1.
Golubev, together with his conational Evgeny Korolev,
was very close to get the Doubles’ trophy too, but the final
ended 6/1 6/4 in favour of the two Belarusian Sergey Betov
and Alexander Bury.
113
114
The protagonist
ANDREY GOLUBEV
Since summer 2008 Golubev, born in Volzhskij, Russia,
on July 22, 1987 (27 years old), plays for Kazakhstan.
When he was 15 years old he moved to Italy, in Bra to
be precise, where he lived for many years, training at
the Academy of Massimo Puci. After being one step
away from entering the top 30 (best ranking yet is No.
33 reached towards the end of 2010) Golubev’s last few
seasons have been pretty irregulars, ending 2014 at
No. 74. In Astana, where he already triumphed in 2008
and 2009, he won his seventh Challenger title. He then
attracted a lot of attention for his victories against Stan
Wawrinka (Single) and Federer/Wawrinka (Doubles)
during the Davis Cup, where he always seems to give
the best of himself. His second best tournament of
the year was the Challenger of Braunschweig in June,
where he reached the semi-finals. A good season for
the Kazakh tennis player who, thanks to the excellent
result obtained at the Roland Garros, where paired
with the Australian Sam Groth reached the semi-finals,
ended 2014 among the top 70 of the Doubles ranking.
TENNIS & TOURISM
ASTANA, THE NEW CAPITAL OF KAZAKHSTAN
Astana (700,000 inhabitants) is the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997. Its name means “capital” and was chosen because
easy to pronounce in many languages. A curious aspect is that the city has changed its name several times since its birth.
Located in Kabanbay Batyr str. 6/1, in a green area very close to the city centre, the National Tennis Centre has eight fast
outdoors tennis courts and ten indoors, three of which in clay, a gym, two cafeterias and a small hotel with four rooms.
Next to it there is a 30x15 metres flag of Kazakhstan. The admission is free for the whole duration of the tournament.
Astana Railway Station, located at just 5 km from the Tennis Centre, is the most important one of the whole north of
Kazakhstan. It is served by Qazagstan Temir Zholy which connects the capital to all the major cities of the country and
once a week to international destinations such as Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Astana International
Airport is 24 km away from the Tennis Centre and you can reach it by bus, even if a bit complicated, or for around $ 20
by taxi. The official hotel is the “Oasis Inn”- there is a shuttle service to and from the Tennis Centre- or closer to the venue
the “Duman”. Around the Tennis Centre there are several places where to go and grab a bite to eat: “Gun’s and Roses” (a
classic English pub), “Astana Nury” (restaurant), “Shokolad” (cafeteria), “East-West” (restaurant). While in the city centre we
suggest: “Ali Baba” (restaurant), “Zaza” (restaurant), “Friday’s” (American food), “Akbulak” (Kazakh food), “Kuldja” (Uzbek
food), “Baden Baden “(Irish pub),” Fusion”(nightclub).
ASTANA
115
ONGC-GAIL DELHI OPEN
Tournament director: Manpreet Kandhari
Qualifyng supervisor: Nitin Kanamwar
Surface: Hard
DEVVARMAN PROPHET IN HIS
HOMELAND
The Indian Somdev Devvarman returned to triumph in a Challenger tournament
circuit after four years of fasting. And he did so in New Delhi, the second largest
city of India.
In 2010 once again in Delhi, the 29 year old tennis player born in Assam but
grew up in Virginia, where he also was a university champion in 2007 and 2008,
took the gold medal in the Commonwealth Games overcoming the Australian
Greg Jones. A month later, again in 2010, Somdev also won the coveted medals
(Single e Doubles) of the Asian Games of Guangzhou, China.
On the fast courts of New Delhi, a city in continuous expansion mostly
designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the early twentieth century and, in its way,
for extravagance and magnificence, not so different from Washington or Paris,
Devvarman, respecting the odds which gave him as second favourite, reached
the final without losing a single set.
In the last act, Devvarman clearly dominated the match, winning 6/3 6/1 against
the No. 1 of the tournament, the Kazakh Alexander Nedovyesov. Thanks to the
Indian success Devvarman returned among the top 100 players in the world.
Forced to be away from the circuit for a long time due a shoulder injury,
Devvarman, Indian sportsman of the year in 2011, is now coming back to
play at high level, and after reaching two semi-finals, Chennai and Kolkata,
was finally able to brake through and is now ready for the new leap in the ATP
Tournament.
In the Doubles tournament another victory for the couple formed by Sanam
Singh and Saketh Myneni: after the surprise success of Calcutta, the two Indians
players beat the Thai Ratiwatana brothers with a score of 7/6 6/4.
116
NEW DELHI
117
The protagonist
SOMDEV DEVVARMAN
Born in Assam, India, on February 13, 1985 (29
years old), Devvarman is a classic product of the
American University. In Virginia he reached for three
consecutive years the NCAA final, recording in 2008
an unprecedented record, with forty-four wins and
only one defeat. He ended 2014 at No. 139 of the
ATP ranking, not a very good result for someone that
in 2011 managed to reach No. 62. With the victory
of New Delhi Devvarman brought to three the
number of Challenger won in his career. After the
excellent results of February, two semi-finals and a
victory, everybody thought that 2014 was going to
be the year of rebirth for Devvarman, but the only
three successive victories in fourteen games played
have significantly
dampened
the
enthusiasm.
The only other
noteworthy
result is the final
of the Shanghai
Challenger
in
September, where
the Indian tennis
player surrendered
only at the tiebreak of the third set to the Japanese Nishioka. As
member of the Davis Cup team in 2014 Somdev lost
only one match, against the Serbian Krajinovic in a
game lasted four sets, out of the five played.
houses the Central can hold about 5000 spectators. The
admission is free for the whole duration of the event. The
official hotel of the tournament is the “Hyatt Regency”. The
staff is very courteous and the restaurants inside offer a
high quality food, although could be a bit expensive for
some. In the hotel there are also a gym, a swimming pool,
a sauna and a spa bath. You have to pay if you want high
speed Wi-Fi but the one offered by the hotel does its job.
Plenty of taxi, tuk tuk and buses in the city, but in the first
two cases always remember to negotiate the price or to
ask to activate the taximetre. The best way to reach the
airport, about an hour drive from the city centre, is by taxi.
New Delhi offers many places where to spend a pleasant
evening and eat good food. Surely one of the most popular
venue is the elegant and characteristic House Cast, which
from 7 pm begins to fill with people sipping aperitifs.
TENNIS & TOURISM
NEW DELHI, THE CAPITAL OF INDIA
With its almost 15 million inhabitants, New Delhi is the
capital of India. It is located almost entirely in the Gangetic
Plain, in northern India. The only major river that runs
through the town is the Yamuna, considered sacred by
Hindus. After Mumbai, New Delhi is the most important
trading centre in South Asia. Delhi is one of the major
historical capitals in the world, with numerous places
of interest, some of which declared Historic Heritage by
UNESCO, as the Qutb Minar and the tomb of Humanyu.
Other important sites are the majestic Red Fort, the
historical Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat and Shanti Vana. The
most popular sport is, as in the rest of India, cricket. The
club has fourteen outdoor hard courts. The stadium that
118
ATP CHALLENGER GUANGZHOU
Date: 24 February/02 March 2014
Tournament director: Wan Jian Bin
Honorary tournament director: Manuel Jorquera
Supervisor: Ed Hardisty
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
BLAZ, STUDENT-PRO
The first time is always special. It is even more special
for Blaz Rola, a 23 year-old Slovenian emigrated to the
United States to study and pursue his dream of becoming
a professional tennis player. Representative of the Ohio
State University, Rola was a University champion and in
2013 was awarded “Male Athlete of the Year” in Ohio. Due
to his decision to follow up his study
(he holds a degree in International
Economics) the left-handed player
from Ptuji arrived quite late to
play tennis at high level. This year,
however, seems determined to do
thing seriously.
Earlier this year he was able to
pass the qualifying matches of the
Australian Open, defeating the
Argentine Delbonis in the first round.
He then lost to the Slovakian Klizan.
Rola has undertaken a brilliant
growth that led him to triumph
on the hard courts of Guangzhou:
GUANGZHOU
“Since my arrival here, I felt comfortable on these courts.
I just started working with a new coach and some of the
changes that we have taken have begun to bear their
fruits. It’s my first time in China, but I will come back.”
In one of the most populous city of China, surpassed only
by Shanghai and Beijing, Rola has painstakingly got his
first Challenger title, beating in the final
the dreaded Japanese Yuichi Sugita with
a score of 6/7 6/4 6/3. The Slovenian
has a varied and snappy tennis, with
an evident American-style. It is no
coincidence that Blaz is particularly at
ease on fast surfaces, but he does not
dislike clay courts either, where in 2013
he won his two Futures titles.
Predictions respected in the Doubles
tournament with the victory of the
two Thai brothers Sanchai and Sonchat
Ratiwatana who in the final defeated the
duo Lee and Weintraub with a score of
6/2 6/4.
119
The protagonist
BLAZ ROLA
Blaz Rola was born in Ptuj, Slovenia, October 5, 1990 (24 years old). He
started to play tennis thanks to his family and in 2010 moved to the US to
study. The left-handed player graduated from the Ohio State University,
for which he played until 2013. He won the NCAA Doubles title in 2012
and the Single one the following year, the last spent in the US. In 2014 Rola
won nine Futures and one Challenger, the one of Guangzhou, ending the
year at No. 80, his best ranking yet. After qualifying at the Australian Open
and winning in China, Rola continued his season smoothly. He reached
the final in Panama City (won by the Spanish Pere Riba after a much fought
three sets match) and in April in Sao Paulo (defeated by Dutra Silva) and
then in May the semi-final in Ostrava. Rola was not very happy for how the
Roland Garros ended: James Ward won the third set 10-12 at the photo
finish, bringing home the decisive round of the qualifying matches.
2014, however, continued with more good results: the final of the Poznan
Challenger (beaten by Goffin) and the semi-final in Liberec, Banja Luka
and Champaign.
120
TENNIS & TOURISM
GUANGZHOU, TENNIS IN CHINA
Situated between Macau and Hong Kong, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China. Its privileged position makes it
an important hub for international trade and therefore a very cosmopolitan city. Particularly important it is the Central
District, where the tournament takes place. Recently built (the facility where it is played the tournament was built only
three years ago), it hosts five hundred of the largest multinational corporations. A 45 minutes drive by car (with flowing
traffic) separates the Central District from the city centre, giving you the chance to see a different China. The downtown,
home to majors tournament and to the stadium of the Guangzhou Evergrande football team of Marcello Lippi, is a small
New York, with tall buildings drawing a breathtaking skyline and creating incredible light games. The venue hosting the
Challenger has eleven outdoor synthetic courts, three indoors and two in synthetic grass, for a total of sixteen courts. It
also boast a large gym, a restaurant and a guesthouse. All the secondary courts have grandstands. The Central court can
accommodate 5.000 people. The admission is free for the whole duration of the event. The official hotel is the Kecheng
Holiday Hotel. Located near the club (about 500 metres), it is a 4-star hotel with restaurant and casino. To reach the
city centre you can use a bus or take a taxi for around 60 yuan. In addition to the various hotels there is a shopping
centre where you can find several Asians restaurants and a Pizza Hut. In the centre, however, we recommend the “Oggi
restaurants”, where to eat excellent Italian food. While the city centre has a lot to offer in the evening, around the club,
except from a movies house, everything starts to shut around 8:30-9:00 pm, so be careful at the time or you risk to get
into one of the restaurants in the mall and find the kitchen already closed.
GUANGZHOU
121
KAZAN KREMLIN CUP
Date: 10/16 March 2014
Tournament director: Ekaterina Nigmedzyanova
Supervisor: Stephane Cretois
ILHAN’S COMEBACK
Marsel Ilhan is determined to get back on top. A brief appearance
in the top 100 in 2010, the leap in 2011, where he reached the best
ranking at number 88 of the ATP rankings, then the progressive
decline, which took him out of the top 200 in the world.
Ilhan, a boy of one hundred and ninety centimetres of height born
in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, but living in Istanbul since young age,
chose Russia to give it a try once again. After the title in Banja Luka
back in 2010, his career went through a difficult patch, winning
between 2012 and 2013 only Futures tournaments, eight to be
precise, and all in his homeland Turkey.
The twenty-seven year old Turkish player starting from the
quarterfinals was able to beat three players with a higher ranking:
seed No. 4 Gombos in the quarterfinals (7/5 6/2); seed No. 2
Andrey Kuznetsov in the semi-final; and the number one favourite
of the tournament, the German Berrer in the final (7/6 6/3)
In Kazan, which, legend has it, was built where a Tatar princess lost
a gold tray while washing it in the river, Ilhan found, thousands
year later, though not of the same value of the most precious
metal, the luster of a trophy that allows him to believe in himself
again.
Italian smile in the Doubles tournament, with the victory (3/6 7/5
12/10) of Flavio Cipolla and the Serbian Goran Tosic against the
Russians Baluda and Kravchuk. Flavio’s last victory dated back to
the distant 2011.
122
KAZAN
123
The protagonist
MARSEL ILHAN
Born in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on 11
June 1987 (27 years old), Marsel Ilhan
is actually a tennis player of Turkish
nationality. In 2004 he emigrated from
Uzbekistan along with his mother (his
father died prematurely) to seek greater
fortune in Istanbul, where he began to
train in a much more intensive way. His
golden year was 2007, when, followed
by the coach Can Uner, was able in only a
few months to climb over 1000 positions
in the ranking. At the end of 2014 he
stopped at No. 104, while his best ranking
yet is No. 87 (2011). After winning on the
hard courts of Kazan, Ilhan demonstrated
to be an all surfaces player, reaching
the semi-finals on the clay courts of Tunis and qualifying on the grass of majors tournaments such as Queen’s
and Wimbledon. In the summer he reached the final of the Astana Challenger, losing, though, in three partials
to Berankis. Before the end of 2014 the Turkish tennis player played three more semi-finals -Izmir, Mons and
Rennes- and reached a third final in Mouilleron Le Captif (won, however, by Pierre-Hugues Herbert), concluding
the season in the best possible way.
TENNIS & TOURISM
KAZAN, BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
With over 1.3 million inhabitants Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, within
the Russian Federation. It is 800 km east of Moscow, at the confluence
of the Kazanka river into the Volga. It is characterised by a very harsh
winter, with temperatures well below zero for several months. Home to
the XXVII edition of the Universiade, in 2015 it will host the Swimming
World Championships and three years later a few matches of the
Football World Cup. Famous beyond borders, the Kazan Kremlin, a
village wanted in the sixteenth century by Ivan the Terrible and built on
the ruins of a castle, in 2000 was declared World heritage by UNESCO.
The Kremlin Cup is played inside the Kazan Tennis Akademy, opened in
2009 and home to the tennis tournament of the last Universiade. It is
a modern club with eighteen outdoors courts and eight indoors hard
courts (four of which used by the players of the Kremlin Cup for matches and training), a cafeteria, two restaurants, a
gym, a conference room and a tennis shop. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. Kazan is
the most important crossroads of central Russia, with roads and rail links to and from the Volga region, Siberia and the
Far East. The busy international airport, over a million passengers per year, is 26 km south-east from the city centre. It is
served by several non Russian airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Fly Dubai to name a few. The train station is
in the city centre and is among the best connected of all Russia. The official hotel of the tournament is the 4 Stars “Grand
Hotel Kazan”. The players can reach the Academy with a shuttle service while guests for just € 0.50 can take the bus 6A.
The best restaurants of Kazan serve both European and traditional Tatar cuisine. We recommend “Bilyar” for local food,
while “Rubaie” serves good Uzbek dishes. Other good restaurants are “Pashmir”, “Panorama” and the Italian “Giuzeppe” or
“Bistro Pronto”. The place to go for a drink is the “Musical Guinness Pub”.
124
DID YOU KNOW ...
• The tallest player in the ATP ranking: Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 208 cm
• The shortest player in the ATP ranking: Carlos Boluda-Purkiss (ESP) 165 cm
• The youngest player in the ATP ranking: Nicolas Merzetti (ITA) 29/10/1999
• The oldest player in the ATP ranking: Sander Groen (NED) 07.16.1968
• Total number of players with ATP ranking: 2184 (99 Countries)
• Percentages players/continent: Europe 58.1%; South America 13%; Asia 12.1%; North America
9.3%; Oceania 3.8%; Africa 3.6%
• The most represented nations - Top 5: France (141), USA (139), Italy (121), Germany (109),
Argentina (104)
• Top 5 nations: (based on the top 3 players in the ranking): Spain (Nadal, Ferrer and Lopez), France
(Tsonga, Monfils, and Simon), Czech Republic (Berdych, Rosol and Vesely), USA (Isner , Querrey and
Johnson), Italy (Fognini, Bolelli and Seppi)
data updated to January 19, 2015
Source Caspio - Crionet www.youtennis.net/caspio
125
III ATP CHALLENGER ‘VISIT PANAMA CUP’
Tournament director: Fabricio Valdivieso
Supervisor: Carl Baldwin
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Penn Regular Duty
“EL MAGO” OF PANAMA
In Panama, capital city of the homonymous Central
American state, the Spanish Pere Riba defeated in the
final the Slovenian Blaz Rola, player who in the first part
of the Challenger season kept growing quite steadily. With
the one of Panama “El Mago” Riba reached his seventh
Challenger victory, first one of 2014 after the one obtained
in 2013 on the red clay of Todi.
Exactly one year earlier, on 18 March 2013, Riba touched
the lowest point of the ATP ranking. Due to a stop that
kept him away from tennis for quite a long period, Riba,
who in 2011 was close to the top 60 of the world, almost
reached position No. 1000. The young Riba did not give up
and after winning the firsts ITF of the season he attempted
once again the Challenger and the ATP circuit.
In the twin city of Madrid, Pere Riba, Catalan DOC, born and
raised in Barcelona, defeated in a tough final lasted two
hours and ended only at the third set, the indomitable Blaz
Rola, so as to enter the Roll of honour of the tournament.
In Panama, founded on 15 August 1519 by Pedro Arias de
Ávila, cross-roads over the years of silver and gold direct
to Spain, Riba took off just like the butterfly symbol of the
tournament trophy.
The Slovak Cermak and the Russian Elgin, complying with
the odds, won the Doubles tournament defeating the
Argentines Alund and Duran 10-8 in an incredible tiebreak.
126
PANAMA
127
The protagonist
PERE RIBA
Riba, born in Barcelona on April 7, 1988 (26 years
old), until a few months ago when due to a hip
operation he had to leave the circuit, was the
youngest Spanish to occupy the highest position
in the world rankings. Even if in 2014 “El Mago”, as
he is nicknamed, won only one Challenger, he was
able to place himself well in many tournaments,
so as to end the season closer to the top 100 (No.
114) and with all the right cards to return to his
best ranking (No. 65, reached in 2011). After the
victory in Panama he played the final of Mersin and
Arad, defeated curiously, both times in two fought
partials by the Bosnian Damir Dzumhur. Another
Challenger final arrived in Milan, where he lost to
his conational Albert Ramos. In summer Riba tried
the big jump, competing on the major circuit but
without getting the desired results. Towards the
end of the season the Catalan reached the semifinal of Sibiu which he had to abandon due to a
physical problem. 2014 signed for him the return
in the highest part of the ranking. His goal is now
to enter the top-20.
TENNIS & TOURISM
PANAMA AND ITS CANAL
For the second consecutive year Panama hosted in April an ATP challenger. The Central American state, famous for its
Canal, on which is based the GDP of the Country, was born in 1903, when with the help of the United States proclaimed
its independence from Colombia. The stadium Fred Maduro, home to the headquarters of the Panamanian Tennis
Federation, is located in the Parque Natural Metropolitano, once American territory. The facility has a Central and six
secondary courts. The admission is free for the whole duration of the tournament. The Fred Maduro Stadium can only
be reached by taxi, cheap enough except during the tournament, while the organisation provides a shuttle service for
the players. The city is 24 km from Tocumen Airport, main hub of Copa Airlines, the national airline of Panama. American
Airlines, Avianca, Continental, Delta, Iberia and KLM are among the international carriers serving Tocumen Airport.
Panama is a major economic hub, so as to find a place to sleep is not difficult, there is something for all tastes and needs.
The official hotel is the “Victoria Hotel & Suites”, good quality hotel with spacious and modern rooms. Eating around the
Stadium is not easy, unless you are happy with a plate of grilled meat and rice from one of the characteristic kiosks near
the venue. However, only five minutes drive from the stadium there is a mall with the typical plaza de la comida, where
you can find all kinds of fast food for all budgets. Main attraction of the city is of course the Panama Canal, open 365 days
a year 24 hours a day (average crossing time by boat is 4/5 hours). Very popular is the Carnival during which all Country
stops to celebrate. Gambling is legal, so there are many casinos.
128
CLARO OPEN BARRANQUILLA 2014
Supervisor: Jorge Mandl
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson Extra Duty
CUEVAS 2.0
Situated on the left bank of the mouth of the Magdalena
River, Barranquilla is the cradle of Latin America’s aviation
and with its over a million inhabitants the fourth most
populated Colombian city.
At the end of March 2014 Barranquilla hosted the fourth
edition of an ATP Challenger tournament. Although its
$ 40,000 money prize doesn’t make it one of the major
tournaments, many high-level players took part to the
Colombian Challenger.
In addition to the home idol and seed No.1 Alejandro Falla
there were other two top-100, Albert Ramos and Martin
Klizan, both with a past in the top-50. To win, however, was
the Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, who, top-50 back in 2009,
had to start from scratch after a knee problem forced him
to take a two years break.
The 28 year old from Concordia begun his second tennis
career with great humility, starting again from the bottom.
Even if his firsts results of 2013 were not so exciting, at the
beginning of 2014, before winning in Barranquilla a trophy
of fundamental value, he managed to approach the top
200. Cuevas beat in the order Mischa Zverev, the young
Facundo Arguello, the seed No.1 Falla in the quarter-finals
with a net 6/4 6/0, Adrian Ungur in the semi-final and
Klizan Martin in the final.
A major achievement for a player of extraordinary humility,
respected and loved by everybody in the circuit for his
honesty and friendliness. The operation to his right knee
BARRANQUILLA
slowed his career but “Pablo 2.0” seems still able to reach
high place.
But this is not all. The Uruguayan together with Pere Riba
won the Doubles title too, beating 6/3 6/4 the favoured
couple Cermak and Elgin.
129
130
The protagonist
PABLO CUEVAS
Pablo Cuevas was born on January 1, 1986
(28 years old), in Concordia, an Argentine city
separated from Uruguay, Cuevas’ Country, only by
a river. Due to a bad injury he had to abandon the
game for exactly two years (mid 2011-mid 2013).
However, he did not take him too long to get back
among the greatest and at the end of 2014 he
reached his best ranking yet, No. 30 in the world,
adding to his trophies collection four Challengers
and two ATP tournaments. In the first half of the
season he won the Challenger of Barranquilla and
Mestre and played the final in Rome. In July he
lifted the ATP trophy in Bastad and Umag (here
even starting from the qualifying), losing in two
tournaments a total of three sets. But the ATP
season on hard courts continued without any
glory. Pablo had to wait the end of the season to
bring home two more Challenger: in Guayaquil
and in his home town Montevideo.
TENNIS & TOURISM
BARRANQUILLA AND ITS TREASURES
With about 1.2 million inhabitants, Barranquilla is the
fourth most populous city of Colombia. It is located in
the Caribbean region and is the capital of the Atlantico
Department. Every year Barranquilla is home to a
Carneval, among the Country’s most important folkloristic
events and declared Oral Heritage Site by UNESCO. The
city owes its name to the “barrancas”, the houses on the
Rio Magdalena of indigenous peoples at the arrival of the
Spanish conquistadors. Barranquilla has a dry tropical
climate, with temperature never dropping below 18°. The
main tourist attractions are: Bocas de Ceniza cliffs, the
zoo with over 140 species of animals and the beaches of
Puerto Colombia, Sabanilla, Santa Veronica, Salgar and
Caño Dulce. The “Country Club de Barranquilla” is located
on the outskirts of the city and is owned by the Hotel
“Estrelar”. It has six tennis clay courts, one football pitch,
several smaller football pitches and one baseball field. The
admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament
while you have to pay to enter the VIP and Hospitality
area. Located in the most exclusive district of the city,
BARRANQUILLA
the “El prado” is the official hotel of the tournament.
Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport is only 7 km from
Barranquilla. In programme for 2020 the opening of a
new massive airport that should serve both Barranquilla
and Cartagena, the two most touristic places of Colombia.
From the airport you can reach the club by taxi (about 30
minutes). The Colombian cuisine is very tasty. There are
many dishes that tourists can’t no to try. One of the most
particular one is the “comida corriente”, a kind of rice soup
accompanied by pieces of meat and a fried banana. Other
traditional dishes are roast beef and roast chicken, often
accompanied by tropical fruits. The best restaurants are
located in the El Prado and accept dollars and credit cards.
131
SAO PAULO CHALLENGER DE TENIS
Tournament director: Danilo Marcelino
Supervisor: Ricardo Reis
Qualifying supervisor: Roberto Browne Da Veiga
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Grand Prix
ROGERINHO THE LEADER
In the first half of April, following the ATP250 played in
February, took place in São Paulo, the largest and most
populous city of the entire Southern Hemisphere, a $
40.000 Challenger tournament. After a year without
a victory in his own Country, the 30 years old Rogerio
Dutra Silva was finally able to lift a trophy on Brazilian
soul, even better in his own native town. To do so,
however, “Rogerinho” had to overcome the strong
competition, as Horacio Zeballos, Gastao Elias and
the promising Blaz Rola in the final, ended 6/4 6/2.
Arrived late to play in majors tournaments - in 2011
he took part to his first Slam (US Open) - in 2013 he
entered the top 100. Although a clay expert player,
his best memories are on American hard courts: in
2012, after the battle won with Gabashvili, he had the satisfaction to challenge Djokovic at the Artur Ashe; in 2013, after
qualifying, he battled for four hours with Vasek Pospisil and then met with Rafael Nadal. In a not very happy moment of
his career, positioned in the lowest half of the top 200 ranking, Dutra Silva caught in his hometown the success needed
to raise once again. Rogerio made his own the motto of São Paulo “I am not led, I lead”, driving himself to a new rebirth.
Guido Pella and Diego Schwartzman won the Doubles final against Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni with a score
of 1/6 6/3 10/4.
132
SÃO PAULO
133
The protagonist
ROGERIO DUTRA SILVA
Born in São
Paulo
on
Februar y
3, 1984 (30
years old),
Dutra Silva
won in his
hometown
his
only
title of the 2014 season. A year anything but
exhilarating, ended at No. 285 of the world ranking,
far away from that No.84 touched in May 2013.
After the victory in São Paulo Rogerio’ s second
best result was the quarter-finals reached in July
in the Challenger of Tampere, Finland, where the
Brazilian was eliminated by Jarkko Nieminen in the
tie-break of the third set. After the defeat in the first
round of the qualifying matches of the US Open
in late August, Dutra Silva no longer participated
in any tournament. The only appearance was in
mid-September in the Play-off round of the Davis
Cup against Spain for entering the World Group,
collecting only four games in the match of the first
day against Bautista-Agut. Dutra Silva closed the
season out of the top-200 ranking, something that
did not happen to him for over five years.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SÃO PAULO, MULTIETHNIC METROPOLIS
The tournament is played in the Club Paineiras do
Morumby, a sports centre with an area of almost 120
thousand square metres. It owns fifteen tennis courts,
seven swimming pools, one football pitch with athletics
track, four squash courts, several gyms, beauty salons, a
SPA, a library, a medical centre, four restaurants and two
cafeterias. The club often hosts events and ceremonies. The
admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament
but people need to sign in before entering. The official
hotel is the “Bourbon Convention Ibirapuera”, located in
the city centre a short walk from the famous mall Shopping
Ibirapuera. It is a very good standard hotel with personnel
trained in dealing with international clients. It owns a
pool, a gym and a restaurant with local cuisine open until
11 pm. At only twenty minutes from the club, Congonhas
is the nearest airport. It operates mostly domestic flights
and some international ones in South America. A little
further away (45 km from the city centre) there is also
the International Airport of Guarulhos (GRU), the largest
airport in the country. The hotel is about 9 km from the
club, a short journey if it wasn’t for the incredible traffic of
São Paulo, especially during the week. There is a Shuttle
service to and from the Club for players and the staff of the
tournament. The journey takes on average thirty minutes.
At the club there are two restaurants with various selfservice options. Pizzerias and Italian restaurants are very
popular in the city. We recommend “Speranza”, in R. Treze
de Maio, 1004 - Bela Vista and the “Lellis Tratoria”, in R. Bela
Cintra, 1849 - Jardim Paulista. Our favoured churrascaria
is “Fogo de Chao”, Avenida dos Bandeirantes, 538 - Vila
Olimpia. For very good quality meat go to “Barbacoa”,
situated R. Dr. Renato Paes de Barros, 65 - Itaim Bibi.
134
CITTA DI VERCELLI TROFEO MULTIMED
“MEMORIAL STEFANIA GERVANA CASTELLI”
Prize money: 42,500 €
Tournament director: Massimiliano Brocchi
Supervisor: Carmelo Di Dio
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Clay ATP Tour
BOLELLI DOUBLES UP
After the one in February on the fast courts of
Bergamo, it arrives another Italian victory for Simone
Bolelli, who on the red clay of Vercelli defeated very
high level opponents. After five editions of $ 10.000
and $ 15000 ITF the tournament of Corso Rigoli was
promoted to Challenger, so as to increase its appeal
and attracting players of the like of the Germans top
100 Dustin Brown and Jan-Lennard Struff, as well as
talented Goffin and Bedene. To win, however, was
Bolelli, who was missing a title on clay since 2012
(Florianopolis).
A perfect week for Simone, admitted to the
tournament as a wild card being largely out of the
top 300 in the world. The twenty-eight year old
of Budrio beat first the Monegasque Balleret, then Pablo Cuevas, erasing three match points to the much improved
Uruguayan player and in the quarterfinals the young Kyle Edmund, in another difficult match ended only at the third set.
Three sets needed in the semi-final too, played against the Italian Arnaboldi. Much easier the final, where Bolelli defeated
the young Croatian Mate Delic with an easy 6/2 6/2.
In the European capital city of rice Bolelli finds his smiles back, achieving another important victory. Bolelli is incredible
fit and is surely one of the outsider players to watch out for in the upcoming tournaments.
In the Doubles the two young Italians Stefano Napolitano and Matteo Donati surprised everybody defeating during the
tournament most quoted couples and winning 7/6 6/3 against the French Herbet and Olivetti. First Challenger victory
for the young players, class 1995, two of the biggest promises of the Italian tennis.
VERCELLI
135
136
The protagonist
SIMONE BOLELLI
TENNIS & TOURISM
VERCELLI, TENNIS BETWEEN RICE FIELDS
The city of Vercelli has just under 50,000 inhabitants and
is located in the eastern part of Piedmont. It is known as
the European capital of rice for its huge production and
export. The city is situated on the Sesia river. Its historic
centre rises on the site of a Roman fort and is bordered
by avenues that run where once were the ancient walls.
The Association of Tennis Pro Vercelli is located in Corso
Rigola, on the outskirts of the city, and a step away from
the banks of the river Sesia. The club has eight clay courts
and one hard court. There is also a swimming pool and
a large clubhouse. The admission is free for the whole
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the Modo
Hotel, while the most demanding players are staying at
the Hotel Palace. For the players and the staff is available
a shuttle service between the club and the two hotels. At
one hour drive, Malpensa is the nearest airport. The railway
station of the city is very well connected with all of North
Italy. Many the typical dishes of Vercelli and in general of
Piedmont. At the club there is a cafeteria/restaurant open
at all hours of the day for tennis players and the spectators
of the tournament.
VERCELLI
2014 was for Simone Bolelli, Bologna October 8,
1985 (29 years old), the year of the new beginning
of his career. After reaching in 2009 the position No.
36 of the ranking, the tennis player from Bologna
had a long crisis that sent him out from the top
100. In mid-2013 he had an operation to his wrist
that seemed to work the magic. Bolelli started the
new season stronger than ever, bringing home in
2014 the trophies of the Challenger of Bergamo,
Vercelli, Tunis and Oberstaufen, raising to twelve
the number of tournaments won in his career.
Besides these victories he also played the semi-final
of Geneva and of the ATP Challenger Tour Finals
in Sao Paulo. Some good results also in the major
circuit, where Simone’s powerful shoots went back
to strike fear into his opponents. To mention also
the results of mid-year at the Roland Garros, where
he reached the second round, and at Wimbledon,
where he left the competition at the third round
defeated by Japanese Nishikori in a match lasted
five sets. Bolelli also returned permanently to be
part of the Italian Davis Cup team, but he could not
do much in the semi-final against Roger Federer,
surrendering after three much fought matches.
137
CAMPEONATO INTERNACIONAL DE TENIS DE SANTOS
Qualifying supervisor: Roberto Browne Da Vega
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Gran Prix
GONZALEZ’S COME BACK
The 30 year old Argentine Maximo Gonzalez seems determined to get back among the biggest of tennis. Due to a knee
injury the former top 60 (2009) had a difficult year that saw him drop down closer to the 400 position of the ranking. But
now the tenacious tennis player is back in the race with the intention to return to be part of the tennis world elite.
In Santos finally arrived for Gonzalez the so awaited victory, missing
in his collection since 2011. This victory did not come completely
unexpected, in previous tournaments, in fact, he already gave signs of
good things to come. After qualifying in the ATP tournament in Buenos
Aires earlier this year, Gonzalez, although he lost, played a very good
match against David Ferrer.
Easy ride for the experienced Argentine in the $ 40.000 Brazilian
tournament. He reached the title without losing a single set and ending
7/5 6/3 the final played against the Portuguese Gastao Elias. He is now
ready to try to get into the top 150 players of the ATP ranking once
again.
This success will give “Machi” the needed confidence to continue to
rise in the rankings. Player not kissed by talent, the Argentine finds in
constancy, grit and speed his best qualities, essentials for his victories
of all the three tie-break played during the tournament.
Not satisfied Gonzalez went to win the Doubles tournament too.
Teamed with fellow Molteni defeated 7/5 6/4 the other Argentine
couple formed by Duran and Olivo. This is for Gonzalez the second
title of the season after the victory obtained with Eduardo Schawank
at Itajai.
138
SANTOS
139
The protagonist
MAXIMO GONZALEZ
Maximo Gonzalez was born on July 20, 1983 (31
years old), in Tandil, where he lived the first years
of his life, a city which gave birth an impressive
amount of tennis players. Juan Martin Del Potro,
Juan Monaco, Mariano Zabaleta, Guillermo Perez
TENNIS & TOURISM
Roldan, Diego Junqueira, just to mention the most
famous. After the magical 2009 when he reached
the position No. 58 of the ATP ranking, Gonzalez,
due also to some physical problems, lived some
difficult years. However, he managed to end 2014
at No. 103 in the world ranking, winning over the
season the Challenger of Santos, Blois and Padua
(for a total of fourteen Challengers won in his
career). In 2014 the Argentine tennis player was
also able of reaching the final in Cordoba, the semifinal in Milan and most of all, starting from the
qualifying, the semi-finals in the ATP tournament
of Kitzbuhel, where he gave up to Goffin only at
the third set. A 2014 full of satisfactions also in
the Doubles for Gonzalez: five victories out of the
eight finals played and, paired with Juan Monaco,
the Roland Garros’ quarterfinals.
SANTOS: OVERLOOKING THE ATLANTIC
Main port city in the metropolitan region of Baixata
Santista, Santos is part of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Its
port is one of the most important in Latin America (the first
for container handling) and the main source of the gross
domestic product of the city (trading and fishing). Once
Santos owed its prosperity to the coffee trade, so much so
that there is even a museum dedicated to coffee located
in the ex building home to the Bolsa Oficial do Café. Every
day on its long coast line hundreds of surfers go hunting
for waves to ride. The tournament is played at the very old
Tenis Clube de Santos. It is at just five minutes from the
Praia (beach) and is equipped with indoors and outdoors
courts (clay and cement). The Challenger is played on
three outdoors courts and two indoors in case of rain.
The club also has a swimming pool, a volleyball court, a
football pitch, a gym and a sauna. There are a restaurant,
a cafeteria and a buffet available all day for those working
at the tournament. Prices are in line with those of other
places of Santos (not as expensive as São Paulo, which,
cost wise, can be compared to an European city). The
entrance is free for the whole duration of the tournament.
The official hotel for the players is the “Atlantic”, about 15
minutes walk from the Club. The nearest airport is the
Guarulhos Internacional of São Paulo. In less than two
hours and just 25 reais (€ 10) you can reach the club on
board of a comfortable coach with free Wi-Fi. Otherwise
you could get a taxi for around 250 reais. No far from the
Tenis Clube de Santos there is an Italian pizzeria while a
little further away you will find a churrascaria and some
Japanese restaurants. If you decide to go and eat in one
of the many places along the coast be aware of the rise in
cost, often unaccompanied by a rise in quality.
140
GEMDALE ATP CHALLENGER
CHINA INTERNATIONAL 2014
Tournament director: Wan Jain Bin
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
GILLES’S REVENGE
The $ 50.000 Challenger of Shenzhen, prelude to the new
ATP 250 tournament of September, was a tasty appetizer
for all tennis fans. Two top 100 at the starting line of the
tournament that took place at the end of April in the
sub-provincial city of the Republic of China, but to lift the
trophy was Gilles Muller.
The thirty-year old from Leudelange, taking advantage
from the very fast playing conditions perfect for his
SHENZHEN
offensive tennis, manage to bring home the trophy
without losing a set. 7/6 (11) 6/4 was the final score of the
much fought semi-final played against top seed Lu. Similar
the result of the final, played against the talented Lukas
Lako, seed No. 2 of the tournament.
Muller had been waiting for this victory for seven years:
back in 2007, in fact, Muller lost the final of Kolding,
Denmark, to a very young Lacko. In 2012 he already
defeated Lacko in Belgrade but it was a small revenge
been that one only a first round match.
“Mulles”, as he has been nicknamed by his colleagues,
seems determined to go back to the top. After March, when
starting from the qualifiers he won the title of Guadalajara,
2014 seems to be the year of the former top 50’s come
back in the tennis that matter. Started the season well
outside the top 300 in the world, with the Chinese success
he already halved his ranking and is now ready to try once
again to enter the first one hundred players of the world.
The Australians Chris Guccione and Sam Groth, favourite
couple of the Doubles tournament, arrived to victory
without losing a single set. Their opponents in the final
match were the Germans Puetz and Meffert.
141
142
The protagonist
GILLES MULLER
Born in the small state of Luxembourg on
May 9, 1983 (31 years old), Gilles Muller lived
in 2014 one of the best seasons of his long
career. Muller, the most successful tennis
player of his country, ended 2014 at No. 47,
a step away from his best ranking (No. 42,
2011). The left handed player, who up to
2013 had won a total of six Challenger, in
just a few months managed to take home
other five Challenger’s trophies: Guadalajara,
Shenzhen, Taipei, Gimcheon and Recanati.
In addition to these victories he also played
the final of Astana and Portoroz and the
semi-finals of Quimper and Nottingham. In
2014 Gilles also qualified at the prestigious
Wimbledon (where in 2011, Junior World No. 1, he played the under 18 final), managing to overcome
Benneteau in the first round of the main draw, before capitulating at the third set to Roger Federer. Perhaps
exhausted by the long season, Muller failed to get good results in the indoors ATP tournaments, his favourite
surface.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SHENZHEN AND ITS WHITE BEACHES
A few hundred kilometres north of Hong Kong, in the southern part of China, Shenzhen is one of the most important
cities in Guangdong Province. Its territory stretches along nearly 70 km of coastline, with wonderful white sand beaches.
The most famous are Dameisha, Xiaomeisa, Xichong, Diefu, Shuishatou and Xiyong. Among the major financial centres
of the Country, Shenzhen is a real metropolis with nearly 10 million inhabitants. The Challenger is played within the
Shenzhen Tennis Centre, a cutting-edge facility with fifteen outdoors hard courts (including a Central with a 5.000 seats
brick grandstand) and four indoors clay courts. Recently it became the seat of an academy opened by Juan Carlos Ferrero.
The Centre also has a conference room, a modern gym and several cafeterias. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Ginmau Garden Hotel”, a five-star hotel with every comfort. A shuttle bus
service is available to and from the club for players and those working at the tournament. The ultramodern Jade Cargo
International Airport is 35 km from the city centre and connects Shenzhen to the main cities of China and of the Pacific.
A modern high-speed train departing from the Central Station links the city to Hong Kong in just 45 minutes, while from
Shenzhen North Railways Station leave trains for Beijing and other Chinese cities. The cuisine of Shenzhen is a fusion of
many different culinary cultures of the Country, enriched with local herbs and spices. You will find an assortment of cold
meat served with hot and spicy noodles. For those who dare plenty of snacks to try from the stalls on the street. If you
feel like to eat something different we recommend the Indian “Spice Circle”, the American Stakehouse “The Village Bar &
Grill” or the Italian “Ristorante in Milan.”
SHENZHEN
143
2014 SANTAIZI CHALLENGER
Date: 28 April/04 May 2014
Tournament director: Philip Liu
Qualifying supervisor: Valery Lutkov
Surface: Carpet Indoor
Balls: Wilson Slazenger
GILLES,
SKYSCRAPER
OF TAIPEI
After only one week from the victory of Shenzhen, the
player from Luxembourg, Gilles Muller, won the $75.000
Challenger of Taipei, capital city of Taiwan and with over
two million inhabitants its largest city.
The left-handed from Leudelange found in the particularly
fast indoor carpet courts of Taipei the ideal playing
condition for his speedy service. Gilles won in two tiebreaks the battle of service with the Australian Sam Groth,
in a match that saw a total of 25 aces, while he needed three
sets to get rid of Lukas Lacko, defeated few days earlier in
the Chinese final. After a pretty easy semi-final against the
Japanese Go-Soeda, Muller, in his first participation to the
Taipei tournament, went to win the final played against
the talented Australian John Patrick Smith, star of the
tournament, but who, however, had to surrender to the
greater experience of Muller.
In the city of temples as well as home to the Taipei101,
considered the highest skyscraper in the world until 2009,
when it was overtaken by the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower)
in Dubai, Muller continued his climb, getting a step closer
to the top 100 in the world.
The two Australian Groth and Guccione, like Muller,
repeated the success of Shenzhen, defeating in the
Doubles final John Smith and the American Krajicek with
the score of 6/4 5/7 10/8.
144
TAIPEI
145
The protagonist
JOHN-PATRICK SMITH
Because of his studies Smith, born in Townsville,
Australia, January 24, 1989 (25 years old), began
his career as a professional tennis player pretty
late. From 2007 to 2011 the left-handed Australian
tennis player attended the “University of
Tennessee” reaching the top position of the Single
and Doubles ranking. In 2014 John-Patrick reached
his best ATP ranking at No. 172, then closing the
season at No. 201. Since Smith started to play
professionally (2011) always managed to win at list
a Futures, doubled up with a Challenger in 2012
(Winnetka), but in 2014 things went differently
and he was not able to bring home any trophy,
at least in the Single. In May he obtained his best
result with the Challenger final of Taipei. In July
Smith surrendered to Kudla at the tie-break of the
third set of the semi-finals of Winnetka. At the end
of the season he lost at the photo-finish the semifinal of Traralgon (Klahn won 7/5 the deciding set).
Better results in the Doubles, where “JP” ended the
season at No. 82 (best ranking No. 68) and with
three Challenger victories.
TENNIS & TOURISM
TAIPEI, MULTICULTURAL CITY
With a population of over 2 million people Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, officially part of the Republic of China, from
which however, due also to its 30 million inhabitants, enjoys considerable administrative autonomy. Located in the
northern part of the island, Taipei is the political, economic and cultural centre of Taiwan. Its architecture is a mix of
tradition -Chinese and from the colonial Japanese period- and modernity. Many are the temples and places of worship
visited by tourists every year. First on the list is the Lungshan Temple, the oldest place of worship in the city for Taoist,
the Kuantu Temple and the Confucius Temple. One of the symbols of the city is the Taipei 101, until 2009 the tallest
building in the world (508 m). The challenger of Taipei is played on the indoors courts of the NTU Sports Centre of Taipei
University. The facility can accommodate over 12.000 people. During the tournament are set up two tennis courts for the
matches and one for training. The Sport Centre also has squash courts, a volleyball court and a Olympic size swimming
pool, all available to students. The official hotel is the five stars “Imperial Hotel”, which offers a very comfortable stay and
courteous staff. Players and those working at the tournament have access to a shuttle bus service to and from the NTU
Sports Centre. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes. The university area is well connected to the rest of the city, with
several bus stops nearby and a subway station. The Taiwanese cuisine is influenced by the one of South China, especially
from the Hokkien area, in the province of Fujian. Some dishes, though, remember the Japanese cuisine. The typical
dishes are: cuttlefish geng, omelette and oysters, oyster and vermicelli noodles, Obiko, rice with mince pork, Sanbeiji,
Chaibo neng, Gauah bah and A-gei.
146
Date: 28 April/04 May 2014
Tournament director: Monica Velez
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Head ATP Gold
LAMA’S FIRST TITLE
The young Chilean Gonzalo Lama achieves his first career
title winning the first of the two Challenger tournaments
held in Cali, capital of the Valle del Cauca department,
Colombia.
This victory represents for the 21 year old from Santiago,
who until now won only 4 ITF Tournaments, the first real
success in the tennis that matter, helping him to get closer
to the first 300 players of the world.
Lama had a rather interesting junior career, which also
led him to represent in 2009 his Nation in the Junior Davis
Cup. He found it hard though to express himself at high
levels, with a tennis fairly straightforward and typically
South American, has been struggling to prove himself
among the professionals. Thanks to his determination,
humility and a lot of sweat, however, Lama, whose hero is
the former world No.5 Fernando Gonzalez, grow a lot as a
tennis player.
In the Colombian tournament Lama surprised everyone
reaching the final without losing a set. He easily beat the
seed No. 2 Victor Estrella Burgos in the second round but
his real masterpiece was the final, when he had the best on
the Argentine Marco Trungelliti, author of the elimination
of Paolo Lorenzi in the quarter and of Facundo Bagnis in
the semifinals.
CALI
Predictions met in the Doubles tournament: the seed No.1
couple, the Argentines Eduardo Schwank and Facundo
Bagnis, prevailed in the final the two Colombian Struvay
and Barrientos with a double 6/3.
147
148
The protagonist
GONZALO LAMA
2014
was
Lama’s best
season:
the
Chilean tennis
player, born
in Santiago,
Chile on April
27, 1993 (21
years
old),
won his first Challenger and achieved his best
ranking yet at No. 196, ending the year, however, at
No. 206. In March he won a tournament Future, the
Chile F1 played in his home town Santiago and the
following week he reached the final of the Chile F2,
lost at the tie-break of the third set. His best result
was the victory of the Cali Challenger in May. A
month after he proved himself again, defeating in
Caltanissetta excellent players of the like of Pere Riba
and Potito Starace so as to arrive to play the semifinals. The end of 2014, however, was subdued with
five first rounds and two second rounds reached in
the remaining seven tournaments played. Lama’s
only goal, which he repeats it every time is asked, is
to get into the top 50.
pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, a few restaurants, a lobby bar and
a conference room. The Alfonso Aragon Airport is about
40 km from the centre of Cali. For the players and those
working to the tournament there is a shuttle service from
the hotel to the Club Campestre leaving every 15 minutes.
Typical dishes are the Arepas (a kind of flat bread with
minced meat, beans and rice), the Pan de bono and grilled
fish. At only 10 minutes walk from the hotel there is the
Unicentro Shopping Centre where you can find restaurants
serving International food. While a bit more further there
is the “Palmas”, with Mexican, Japanese, Italian restaurants
and fast food. After dinner we recommend the “Garden
Lounge”, a club with ambient and dance music. The street
for bars and nightclubs is Calle 66.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CALI, WHERE THE SUGAR IS THE KING
Capital of Valle del Cauca Department, one of the most
prosperous regions of the country, Cali is the second
largest city in Colombia. It stands on a plateau at about
1.000 metres above sea level, between the Central and
Western Cordillera. The Seguros Bolivar Open is played on
the tennis courts of the Club Campestre de Cali, founded
in 1940 and enlarged several times until 1993. The club has
twelve tennis courts, a golf course with eighteen holes, two
areas for horse riding, a grass field for polo, a football pitch,
three swimming pools, including one Olympic size pool,
five squash courts, a hotel with twenty rooms -including
suites and superior rooms- and four apartments. The
Central has two tribunes. One of them is covered and has
a total capacity of 1500 seats. The admission is free for the
entire duration of the tournament, while there is limited
access to the VIP areas. The official hotel is the “Radisson
Cali”, just 10 km from the Club Campestre. It is a five stars
luxury hotel with 150 rooms including Superior, Suite and
Imperial suite. Available to the guests also a swimming
CALI
149
ADIDAS INTERNATIONAL GIMCHEON 2014
Date: 05/11 May 2014
Tournament director: Jin Soo Lee
Surface: Hard
1 2 3 ... MULLER
After winning in Shenzhen and Taipei, Gilles Muller
continues his beautiful Asian tour triumphing also in the $
50.000 Challenger tournament of Gimcheon, South Korea.
In the town of the North Gyeongsang province, once
famous for its two rivers, one of which bears the name of
Gimcheon, the player from Luxembourg inserted his high
gears to win a pretty difficult tournament. Six were the
players ranked better than him, including his historic rival
Lukas Lacko, the only top-100 in the race.
After defeating him in the final of Shenzhen and in the
quarter-final of Taipei, Muller for the third consecutive
week meets with Lacko, this time in the semi-finals,
winning, once again, in two straight sets (7/5 6/3).
The final was a real battle between the veteran from
Luxembourg and the Japanese Tatsumo Ito, seed No.5.
After 2 hours and 19 minutes, the longest Challenger final
of the first five months of the season, Muller was finally
able to lift the trophy, winning the match with the score
of 7/6 5/7 6/4.
With the victory of Gimcheon it rises to four the number
of titles won in 2014 by the left-handed from Leudelange.
Since mid-March he lined up a streak of twenty games
won against one defeat.
The two Aussies Groth and Guccione, as Muller, after
winning Shenzhen and Taipei, conquered also the title
of Gimcheon: regaining a set of disadvantage, they beat
in the final, as it happened in Taipei, Krajicek and Smith,
ending the third set 10/4.
150
The protagonist
TATSUMA ITO
Born in Mie, Japan, on May 18, 1988 (26 years old), Tatsuma Ito
is currently the second strongest tennis player of his nation,
after the top-10 Kei Nishikori. He ended the year at No. 94
but in 2012 was able to reach No. 60, his best ranking yet.
While from 2010 to 2012, the Japanese tennis player won two
Challenger each year, for a total of six tournaments, in 2013
and 2014 was not able to bring back home any trophy, even
though this year he arrived to play five finals. In the first half
of the season he lost the Challenger of West Lakes to Klahn,
the one of Kyoto to Fischer and the Challenger of Gimcheon
to Muller. Then towards the end of the season two more
lost finals: Istanbul and Toyota. In the Turkish tournament
Ito abounded the match played against Mannarino, while in
the last week of the year he was defeated by his compatriot
Soeda. In addition to the five finals Ito also played the semifinal of Maui and Taipei. Good the results obtained in the
major circuit, with two second rounds reached: Wimbledon,
where he was defeated by Simone Bolelli, and the US Open,
where he lost to Feliciano Lopez.
GIMCHEON
151
TENNIS & TOURISM
GIMCHEON: CAPITAL OF KOREAN BUDDHISM
Located right in the centre of South Korea, Gimcheon with its 150 thousand inhabitants is the Capital of the province
of Gyeogsang. The city is protected by three hills -the Geumo, the Daedeok and Hwangak- and crossed by two rivers the Gamcheon and Jikjicheon. Gimcheon is known worldwide for the Jikjisa Temple. Built in 418, it is one of the most
important places of Buddhist worship in all of Korea. This temple is in perfect harmony with the nearby valley and pine
forest. The tournament is played at the Sports Town Complex Tennis Courts, a modern sports complex with a football
stadium and adjacent running track, a baseball pitch, swimming pools and areas dedicated to others Olympic disciplines.
There are twenty-five tennis courts, four of which are used for the Challenger. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Gimcheon Park Hotel”, the only quality hotel in the city. It is located 500
metres from the famous Temple of Jikjisa and just over fifteen minutes from the Sport Complex. The staff does not speak
a good English but is helpful and friendly. An hourly shuttle service to and from the club is available for players and those
working to the tournament. The nearest airport is the Incheon Airport of Seoul. From there you can reach Gimcheon by
train, taxi or bus, for a travel time of about three hours. Most of the restaurants with traditional Korean cuisine are located
in the tourist area of the Temple of Jikjisa. The main ingredients of Korean cuisine are like in Japan, rice, soy, seafood and
fish. The markets are full of fish, shrimps, crabs, oysters, squids and octopus that are eaten steamed, grilled and often
inside soups.
152
ROMA OPEN 2014
Date: 05/10 May 2014
Tournament director: Ezio Di Matteo
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson
REISTER, ROMAN BIS
After winning in 2013 the Rai Open Challenger, held
at the Circolo Sportivo Rai, Julian Reister overcame the
disappointment for the exclusion from the calendar of the
historic Roman tournament triumphing in the other event
that normally precedes the Internazionali of italy.
The German native of Hamburg, who only a week earlier
lost the final of the Tunis Challenger to Simone Bolelli,
finally got his first trophy of the season winning the Roma
Open, tournament played at the Tennis Club Garden since
ROMA
1996, first as a satellite and then since 2012 as a Challenger.
After an impeccable week, Reister, seed No.6, struggled
in the quarterfinals played against the tough Argentine
Maximo Gonzalez, winning the third set 6/2, and in the
semi-final against the brilliant Marco Cecchinato, who
made him worry till the last exchanges of the third set.
However the final, which took place on Saturday due to
the imminent start of the 1000 Master of Rome, was much
smother with Reister defeating the Uruguayan Pablo
Cuevas, one of the best players throughout the
Roman tournament, in two easy sets.
For the massive German, known for his
powerful and always offensive tennis, it is a
particularly important victory, which brings
him closer to the top 100 and to what is his
best ranking yet, No.83 reached in November
2013.
Surprise victory for the New Zealand Sitak and
the Moldovan Albot in the Doubles: the duo
first defeated the seed No.2 couple, Bracciali
and Cuevas, then the Argentine Duran and
Gonzalez, so as to reach the final played against
Arnaboldi and Cipolla and ended only at the
super tie-break with the score of 11/9.
153
154
The protagonist
JULIAN REISTER
Born in Hamburg on April 2, 1986 (28 years old),
Julian Reister lived his golden season in 2013,
peaking at No. 83 (his best ranking) and winning in
a few months time three Challenger tournaments.
2014, though, was all a different story and with
only one victory in the Rome Garden tournament
he was not able to confirm the progress made
the previous year, ending the season at No. 182.
A bad year from the very beginning, with seven
consecutive first rounds and the first match won
only in April. Before the Roman victory Reister
reached the final in the Challenger of Tunis, where,
however, was defeated by Simone Bolelli. Apart
from the two weeks in Tunis and Rome Julian
Reister’ s season never took off and at the end of
July in the beautiful Croatian town of Umag he
played his last tournament, lost at the first round.
From that moment he never stepped on a tennis
court again due to numerous physical problems, in
the hope to return in perfect physical form in 2015.
ROMA
TENNIS & TOURISM
THE GARDEN AND THE APPIA ANTICA PARK
Just before the 1000 Masters of the Foro Italico, the city
of Rome hosts an ATP Challenger. The tournament takes
place at the TC Garden, a club located near Cinecittà, in the
southern part of the Italian capital. A few hundred metres
from the club there is the southern boundary of the Appia
Antica Park. With its 3500 hectares is the largest park of
Rome. Inside it you can find a large number of ruins and
monuments of Roman times. The TC Garden has fourteen
tennis courts (ten in clay and four in synthetic grass), two
football pitches, a dancing hall, a swimming pool, a sauna,
a disco, a restaurant and an events hall. The Central has a
capacity of about 400 spectators. The admission is free for
the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel
is the Hotel Capannelle, a little more than 4 km from TC
Garden. The property is modern and comfortable, with 256
rooms (classic, executive and six suites), a swimming pool
with sun terrace, free Wi-Fi, covered parking and a fitness
room. The TC Garden can be reached by taxi from Fiumicino
(about 30 km) and from Ciampino Airport (8 km). For a
cheaper solution you can use the tube (Line A, Cinecittà
station) and then a bus which will stop you near the club.
The Roman cuisine is pretty simple and inspired by the
one of the peasant leaving the area centuries ago. Some
specialties are: rigatoni with pajata, spaghetti carbonara,
bucatini amatriciana, lamb’s offal with artichokes and
tripe. For a drink after dinner in the southeast quadrant
of Rome we suggest: the “Sinister Noise” in the Ostiense
district, “El Mojitero” in via Anagnina, the “Fashion Bar” and
the “Magic Fly”.
155
Referees
Together with the players and the courts, essential components of any tennis tournament
are the Officials. No Grand Slam, no Master, no match of Davis and Fed Cup and no Futures
could take place without the presence of at least one Official. Here we will look a little more
closely at the figures of the Supervisor, the Chair umpire and the Lineman, going into the
specifics of each role.
The Supervisor. He is the referent for all ATP/WTA tournament. For some years now the
figure of the supervisor has been introduced also in the ITF Futures tournaments, with
duties identical to those of his ATP/WTA colleagues. He supervises all aspects of play at
a tournament including the conduct of players, coaches, spectators and administrative
crew. He must ensure that the event is played under the ITF Rules of Tennis and is also
responsible for making the tournament draw, determining seeds and placing players
and byes. He must then work with tournament organizers to schedule matches and has
to deliver to them a final report of the event, listing what worked and what could be
improved. The supervisor is also responsible of all the judges, choosing daily who will
go up on the chair and who will referee the final. He must convene to report a player
who has received an official warning; is usually only seen on court when accompanies
the medical trainer or when a player wants to challenge a decision of the referee.
Lacking the figure of the tour manager, in the Futures and Challenger tournaments, the
supervisor also makes sure that the players will spend their free time in the best possible
way, helping them with all their enquires and advising on restaurants, attractions and
local nightlife.
The Chair umpire. He is the referee of the match. In the pro circuit who “seats in the chair”
must be certified. The career of a referee starts at a national level, with the authorization
by the Federation of the hosting Country. Then it follows a course to get the badge
issued by the International Federation (ATP and WTA). The first step is the white badge,
then the bronze one, the silver one and finally the gold one (which allows to arbitrate in
the most prestigious tournaments). It is a delicate role. The referee is the one who has
the authority to decide the fate of a match and at the same time has to calm down and
reassure the players in each call, without losing his authority. His constant companion is
the PDA, the instrument used to record every single point of the match, the same that
powers the live score and the whole series of statistics related to the match.
Lineman. As the name implies, the competence of the lineman is limited to the line
that stands before his eyes. His role is to help the Chair Umpire in judging whether a
ball is “in” or “out” and if the player might have committed some foul during the game.
The number of linemen is variable depending on the category of the tournament. Their
work is evaluated in real time by the Chair Umpire. The best linemen will make up the
team taking part in the final. The career of a lineman grows according to his skills and
judgements, thus reflecting on the importance of the tournament they will serve, up to
reach with the years the Central court at Wimbledon or the Finals at the end of season.
156
SAMARKAND CHALLENGER
Date: 12/17 May 2014
Tournament director: Valera Lim
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Fort
THE REIGN OF DUSTOV
During the week that all tennis fans will remember for the dispute of the Internazionali d’Italia, in Samarkand took place
the first of the three tournaments played in Uzbekistan. The second one was played at the end of May in Karshi while the
third one in June on the courts of Fergana.
For the happiness of the local fans to win the tournament of Samarkand (stone fort), third most important city of the
Asian state of Uzbekistan, was the 27 year old Farrukh Dustov, giant of 193 cm of height native of Tashkent.
“Fara”, how he likes to be called, lost only one set during the entire tournament, gaining his third Challenger trophy. With
a powerful and deadly service, his best shot, Dustov prefers fast surfaces but on the red courts of Samarkand was still
able to find the right conditions for his offensive game, so as to disarm all his opponents.
The favourite Denis Istomin, No.1 of Uzbekistan and No.55 of the world at the start of the tournament, was defeated
in the second round by Westerhof. Dustov was however able to avenge his compatriot beating the Dutch player in the
semi-finals with a sharp 6/4 6/1.
All simple enough in the final with the Russian Karatsev beaten 7/6 6/1. Thanks to his powerful service, he made 38 aces
in five matches losing only three services throughout the week, Dustov was able to win the trophy and gain valuable
points to get closer to his dream of entering the top 100.
The victory of the Doubles went to the couple seed No.2 Bury and Betov. The two Byelorussians won the tournament
without losing a single set.
SAMARCANDA
157
158
The protagonist
FARRUKH DUSTOV
After about ten years between the 200th and the 400th
position, in 2014 Farrukh Dustov, born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan,
on May 22, 1986 (28 years old), leapt to No. 118, ending the
year only a couple of places further back. A good start of the
season for Dustov, with three semi-finals Challenger, Astana,
Cherbourg and Kazan, reached between February and March.
After the victory in Samarkand he played the final of the
American tournament of Winnetka, where he surrendered to
Kudla, and of the Canadian event of Vancouver, where was
defeated by Baghdatis. Dustov was able to close the season
on a high note, reaching in November other two Challenger
finals: Bratislava, lost to Gojowczyk, and Brescia, where he
was defeated in three sets by Marchenko. After many years
of coaching with the Italian Manuel Gasbarri, Farrukh is now
training with the Uzbek Petr Lebed.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SAMARCANDA, BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
The origins of Samarkand are ancient. Tradition has it that this city, perched between the East and the West, was founded
in 700 BC. For centuries its geographical position made it a strategic location on the Silk Road connecting China with the
old continent. Located at about 700 metres above sea level, Samarkand is the Capital of the homonymous province and
the second largest city of Uzbekistan. The Challenger tournament is played at the Dinamo Club, right in the centre of
Samarkand. The club has five clay courts (four for the matches and one for training), five indoors hard courts, a bar and a
gym. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Emirhan Hotel”, situated just
a short walk from the Mausoleum of Gur Emir and about 8 km from the Club. It is a three stars hotel, recently refurbished,
with laundry facilities, a restaurant on the ground floor, a gym and a recently opened swimming pool. Every hour there is
a shuttle service to and from the club for players and those working at the tournament. Relatively close (10 km) also the
International Airport of Samarkand. It was recently inaugurated a high-speed rail line between Samarkand and Tashkent,
the capital of Uzbekistan. The Uzbek cuisine, and especially that of Samarkand, is influenced by the different cultures that
lived in this area. The typical dish is the plot with lepyoshka (a rice and meat dish served with Uzbek bread). The restaurant
“Avantage”
inside
the
‘’Emirhan Hotel” prepares both
European and local dishes,
while in the neighbourhood
of the Dinamo Club the
best restaurants are “Platan”
and “Exclusive” (Armenians
specialties). For a drink after
dinner we recommend “Pub
Rubai”, “Babai Lounge Bar”,
“Taj Mahal” and “Fashion”.
SAMARCANDA
159
KARSHI CHALLENGER
Date: 19/24 May 2014
Supervisor: Lilya Khodjaeva
Surface: Hard (PLEXIPAVE)
Balls: Dunlop Fort
BASILASHVILI AT LAST
The $ 50,000 tournament of Karshi, second leg of the mini-tour played in Uzbekistan which takes place on Plexipave
concrete, the same surface used at Melbourne for the Australian Open, was unexpectedly won by the Georgian Nikoloz
Basilashvili, who finally got his first Challenger trophy.
“Nika”, 22 year old from Tbilisi, after a decent junior career seems to have finally decided to insert the high gears. Started
the season well beyond the 400th position of the ATP rankings, in February he lost the semi-final of Astana to Golubev
and then in spring in Bucharest he qualified for the first time for a major tournament.
The triumph of Karshi is thus the natural epilogue of a tennis player in constant growth. With a strong game, adaptable
to all surfaces, he has in the forehand his cornerstone. In a town famous for the production of cotton, Basilashvili was
able to outperform the competition losing only one set
throughout the tournament. Defeated with a score of 7/6
6/2 the American Buchanan, 21 year old finalist of the US
Open Junior in 2009 (lost to Tomic), he earned valuable
points to get closer to the top 200 players in the world.
Thanks to the “reckless” Nikoloz, aviation enthusiast with a
hidden dream of one day becoming a pilot, Georgia comes
back to win a major tournament. Last Georgian player to
win was Irakli Labadze, former top 50 from Tbilisi, who was capable of winning as many as ten Challenger titles.
Betov and Bury were the winners of a much fought Doubles final, ended only at the super-tie break with the score of
10/6. To make life pretty hard for the two Byelorussian were Peng and Gong, the revelations of the tournament.
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KARSHI
161
The protagonist
NIKOLOZ BASILASHVILI
Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, on February 23, 1992 (22 years old), Nikoloz Basilashvili, by far the strongest tennis player
of his Country, in 2014 won in Karshi his first Challenger title. A season to remember for the young Georgian
tennis player, who has also achieved his best ranking, No. 192. After the victory of a Future in Germany and
the semi-finals of the Challenger of Astana (starting from the qualifying) he qualified in the ATP tournament
of Bucharest and won the Challenger of Karshi. In the rest of the season, however, very few wins and no great
results until last week of November, when he reached the final of the Challenger of Andria, having, though, to
withdraw in the match against Berankis. In December not rest for Basilashvili, who went to Doha, Qatar, to win
ten consecutive matches triumphing in two ITF Futures, losing only two sets in two weeks of game.
TENNIS & TOURISM
KARSHI, WHERE EUROPE AND ASIA OVERLAP
Capital of the southern province of Kashqadaryo, Karshi with its 230 thousand inhabitants is one of the most important
cities of Uzbekistan, a former state of the Soviet Union, which became independent in 1991. Its name means fortress,
precisely the role that this city has had for several centuries. Famous for its carpets, Karshi rises to nearly 400 metres above
sea level, in a fertile oasis that allows the cultivation of wheat, cotton and silk. In the last 30 years the production of natural
gas has become the main source of income. Since 2007 the Karshi Challenger is played in the homonymous Tennis Club
within the city public park. The Club has seven hard courts, four of which used for the Challenger’s matches and by the
players for training. There is also a club house with an adjoining restaurant and a fully equipped gym. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the Afsona, a three-stars hotel with forty rooms (single,
junior suite and lux) distributed on two floors. The rooms are fairly basic, but all with TV, air conditioning and telephone.
There are also a restaurant and a gym for the guests. The hotel is about a km from the TC Karshi. Every half a hour there is
a shuttle service for players and those working to the tournament from the hotel to the club and vice versa. The Airport of
Karshi, mainly linked to the capital Tashkent, is
less than 10 km from the city. The transfer from
and to the airport for the players is provided
by the tournament organization. The capital is
six hours drive from Karshi. The Uzbek cuisine,
as well as that of other countries of Central
Asia, is rich in meat and rice. The typical dish
of Karshi is the “Tandir gosht”, a dish with lamb
cooked following a typical Uzbek ritual. There
are several restaurants in town preparing both
local and European food. We recommend
three: “Duniyo”, “Shashlik” and “Crystal”. The
places to go for a drink after dinner are the
“Beer House” and the “Apelsin”.
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INTERNAZIONALI DI TENNIS ‘CITTA DI VICENZA’
Date: 26 May/01 June 2014
Tournament director: Enrico Bettini
Surface: Red clay
FINALLY KRAJINOVIC
Everybody was waiting for it and finally it happened. The
22 year old Serbian Filip Krajinovic, Junior world No. 6, won
his first Challenger, the first edition of the “Internazionali di
Tennis Città di Vicenza”.
Krajinovic, a native of Sombor but resident in Monaco,
started the new tournament with the odds against him. All
his three victories were much fought and arrived only at the
third set. In the first round he won 7/6 the final set against
Dutra Silva while in the second turn against Collarini and
in the semi-final against the Japanese Nishioka had to
recover from a set of disadvantage. Krajinovic then played
an impeccable match against the other finalist the Slovak
Gombos, author of a tournament above expectations too.
Krajinovic, arriving to the Vicenza’s tournament with a
ranking close to the No. 160, is a product of the Bollettieri Accademy. He started to have his first good results back in
2010, at the young age of 18, but then due to a shoulder injury he had to live the circuit for about seven months, forcing
him to start from scratch once again.
With a great body structure and an incredible easy execution, Krajinovic at the beginning of the season already gave
signs of great potential, winning three ITF tournaments and reaching the final of the Sarasota’s Challenger, which lost to
Kyrgios. The success caught on red clay of Vicenza is thus the natural culmination of the maturation of a boy who is surely
one of the most interesting players on the making.
The Slovaks Andrej Martin and Martin Zelenaj won the Doubles tournament defeating 6/1 7/5 the two Polish Koniusz
and Kowalczyk.
VICENZA
163
164
The protagonist
FILIP KRAJINOVIC
In 2014 Filip Krajinovic, born in Sombor, Serbia (a
few km from the border with Croatia and Hungary),
on 27 February 1992 (22 years old), was finally
able to break through the wall of the top-100. The
Serbian player ended the season at No. 101, having
reached in late October No. 95 of the ranking. After
a slow start of the season he had a great April: two
Futures tournaments won consecutively in the
United States, the final in the Sarasota Challenger,
lost to Kyrgios, and finally the semi-final in the
Challenger of Savannah, where he surrendered
after three partial to Sock. After failing to qualify
at the Roland Garros, stopping one step away from
the main draw, Krajinovic chose Italy as a land of
conquest, winning in Vicenza the first Challenger
of his career and then one more in Cortina. A small
satisfaction for the Serbian player even in the Major
circuit: after qualifying for the ATP of Hamburg
he defeated Struff and Fognini, abandoning the
tournament at the third round during the match
against Lajovic. After the qualification obtained at
the US Open (his second Slam in career after the
Roland Garros in 2012) he won only a few games,
for a so not too exciting end of the year.
TENNIS & TOURISM
VICENZA AND ITS PALLADIAN VILLAS
After Venice Vicenza is the city of the Veneto region to attract more tourists. Internationally known as the “city of Palladio”,
in 1994 it was nominated by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. During the XV and XVI century Vicenza lived a period of
economic prosperity and great artistic splendour, with artists of the likes of the architect Andrea Palladio, pseudonym of
Andrea di Pietro. His best known work and symbol of the city (in 2014 declared national heritage) is the Palladian Basilica,
also known as “Palazzo della Ragione”. In addition to the numerous Palladian Villas, Palladio is the father of many important
building of Vicenza such as the “Teatro Olimpico”, the “Palazzo del Capitanio”, “Palazzo Chiericati”, “Palazzo Barbaran da
Porto” just to name a few. In 2014 Vicenza hosted the first edition of an ATP Challenger tournament which was played
at the TC Palladio, a tennis club surrounded by green right in the city centre, just one km from the main railway station.
The club has six clay courts and a club house, inside which there is a cafeteria and an pretty basic diner. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the “AC Hotel” (Marriott), a modern and functional four
stars hotel. It is located in Creazzo, outside the centre of Vicenza and about 6 km from the TC Palladio. The guests have
access to a fully equipped gym room and a SPA. The players and referees can use a shuttle service to and from the club.
The shuttle leaves up to eight times a day (journey time 5-10 minutes). The nearest airport is Verona Villafranca (65 km),
while the Marco Polo airport is 75 km away. From both airports there is a bus service to Vicenza Central station.
VICENZA
165
XII VENICE CHALLENGE SAVE CUP
Date: 03/08 June 2014
Tournament director: Pasquale Marotta &
Gianna Doz
Supervisor: Roberto Ranieri
Surface: Red clay
CUEVAS’ COME BACK
After the success caught in Barranquilla and the final played
at the Roma Garden, another victory arrives for Pablo Cuevas.
It arrives in the new Challenger of Mestre, a city that in 2014,
after delighting for many years the fans with its ITF women’s
tournament, made a category jump and organised its first ATP
Challenger tournament.
Seed No. 6, the Uruguayan was one of the favourites of the
tournament. His physic condition and strength, added to his
desire to return to the top, were the key ingredients for the
comeback of the 28 year old from Concordia. Defeating one
Italian after the other, he reached the final without losing a single
set. Naso the first Italian to go, followed by Giannessi, seed No.
1 Lorenzi in the semi-final and a great Cecchinato, able the day
before to win in come back against Gimeno-Traver, in a much
fought final lasted three sets.
Checchinato had to surrender to fatigue, however, he proved to
be in excellent form. While the great French Open played just
before the Mestre Tournament made Cuevas’ come back to play
in majors tournaments a possibility, this victory confirm it. Only a
few weeks later and one straight after the other, Cuevas won the
first two ATP titles of his career (Bastad and Umag).
Not satisfied with the Single’s, Cuevas together with his friend
Horacio Zeballos went to win the Doubles too. The seed No. 1
couple respected the expectations and defeated the two Italians
Potito Starace and Daniele Bracelets with a sharp 6/4 6/1.
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MESTRE
167
The protagonist
PASQUALE MAROTTA &
GIANNA DOZ
After years of successful Women’s tournament, in
Mestre landed a Men Challenger. Pasquale Marotta,
an executive from Campania region (Italy) who
found in Mestre his new home, and Gianna Doz,
former tennis player still committed to the national
team championship, are the directors of the new
tournament. A winning combination the one of
Marotta, recently awarded as Best Director of the
year by the Regional Committee of the FIT, and
Doz, former WTA No. 393 who recently became
a mum. Proud of their women’s team, promoted
to A1 at the same time the Challenger was taking
place, Marotta and Doz while enthusiastically carry
on their national activity are also able to organise
international events. And so it was the tournament,
a proper event with evening entertainment and
well known chefs preparing delicious food for the
players.
TENNIS & TOURISM
THE NEW MESTRE
Most populated municipality among those making up
the metropolitan area of Venice, Mestre occupies most
of the mainland’s territory of the world known city. An
independent city up 1926, Mestre serves as a gateway to
Venice, through the 4 km long Ponte della Libertà, opened
in 1933. Since the last decade of the last century, Mestre
underwent several urban renewal projects that have
improved its appearance and liveability (first of all the
redevelopment of the historic centre). Piazza Maggiore is
the heart of the city. The Challenger tournament is played
at the TC Mestre, a club with four clay courts, two of which
used only for training, a gym, a cafeteria and a restaurant
with a large terrace. The players can train at the Sporting
Mestre too, the other club of the city. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official
hotel is the four stars “Mercure Venezia Marghera”. It is
strategically located near the Laguna and only fifteen
minutes by car from the airport. It is a new hotel and all
its ninety-nine rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning and pay
TV. It also has a conference room and a restaurant. The
tournament staff and referees stay at the “Apogia Sirio”, a
few steps from TC Mestre. Players have access to a shuttle
service between the “Mercure” and the Club. The travel
time does not exceed ten minutes. About twenty minutes
from the hotel, the Marco Polo of Venice is the nearest
airport, while Mestre train station is just a few minutes
away from the Club. Typical dishes, all to be tasted, are
“sardines in sauce”, “poenta and schie” and “buranelli and
Pandora”. Good also the food served at the restaurant
of the club. For a drink after dinner the coolest clubs in
Mestre are: “Kofler”, “Corte sconta” “Il calice”, “Scarpon” and
“The Celtic Pub” .
168
CITTA DI CALTANISSETTA
Date: 09/15 June 2014
Tournament director: Giorgio Giordano
Surface: Red clay
CARRENO THE PRINCE
OF CALTANISSETTA
The XVI edition of Caltanissetta’s Challenger, with its € 106.500 the richest of the
circuit, could not have had better week. The public responded with warmth and
enthusiasm in what was, by all accounts, the best edition ever. Its success was due
not only to its high level entry list, despise other two challengers taking place at the
same time, but also to the impeccable organisation, which saw the construction of
a new removable grandstand and the use of the latest generation monitors for the
live score. A deal with the TV channel Supertennis allowed fans to follow the event
from the comfort of their living room. More than 1,500 the spectators presents at
Villa Amedeo for the final between Facundo Bagnis and seed No. 1 Pablo CarrenoBusta, who won his fifth title on Italian soil.
This victory brought the Spanish player, who in 2013 dominated the tennis played
on clay, closer to the top 50 in the world, an incredible achievement for someone
who started the previous season out of the 600 ATP ranking.
However, Carreno-Busta was not the only star of a tournament that saw as many as
four top-100 at the starting line: the other Spanish Pere Riba and Pablo Andujar, in
addition to the Italian Filippo Volandri. No to forget also the talented Albert Ramos
and Pablo Cuevas, who already proved himself at the Roland Garros. A top-level
tournament that did not disappoint.
Small disappointment, however, for Carreno-Busta, who, together to his compatriot Lopez-Perez, lost the Doubles
tournament to the two Italians Potito Starace and Daniele Bracciali. Pablo, though, at the end of the tournament
confessed to be more than satisfied with his Sicilian week.
CALTANISSETTA
169
The protagonist
PABLO CARRENO-BUSTA
After an incredible 2013 started at No. 700 and ended
among the top 100 of the world ranking, in 2014 Pablo
Carreno-Busta, Gijon, Spain, July 12, 1991 (23 years
old), confirmed his talent ending the season one small
step away from the Top 50, at No. 51. The Spanish
player had a pretty slow start of the year, with only one
match won in eight tournaments played. The quarterfinal of Casablanca was his first good result, followed
by a third round in Monte Carlo. Then in June Pablo
took home two trophies in fourteen days, winning the
Challenger of Caltanissetta and Mohammedia. A good
summer even in the majors tournament, with the
quarter-finals reached in the ATP of Bastad and Umag
and a third round at the US Open, his best result yet in a
Grand Slam. In the second half of 2014 he won another
Challenger in Seville and reached the quarter-finals at the ATP tournament of Valencia, proving that, though not a
big fan of fast indoors courts, he can adapt to it very well.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
CALTANISSETTA, THE CITY OF THE AVERNA
At about 600 metres above sea level, Caltanissetta is after
the nearby Enna, the highest chief town of Sicily. The city
lies between three hills (Sant’Anna, Monte San Giuliano
e Poggio Sant’Elia) which, unwilling to bow, form a basin
into which part of the historical centre comprise. The ATP
Challenger takes place at the TC Caltanissetta, a Tennis
Club founded in 1931 in the green area surrounding
Villa Amedeo, in the historic city centre. Over time it has
undergone several renovations and extensions. In 2014
it was set up an extra mobile grandstand, raising the
capacity of the Central to about 1000 seats. The club has
four clay courts, three used for the tournament and one for
training. Available to members also a modern club house,
a restaurant and a multipurpose gym. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the event. Located on the
other side of Caltanissetta at about twenty minutes drive
from the club, “San Michele”, a four star hotel with a good
quality/price ratio, is the official hotel. Caltanissetta is 90
km from Fontanarossa airport, Catania, and about 110 km
from Punta Raisi, Palermo. Both airports are connected to
the city by a frequent bus service. The journey from both
airports to Villa Amadeo lasts about one hour and a half.
Due to a lack of parking space and very narrow streets
it is not recommended the use of a private car. Better to
use the public busses and then walk 200 metres through
the park of the Villa. For players and those working for the
tournament there is a shuttle service between the TC and
the hotel. You are spoiled for choice when choosing where
to eat.
“La Piscina di 50 e 50” or “Il Ristorante di 50 e 50”, “Il
Girasole”, “Sale e Pepe” and “Ristorante di Margherita”, just
to name a few. For a drink and a chat with friends go to the
“Spazio Rosso”, a very nice disco pub open all year round
right in the city centre.
CALTANISSETTA
171
KOSICE OPEN 2014
Date: 09/14 June 2014
Tournament director: Miroslav Mecir
Qualifying Supervisor: Zsolt Beda
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Tretorn Serie +
SURPRISING DANCEVIC
No one expected it, maybe not even him. The Canadian Frank Dancevic, skilled
aesthete of the powerful tennis, who established himself over the years as
fast court player, imposed himself on the “red” of Kosice, European Capital of
Culture in 2013, winning the $ 35.000 Challenger played in early June.
In the tournament organised by former Slovak champion Miroslav Mecir
the 30 year old from Niagara Falls had to play seven games before been able
to rise his eight Challenger trophy to heaven, first won on the surface least
suited to him. Starting from the qualification games, he has strung together
an impressive row of victories arriving to the final without losing a single set.
Thanks to the strength of his brilliant and accurate service, Dancevic, who
back in 2007 got very close to the top 50, dominated his opponents never
allowing more than four games per set. In the final, played against the home
idol Norbert Gombos, he paid his distraction losing the second set before
easily ending the match at the third set.
A week as perfect as it was unexpected, brought Dancevic nearer to the top
100 players in the world. In Kosice, city known for being the birthplace of the
tennis star Martina Hingis, Frank proved to be in a great physical condition,
so much so that only a little more than a week later he will qualify at the
Championships in Wimbledon, the temple of tennis, reaching the second
round.
In the Doubles the victory went to the South American couple formed by
Facundo Arguello and Ariel Behar, who defeated in two sets the Polish Kapas
and Koniusz.
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KOSICE
173
The protagonist
MILOSLAV MECIR
Born in Bojnice, Slovakia, May 19, 1964 (50 years old), Miloslav Mecir is the director of the tournament of
Kosice. The former Slovak champion, who managed to bring home a total of eleven ATP titles, at the end
of the 80s was the No. 4 in the world ranking and managed; he also won the Singles gold medal at the
1988 Olympics, reached two Grand Slam finals and in 1987 triumphed at WCT Finals (which over the years
changed first in Masters and then in ATP World Tour Finals). In both Slam finals played- US Open in 1986 and
the Australian Open in 1989- he met Ivan Lendl, who didn’t leave a single set to the Slovak. The great victory
of the WCT Finals arrived in Dallas in 1987, when Mecir was able to beat John McEnroe in four sets. The
following year in the final of the Olympics in Seoul he defeated, always in four partial, Tim Mayotte. His son
Miloslav Mecir jr is following in his footsteps, but without getting the same results. The young tennis player
born in 1988 in fact sails for some years now around the 200th position.
TENNIS & TOURISM
KOSICE AND THE MITTLEUROPA
Second most important city of the young Republic of Slovakia, Košice is crossed by the river Hornád. Located in the
northern part of the country, no far from the Polish, Ukrainian and Hungarian border, with its nearly 250 thousand
inhabitants is the second most populated city after the capital Bratislava. It is the seat of the Slovak Constitutional Court,
two universities, the Slovak Air Force Academy, the archdiocese of the Roman Rite and the eparchy of the Byzantine rite.
The Challenger of Kosice is played within the TA Anicka, the most important club in the city and home to an academy. It
has nine clay tennis courts (five of which reserved for the tournament), a restaurant, a cafeteria and a gym. The admission
is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Best Western Hotel Roca”. It is a three-star
hotel with rooms equipped with air conditioning and flat screen satellite TV. Excellent the breakfast and, in general, the
catering service. The hotel is about ten minutes drive from the club. Players and referees can use a shuttle service to reach
the TA Anicka from the hotel and vice versa. The international airport, the most important of the Country after the one in
Bratislava, is just outside Košice, about 6 km from the centre. Inaugurated in 1860, the railway station connects the city
with the capital, Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Kiev and Krakow. River fish (trout, carp, pike), venison and pork are the most
widely used ingredients in Slovak cuisine, along with the roast goose. If you go out to dinner ask for a plate of halusky,
gnocchi pasta made with flour and potatoes accompanied by bryndza, a sheep cheese, and bacon. Another tasty dish is
the pirohy, characteristic meat ravioli similar to those made in Poland. For a drink after dinner you are spoiled for choice:
the downtown streets are full of bars and pubs frequented by university’s students.
174
FERGANA CHALLENGER
Date: 09/15 June 2014
Supervisor: Andrei Kornilov
Surface: Hard
SPARKLING BLAZ
In the second week of June, a month after the tournament played in Karshi, the ATP Challenger is back in Uzbekistan.
In Fergana, a small town located in the homonymous valley in the eastern part of the country, Blaz Kavcic kicked off its
“sparkling” summer.
Fell over the hundredth position of the world ranking, the 27 year old from Ljubjana with a past in the top 70, is back on
track, winning the tenth Challenger of his career.
Blaz, who started tennis at the age of four thanks to the passion of his grandfather
Ludvik, a former ski champion of the ‘50s, respected the prediction that gave him
as the favourite, triumphing without losing even a set. He only struggled a little
bit in the final with the Russian Kudryatsev, when he was forced to cancel three
sets points to his opponent before closing the match in two sets. With Fergana
Kavcic brought to ten the victories achieved in fifteen finals played. Very different
the destiny of the Russian, defeated in all seven finals played in his career.
In Fergana, oil production centre, Kavcic benefited from a changed entry list to
capture a needed victory to boast the trust in himself. It is no coincidence that
after the success of Uzbekistan, he will be the absolute protagonist of the mini
Asian tour, winning in Tianjin and Nanchang, where once again he fought against
the unfortunate Russian for the title.
Betov and Bury proved to be the absolute rulers of Uzbekistan, winning, after
Samarkand and Karshi, Fergana’s Doubles too. The two Belarusians beat in the
final the Colombian Barrientos and the Russian Vovk with a score of 6/7 7/6 10/3,
reaching their third title in as many weeks of play.
FERGANA
175
176
The protagonist
BLAZ KAVCIC
Born in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on March 5, 1987 (27 years old), Blaz Kavcic is famous in his country for being
the first Slovenian tennis player in history to enter the top-100, to win a match in the main draw of a
Grand Slam and to participate in the Olympics. Ending the year at No. 105, Kavcic’s best ranking is No.
68 in the world, achieved in 2012. After a slow start of the season, the Slovenian tennis player obtained
his best results at the beginning of the summer: in one month of tournaments-Fergana (Uzbekistan),
Tianjin (China), Nanchang (China) and Portoroz (Slovenia)- Kavcic managed to bring home nineteen of
the twenty games played, losing only the final of Nanchang, where he surrendered at the tie-break of the
third set to Soeda. Three the Challengers won between June and July, bringing to twelve the number of
trophies won in this category. Some physical problems towards the end of summer slowed him down,
making impossible to confirm the performance of that gold month where Blaz was the protagonist of
the Challenger circuit. Kavcic is also part of the Slovenian Davis Cup team, and this year after losing to the
Israeli Weintraub, defeated in three very fought sets the Portuguese Elias and Sousa.
TENNIS & TOURISM
FERGANA AND ITS FERTILE VALLEY
Located in eastern Uzbekistan and capital of the homonymous province, Fergana is a town of just over 150 thousand
inhabitants. It extends on the southern edge of the Fergana valley, which stretches between the former Soviet republics
of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Fergana is about 420 km east of Tashkent, the state capital, and 75 km west of
Andijan, another important Uzbek city, specialised in sericulture. Fergana weather is characterised by dry cold winters
with temperatures hovering around 0° C in January, and hot summers with average temperatures ranging from 20° to
35°. The Fergana Challenger is played at the Istiqlol Tennis Club, located in Hasanova str. 2, very close to the airport. The
club, built in 1995, has eight outdoor hard courts, a club house and a restaurant. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the three-stars “Hotel Azia”. It has a restaurant, a fitness room, a billiards
room and two swimming pools (one outdoor and one indoor). Every half a hour there is a shuttle service between the
hotel and the tennis club available to players and staff. Alternatively you can use the bus 6A for a small cost of $ 0.2. The
Fergana airport (which connects the city with all of the main centres of Uzbekistan and with Russia) is not more than
a kilometre away from the club. The most important local dish is “Sherpa”, a soup prepared with vegetables and lamb.
The national dish of Uzbekistan, on the other hand, is called “Plov” and is made with rice, meat and carrots. The best
restaurants in the city are: “Fergana”, “Roxana”, “Cafe-Bravo”, “Traktir” and “Evos”. Good also the restaurant inside the tennis
club. To enjoy a drink after dinner we recommend the “Green Club” and the “Eski Mahala”.
FERGANA
177
ASPRIA TENNIS CUP TROFEO CDI
Date: 16/22 June 2014
Tournament director: Massimo Lacarbonara
Qualifying supervisor: Riccardo Ragazzini
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Tretorn Tournament Series
RAMOS
BACK TO WIN
It was, once again, Albert Ramos-Vinolas to sign the
prestigious Roll of Honour of the ATP Challenger of MilanTrofeo CDI. His first victory of the tournament played at
the exclusive Harbour Club dates back to 2011, three years
earlier.
It was not easy to win the tournament for the tennis player
from Barcelona who struggled since the beginning: in
both the first round, played against the Australian Jordan
Thompson, and in the quarterfinal, played against the
Croatian Veic, he had to wait till the third set to shout
victory. After a stunning semi-final with the Italian Marco
Cecchinato, author of yet another great tournament,
Albert defeated seed No. 1 Pere Riba, ending the final with
a score of 6/4 7/6.
The victory reached in Milan earned Ramos the points
needed to get back in the top 100 players in the world.
Already in the first 40 in 2012, the Catalan had strung
together a series of troubling negative results that led him
to fall in the rankings. The arrival of the beloved clay will
really help the tennis player coached by Jose Maria Diaz to
grow further.
For the left-handed player who lives in Mataro, a town
of 100,000 inhabitants in the province of Barcelona, is
the beginning of a positive period which will continue
in the following weeks during the tournament of Padua,
where he will be the protagonist of an equally high-profile
tournament.
The Argentines Duran and Gonzalez, seed No. 1, won the
Doubles tournament, ending the final played against
Cerretani and Moser with a easy 6/3 6/3.
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MILAN
179
The protagonist
ALBERT RAMOS-VINOLAS
Born in Barcelona on January 17, 1988 (26 years
old), Albert Ramos-Vinolas ended 2014 at No.
63. His best ranking is No. 38, reached in 2012,
before running into a series of negative results
that even made him leave the top -100. The lefthanded Spanish player earned in 2014 two of the
six Challenger tournaments won in his career.
The first notable result of 2014 was the quarterfinals in the ATP of Buenos Aires, followed by two
semi-finals Challenger obtained in Panama City
and Barranquilla; in June, in the space time of two
weeks, he won in Milan and reached the final of
the Challenger of Padua, where he was defeated
by Maximo Gonzalez. In September it arrived
another Challenger trophy, Genoa, followed
once again by another final, the one in Banja
Luka where he surrendered in three sets to Viktor
Troicki. Ramos’ last good result was the final in the
Moroccan Challenger of Kenitra, where he lost to
his compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver. Very little
came out from the last ATP tournament played on
fast indoor.
TENNIS & TOURISM
MILAN AND THE HARBOUR CLUB
Economic and industrial capital of Italy, with almost a
million and a half inhabitants, Milan is the second largest
city of the Country of the Bella Vita. The Aspria Harbour
Club is one of the most prestigious sports club in Italy. It
is located in the northwest quadrant of the city, two steps
away from the San Siro stadium. Inside there are sixteen
tennis courts (with three different surfaces), a golf training
facility, a well equipped gym, two Olympic swimming
pools (indoor and outdoor), two small football pitches,
a restaurant, a spa and much more. The tournament is
played on clay courts (three reserved for the matches
and three for training). The access is free every day of the
tournament. The Harbour Club is a half hour drive from
the international airport of Malpensa and from Linate
Airport. The Central Station is about twenty minutes away.
Those who choose to travel by train can reach the club by
public transport. Lines 72 and 80 of the ATM connect the
centre with the tournament’s venue. For those travelling
by car, the nearest parking space is along the Trenno park.
The official hotel is the “Holiday Inn San Siro”, not too far
from the Club. Inside the club, frequented by high profile
personality, including many movie stars, you can eat a quick
cold meal, like sandwiches, or if you have more time (and
more money) you can have a warm meal in the restaurant.
If you want to go to one of the many trendy places of the
city you have to move away from the centre. With a five
minutes drive you are in the De Angeli/Marghera area,
full of classical and ethnic restaurants (especially Brazilian
and Chinese). The best Chinese in Milan is the “BA Asian
Mood”, in via Ravizza 10. For a drink after dinner or a classic
Milanese “aperitif” we recommend the “Roialto” and the
“Gattopardo Café” (inside a converted church), both in via
Piero della Francesca.
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TIANJIN HEALTH INDUSTRY PARK
Date: 16/22 June 2014
Qualifying supervisor: Rogerio Santos
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
KAVCIC-KUDRYAVTSEV “BIS”
One week after the final of Fergana, Blaz Kavcic and Alexander Kudryavtsev’s destinies cross again in Tianjin, fourth most
populated Chinese municipality after Shanghai, Beijing and Chongquing.
A magical week for seed No. 1 Kavcic, who, a part some difficulties in the quarterfinal against the player from Taipei, Chen,
defeated at the end of two long sets, simply walked through the tournament. In Tianjin, once an Italian concession, the
Slovene repeated the success obtained seven days earlier in Fergana, beating, once again, Alexander Kudryavtsev, who
goes to add another defeat to his many lost finals.
This time, though, Kudryavtsev got very close to victory: Kavcic in fact had the best on the Russian player only in the
third set, ended 7/5. Kavcic lifted his second trophy of the season, winning five out of the five finals played. His march
will stop seven days later, when during the second round of the Chinese tournament, he will be forced to surrender to
the Japanese Go Soeda.
Kavcic can still be satisfied of his results. Only in February, in fact, the 27 year old from Ljubiana was forced to stay away
from the circuit for almost three months due to a foot injury. Thanks to his victories, the ex top 70 in the world (2012)
gained important points to get closer to the top 100.
The German Robin Kern and the French Josselin Ouanna won the Doubles tournament defeating the Americans Jung
and King in a super tie-break.
TIANJIN
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182
The protagonist
ALEXANDER KUDRYAVTSEV
Born in Ekaterinburg, Russia, October 26, 1985 (29 years old), Alexander Kudryavtsev’s idols are former colleagues
Andre Agassi and compatriot Marat Safin. The Russian tennis player ended 2014 at No. 119, his best ranking ever,
reached, curiously, in a year in which he failed to win any tournament (in his career he won a total of six Futures
and no Challenger). Many good results, though, in the first half of the season: the Challenger final with Bhambri in
Chennai and those of Fergana and Tianjin against a particularly good Blaz Kavcic. He then played two semi-final
Challenger: in Kaohsiung, where he lost to Lu, and in Segovia, where he was defeated by Menendez-Maceiras. The
29 year-old resident of St. Petersburg qualified in the last Slam of the season, landing in the main draw of the US
Open. After beating in the first round Donskoy he surrendered to Gabashvili in his first second round Slam ever
achieved in his career (up to then he only played in the main draw of the Australian Open in 2012).
TENNIS & TOURISM
TIANJIN PORT OF THE EAST
With its eleven million inhabitants, the municipality of Tianjin is the fourth largest in China, after Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou. The city is crossed by the Yellow River and its tributaries, before emptying into the Gulf of Bohai. Being the
nearest to the capital Beijing, for several centuries the port and its activities have been the main source of income of the
city. Currently the port of Tianjin is among the top five in the world for the volume of container per year. The first edition
of the ATP Challenger of Tianjin took place at the International Tennis Centre Avenue Sports & Changhai Health Industry
Park. The brand new facility is located outside the city, surrounded by green. The Central has a capacity of six thousand
spectators, as well as its twin court (though, not used during the tournament). In addition to the two stadium the Tennis
Centre has sixteen hard tennis courts. Within the complex there are also a fast food, a restaurant and a bowling alley.
Inside the Central there is a gym for the players and the offices of the organisation. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Haizhou International Hotel”, in Nankai Discrict. All one hundred and
forty rooms are very comfortable. Fully soundproofed, they are all equipped with flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning
and free Wi-Fi. On the ground floor there is a restaurant serving traditional Chinese cuisine. There is a hourly shuttle
service to and from the International Tennis Centre for players and referees. Due to its size, Tianjin’s public transport is
very complex. Suffice it to say that there are eight hundred and seventy lines of urban buses and three subway lines with
about seventy stations. Tianjin International Airport is about forty kilometres from the centre. By taxi it takes about half
a hour. Impossible in a metropolis so extensive to list the many restaurants worth mentioning. Here a small list of some
of our preferred ones: “Chuan’er”, specialised in fish; “Rong” steamed cooking and lots of fruit on the plates; and finally
“Nha Tiang” with Vietnamese cuisine. Tianjin’ s nightlife is very lively. Here are some of the best places to have a drink and
dance: “Heaven Bar”, “River Lounge”, “Flair”, “Helen’s Cafe” and “Seven Club”.
TIANJIN
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CHALLENGER 2001 TEAM ‘CITTA DI PADOVA’
Date: 23/29 June 2014
Tournament director: Gianfranco Barbiero
Supervisor: Carmelo Di Dio
Surface: Red clay
UNSTOPPABLE GONZALEZ
Continues unabated the magic moment of Maximo
Gonzalez. In Padua, in the first edition of the
€
42.500 tournament Challenger of Veneto, the Argentine
from Tandil repeats the success caught in Blois, France,
two weeks earlier, thus gaining his third title of the
season.
The signs of a particularly encouraging period had been
shown seven days earlier in Milan: the thirty-one year old
Argentine coached by Leonardo Olguin, after impressing
the public and the professionals with the quality of his
tennis, surrendered only in the semi-finals to a great
Pere Riba. In Padua, the city with the greatest population
density of the region, Gonzalez had some difficulty up
to the quarter-finals, but then in the last two games he
outperformed the competition. A very good Matteo
Viola, strong of the support of the Italian fans, was able to keep him on the edge till the third set. Clear victory, obtained
after a solid and stubborn performance, in the final against the talented Albert Ramos-Vinolas, fresh from the success
obtained in Milan.
Gonzalez gains therefore valuable points to get once again closer to the top 100 in the world. Returning to win on Italian
soil, a full six years after the title of San Benedetto del Tronto, is for “Machi”, passionate fan of the River Plate and Diego
Armando Maradona, a great satisfaction.
Nothing to do, however, for the Doubles tournament: paired with his friend Guillermo Duran, with whom he had
triumphed in Milan, he had to surrender to the couple formed by the Argentine Andres Molteni and the Venezuelan
Roberto Maytin, ending the match 10-8 at the super tie-break.
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PADUA
185
The protagonist
GIANFRANCO BARBIERO
Gianfranco Barbiero is the director of the new ATP Challenger of Padua, born in 2014. A new adventure
undertaken with the help of all his family, especially his daughter Beatrice, real factotum of the event. After
the successful experiences of the team championship of Rovereto, the many ITF tournaments (both male and
female in Rovereto and the Futures of Padua), the Tennis Europe under12, the Open and the juniors macroarea, the Barbiero family decided it was time to raise the bar and try with the Challenger circuit. A tournament
organised to perfection in a Sports Centre 2000 all “dressed up” for the arrival of the strongest players in the
world. “A new experiment, a bet that we made with our self and that we won thanks to all the staff of the 2001
Team Tennis Academy, passionate and capable” said Barbiero. An event that will be repeated certainly also in
2015, and who knows that it can’t become a fixed leg of the Challenger circuit. In Padua, they hope so.
TENNIS & TOURISM
PADUA AND THE CENTRO SPORTIVO 2000
Padua is an Italian town of just over 200,000 inhabitants, capital of the homonymous province in the Veneto region. It
is the third largest municipality in the region by population (preceded by Venice and Verona). According to the census
of 2011 its conurbation reaches 406.349 residents. The Centro Sportivo 2000 has three swimming pools, twelve tennis
courts, four fitness rooms, a weight room, two squash courts, climbing walls, two mini football pitches, a km long running
ring, a beauty centre, two cafeterias, a restaurant, a children’s play area, a very large summer garden with pine forest
and two parking lots. The admission is free from the Saturday of the qualifying until the Friday of the quarter-finals.
Saturday and Sunday the entrance fee is 5 Euro (2 Euro reduced ticket for under 12 and over 65). The official hotel of the
tournament is the “Crowne Plaza”. A four star hotel equipped with every comfort. There is a shuttle service, less than ten
minutes drive, between the club and the hotel for players and staff. The nearest airport is the Marco Polo of Venice, while
Padua has a train station very well connected with the rest of Italy. The traditional cuisine takes inspiration from that of
the peasant living the area. A must are the “bigoli” (a type of pasta) and the risotto. It is widespread the consumption of
horsemeat, much more than in the rest of Italy: the specialties are the horse stew or musso (donkey in the local dialect),
“sfilacci”, and “straecca”. Among the desserts our preferred cakes are the “pazientina” and the “sbrisolona”. For a drink in
Padua you’ll be spoiled for choice, plenty the bars and taverns open until late at night.
186
Social
After the 6/0 of the deciding set with Simon in the
tournament of Shanghai, following the 6/0 in the final of
Beijing against Djokovic.
Rafael Nadal’s farewell message to his colligue Na Li for her
retirement
Roger Federer announces the birth of his second "pair" of
children.
Maria Sharapova jokes about one of her fans
Eugenie Bouchard in Rome with Pope Francis
187
ATP CHALLENGER CHINA INTERNATIONAL
Date: 23/29 June 2014
Qualifying supervisor: Rogerio Santos
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
GO SOEDA DOESN’T DISAPPOINT
While in the UK takes place Wimbledon, on the other side of the continent in Nanchang, China, is played a $ 50,000
Challenger.
Archived the “green” experience of the Championships with a defeat in the first round of the qualifying, Go Soeda, thirty
year old Japanese with a past in the top 50 in the world, immediately launched himself in the Asian adventure to play, as
the top seed of the board, the tournament of Nanchang.
In the capital city of the Jiangxi Province, in southeastern China, the Japanese, followed by former pro Italian Davide
Sanguinetti, respected the odds making his own the tournament. For the experienced tennis player from Kanagawa all
went smoothly up to the semi-finals, where he had to bring out his best tennis to prevail on Ze Zang. Much fought also
the final against Blaz Kavcic, defeated at the tie break of the decisive set.
This was for Go Soeda the fourteenth Challenger success: the Japanese, using his great speed and the short openings of
his shots, took advantage of the fast surface seizing deservedly a success that brings him closer to the first 100 players
in the world.
The Japanese, number 47 in the world in 2012 and second Singles’ player of Japan after Kei Nishikori, has thus repeated
the success obtained a month earlier in Busan, South Korea, in a season that saw him also playing three semi-finals
Challengers.
To win the Doubles was the couple from Taipei, Chen and Peng, favourites of the tournament, who defeated 12-10 at the
super tie break the Franco-Australian duo formed by Fabrice Martin and Jordan Kerr.
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NANCHANG
189
The protagonist
GO SOEDA
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, on September 5, 1984 (30 years old), Go Soeda ended
2014 at No. 100 in the world. His best ranking is No. 47 achieved in 2012. Soeda
won in total sixteen titles, three of which in the last season. In the first part of
the year he played the semi-finals of the Challenger of Guangzhou, Taipei and
Kyoto. In May the Japanese player won the Korean Challenger of Busan without
losing any set. He then had another victory at the end of June in the tournament
of Nanchang, but this time struggling in the semi-final and final. Before the last victory of the season, he reached
three Challenger semi-finals: In August in the tournaments of Aptos and Bangkok and in November in Yokohama.
An ending with the bang for the player of the Rising Sun Country. In the last week of the season, he conquered
the Challenger of Toyota, thus earning the last free place in the top 100 of the ATP rankings. Throughout his long
career Soeda has always been part of the Japanese Davis Cup team, representing his nation in thirty-five matches,
with a record of twenty-five wins and ten losses.
TENNIS & TOURISM
NANCHANG, MILLENARY CITY
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is located on the southern shores of the
rivers Ganjang and Wuhe and borders the largest freshwater basin in China,
the Poyang Lake. The city covers an area of almost 7,500 km square, with a
population of four million and a half inhabitants. Founded in the second century
BC during the Han Dynasty, it boasts over 2200 years of history. Nanchang has
eighteen archaeological sites with over six hundred exhibits and nearly thirty
different places from which to have a panoramic view of the city. In Chinese
Nanchang means “prosperous area of the south” and is obviously the most
important political and economic centre of the Jiangxi Province. It has a subtropical climate with mild temperate for most of the year. The ultra modern International Sports Centre of Nanchang is
a true sports city with inside two football stadiums with a capacity of forty thousand spectators, a sports hall, eighteen
outdoors tennis courts with a over three thousand seats hard Central and four more hard indoors courts. The admission
is free all week. The official hotel is the “Wanda Real Hotel”, a luxury five-stars hotel with SPA and a great customer service.
The taxi in China is very cheap and is the best means of transportation for those unfamiliar with the “Galaxy China” and
its chaotic traffic. Always remember to have with you the information of your destination in Chinese because English is
still poorly known. Players and referees can use a non-stop shuttle service between the hotel and the International Sports
Centre. Those who love Chinese cuisine, will not be disappointed in Nanchang. The traditional cuisine is called Gan and
is appreciated all over the country. Other methods of cooking used in this area are the Guangdong, Hunan and Sichuan.
The specialties are the Nanchang Noodles, fragrant rice snacks.
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DISTAL & ITR GROUP TENNIS CUP
Date: 01/06 July 2014
Tournament director: Francesco Cancellotti
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Fort
BEDENE KING OF TODI
It is the Slovenian Aljaz Bedene the new champion of the
Internazionali di Tennis of Umbria. A king illuminated by
the lights of the central court of the Tennis Club Todi for a
historic final, the first one by night of the Distal & Itr Group
Tennis Cup.
In a setting worthy of the Foro Italico, with stands packed
to capacity and the Temple of Consolation and the city of
Jacopone as background, the Slovenian lifted the trophy
that brings him back among the big.
Aljaz, who turned twenty-five just a few days after the title
of Umbria, had a dream week. Starting the tournament
with great confidence thanks to the results obtained in
Wimbledon, Bedene, with a past in the first seventy in the
world, found the right mix of solid and measured tennis.
Fantastic service, sharp forehand, great backhand, shot
played with very little rotation. Bedene defeated the most quoted Andreas Haider-Maurer in the semi-finals (beaten only
7/5 at the third set) and Marton Fucsovics in the final, after another battle ended 6/4 at the deciding set. Italy has a special
place in Bedene’s heart. It is here that he won his first Challenger tournament (Barletta) and half of his titles.
Bedene, native of Ljubiana but resident in London, has struggled to establish himself in the international tournament of
Umbria: only in the quarterfinals against the Austrian Fischer Aljaz managed to close the match in two sets. A satisfactory
success for the former pupil of Claudio Pistolesi that , however, will force him to forfeit the next tournament in the nearby
San Benedetto del Tronto, due to a back strain.
The Argentine Guillermo Duran and Maximo Gonzalez won the Doubles, snatching the title to the Italians Riccardo
Ghedin e Claudio Grassi.
TODI
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192
TENNIS & TOURISM
The protagonist
FRANCESCO CANCELLOTTI
JACOPONE AND ITS TODI
Francesco Cancellotti is the director of the ATP
Challenger of Todi. Born in Perugia February 27,
Typical Umbrian town with the historic centre within the
ancient walls, Todi’s origins dates back to the eighth/
seventh century BC. Named Tutere (“City of the border”),
1963, Cancellotti in the mid 80s was one of the
it was founded by the Umbrian people on a hill located
strongest clay players in the world, landing, in April
on the left bank of the Tiber River, a short distance from
1985, at No. 21
of the ranking.
the area inhabited by the Etruscans. Known in literature
for being the birthplace of Jacopone De Benedetti (better
known as Jacopone da Todi), the most popular poet of the
Besides having
medieval era. He was one of the first to write in “vulgar”,
reached
from which will then derive the Italian language. Within
a
couple of times
the
fourth
a natural park, the TC Todi 1971 is located at the foot of
the hill, about 1 km away from the city centre. From it you
can admire the wonderful monuments that characterise
round of the Roland Garros, Cancellotti won two
the city. The club has seven tennis courts (five in clay and
ATP tournaments. The tennis player of Perugia in
two in cement) and a small football pitch. Next to the
1984 has indeed triumphed in the tournament of
Club House is the restaurant “Match Point”, which strictly
Florence (defeating in the final Jimmy Brown) and
prepares traditional dishes of the local cuisine, an outdoor
cafeteria with garden and a corner with sofas, a sauna and
of Palermo (beating Miloslav Mecir 6-0 6-3 in the last
a massage room. Adjacent to the club there is the Public
act). Between 1983 and 1988 he played other five
Pool, with an Olympic size swimming pool with slides,
ATP finals, all lost in very fought match. In 1991 he
a children’s pool, two beach volley courts and a beach
hanged up his racket to the wall. Cancellotti is now
the director of the Challenger of Todi, one of the
longest running tournaments Challenger in Italy.
football pitch. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. “Europalace” is the official hotel of the
tournament for players and referees, who can use a shuttle
service to and from the TC Todi. The nearest airport is
Perugia (45 km away), while the better connected airports
of Fiumicino and Ciampino are both 150 km away. By train
the nearest stations are those of Perugia, Terni, Orvieto and
Foligno, all connected to Todi with a regular bus service.
The easy way to reach the club is by car, which can be
left in the large parking area near the entrance. To eat we
recommend: “La cantina del Mercataccio”, “La Mulinella”
or in the country side “Cibocchi”. For a drink with friends
after dinner we suggest: the “Bar della Consolazione” (with
a terrace that offers a view of the historic temple. Both the
restaurant and the lounge bar have DJs and live music)
and the lounge bar “Bar 1.2” (near Piazza Principale with
DJs and live music).
TODI
193
SAN BENEDETTO TENNIS CUP
Date: 07/13 July 2014
Tournament director: Giorgio Garcia-Agreda
Supervisor: Carlo Baldwin
Qualifying supervisor: Roberto Ranieri
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Clay Court
DZUMHUR SURPRISES ALL
At the beginning of July in the lovely San Benedetto del
Tronto is played the San Benedetto Tennis Cup. In the
Maggioni club, polished for the occasion and always ready
to fulfil all needs and requests, the best players on clay
gave to the public a week full of exciting matches.
Many the news and innovations of the club. Starting with
the new technical guidance of Giorgio Garcia-Agreda
as tournament director, followed by the speed cage, a
dedicated space where to try the speed of the service,
and a renovated lounge area where to enjoy an aperitif
before the evening session. Last but not list an entry list of
the highest level. The young and long-awaited Gianluigi
Quinzi and Stefano Travaglia, who in San Benedetto found
the warmth support of the public, and the experienced
Starace and Volandri to name a few, added extra prestigious
to what is already an unique event.
The title went to the young Bosnian Damir Dzumhur,
author of the elimination of Gianluigi Quinzi at the first
round. Thanks to his strength and his clever tactics the
Bosnian was able to defeat in a packed Central the Italian
player.
And after that it was all a “crescendo” for Dzumhur, who
went to win first against the other star of the tournament,
Borna Coric, then against Gombos in the semi-finals, and
finally against the Austrian Andreas Haider-Maurer in the
final.
This was the third title of the season for the 22 year old
from Sarajevo, a victory that brought him momentarily
closer to the top 100 players in the world.
The Italian fans were able to celebrate in the Doubles
thanks to the victory of Potito Starace and Daniele Giorgini,
defeating in three sets the South Americans Dellien and
Galdos.
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SAN BENEDETTO
195
The protagonist
TENNIS & TOURISM
GIORGIO GARCIA-AGREDA &
AFRO ZOBOLETTI
The pair formed by Giorgio Garcia-Agreda
(tournament director) and Afro Zoboletti
(president of the Tennis Club Maggioni) proved
successful. The San Benedetto Tennis Cup has
indeed lived his best year in 2014 thanks to the
excellent understanding and professionalism
of the duo. Garcia-Agreda, Neapolitan (but with
a last name that recalls his Bolivian origins) CEO
Crionet, and Zoboletti, the venue’s landlord
who every day managed to attract thousands
of fans to the Tennis Club Maggioni. The special
partnership with Crionet, one of the leading
tennis IT services companies in the world, allowed
the tournament to have numerous technological
innovations for players, spectators and staff. “To
have the stands filled every day despite no Italian
reached the quarter-finals was one of the greatest
satisfactions” said the president Zoboletti at the
end of the tournament. On the same wavelength
also the director Garcia-Agreda: “We have built a
solid foundation for the future, bringing to San
Benedetto all we have learnt with many years of
experience in the Challenger and major circuit.”
SAN BENEDETTO, THE QUEEN OF THE PALMS
In the Province of Ascoli Piceno, Marche region, with its
fifty thousand inhabitants, San Benedetto del Tronto is the
most known town of the Riviera. The river Tronto, which
also marks the border between Marche and Abruzzo,
delimits its south territory. With a 4 km long promenade it
is the major tourist centre of the region. The San Benedetto
Tennis Cup is played, as always, in the CT Maggioni,
located in Viale Buozzi, within the Villa Comunale. It has
nine clay courts, with a 1000 seat Central, a gym recently
renovated, a synthetic grass pitch for mini football and a
restaurant. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. There is the possibility to buy a
Corporate card (to availability) which entitles you to an
assigned place, a welcome drink and others dedicated
services. The official hotel is the “Regent”, within walking
distance of the train station and the CT Maggioni. Other
possible accommodations are the “Centrale” and the
B&B “Il Castello”. All hotels are in the vicinity of the Club,
as well as the train station. The nearest airports are the
D’Annunzio (Pescara, 70 km) and the Ancona Falconara (80
km), both connected to San Bendetto with several daily
buses. The typical dishes of the local cuisine are based on
fish: the most famous is the “brodetto sanbenedettese”, a
soup with the catch of the day. Another specialty is the
“olive all’ascolana”, fried stuffed olives with meat, although
it is not uncommon to find the fish version. Plenty of
restaurants where to have a good meal at a competitive
price: “Pala a Prora”, “Molo Sud”, “In Vino Veritas” and “Da
Luigi”, to name a few.
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ATP CHALLENGER TILIA SLOVENIA OPEN 2014
Date: 07/13 July 2014
Tournament director: Denis Topic
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat
BLAZ’ MAGICAL SUMMER
Blaz Kavcic crowned his magical summer in the best
possible way. After the titles of Fergana and Tianjin and
the final of Nanchang, he took a week off to recharge his
batteries and return to triumph. And he did so in his own
Country, specifically in Portoroz in the second edition of
the Tilia Slovenia Open, adding his name to the one of his
compatriot Grega Zemlja on the Roll of Honour.
Nothing to do for Gilles Muller in the final: the twentyseven year old tennis player from Ljubiana has shown to
be one of the strongest players of the moment imposing
himself with a painful 6/1 in the third set. Seed No. 1 of
the board, the former European champion of the under
14 had a perfect tournament, leaving just crumbs to his
opponents.
A title that allows Kavcic to move closer to his best ranking
yet, No. 68 reached two years ago. After a difficult period
where he seemed to have lost his touch, the student of
Blaz Trupej is now ready to return to high levels, strong
also of the regained first place in the national ranking,
ahead of Bedene, winner of the Challenger of Todi played
the previous week.
In the small town just outside of Italy, once theatre of a
WTA tournament, the Slovenian won his 3rd Challenger
PORTOROZ
title of the season and the 12th of his career.
The tireless Belarusian Betov and Bury, following a
particularly bright period, conquered their 5th title of the
season, defeating in the final Bozoljac and Cipolla with a
sharp 6/0 6/3.
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198
The protagonist
KYLE EDMUND
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, January
8, 1995 (19 years old), Kyle Edmund is a British
tennis player by adoption, moving to England
(North Yorkshire) at the age of three. After been
in the Junior top-10 ranking in 2012, Edmund
moved on to the pro circuit getting immediately
excellent results. He ended 2014 at No. 193, just
a place behind his best ranking. A great start to
the season for Edmund, with the victories in the
Futures of United States and Croatia, losing only
TENNIS & TOURISM
PORTOROSE AND ITS INTERWEAVING OF CULTURES
one set in two tournaments, and with another final
reached. On the Challenger circuit the first good
result arrived in the tournament of Vercelli, the first
one in which he was accompanied by the coach
Greg Rusedski. After qualifying and beating in the
in main draw Bedene and Guez, the British player
lost the quarterfinals to Bolelli. In July he played
the semi-final of Portoroz (beaten by Muller) and
one week after made his second appearance
in the main draw of Wimbledon (where he was
granted a wild card). At the end of July he played
the semi-final of the Astana Challenger. His best
result, though, arrived at the end of the season, in
November, in the Challenger of Yokohama, where
he was stopped only in the final by Millman.
PORTOROZ
Portoroz is a Slovenian city of three thousand inhabitants
located in the Piran Bay, on the eastern coast of the
Adriatic, at about 190 km from Venice. It is appreciated for
the beauty of its beaches and the interweaving of cultures.
Suffice it to say that in the city there is bilingualism with
Slovenian and Italian as official languages. The “Tilia
Slovenia Open” tournament of the ATP Challenger circuit
takes place at the CSEN (National Educational Sports
Centre). The Sport Centre has thirteen clay courts and five
in cements (two for training and three for the matches), a
bar and a restaurant. Until a few years ago it hosted a WTA
tournament. The entrance fee is € 3 during the week and
€ 5 from Friday to Sunday. Secovlje is the nearest airport
but it only serves national flights. You must therefore land
in Ronchi de Legionari (Trieste) or Ljubljana (the capital of
Slovenia) and then get into the city with one of the many
comfortable tourist buses. Another nearby airport is the
one of Pula, Croatia. The nearest and better served train
station is the one of Koper, in the neighbouring Croatia. To
reach the Sport Centre there are several alternatives: if you
are staying in one of the officials hotel of the tournament
you can walk or otherwise you can use the public transport
or the car. For € 1 per hour you can park your car just
outside the venue or a bit further away you can park for
free. The main ingredient of Slovenian cuisine is fish. To
eat we recommend the “Ribja Kantina”, the “Trattoria del
Pescatore”, the “Saint Lucia” and the “Restavracija Staro
Cider”. For those who want to carry on the night after
dinner there is the Casino of Portorož, where, however,
you must be careful not to get carried away between
roulette, slot machines and blackjack tables, or, for a drink
and a move on the dance floor, “Alay”, packed during the
summer month, is the place to be.
199
GUZZINI CHALLENGER
Date: 14/20 July 2014
Tournament director: Cristina Gnocchini
Surface: Hard
Balls: Dunlop Fort
MULLER’S POKER
Not yet satisfy of his four titles, Gilles Muller
won also the Guzzini Challenger of Recanati,
raising at five the number of tournaments
won in 2014. Not even the recent lost final
against Kavcic in the Challenger of Portoroz
has been able to curb his enthusiasm: favourite
of the tournament, the tennis player from
Luxembourg did not disappoint.
No. 76 in the world at the time, it is the first
time that a player of such high ranking stepped
on the courts of the Circolo Tennis Francesco
Guzzini, enriching the Roll of Honour of the
prestigious tournament, now arrived to its
13th edition, with a new value. Winner of the
previous year was the Italian Thomas Fabbiano.
The left-handed player from Leudelange,
particularly at ease on the fast courts of
Recanati, dominated the scene reaching victory
without leaving even a set to his opponents. Exciting the
quarter-finals match with the talented Salvatore Caruso,
who in the second set kept him on his toes till the tiebreak. Close fight even in the semi-final with Kravchuk
(7/5 7/6) while pretty easy the match with the amazing
Bozoljac, who arrived exhausted to the final.
This victory brings Muller among the top 50 players in
the world: a great achievement for the 31 year old player,
considering that only a year earlier, in the same week, he
was at number 149 of the world rankings.
The Serbian Bozoljac, author of a beautiful Singles
tournament, was able to make up in the Doubles: paired
with the Croatian Goran Tosic won in comeback against
the couple formed by Grigelis and Cluskey, ending the
final 10/8 after a long tie-break.
200
RECANATI
201
The protagonist
MARTON FUCSOVICS
Born in Nyiregyhaza, Hungary, on February 8, 1992 (22 years old), Marton Fucsovics is struggling to confirm that
first position reached in the junior ranking in 2010. After winning two Challenger titles in 2013, Fucsovics’ best
results in 2014 were two finals in the same category. The Hungarian ended the year at No. 162, while his best
ranking is No. 135, reached 13 October 2014. The first good result arrived in May, with the final in the Challenger
of Heilbronn (defeated by Jan-Lennard Struff ). Early July he played the final of Todi, where he surrendered to the
Slovenian Aljaz Bedene after three long sets. Always in the summer he reached two semi-finals, Recanati and
Genoa, and finally the semi-final of Trnava, Slovakia. One of the biggest regrets for the 22 year old Hungarian
player is surely not to managed yet to gain access to the main draw of a Grand Slam: last year Fucsovics stopped
at the decisive round of the qualifying at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. A player full of talent, but not able
to properly shine yet.
TENNIS & TOURISM
RECANATI, THE CITY OF LEOPARDI
With just over 20.000 inhabitants Recanati is a small Italian
town of the Marche region. It lies on top of a hill and is
known for being the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi,
whose statue is located in the main town square. The
Francesco Guzzini Tennis Club is outside the city centre,
in a location not easy to get to if you do not own a car.
It has four hard courts, two indoors and two outdoors, a
small Club House with locker rooms, a gym and, on the
second floor, a cafeteria. The admission is free for the
entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the
“Recina Hotel” located in Montecassiano (Macerata). A
lovely three stars hotel, at 20 km from the club. A minibus
is available to players and staff to and from the Club. There
are, though, long queues therefore it is recommended
the use of a car. The club restaurant is not that great and
although it has a buffet for lunch and dinner, most guests
choose to eat a pizza. At night time there is not much
to do in Recanati. For a drink we suggest a visit to Porto
Recanati, where you can enjoy a drink in one of the many
bars located on the beach.
202
PRESIDENT’S CUP
Date: 21/27 July 2014
Tournament director: Alexander Rudenko
Supervisor: Hanj Juergen Ochs
Surface: Hard
RICARDAS’ COMEBACK
At the end of July the Challenger circuit returns to Astana for the second
appointment in the Kazakh capital. After Andrey Golubev, champion of the
Challenger that took place at the beginning of the year, to win the summer
tournament played on outdoor hard courts was the Lithuanian Ricardas
Berankis, ending a four years period of fastening.
The tiny tennis player of Vilnius, twenty-four of age, trained by former pro Rainer
Schuettler, after having earned a place among the top hundred players of the
world in the previous year, seemed to have lost his touch.
Five feet eight inches tall, low barycentre, Ricardas’ strengths are his vigour and speed. A great ability to anticipate his
opponent and a pretty solid tennis make him a player able to adapt to all surfaces. The Lithuanian, close to the best 150
players of the ranking at the time of the Challenger, played a great tournament, beating in the first round the young
Rublev, then the two Spanish Enrique Lopez-Perez and Menendez-Maceiras and in the semi-final the other young player
Kyle Edmund. The final was his true masterpiece though, imposing himself on the Turkish Ilhan at the third set with the
score of 6/3.
Berankis, whose last trophy dated back to 2010 in Helsinki, was thus able to savour the taste of victory once again. A
needed victory for the former world No. 1 of the junior circuit to regain his sparkle and go back to the top.
The Doubles was unexpectedly won by the odd couple formed by the Ukrainian Sergey Bubka, former boyfriend of
Victoria Azarenka returned to play after a serious accident, and Marco Chiudinelli. The two defeated in the final Chen and
Huang from Tapei.
ASTANA
203
The protagonist
RICARDAS BERANKIS
Born in Vilnius, Lithuania, on June 21, 1990 (24
years old), Ricardas Berankis is the strongest
tennis player of his small Nation. The righthanded player ended 2014 at No. 86 and with
two more Challengers trophies to add to the two won
in 2010. His best ranking is No. 67, obtained in 2013.
In the first part of the season the only good result in
the Challenger circuit was the semi-final in Cherbourg.
Different story in the ATP circuit, where he reached many
qualifications and won several matches of the main
draw, as in Marseilles, Bucharest and Monaco of Bavaria.
During the summer he triumphed in the Challenger of
Astana, gaining the needed confidence to improve, so
much so that he then reached the quarter-finals in the
ATP tournament of Moscow, defeating Milos Raonic
(No. 8 in the world). November was probably Berankis’
best month. In four weeks he played the semi-final
in the Challenger of Reunion Island and the quarterfinals in Moulleiron Le Captif and Helsinki. To crown a
pretty good year, it arrived at the end of the season,
the victory in Andria, where he lost only one set in the
whole tournament.
204
ASTANA, THE NEW CAPITAL OF KAZAKHSTAN
TENNIS & TOURISM
Astana (700,000 inhabitants) is the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997. Its name means “capital” and was chosen because
easy to pronounce in many languages. A curious aspect is that the city has changed its name several times since its birth.
Located in Kabanbay Batyr str. 6/1, in a green area very close to the city centre, the National Tennis Centre has eight fast
outdoors tennis courts and ten indoors, three of which in clay, a gym, two cafeterias and a small hotel with four rooms.
Next to it there is a 30x15 metres flag of Kazakhstan. The admission is free for the whole duration of the tournament.
Astana Railway Station, located at just 5 km from the Tennis Centre, is the most important one of the whole north of
Kazakhstan. It is served by Qazagstan Temir Zholy which connects the capital to all the major cities of the country and
once a week to international destinations such as Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Astana International
Airport is 24 km away from the Tennis Centre and you can reach it by bus, even if a bit complicated, or for around $ 20
by taxi. The official hotel is the “Oasis Inn”- there is a shuttle service to and from the Tennis Centre- or closer to the venue
the “Duman”. Around the Tennis Centre there are several places where to go and grab a bite to eat: “Gun’s and Roses” (a
classic English pub), “Astana Nury” (restaurant), “Shokolad” (cafeteria), “East-West” (restaurant). While in the city centre we
suggest: “Ali Baba” (restaurant), “Zaza” (restaurant), “Friday’s” (American food), “Akbulak” (Kazakh food), “Kuldja” (Uzbek
food), “Baden Baden “(Irish pub),” Fusion”(nightclub).
ASTANA
205
AAMULEHTI TAMPERE OPEN
Date: 21/27 July 2014
Tournament director: Veli Paloheimo
Surface: Red clay
GOFFIN’S EXPLOSION
It was in the air for some time and it finally happened. The
explosion of David Goffin. Class 90, the minute talented
Belgian, after a great career as a junior and a good start as
a pro, seemed to have lost his way.
The first lucky loser since Dick Norman in 1995 to reach
the fourth round of a Grand Slam on his debut at 2012
Roland Garros. After forging ahead, La Goff, as he likes to
be called, paid the price of a series of consecutive losses
that have undermined his confidence.
But as his preferred motto says “Nothing is impossible.”
And nothing is impossible even for David Goffin, able with
the victory of the Aamulehti Tampere Open to end the
month of July undefeated. Three Challenger tournaments,
three victories. Fifteen games won consecutively without
even losing a single set. In Tampere he struggled only in
the final with home favourite Jarkko Nieminen, but after
winning the first set at the tie-break his enthusiasm made
him unstoppable.
With the success in the Finnish city, Goffin brings to six the
number of Challengers won and is now ready to go the
extra mail and play in the major circuit. So much so that
one week after Tampere he will win his first ATP trophy in
the 250 ATP tournament of Kitzbuhel, Austria.
Goffin, with a great anticipation and good game on all
surfaces, was one of the revelations of the season.
The Doubles was won by Ruben Gonzalez and Sean
Thornley who defeated in the final Ymer and Zaitcev after
a tight battle ended only 10-8 at the super tiebreaker.
206
Aamulehti Tampere Open
CITY, COUNTRY
Tampere, Finland
STATUS
1
2
3
4
1
WC
Red Clay
21-27 July 2014
FIN NIEMINEN, Jarkko
ITA QUINZI, Gianluigi
J. NIEMINEN [1]
63 62
BEL MERTENS, Yannick
FIN KIVIJARVI, Timi
Y. MERTENS
63 61
7
8
BRA HOCEVAR, Ricardo
R. DUTRA SILVA [6]
60 62
D. DZUMHUR [3]
62 61
11
12
BEL GIGOUNON, Germain
PR ECU LAPENTTI, Giovanni
G. LAPENTTI
61 63
SWE ARVIDSSON, Isak
NED HUTA GALUNG, Jesse
J. HUTA GALUNG [5]
62 61
7
NED WESTERHOF, Boy
SRB KRSTIN, Pedja
P. KRSTIN
64 61
19
20
ESP SAMPER-MONTANA, Jordi
FRA TEIXEIRA, Maxime
M. TEIXEIRA
61 64
21
22
FRA WANG, Tak Khunn
R. RAMIREZ HIDALGO
76(4) 62
FIN HELIOVAARA, Harri
POR ELIAS, Gastao
G. ELIAS [4]
61 63
16
17
18
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Q
4
8
BEL DESEIN, Niels
WC FIN SILLANPAA, Henrik
Q
WC
2
M. KONTINEN
63 57 63
ESP MUNOZ-DE LA NAVA, Daniel
BEL GOFFIN, David
D. GOFFIN [2]
63 64
David GOFFIN [2]
SEEDED PLAYERS
NIEMINEN, Jarkko
GOFFIN, David
DZUMHUR, Damir
ELIAS, Gastao
HUTA GALUNG, Jesse
DUTRA SILVA, Rogerio
WESTERHOF, Boy
DESEIN, Niels
TAMPERE
5
IRL CLUSKEY, James
4
GBR WALSH, Darren
6
FIN KONTINEN, Micke
EST ZOPP, Jurgen
7
8
SWE YMER, Elias
RUS ZAITCEV, Anton
10
P. KRSTIN
63 57 76(3)
R. RAMIREZ HIDALGO
76(7) 64
58
85
105
150
163
175
235
237
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER
€ 6,150
FINALIST
€ 3,600
SEMI-FINALIST
€ 2,130
QUARTER-FINALIST
€ 1,245
SECOND ROUND
€ 730
FIRST ROUND
€ 440
R. DUTRA SILVA
R. MAYTIN
63 61
D. GOFFIN [2]
64 62
E. YMER
64 63
12
D. GOFFIN [2]
62 60
80
48
29
15
7
0
ALT/LUCKY LOSER
3
REASON
RETIREMENTS/WO
REASON
FIN HELIOVAARA, Harri
FIN POLLANEN, Herkko
PHI GONZALES, Ruben
GBR THORNLEY, Sean
SWE ARVIDSSON, Isak
SWE ERIKSSON, Markus
14
ESP GINER, Marc
ESP SAMPER-MONTANA, Jordi
15
BIH DZUMHUR, Damir
CZE PAVLASEK, Adam
2
J. HUTA GALUNG
A. SILJESTROM [1]
36 64 10-4
E. YMER
A. ZAITCEV
57 62 10-8
R. GONZALES/S. THORNLEY [3]
67(5) 76(10) 10-8
SEEDED TEAMS
RANK
CHALLENGER SUPERVISOR
Ed Hardisty
R. GONZALES
S. THORNLEY [3]
wo.
M. GINER
J. SAMPER-MONTANA
63 63
POINTS
ALTERNATES
R. GONZALES
S. THORNLEY [3]
wo.
D. DZUMHUR
A. PAVLASEK
63 63
REASON
REASON
HUTA GALUNG, Jesse / SILJESTROM, Andreas
176 WINNER
€ 2,650
80
D. Dzumhur / A. Pavlasek
VAN DER DUIM, Antal / WESTERHOF, Boy
394 FINALIST
€ 1,500
48
D. Munoz-De La Nava / R. Ramirez Hidalgo R. Ramirez Hidalgo (Dehydration)
GONZALES, Ruben / THORNLEY, Sean
421 SEMI-FINALIST
€ 920
29
CLUSKEY, James / WALSH, Darren
500 QUARTER-FINALIST
€ 540
15
€ 310
0
Gianluigi Quinzi 303
R. GONZALES
S. THORNLEY [3]
62 63
D. DZUMHUR
A. PAVLASEK
63 75
NED VAN DER DUIM, Antal
NED WESTERHOF, Boy
1
2
3
4
€ 42,500
MAIN DRAW DOUBLES
E. YMER
A. ZAITCEV
76(8) 46 10-5
G. GIGOUNON
D. GOFFIN
63 62
ESP MUNOZ-DE LA NAVA, Daniel
13
D. GOFFIN [2]
62 61
POINTS
WC
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Red Clay
E. YMER
A. ZAITCEV
63 46 10-8
BEL GIGOUNON, Germain
BEL GOFFIN, David
11
16
RANK
J. HUTA GALUNG
A. SILJESTROM [1]
64 61
J. CLUSKEY
D. WALSH [4]
76(4) 36 10-7
FRA LOKOLI, Laurent
WC
FIN SILLANPAA, Henrik
9
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SURFACE
76(3) 63
E. YMER
60 62
FIN KONTINEN, Micke
ESP GINER, Marc
BEL DESEIN, Niels
L. LOKOLI
16 64 61
P. KRSTIN
76(4) 62
H. SILLANPAA
67(4) 62 64
SWE YMER, Elias
NED VAN DER DUIM, Antal
4
G. LAPENTTI
64 60
Q
5
FIN NIKLAS-SALMINEN, Patrik
FIN VASA, Eero
3
G. LAPENTTI
64 63
Q
15
WC
VEN MAYTIN, Roberto
J. NIEMINEN [1]
63 64
L. LOKOLI
46 62 61
21-27 July 2014
NAT.
NED HUTA GALUNG, Jesse
SWE SILJESTROM, Andreas
1
R. DUTRA SILVA [6]
62 62
RUS KARATSEV, Aslan
FRA LOKOLI, Laurent
13
14
2
J. NIEMINEN [1]
64 67(5) 76(3)
TOURNAMENT DATES
Tampere, Finland
STATUS
1
A. PAVLASEK
64 64
3
BIH DZUMHUR, Damir
WC FIN POLLANEN, Herkko
CITY, COUNTRY
€ 42,500
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
J. NIEMINEN [1]
63 62
CZE PAVLASEK, Adam
EST ZOPP, Jurgen
9
10
Aamulehti Tampere Open
NAT
5
6
6
SURFACE
TOURNAMENT DATES
FIRST ROUND
M.Kontinen/J.Zopp 704
D. Dzumhur (Spinal pain)
Ed Hardisty
207
The protagonist
DAVID GOFFIN
Born in Rocourt, Belgium, on December 7, 1990 (24
years old), David Goffin in 2014 had a magical season,
sealed at the end of the year with the ATP award
“Comeback Player of the Year”, received in the beautiful
setting of the 02 Arena during the ATP World Tour
Finals. After starting the year out of the top-100, the
tennis player residing in Liege, ended the season at
No. 22 in the world, his best ranking yet, and with four
Challenger and two
ATP
tournaments
trophies. In July
started
Goffin’s
golden
period,
winning in twenty
days and without
losing a single set
the Challenger of
Scheveningen,
Poznan and Tampere.
Extraordinary result
considering
that
up to that moment
he had won three
Challengers in all
his career. The following week he then achieved his
first ATP triumph in the tournament of Kitzbuhel,
followed in September by the victory in the ATP
of Metz, proving to be able to get good results on
indoor hard courts as well as on clay. At the end of the
season he conquered one more Challenger in Mons
and reached the final of the ATP500 of Basel, where
he lined up one after the other Thiem, Dodig, Raonic
and Coric, before giving up in the last act to Roger
Federer.
TENNIS & TOURISM
TAMPERE, THE HEART OF FINLAND
Located in the western part of the country and with more
than 215.000 inhabitants, making it the third largest city
for population, Tampere is considered one of the most
interesting cities of Finland. While the average winter
temperature is around -15°, in July, when the tournament
takes place, the average temperature is 20°, making the
stay very pleasant. Surrounded by green, the Club is
located 4 km from the city centre, within walking distance
of a golf course. The exact address of the tennis courts is
Tampereen tenniskeskus, Toimelankatu 8, 33560, Tampere.
The club has nine clay outdoors courts and several indoors
courts used mainly during the winter. It also has several
areas dedicated to various sports, such as squash, football
and basketball, to name a few. Near the main entrance
there is a cafeteria open all year. The daily ticket is € 20, the
VIP ticket is € 70 and the weekly one € 90. The hospitality
area is located in the exclusive Mercedes’ showroom,
sponsor of the tournament, located on the short side
of the Central. The VIP lounge, where you can taste
sophisticated Finnish dishes, is in the building adjacent
the Central. The city’s international airport is about 15km
from the centre and is easily accessible by public transport
or taxi. Between the official hotel and the club there is a
shuttle service. The travel time is about ten minutes. The
official hotel of the tournament is the “Scandic Tampere
City”, located in the city centre, opposite the train station.
Inside there is also a restaurant which serves good quality
international food at competitive price. Being the club
surrounded by woods, there are no places nearby where
to eat or drink something. You can find many restaurants,
pubs, in addition to the usual fast foods, along the main
street of Tampere (Hämeenkatu).
208
INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT OF CORTINA
Date: 28 July /03 August 2014
Tournament director: Andrea Mantegazza
Qualifying supervisor: Jorge Mandl
Surface: Red clay
KRAJINOVIC STRONGER
THAN RAIN
Filip Krajinovic needed two matches in one day to make
his the first edition of the ATP Challenger of Cortina. In
a week that saw the magnificent Dolomites of Cortina
overwhelmed by the heavy rain, the Serbian won his
second tournament of the season, with the first one been
the one of Vicenza in late May.
The young talent from Sombor, seed No. 7 of the board,
had to work overtime in the first round to get the better of
the tough French Rufin. He then defeated at the third set
the Georgian Basilashvili, Bachinger in the quarterfinals
and Troicki in the semi-finals. Due to bad weather the
organisers had to interrupt the game which was ended
the following day. Krajinovic, after losing the first set to his
compatriot, was able to close the match in his favour.
A few hours later he was back on the court for another
though match with an amazing Gaio at his first career final
in the circuit.
The two young men born in 1992 inspired and warmed
the stands of Cortina Country Club in a match ended only
7/5 at the deciding set in favour of the Serbian coached by
Diego Nargiso. With this victory Krajinovic got even closer
to the first 100 players in the world.
A very successful first edition, as confirmed by a delighted
Andrea Mantegazza, president of the club and director of
CORTINA
the event, ready for next year edition already confirmed in
a quite full calendar.
Thanks to the protected ranking the Spanish couple Inigo
Cervantes and Juan Lizariturry were able to take part to
the Doubles tournament defeating couples with a much
higher seed. A real gem the final played against the third
couple of the board, Lee and Mirzadeh, defeated 10-8 in
the super tiebreak.
209
210
The protagonist
FEDERICO GAIO
Born in Faenza, Italy, on March 5, 1992 (22 years old), Federico
Gaio, after an excellent junior career, has not been able to
“break through” as a pro yet, but still managed to improve
year after year, reaching results increasingly more important.
In 2014 the Italian tennis player, with an outstanding onehanded backhand, achieved his best ranking at No. 281, then
ended the season at No. 307. The first important result of
2014 was the final in the $ 15.000 Futures France F9 in Grasse,
where Gaio was able to defeat high level players but could
little against Eysseric. In July he played the final of the $ 15.000
Futures Italy F23 of Modena, where he lost to Giorgini. In early
August he obtained his best result in the new-born Challenger
of Cortina, losing the title at the photo finish. After the exploit
at the foot of the Dolomites Gaio suffered five consecutive
defeats in the first round, before finding his confidence back
in the Turkish Futures, with the victory in October of the $
10.000 Turkey F36 of Antalya, his fifth one in this category. In
the two following weeks, always in Antalya, he reached two
more semi-finals.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CORTINA, THE QUEEN OF THE DOLOMITES
Hosting town of the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina is one
of the most beautiful and exclusive Italian winter tourist
destination. With just over six thousand inhabitants, it
is located at about 1200 m above sea level, at the foot
of the Dolomites, in the province of Belluno. Cortina is
known worldwide for the beauty of its peaks, such as the
Cristallo, the Tofane and the Croda Rossa. Some of them
reaches 3,200 metres of heights. Traditionally it hosts an
elite tourism: wealthy families from all over Europe chose
Cortina to spend their Christmas and summer holidays. It
is with the French Chamonix and the Austrian Kitzbuhel
one of the most chic sky resorts of the Old Continent. The
tournament is played on the outdoor clay courts of the
Tennis Country Club Cortina. The complex has four tennis
courts, including a Central with about two hundred seats,
a cafeteria and a restaurant that serves local food. The daily
admission fee is € 10, rising to € 15 for the semi-finals and
finals. The weekly ticket costs € 60. The official hotel is the
“Hotel Sport Bariletti”, a short walk from the Country Club
as other hotels in Cortina. The hotel is decorated in typical
Tyrolean style, with comfortable rooms equipped with
CORTINA
satellite TV, mini bar, telephone, safe, spacious bathrooms
and balconies overlooking the scenic Dolomites. The
closest airport is the Marco Polo in Venice, reachable by
bus and by train from Calalzo di Cadore. The Ampezzo
cuisine is partly similar to the Tyrolean. The most famous
dishes are the “chenedi” (Ampezzo variant of Tyrolean
dumplings), the “casunziei” and the “pestariei”.
211
SAN MARINO GO&FUN OPEN
Date: 04/10 August 2014
Tournament director: Alessandro Costa
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson Tour
UNGUR THE KING
To sign the Roll of honour of the XVII edition of the
Internazionali di San Marino was Adrian Ungur. On a cool
evening in early August the 21 year old Romanian crashed
the dream of the Croatian Antonio Veic, arrived emptied
from the fatigue of the previous match, winning in just 50
minutes of game with a sharp 6/1 6/0.
They were not, however,
disappointed the thousands
of spectators crowding the
stands of the packed Central
of Via Montecchio: Ungur
gave a very high standard
performance,
unleashing
prodigious accelerations that
have delighted the audience.
The prodigious one-handed
backhand, trademark of the
tennis player from Pitesti, has
literally made the experts in
the stands licking their lips.
Ungur, leaving now in Florence where he trains with
Fabrizio Fanucci, played a perfect tournament. Excellent his
victory at the second round on Filippo Volandri, Fanucci’s
student for over ten years. A real battle the quarterfinal
against the Spanish Albert Montanes (exceeded only at
the tie-break of the deciding set) while less struggle in
the semi-final against Alessandro Giannessi. In the final
Ungur easily defeated the Croatian Veic who, although
he played his best tournament of
the season, arrived to the decisive
match exhausted by the terrible
battle with Clezar in the semifinals.
In a season characterised by highs
and lows, Ungur, followed as
always by his wife Liana Gabriela,
a former professional tennis
player, took in San Marino his
eighth Challenger title. A title that
helped him to get closer to the
first hundred players of the ATP
rankings.
Ungur together with the Croatian
Franko Skugor came one step away from winning the
Doubles too, but at the end to lift the trophy were the
couple formed by Lopez-Perez and Radu Albot.
212
SAN MARINO
213
The protagonist
ADRIAN UNGUR
Born in Pitesti, Romania, on January 22, 1985 (29
years old), Adrian Ungur has been leaving and
training in Italy for several years. He ended 2014
at No. 160. His best ranking his No. 79, reached in
2012. It is now almost ten years that the Romanian
tennis player sails between the hundredth and two
hundredth position of the ATP. In his career he won
eight Challenger tournaments. The first good result
of the season was in March in the semi-finals of
Barranquilla, where he succumbed to Cuevas at the
third set. No much happening after that, excluding
the second round reached in the ATP tournament
of Bucharest. The great exploits arrived in the first
week of August, with the victory in the tournament
of San Marino, followed by the quarter finals
achieved in the Challenger of Brasov. For several
years now Ungur has been part of the Romania’s
Davis Cup team, defeating in 2014 Ymer, but then
losing to Lindell and Stakhovsky. In whole his career
he played a total of thirteen matches, winning six
of them.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SAN MARINO, THE ANCIENT LAND OF FREEDOM
San Marino is the oldest republic in the world. The
tournament is played at the Tennis Club Cassa di Risparmio
di Fonte dell’Ovo, less than 2 km from the Old Town. The
club has a Central with a 3.000 seats masonry grandstand,
five clay courts and two courts in Play-it. Inside there is
a restaurant, a physiotherapy centre and a modern gym.
There is free access for the weekend of qualifications.
Monday through Friday the entrance ticket costs 10 €,
while Saturday and Sunday, for the semi-finals and the
finals the ticket is € 15. Another option is to buy a weekly
ticket for the cost of € 50. The nearest international airport
is the Federico Fellini Rimini-San Marino, served by several
low cost airlines. Bologna airport, serviced by all major
European airlines, is about 100 km away. The nearest train
station is the one of Rimini, connected to Monte Titano
by daily busses. At just fifteen minutes from the club, the
“Best Western Palace” is the official hotel, a four star hotel
opened a few years ago. The property is modern and cosy,
equipped also with a wellness centre and a swimming pool.
The cuisine of San Marino reflects largely that of Romagna.
There’s something for everyone: from the classic “piadina”
stuffed with “squacquerone” cheese and rocket salad to
the “Strozzapreti”, the “passatelli”, ravioli and tortellini just
to name a few. Those who prefer meat can enjoy stuffed
pigeon or “coniglio alla cacciatore” (rabbit meat). The best
place to taste local specialties is the “Ritrovo dei Lavoratori”
in the city centre. An alternative could be “La Grotta”. For an
aperitif or a drink after dinner the place to be is the “Snaps”,
an American bar much frequented during the summer.
214
ATP CHALLENGER INTERNAZIONALI DI TENNIS
DEL FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA
Tournament director: Claudio Bortoletto
Surface: Red clay
CORDENONS
SPEAKS SPANISH
To win the XI edition of the Internazionali of Friuli Venezia
Giulia was another Spanish player: after Daniel Munozde la Nava in 2011 and Pablo Carreno-Busta in 2013, it
was the turn of Albert Montanes to lift the trophy at the
Eurosporting of Cordenons.
The tournament, played at the club of Viale Benessere, has
far exceeded the, although very high, expectations: more
than 2,500 people attended the final between the Spanish
and the Italian Potito Starace. The two veterans of the
circuit, who already have met nine times in their career,
played a high technical value final. Montanes, 33 year old
of Sant Carles de la Rapita with a past just behind the first
top 20 in the world, regained the right automatism of his
solid and tenacious tennis. A relatively easy tournament
for the Catalan up to the semi-final, where he played an
exciting match with compatriot Gimeno-Traver.
The final was pretty balanced up to the firsts four games:
in the 5th game Montanes took the service away from
Starace, a year younger, and started to fly solo, exploiting
the weariness of his opponent, exhausted from the battle
won with Paolo Lorenzi in the semifinals of the previous
day.
In the city of the “golden angel”, Montanes, after a year of
CORDENONS
fastening - his last ATP trophy dated back to may 2013 in
Nice - obtained the 14th success of his ten-year long career.
Potito Starace was able to redeem himself in the Doubles,
defeating with Adrian Ungur the seed No. 1 couple of the
board, the Czechs Lukas Dlouhy and Frantisek Cermak
with a score of 6/2 6/4.
215
216
The protagonist
ALBERT MONTANES
Albert Montanes was born in Sant Carles de la
Rapita, a small town of about 10.000 inhabitants
on the Mediterranean coast, between Barcelona
and Valencia, on November 26, 1980 (34 years
old). After been since 2001 always among the top
100 (except very rare occasions), he ended 2014
at No. 108. His best ranking is No. 22 in the world,
reached in 2010. In his career Montanes won eight
Challengers and six ATP tournaments. A difficult
start of the year, in which Montanes was not able
to confirm the position at No. 64 conquered the
previous year. Only few victories, with the quarterfinals in São Paulo and the semi-final in Nice as his
best results. In August he then won the Challenger
of Cordenons. After that, he only reached firsts
and seconds rounds, results that didn’t allow him
to close the year among the top 100 players in
the world. Considering his age and his physically
demanding way to play, the Spanish tennis player,
winner of the ATP of Estoril (two times), Amersfoort,
Bucharest, Stuttgart and Nice, is now in the final
phase of his career.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CORDENONS, PLEASANT DISTRACTION
Cordenons is a town of about 20,000 inhabitants, located
in the province of Pordenone. Not possessing a railway
station, is not easily accessible by public transport. The
tournament takes place at the Eurosporting, an impressive
facility located no far from the city centre. In addition to
a Central with two grandstands that can accommodate
a thousand people, it has four red clay courts, four hard
indoors courts, two squash courts, a gym and an outdoor
swimming used by locals during the summer months. The
admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament.
There are three official hotels: the “Best Western Park Hotel”,
located in the city centre, in front of Pordenone Train
Station, while the “Hotel Naosis” and the “Hotel Santin” are
a bit further out. There are three cars available to players
and staff for travelling to and from the club. In addition
to what you can find inside the Eurosporting, there are a
few bars (not many) in the area. In Pordenone you will find
some cafeterias, ice cream parlours and trattorias where to
enjoy local food.
CORDENONS
217
SOCIALS STATS
ATP
WTA
#1 DJOKOVIC
FB: 5.603.167
Twitter: 3.799.463
Instagram: 579.045
#1 WILLIAMS S.
FB: 2.718.417
Twitter: 4.539.478
Instagram: 954.643
#2 FEDERER
FB: 14.874.905
Twitter: 2.591.547
Instagram: 405.243
#2 SHARAPOVA
FB: 15.305.663
Twitter: 1.456.237
Instagram: 175.713
#3 NADAL
FB: 15.000.174
Twitter: 7.368.900
Instagram: -
#3 HALEP
FB: 1.064.473
Twitter: 9.362
Instagram: 2.068
#4 WAWRINKA
FB: 491.113
Twitter: 400.487
Instagram: 147.800
#4 KVITOVA
FB: 512.413
Twitter: 199.883
Instagram: 15.003
#5 NISHIKORI
FB: 503.112
Twitter: 225.880
Instagram: -
#5 IVANOVIC
FB: 2.886.174
Twitter: 414.325
Instagram: 284.309
#6 MURRAY
FB: 2.909.688
Twitter: 2.873.084
Instagram: 182.430
#6 RADWANSKA
FB: 768.138
Twitter: 141.489
Instagram: 5.644
#7 BERDYCH
FB: 132.522
Twitter: 171.554
Instagram: 115.357
#7 BOUCHARD
FB: 1.004.729
Twitter: 419.652
Instagram: 310.962
#8 RAONIC
FB: 166.058
Twitter: 203.984
Instagram: 58.108
#8 WOZNIACKI
FB: 1.324.215
Twitter: 787.481
Instagram: 226.578
#9 CILIC
FB: 135.777
Twitter: 36.408
Instagram: #10 FERRER
FB: 411.026
Twitter: 791.467
Instagram: -
#9 KERBER
FB: 296.825
Twitter: 111.023
Instagram: #10 CIBULKOVA
FB: 529.161
Twitter: 86.617
Instagram: 50.407
Data update on 27/01/2015
218
CITTA’ DI COMO
Tournament director: Paolo Carobbio
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Head ATP
VIKTOR’S COMEBACK
There could not be a more prestigious name to increase
the already valiant Roll of Honour of the ATP Challenger of
Como, now in its IX edition.
On the shores of Lake Como the Serbian Viktor Troicki,
former No. 12 of the world, after a stop lasted over a
year due to a violation of the anti-doping rule, has found
back his serenity and smile. His journey started from
the qualifying matches but the outcome was more than
predictable.
COMO
Troicki, at his fourth tournament of the season, had to
win in just a week eight games in a row to be able to lift
the trophy at the prestigious Tennis Club Como. The 28
year old from Belgrade had a difficult start, struggling in
the qualifying match against the talented Italian Adelchi
Virgili and having to prove himself at the first turn against
the Bosnian Mirza Basic.
After the initial fear, the student of Jack Reader strung
together a series of perfect matches, leaving just crumbs
to his opponents. Even in the final, played in a club packed
to capacity, Viktor dominated the Irish Louk Sorensen, one
of the revelations of the tournament of Como.
This victory earned Troicki valuable points to climb the ATP
ranking. Despite the long break the level of his tennis has
remained unchanged, so much so that two weeks later the
Serb will win the tournament of Banja Luka.
Troicki caught in Como his third career Challenger title,
the last one won five years earlier in his hometown.
The Argentines Facundo Arguello and Guido Andreozzi
imposed themselves in the Doubles’ final defeating the
amazing couple formed by the Canadian Steven Diez and
the Spanish Enrique Lopez-Perez with a sharp 6/2 6/2.
219
220
The protagonist
VIKTOR TROICKI
Born in Belgrade, Serbia, on February 10, 1986 (28 years old), Viktor
Troicki returned to play in the ATP circuit in the summer of 2014, after
a twelve month ban for breaking a rule relating to the anti-doping ITF
program. After been in 2011 No. 12 in the world, the Serbian ended
the year at No. 102. His first tournament of the season was the ATP of
Gstaad, Switzerland, where Troicki lost the quarter-finals to Verdasco.
Few hours after he was already signing for the qualifiers of the Cortina
Challenger, where he reached the semi-finals. Between August and
September Viktor found more and more confidence in his game, so as to
win the Challenger of Como (starting from the qualifying) and the one
of Banja Luka. Towards the end of the season he played several minor
circuit tournaments and few ATP tournaments, reaching the semi-final
in Vienna (losit to Andy Murray) and the quarterfinals in Shenzhen.
After more than six years stably inside the top-50 the disqualification
made Troicki do a big step backwards. But he is now coming back and
2015 will be the year of his rebirth.
TENNIS & TOURISM
COMO AND ITS CHARMING LAKE
With its 85.000 inhabitants, Como is the fifth largest city in
Lombardy. The city centre runs between the lakefront and
Piazza Duomo. The mediaeval walls are still visible in some
parts of the city. The Società Tennis Como is located within
the prestigious eighteenth century Villa Olmo. On the ground
floor are located the restaurant, a bar/cafeteria with next a
room where to relax, reading a book, watching TV or simply
enjoying something to eat, and finally a small gym. Upstairs
there are the administration office, a meeting room, the
changing rooms and a room equipped with a big screen TV,
used for playing cards too. The Club has five clay courts. it was
founded in 1930 and is one of the oldest tennis clubs in Italy.
From the qualifying matches to quarter-finals the cost of the
ticket is € 5, while for the final weekend the price for a single
day rises to € 10. The nearest airports, but still pretty far from
Como, are Lugano-Agno, Milano Malpensa and Bergamo Orio
Al Serio. There are two train stations: Como San Giovanni, managed by RFI, and Como Nord Lago, run by Trenord. The city
is also served by an extensive bus service, but due to its size everything is in a walking distance. There is not an official
hotel and tennis players and staff use all the different hotels scattered through the city (more than a dozen). In the club
there is an excellent restoration service, with a cafeteria and a restaurant open at any time of day. Around the club there
are not many places where to eat, so we suggest to take a walk along the lake and reach the city centre where you can
find a greater variety of bars and restaurants.
COMO
221
AON OPEN CHALLENGER
Tournament director: Giorgio Tarantola
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Head ATP Tour
RAMOS: ITALIAN BIS
After the Milanese victory, Albert
Ramos wins his second title of
the season in another Italian city,
Genoa, in the XII edition of the
AON Open Challenger - Memorial
Giorgio Messina.
After a no so brilliant start, difficult
the first round match against the
Italian Adelchi Virgili defeated
at the third set, the Catalan kept
improving, leaving just crumbs to
his opponents. First Setkic, then
Bedene and in the semi-final the
talented Hungarian Fucsovics. All
three were overwhelmed by the
strength of the Spanish player
who found in Genoa the ideal
conditions for his tennis made of
a lot of running but also a lot of
pressing from the baseline.
In the final Ramos had the better
of the striking Croatian Mate
Delic, revelation of the Italian
tournament, who manage to
defeat the compatriot Viktor
Troicki at the end of a very much
fought quarterfinal. The young
player from Split, finalist in the
Challenger of Vercelli too, at the
end of the tournament praised
the event: “The level of this
tournament is definitely higher
than a Challenger. I will return
next year.”
This victory helps Ramos getting
closer to the top 50: in the capital
of the Liguria region the Spanish
player enters once again in the
top 80 in the world, with the
possibility to earn even more
valuable points in the last part of
the season.
Home success in the Doubles:
Bracciali and Starace, seed No. 2
of the board, defeated in the final
act of the tournament the two
Germans Moser and Satschko
222
GENOA
223
The protagonist
MATE DELIC
Born in Split, Croatia, on 29 April 1993 (21 years
old), Mate Delic, despite not having won any
tournament in the last season, has visibly made
progress both in terms of game that ranking.
Although starting the year at No. 351, the Croatian
tennis player ended 2014 at No. 153 (his best
TENNIS & TOURISM
GENOA, THE “SUPERB” OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA
ranking yet). A very good start of the season with
two semi-finals and a final reached in January in
the Futures of Eilat, Israel. Then it followed the
final in the Turkish tournament of Antalya. In April
it arrived the exploit in the Challenger of Vercelli,
where Mate was able to pass the qualifications
and reach the final, lost under a torrential rain to
Simone Bolelli. The following week the Croatian
lost, once again to Bolelli, the semi-final of the
Challenger of Tunis. A few days later he managed
to qualify in the ATP250 of Dusseldorf, reaching
the quarter-finals, where he was stopped by
Kohlschreiber. In the second half of the season
his best result was the final of the Challenger of
Genoa, where Delic was able to beat players of
the highest level. In the last six tournaments of the
season, perhaps due to the fatigue of a full season
played at most of his possibilities, the Croatian was
able to win only one match.
With over 600 thousand inhabitants (coming to 800
thousand with the metropolitan area), Genoa is the capital
of Liguria and the sixth most populous city in Italy. The AON
Open Challenger takes place in the Valletta Cambiaso, the
green lung of the city, in the neoclassical district of Albaro.
The facility has four clay courts including the nearly three
thousand seats Central entitled to Beppe Croce. The
players, however, can use other courts too, located at
the TC Genova and at the Park Tennis. In the club house
there is also a bar and cafeteria, in addition to a billiards
room and a card room for members. The entry is free for
the qualifying and the early rounds. From the quarterfinal the daily ticket costs € 5 , rising to €10 for the finals.
You can save some money buying the week end ticket
(15 €). The international airport Cristoforo Colombo is a
few kilometres from Valletta Cambiaso. A shuttle service
is provided to the players to and from the airport, as well
as towards Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole,
the two main railway stations. Difficult to find parking in
the neighbourhood, as it is a residential area, viewers are
strongly advised to arrive at Albaro by public transport or
with a walk a few hundred metres from the sea. The official
hotel is the “AC”, in Corso Europa, not very close to Valletta
Cambiaso. In the morning it takes up to twenty minutes
to get to the club. It is a very large four stars hotel. Don’
t leave Genoa without trying the world known “Pasta al
pesto” and the famous “focaccia alla Genovese”. The best
restaurants with a good quality/price ratio are “Il guscio”
and “Al Ponte”. For those who prefer, sushi or just want a
quick bait we recommend “Pingusto”. “Bar Berto” in Piazza
delle Erbe and “The jibe” are the coolest places for an
aperitif. The most popular discos in Genoa are two: the
“Sys” and ‘”Estoril Beach Club”, both in Corso Italia.
224
CLARO OPEN MEDELLIN 2014
Tournament director: Jhan Fontalvo Lopez
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson
AUSTIN’S FIRST
In Medellin, capital city of the homonymous district and
important industrial centre of Colombia, Austin Krajicek
broke the ice with the pro circuit. The twenty-four year old,
born and raised in Florida, took advantage of the favorable
conditions of the game to win his first Challenger title. At
1500 metres above sea level, Medellín offers a very fast red
clay perfect for those players who attack from the baseline.
Because of this, Austin Krajicek, who mainly plays on
MEDELLIN
hard courts, was able to defeat the best experts of clay,
including the “atypical” clay player Joao Souza in the final.
However, his journey towards victory was not all downhill.
The former Junior No.34 in the world, after an easy
first round, needed three real battles to reach the final.
Especially in the quarterfinal against the seed No.1 of the
board, the Colombian Alejandro Gonzalez, beaten only at
the tie-break of the decisive set.
After the victory on Ghem in the semi-final, Krajicek had
a smooth final against Joao Souza: 7/5 6/3 the score. He
played a very high standard tennis, full of excellent services
and many points made from the baseline.
For the American trained by Stephen Amritraj and whose
idol is Pete Sampras, Medellin was the end of a season
more than positive that saw him grow steadily. Following
his credo: “improve one step at a time” Austin arrived late
to the pro circuit, but you can be sure he will be one of the
players to watch out for in futures years.
The player from Bradenton had even the satisfaction of
winning the Doubles, defeating with the Mexican Ramirez
6/3 7/5 the South Americans Maytin and Molteni.
225
226
The protagonist
AUSTIN KRAJICEK
Born in Tampa, Florida, on June 16, 1990 (24 years old),
Austin Krajicek lived in 2014 his best season yet. The lefthanded American player started to play professionally in
2007 and gradually grew, year after year, reaching at the end
of last season No. 152, his best ranking. His first good result
was the semi-final of the Challenger in Rimouski. He then
played six Challengers quarter-finals, up to the tournament
of Medellin, where he conquered his first Challenger title. He
then played other three quarter-finals, ending a year with
not great peaks but showing a certain continuity. Krajicek,
however, is stronger in Doubles that in Single, coming down
to No. 62 of the ATP to then close the year at No. 69 and
with three Challengers trophies. Other good results in the
Doubles are three Challenger finals, the semi-final of the ATP
of Newport and the second round at Wimbledon.
TENNIS & TOURISM
MEDELLIN’S COFFEE
Medellín, second largest Colombian city by population, is
the capital of the Metropolitan Area of Medellín and of the
department of Antioquia, in the west part of the Country.
Once famous for its production and trade of coffee, it is
now an important industrial hub, especially in the textile
sector. The tournament is played at the Club Campestre
de Medellin, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs
located in the area called Poblado. The Club Campestre
has golf courses, a swimming pool and a restaurant. In the
past it was the chosen venue for various matches of the
Colombian Fed Cup. The admission is free for the whole
week. The official hotel for the players is the luxurious,
although not recently built, five stars “Dann Carlton”.
Strategically located, it is a ten minute walk from the Mall
Santa Fe, and five minute walk from the Oviedo Mall. The
nearest airport is the Jose Maria Cordova, from which you
can reach the Club by bus or taxi (approximately $ 30).
MEDELLIN
227
BANJALUKA 2014
Tournament director: Milan Radakovic
Surface: Red clay
BIS FOR VIK
In Banja Luka, the second largest city of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Viktor Troicki won his second title of the
season. After only three weeks from his Italian victory in
the tournament of Como, the Serb, returned fully to play
only in mid-season, in the wake of a period of top form,
beat off the competition.
Viktor dominated the tournament, which takes place
since the far 2002, showing everyone his superiority: the
Challenger circuit will in fact be only a transition period
for the former No. 12 in the world, who in a few months
has already managed to climb the rankings reaching a
position of all respect.
Troicki did not lose a single set up to the final but he had
to fight hard in the semi-final against the seed No. 1 of
the board, the Slovenian Blaz Rola, great revelation of the
season. In the conclusive act to compete with him for the
title was Albert Ramos, winner of the tournament played
in Genoa the previous week.
The final was a very balanced and intense match ended
at the twelfth game of the deciding set in favour of the
twenty-eight year old from Belgrade.
For the big fan of Partizan Belgrade - when adolescence
he was undecided whether to continue his career as a
professional football or tennis player - this is a victory that
raises increasingly his ambitions to end the year close to
the top 100 in the world, in order to return in 2015 to play
the Slam tournament.
The Doubles was won by the Croatians Marcan and Sancic
who defeated in the final Pospisil and Sikora with a score
of 7/5 6/4, giving themselves one of the most important
satisfaction of their career.
228
BANJA LUKA
229
The protagonist
ANDREAS
HAIDER-MAURER
Born in Zwettl, Austria, March 22, 1987 (27 years
old), Andreas Haider-Maurer ended the year, for the
first time in his career, inside the top 100, at No. 82.
His best ranking is No. 70, reached in the summer
of 2011. So far he collected eight Challengers, two
of which in 2014. His first good result of the season
was the semi-final
in the Challenger
of Ostrava. He
then played at the
Roland
Garros,
where he managed
to
pass
the
qualifications and
the first round of the main draw (beating Brands), to
then surrender to Karlovic. He reached the second
round of the main draw at Wimbledon too, beating
Edmund before stopping against Cilic. Later in the
season Haider-Maurer played the semi-finals of the
tournament of Furth and Todi and then the first
final of the year in the Challenger of San Benedetto,
where he expressed a great tennis yielding only to
Dzumhur. September was Andreas’ golden month.
He won the Romanian Challenger of Brasov and the
Slovakian one of Trnava. He then played the semifinal in Banja Luka (Bosnia). The season ended at
the ATP Challenger Tour Finals in Sao Paulo, where,
however, Andreas was eliminated in the roundrobin with two losses and one win.
TENNIS & TOURISM
BANJA LUKA, THE HEART OF THE BALKANS
Capital of the Bosanska Krajina and second largest
city in Bosnia and Herzegovina (State born from the
dismemberment of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
at the end of the Balkan war), Banja Luka has nearly 200
thousand inhabitants and is situated on the banks of the
river Vrbas. The ATP Challenger Banja Luka takes place at
the TK Mladost, located in the city centre inside Mladen
Stojanovic Park. The Club has ten outdoors clay courts
(surface used for the tournament) and three outdoors
courts in concrete. Inside is the “Lanaco Restaurant” which
serves local dishes. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the four
stars “Bosna”, about a kilometre from the tennis club. Many
rooms have a bath, while all have Wi-Fi, mini bar, queen
size beds and satellite TV. For a surcharge, guests can use
the SPA inside the building. It has three restaurants and in
the basement there is the Night Club “Opium”. Available
for players and referees a shuttle service from the hotel
to the club and vice versa. The same applies to and from
the airport, with a free pick-up service provided by the
hotel “Bosna”. Worthy of mention the traditional dishes
prepared in the restaurant of the Club. Our choice are
the “ražnjići”, skewers of lamb, and the “cevapcici”, grilled
mutton and beef meatballs served with raw onion. They
use pita bread, served with meat, “burek”, with cheese,
“sirnica”, and with spinach, “zeljanica”. Other Bosnian
specialties are the “bosanski lonac”, a stew with grilled
meat and cabbage and the “pljeskavica” , grilled lamb,
beef and mutton meatballs served with roasted peppers.
For good international food we recommend “Mr. Black &
Brown “, inside the hotel Bosna. The city centre is full of
pubs where to enjoy a drink.
230
TROFEAMEX – ISTANBUL CHALLENGER
Tournament director: Cem Tinaz
Qualifying supervisor: Toygar Alagoz
Surface: Hard
MANNARINO GOES FAST
In Istanbul Adrian Mannarino conquered his third title of
the season. A victory that launches him into unknown
territories, starting a new phase of his career. In the XXVII
edition of the Turkish tournament, the talented lefthanded from Soizy literally dominated the competition.
Back from a good US Open, where he was defeated in
the third round by the Spanish Roberto Bautista-Agut, no
before, however, beating Fabio Fognini, Mannarino dived
straight in the rich Challenger of Istanbul.
In the main industrial and financial centre of Turkey the
French player triumphed without even losing a single
set. Even in the final, which ended prematurely due to the
withdraw of the Japanese Ito, Mannarino was the main
protagonist, been ahead 6/0 2/0 at the time of the forfeit
of his opponent.
This victory reinforce Mannarino’s awareness of a period of
great form which, towards the end of the year, will led him
to improve even further the prestigious ranking earned in
Turkey. Adrian, great fan of the PSG, returned to play at the
standard of 2011, when, twenty-five year of age, surprised
everybody entering the top-50 in the world. A terrible 2012
plunged him again just outside the top 200. Mannarino,
who seems to have found his serenity and confidence, is
able, especially on fast surfaces, to give a hard time even
ISTANBUL
to top-players.
Istanbul, already home of a WTA tournament, from next
year will start its new adventure in the ATP circuit.
Odds respected in the Doubles with the victory at the
super tie-break of Colin Fleming and Jamie Murray on the
Australian Jordan Kerr and the French Fabrice Martin.
231
232
The protagonist
ADRIAN MANNARINO
Born in Soizy, France, on June 29, 1988 (26 years old), Adrian
Mannarino managed to end 2014 at No. 44, his best ranking yet, and
with five Challengers titles (before 2014 in his entire career he had
won a total of five titles). After a difficult start to the year, with only
five matches won in thirteen tournaments played, the French lefthanded player regained his confidence in July, thanks to the victory
in the Challenger of Manta, started from the qualifiers. The following
month he won the Challenger of Segovia, leaving only one set to his
opponents, and reached the third round at the US Open. After the exploit in the Big Apple, Mannarino triumphed
in the Challenger of Istanbul, without losing a single set. He then played the semi-final in the tournament of
Tashkent (lost to Stakhovsky). Towards the end of 2014 Adrian obtained two good results in the ATP circuit, the
quarter-finals in Stockholm and the second round in the Masters1000 of Paris, losing in three sets to Berdych, and
two Challenger victories, Knoxville and Champaign, USA.
TENNIS & TOURISM
ISTANBUL, THE LINKING RING BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA
Istanbul is a huge city, a linking ring between continents, religions and peoples. With its fourteen million inhabitants,
it is currently the most populous urban centre of Europe (the fourth in the world). Istanbul is the only city in the world
that extends on two continents: on one side of the Bosporus Strait, which separates the Sea of Marmara from the Black
Sea cutting the city in two, Europe and on the other side Asia. The tournament takes place at the TED Club, located in
the northern outskirts of the city, half a hour drive from the centre. In the club are held many national and international
tournaments in each category. The complex has a gym, a swimming pool, a sauna, ten outside tennis courts and three
covered ones. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. Istanbul can count on two international
airports. The first (and most important) is the Ataturk Airport, 25 km from the city centre, on the European side; the
second is the Sabiha Gokcen, at about 20 km from the Asiatic city centre, in the Asian side. Having the sea practically
on every side, Istanbul has numerous ports with plenty of ships and ferries. To get around town you can use taxi (very
cheap), trams, funiculars and subway. There are two official hotels for tennis players and staff: “The Grand Tarabya” and
“Fuat Pasa”. Both are connected by a shuttle service with the club. Despite continuous and noisy wedding receptions
that seems to happen incredibly at any time of day or night, hotels are more than acceptable and provide good service.
Turkish cuisine is very particular and you have to be able to adapt. At the club you can eat both hot and cold dishes,
in a menu, however, anything but varied. There are many restaurants in Istanbul where you can find meat and local
specialties (Doner, Kebab) at a good price. In the centre you can also find the usual international fast-foods.
ISTANBUL
233
LII COPA SEVILLA
Tournament director: Jose Maria Leon Banares
Supervisor: Rogerio Santos
Surface: Yellow clay
Balls: Dunlop Fort
CARRENO ANDALUSIAN
PRINCE
The Real Club de Tenis Betis Seville, home to a historic
tournament with half a century of life that in the ’90, after
several changes in category, reached the Challenger,
hosted on his curious and particular surface tennis players
of high standards, attracting a great number of fans that
fully packed the grandstands of the historic Andalusian
club.
The tournament is played on a “yellow” soil, an abundant
raw material produced from local quarries also used in the
Maestranza (bullring) and in the parks and gardens of the
city. A faster and slippery clay, essentially less comfortable,
but perhaps open to interesting “hybrid” gaming solutions.
This has not however stopped the seed No.1 of the board
Pablo Carreno-Busta from winning his third Challenger
title of the season. For the ruler of the ITF circuit of 2013
it was, a part from a difficult first round with compatriot
Samper-Montana, a pretty easy tournament.
The twenty-three year old from Gijon triumphed in four
derbies before defeating in the final the young Japanese
Taro Daniel, the revelation of the tournament at ease on
fast surface.
With this victory the former No.6 in the world of the Junior
category confirmed his special love for his homeland: after
11 ITF titles won in Spain, the Challenger of Segovia last
year, the one of Seville go to add prestige and value to the
young Carreno-Busta, one of the players to keep an eye on
in the coming seasons.
The Doubles tournament was won by the Dutch couple
formed by Van Der Duim and Westerhof who defeated in
two straight sets the couple seed No.1 of the board.
234
SEVILLE
235
The protagonist
TARO DANIEL
Born in New York, USA, 27 January 1993 (21 years
old), Taro Daniel is a player of Japanese nationality.
Born to an American father and Japanese mother,
Daniel has lived in various places around the world
during his early years, then at the age of fourteen
moved permanently to Spain. The Japanese tennis
player reached his best ranking in 2014 at No.
155, before closing the season at No. 177. His first
good result of 2014 was the quarter-final in the
ATP tournament in Vina del Mar, where he started
from the qualifying. After that he obtained mixed
results, with several Challenger quarterfinals. In
September Taro played the tournament of Seville,
confirming his preference for clay courts (he
always trained on the red Spanish clay). A season
full of ups and downs, showing that, despite
everything, Daniel is still a very young player and
maybe not mature enough to make it in the top100 yet. At Wimbledon and at the Roland Garros
he exit at the first round of qualifying, while at the
Australian Open stopped in the decisive round. At
the US Open he managed to pass the qualifiers,
but in his first match of the main draw he ran into
Milos Raonic.
clay. There is free admission for the entire duration of
the tournament. The San Pablo International Airport is
only 10 km from the city and is served by major airlines
and some low-cost carriers. The Santa Justa train station
is connected to the Spanish high-speed network, AVE,
operated by Renfe. Since 2009 Seville has an underground
service: twenty-two stations along 18 km of route. To
reach the Club you need to get off at San Bernardo and
then walk for 100 m. The “Melia Sevilla” is the official hotel
and is located about 200 m from the club, opposite the
University of Seville. It is a hotel of international standards,
with a good quality-price ratio. Andalusia’s cuisine reflects
the Mediterranean one, with a lot of fresh vegetable and
olive oil. The downtown is dotted with typical restaurants
where to enjoy tapas, “hamon Serrano” or “patanegra” and
loads of “cerveza”. In the university district is worth a visit
to the restaurant “Meson Guadalkivir”, which serves the
classic “paella marinera”, the “salmorillo en la antigua salsa”
and “croquettas de queso and jamon”.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SEVILLE, REINA DE ANDALUCIA
Capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia,
Seville with its 700 thousand inhabitants (reaching
nearly a million and a half with the metropolitan area)
is the fourth most populous city in Spain and the most
important cultural, economic and artistic hub of the
South of the Country. Visited every year by over a million
tourists Seville is the European city with the largest
historical centre. Over hundred years old the “Real Betis
Tennis Club” is located not far from the city centre, in the
“Barrio del Porvenir”, the district where it is also situated
the “Universidad de Sevilla” (University of Seville). The Club
has five yellow earth courts (the same material used in
the arena of the “plaza de toros”), two hard ones and one
in synthetic grass. Available to the Club’s members also
two swimming pools, a gym, a football pitch and a club
house that “smells” of history. The “Copa Sevilla” (€ 42,500
in prize money) this year celebrated its 51st edition. It is
the only Challenger in the world to be played on yellow
236
CHALLENGER PULCRA LACHITER BIELLA
Tournament director: Cristiano Rohrich
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Tecnifibre X One
VIOLA TAKES IT ALL
Matteo Viola is the king of Biella. After four years of
absence, the Tennis Academy I Faggi enters again the ATP
Challenger Tour and does so in grand style. The € 42.500
Challenger, played in
the second week of
September,
received
positive reviews from
the public and the
experts.
To win the tournament
was Matteo Viola, a
twenty-seven year old
who, after reaching in
2013 his best ranking
close to the top 100
in the world, played
a
season
below
expectations.
In Biella, the player
from the Veneto region
coached by Andrea Mantegazza surprised everybody with
his “atypical” tennis, well suited to fast surfaces too. After
the first two comfortable rounds, he had to really fight in
the quarterfinals against the Italian Arnaboldi, defeated
BIELLA
in comeback for 6/2 at the deciding set. Intense and
balanced the semi-final with the Monegasque Benjamin
Balleret, won once again by Viola in comeback.
Apparently
easier
the final with Filippo
Volandri, winner in
Biella in 2000 and 2003.
After a balanced first
set, in which Matteo
squandered a lead of 5/1
before closing the set at
the twelfth game, the
youngest of the siblings
Viola dominated the
second partial so as to
lift to the sky his first
title of the season.
Not content to have won
a title that was missing
in his career since 2012,
Viola, with the young Italian Marco Cecchinato, triumphed
in the Doubles tournament too: the two unexpectedly
defeated in the final the Germans Moser and Satschko
237
238
The protagonist
MATTEO VIOLA
Born in Mestre, Italy, on July 7, 1987 (27 years old), Matteo
Viola in 2014 managed to earn, right in Biella, his third
career Challenger title. He ended the season at No. 188. His
best ranking, No. 118, dates back to 2013. In the first part
of 2014 Viola reached several Challengers quarterfinals,
such as the one in Astana, Padua and Scheveningen, and
in April the semi-final in the Turkish tournament of Mersin.
In September, he then triumphed in the Challenger
of Biella, which went to add to the successes of 2011 in
Guayaquil and 2012 in Yokohama. The following week, the
tennis player coached by Andrea Mantegazza reached the
semi-finals in the Moroccan Challenger of Meknes, surrendering, though, to Coppejans. An unlucky end of the
season for Viola, who after Meknes and Biella was not able to do much, failing to win a single game in the last six
tournaments of the year.
TENNIS & TOURISM
BIELLA THE CITY OF YARNS
Biella is an Italian town of about 45,000 inhabitants, capital
of the homonymous province in Northern Piedmont.
The city is located at the foot of the Biella Alps, and its
existence is attested since the early Middle Ages. Technical
centre of the Tennis Federation of Piedmont, the Tennis
Club “I Faggi” is home to an ATP Challenger tournament.
The direction of the tournament was also the promoter
of the Fed Cup match in Biella against Ukraine in 2012.
Located on a hill overlooking the city, the club has a
restaurant where you can eat good (and plentiful) dishes
while admiring the panorama. The club has six clay courts,
including a Central with a permanent grandstand with 500
seats, one in synthetic grass, also used to play football, an
area for beach volleyball and beach tennis, two swimming
pools (indoor and outdoor) and a physiotherapy centre
open all year. The entrance is free for the entire duration of
the tournament. There is a VIP area dedicated to sponsors
and local personalities. Situated in the city centre, the
official hotel is the ‘’Agorà Palace Hotel”. It is one of the
best hotels in town, with seventy-eight rooms, two junior
suites and two suites. Players and staff can use the shuttle
service made available by the tournament organisers to
and from the Club. Biella has two railway stations. From
Malpensa (the closest airport) you can reach Biella in one
BIELLA
hour and a half. You need to take the train to Busto Arsizio
or Castellanza, then change and get the Trenord service
and get off to Novara North. Once there you have to go
on the other side of the station and get the train to Biella
(Trenitalia). If you are travelling by car take the highway
Milano-Torino and exit at Carisio. Follow the SS road until
you will find the sign for Biella. The restaurant of the club
offers a various menu, with big and cheap meals. We
recommended a visit to “Menabrea”, the pub owned by
the homonymous company producing one of the best
Italian craft beers.
239
CAMPEONATO INTERNACIONAL
DE TENIS DE CAMPINAS
Qualifying supervisor: Roberto Da Veiga
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Dunlop Grand Prix
SCHWARTZMAN THE CONQUISTADOR
To sign the Roll of Honour of 2014 edition of the Challenger
of Campinas, classic event on clay which takes place in one
of the most important and populous cities of Brazil, was
one of the most prolific player of the season.
Diego Schwartzman, Argentine class 1992, in the wake
of a period of particularly good physical form – in midAugust he won in Prague - triumphed on the red courts
of Campinas.
A tournament far from easy. The Brazilian Schwartzman,
seed No. 1 of the board, after the first three matches
slipped away fairly easily, had to bring out the best of
himself in the semi-final to get the better of his compatriot
Guido Andreozzi, exceeded only 7/6 in the third set after a
match that lasted nearly three hours.
No much easier the final either: the minute Argentine (only
170 cm tall) had to retrieve a set of disadvantage before
winning 7/5 in the deciding set against the Brazilian Andre
Ghem.
For Schwartzman this was the third Challenger title in the
season but moreover the crowning of a steady growth
that led him, with the victory of Campinas and then, the
following week, with the final in Porto Alegre, to his best
ranking yet, No. 82.
An end of season full of satisfaction for the Argentine from
Buenos Aires, a player with a fast and explosive tennis,
who can cover the court with ridiculous ease and enjoys
playing doubles.
So much so that together with his friend Facundo Bagnis
he won the Doubles too, bringing to three the number
of trophies earned in this category in 2014. Beaten in the
final the Brazilians Neis and Ghem for 10/7 at the super
tie-break.
240
CAMPINAS
241
The protagonist
DIEGO SEBASTIAN SCHWARTZMAN
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 August 1992 (22 years old), Diego Sebastian Schwartzman ended 2014
at No. 61, his best ranking yet. During the past season the young Argentine won four Challenger tournaments
and the category’s Finals. In the first part of the season Schwartzman reached two semi-finals, Bucaramanga and
Santos, a Challenger final in Itajai (defeated by his compatriot Facundo Arguello), and won the French Challenger
of Aix En Provence. In late May, the Argentine played at the Roland Garros, where he passed the qualifiers and the
first round of the main draw, before running into Roger Federer. Between August and September Diego Sebastian
added his own name in the Roll of Honour of other two tournaments, the Challenger of Prague and that of
Campinas. He then played the final in the tournament of Porto Alegre, beaten once again by a compatriot, Carlos
Berlocq. In October, in his own Nation, Schwartzman earned his fourth title of the season, winning the Challenger
of San Juan. He then moved on Brazilian soil to play the ATP Challenger Tour Finals in Sao Paulo. Here the 22 year
old from Buenos Aires proved to be the strongest, so as to end 2014 with a success.
TENNIS & TOURISM
CAMPINAS, WHERE EFFICIENCY IS A MUST
With over one million inhabitants Campinas is the 3rd most populous city of the State of São Paulo and the 14th of Brazil.
Geographically it is located at 96 km northwest of the capital. It has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 22°
and a vegetation characterised in grand part by the Atlantic rainforest. Campinas is full of parks, museums and theatres,
with a cultural activity second only to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The tournament is played in the Sociedade Hipica de
Campinas, a club among the oldest and most prestigious of the city. It has eighteen tennis courts (fifteen of which in clay),
three restaurants, football pitches, outdoor areas equipped for volleyball and basketball, a beach volleyball court and a
riding centre. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the ‘’Ibis Campinas”,
part of the homonymous hotel chain. The rooms are all equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The bar of the hotel is
open 24 hours a day. The hotel is in the centre, with a taxi stand very close. Viracopos Airport is 15 km away and is easily
reached by motorway. There is no rail link between the airport and the city of Campinas. There is a hourly shuttle service
between the hotel and the club for players and referees. The city offers different types of cuisine, from Italian to Japanese.
Campinas has an incredible nightlife, with dozens of pubs and clubs. “Giovannetti by Chopp” is the most frequented and
glamorous lounge bar of the city.
242
Qualifying supervisor: Zsolt Beda
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Head ATP Gold
ESTRELLA ... THE COLOMBIAN
Ends with the victory of the Dominican Victor Burgos
Estella the longest ATP Challenger final of the season.
Three hours and seventeen minutes the time needed to
“Viti” to defeat Joao Souza in the final of the Colombian
tournament of Pereira.
In the capital city of the department of Risaralda, the thirtyfour year old from Santiago continued his unexpected
and progressive growth winning his second trophy of
the season. After Salinas Challenger, Estrella Burgos, who
same period last year was just about in the top 150 in
the world, proved to be one of the revelations of 2014 by
triumphing in his fifth career Challenger, third one caught
in Colombia.
To do so, as said, he had to play a never ending final against
Joao Souza, to whom has also had to cancel a match point
before winning 8 points to 6 in the decisive tie-break.
Before reaching the final, the top seed of the tournament
had not lost even one set, proving to be a though and
confident player. With an impressive forehand and an
unassailable backhand, almost always played in back spin,
Estrella Burgos built a respectable ranking, taking the best
satisfaction of his career after his thirties.
The Dominican, who in the US Open was able to reach
the third round, ended a perfect 2014 in the best possible
PEREIRA
way: entering in the top 100 players in the world.
The Colombian fans were able to celebrate in the Doubles
thanks to Nicolas Barrientos and Eduardo Struvay, winner
of the final played against the two Argentines Guido Pella
and Horacio Zeballos. Final score 11/9 at the super tiebreak.
243
244
The protagonist
VICTOR ESTRELLA
Born in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic,
on August 2, 1980 (34 years old), Victor Estrella, despite his
age, lived in 2014 his best season, ending the year for the
first time among the 100 best players in the world, at No. 78,
and reaching his best ranking ever, No. 65. The beginning of
the season was a “crescendo”: first it arrived the semi-final of
Dallas, then the final of Morelos (lost to Gerald Melzer), and
finally the victory in the Challenger of Salinas, Ecuador, so
as to conquer his fourth career Challenger title. After that
the 34 years old Dominican played the semi-finals in the
Challenger of San Luis Potosi, and, most of all, the one of the
ATP tournament in Bogota, where he beat Richard Gasquet,
before surrendering, after an incredible match of three tie-break, to Bernard Tomic. Victor also played a very good
US Open (he had never won a match in a Grand Slam before), beating Sijsling and Coric before stopping against
Milos Raonic. A month later he won nine consecutive matches, earning the Challenger of Pereira and reaching
the final in the tournament of Cali (where he lost to Paolo Lorenzi). In the last week of 2014, Estrella stopped one
step away from the final of the ATP Challenger Tour Finals in Sao Paulo, losing the semi-final to Clezar 14-12 at the
tie-break of the third set.
TENNIS & TOURISM
PEREIRA, WHERE COFFEE IS GOLD
Pereira, Colombia, spreads over a plateau at about 1500 metres above sea level. Feature of Pereira is the “Noche de las
mujers”: every Friday evening the men stay at home and all the pubs, cinemas and nightclubs are totally reserved to the
fairer sex. The city’s economy depends mostly from the exportation of coffee. The tournament is played on the outdoor
clay courts of the “Corporacion Club Campestre de Pereira”, a club founded in 1935. Inside there are twenty tennis courts,
two football pitches, swimming pools, a green 18-hole golf course, a spa, a wellbeing centre and a solarium. Surrounded
by vegetation, it is populated by iguanas, parrots, bull frogs and other animals typical of the area. The admission is free for
the entire duration of the tournament. For a fee, however, there are packages for the corporate area. The official hotel is
the tastefully furnished and modern four stars “Sonesta”. Guests have at their disposal a spa, an outdoor swimming pool
with sun terrace and a high class restaurant. Matecaña International Airport is just outside the city. Taxi fares are very
affordable. There is a good public transport, with “busetas” (extra large busses) and microbuses for getting around the
small streets of the city centre. Pereira also has an underground service. Available to players and referees a shuttle service
from the hotel to the club and vice versa. The restaurant of the club serves good “almojabana” and “bandeja paisa”. Typical
dish of Pereira is the “arepa” (corn pancake with cheese, butter and meat). There are many places in the centre where to
enjoy a drink: among all we recommend the “BARcelona Bar”.
PEREIRA
245
CLARO OPEN CALI 2014
Date: 29 September/04 October 2014
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Wilson US Open High Altitude
LORENZI LOOKS AHEAD
defeated 4/6 6/3 6/3 the Dominican Victor Estrella Burgos.
A balanced match, where the Italian former No. 49 in the
world had to play his best to earn the second title of the
season, the twelfth of his career. While Lorenzi had a pretty
easy tournament, Victor Estrella, winner the previous
week in Pereira, arrived to the final strained by the fight
against the Argentine Guido Andreozzi in the semi-final.
After an average season, which has nevertheless seen him
confirmed between the top hundred players of the world,
this victory brought back a smile on Lorenzi’s face, atypical
clay player who can adapt very well to fast surfaces and
After the spring edition held in May, the ATP Challenger
does not dislike playing near the net. Avid reader of
Tour returns in Cali, Colombia, for the second tournament
Stephen King and big fan of Fiorentina football team,
of the season played in the capital city of the department
Lorenzi’ s dream is to one day be able to enter again in the
of Valle del Cauca. The Challenger was won by the Italian
top 50. The Argentine couple formed by Guillermo Duran
Paolo Lorenzi, thirty-two years old native of Rome but
and Guido Andreozzi defeated 7/5 6/4 Alejandro Gonzalez
resident in Siena, who, in a final between veterans,
and Cesar Ramirez, so as to win the Doubles tournament.
246
CALI
247
The protagonist
TENNIS & TOURISM
PAOLO LORENZI
Born in Rome, Italy, 15 December 1981 (33 years old),
Paolo Lorenzi ended 2014 at No. 64. His best ranking,
reached in 2013, is No. 49. After starting the season
with the final in the Challenger of Bucaramanga,
defeated by Alejandro Falla, the Italian tennis
player reached the semi-finals in Chitre and, most
importantly,
in
the last week of
February,
the
final of the ATP
tournament
in São Paulo.
Lorenzi was one
step away from
winning his first
ATP title, losing in three partial to Federico Delbonis
after a great tournament in which he beat, among
others, Monaco and Haas. In April, Paolo won the
Challenger of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, ending the
tournament without losing a single set. During the
summer the 33-year old collected two Challenger’s
semi-finals, Mestre and Cordenons, and the quarterfinals in the ATP tournament of Kitzbuhel. In the first
week of October in Cali he conquered his second
Challenger title of the season (the twelfth of his
career). In November it arrived his last good result,
the final of the Challenger of Guayaquil, Ecuador,
where, however, the Italian player was not able to
play the match against Cuevas due to a physical
problem.
CALI, THE ENGINE OF SOUTH COLOMBIA
Capital of the department of Valle del Cauca, one of the
most prosperous regions of the country, Cali is the second
largest city in Colombia. It stands on a plateau at about
one thousand metres above sea level, between the Central
and Western Cordillera. The tournament is played within
the Unidad Deportiva Panamericana, a proper citadel of
Sport with swimming pools, football pitches, baseball
and softball fields and an athletics track. The Liga tennis
Vallecaucana has ten clay courts, five of which are used for
the tournament and the other five by the students of the
local tennis academy. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the “Dann
Carlton”, in Penol district, at about 4 km from the Club.
All rooms are elegantly decorated, soundproofed and
equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, cable TV
and queen size beds. Inside the hotel there is a conference
centre, a swimming pool with a bar and several restaurants.
There is a shuttle service for tennis players and staff to
and from the club. Cali International Airport is about one
hour drive from the hotel. The most comfortable and safe
way to travel from the airport is by taxi, but beware of the
chaotic traffic of the city. The typical dishes are the “arepas”
(a kind of flat bread with minced meat, beans and rice),
the “Pan de bono” and grilled fish. For restaurants with
international cuisine you must go to the Unicentro, a huge
shopping mall in the city centre, or, a bit more further
away, there is the Palmas, with Mexican, Japanese, Italian
restaurants and fast foods. After dinner we recommend
the Garden Lounge, a club with ambient and dance music.
Calle 66 is the road where you will find all the Bars and
Clubs of the city.
248
TASHKENT CHALLENGER
Tournament director: S. Uthrapathy
Supervisor: Hans-Juergen Hocs
Surface: Hard
LACKO’S TRIUMPH
The Slovakian Lukas Lacko is the winner of the $ 125.000
ATP Challenger played in autumn at the prestigious
‘’Olympic Tennis School” of Tashkent.
As in 2011 in Bratislava, city in which
he lives, the 27 years old, No. 83 in
the world at the time of entering the
tournament, brings home a double
victory, winning together with the
Croatian Ante Pavic the Doubles’
trophy too. The athlete from Piestany
played a very good final, winning
with a clean 6/2 6/3 the Ukrainian
Stakhovsky, confirming once again
his superiority on the seed No. 2,
defeated in the other two times
they played against each other too.
Lacko seems to feel really at ease on
the courts of Tashkent, reaching two
semi-finals and a final in the three
tournament previously played. The
Uzbek success brings Lacko, whose dream is to enter soon
the top 30, once again close to the best 50 players (BR No.
44 January 2013). The tournament in Tashkent was also an
opportunity to see at work talented young players such as
TASHKENT
Borna Coric, Croatian class 1997 defeated in the semi-final
by Lacko, and Adrian Mannarino, one of the fitter players
of the season, stopped in the semi-final too. As mentioned,
Lacko and the Croatian Ante Pavic won the Doubles,
beating 13/11 at the super tiebreaker the Germans Frank
Moser and Satschko.
249
TASHKENT CHALLENGER
CITY, COUNTRY
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
STATUS
1
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Q
11
12
13
14
6-11 October
SRB LAJOVIC, Dusan
RUS KRAVCHUK, Konstantin
D. LAJOVIC [1]
64 75
FRA POUILLE, Lucas
L. POUILLE
46 64 63
BLR BETOV, Sergey
CRO CORIC, Borna
B. CORIC
76(1) 60
A. KUDRYAVTSEV [8]
16 63 62
SVK LACKO, Lukas
ITA GHEDIN, Riccardo
L. LACKO [3]
62 60
UKR MOLCHANOV, Denys
FRA MARTIN, Fabrice
D. MOLCHANOV
67(2) 63 76(3)
WC UZB SHOFAYZIYEV, Shonigmatjon
TPE CHEN, Ti
17
5
BIH DZUMHUR, Damir
RUS KARATSEV, Aslan
A. KARATSEV
62 76(6)
RUS DONSKOY, Evgeny
WC UZB ISMAILOV, Temur
21
22
BLR GERASIMOV, Egor
TPE HUANG, Liang-Chi
27
28
WC UZB FAYZIEV, Sanjar
4
FRA MANNARINO, Adrian
7
Q
29
30
31
32
2
A. MANNARINO [4]
63 46 62
A. MANNARINO [4]
63 61
A. MANNARINO [4]
64 62
RUS ZAITCEV, Anton
KGZ DULDAEV, Daniiar
A. ZAITCEV
64 63
CRO PAVIC, Ante
ITA ARNABOLDI, Andrea
A. ARNABOLDI
64 67(7) 76(2)
Lukas LACKO [3]
62 63
E. GERASIMOV
76(6) 64
F. DUSTOV [7]
67(1) 76(3) 76(2)
A. NEDOVYESOV [6]
63 63
E. DONSKOY
76(5) 62
E. DONSKOY
75 64
UZB DUSTOV, Farrukh
MDA ALBOT, Radu
L. LACKO [3]
75 76(3)
L. LACKO [3]
36 61 62
T. CHEN
61 61
A. NEDOVYESOV [6]
63 64
19
20
B. CORIC
46 64 63
L. LACKO [3]
62 75
UKR DEVIATIAROV, Marat
KAZ NEDOVYESOV, Aleksandr
25
26
$125,000
MAIN DRAW SINGLES
B. CORIC
76(5) 75
Q
6
23
24
Hard, Plexipave
D. LAJOVIC [1]
76(11) 57 64
15
16
18
SURFACE
NAT
WC UZB KARIMOV, Djurabeck
8 RUS KUDRYAVTSEV, Alexander
3
Q
TOURNAMENT DATES
S. STAKHOVSKY [2]
76(5) 64
A. ZAITCEV
63 67(3) 76(5)
S. STAKHOVSKY [2]
46 75 64
ESP MENENDEZ-MACEIRAS, Adrian S. STAKHOVSKY [2]
67(2) 61 62
UKR STAKHOVSKY, Sergiy
S. STAKHOVSKY [2]
62 64
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
SEEDED PLAYERS
LAJOVIC, Dusan
STAKHOVSKY, Sergiy
LACKO, Lukas
MANNARINO, Adrian
DZUMHUR, Damir
NEDOVYESOV, Aleksandr
DUSTOV, Farrukh
KUDRYAVTSEV, Alexander
RANK
69
72
83
84
106
119
129
130
PRIZE MONEY
WINNER
$18,000
FINALIST
$10,600
SEMI-FINALIST
$6,275
$3,650
QUARTER-FINALIST
SECOND ROUND
$2,150
FIRST ROUND
$1,300
POINTS
125
75
45
25
10
0
ALTERNATES / LUCKY LOSERS
WITHDRAWALS
Anton Zaitcev - 343
Hans-Juergen Ochs
The protagonist
LUKAS LACKO
Born in Piestany, Slovak Republic, November 3, 1987 (27
years old), Lukas Lacko concluded his season at No. 95.
His best ranking is No. 44, reached in 2013. In 2014 Lacko
alternated between ATP and Challengers tournaments.
After some success in the major circuit (second round
in Auckland and in Miami, where he started from the
qualifiers), the Slovak player competed in the Challenger
of Shenzhen, where he surrendered to Gilles Muller in the
final. He then played the semi-finals of Gimcheon, where
stumbled again in the tennis player from Luxembourg,
the second round in the ATP of Atlanta and Shenzhen and
in the ATP 500 of Washington. In Tashkent Lacko won his
eighth career Challenger. In the last few weeks of the season he did not achieve any results worth mentioning.
In 2014 Lukas played all four Grand Slam tournaments, losing, though, always at the start. After the not so lucky
draw for the Australian Open (Novak Djokovic) and Roland Garros (Roger Federer), defeated in three sets in both
occasions, Lacko had a better chance at Wimbledon and at the US Open, losing, however, respectively to Tommy
Robredo in four partial and Thiem in three sets.
250
TENNIS & TOURISM
TASHKENT, AFTER THE WTA THE CHALLENGER
With over two million inhabitants, Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. Built in an oasis, it is a beautiful city, clean,
with wide not too busy streets and many modern buildings. The people are very friendly and hospitable. The School
of Olympic Tennis is not too far from the city centre. There is a new theme park near the club. Inside the Club there are
fifteen outdoors courts (eleven in concrete and four in clay), three indoors hard courts, a gym, a sauna and a cafeteria. The
restaurant is only open during the tournament. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official
hotel is the “Tashkent City Palace”, a very good four-stars hotel located in the city centre, at about twenty-five minutes
drive from the club. Inside there are a gym, a bar, a restaurant, a sauna, two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a bank
and a souvenir shop. Every thirty minutes there is a shuttle leaving for the Club (about twenty-five minutes journey). On
request there is a shuttle service to reach Tashkent International Airport, located 13 km away from the hotel. In Tashkent
there are two railway stations: Severny (main train station) and Youzhniy. Uzbek food is very nutritious. The traditional
dish is the “plov” (fried meat, onions and carrots served with rice). “Lagman”, “shurpa” and “somsa” are other typical Uzbeks
foods. During the tournament the restaurant “Bek” organises buffet with European food for the players and the staff.
Near the hotel there is a restaurant serving Korean food with a nice atmosphere and live music. The “Gruzinskiy Dvorik”,
though not very close to the hotel, is a very good Georgian restaurant; another restaurant that we recommend is the
“Caravan”, where you can enjoy Uzbek cuisine and live music. For a drink and a chat our choices are the “Chelsea Pub”, the
“Barxan” and the “CMI”.
TASHKENT
251
INDORE OPEN ATP CHALLENGER
Tournament director: Anil Dhupar
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat Gold
MYNENI STARTS FROM
HERE
In October was played in Indore, India subdivision and state
of Madhya Pradesh with more than one million and a half
inhabitants, a $ 50.000 Challenger. To win, unexpectedly,
was the home player Saketh Myneni, ranked beyond the
four hundredth position at the beginning of the Indian
tournament. The tennis player from Andhra Pradesh could
not celebrate better his twenty-seventh birthday, catching
in his own Country his first Challenger title. A journey that
saw him grow match after match, defeating rather high
level opponents: Myneni first had to overcome the Thai
Danai Udomchoke, old acquaintance of tennis with a best ranking in the top 100; then the talented Belgian Coppejans,
exceeded only at the tie-break of the third set after a hard battle; the Indian Singh in the quarter-finals and another Indian
player, the young hope Ramkumar Ramanathan in the semi-final, leaving to his opponent only three games. Great match
played by Myneni in the final, imposing himself 6/3 at the third set on seed No. 1 Alekandr Nedovyesov. A major victory
for the Indian, who, after the starlet Alexander Zverev, winner in Braunschweig, became the second lowest ranking player
to win an ATP Challenger title during 2014 season. The Spanish Menendez-Maceiras and the Kazakh Nedovyesov, who
thus had the opportunity to make up for the lost final in the Single, won the Doubles tournament. Beaten in the final
were the Indians Bhambri and Sharan with a sharp 10-3 at the deciding set.
252
INDORE
253
The protagonist
SAKETH MYNENI
Born in Andhra Pradesh, India, 19 October 1987 (27 years
old), Saketh Myneni reached during 2014 his best ranking
(No. 241), then ending the season at No. 263. A productive
start to the season for the Indian tennis player, who in his
own country reached the quarter-finals of the Chennai
Challenger and then won the $ 10.000 ITF in Bhimavaram.
After a few months in which Myneni’s best result was the
quarter-finals in the Challenger of Karshi, in Indore on the
day of his twenty-seventh birthday, the Indian player won
his first Challenger ever. Before then he had won nine ITF
Futures. Galvanized by the success of Indore, in his last
two tournaments Saketh managed to reach a semi-final
(Challenger of Pune, defeated by Sugita) and a final (the $
10,000 ITF Futures of Raipur). The tennis player residing in
Hyderabad this year has also had the satisfaction of playing
the first match of the Davis Cup, winning the three matches
played: a Single and two Doubles, against Taipei and South
Korea.
TENNIS & TOURISM
INDORE, IN THE HEART OF INDIA
At over 500 metres above sea level, on the plateau of Malwa in the Indian state of Madhya Bharat, lays Indore, classified as
municipal corporation. The city has a population of a million and a half inhabitants, doubling if including the metropolitan
area. Indore is home to an impressive industrial district, especially with regard to the development of new technologies
and software. In Indore coexist different architectural styles: that of the period of the Maharaja, that dating back to the
British colonization and the one belonging to the Holkar dynasty. The ATP Challenger is played on the six hard courts of
the Indore Tennis Club. The Club also owns four squash courts, a swimming pool and a restaurant. The admission is free
throughout the tournament. The modern and elegant four-star “Fortune Landmar” is the official hotel. Its guests have
at their disposal also a spa with pool, a well-equipped gym and a lobby bar. All rooms have air conditioning, mini bar
service, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The Indore airport, connected with the main Indians airports, is a twenty-five minute drive
from the hotel. There is a pickup service to and from the airport offered by the hotel and a frequent shuttle service for
players and referees to and from the club.
254
COPA SAN JUAN GOBIERNO
Tournament director: Mariano Ink
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Babolat
POKER FOR
SCHWARTZMAN
About a month after the victory of Campinas and
the final reached in Porto Alegre, Diego Sebastian
Schwartzman, as predicted, won the third edition
of the Argentine tournament of San Juan. Credited
seed No. 1, Sebastian Prieto’ s student, No. 79 in
the world at the time of entering the tournament,
struggled at the very beginning against compatriot
Renzo Olivo, winning the match at the third set with
the score of 6/1. Easy the second round while he had
to fight hard in the quarterfinal against the other
Argentine Guido Andreozzi. The match, symbol of
the tournament, lasted more than two hours and a
half, ending at the tie-break of the decisive set. Much
smother the last two matches: strong of the support
of the fans he beat the conational Facundo Arguello
in the semi-final and the Brazilian Joao Souza in the
final (7/6 6/3). With the success caught in Buenos
Aires the year before, Schwartzman won in his own
Country two Challengers and five ITF titles. Schwartzman
success in San Juan was the fourth of the season: the
minute Argentine will be one of the most exciting players
to watch at the usual Master held in Sao Paulo at the end
SAN JUAN
of the year. He almost brought home the Doubles’ trophy
too: the two Argentines Facundo Bagnis and Martin Alund
won Schwartzman and Horacio Zeballos only at the third
set, with a final score of 4/6 6/3 10/7.
255
256
The protagonist
JOAO SOUZA
Born in Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, on May 27, 1988
(26 years old), Joao Souza had in 2014 his best
season yet, ending the year for the first time in the
top 100, more precisely at No. 90. His best ranking,
though, was No. 84 reached in 2011. A series of
incredible results for Souza, who managed to reach
the final weekend of a Challenger tournament
(semi-finals, finals or victory) eleven times. The
first great achievement arrived in the first week of
January, with the victory in the Challenger of São
Paulo, started 30 December, losing only the first
set of the tournament. Then followed the semifinals of the Challengers of Itajaj, Caltanissetta,
Marburg, Scheveningen and Poznan, the final lost
to Krajicek in Medellin, and one more semi-final
in Quito. In the final of Pereira the Brazilian was
defeated at the tie-break of the third set by Estrella.
At the end of the season the semi-final of Cali and
the final of San Juan, ending his sensational 2014
with one victory, three finals and seven semi-finals
Challengers. Undeserved the premature exit at the
ATP Challenger Tour Finals of São Paulo (right there
where it all began), where Souza remedied three
losses in the round-robin.
TENNIS & TOURISM
SAN JUAN, CAPITAL OF ARGENTINE WINE
Capital of the homonymous province, San Juan is an Argentine city of nearly 150 thousand inhabitants (reaching with
the metropolitan area almost half a million). The climate is rather dry with great temperature difference between day
and night, in both summer and winter. This is due to its proximity to a desert area. The tournament is played in the Club
Banco Hispano de San Juan, founded in 1944 by the homonymous banking group. It is a very big facility, surrounded by
vegetation. Its over two thousand members can play tennis, basketball, football, volleyball, hockey skates and skating.
It also has an Olympic swimming pool with adjoining diving pool. There are six clay tennis courts, three of which are
used for the matches of the Copa Gobierno San Juan and the others for training. The admission is free for the qualifiers,
while to attend the matches of the main draw you must purchase a ticket. The cost varies between 50 and 200 pesos
depending from the seat. The Domingo Faustino Sarmiento Airport is about 15 km from San Juan. It is very small and is
almost exclusively serving the capital Buenos Aires. There is a bus service connecting the airport to the city. Alternatively
you can use the taxi (must agree the rate before boarding). The club is located in a residential barrio, connected to the
centre by several bus lines. The official hotel is the five-star “Del Bono Park”, at about 500 m from the Club Banco Hispano.
Comfortable and with a very nice atmosphere, inside it has a casino, a spa, a wellness centre, a gym, an outdoor pool and
a restaurant with local and international cuisine. Each room is equipped with a Jacuzzi.
SAN JUAN
257
MSLTA CHALLENGER
Tournament director: Sunder Iyer
Qualifying supervisor: Nitin Kannamwar
Surface: Hard
Balls: Babolat GOLD
SUGITA STRONGER
THAN RAIN
In the Indian city Pune, in a final postponed to Sunday
due to heavy rain, Yuchi Sugita won an ATP Challenger
title missing from his mantel shelf for over a year and a
half. Thanks to an exemplary and fluid game, made of
great technique and many accelerations, the Japanese
player, class 1988, earned access to the final without
even losing a set. In the decisive match the 26 years
old from Miyagi beat the Spanish Adrian MenendezMaceiras, ranked just a few positions behind him
in the ATP weekly ranking, ending the nearly three
hours long match 6/7 6/4 6/4. In the fourth industrial
city of India Sugita found the ideal conditions for his
tennis, winning the third Challenger title of his career.
This victory got him closer to the first 130 players in
the world. The Japanese player was very satisfied of
the result obtained: “I am very happy to have played
well. This title will help me to start well the New Year
and to finally enter the Top 100”. Sugita was the fourth
Japanese tennis player to win a Challenger title in 2014:
before him there were Go Soeda (Busan and Nanchang),
Nishioka (Shanghai) and Moriya (Granby). Saketh Myneni
and Sanam Singh, against the odds, won the Doubles
tournament, defeating sharply the couple seed No. 1
formed by the brothers Sonchai and Sonchat Ratiwatana
258
PUNE
259
The protagonist
YUICHI SUGITA
Born in Miyagi, Japan, on September 18, 1988 (26 years
old), Yuichi Sugita is currently the fourth Japanese tennis
player in the world ranking. He ended the season at No.
131, position which he has been hovering around for
several years. His best ranking his No. 116. The first good
result it arrived in the Challenger of Guangzhou, where
Sugita managed to reach the final. After winning
the first set, though, he handed the remaining
two, and therefore the title, to Blaz Rola. A few
weeks later he played the semi-final in the
Canadian Challenger of Rimouski, followed by
the one of the Korean tournament of Gimcheon.
In 2014 Sugita was able to reach for the first time
the main draw of a grand Slam (Wimbledon,
starting from the qualifying matches), then
losing in the first round to Feliciano Lopez in
three tie-break. During the summer Yuichi played
another Challenger semi-final (Kaohsiung). In late
October Yuichi’s best result. After Kioto in 2010
and Shanghai in 2013, in Pune Sugita conquered
his third Challenger title. His last tournament was
the Challenger of Toyota, where he managed to
reach the semi-finals.
TENNIS & TOURISM
PUNE, A GROWING CITY
Cultural city and home of many IT companies, Pune is
only two hours flight from the capital, Delhi. Due to the
high number of cars, motorbikes and scooters it is a very
noisy city. Pune is the fourth industrial city of India and
is rapidly developing. The club where the tournament is
held is located outside the city. In addition to seven hard
tennis courts it also has a football pitch, an athletic ring,
badminton courts, boxing facilities, a gym, a swimming
pool, a cafeteria and a spa. The admission is free for the
entire duration of the tournament. At only two km from
the venue, the official hotel is the “Holiday Inn”. Inside
the sports complex there are two other four-star hotel.
Completed with a very high standard service, the official
hotel has a fitness area, an outdoor swimming pool, a
bar and a restaurant. There is an hourly shuttle service
for players. The main airport of Pune is at 20 km from the
hotel. You can also reach the city by train or by car (from
Mumbai, with the highway, or from Bangalore). Indian
food is very spicy and tasty. You can eat inside the club,
but only local food.
260
COPA GOBIERNO DE CORDOBA
Tournament director: Mariano Ink
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Babolat
ALEJANDRO GIVES HIS BEST
The second leg of the Copa Gobierno mini tour of Argentina
takes place in Cordoba in the week immediately after
the tournament of San Juan. In Cordoba, town situated
700 km north-west from Buenos Aires, the Colombian
Alejandro Gonzalez gave the best of himself, earning the
fourth ATP Challenger title of his career. On the banks
of the River Primero the Colombian played a clean and
constant tennis, impressing all with the strength showed
throughout the week. After being stopped the previous
CORDOBA
week in the semi-finals, the twenty-five years old of
Medellin has in fact rout the fierce competition out, so
as to raise to heaven the coveted title. A journey without
pitfalls up to the semi-finals, where he had a tight battle for
nearly three hours with the home player Facundo Bagnis,
before finally ending the match at the third set with the
score of 7/5. Similarly tough and intense the final with the
other Argentine Maximo Gonzalez, who in the semi-finals
defeated the promising conational Pedro Cachin. Strong
of a powerful service (12 aces during the final match) and
of an aggressiveness well-balanced with a solid high pace
tennis, Alejandro Gonzalez prevailed again in the deciding
set on “Machi” Gonzalez, denying to the guy from Tandil
the chance to become the ninth player ever to win fifteen
titles in his career. Since last year, when he reached the
last act of the “Master” of the ATP Challenger Tour, beat
by Filippo Volandri, Alejandro Gonzalez had a continuous
and constant growth. The Doubles’ trophy went to Marcelo
Demoliner and Nicolas Jarry, young Chilean hopes. 6/3 7/5
the final score on Londero and Dellien, arrived to the final
against the odds.
261
262
The protagonist
ALEJANDRO GONZALEZ
Alejandro Gonzalez, born in Medellin, Colombia,
on February 7, 1989 (25 years old), had in 2014
his best season yet, ending the year at No. 92 and
reaching his best ranking at No. 70. A good season
right from the start. In the first week of January
Gonzalez managed to reach the final of the
Challenger of São Paulo, where he was defeated
by Joao Souza. Towards the end of January the 25
year old Colombian played the semi-finals of the
Challenger of Bucaramanga. He then was able to
get some satisfaction in the ATP circuit (third round
TENNIS & TOURISM
CORDOBA AND THE JESUIT BLOCK
In the heart of Argentina, Cordoba is the largest city in
the country after the capital Buenos Aires. With nearly
1.5 million inhabitants, it stretches on a plateau 390
metres above sea level. The most visited tourist site is the
Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuítica), declared in 2000 “World
Heritage” by UNESCO. It is a block of buildings dating
from the seventeenth century, including the Montserrat
School, the University and the Church of the Society of
Jesus. The Challenger ATP is played at the “Cordoba Lawn
Tennis Club”, an over eighty years old Club located in
Nueva Cordoba, the largest and most modern district of
the city. The Club has twelve clay courts plus a Central with
1500 seats, an indoor gym, a swimming pool, sauna, bar,
meeting facilities and a barbecue area. The day ticket costs
45 pesos. The price goes up to 65 pesos over the weekend
for the semi-finals and final. The official hotel is the “Y111”,
just ten minutes walk from the Tennis Club. A modern
and functional hotel, with rooms tastefully furnished and
equipped with cable TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and mini
bar. The hotel also has a swimming pool with sun terrace
and panoramic views and a well-equipped fitness area.
There is a Shuttle bus between the hotel and the club.
Cordoba Airport is 20 km from the hotel, and the taxi is
the easiest way to reach it. Meat, especially beef, is the
main ingredient of Argentine cuisine. The Asado is for
Argentines a true ritual: grilled meat cooked outdoors
and enjoyed with friends. For a nice meal or a drink we
recommend the “Black Sheep”, not far from the hotel.
in the Indian Wells snatching a set to Djokovic;
second round in Miami losing to Gasquet, quarterfinals in Houston and Bogota). In the rest of the
season several defeats for Gonzalez, who struggled
to find consistency on the major circuit. At the end
of 2014 the tennis player of Medellin regained his
confidence thanks to the semi-final reached in the
Challenger of San Juan, so much so that one week
later he won in Cordoba his fourth Challenger title
(he had won the previous three all in 2013).
CORDOBA
263
SPARKASSEN ATP CHALLENGER
Date: 03/09 November 2014
Tournament director: Wolfgang Wanker
Surface: Hard indoor
ANDY’S COMEBACK
Certain places seems to have the power to transport
us in a different dimension, increasing our senses and
capabilities. And this is what happens to Andreas Seppi,
a thirty years old from
Bolzano, when in Ortisei.
Three finals played in three
years and two consecutive
victories. Once again his
opponent in the final
was a German player: last
year was Simon Greul
while in 2014 to succumb
under the powerful blows
of Seppi was Matthias
Bachinger, behind him
by about 100 positions. Bachinger did indeed lose the €
64.000 tournament, but in Ortisei he also found a final that
was missing in his career since 2012 (Genève). A fantastic
week for Seppi, who managed to go through it without
losing even a set. And perfect the final match too, last of
his season, where he showed great control and agility.
With this victory Andreas, second best Italian player after
Fabio Fognini, confirms the title won the previous year
and enters again in the top 50 in the world.
After a not very simple season, Seppi managed to find his
smile back in his hometown tournament. An appointment
for him inevitable and a perfect ending of a season that saw
him giving unexpected performances.
The consolidated Belarusians Sergey
Betov and Alexander Bury, seed No. 1 of
the Draw, defeated at the super tie-break
the couple formed by the Irish James
Cluskey and the American Austin Krajicek
(6/4 5/7 10/6).
264
ORTISEI
265
The protagonist
ANDREAS SEPPI
For the tenth consecutive year Andreas
Seppi, born in Bolzano, Italy, 21 February
1984 (30 years old), ended the season
in the top-100 (No. 45). His best ranking
is No. 18. A not great year for the South
Tyrolean tennis player who, apart from the
last tournament of the year in Ortisei, never
managed to win more than two games in
a row. In May Seppi reached the quarterfinals in Monaco of Bavaria and Dusseldorf,
followed by the third round at the Roland
Garros. In the second part of the season
he played the quarterfinals in WinstonSalem, Shenzhen and Moscow. Andreas’ last
tournament was the Challenger of Ortisei,
a few kilometres from his home, where he
was able to win without losing a single set,
ending the year in the best possible way and regaining confidence in his tennis. In 2014 Seppi distinguished
himself as member of the Italian team of the Davis Cup, where he played a total of thirty-three times in his
career, recording seventeen victories and sixteen defeats. After losing in late January to Berlocq, the Italian
tennis player has largely redeemed himself in April in the quarter-finals of Naples, where after losing to Murray
managed to beat in the fifth and decisive match James Ward.
TENNIS & TOURISM
ORTISEI, BETWEEN THE VALLEYS OF TRENTO
With its 5.000 inhabitants, Ortisei is a very small town in
Val Gardena, Trentino Alto Adige. The majority of the
population speaks German, in fact in all compulsory
schools of the commune of Bolzano the kids are taught
in German, Ladino (a grouping of several Romance
languages) and Italian. Located on the “Strada Arnaria” in a
green valley at the foot of the mountains, the Tennis Club
Ortisei is a little less than 3 km from the small town centre.
It has three indoors tennis courts in cement (two for the
matches and one for training), four outdoors clay courts
(unused in winter due to the low temperatures). The
admission is free during the qualifiers, while from Monday
to Thursday the entry fee is € 6, Friday and Saturday € 10
and on Sunday € 15. The weekly ticket costs € 40. The
official hotels are: “Hotel Albion Mountain Spa Resort
Dolomites”, “Hotel Residence La Cort”, “Pension Ulrike”
and “Garni Dolomitenblick”. Although they all are within
walking distance from the Club, there is a shuttle service to
and from the venue. From Bolzano, well connected to the
rest of Italy by train or plane, you can reach Ortisei by bus
or taxi. The only restaurant in this area is inside the club.
There you can find all kinds of pizza (the house specialty
is pizza with speck Alto Adige) or pasta dishes like pasta
with four cheeses, cream and mushroom tagliatelle or the
classic Bolognese.
266
TROFEO CITTA DI BRESCIA
Tournament director: Mauro Ricevuti
Surface: Synthetic Indoor
Balls: Tecnifibre Club
MARCHENKO GOES BACK
TO WIN
After years of darkness, Illya Marchenko returned to give
glimpses of great tennis on the courts in play-it of the
Centro San Filippo, Brescia. The twenty-seven years old
from Dneprodzerzhinsk had a great 2010, which saw him
entering the top 70 of the world, but then due to physical
problems and lack of continuity a series of bad seasons
followed, so much so that he found himself even out of
the top 500. The favourite shoot of the robust Ukrainian,
resident in Donetsk, is the backhand. He played a pretty
anonymous season, confirming his position, not too far
from the first top 100. The victory in the tournament of
Brescia, the last one he played in 2014, however, gave him
the right boast to start the new season in a positive way.
In the “Trofeo Città di Brescia”, after two years since his last
Challenger title -Penza, Russia- the Ukrainian player had
a magical week in which everything went for the best.
Fights, chases and comebacks, before reaching the final,
played against Farrukh Dustov, the other revelation of the
tournament, a Uzbek transplanted in Italy and adopted
by Brescia as its own hero. In a thrilling final, where the
main protagonists were the services, Marchenko has been
able to overcome the resistance of his tough opponent
BRESCIA
ending the match 6/2 at the deciding set after a fight of
over two hours. Marchenko, who in the current season had
already had the satisfaction of reaching the second round
at the US Open (defeated by Marin Cilic, the winner of the
tournament), paired with his friend Denys Molchanov,
won also the Doubles’ final, which took place the day after
the Single’s one. Beaten were the amazing Roman Jebavy
and Blazej Koniusz (7/6 6/3).
267
268
The protagonist
ILLYA MARCHENKO
Born in Dneprodzerzhinsk, Ukraine, September 8, 1987
(27 years old), Illya Marchenko ended 2014 at No. 143,
far from his best ranking, No. 67, obtained in 2010. In
the first part of the season the Ukrainian reached several
Challenger quarterfinals: New Delhi, Irving, Savannah
and Winnetka. During the summer he also played the
ATP of Halle, Atlanta, where Illya even managed to arrive
to the second round of the main draw, and the ATP 500 of
Washington, where he was defeated in the qualifying by
Matosevic. At the US Open he passed the qualifications
without losing any set and won the first round against
Chiudinelli, before surrendering to the future champion
of the tournament, Marin Cilic. Towards the end of 2014
he played the quarter-finals of the Challenger of Izmir
and Bratislava, before obtaining his best result of the
season: the victory in the Challenger of Brescia, his third
tournament won in this category (Istanbul in 2009 and
Penza in 2012). In January the 27 year-old resident of
Donetsk, having beaten in five sets Hanescu, was one step away from bringing Ukraine in the World Group of
the Davis Cup, but in September his patriotic dreams were shattered by the defeat in the match against Goffin.
BRESCIA, LIONESS OF ITALY
Founded 3200 years ago by the Gauls, it then became a
Roman colony under the name of Brixia. With its almost 200
thousand inhabitants (reaching 700 thousand including
its urban area), today Brescia is the second most populous
town in Lombardy. The city is rich in history, to the point
that the Lombard monastic complex of San Salvatore and
Santa Giulia and the Roman Forum have been declared by
UNESCO “World Heritage”. It has been nicknamed “Lioness
of Italy” for the heroic resistance to the Austrians during
the Risorgimento (from March 23 to April 1, 1849). The
main matches of the Challenger of Brescia are played at
the Pala San Filippo, a sports hall with over two thousand
seats, which is often home to different types of sport and
musical events. The second venue is the multipurpose
Rigamonti Centre, situated near the football stadium. The
admission is free during qualifying, while for the matches
of the main draw the cost varies between € 10 and € 25,
depending on the day and the chosen seat. The official
hotel is the “Hotel Fiera”, very close to the Brescia exit along
the A4 Torino-Venezia highway. Players and referees have
available a shuttle service to and from the tournament
venues. The nearest airport is Verona-Villafranca, about 70
BRESCIA
TENNIS & TOURISM
kilometres from the city. The cuisine of Brescia is influenced
by the one of the hinterland, with the use, though, of lots
of fresh water fish due to the vicinity to the lseo and Garda
lakes. Brescia is one of the northern Italy city with the best
nightlife: the “Carmine”, full of bars and pubs, is the area to
go for a drink after dinner.
269
URUGUAY OPEN
Tournament director: Diego Perez
Surface: Red clay
Balls: Babolat RG
CUEVAS DOMAIN
Pablo Cuevas ended the season that saw his comeback
among the best players in the best possible way. The
victory obtained in Montevideo, between friendly faces,
did not come as a surprise but no for this was less valuable
and coveted. In Montevideo, capital city of Uruguay and
home in 1930 of the final of the first edition of the Football
World Cup, Cuevas got his fourth Challenger
Title of the season, bringing at six the number
of tournament won in 2014 if we include the two
prestigious ATP of Bastad and Umag won in the
summer. Seed No. 1, the twenty-eight years old from
Concordia, completely dominated the tournament.
On his way to the final, in which he sharply defeated
the Bolivian Hugo Dellien 6/2 6/4, he did not lose
even a single set. He had some difficulties only
in the quarter-finals with the promising Chilean
Nicolas Jarry, class 1995 and already close to the
top 200 players in the world rankings. The success
in his own Country gives Cuevas additional
points, allowing him to reach his best position
ever at number 30 in the world. An incredible and
unthinkable achievement for someone who started
the year over the two hundredth position. After so
many injuries that risked to undermine his growth,
Cuevas came back stronger than ever, ready to take all the
satisfaction he deserves. Not content with only one title,
together with his brother Martin, Pablo went to win the
Doubles tournament too, defeating in the final the two
Chilean Nicolas Jarry and Gonzalo Lama with the final
score of 6/2 6/4.
270
MONTEVIDEO
271
The protagonist
HUGO DELLIEN
Born in Trinidad, Bolivia, on June 16, 1993 (21 years
old), Hugo Dellien closed 2014 at No. 267, his best
ranking yet. After several ITF semi-finals in Argentina,
Colombia, Sweden and Morocco, in Safi (Marocco)
Dellien finally reached a final, lost, however, to
Gianluigi Quinzi. In the second half of the season
then the 21 year old Bolivian player, after qualifying
in many Challenger, reached the quarterfinals in the
Challenger of Quito and in October won the $ 10.000
TENNIS & TOURISM
ITF Future Bolivia F3 of Santa Cruz. His best result,
however, was the final achieved in the Challenger
MONTEVIDEO, WHERE TENNIS IS “COMEDY”
of Montevideo, where Hugo showed to be able to
compete with the strongest tennis players of the
circuit, losing at the end to Pablo Cuevas. In the last
weeks of 2014 Dellien then participated in other
tournaments Futures, reaching a semi-final in Brazil
and in the Dominican Republic, as well as a final,
always in the Dominican Republic, where he failed
to get the better of Fabiano De Paula. The tennis
player of Trinidad is also part of the Bolivian Davis
Cup team, winning in 2014 five matches out of the
six played.
Montevideo (the American capital located further
south) is the most important city of Uruguay. Including
the metropolitan area, it reaches almost two million
inhabitants. The tournament takes place at the Carrasco
Lawn Tennis Club. Founded in 1943, the club has twentytwo outdoors tennis courts in red clay, a swimming pool,
a gym and many other spaces for all kinds of sports, from
basketball to rhythmic gymnastics. The main access road
to the Club is called Divine Comedy, giving a poetic note
to the tournament. A seat in the Arocena grandstand costs
295 pesos ($ 12), raising to 345 pesos ($ 14) for a seat in
the Divine Comedy grand stand. The official hotel is the
excellent “Hotel Cottage”, located on the seafront at about
ten minutes walk from the Club. Montevideo airport, one
of the main airports in South America, is well connected
to major cities of the continent. There are not many
direct flights towards Europe and the one presents are
mainly going to Paris and Madrid. The airport is located
in Carrasco neighbourhood, the same one where it takes
place the tournament. There is a continuous shuttle
service between the hotel and the venue. In the evening
you can stay at the club for a glass of Champagne and
some music or you can head downtown where you have a
wide choice of bars. The streets between the club and the
hotel, just steps away from the Casino, are crowded with
restaurants for everybody taste. The best is undoubtedly
“Garcia”, open at any time of the day, which serves great
meat dishes and other delicacies.
272
LIMA CHALLENGER COPA CLARO 2014
Tournament director: Luis Horna
Qualifying supervisor: Jorge Mandl
Surface: Red clay
Balls: HEAD Atp
PELLA TAKES IT ALL
In the week ending the ATP Challenger season takes
place in Lima, capital city of Peru, the over ten years old
tournament that has seen over the years great players sign
its prestigious roll of honour. To triumph on the red clay
of the city enclosed in the valley formed by the Chillón,
Rímac, Lurín and Surco river, was once again an Argentine
player, Guido Pella, so as to carry on what is now become
a tradition, started in 2007 by Martin Vassallo Arguello and
never interrupted. After a difficult season, thanks to this
LIMA
victory Guido Pella, a twenty-four years old from Bahia
Bianca, was able to find his smile back. After reaching his
best ranking yet in 2013 at No. 75, he experienced some
physical problems that have also, for a moment, made him
reflect whether to continue his career as a professional
tennis player or not. The semi-final of Guayaquil and
then the magical week in Lima have now made easier
his decision. The left-handed, who lives in Buenos Aires,
had, indeed, the perfect week: seed No. 8 of the Draw he
has been able to prevail in the three sets battles with the
Spanish Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo in the first round, with
Roberto Carballés Baena in the quarterfinals and with the
Chilean Saez in the semifinals. Much easier, however, the
final played against the atypical Australian Jason Kubler
and ended 6/2 6/4. The victory in Lima brings Pella back
among the top 200 players in the world, only one step
away from the first 150. He is now ready to attack again
the wall of the top-100 as early as next season. Double
satisfaction for Pella. Paired with his colleague Sergio
Galdos, he defeated Demoliner and Maytin, the favourites
of the tournament, so as to win the Doubles tournament
too (6/3 6/1).
273
274
The protagonist
LUIS HORNA
Born in Lima, Peru, on September 14, 1980 (34 years
old), Luis Horna, since he hung up his racket to the
wall, took over the direction of the ATP Challenger
tournament played in his own city. His best Single’s
ranking is No. 33, while the Doubles’ one is No.
15. Horna ended his career in 2009 right in the
Challenger of Lima, on those same courts where in
1994 played his first international match thanks to a
wild card. During his fifteen years on the circuit Luis
has won two ATP tournaments (Acapulco and Vina
del Mar) and six Challengers. Horna now lives, for ten
days a year, the tournament from a totally different
perspective than when he fought on the courts.
Winner of the 2008 edition of the Roland Garros
(Doubles), he was also one of the historic members
of the Peruvian Davis Cup team, playing as many as
fifty-seven matches between Single and Doubles.
Thanks to his experience and his skills as a team
leader, “Lucho” (his nickname) has also become in
recent years the captain of the Davis Cup team.
TENNIS & TOURISM
LIMA, A MULTI-ETHNIC CITY
With nearly 10 million people Lima is a very multi-ethnic
city. Due to its latitude Peru’s capital has an exceptionally
low number of hours of sunshine throughout the year. The
tournament takes place at the Country Club La Planicie,
located in the exclusive residential area called, indeed,
La Planicie in La Molina district. Surrounded by natural
beauty, the nearly fifty years old club, has an eighteen
holes golf course, ten red clay tennis courts, a squash
court, a gym, three swimming pools situated opposite
the restaurant and a playground. The entry fee during the
tournament is 20 Peruvian Soles. The city is served by Jorge
Chavez Airport, which connects Lima to major American
and European cities. There is a very well organised public
transport, with more than four hundred and fifty lines
between buses and minibuses. There are also many taxis
(the price is very convenient). The official hotels belong
to the Casa Andina chain (excellent quality), and are
all located in the area of Miraflores, one of the best and
touristic areas of Lima. Between the club and the hotels
there is a shuttle service, but be aware, due to the distance
and the chaotic traffic of the city, the journey last about
LIMA
a hour. Lima’s cuisine is pretty unique. South American
flavours are combined with Oriental and European
influences, thus creating incredible delicacy. The club
restaurant offers exceptional and varied food, pleasing
everyone taste; in addition to the restaurant there is also
a cafeteria for drinks and snacks. For an evening walk we
recommend Miraflores and Barranco districts.
275
ATP CHALLENGER TOUR FINALS
Tournament director: Luis Felipe Tavares
Surface: Red clay indoor
SCHWARTZMAN ENDS THE GAMES
Played on indoors clay courts, the Master of Sao Paulo
signs the end of the ATP tour. The now classic event sees
the eight best players of the year fighting for the title.
Unlike what happens for the rest of the year, a defeat in
the round-robin doesn’t preclude the possibility of been
the one lifting the trophy. And this was what happened
to the Argentine Diego Sebastian Schwartzman, who, lost
the second match of the round-robin to the Slovenian Blaz
Rola, was still able, despite all the odds were against him, to
stop him from entering the semi-finals, going back home
victorious. Due to the victory of San Juan, the twenty-two
years old from Buenos Aires was one of the favourites, as
Rola and the Brazilian Clezar – all of them with two wins
and one loss in assets. The Group A was less complicated
with both favourites, Simone Bolelli and Victor Estrella
Burgos, reaching the semi-finals. The crossed semi-finals
have been a real marathon of over three hours, ended
with a triple tie-break, giving the home player Guilherme
Clezar unexpected access to the final. With a ranking over
the three hundredth position on the eve of the event,
the carioca player drew strength from the support of the
friendly public to overcome the more experienced player
from Dominican Republic. In the other semi-final the
Argentine Schwartzman prevailed on the Italian Simone
Bolelli, who, at times, during the first two sets appeared
unassailable but unable at the end to keep up with the
speed and the strength of the small Argentine. In the final
game of the season not much to do for Clezar, literally
emptied by the semi-final fight with Estrella Burgos. The
match ended 6/2 6/3 for Diego Sebastian Schwartzman,
who leaped forward in the ranking reaching No. 61.
276
SAO PAULO
277
The protagonist
TENNIS & TOURISM
GUILHERME CLEZAR
Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on December 31, 1992
(22 years old), Guilherme Clezar ended 2014 at No.
256, exactly one hundred places further back than
his best ranking, reached at the end of 2013. Very
few noteworthy results in the first half of the season,
with the Brazilian player never able to go beyond the
second round. In August finally a good result. Clezar
reached the semi-final in the Challenger of San
Marino without losing any set, before surrendering
to Antonio Veic. The following month he collected
three consecutive Challenger’s quarter-finals: in
Medellin, in Campinas (where in 2013 he won his
second career Challenger) and in his own city
Porto Alegre. Guilherme’
s highlight was the ATP
Challenger Tour Finals
of São Paulo, where he
passed the round-robin
with two wins and one
loss, and defeated in a
epic semi-final Victor
Estrella, before giving
up to Diego Sebastian
Schwartzman.
SÃO PAULO, THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Along with Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo is the most important
city in Brazil, as well as the seat of many important factories
and multinationals. With nearly 15 million inhabitants,
São Paulo is the city with the highest rate of people of
foreign origin. The Challenger Finals were played at the
Esporte Clube Pinheiros. Inside the Clube you can practice
over thirty different sports. It has twenty-four clay courts,
including one indoor with about six hundred seats,
which hosted the matches of the Finals. The admission is
free throughout the tournament. The official hotel is the
“Renaissance São Paulo”, a truly luxurious and comfortable
hotel. Each room is tastefully furnished and very large.
Available to guests also a spa, a fitness room, a swimming
pool and a solarium. Players and referees have available
a service of transportation to the same standards of the
one of a tournament of the major circuit. São Paulo has
two international airports: the Guarulhos, one of the most
important airport of South America, with connections
to the main capitals of the world, and Congonhas which
operates flights mainly to and from other Brazilians cities
and some destinations of Latin America. São Paulo is a
cosmopolitan city. The “feijoada”, the “picanha” and the
“moqueca” are the most important local dishes. To eat
we recommend the “Baby Beef”, the “Red Lobster” and
“Dinho’s”. For fun after dinner you are spoiled for choice:
the districts Itaim Bibi and Vila Olimpia are crowded with
nightclubs and discos.
278
Total
Na on
27
24
21
18
15
14
14
11
Argen na
United States
Australia
Italy
10
9
8
8
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Germany
Spain
France
Czech Republic
India
Slovakia
Serbia
Croa a
Canada
Russia
Brazil
Belgium
Austria
Colombia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Luxembourg
Slovenia
Japan
Uruguay
Belarus
Ukraine
Chinese Taipei
Romania
Moldova
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Chile
Finland
Mexico
Thailand
Cyprus
Dominican Republic
Poland
Venezuela
Georgia
Kazakhstan
South Korea
Lithuania
Turkey
Uzbekistan
China
Egypt
Philippines
Sweden
Switzerland
Total
8
8
7
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
Player
Diego Sebas án Schwartzman
Máximo González
Pablo Cuevas
Sergey Betov
Alexander Bury
Pierre Hugues Herbert
Sam Groth
Chris Guccione
Adrian Mannarino
Gilles Müller
Bradley Klahn
Adil Shamasdin
Po to Starace
Marcos Baghda s
Simone Bolelli
(ARG)
(ARG)
(URU)
(BLR)
(BLR)
David Go n
Horacio Zeballos
Aus n Krajicek
Saketh Myneni
Guido Pella
Adrian Ungur
Radu Albot
Guillermo Durán
Jaroslav Pospíšil
Henri Kon nen
Pablo Carreño
Damir Džumhur
Nick Kyrgios
Blaž Kav i
(BEL)
(FRA)
(AUS)
(AUS)
(FRA)
(LUX)
(USA)
(CAN)
(ITA)
(CYP)
(ITA)
(ARG)
(USA)
(IND)
(ARG)
(ROU)
(MDA)
(ARG)
(CZE)
(FIN)
(ESP)
(BIH)
(AUS)
(SLO)
(USA)
3
3
3
3
Sam Querrey
Go Soeda
Lukáš Rosol
Sergiy Stakhovsky
Facundo Argüello
Ruben Bemelmans
(CZE)
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Yuki Bhambri
Ilija Bozoljac
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Denis Kudla
Nicolas Mahut
Andrej Mar n
Ma Reid
Guido Andreozzi
Facundo Bagnis
Roman Jebavý
Peter Polansky
Sanam Singh
John-Patrick Smith
Michael Venus
Boy Westerhof
(JPN)
(UKR)
(ARG)
(BEL)
(IND)
(SER)
(USA)
(FRA)
(SVK)
(AUS)
(ARG)
(ARG)
(CZE)
(CAN)
(IND)
(AUS)
(NZL)
(NED)
279
ITF
In 2014 Crionet was present in forty-three Men events of the ITF circuit, providing
hundreds and hundreds of hours of live-streaming from all around the word on its
website (www.youtennis.net).
280
Date: 13 - 17 January 2014
Tournament director: Lior Shoch
Supervisor: Pavel Lisovtsev
Surface: Hard outdoor
ONE FOR VAISSE
The mini circuit of three $ 10.000 Futures organised by
the Tennis Federation of Is-rael allows local players to earn
valuable points for climbing the world rankings without
having to bear the costs of travelling abroad. The three
consecutive tour-naments are played in January on the
tennis courts of the Sport Hotel in Eilat, a town of almost
70 thousand inhabitants that overlooks the Red Sea.
The favourite was the Israeli Amir Weintraub, but he was
stopped by Luca Vanni in the second round. The tennis
player from Arezzo went all the way trough to the final,
where he had to surrender to the French Martin Vaisse. The
French player won the match in two sets, bringing home,
of course, his first trophy of the season. British success
in the Doubles. The couple formed by Lewis Burton and
Marcus Willis defeated in two sets the Uzbek Shofayziyev
and the Russian Zaitchev.
EILAT
281
TENNIS & TOURISM
EILAT, A WINDOW ON THE RED SEA
Eilat is a small Israeli town, located in the far south overlooking the Red Sea. The city has one of the largest and most
important Israeli ports and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations among Europeans. This small touristic
town, inhabited by about 50,000 people, enjoys an excellent climate. Temperatures in the winter, in fact, do not drop
below 15° and can reach 25°, while can exceed 40° in the summer. The tournament took place over three weeks in January
at the beginning of 2014 tennis season. During the same period the city hosts also a ballet called "Wow Show", a mix of
dance and circus. The club is located within the hotel "Isrotel Sport Hotel" and consists of five hard courts. The admission
is free for the whole duration of the tournament. The official hotel for the players and those working for the tournament
is the "Sport Hotel". Being a very small town you can easily go everywhere by foot. The best restaurants around the club
are the "Pastory", "The last refuge" (a beautiful restaurant on the beach) and the "Pago Pago". Obviously, being a city that
thrives on tourism, there are dozens of restaurants of different cuisine, like Brazilian or Japanese ("Paulinha Ice Creamy"
and "Yokimono resturnat"). Typical dishes are Falafel, Shawarma and humus.
282
Date: 20 - 24 January 2014
WEINTRAUB TAKES IT ALL
Second leg of the three Men Futures played in Eilat. The entry list reflected
essentially the one of the tournament of the previous week, with the Israeli
Amir Weintraub, the Taiwanese Huang and the French Vaisse as most accredited
pretenders to the title. Disappointed by the painful elimina-tion in the second
round of the first appointment by the hands of Luca Vanni, Weintraub show-cased
his full potential, dominating all the opponents he met on his way. The only one
able to take him to the tiebreak (without been able to win) was the Croatian Mate
Delic in the semi-finals. In the final the Israeli found himself facing Vaisse, arriving
from nine consecutive victories. But the French player did not have any chance,
losing, in less than one hour of play, 6-1 6-0 to Weintraub.
Only a few hours earlier the Israeli paired with Huang had defeated the British
Willis and Burton in the Doubles’ final.
EILAT
283
Date: 27 January - 1 February 2014
UNSTOPPABLE WEINTRAUB
Third and final week of the $ 10.000 Futures circuit organised in
January by the Tennis Federation of Israel in Eilat, on the shores
of the Red Sea. The
climatic
conditions
of
this area make possible
to play outdoors even
during the winter months. Amir Weintraub repeats the success of the previ-ous
week winning the last leg of the circuit too, so as to bring at ten the number of
consecutive victories. Too big the gap between the N0. 2 of Israel and the other
players all over the 300th posi-tion in the world ranking. The only able to trouble
Weintraub throughout the tournament was Vaisse in the semi-finals. Vaisse won
the first set, only to provoke the furious reaction of Wein-traub who won the
second and third set leaving to the French player only two games.
British success in the Doubles for the couple Burton - Willis who defeated the
Italian Grassi and the Israeli Weintraub.
EILAT
284
VALE DO LOBO MAGNESIUM-OK
Date: 3 - 9 February 2014
Tournament director: Pedro Frazão
Supervisor: Marco Romao
ONE FOR GOLDING
The $ 10.000 Futures of Vale do Lobo takes place in
the first week of February and opens a series of three
consecutive ITF played in the Algarve region, in southern
Por-tugal. Vale do Lobo is a huge resort surrounded by
two golf courses and inhabited by wealthy Germans and
British pensioners who prefer the mild climate of South
Portugal to the long winters of northern Europe. On more
than one occasion in the past the resort hosted a leg of the
Champions Tour. Due to the rain the final, sched-uled for
Sunday, was postponed to Monday. To win was the British
Oliver Golding, seed No. 2 of the Junior World ranking in
2011, after the final at the US Open. After risking big in
the second round against former top 70 Frederico Gil, he
defeated in two sets the other finalist, the Russian Vovk.
The Spanish couple Arenas-Gualda and Perez Sanz won
the Doubles final played against the compatriots ArazzoMartinez and Pulgar-Garcia.
VALE DO LOBO
285
TENNIS & TOURISM
VALE DO LOBO, THE STAR OF ALGARVE
Algarve is by far the largest tourist region in Portugal. It has an enviable
climate, with mild winters, and possibility to chose between many different
outdoor activities. The holiday season has its peak from April to October.
The resort Vale do Lobo, located in Almancil, is probably the most famous
and better equipped. The tournament is played within the Vale do Lobo
Tennis Academy, a facility with fourteen outdoor tennis courts in cement.
For members and athletes use also a swimming pool, a gym, a wellness
centre with sauna and Turkish bath, a small tennis shop and a restaurant.
The admission is free for the whole duration of the tournament. The club
also offers to the players different types of accommodation, depending on their needs and budget, including a series of
"Abitaciones" with all facilities and a private pool. The Faro International Airport is about 15 km from Vale do Lobo and is
served by TAP, the Portuguese airline, and several low-cost carriers. It is connected to the different towns of the Algarve
region by a bus service. The Algarve cuisine is characterised by the use of many see products, especially seafood. To eat
we recommend the "Restaurante de Maria" by the sea and open all year round and a few kilometres from the club, in
Quarteira, the "Giajinto", which offers a great value for money. If after dinner you want to have some fun and maybe have
a spin on the dance floor the place to go is the "Blackjak".
286
ITF LOULE’ 2014
Date: 11 -16 February 2014
Tournament director: Luis Pedro
Supervisor: Marco Romao
Balls: Dunlop
VOVK’ S REVENGE
Second leg of the mini ITF circuit (three legs in total) organised by the Portuguese Federtennis in Algarve, the most
southern and touristic region of the Lusitanian Country. After the leg of Vale do Lobo and before the one played in
Faro, the one of Loulè, famous throughout Portugal for its Carnival, was
characterised by rain and humidity. The tournament is played on the
hard courts of a poly-functional munici-pal facility managed by the
Ténis Clube Loulé. With the programme running incredi-bly late due
to bad weather (the qualifiers had to be played in other neighbouring
cities) the supervisor had no other choice than to cancel the Doubles
tournament.
The Single was won by the Russian Stanislav Vovk, who defeated in the
final the Spanish Juan Samuel Arazzo-Martinez. His most difficult game
was the semi-final played against the English Golding, to whom the
previous week he lost the final of Vale do Lobo.
LOULE’
287
TENNIS & TOURISM
LOULE', AND THE CARNIVAL OF ALGARVE
With almost 60.000 inhabitants, Loulé is one of the most lively and
important cities of Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal.
The ITF Futures is played at the Club de Tenis Loulé, founded in
1981. The club is set in a public area dedicated to sports. In addition
to five hard tennis courts, including a Central court which can
accommodate around two hundred spectators, it has an Olympic
size swimming pool with a grandstand for almost a thousand
people and a mini football pitch. Under the grandstand there is a
gym and a small bistro. The admission is free for the whole duration
of the tournament. The official hotels are the "Loulé Jardim" and
"Dom Fernando", both located within walking distance from the
Club. The 3 stars hotels offer small but clean and cozy rooms. The
International Airport of Faro is about 15 km from Loulé. The airport is served by TAP, the Portuguese airline, and several
low-cost carriers. The airport is connected to the different towns of the Algarve region by a bus service. The Algarve
cuisine is characterised by the use of many see products, especially seafood and oily fish, caught near the coast. Very
good also the desserts: “Tocino do ceu”, “Dus de figo i amandula” and “Alfaroba”. The best restaurants of Loulé are the
"Dom Fernando", "O eucalyptus" and "Oliveira". The place to be after dinner is the Bafu, a place open till late at night with
live music and a dance floor.
288
Tournament director: Mohamed Elghazawy
Supervisor: Khaled El Sergany
Surface: Red clay outdoor
Balls: Wilson
NOVAK CONQUEROR OF EGYPT
Favourable weather conditions and a wide range of accommodation in the many resort are the elements that led to the
creation in 2013 of a series of Futures in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. In 2014 there were so many tournaments to cover almost
every week of the year. The aspect that the organisers will have to improve in the future is the quality of the courts.
However, for the specialist of clay who in the first months
of the year don’t want to face the trip to South America,
Sharm el Sheik is the only other option. The Single was
won by the Austrian Dennis Novak, repeating the success
obtained on the same court the previous week. The 21 year
old from Neustadt, who trains with the rising star Dominic
Thiem, defeated in the final the Spanish Marc Giner. The
Doubles tournament went to the Serbian Ciric and the Greek
Jacupotic who defeated in the final the Italians Bonario and
Mastrelia.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH
289
TENNIS & TOURISM
SHARM EL SHEIKH, TENNIS IN A HOLIDAY RESORT
Sharm el-Sheikh is an Egyptian city located in the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula and washed by the Red Sea. It
consists mainly of holiday resorts and hotels often with their own clubs and bars. The tournament takes place in Soho
Square, PO Box 169. The small tennis club, work is underway to expand it, has five outdoors clay courts, including one,
that has become the Central Court, with small removable tribunes placed at the two sides of the courts. The admission is
free for the whole duration of the event. The official hotel of the tournament is the Sierra Hotel, located in the same area
of its sister hotel, the Hotel Savoy. It has several swimming pools, a gym and a spa and hosts many tourists, the majority
Italians and Russians. It is a full board hotel but the restaurant offers a small variety of food and of poor quality too. The
beach is not far. A pleasant and short walk, around five minutes, through the shops of Soho Square, one of the most
exciting area of Sharm el-Sheikh, connects the hotel to the tennis club. The airport, served by many charter flights and
national companies stopping in Cairo or Istanbul, is just under ten minutes drive by taxi from Soho Square.
290
Date: 25 February - 2 March 2014
Balls: Wilson
PODLIPNIK-CASTILLO’S FIRST VICTORY
Almost all year round at the Soho Square Tennis Club of Sharm el-Sheikh
takes place, one week after the other, a series of Futures tournaments. In
this part of the Sinai peninsula, snatched to the desert thanks to a massive
infrastructure project, the cli-mate is ideal, with the sun shining even in
February when was played the seventh Futures of the series. Due to his
ranking and his skills on red clay the Chilean Podlipnik - Castillo was the
favourite of the tournament. His tennis was flawless until the final, when
he found on the other side of the net the German Moneke, good at exploiting an easy bottom half of the board after the withdrawal in the
quarterfinals of the Italian Brizzi. The much fought final, lasted over two
hours, ended in favour of
Podlipnik - Castillo.
The Colombian Rodriguez
and
the
Maamoun
Doubles
Egyptian
won
the
tourna-ment,
defeating in the final the
Brazilians
Blumenberg
and Guitarrani.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH
291
Date: 4 - 9 March 2014
Balls: Wilson
PODLIPNIK -CASTILLO
STRONGER THAN RAIN
The Sierra Hotel Egypt Futures is one of the many Men ITF
played, except in the hot-test months, throughout 2014 at
the Soho Square Tennis Club in Sharm el Sheik. The players
and their guests enjoy their staying in the resort, using
their spare time snor-kelling or visiting the archaeological
sites of the area. On Sunday a downpour of two hours,
an event quite unique at this latitude, made the court
inoperable, so much so that the final was postponed to
the next Tuesday. The title went to the Chilean Podlipnik
- Castillo, earning him his second consecutive victory in
Sharm el Sheik. His opponent in the final was the Italian
Travaglia, who fought with all his strength be-fore losing
6-4 the third and final set. The Romanian Gard and the
German Moneke won the Doubles, defeating the Swiss
Fiacan and the Finnish Sillampaa.
SHARM EL-SHEIKH
292
Date: 10 - 15 March 2014
Tournament director: Roberto Mazzarolo
Supervisor: Guido Pezzella
Balls: Dunlop
PAVLÁSEK, FIRST TITLE
AT THE FORTE
After the pilot experience of 2013, the Forte Village Resort
and the Italian Tennis Federation organised another
combined ITF circuit that took place between March and
November. For 20 weeks the more concrete hopes of the
international scene and players looking to re-launch their
tennis career competed with each other on the courts of
Santa Margherita di Pula. The most awaited players were
the Italians Naso, Bellotti, Trusendi and Caruso, to win,
however, was the 20 year old Czech Adam Pavlasek, at the
time No. 394 in the world ranking. Semi-finalist in 2012 as
a Junior at the Roland Garros and in Melbourne, Pavlasek
continued to grow throughout 2014, ending the year
among the top 250. At the Forte Village he won without
leaving even a single set to his opponents, defeating in
the final the Belgian Arthur De Greef with a double 6-3.
The Doubles tournament saw an all-Italian final: Baldi and
Trusendi defeated 13-11 in the tiebreak match Molina and
Sinicropi.
SANTA MARGHERITA DI PULA
293
TENNIS & TOURISM
FORTE VILLAGE, IN SARDINIA THE KINGDOM OF ITALIAN ITF
The Forte Village, one of the most beautiful and luxurious holiday resort of Europe, is situated in Santa Margherita di
Pula, a small town west of Cagliari, capital of the Italian region Sardinia. The resort has a dozen hotels, more than twenty
restaurants, swimming pools everywhere, a wonderful beach and everything else you would expect from a five stars
resort. In 2014 the resort was home to thirty-eight Combined ITF tournaments, for a total of nineteen weeks of tennis
(from March to November). The tennis courts are located at the entrance of the Forte Village, on the left side. There are
about fifteen tennis courts, the majority in clay but there are also some in natural and artificial grass. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the tournament. For their stay the players, depending on their needs, can choose between
the many hotels in the resort. There is a shuttle, fee required, that connects the resort to the airport of Cagliari. The
airport is about 40 minutes by car from the hotel and is well connected with all Italy. The over twenty restaurants offer a
great variety of food, all of outstanding quality thanks to award winning chef ready to satisfy any desire.
294
Date: 17 - 22 March 2014
Balls: Dunlop
CECCHINATO AS PREDICTED
Second leg of a series of combined ITF tournaments taking
place up to mid Novem-ber at the Forte Village Santa
Margherita di Pula, a resort surrounded by 147 acres of
green, with over a million plants and 15.000 trees. The top
board was dominated by the Italian Cecchinato, while the
bottom board by the Dutch Schoorel, both play-ers among
the top 200 of the world. Due to a muscular contraction
Schoorel left the tournament at the quarterfinals, losing
the match to Marrai, while Cecchinato, ex-cept for the
match against the Sicilian Caruso where in the third set he
found himself behind of two points, had a quite easy ride.
Cristian Brandi’ s student played a great semi-final against the Spanish Carballes-Baena, then in the final defeated the
Austri-an Novak in a match balanced only in the first set.
Spanish success in the Doubles: Carballes-Baena and Vega Hernandez won the Ital-ians Baldi – Licciardi in two straight
sets.
295
COPA MOTOROLA BY MOTO X
Date: 17 - 23 March 2014
Tournament director: Sergio Herrera
Supervisor: Pablo Del Gobbo
Balls: Head ATP
CHILEAN EN PLEIN
In mid-March Santiago hosts a combined ITF with $ 10.000
in prize money both for the Men and Women tournament.
The ITF is played on the courts of the Club Provi-dencia,
which takes its name from the district where was built
in the seventies. All eyes were on Gonzalo Lama who,
along with Christian Garin, is the best hope of the Chilean
tennis in search of the heirs of Marcelo Rios and Fernando
Gonzalez. Lama, winner in 2014 also of the Challenger
of Cali, has stood up well to the pressure of being the
favourite, leaving no chance to those who cross his way.
He was able to reach victory without losing a single set,
defeating in the final his compatriot Jarry (to whom he left
only three games in the whole match).
Final all Chilean for the Doubles: Jorge Aguilar and Sergio
Nunez beat Victor Nunez and Ricardo Urzue-Rivera.
296
TENNIS & TOURISM
SANTIAGO, AT THE FOOT OF THE ANDES
Capital of Chile, Santiago is located on a plateau about 600 metres above sea level at the foot of the Andes (on the east
side) and the Coastal Mountains (on the west side). Santiago has a tube service with five lines and an efficient over
ground public transport service with bus and tram. The tournament is played in the Club Providencia, one of the most
exclusive of the city, close to the main streets of Santiago, Avenida Bilbao and Los Leones y Tobalaba. The facility has nine
tennis courts, a spa, an Olympic size heated swimming pool, a club house and two rooms for events and ceremonies.
The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Nogales", less than 3 km from the
Club Providencia and within walking distance from the tourist streets of Santiago. The rooms are spacious, at least 20 m
square, and elegantly furnished. Inside the hotel there is a restaurant and several conference rooms. Available to players
and staff a shuttle service between the hotel and the club. The tournament venue is easily accessible by subway, taxis
or bicycles, thanks to the very good cycling paths of Santiago. Commodore Benitez International Airport is about 30 km
from the hotel. Near the hotel there are plenty of restaurants and bars, many of them within the "Costanegra Center" a
skyscraper of 300 metres, the largest shopping centre in the city. One of the most chic and frequented restaurant is the
"Restaurante Liguria". We also recommend "El Giratorio", with a breathtaking view over the city.
SANTIAGO
297
Date: 24 - 29 March 2014
Balls: Dunlop
ONE MORE FOR CECCHINATO
Third week of combined Futures played at
the Forte Village Santa Margherita di Pula
that from March to November hosted nearly
forty tournaments (between Men and
Women), each with $ 10.000 in prize money.
The entry list of the Men's Single was of
good standard, with eight players included
in the top 380 in the world. Number one
favourite, and champion of the tournament
concluded on these same courts a week
earlier, was Marco Cecchinato. He struggled
only in his first match against Filippo Baldi,
the new name along with Gianluigi Quinzi
of Italian tennis, only player able to take
away a set from him. After that Cecchinato reached the final, played against the Spanish Carballes – Baena, pretty easily,
defeating Donati, Py and Brizzi. The final was a replica of the semi-final played the previous week, with the Sicilian as only
protagonist of the match.
The Doubles’ final was all Italian, with Baldi and Caruso easily beating Borgo and Speronello.
298
Date: 31 March - 4 April 2014
Supervisor: Pier Luigi Grana
Balls: Dunlop
GALOVIC MARATHON
Fourth consecutive appointment with the $ 10.000 ITF Futures circuit played at the Forte Village in Santa Margherita
di Pula. Due to the start of the European season of outdoor Challenger on clay the entry list was less competitive than
those of the previous weeks. Moreover, already completed the board, the seed No. 1 Carballes Baena announced his
withdrawal from the tournament. To win was the Croatian (although he has been living in Italy for many years now) Viktor
Galovic, good at exploiting, after defeating Stefano Travaglia in the second round, a favourable board. The match against
Travaglia was, maybe, the most exciting match of the
tournament, ended after more than three hours of battle.
In the final Galovic met another Italian, Brizzi, in a game
just as vibrant and fought as the one just mentioned.
The Spanish Pla Malfeito and Vega Hernandez won
the Doubles tournament, defeating in the final at the
tiebreak match the Italians Fago and Mazzella.
299
Date: 7 -13 April 2014
Tournament director: Saad Saleh Al
Mohannadi
Supervisor: Ashraf Hamouda
Balls: Dunlop Fort
UNEXSPECTED BOSSEL
In April in Doha, in the same facility that houses a WTA Premier event and an ATP 250, takes place a mini circuit of Men
Futures organised by the Qatar Tennis Federation. The aim is to give to the young hopes of Qatar the opportunity to
play with international players and to meet with Qatar’s referees. Without any doubt the high standard quality of the
organisation makes this the best ITF tournament. The favourites, in terms of ranking and results obtained on hard courts,
were the Belgian Mertens and the British Golding. Surprisingly to win, however, was the Swiss Bossel. In the semi-final
Bossel was able to cancel a match point to the English Liam Broady, while in the final he easily defeated Golding, winner
of the previous week Futures.
The Taiwanese Chen and the South African Roelofse won the Doubles’ title, defeat-ing in the final the French Benneteau
and the British Bambridge.
300
TENNIS & TOURISM
DOHA, THE BIG TREE
One of the major business cities of the world, Doha (meaning big tree in Arabic) is the capital and the most important
city of Qatar, Arabic Country overlooking the Persian Gulf. The three ITF Futures Qatar 2014 are played in the Khalifa
International Tennis Complex, the same facility that houses the ATP and WTA tournaments. It is a cutting-edge facility with
twenty-six hard tennis courts, including a nine thousand seats Central and other two show-courts. Inside there are also
some restaurants and fast-foods (four in total). The entrance to the club is free for the entire duration of the tournament.
The official hotel is the five-stars "Marriott Courtyard". All the rooms are soundproofed, have a minimum size of thirty
metres square and are equipped with queen size beds and satellite TV. For the use of its guest also a SPA, six restaurants,
a huge shopping centre with over one hundred and fifty shops and a swimming pool with solarium. For players and staff
there is a shuttle bus to and from the Khalifa Complex, located at about 1 km from the hotel. The airport is ten minutes
from the centre and is easily accessible
by taxi. Doha is certainly not economic,
but you can be sure to get your money’s
worth. For lovers of Mediterranean
cuisine we recommend "Cucina", one
of the restaurants inside the Marriott
hotel: both the ingredients and the
chefs are 100% Italian. Alternatively
there is "Ipanema", typical Brazilian
churrascaria. For a drink or a beer we
suggest "Champions", an American bar
with over fifty screens to watch all the
major sporting events in the calendar.
DOHA
301
Date: 7 - 12 April 2014
Balls: Dunlop
EN PLEIN TRAVAGLIA
Tennis at the Forte Village never stops and so the fifth tournament of a series of
$ 10.000 combined Futures took place
during Easter week too. As happened seven days earlier with Carballes Baena, Alberto Brizzi announced his withdrawal
from the tournament only after the board was announced, with the consequent promotion of the Argentine Galdon
among the top seeded players. Main protagonist of the tournament was Stefano Travaglia, who here took the first title
of what will prove to be his best season yet as a pro. Later on he will win the tournament of the pre-qualifying at the
1000 Masters of the Foro Italico in Rome, gaining access
to the main draw by beating two top 100 as Rola and
Montanes. The 22 year old from Ascoli, after eliminating
Samper-Montana in the semi-final, defeated in two
straight sets the other Spanish Roca Batalla. The day
before with Borgo he beat Roca Batalla and Vega
Hernandez, winning the Doubles’ trophy too.
302
Date: 14 -19 April 2014
Tournament director: Saad Saleh Al Mohannadi
Supervisor: Ashraf Hamouda
Balls: Dunlop Fort
VAN DER DUIM’S
TRIUMPH
Third and last consecutive $ 10.000 Men ITF played at the Khalifa International Ten-nis & Squash Complex in Doha.
Favourites of the tournament were the English Gold-ing and the Swiss Bossel, winners respectively of the first and second
leg of this mini circuit. The draw has put them, however, both in the bottom board and the two faced each other in the
semi-final. A back problem, which already presented itself during the warm up, forced the British tennis player to live the
match after just two games. In the final Bossel faced as favoured the Dutch Van der Duim. After winning at the tie-break
the first set, the Swiss was not able to keep up with Van der Duim, who won in come back.
The Taiwanese Chen Ti and the South-African Ruan Roelofse repeated the success of the previous week, defeating in the
final the British Oliver Golding and Joshua Ward Hibbert.
DOHA
303
Date: 14 - 18 April 2014
Balls: Dunlop
DONATI’S REVEANGE
Sixth consecutive week of the $ 10.000 combined ITF circuit played at the Forte Village in Santa Margherita di Pula.
With the premature defeats of Samper - Montana and Stefano Travaglia, the protagonists of the Singles have been two
young talents, the 18 year-old French Tatlot, junior semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2014, and the 19 year old Italian Matteo
Donati. Tatlot (conational of Tsonga) on his way to the final defeated the compatriot Lokoli and the Italians Oradini and
Bortolotti, while Donati had to go through two not easy matches against Sinicropi and Marcora. The two finalists had
already met in 2013 at the Roland Garros Junior. In 2013 the match ended in favour of Tatlot, but this time Donati was
able to win with two straight sets in what was a very balanced final, earning what will prove to be the only Futures victory
of 2014. Doubles’final all Italian: the title went to the couple Bortolotti - Napolitano who defeated Molina and Sinicropi.
304
Date: 22 - 27 April 2014
Supervisor: Maria Teresa Barbarano
Balls: Dunlop
MARCORA
THE MARATHONETA
The circuit of $ 10.000 Combined ITF continues at the Forte Village Resort in Santa Margherita di Pula, in southern Sardinia.
The Futures played in the last week of April is the seventh leg of the series. Prediction fully respected with Roberto
Marcora, seed No. 1, winning the Single tournament. But the success
did not come easily to the 25 year-old tennis player from Lombardia,
arriving to play the third set in all the five matches disputed. In the
second round match, played against the Austrian Diarra, Uros Vico’s
student even found himself, in more than one occasion, two points
away from defeat. His final opponent was Riccardo Sinicropi, friend
and partner in many Doubles tournament. Uncertain until the end
the Doubles’ final between Alcazar Ivorra - Oliveira and the Italians
Ianni and Frigerio, ended, after cancelling some match points, at the
tiebreak match with the score of 11-9 in favour to the Spanish team.
305
FUTURE NATAL INTERNACIONAL
Date: 28 April - 3 May 2014
Tournament director: Aristides Barcellos
Supervisor: Alejandro Roldan
Balls: Tretorn
GARIN ON RIOS’
FOOTSTEPS
At the end of April beginning of May the Aeroclube do Rio Grande do Norte in Na-tal, on the northeast coast of Brazil,
hosts a $ 10.000 Men Futures. Over 20 years ago on these same courts played Guga Kuerten, future No. 1 of the world. The
entry list of the 2014 edition had several interesting young players. The most promising of all was the Chilean Christian
Garin, seed No. 2 of the board at the young age of 17
(he would turn 18 on May 30). The Chilean Federation is
investing a lot on Garin, who in 2013 won the title at the
Roland Garros Junior, beating both Coric and Zver-ev.
Garin did not disappoint the expectations, managing to
win two very complicat-ed matches: the semi-final against
Leo Kirche and the final against another Brazilian, Thales
Turini. The Doubles title went to the Brazilians Kirche and
Maynard.
306
TENNIS & TOURISM
NATAL AND ITS CHARMING BEACHES
With approximately 900 thousand inhabitants Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a state in the northern quadrant
of Brazil. In Natal there are three of the seven wonders of the Rio Grande North: the Fortaleza dos Reis Magos, the
Frasqueirao and the Morro do Careca. Very famous are the Ponta Negra and Dos Artistas beaches. Every year thousands
of people arrive in Natal for the International Fair of Crafts. The tournament is played at the Aeroclube do Rio Grande do
Norte, a multi-sports club founded in 1928. It has eight clay courts, two of which are covered, a swimming pool, a beach
tennis court and a club house. The entrance is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the
modern and comfortable "Villa Park Hotel". All the room have free Wi-Fi, LED TV and mini bar. Only a few kilometres away
there is the international airport of Natal. The easiest way to reach the city centre from the airport is by taxi (50 reais-16
euro). From the hotel you can reach the Club with a fifteen minute walk or for just 8 reais by taxi. Natal, and in general
the northern part of Brazil, are known for the quality of the meat and fish. This our selection of the best restaurants
and churrascarie: "Restaurant O Camaroes", "Fogo e Chama" and "Ristorante Pinga Fogo". For a drink after dinner we
recommend the "Seis em ponto" and the "Bavaria".
NATAL
307
VARONIL BERIMBAU 2014
Date: 5 - 11 May 2014
Tournament director: David Jasso Nava
Supervisor: Carlos Proano
Balls: Head ATP
“KING” OF MEXICO CITY
Between April and May the Federacion Mexicana
de Tenis organises a Men Futures circuit, played
on concrete, which takes place in five different
locations across the country. The third of these
appointments is played in the capital Mexico City,
at the Club Deportivo Be-Rimbau. The favourite was
Nicolas Meister but during his second round match
against South African O'Brein he injured his thigh
and was forced to withdraw. The victory went to another American: Kevin King, who found in Mexico City a perfect week,
winning the tournament without losing a set. In the final King defeated the Guatemalan Diaz - Figueroa, bringing to ten
the number of consecutive victories started the previous week with the Futures of Cordoba, second leg of the Mexican
circuit.
King, paired with South African O'Brein, also won the Doubles tournament, beating in the final the Puerto Rican Llompart
and the Argentine Martinez.
308
TENNIS & TOURISM
CITY OF MEXICO, ANCIENT CAPITAL
Located at nearly 2,500 metres above sea level and with about 10 million inhabitants, arriving at nearly 25 with the urban
agglomeration, Mexico City is the Capital of the largest state in Central America. The Future ITF Men takes place at the
Club Berimbau, founded in 1977. It has sixteen hard tennis courts, swimming pools, reception halls, a gym, a sports hall
for gymnastics and judo and even a theatre. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. Located
in Tlalnepantla, part of the urban sprawl of Mexico City, the "Maria Barbara" is the official hotel of the tournament. All
rooms are soundproofed, with king size beds and
free Wi-Fi. Near the hotel there are two shopping
centres: "El Mundo" and "Plaza Satelite". For players
and staff there is a shuttle service from the hotel to
Berimbau and vice versa. The International Airport of
Mexico City, one of the main hub of Latin America, is
two hours away. The taxi costs about $ 30. Near both
hotels there are several dining options: from fast
foods to international restaurants, such as Italian,
Japanese and Brazilian. Mexican specialties are tacos
and nachos, of course, hot and spicy. Another typical
dish is the Quesadilla, a "tortilla" of flour or corn with cheese (the typical Mexican cheese soft as Queso Blanco), beef,
chicken, pork, and more; characteristic of all Mexican dishes is the use of chilli. The typical Mexican drink is Tequila,
derived from the Agave plant.
MEXICO CITY
309
VARONIL DE MORELIA 2014
Date: 12 - 18 May 2014
Tournament director: Daniel Gutierrez
Supervisor: Carlos Proano
Balls: Head ATP
EN PLEIN FOR
REYES-VARELA
The fourth and penultimate leg of the Mexican Men Futures on hard courts takes place in Morelia, in central Mexico. As
for the week before in Mexico City, this tour-nament is played at high altitude, over 1500 metres above sea level. The
Futures is played at the Tres Marias Golf Club - located in the homonymous district - with a central court that can hold
almost 1000 fans. The Singles’ trophy went to Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela, the first Mexican player to win a leg of the
circuit, helped by a bit of good luck. In the semi-final
he was losing a set to Carlos Salamanca when the
Colombian was forced to leave the match due to an
injury. Reyes-Varela then fully legitimised his victory
in the final, clearly defeating another Colombian,
Eduardo Struvay. For Reyes-Varela, returning to the
circuit after a nasty accident, the one of Morelia will
be the last trophy of 2014.
Mexican success in the Doubles too: Reyes-Varela
and Rami-rez defeated in the final the Peruvians
Echazu and Panta.
310
TENNIS & TOURISM
MORELIA, THE CITY IN COLONIAL STYLE
In Morelia, the capital of the state of Mechoacan, within the Mexican federation, currently live about 700 thousand
inhabitants. The city lies on a plateau at almost two thousand metres. The ITF Future is played in the Tres Marias Golf
Club, a very nice facility located in the village. Inside there are ten hard tennis courts (including a Central with about six
hundred seats), a fully equipped gym, a room for ballet, an outdoor area for spinning, an equestrian centre and a very large
swimming pool. Obviously it could not miss an eighteen holes golf course, along which there are holiday residences and
several bars and restaurants. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. In a colonial style building,
the official hotel is the "Mansion Real Morelia". It is located in the city centre, a short walk from the Cathedral, perhaps the
most famous monument of the city. A shuttle service is available to players and staff from the hotel to the club and vice
versa. Morelia has an airport, but only operates domestic flights, and a bus terminal. A non-stop bus service connects
Morelia to Mexico City in about three hours. Inside the Tres Marias Golf Club are some restaurants serving local food. Very
nice is the "carnitas" cake, specialty of central Mexico. Morelia is not a big city, so the bars and cafeterias located in the
suburbs close early. The night-clubs are all concentrated in the city centre.
MORELIA
311
Date: 13 - 18 May 2014
Supervisor: Pasquale Pantaleo
Balls: Dunlop
ONE MORE FOR MARCORA
While in Rome is played the Internazionali di Italia, at the Forte Village Santa
Margherita di Pula takes place the 10th leg of a series of combined ITF. The
Belgian Martens and the Italians Naso, Marcora, Trevisan and Vanni were
among the most awaited players of the Singles tournament. Martens, however,
leaves at the second round by the hands of the young Pietro Licciardi. As the
tournament progresses the number of foreign players decreases, so as the end
only "intruder" left in the game is the Brazilian Pedro Sakamoto, clearly defeated
in the semi-final by Marcora. The other finalist is Gianluca Naso, who won in
comeback against the Tuscan Luca Vanni. Marcora triumphs in two sets, adding another success to the one obtained
few weeks earlier in the 6th leg of the circuit. The Doubles final was all “made in Italy” with a clear victory of Naso and
Giaccone on Frigerio and Trevisan.
312
VARONIL DE OBREGON 2014
Date: 19 - 25 May 2014
Tournament director: Raul Montes
Balls: Head ATP
NOVIKOV SURPRISES ALL
The fifth and final leg of the mini ITF Men’s circuit organised by the
Tennis Federation of Mexico was played on the hard courts of the Club
Campestre de Ciudad, Obregon. Unlike the others, this tournament
was played at sea level, being Obregon a city in the State of Sonora
overlooking the Gulf of California. The victory went to an outsider:
Dennis Novikov, 20 year-old born in Moscow but raised in the States,
where he moved as a child with his family. Specialist of fast surfaces, for
now Dennis plays only in the American continent. In the final he faced
another American, Daniel Nguyen. It was a fought and balanced match,
with Novikov able to regain a set of disadvantage ending the game,
after more than two hours of real battle, at the third set with the score
of 7-5.
To win the Doubles tournament were the Puerto Rican Llompart and
the Argentine Martinez. In the final they defeated in two straight sets the Brazilian De Paula and the Canadian Krainik.
OBREGON CITY
313
TENNIS & TOURISM
OBREGON AND THE LAGUNA NAINARI
County seat of Cajeme, Obregon City is the second most important city of Sonora, the northern state of the Mexican
federation. Originally the city was called Cajeme, changing to its current name when was liberated by the Mexican
revolutionary Alvaro Obregon. Here still live several indigenous Yaqui, known for their temperament and their proverbial
pride of being the heirs of a nation of warriors. There are several tourist attractions: the lagoon Nainari, the Ostimuri fun
park, the Yaqui Museum, the Golf Club and the beaches "Del Sol", "Hivulai" (on the homonymous island) and "Cochorit".
The tournament Future ITF is played at the Club Campestre de Obregon City. The Club, founded over 60 years ago, has
six hard tennis courts, a function room, a bike path, a fitness centre and a hotel. There is free entry for the whole duration
of the tournament. Located in the city centre, at about 8 km from the Club, the official hotel is the four-stars "Hotel Valle
Grande". All its rooms are fully soundproofed and have king size bed, Wi-Fi and cable TV. To reach the Club Campestre you
will have to get a taxi (about $ 5). The international airport of Obregon City, which operates mainly flights to the capital
Mexico City, is about 30 km away. The cost of the taxi from the hotel to the airport and vice-versa is more or less $ 30. In
the city centre you can find several restaurants with international cuisine, Japanese, Mexican, Italian and Brazilian, and
bars for a drink after dinner.
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TROFEO MARCHI GIORGIO
Date: 26 May -1 June 2014
Tournament director: Giovanni Pacchioni
Supervisor: Riccardo Ragazzini
Balls: Dunlop
VANNI SUPERSTAR
Due to the fact that during that week the only other options for the specialists
of clay are the Roland Garros and the Challenger of Vicenza and thanks to
the hospitality offered to the players, the ITF of Cesena has always had an
entry list of all respect. The tournament is played at the Tennis Club located
inside the Hippodrome, in an area surrounded by green. The Men's Singles
was won by the Tuscan Luca Vanni, elected in 2014 "Mister Futures", thanks
to the seven titles won in the circuit that year, positioning him a step away
from the top 150 in the world. After the many physical problems that have
characterised his career, the 29 year-old with an explosive service has finally
found a continuity in his performance. In the final he defeated the American
Mitchell Krueger, only player capable of taking a set away from him.
The day before Vanni, paired with Trusendi, won the final of the Doubles
tournament played against Giorgini and Volante.
CESENA
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TENNIS & TOURISM
CESENA, CITY OF MALATESTA
With a population of about 100.000 inhabitants, Cesena is an Italian Commune of the Emilia Romagna region and co-chief
of the Province of Forlì-Cesena. The ITF Future is played at the Hippodrome, a club within the “Parco dello Sport”, a large
area housing also the Palasport and the Athletics stadium. The club has six clay courts (two of which indoors) and other
two indoors in concrete, an outdoor Olympic swimming pool with adjoining water park, a green area with barbecue
facilities, a gym, a clubhouse, a room with billiards and a room to play cards. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Best Western Cesena", about 3 km from the club. Players and staff have access
to a shuttle from the hotel to the club and vice versa. Cesena has a good public transportation service, with two lines
stopping very close to the Hippodrome. The nearest airport is the Federico Fellini of Rimini (but operates a few flights),
while the one of Bologna, about 90 km from Cesena, serves several domestic and international destinations. As for the
whole Romagna, food symbol of Cesena is the “Piadina” (thin flat bread). In the city there are about fifty kiosks selling
“piadina” , delicious stuffed with cheese, sausage and vegetables. Another specialty are the “tagliatelle al ragù” (eggs
pasta with meat sauce) and “Strozzapreti” with wild pig sauce. To eat we recommend "Il Portico", open every day until late
at night. Good alternatives are "Le Scuderie" in the Hippodrome or the "Rugantino", a typical trattoria of Romagna. After
dinner the young people of Cesena meet at the "Chiosco", a trendy bar in Viale Carducci.
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MOSCOW OPEN 2014
Date: 26 May - 1 June 2014
Tournament director: Natalia Kamelzon
Supervisor: Sergei Dubrov
RUBLEV, THE CHOSEN ONE
In 1994 on the banks of the Volga river, in
Moscow, was born the Belokammenaya Tennis
School. Today, after 20 years, is one of the best
preparation centres of the Russian capital for
those who want to play as professionals. In
late May the Academy, conducted by Vladimir
Kamelzon, guru of the Muscovites coaches,
hosts a combined ITF with a $15.000 Men's
tournament. The Russians Kravchuk and
Karatsev together with the Dutch Westerhof
were considered the favourites to win.
However, of the three players, the only one to
get closer to the final was Westerhof, stopped
in the semi-final by the 17 year old Andrey Rublev (who a week after will win the Junior Roland Garros). In an all Russian
final Rublev clearly defeated Stanislas Vovk, bringing home the Singles’ trophy.
The day before, though, was Vovk, together with the Belarusian Gerasimov, to lift the trophy of the Doubles, earned after
a very fought game against Rublev and Matsukevich and resolved only in the tiebreak match (10-8).
MOSCOW
317
used for the tournament, where are trained the best
hopes of Russian tennis. Inside there are also a bar and a
restaurant. The admission is free for the entire duration of
the tournament. The official hotel is the ''Ismaylovo Beta",
about thirty minutes drive from the Club. It is a three-star
hotel with about twenty floors. The rooms and the service
are pretty basic. There is a shuttle bus for players and
referees from the hotel to the club and vice versa. Moscow
has a first-class public transport network. Its metro has
about one hundred stations and a dozen lines. In addition
there is a large tram network that interfaces with the bus
lines. The main airports in Moscow are Domodedovo
and Šeremetievo. Typical of Russian cuisine are soups,
excellent when seasoned with the spices usually founded
on the tables of restaurants. There are also many beef and
fish dishes. The best places to dine, in our opinion, are:
"Restaurant Noyan Tun", "Khachapuri", "Brix II", "Turandot"
and "Cafe Pushkin".
TENNIS & TOURISM
MOSCOW, RUSSIA BIG HEART
With over 12 million inhabitants (arriving to 16 with
the metropolitan area) Moscow is the capital and main
economic-financial centre of the Russian Federation.
The Red Square, the St. Basil's Cathedral, the Cathedral
of Christ the Saviour, the Kremlin palace and its walls
are bustling every day with crowds of tourists. The ITF
Combined takes place within the Belokamennaya Tennis
School, a facility with six clay courts, five of which are
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OPEN CANOTTIERI MINCIO CITTA’
DI MANTOVA TROFEO INVIO
Date: 30 June - 5 July 2014
Tournament director: Marco Prandi
Balls: Head ATP
VANNI’S SEVENTH SYMPHONY
The Men Futures played in early summer at the
club Canottieri Mantova is one of the classic
appointments of the ITF’ s international calendar.
At the starting line several players who usually
play in the Challenger’s circuit: the French
Teixeira, the Italians Vanni, Naso and Vagnozzi
and the Spanish Samper Montana. Confirming
him-self one of the best players of the moment, Luca Vanni triumphed in the Singles, following the Austrian-Italian
Riccardo Bellotti in the Canottieri’s Roll of Honour. Vanni arrived in Mantua with already six ITF titles under his belt (all won
in 2014). His con-tinuity of performance projected him, in the second half
of the season, among the top 200 in the world. He played an exemplary
tournament, founding himself in danger only in the semi-final, when he
was forced to the third set by
Vagnozzi. Vanni then won the final against the Slovak Klec with a double
64. Brazilian victory in the Doubles: Dutra Silva and Sakamoto defeated in
the tiebreak match the Dominicans Garcia and Hernandez.
MANTUA
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TENNIS & TOURISM
MANTUA, VIRGILIO’S CITY
Lying on a bank of the river Mincio, a tributary of the Po, not far from the border with Emilia Romagna (south) and
Veneto (east), Mantua is a chief-town of Lombardy. It has a population of about 50 thousand inhabitants. Mantua is the
birthplace of Virgilio, the Roman poet author of the Aeneid. The ITF Future is played on the courts of the Rowing Club
Mincio, a sports club with a long history (it was founded in 1883) located near Porta Mulina. It has seven tennis clay
courts (four of which indoors), two in greenset and one in synthetic grass. It also owns a gym and a cafeteria-restaurant
with a panoramic view over the Mincio river. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official
hotel is "La Favorita", strategically located between the highway and the centre of Mantua, a few minutes away from the
Canottieri Mincio. The hotel is cosy and elegant, and all its “city style” rooms are equipped with pay TV, air conditioning
and free Wi-Fi. Inside there is a restaurant with an excellent wine cellar. Players and staff can use a shuttle bus to and
from the club. At about 40 km, the nearest airport is the Catullo of Verona Villafranca, while the train station is only 2 km
from the club. The traditional cuisine of Mantova is linked to the one of the farmers, though, very rich and varied. We
recommend, although not so cheap, the restaurant "Il Cigno", the "Occhino Bianca" and the "Osteria della Fragoletta".
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4° MEMORIAL ROSSINI TROFEO BPER
Date: 7 - 11 July 2014
Tournament director: Gianprimo Nicolini
Supervisor: Massimo Morelli
Balls: Wilson Tour Clay Court Germany
FRATANGELO TAKES IT ALL
In the heart of the Italian summer takes place the Memorial Rossini of Sassuolo,
a well established Futures and one of the most preferred ITF tournament by
players. As tradition wants during the week of the tournament it was organised
the usual
football
match, the gala dinner
and the inevitable visit
to the nearby Museum
of Fer-rari. The entry list
of the Singles was led by Marcora and Brizzi, but to win was
the American Bjorn Fratangelo. In 2011 the 21 year old from
Pittsburgh, trained by his dad Mario, won the Roland Garros
Junior, but since then has been struggling to emerge in the
world of pro. After risking big in the first round against Basso,
Fra-tangelo in the final defeated Alberto Brizzi, who was forced to leave the game at the second set due to a muscle
injury.
The day before Fratangelo and the Brazilian Dutra Silva defeated the Italians Leonardi and Pancaldi, so as to win the
Doubles Tournament.
SASSUOLO
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TENNIS & TOURISM
SASSUOLO, CAPITAL OF CERAMICS
The most important industrial centre of Emilia-Romagna, Sassuolo is chief-town of the district of ceramics. It is located
16 km from Modena and counts about 40.000 inhabitants. The tournament is played at the Sporting Club Sassuolo. The
Club has eight outdoors courts (five of which are in red clay, one in cement and two in synthetic grass), four courts in
bolltex covered by a fixed laminated structure and four courts (two in clay and two in synthetic grass) with pressure static
structures closed during the winter. To complete the centre: a lounge bar, a pizzeria, a restaurant, two football pitches
and two for mini football, two beach courts, gyms, areas dedicated to spinning, aerobics, yoga, a Turkish bath and two
swimming pools. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Michelangelo",
a modern hotel with free parking. All rooms have air TV, satellite channels and PAY TV. Available to players and referees
a shuttle service from and to the Sporting Club. The nearest airport is the Bologna Marconi, 65 km away from the club.
Open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday, the restaurant of the Sporting Club serves very good food. Excellent
are the "gnocco" and the "tigelle" both local specialties. For a drink after dinner we recommend the "Charlie's Café" and
the "Joker Pub".
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KAZAN OPEN 1
Date: 4 - 9 August 2014
Supervisor: Sandor Arvay
IMPRESSIVE SAFIULLIN
In mid August at the Kazan Tennis Akademy, a modern and functional facility, takes place a mini circuit of two ITF Men. In
2013 the Akademy hosted the Universiade’ s tournament and every year is theatre of an event of the Challenger’s circuit.
Over 80% of the players in the main draw were Russian, therefore was easy to predict the victory of a home player. To win
was Roman Safiullin, who turned 17 during that week, considered by many as the new Safin. In May of 2014 Roman won
the Bonfiglio, a junior tournament with the same prestige of the Slam. In
Kazan the young player has really impressed everyone, losing only one set
in the final against compat-riot Richard Muzaev, five years older.
Andrei Levine and Anton Zaitcev triumphed in the Doubles, beating in an
all Russian final Safiullin and Bublik.
KAZAN
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KAZAN OPEN 1
Date: 11 -16 August 2014
BALUDA TAKES IT ALL
Second tournament of the ITF Men played at the Kazan Tennis
Akademy. This time, however, on concrete and not on clay as the
previous week - thing quite rare in the circuit - on the same courts
that in June host an ITF Women and until 2013 an ATP Challenger.
In March the Akademy is also theatre, but on indoor courts, of the
Kremlin Cup Challenger. Once again the victory went to a home
player, Victor Baluda, who one week later, in the wake of the success
obtained in Kazan, will win the Futures of Moscow. The 22 year
old Muscovite risked a lot in the quarter-final against compatriot
Polyakov, being at first behind of a set and then two points from
defeat in the third set. In the final, however, he dominated the
Israeli Goldengoren.
Paired with Karlovskiy, Baluda also won the Doubles, defeating in
an all Russian final Saveliev and Vaks.
KAZAN
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TROFEO GRUPPO MAZZINI
Date: 18 -23 August 2014
Tournament director: Fabio Morra
AGAIN BRKIC
Arrived to its eighth edition, the ITF Futures of Este is played, as tradition wants, in the third week of August on the tennis
courts of the TC Este. The entry list featured several players who regularly play in the Challenger circuit as the Spanish
Gerard Granollers, the Monegasque Benjamin Balleret and the Italians Lorenzo Giustino and Gianluca Naso, who then
was forced to withdraw due to an injury. The Singles’ trophy, however,
went to the Bosnian Tomislav Brkic, arrived at Este strong of the
success obtained in the Futures of Appiano played the week before.
A victory well deserved, having clearly defeated Granollers, then the
Sicilian Caruso, the other Spanish Munoz-De La Nava and in the semifinals Walter Trusendi. In the bottom board Francesco Picco played
very well until the end but then Brkic broke his dream of winning the
first ITF of his career.
A partial consolation, however, for Picco who together with Trusendi
triumphed in the Doubles, defeating the couple Gil - Justin.
ESTE
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TENNIS & TOURISM
ESTE, THE CITY OF FLOWERS
Located in the province of Padua, the town of Este has approximately 17,000 inhabitants. Every year it is home to "Este
in bloom", an event that celebrates the return of spring. During that period the whole city is decorated with plants and
flowers of all kinds. The tournament takes place at the "Tennis Club Este". The club has two outdoors clay courts and three
indoors clay courts, used for training and in case of bad weather. In the large garden in front of the tennis courts there is
a small swimming pool, while the bar and the restaurant are located at the entrance of the club. The admission is free for
the whole duration of the tournamentt. There are three partner hotels: the "Hotel Centrale", located in the main square
of Este, the "Villa Altura" and the "Hotel Villa Beatrice”. They are all three-star hotels. There is a shuttle service between the
club and the hotels and to and from the nearby railway station of Monselice, about ten minutes drive from the Tennis
Club Este (accessible by the A13 motorway Bologna-Padova, exit at Monselice). You can get to Este with the regional road
10 (from Mantua) or the SS16 (from Padua). Within the Este Tennis Club is a restaurant where you can enjoy local specialty
as well as grilled meat. The most popular restaurant in the centre of Este is "Le Strie". Close by there is also the "Enoteca
Castello", a pub with a very good selection of wines.
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COPA INDER MEDELLÍN
Tournament director: Juan Guillermo Ruiz
Supervisor: Carlos Arturo Diaz
Balls: Wilson Championships
AREVALO’S GREAT WEEK
In the second-half of August, Medellin, located at almost 1,500 metres
above sea level, is home of a $ 15.000 ITF Men tournament. It is played
at the LAT, the Ligua Antiqueña de Tenis, a club where are trained the
best young promises of Colombian tennis. The favourites were the
home players Nicolas Barrientos and Carlos Salamanca, the French
Gianni Mina and the Brazilian Fabiano De Paula. Surprisingly, however,
to win in the Single was the representative of El Salvador, Marcelo Arevalo, good at exploiting a easy Draw, due to the
premature defeats of the most awaited pro-tagonists. In the final Arevalo defeated in two sets the Colombian Spir, thus
winning his first Fu-tures trophy of 2014.
A fantastic week for Arevalo, who with the Mexican Ramirez conquered the Doubles too, beating in the final the Argentine
Mena and the American Gard.
MEDELLIN
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TENNIS & TOURISM
MEDELLIN, TENNIS AT HIGH ALTITUDE
Capital of the department of Antioquia,
Medellin is located at almost 1500
metres above sea level. With over 2
million inhabitants it is the second most
populous and economically important
city of Colombia. Until eighty years ago
the main source of income of Medellin
was the production and trade of coffee.
Today, however, it has several industries:
mechanical, steel, glass and ceramics
and, the most important one, textiles.
The plateau on which stands Medellin
is protected on one side by the Western
Cordillera and on the other side from the East Cordillera, thus enjoying a mild climate throughout the year, to the point
to be called "the city of eternal spring". Thanks to the textile manufactory, it is the fashion capital of Colombia, with a
constant coming and going of designers, buyers and businessmen. The ITF Men's tournament is played on the courts
of the Liga Antioquena de Tenis de Campo. It is
an extremely large facility, with ten outdoors clay
tennis courts surrounded by a football pitch, an
athletics track, swimming pools, a baseball field
and many other areas dedicated to all kinds of
sports. The admission is free for the entire duration
of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Tryp"
situated just 300 metres from the Club and thus
easily reachable on foot. The club and the official
hotel are within walking distance. The airport "Jose
Maria Cordova" is about 40 km from the venue of the tournament and can be reached by taxi at a cost of about $ 30, or
by public transportation with only $ 10.
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OPEN CLUB EL RODEO 2014
Tournament director: Hector A. Monroy
Supervisor: Carlos Arturo Diaz
Balls: Head ATP
HERNANDES CONQUESTS MEDELLIN
At the end of August, while waiting for the ATP Challenger that takes place in early September, Medellin hosted the
second consecutive ITF tournament. Same surface but different venue. This time the tournament took place at the Club
El Rodeo. The favourite, the Argentine Marco Trungel-liti, was stopped in the semi-finals by Marcelo Arevalo, the tennis
player from El Salvador, who won a few days before the ITF played at the Ligua Antiqueña de Tenis. The trail of victories
of the 24-year old native of Sonsonate and brother of Rafael (playing in the Futures circuit too) ended at number nine,
with the defeat in two sets in the
final by Jose Hernandes (Dominican
Republic).
Hard fought and balanced the
Doubles’ final. Against the odds,
to win were the Brazilian De Paula
and the Chilean Jarry, defeating
the number one seed couple of the
Draw, the South African O'Brien and
the Colombian Spir.
MEDELLIN
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ECU F5
Date: 1 - 6 September 2014
Tournament director: Juan Carlos Osorio
Supervisor: Jimi Cardona
Balls: Wilson
ECUADORIAN POKER
FOR ESCOBAR
In the first week of September takes place the Futures of
Quito, yet another tournament played at a high altitude.
The almost 3000 metres above sea level favoured locals
players, more accus-tomed to the rarefied air. And,
indeed, to win, respecting the odds, was the Ecuadorian
Gonzalo Escobar, strong of three ITF titles won in 2014 in
his homeland. Escobar had an exemplary week in Quito,
eliminating in the order the Argentines Lobartolo and Iriarte, then the Chilean Rivera-Aranguiz and the American Smith
without losing a set. Up to the final the left-handed Escobar left to his opponents only 17 games, which become 20 after
the 61 62 of the final against the Peruvian Echazu.
The day before Echazu, paired with the Chilean Rivera-Aranguiz, won the Doubles tournament, beating the pair
Makiguchi-Zeballos.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
QUITO, AT THE FOOT OF THE ANDES
Ecuador's capital, Quito is located on a plateau at almost 2,800 metres above sea level, in the west part of the Andes.
After La Paz is the highest capital in the world. In Quito there are many museums. We suggest to visit the Banco Central,
with a considerable archaeological exposition that explains the succession of all the different civilizations in the area and
the brand new Casa del Alabado-Columbian Art Museum. The ITF Futures Combined took place at the Quito Tenis y Golf
Club, one of the most exclusive country clubs throughout Ecuador. The Club counts seven themed restaurants, a twentyseven holes golf course, a gym, a football pitch, three swimming pools, six squash courts, an equestrian centre and
twenty clay tennis courts. Free entry for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the five-stars "Hilton
Colon Hotel". With all the comforts a wealthy client could desire, it is located 15 km from the club. The organization
provides a shuttle service between the hotel and the Club and vice versa. Quito Airport is 40 kilometres from the venue.
The typical ingredients of Ecuadorian cuisine are rice, plantains, shrimp (and fish in general) and yucca (a root). For a drink
after dinner and a bit of fun we recommend the "Plaza Foch", where you can find plenty of places where to dance at the
rhythm of Latin American music and many karaoke.
QUITO
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ECU F6
Date: 8 -13 September 2014
Balls: Wilson
LAPENTTI PROPHET IN HIS HOMELAND
In September the Tennis Club Ibarra hosts a leg
of the mini Ecuadorian circuit of ITF Men's Futures. The town lies at almost 2500 metres above
sea level, so all the players who are not accustomed to play at such high altitude the first
few days struggled to get used to the rarefied
air, with obvious repercussion on their game. It
goes without saying that local and Colombians
players were advantaged. The favourites of
the tournament in terms of ranking were the
Argentines Andres Molteni and Marco Trungelliti, but to win was Giovanni Lapentti, brother of Nicolas, a former top 10
and the best Ecuadorian tennis player ever. Well deserved success (the only one in 2014) for Lapentti, who first defeated
Molteni in semi-final, then Trungelliti in the final.
Partial consolation for the Argentine in the Doubles, where with the Peruvian Galdos thrioumphed on the American King
and the Colombian Spir.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
IBARRA, THE CITY FOUNDED TWICE
At the foot of the volcano Imbabura, San Miguel de Ibarra, Ecuador, is the capital of the province that share its name with
the volcano. It has almost 120 thousand inhabitants and is located 70 kilometres north east of the capital Quito. Founded
at 2400 metres of altitude in the 17th century, the city was destroyed by an earthquake on August 16, 1868. Four years
later he was re-founded, becoming the youngest city in Ecuador. The ITF Men Futures is played at the Ibarra Tenis Club.
Most important sport club of the whole northern Ecuador, the facility, located in the little town El Jardin, has eight tennis
courts in red clay, billiards and table tennis room, a small theatre and a hall for conferences and events. The entry is free
for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the four-stars ''Hostaria El Prado". It offers to its guests a
tennis court, a small football pitch, three swimming pools, and a spa with Jacuzzi, sauna, massage room and a solarium.
At about three hours by car, the nearest airport is the one of Quito. The easiest way to reach it is by taxi, at a cost of about
$ 100. The hotel is located 5 km from the Club (only $ 1.5 by taxi). Players and staff have a free shuttle service between
the hotel and the club and a pickup service at the airport. We recommend three restaurants where you can eat well at
reasonable prices: "La Botica Café", "Caribou Ibarra", and "The Estelita".
IBARRA
333
Date: 27 October - 1 November 2014
Tournament director: Anders Borg
Supervisor: Barbro Raabe
MARIE LORD OF OSLO
The Norwegian Tennis Open is formed by two ITF Combined
tournaments, held in the Swedish cap-ital between the
end of October and the first week of November. Both ITF
are played on the twelfth hard courts of the Oslo Tennis
Arena, within which is also housed the headquarters
of the Norwegian Tennis Federation. Unlike the other
Scandinavian countries, Norway never had a player in the
top 100 yet. Both the media and the Federtennis seems
to have great hopes for the 15 year old Casper Ruud,
who still plays mostly in the Junior category. The Single
tournament of the first week was won by the French Jules
Marie, number one of the seeding, who defeated pretty
easily the Belgian Yannick Martens.
The Swedish Rosenholm and the British Walsh won the
Doubles, defeating in a hard-fought final the Croatians
twins Ivan and Matj Sabanov.
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fish soup. For a fish based dinner we suggest one of the
many restaurants of Aker Brygge, the new harbor district,
overlooking the fjord. Plenty of places where to enjoy a
drink after dinner.
TENNIS & TOURISM
OSLO, QUEEN OF THE FIORDS
Oslo (called Kristiania until 1921) is the capital of
the Kingdom of Norway. It has about 600 thousand
inhabitants and spreads on the northernmost part of a
fjord in the basin of the Skagerrak. Modern and functional,
Oslo is currently the most expensive capital of Europe. The
Oslo Tennis Arena hosts two consecutive ITF Combined.
In addition to the offices of the Norwegian Federtennis,
it houses a gym, a conference room, a restaurant and
eleven indoors hard tennis courts. The daily ticket costs
100 Norwegian Kroner. With 700 Kroner, however, you can
purchase a ticket valid for both weeks of the mini tour. The
official hotel is the four-stars "Clarion Royal Christiana". It
is located in the city centre, a short walk from Oslo Central
Station. All the rooms have king size beds, cable TV, Wi-Fi,
air conditioning and mini bar. Due to some infrastructural
works to the railways, it is particularly awkward to access
the Arena by car, therefore the organizers provided a free
travel card to all players for their entire stay in Oslo. The
metro station Asle is 100 m from the Oslo Tennis Arena.
The airport is connected to the capital by a high-speed
train departing every ten minutes. The cost of the ticket is
about € 25. The specialties of the Norwegian cuisine are the
“fårikål” (lamb with cabbage), “lapskaus” (pork stew with
potatoes and vegetables), meatballs, steamed salmon and
OSLO
335
Date: 3 - 8 November 2014
OBRY LORD
OF OSLO
The men tournaments of the Norwegian Tennis Open 2014
have been conquered by French
players. After the success in
the first week of Jules Marie, the second Futures played on the
indoor courts of the Oslo Tennis Arena was won by Julien Obry.
Junior No. 5 in 2009, the 23 year old of Corbie is struggling to
emerge as a pro, with a ranking that so far has not be able to
go past the No. 267. His pretty petit physique by the standard
of modern tennis
and luck of power
are most probably the main reasons of Julien difficulties to succeed as a pro.
After risking big in the second round against the Swedish Renard (he found
himself down of a set and 2-5 in the second), Obry le-gitimized his success
defeating in the final the Belgian bomber De Loore.
The Croatians twins Sabanov, finalists the previous week, won the Doubles,
defeating in the final the Dutch Arends and the British Walsh.
OSLO
336
Tournament director: Antonis Kalaitzakis
Supervisor: Dimitris Saratzidis
SAFIULLIN
THE CHOSEN ONE
For five weeks between October and November the island
of Crete, Greece, is home to a circuit of five $ 10.000 ITF
Combined. The tournaments are played in a resort 20
km from Heraklion Airport, in the town of Hersonissos.
All eyes were on the 17 year old Roman Safiullin, Junior
No. 2 in 2014 and winner of the Trofeo Bonfiglio. The
Muscovite has considerable physical means and good
fun-damentals, although is still raw in the movements. The
Russian champion reached the final with-out losing even a
single set, taking advantage of a easy draw. His opponent
for the title was the Serbian Bjelica, 13 years older than
him. Safiullin won in three sets, taking home his third
Futures of the season.
The Greek Jakupovic and the Russian Kalovelonis won the
Doubles, defeating in two tie-break the Belgian Gille and
the French Musialek.
HERAKLION
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TENNIS & TOURISM
HERAKLION, WHERE THE SEA SPARKLES
Heraklion is a town of about 150,000 people located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. Thanks to its natural, historical and
archaeological wealth is one of the top holiday destinations. It is the fifth largest city of Greece and, as the rest of the
nation, over the years has been under different rulers. Thanks to the famous port of Knossos, the city was made capital
under Turkish domination, while later on became an important Venetian fortress. Within the hotel "Lyttos Beach", the
Hellenic Zeus is a small Tennis Club. What is striking about this club is the location: just a few metres from the beach.
While you watch the games you can indeed hear the sound of the sea. The club has about thirteen hard courts (they have
been redone recently. Before there was a synthetic surface). The admission is free. Especially at the weekend the guests
of the hotel stop to watch the games. Obviously the official hotel is the "Lyttos Beach" and being the tennis club inside
the hotel, there is no need for any kind of transportation. You just have to get out of the hall, walk down to the sea and
there you are. The main airport (serving only domestic flights) is the Heraklion N. Kazantzakis Airport. As all the cuisines
of the Mediterranean, Greek cuisine is rich in vegetables, legumes and fruits. Great also the use of cheese, especially goat
cheese, famous is the Greek Feta. Inside the hotel there is a restaurant (buffet) where you can find just about anything.
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Tournament director: Antonis Kalaitzakis
AND AGAIN ... SAFIULLIN
Last of the five Futures combined that take place between
October and November at the Hellenic Zeus Pro Circuit of Crete, a
Greek island that offers pleasant temperatures even in November.
The tournament is played on the tennis courts of the Lytton
Beach Hotel, a resort in a very charming position. The entry list of
the tournament is pretty much the same of that of the previous
leg, with the French Musialek and the Serbian Milosevic as top
seeded. But, as the previous week, to win was Roman Safiullin. A
little over 17 year of age the boy from Moscow closes 2014 with
four titles Futures under his belt. After risking at the second round against the Greek Jacupovic, Safiullin was forced to
play a third set in a hard-fought final against the Serbian Bejtulahi.
Serbian victory, however, in the Doubles tournament: Petrovic and Vucic defeated in two sets the Greek Jakupovic and
the Russian Kalovelonis.
HERAKLION
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PRIMER TORNEO INTERNACIONAL
VARONIL FUTURE HUATULCO
Tournament director: Francisco Javier
Gaitan Estrada
Balls: Head ATP
VELOTTI ENDS THE YEAR
WITH A BANG
In November the resort of Las Brisas, a true paradise on heart
on the Pacific coast of Mexico, a few hundred kilometres
south of Acapulco, hosted for the first time an ITF Men (with
a prize mon-ey of $ 15.000). The tournament is played on
the hard courts of the hotel. The Single final was dis-puted
by the two top seeded players: the Argentine Agustin
Velotti and the representative of Bar-bados Islands Darian
King. Curiously, both players arrived at the decisive match without leaving even a single set to their opponents. To win,
albeit only 7-5 at the decisive set, the most experi-enced Velotti, so as to earn his second Futures of 2014.
The Guatemalan Diaz-Figueroa and the Mexican Patino won the Doubles tournament, defeating 10-6 at the tie-break
match the Venezuelan Souto and the Argentine Velotti.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
HUATULCO AND ITS NINE BAYS
Huatulco is a Mexican town of about 50,000 inhabitants, moulded predominantly around tourism. Famous are its nine
bays with crystal clear sea, crowded every year by thousands of tourists. Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca, and
is situated at the meeting point between the mountains of the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Pacific Ocean, 500 km south
of Acapulco. The ITF tournament is played on the outdoors hard courts of the Las Brisas Hotel, where are also staying
the tennis players. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Las Brisas
Huatulco", within a huge holiday resort, where, with an all-inclusive tariff, the many tourists can enjoy all kind of food,
drinks and entertainment. Being the hotel just a few metres away from the club there is no need for a shuttle service. At
about 15 km the nearest airport is the "Bahias de Huatulco", which you can reach it with a taxi at a cost of 150MXN.
HUATULCO
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Date: 18-23 November 2014
Tournament director: Demitris Herodotou
Balls: Babolat Team
LOKOLI’S FIRST VICTORY
In the second and third week of November takes place in
Cyprus a mini circuit of three $ 10.000 ITF Men tournaments,
played on outdoor hard courts. Thanks to the always mild
weather in Cyprus it is possible to play outside all year
round. The second and third legs are played in Larnaca,
at the Herodotou Academy. To win was the 20 year old
French Laurent Lokoli that, not having registered in time,
had to face the qualifiers. Lokoli had few troubles only in
the quarter-final, against the Italian Crepaldi, when he had
to catch up a set of disadvantage. In the final, however, he
easily de-feated Chrysochos, product of the local academy and great Cypriot hope. In Larnaca Lokoli won his first title of
2014.
British victory in the Doubles tournament, with the pair Clayton - Gabb defeating, against all the odds, the Italians
Bortolotti and Crepaldi.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
LARNACA, IN THE WARMTH OF CYPRUS
Located in the south of the Country, Larnaca is the third most important city of Cyprus. A city that undoubtedly lives
during the summer, when the beautiful beaches and the hotels are filled with young people and tourists. The tournament
takes place at the Herodotou Tennis Academy, with five outdoors hard courts, all next to each other. The club also has a
couple of mini-tennis courts and a clubhouse with a cafeteria, a gym, locker rooms and several areas for relaxation. The
admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the excellent four-stars "E-Hotel", located
100 metres from the sea and at less than a five minute drive from the club. The only negative aspect of the hotel is that
there are not places close by where to go in the evening and to reach the city centre you need to get a car (10/15 minute
drive). Inside there is a restaurant, a gym, and a spa with pool. The tournament provides a good service of transportation
between the Club and the hotel, as well as to the nearby airport and the city centre (for a fee). Larnaca International
Airport is a five minute drive from the venue (the fence of the runaway borders with the academy). Larnaca is connected
with several daily flights to major European cities. For lunch there is a buffet at the club. In the evening, if you do not
want to take a taxi to go downtown, the only option is the restaurant of the hotel, where a buffet much more varied and
extensive than that of the Club will give you the chance to enjoy the delights of international cuisine.
LARNACA
343
Tournament director: Demitris Herodotou
Balls: Babolat Team
CHRYSOCHOS PROPHET IN HIS OWN HOMELAND
In the last week of November takes place the last leg of the mini circuit of
three $ 10.000 ITF Men tournaments of Cyprus. As the previous leg it was
disputed on the tennis courts of the Herodotou Tennis Academy, which
counts nearly 400 students in addition to train the best young tennis
players of this small Mediterranean state, with the hope to find a new
Baghdatis. Actually in Larnaca there was a Baghdatis, Petros, older brother
of Marcos, busy in the Doubles. To win the Single tournament was the
18 year-old Chrysochos, best student of the Academy and finalist of the
previous leg, so as to earn his second Futures of the season. In the final, the
young Cypriot beat the Italian Crepaldi, with an incredible comeback: he
lost the first set and found himself with four games in disadvantage in the
second set, saving several match points.
Irish success in the Doubles’ Draw, with Barry - O'Hare sharply defeating
the Italians Crepaldi and Bortolotti.
LARNACA
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ITF PARQUE DEL ESTE
Date: 15 - 20 December 2014
Tournament director: Sergio Tobal
Balls: Wilson
THE CYCLONE RUBLEV IN SANTO DOMINGO
Taking advantage of the favourable weather conditions,
between the end of November and the beginning of
December, the Tennis Federation of the Dominican
Republic organised a mini circuit of four weeks of ITF Men
tournaments. The last leg, with a prize money of $ 15.000,
took place in the capital Santo Domingo, at the Tenis
Parque del Este Centre. The entry list featured several
players included in the top 400 in the world. There was
great anticipation to see the Russian An-drey Rublev, the
seventeen year old Junior world champion and winner
of the 2014 Roland Garros. The young Muscovite did not
disappoint, earning in Santo Domingo his third Futures
of the year. In the final Rublev defeated in two sets the American Mitchell Kruger, three years older than him, so as to
reach his best ranking, No. 450 in the world.
Paired with the other US player, Bangoura, Kruger the day before had won the Doubles tourna-ment, beating in a hardfought final the Bulgarian Lazov and the Peruvian Echavu.
SANTO DOMINGO
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TENNIS & TOURISM
THE PEACEFULL SANTO DOMINGO
With its almost 3 million inhabitants, Santo Domingo is the Capital of the Dominican Republic. Overlooking the Caribbean
Sea, it is located at the mouth of the Ozama River. It is the oldest European settlement and was the first Spanish colony.
The ITF Women's tournament is played at the Tenis Parque del Este, a sport centre of the Dominican Federation with
thirteen courts in Plexipave, including a Central which can accommodate up to 3,700 people. Multiple services within
the centre. The admission is free throughout the tournament. The official hotel is the "Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto
Santo Domingo". It is a small three stars hotel, comfortable, nicely decorated and with an excellent location, perfect for a
business trip and work commitments. The nearest airport is the Internacional De Las Americas. It is at just one km from
the official hotel and about a fifteen minute drive from the Club.
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CHI FUTURES 12
Balls: Head
PODLIPNIK-CASTILLO RULES
The last professional tournament of the year played
on clay was the Futures of Santiago de Chile, which
took place at the end of December on the courts
of the Club Palestino. Enticed by the fact that the
organization ensured hospitality to players in
the main draw, many were the top 300 players
present in the entry list. Many Chileans, including
the expert Hans Podlipnik-Castillo and the young
hopes Gonzalo Lama and Christian Garin, at the
starting line. To win, both Single and Doubles, was
Podlipnik-Castillo. After risking big in the semi-finals against the French Hamou, Podlipnik-Castillo dominated in the final
the Austrian Linzer, ending the year in the best way possi-ble. In 2014 he won nine Futures between Egypt, Germany and
Chile, thus ending the season at No. 179, his best ranking ever. As said, the day before together with compatriot Peralta,
he won the Doubles, defeating in the final the couple Behar-Lama.
SANTIAGO
347
TENNIS & TOURISM
SANTIAGO, THE MIRROR OF CHILE
Capital and largest city of Chile, Santiago is located on a plateau about 600 metres above sea level, flanked by the
main chain of the Andes to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. The Men Futures is played at the end
of December in the Club Palestino, one of the oldest of Santiago. The Club has fourteen tennis courts, a swimming
pool, a restaurant, a football pitch, an ice rink and an open field for basketball and volleyball and a room for events and
ceremonies. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Novotel", located in
Vitacura district, the most elegant and best-connected of the city. It faces the Amerigo Vespucci Gardens and is very close
to the convention centres Casa Piedra and Espacio Riesco and at 6 km from the Club Palestino. Inside there is a restaurant
and several conference rooms. Available to players and staff a non-stop shuttle service between the hotel and the Club.
The tournament venue is easily accessible by subway, taxis or bicycles, thanks to the excellent network of cycle paths. The
Commodore Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport is a fifteen minute drive from the hotel. The restaurant inside
the club prepares different Arabic specialties. Many restaurants and cafes are within the "Costanegra Center" a skyscraper
of 300 m, the largest shopping centre in the city. Among the most chic and frequented the "Restaurante Riviera", with a
trendy atmosphere. Another very impressive place is "El Giratorio", with a breathtaking view over the city.
348
ITF Women
In 2014 Crionet was present in fifty-nine Women events of the ITF circuit, providing
hundreds and hundreds of hours of live-streaming from all around the word on its
website (www.youtennis.net).
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Tournament director: Otavio Antonio Della
Supervisor: Roberto Brown da Veiga
Balls: Tretorn
VOGT IN GREAT FORM
For some years now the Confederação Brasileira de Tênis
is trying to help the development of Futures tournaments
in Brazil, creating a mini ITF circuit to allow the best young
Carioca players to collect their first points in the world of
pro tennis. Thus was born the Circuito Feminino Future
de Tenis. In 2014 the first of the seven Brazilian legs was
played in February at the Clube Athletico Paulistano of
São Paulo and had a prize money of $25.000. To win was
the representative of Leichtenstein Stephanie Vogt, who
then at the end of the month reached her best ranking yet,
number 137. The 24 year old from Vaduz, coached by the
highly regarded coach Nick Carr, who in the past followed
Kraijcek, Verkerk and Karlovic, easily defeated in the final
the Russian Melnikova.
More balanced, however, the Doubles final, which saw
Garcia-Vidagany and Pfizenmaier winning 10-8 in the
tiebreak match against Duque-Marino and Goncalves.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
SAO PAULO, THE BEGINNING OF A LONG TENNIS SEASON
It 's hard to talk about São Paulo without mentioning its size: it is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest
in the Southern Hemisphere. It has an area of 1530 square kilometres and counts 11 million inhabitants. São Paulo,
however, is not alone in this sea of people. The metropolitan area of São Paulo includes in addition to the metropolis
other thirty-eight municipalities. As in all large cities the population density is very high. Altogether there are 20 million
people, many from various parts of Brazil and the world. The tournament is played at the Club Athletico Paulistano, one
of the oldest of the city. The club boasts thirteen tennis courts -eleven in clay, four of which are used for the tournament,
and two in concrete- a small football pitch, swimming pools,
restaurants, and many other facilities. The admission is free for
the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the
''Ibis Budget Sao Paulo Jardins". A budget hotel with 399 rooms,
all with air conditioning and flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy
free Wi-Fi and an abundant and diverse breakfast buffet. The
reception is open 24-hour and so it is the convenience store.
There is also a business centre and a parking lot for the guests.
The hotel is 5 km from the city centre, 10 from the airport and
just a couple of kilometres from the club. The city has about
12,500 restaurants of 52 different nationalities, so to eat would
surely not be a problem.
SAO PAULO
351
SGE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
Date: 24 February /2 March 2014
Tournament director: Andrea Taragni
Surface: Red clay indoor
Balls: Head ATP
UNEXSPECTED ANASTASIA
The first Women ITF of the season is held in February in Beinasco, a town
on the outskirts of Turin. The $ 25.000 tournament is played on the three
indoor clay courts of the local Tennis Club. Very interesting is the entry
list: Ons Jabeur, Eva Birmerova, Alberta Brianti plus four others top 200.
The winner, though, was a tennis player not included among the seeded
ones: the naturalized Italian Anastasia Grymalska. The 23 year-old from
Kiev eliminated one after the other Corinna Dentoni, the number 2 seed
Birmerova, the Czech Renata Voracova and in the semi-finals the Hungarian
Jani. Against all the odds Grymalska managed to defeat in the final the
most quoted Vasylyeva in just two sets.
Italian victory in the Doubles thanks to the couple Gatto Monticone Clerico who beat at the end of a hard-fought final, the British couple Rae
and Smith.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
BEINASCO, IN THE SHADOW OF TURIN
Beinasco is a large municipality (18,100 people) in the province of Turin in the Italian region Piedmont. The association
of sports amateurs of Beinasco (USD) with its five clay courts, three of which indoors to allow the game all year round,
attracts lots of tennis lovers. It also owns a gym, a swimming pool, a restaurant and a cafeteria. The club has a very warm,
almost family like, atmosphere and offers to its guests and members a simple but very tasty cuisine, so as to be often
the chosen location for many events. In 2014 for the players party the management organised a show with renowned
illusionist Marco Berry and offered a rich buffet in the halls of the Interporto Hotel. The admission was free for the whole
duration of the event. The Hotel "Interporto Rivalta" of Turin is the official hotel of the tournament. It is a modern and
avant-garde hotel with a friendly atmosphere and a prime location, close to the city centre. To reach Turin Train Station
or Caselle airport you can use public transport or take a taxi. There is a shuttle bus service from the hotel to the club. The
cuisine of Beinasco is as the one typical of whole the Piedmont region. Plenty of places to go for dinner: the "Marilyn
Caffe", "Rosso di Sera”, "Il Gusto" and "L’Angolo Partenopeo", famous for its pizza.
BEINASCO
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CIRCUITO FEMININO DE TENIS 2014
Date: 3-9 March 2014
Supervisor: Roberto Browne Da Veiga
Balls: Tretorn
BEGU CONFIRMS THE
PREDICTION
The Sociedade Hipica de Campinas, one of the oldest and most
prestigious sports clubs in the city, hosts on its clay courts a $25.000
Women ITF tournament. The event is part of the Futures Brazilian
circuit, created to help promising young Carioca players to get the
first useful points for the world ranking. The winner of the tournament
was Irina Begu, number 38 in the world in 2011. The 24-year old
Romanian, number one of the board, found herself in danger only in
the second round against the Serbian Jorovic, when she had to catch
up a set of disadvantage. In the final she defeated Alexandra Panova,
remaining in control of the game from start to finish.
Panova, however, was able to console herself in the Doubles
tournament. Together with the Ukrainian Kichenok she easily
defeated the French Thorpe and the representative of Leichtenstein
Vogt , so as to win the decisive match.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
CAMPINAS AND HIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
With over one million inhabitants Campinas, located 96 km northwest of the capital, is the third most populous city in the
state of São Paulo and the fourteenth of Brazil. It has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 22°. The entire region
reaches a total population of around 29 million, practically the 75% of the State of São Paulo. The metropolitan area of
Campinas together with the one of São Paulo make the largest metropolitan area in Latin America. Campinas is full of
parks, museums and theatres, with a cultural life second only to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The Municipal Symphony
Orchestra, founded in 1974, is perhaps the most important of Brazil. The tournament is played at the Sociedade Hipica de
Campinas, a club among the oldest and most prestigious of the city. It has seventeen clay tennis courts, three restaurants,
football pitches, outdoor areas equipped for volleyball and basketball, a beach volleyball court and a horse riding centre.
The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the ''Ibis Campinas ". The rooms are
modern and comfortable, with queen size beds, air conditioning, satellite TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel bar is open 24 hours
a day. The hotel is located in the city centre, with a taxi rank very close by. To reach the club will cost you about 27 Real.
Viracopos Airport is 15 km away and is easily reached by motorway.
CAMPINAS
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Date: 11 - 16 March 2014
Balls: Dunlop
KENNEL’S FIRST VICTORY
OF THE YEAR
Once again, after the pilot experience of 2013, in 2014 the Forte
Village Resort and the Italian Tennis Federation organised a
combined ITF circuit that for 20 weeks, between March and
December, brought to Santa Margherita di Pula the most promising
players of the international scene and all those looking to improve
their ranking. The resort, a few kilometres from Cagliari, is one of
the most exclusive of Sardinia.
The first leg of this circuit was won by the 19 year-old Swiss Karin
Kennel, number 10 in the world at the junior level in 2013. The
Swiss played flawlessly all week, managing to win the tournament
without losing a single set. In the final Kennel left only 3 games to
the 15 year old Italian Tatiana Pieri, who, starting from the qualifying
games, was able to surprise everybody.
Italian victory in the Doubles tournament, thanks to Caregaro and Floris who manage to defeat the number one seeded
couple Grajdek - Zec Peskiric.
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Date: 10 - 16 March 2014
Supervisor: Luiz Parada
Balls: Tretorn
BEGU TAKES ALL
After the second round held in Campinas, The Circuito
Feminino Future de Tenis returns to São Paulo. The $25.000
tournament is played at the Clube Hebraica, a sports club
founded in São Paulo in 1953 by a group of Jews sportsmen.
Since the 80s is the biggest Jewish club in the world. Irina
Begu, strong of her victory in Campinas and number one
seed due to her ranking, was the tennis player to beat.
She lived up to predictions getting her tenth consecutive
victory. After reaching the final without losing even a set,
Begu faced the Russian Alexandra Panova. The match was
hard-fought, ending only in the third set, after two hours
and forty-five minutes of battle.
The day before the two finalists won the Doubles
tournament, defeating 11-9 in the tiebreak match the
Bolivian Alvarez-Teran of and the Argentine Irigoyen.
SAO PAULO
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TENNIS & TOURISM
SÃO PAULO, THE CAPITAL OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN TENNIS
Along with Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, as well as the seat
of main industries and multinationals companies. The tournament is played at
the Clube Hebraica, founded by a group of Jewish sportsmen in 1953, with the
aim to create a recreational facility specifically thought for all the inhabitants
of São Paulo of Jewish origin, ensuring the respect of the Jewish traditions in
sports. Since the eighties it became the largest Jewish sports club in the world.
It has ten tennis courts, eight in clay and two in concrete. The admission is free
for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Ibis", a very large property with 399 rooms, all equipped
with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Inside there is also a small supermarket open 24 hours. It has a strategic
location, close to the many convention centres of São Paulo. The Clube Hebraica is just over 9 km from the hotel. There
is a shuttle service for players and staff. Congonhas Airport is about ten minutes from the venue of the tournament, but
operates mainly flights to and from other cities in Brazil and some Latin American destinations. Guarulhos (GRU) is the
main international airport of São Paulo. From the “Ibis” hotel (30 km away) it takes about forty minutes drive but be aware,
due to the chaotic traffic it can take over a hour.
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Date: 18 - 23 March 2014
Balls: Dunlop
SLOVENIAN QUEEN
Second week at the Forte Village of Santa Margherita di
Pula of a series of combined ITF that will continue until
the beginning of December. Nestled in the green (147
acres, with a multitude of plants and over 15 thousand
trees), the resort offers to its guests a Go Karting circuit,
a bowling alley, 11 swimming pools, a golf course, a
basketball and volleyball court and 12 tennis courts.
The tournament ended in the best possible way with
seed number 1 and number 2 playing against each
other. The victory went to the Slovenian Masa Zec
Peskiric, who was able to defeat the Ukraine Sofiya Kovalets, star of the San Marino Tennis Academy directed by Giorgio
Galimberti. Zec Peskiric won in 2 sets, with a double 6-4.
The Colombian Lizarazo and the Australian Nancarrow triumphed in the Doubles, defeating in the final Alice Matteucci
and Despina Papamichail.
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COPA ALTO TENIS
Date: 17 - 23 March 2014
Supervisor: Pablo del Gobbo
Balls: Head ATP
GABRIELA CÉ QUEEN
OF SANTIAGO
In mid-March Santiago de Chile hosts a $10.000 Women's ITF tournament. It is played at
about 600 metres above sea level on the courts of the Club Providencia, which takes its
name from the district in which was built in the seventies. Today the club has 9 tennis
courts (7 clay and 2 hard), a restaurant, a conference and events room, a swimming pool
and a bowling alley. There was a great anticipation for the 22 years old from Santiago,
Fernanda Brito. Her journey though ended in the final, at the hands of the left-handed
Brazilian Gabriela Cé, who won the match in 2 sets.
More than good, however, Brito’s week who, together with the other Chilean Camila
Silva, won the title in the Doubles tournament. The two Chileans fought till the end
against the Argentines Sofia Blanco and Nadia Podoroska, closing the match 10-7
thanks a victory in the decisive tiebreak.
SANTIAGO
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Date: 24 - 30 March 2014
Supervisor: Luis Parada
Balls: Tretorn
BOSIO’S FIRST TIME
The Women ITF of Rebeirao Preto is part of the “Circuito Feminino de Tenis” organised by the Brazilian Federtennis to allow
Brazilian tennis players starting to play as pro to gain the first points for the world ranking. The tournament is played at the
Country Club, a modern sports club with 14 tennis courts, 2 football pitches, a swimming pool and a restaurant. A week
to remember for the 19 year-old Argentine
Victoria Bosio, who in Ribeirao Preto took her
first Futures title. Her opponent in the final
was the Brazilian Gabriela Cé. After a brilliant
start, Bosio had to fight a bit harder against
the Carioca tennis player who in the second
set was able to keep up with her for 5 games,
before giving in.
In a Doubles final all "made in Brazil" the 2 top
seeds Alves and Duarte beaten Eduarda Piai
and Gabriela Cé 11-9 in the tiebreak match.
RIBEIRAO PRETO
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TENNIS & TOURISM
RIBEIRAO PRETO, EVERGREEN CITY
With nearly 700 thousand inhabitants, Ribeirão Preto is one of the largest cities of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The
weather is warm all year round with an average temperature of over 23°. The city has large green areas such as the “Parco
Maurilio Biagi” and the “Zoological Jardim Municipal”. The ITF tournament is played at the Tennis Country Club, a facility
with fourteen clay courts, two football pitches, a gym room, an outdoor pool, an area for volleyball and basketball, a
restaurant and a clubhouse. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Flat
Bassano Vaccarini Residence", located in the most chic area of the city, close to the best shops and restaurants. The hotel
has an indoor pool and a panoramic terrace. The rooms are mini apartments, all with Wi-Fi, cable TV and air conditioning.
Leite Lopes Airport is only 7 km from Ribeirão Preto and even closer to the Country Club. A taxi from the airport to the
hotel costs about 75 Real and 35 Real to reach the clubhouse. The best place to go for a drink is "Bar Pinguim", the most
popular bar of the city and one of its touristic attractions. It is located at the side of the "Teatro Pedro II" and is furnished
with a style that recalls the thirties, when the city was considered one of the beer’s capitals of the world. To eat we
recommend the "Churrascaria Coxilha dos Pampa" (meat specialties) and the "Bar do Epicurista".
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Date: 25 - 30 March 2014
Balls: Dunlop
ALICE’S VICTORY
The first Italian victory arrived at the Forte Village of
Santa Margherita di Pula during the third week of the
tournament, thanks to Alice Balducci, who on the same
courts in September 2013 won a Futures. The 28-year
old player, native of the Marche region, is a veteran of
the ITF circuit and, in spite winning all her titles on clay,
she prefers to play on concrete, surface that allows her to
better control the ball. Balducci managed to reach the final,
played against the French Estelle Cascino, 10 years younger
than her, without losing a single set. Although Cascino,
after winning the second set, seemed to be in control of
the game, the mach ended 6-3 in Balducci’s favour. Surprise victory in the Doubles tournament: the couple Saez-Larra/
Nancarrow, not included among the seeded teams, defeated 10-8 the favoured Papamichail/Van der Hoek in the tiebreak
match.
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Date: 31 March - 6 April 2014
Supervisor: Miguel Ternera
Balls: Head
VERONICA CHARMS MEDELLIN
The Seguros Bolivar Open of Medellin is one of the
classic spring events played on clay of the South
American ITF circuit. With a money prize of $50.000
and, more importantly, with hospitality for the players,
the tournament always has a good standard entry list.
It takes place at about 1500 metres above sea level in
one of the most exclusive clubs of Medellin, the Club
Campestre, founded in 1924. The favourites to win were
the Colombian Duque-Marino, who lost at the beginning
against the Italian Sanesi, and the Swiss Romina Oprandi,
who stopped at the quarterfinals at the hands of Irigoyen. The title went to the Paraguayan Veronica Cepede Royg, at the
end of a hard fought match against Irina Begu.
The Romanian, however, was able to console herself winning together with the Argentine Maria Irigoyen the Doubles
tournament. Runners-up were the Russian Shamaiko and the Australian Adamczak.
364
TENNIS & TOURISM
MEDELLIN AND THE ETERNAL SPRING
Capital of the department of Antioquia, Medellin is located at about 1500 metres above sea level. With over 2 million
inhabitants it is the second most populous city of Colombia and one of the most important economically. The plateau
on which stands Medellin is protected on one side by the Western Cordillera and on the other side from the Eastern
Cordillera, thus enjoying a mild climate throughout the year, so as to earn the name of "the city of eternal spring". The
tournament is played on the courts of the Club Campestre Medellin, which, founded in 1924, is one of the most exclusive
club of the city. It has eight clay courts, an equestrian centre, a football pitch, an outdoor Olympic size swimming pool,
a Polo field, a snooker room and a fully equipped gym. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament.
Located in the district of El Poblado, the official hotel is the "Medellin Royal". With a swimming pool, a gym and a SPA it is
the most elegant hotel of the city. A few metres from the hotel are the main shopping centres such as the Oviedo Mall,
the Forum and the Hard Rock Cafe. Medellin was the first city in Colombia to adopt a subway, only partly underground.
The nearest airport is the José María Córdova International, about fifty minutes drive from the hotel and forty from the
Club Campestre. Several eating options are available in the two shopping centres nearby, where you can find major
chains, such as the Hard Rock and plenty of restaurants. We recommend "La Bolsa" which offers typical Colombian food.
The house specialty is the paisa, with beans, mince beef, rice, eggs, sausage and potatoes, typical dish of Antioquia.
MEDELLIN
365
Date: 1 - 5 April 2014
Balls: Dunlop
DOUBLE VICTORY FOR
BALDUCCI
With a winning streak of 10 games Alice Balducci won her second consecutive Futures at the Forte Village in Santa
Margherita di Pula. The courts of the Sardinian resort seem to particularly suit the 28 year old Italian tennis player, who
won here three of her five ITF titles. Alice, seed N. 5, got rid of her Spanish opponent Ines Ferrer Suarez with a score
of 67 (6) 61 60. The match was quite balanced
at the start, but then it was dominated by Alice
and characterised by as many as 20 double
faults committed by Ines . Curiously, even in
this tournament, as well as in that won a week
earlier, Balducci granted to the opponent only
one set, and once again in the final.
Alice’s perfect week ended with one more
success: paired with the Romanian Buzean she
defeated the Argentine Bua and the Spanish
Ferrer-Suarez, winning the Doubles tournament.
366
CIRCUITO FEMININO FUTURE DE TENNIS 2014
Date: 7 - 12 April 2014
Supervisor: Rodolfo Curutchet
Balls: Tretorn
BRAZILIAN FESTIVAL
During the second week of April the Brazilian city São José
do Rio Preto hosted the sixth and final leg of the Circuito
Feminino Future de Tenis, organised by the Confederação
Brasileira de Tênis. The $10.000 tournament was played
at the country club Clube Monte Libano, which, founded
in 1930, counts today 20.000 members and boasts a very
reach cultural life. In addition to tennis the members
can enjoy other sports such as football, mini-football,
swimming, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and judo.
Brazilian victories in both Single and Doubles tournaments.
Even more, all the finalists were Brazilian too. Gabriela Cé,
who just two weeks before won the title in Santiago de
Chile, brought home the trophy of the Single tournament
thanks to the withdrawal of Paula Gonçalves in the third
game of the match. The same Gonçalves, paired with Maria
Fernandes Alves, the day before defeated the other Alves
(Carolina Meligeni) and Ingrid Gamarra Martins, winning
the Doubles.
SAO JOSE’ DO RIO PRETO
367
TENNIS & TOURISM
SAO JOSE DO RIO PRETO AND ITS UNIVERSITIES
Located 443 km north-east of the capital, Sao Jose do Rio
Preto is a city within the state of São Paulo, Brazil. With its
440 thousand inhabitants is the tenth most populous city
of São Paulo. The average annual temperature is 23° C. Sao
Jose do Rio Preto is home to many universities, making its
nightlife very lively indeed thanks to a seasonal program
full of cultural activities and events. The tournament is
played in the "Clube Mount Lebanon", a club founded in
1930 by Jabour Yussef El Khoury, a Lebanese emigrant who
wanted to create a space where his fellow countrymen in
the city could meet. Today the club has twenty thousand
members and an exceptional cultural and artistic activity.
In addition to tennis courts there are also a standard size
and a small football pitch, swimming pools, a basketball
and volleyball court and rooms dedicated to gymnastics
and judo. The official hotel is the "Economic Plaza Inn",
close to the airport of São José do Rio Preto. It offers to
its guests an outdoor pool with bar and lounge area and
a fitness centre. At only 3 km from the centre there is a
small airport serving only a few domestic flights, including
São Paulo. From São Paulo you can also take a coach
from Tietê station. The cost of the ticket is R $ 130 (€ 43)
and the journey last six hours. If you fell like eating fish
we recommend the restaurant "Bambina", while for meat
lovers we suggest "Brasa Viva". Nice places to go for a drink
after dinner are the " Emporium Golden" and "Boemia
Butiquim" while the "Pink and Elephant Club" and the
"Lounge" are very nice night clubs.
368
Date: 8 - 13 April 2014
Balls: Dunlop
EN PLEIN OSTAPENKO
A not yet 17 years old Latvian girl was the undisputed star
of the fifth week of the combined ITF circuit played at the
Forte Village in Santa Margherita di Pula. Jelena Ostapenko,
born in 1997, with blonde hair that she collects in a long
braid, arrived in Sardinia with three ITF titles won between
2012 and 2013. She is considered by many one of the
new promising names of the women's tennis. The most
challenging game of the tournament she had to deal with
was the semi-final against the Argentine Bua. Ostapenko,
after losing the first set, cancelled a match point and then
won the very long match in a tiebreak set. It was much simpler the final against the French Suvrijn, who, after losing the
first tiebreak, did not last very long in the game.
The day before, coupled with the Japanese Ayukawa, Jelena also won the Doubles tournament, defeating in the final
Balducci and Buzean.
369
Date: 15 - 19 April 2014
Balls: Dunlop
ROMANIAN DOMAIN
Sixth consecutive week of the $10.000 combined
ITF which takes place on the courts of the Forte
Village in Santa Margherita di Pula. In the entry list
there was a player much stronger than the others,
with a ranking just outside the top 200 in the world
and a history just outside the first one hundred. We
are talking about Andreea Mitu, 23 year old from
Bucharest, who, respecting the prediction, won at
the Forte her first title of the season. And she did it in an extraordinary way too, without losing a single match. This is her
impressive roadmap: 61 62 against Boualem, 62 61 against Bona, 61 62 against Savoretti, 64 61 against Korzeniak and 64
63 in the final against Sorribes Tormo.
Mitu’s perfect week ended with another success: paired with compatriot Andrei she defeated in the final the French
couple Albie / Peral, winning the Doubles Tournament.
370
Date: 22 - 27 April 2014
Supervisor: Maria Teresa Barbarano
Balls: Dunlop
OSTAPENKO ONCE AGAIN
The circuit of the $10.000 Combined ITF tournaments continues
at the Forte Village Resort in Santa Margherita di Pula, in southern
Sardinia. The one that takes place during the last week of April is
the seventh of the series. The Women Single was won by the not yet
17 year old Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, number 2 in the world junior
ranking and finalist of her category in the last edition of Wimbledon.
Only two weeks earlier Ostapenko won her first Forte Village title.
Her journey towards the final was quite straight forward even if in
the first round she had to fight quite hard before having the best on
the French Albie. In the final Ostapenko defeated the Spanish Mares-Reimers with a score of 62 75.
The two had met the day before too for the final of the Doubles. Once again it was Ostapenko together with Van der
Hoek to celebrate, beating the tennis player from Mallorca and her compatriot Saez Sarra 10-6 in the decisive tiebreak
match.
371
Date: 13 - 18 May 2014
Balls: Dunlop
LIZARAZO TAKES IT ALL
While in Rome takes place the Internazionali d’Italia, at the Forte Village of Santa
Margherita di Pula is played the 10th tournament of a series of combined ITF.
Missing the not yet 17 years old Latvian Ospapenko, winner of 3 out of the 4 Futures
played here in April, the favourite was the Italian Martina Caregaro. Her journey,
however, ended at the quarterfinals, by the hands of the Swiss Tess Sugnaux.
Meanwhile the 21 year old Colombian Yuliana Lizarazo was steadily climbing the board, losing only one set to the
Canadian Liang during the semi-finals. Lizarazo easily won
the final match, leaving to her opponent Sugnaux only
three games.
The day before Lizarazo and Matteucci won the Doubles
tournament, defeating the couple Lucero - Segarelli.
372
INTERNAZIONALI FEMMINILI DI TENNIS
CITTA’ DI CASERTA
Date: 19-25 May 2014
Tournament director:
Giuseppe Mancini – Gianpaolo Papiro
Balls: Head ATP
ISABELLA’S SMILE
In 2014 the Internazionali Femminili di Tennis di Caserta
celebrated their 26th edition. The Futures tournament,
scheduled in the middle of the European season on clay, has
in its Hall of Fame tennis players of the likes of Jelena Dokic,
Sandra Cecchini, Mandy Minella, Tathiana Garbin, Laura
Garrone, Klara Koukalová and Romina Oprandi. This year winner
was the Bulgarian Shinikova Isabella, who finally ended a two
years period without winning any title: her last ITF victories
were in 2012 (Amiens and Istanbul). Having struggled in the
early rounds, Shinikova played her best match in the semi-final,
when was able to win in comeback the German Anne Schaefer,
seed N.1. In the final, as for the semi-final, Isabella defeated the
Ukraine Marianna Zakarlyuk in 3 sets.
The Australians Samantha Harris and Sally Peerswon won
the Doubles, defeating 6-3 7-6 the Georgians Gorgodze and
Kvatsabaia.
CASERTA
373
TENNIS & TOURISM
CASERTA, THE VERSAILLES OF ITALY
Caserta, just over 75,000 inhabitants, is known especially for its imposing Bourbon Royal Palace, known as the Versailles of
Italy, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The Internazionali Femminili della Città di Caserta, takes place in late May at
the Tennis Club Caserta. The Club has three clay courts, one of which is covered, a clubhouse, a cafeteria, a well-equipped
gym and two lounges, one with TV and a beautiful terrace overlooking the outdoors tennis courts. The admission is free
for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Jolly Hotel", a few steps from the station of Caserta and
500 metres from the highway. Some of its best rooms have great views of the Royal Palace. Another hotel used by the
players is the "Grand Hotel Vanvitelli". The "Jolly Hotel" is about 3 km from the Caserta Tennis Club and the tournament
organisation provides a shuttle service to and from the Club. The nearest airport is the Napoli Capodichino (about 25 km
away). You can reach it by taxi (about € 35) or with the public transport (€ 10). The train station is close to both the hotel
and the club, and you can use the Shuttle service provided by the tournament organisers.
374
XVII TORNEO INTERNAZIONALE CITTA’ DI GRADO
Date: 26 May -1 June 2014
Tournament director: Piero Tononi – Elisa Di Matteo
FINALLY BARBIERI
Taking place during a strategic week of the
international calendar the Women ITF of Grado gives
to all those players who were not able to enter at the
Roland Garros the chance to play on clay courts. The
entry list of the $25.000 tournament boasted a dozen
players included in the top 200 of the world ranking.
Coming out on top was Gioia Barbieri of the San Marino
Tennis Academy. Straight after the tournament she
announced the decision, taken by mutual agreement,
to end the sport partnership with her coach Giorgio
Galimberti. After beating the number one favourite
Linette, the 23 year from Emilia Romagna defeated
Grymalska, Camerin and Vogt, and in the final Kozlova,
albeit in three sets.
No surprises on the board of the Doubles tournament with the couple Cepede Royg - Vogt confirming their role of
number one favourite. In the final they beat Lara Arruabarrena and Florencia Molinero, ending the tournament without
losing a set.
GRADO
375
TENNIS & TOURISM
GRADO, THE ISLAND OF THE SUN
Important tourist destination in the North-east of Italy, Grado is a town of almost 10 thousand inhabitants, which extends
on the homonymous lagoon at the mouth of the Isonzo in the Adriatic Sea, in the province of Gorizia. It is known as the
"Island of the Sun". The lagoon includes about thirty islands and covers an area of about 90 kilometres square. Known
even outside the Italian borders for its spas, Grado offers visitors several historical monuments. The 17th edition of the ITF
Women Future took place at the TC Grado, right in the middle of the largest island of the lagoon, surrounded by a green
park. The club has four clay courts, three outdoor and one indoor, a clubhouse with a cafeteria and changing rooms
for the athletes. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The officials hotels are the three stars
"Villa Patrizia" and "Hotel Helvetia", both no more than 200 metres from the TC Grado. Available for the players and the
referees a shuttle service from the hotel to the train station of Cervignano del Friuli and to Trieste Airport, which is about
20 km away. For those wishing to save some money, there is a bus that connects the airport to the centre of Grado. Main
ingredient of the local cuisine is fish. During the tournament it is possible to taste some local dishes from the cafeteria of
the Club. Been a touristic city there is no lack of places where to eat. We recommend the "Ristorante da Franco" and the
"Delfino Blu". For a drink after dinner the most popular bars are the "Guendalina Discobar" and the brewery "Max".
376
MOSCOW OPEN 2014
Date: 26 May - 1 June 2014
Tournament director: Natalia Kamelzon
Supervisor: Sergei Dubrov
ANASTASIYA
CONQUESTS MOSCOW
In 1994, on the banks of the Volga, in Moscow, was found
the Belokammenaya Tennis School. Today, after 20 years,
it is considered one of the best training centres of the
Russian capital. At the end of May the Academy, directed
by the well respected coach Vladimir Kamelzon, hosts a
combined ITF. The $25.000 Women's tournament boasts
an entry list of all respect with up to seven tennis players
included in the top 280 in the world. The winner was
the talented, albeit discontinuous, Anastasiya Vasylyeva,
which brought home her first Futures title of the year.
The 22 year old Ukrainian from Kharkov lost only one set
throughout the tournament (in the quarterfinals against
the Russian Rodina). In the final she defeated the Russian
Diatchenko with a score of 75 64.
Against all the odds the Kazakh Danilina and the Swiss
Knoll won the Doubles’ title, beating in 2 sets the Russian
couple Bychkova - Rodina, seed number 2.
MOSCOW
377
KAZAN SUMMER CUP
Date: 2 - 8 June 2014
ALENA’S FIRST TIME
In June Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, a federal republic of the "Great Russia”, hosted the "Summer Cup", a $10.000 ITF
tournament created to help the young Russian tennis players to earn the first points necessary to climb the world rankings.
The tournament was played on the four clay courts of the Kazan Tennis Akademy,
home in 2013 to the tennis tournament of the Universiadi. The 19 year old Tarasova
Alena did not disappoint the expectations winning in Kazan her first Futures title.
In the final she defeated compatriot Polina Monova. Belarusian Marozava, beaten
by Tarasova in the semi-finals,
was the only non-Russian
player in the draw.
Marozava, however, was able to
redeem herself in the Doubles,
defeating in the final, together
with Lazareva, the seed N.4
couple Novoselova and Sigina.
378
TENNIS & TOURISM
KAZAN, BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
With over 1.3 million inhabitants Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, within the Russian Federation. It is 800 km east of
Moscow, at the confluence of the Kazanka river into the Volga. It is characterised by a very harsh winter, with temperatures
well below zero for several months. Home to the XXVII edition of the Universiade, in 2015 it will host the Swimming
World Championships and three years later a few matches of the Football World Cup. Famous beyond borders, the Kazan
Kremlin, a village wanted in the sixteenth century by Ivan the Terrible and built on the ruins of a castle, in 2000 was
declared World heritage by UNESCO. The Kremlin Cup is played inside the Kazan Tennis Akademy, opened in 2009 and
home to the tennis tournament of the last Universiade. It is a modern club with eighteen outdoors courts and eight
indoors hard courts (four of which used by the players of the Kremlin Cup for matches and training), a cafeteria, two
restaurants, a gym, a conference room and a tennis shop. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament.
Kazan is the most important crossroads of central Russia, with roads and rail links to and from the Volga region, Siberia
and the Far East. The busy international airport, over a million passengers per year, is 26 km south-east from the city
centre. It is served by several non Russian airlines, such as Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines and Fly Dubai to name a few. The
train station is in the city centre and is among the best connected of all Russia. The official hotel of the tournament is the
4 Stars “Grand Hotel Kazan”. The players can reach the Academy with a shuttle service while guests for just € 0.50 can take
the bus 6A. The best restaurants of Kazan serve both European and traditional Tatar cuisine. We recommend “Bilyar” for
local food, while “Rubaie” serves good Uzbek dishes. Other good restaurants are “Pashmir”, “Panorama” and the Italian
“Giuzeppe” or “Bistro Pronto”. The place to go for a drink is the “Musical Guinness Pub”.
KAZAN
379
MUNDIAL DE TENIS DE CAMPOS DO JORDAO
Date: 2 - 8 June 2014
Supervisor: Roberto Browne Da Veiga
Balls: Tretorn
PIGOSSI EN PLEIN
The Mundial de Tenis de CampoS do Jordao is the “highest”
professional tournament played in Brazil. The $15.000
Women ITF, in fact, takes place at over 1,600 metres above
sea level, an unusual altitude for Brazilians cities. With
only six foreigners in the entry list, this year the majority
of players were from Brazil. The title of the Single went to
Laura Pigossi, class 1994, one of the most concrete hope
of Brazilian tennis. It was an easy ride for Pigossi until the
final, where she found herself on disadvantage of one set
before finally beating the Argentine Valeria Bosio, same
class and rival of many games at the junior level. Pigossi
won the match in the tiebreak of the third set, after being
just two points from defeat.
Earlier on in the final of the Doubles tournament, Pigossi
and her compatriot Rossi beaten, once again, Bosio and
Duarte with a score of 64-62.
380
TENNIS & TOURISM
CAMPOS DO JORDAO, THE ROOF OF BRAZIL
With its 1628 metres above sea level, Campos do Jordao is the highest municipality in all of Brazil. This town of about
50 thousand inhabitants, is located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, in the state of Sao Paulo, 170 km from the capital. The
mountains of Mantiqueira offer enchanting views and landscapes, still retaining in some areas the original habitat of the
Atlantic forest. The tournament is played in the Tenis Clube de Campos de Jordao. The facility has five hard tennis courts,
a cafeteria and a gym. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Terrace
Hotel", a very welcoming place surrounded by vegetation. The impression is to stay in a typical European mountain
resort. All rooms have wood-panelled walls, a panoramic terrace, cable TV, queen-size beds and Wi-Fi. Guests have access
to an outdoor pool, open for most of the year. The club is just 300 metres from the hotel. The nearest airport is the
Internacional de Congonhas Sao Paulo, about 200 km from the Tenis Clube. There is a bus that in three hours takes you
to Campos do Jordao (Terminal Rodovia). Strange but true, here you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, fondue and hot
soups. In addition to the architecture, even the cuisine has been strongly influenced by Swiss and German culture. To eat
we reccommend the "Safari Café" and the "Baden Baden".
CAMPOS DO JORDAO
381
2014 PADOVA CHALLENGE OPEN
Date: 9 - 15 June 2014
Tournament director: Alessandro Moro
Balls: Babolat VS
CHIRICO ON CORNET’S FOOTSTEPS
The Padova Challenge Open is a $25.000 Women
ITF. Born in 2005, it is now a well established
European tournament. Its 10th edition took place
during the second week of June on the courts of the
Circolo Canottieri (Rowing Club). Very Few Futures
tournaments can boast a Roll of Honour with players
of the caliber of Alize Cornet (2007) and Kristina
Mladenovic (2010). And we're pretty sure that the
champion of the 2014 edition will have much more
to offer too. Louisa Chirico, a 18 year-old from New
Jersey, was a semi-finalist at the Junior Wimbledon and Roland Garros in 2013. In the quarterfinals Chirico defeated the
seed No. 1 Sasnovich and in the final the Brazilian Goncalves, six years older than her. Thanks to her victory in Padua she
was able to enter for the first time among the top 250 in the world.
Barbieri and Shapatava, after a hard fought match, defeated in the tiebreak Goncalves and Molinero, ending the Double’s
final 14-12.
382
TENNIS & TOURISM
PADUA, ART AND RELIGION
Home since 1222 of a university, Padua is universally
known as the city of the Saint, referring to St. Anthony, the
Portuguese friar who died there in the thirteenth century.
Third most populous city of the Veneto region after Venice
and Verona, Padua is also referred to as the "Capital of the
fourteenth century", due to the cultural fervour that made
the city one of the main centres of the pre Humanism. The
urban area is crossed by two rivers: the Brenta and the
Bacchiglione. To avoid periodic flooding it has been built a
system of canals and small dams. The Women ITF Padova
Challenge is played on the courts of the Circolo Canottieri
Padova, one of the oldest and most prestigious sports
clubs in Italy. The Circolo Canottieri can count on ten clay
courts, a clubhouse with a billiard room, a cafeteria and a
restaurant, a sauna and a gym. The admission is free for
the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel
is the "Dugout", in the municipality of Selvazzano Dentro.
The hotel has a solarium, a physiotherapy massage centre
and a cardio fitness room. Tennis players and staff have
access to a shuttle bus from the hotel to the Club and vice
versa. The taxi from Padua Rail Station to the club cost €
15. The nearest airport is the Marco Polo in Venice, about
45 km from Padua. The local cuisine is inspired by the
farmer’s tradition. To eat we recommend: the "Trattoria
Storica Grotta Azzurra" and the '' Agriturismo La Primizia".
For a drink in Padua you'll be spoiled for choice: plenty of
bars and pub under the arcades of the city centre.
PADUA
383
Date: 16 - 21 June 2014
Balls: Head Championship
MEXICAN VICTORY
The Grand Palladium Resort in La Playa del Carmen, one of the most
famous tourist destinations of Mexico, is the site of a mini Mexican
circuit of a series of $10.000 Women ITF tournaments that took place in
the second half of June. The resort is a true sport even, with swimming
pools, golf courses, football pitches, theme parks and six hard tennis
courts. As predicted the winner was the seed No. 1 Victoria Rodriguez.
The Mexican 19 year old, best hope of her country (already number 20
in the world at the junior level) repeat the success of 2013 winning in
comeback the final played against her friend and opponent of many
games Ana Sofia Sanchez.
American success in the Doubles, with Bhargava and Will dominating
the final played against Rodriguez and her conational Zacarias.
384
TENNIS & TOURISM
QUINTANA ROO, LAND OF MAYA
Perhaps best known as the "Mexican Caribe", Quintana
Roo is one of the federal states of Mexico. Directly
overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it owns the most beautiful
beaches in Mexico, such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
As evidenced by the many relics still visible, this area of
Mexico was one of those with the largest Maya settlements.
The tournament is played in the Grand Palladium Resort,
in Playa del Carmen. With it private entrance to the beach,
the property has seven clay courts and several other
facilities, like a modern gym room, swimming pools,
restaurants, a spa and a football pitch with synthetic grass.
The guests of the resort have free admission for the whole
duration of the tournament. Players and referees stay at
the "Grand Palladium Riviera Resort & Spa", a luxury fivestar hotel. All its room have a Jacuzzi, king size bed, sitting
area and terrace. For the guests also the possibility to
book sea excursions, snorkelling, windsurfing lessons and
catamaran trips. The tennis courts are within the resort. At
90 km from Playa del Carmen, the one of Cancun is the
nearest airport. From the airport you can reach the resort
by taxi (about $ 100) or with a public bus ($ 30). Inside the
"Grand Palladium Riviera Resort" there are restaurants for
all kinds of taste: from Japanese to Italian, from Chinese
to Brazilian and, of course, Mexican. The beaches of
Playa del Carmen are crowded with restaurants and bars
where to have a drink and dance. The most famous is the
"Cocobongo".
QUINTANA ROO
385
Date: 23 - 29 June 2014
SANCHEZ THE STRONGEST
Another week of international tennis at the Grand
Palladium Resort of La Playa del Carmen for the second
leg of a Mexican mini-circuit of $10.000 ITF played in the
second half of June. The tournament was won by the not
yet 20 year old Ana Sofia Sanchez, so as arriving to her third
$10.000 ITF victory in 2014. Only a week earlier the lefthanded from San Luis Potosi reached the final of another
ITF, proving wise the decision made by the Mexican
Federtennis to organise a series of Futures in order to help
the best local players to earn useful points to climb the world rankings. After a difficult start against the American Frenkel,
Ana Sofia seemed unstoppable. Her opponent in the final was once again an American player, Allie Will. After losing the
first match, she won 12 consecutive games and was finally able to raise her arms to the sky.
The US couple Bhargava - Will won the Doubles, defeating in the final the Mexicans Rodriguez - Zacaria.
QUINTANA ROO
386
Date: 30 June – 6 July 2014
SECOND VICTORY
FOR SANCHEZ
The last leg of the Mexican ITF mini-circuit, sponsored by the Mexican Federation of Quintana Roo, took place, as the
tournaments played in the two previous weeks, on the courts of the Grand Palladium Resort, in La Playa del Carmen.
To win once again was the left –handed 20 year old Ana Sofia Sanchez, who thanks to two consecutive titles and the
final reached during the first week in Quintana Roo,
managed to enter the top 300 in the world. After winning
five $10.000 tournaments, Sanchez continued the 2014
playing more important ones. After a smooth start against
the Colombian Perez - Garcia, Sanchez lose a set to the
American Frenkel in the second round, to then reach the
final played against her conational and friend Marcela
Zechariah. The two players know each other very well, this
resulting in a hard fought but unspectacular game, won
by Sanchez in comeback.
Alonso-Martinez won the double tournament defeating
the couple Navarro-Oliva.
QUINTANA ROO
387
CARACAS WOMENS OPEN 2014
Tournament director: Fidelina Garcia
Supervisor: Omar “Jimi” Cardona
Balls: Dunlop
ARGENTINEAN TRIUMPH
The greatest female tennis event in Venezuela is the Caracas
Women Open, a $25.000 ITF tournament which takes place
in August in the capital of the South American Country. The
tournament is played on the hard courts of the National
Centre of the Venezuelan Federtennis, where are trained
the best local hopes. As predicted the victory of the Single
tournament went to the expert Maria Irigoyen, No. 1 seed.
The left-handed player, native of Tandil (as Juan Martin Del
Potro) won in Caracas her 16th ITF trophy. Throughout the
whole tournament Irigoyen lost only one set, in the quarterfinals against the Chilean Koch-Benvenuto. In the final she
faced the talented French Harmony Tan, 10 years younger, but it was a one way match with Irigoyen leaving to her
opponent only 4 games.
Argentinean success also in the Doubles: Vanesa Furlanetto and Florencia Molinero won against the French De Bernardi
and the Japanese Okuno with a double 6-0.
388
TENNIS & TOURISM
CHARMING CARACAS
Capital of the Federal Republic of Venezuela, Caracas is
also the main economic, financial and cultural centre of
the country. The metropolis, one of the largest in South
America, covers a plateau that varies in height between
870 and 1000 metres above sea level. The tournament is
played in the National Centre of the Venezuelan Tennis
Federation, in the district of Santa Rosa of Lima. The club
has five hard courts, four clay courts, an academy with
a guest house for the athletes, a medical centre and a
cafeteria. The admission is free for the entire duration of the
tournament. The official hotel is the four-stars "The Paseo
de la Mercedes", in the homonymous district, at just 1 km
from the club (10 minutes walk). Inside the hotel there are
two lounge bar, an outdoor swimming pool with poolside
bar and a conference room. Players and staff have access
to a shuttle service from the hotel to the club and vice
versa. The airport of Caracas is on the coast, about fortyfive minutes from the hotel and the tournament venue.
Missing a rail connection between the airport and the city,
we recommend the use of taxi. The typical dish of Caracas
is the Arepas, fried corn bread. At the Tennis Centre you
can eat the international cuisine, with pasta, meat and
salads. The best restaurants are located in the district of Los
Roques: the most famous and popular are the "Hard Rock
Cafe", the "Fridays" and the elegant "Terrazas". The majority
of the nightclubs are concentrated in the district of San
Ignacio. Don’t forget to taste the famous Venezuelan rum.
CARACAS
389
Date: 11-16 August 2014
Supervisor: Carlos Niemes
ARRUABARRENA QUEEN
OF BOGOTA'
fatigue of the athletes. The Single title went to the Basque
Lara Arruabarrena, No. 2 seed. The 22 year old Spanish
player seemed unstoppable up to the quarter-finals (only
6 games lost in 3 matches), but then risked a lot against
compatriot Dominguez Lino in the semi-finals (she was
just 2 points away from defeat). In the final, though, she
completely dominate the Swedish Larsson.
Together with the Argentine Molinero, Lara won also the
Doubles tournament, defeating in the final the Austrians
Mayr-Klaffner and Achleitneitner.
During the second week of August the Country Club of
Bogotà is home to a $100.000 ITF tournament, which,
after a 3 years break (from 2011 to 2013), is now in its
6th edition. The tournament is a wonderful opportunity
for the specialists of clay before the hard court season
begins. It is played at over 2000 metres above sea level,
with balls travelling faster and the thin air increasing the
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TENNIS & TOURISM
BOGOTA’, THE CAPITAL OF CONGRESSES
Capital of Colombia and of the department of
Cundinamarca, Bogotà with its 9 million inhabitants is
one of the largest metropolis in Latin America. Its name
derives from the word Bacatà, which in the language of the
indigenous Muisca indicated an ancient type of agriculture.
The city is located on a plateau over 2600 metres above
sea level. It is one of the major business conferences,
conventions and trade fairs centre in South America. It has
a total of one hundred and ninety-three conference halls
(with a capacity that goes from fifteen to one thousand and
three hundred delegates). The tournament is played in the
Country Club, one of the oldest and most exclusive Clubs
of the Colombian capital. The complex is surrounded by a
golf course, several restaurants and over fifteen clay tennis
courts. The Central, thanks to temporary grandstands, can
accommodate almost one thousand and five hundred
people. The admission to the tournament is free, previous
registration on the official website of the Seguros Bolivar
Open. The official hotel is the five-stars "Sonesta", just five
minutes drive from the Country Club. All its rooms have
king size beds, cable TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and mini
bar. The capital of Colombia has a very extensive cycle
paths network. Over the weekend, the length of road
routes dedicated to cycling increases up to a total of 100
km. The city bus service is called Express TransMilenio. The
International Airport of El Dorado is a few kilometres from
Bogotà. There is a shuttle service from the hotel to the
Country Club and vice versa for tennis players and referees.
BOGOTA’
391
MAMAIA IDU TROPHY COMVEX
Tournament director: Alina Idu
Supervisor: Dan Nicolae
MITU TAKES IT ALL
At the height of the summer season Mamaia, seaside
resort just few kilometres from Constanţa, hosts a
$25.000 Women ITF. The tournament is played at the TC
IDUs Mamaia, a club with seven clay courts (including a
Central with grandstands for 1700 spectators), which
could surely host even more important events. Andreea
Mitu, Romanian No. 6 and same class and friend of Simona
Halep, was the favourite of the tournament. The 22 yearold from Bucharest lived up to expectations, bolstered by
an excellent 2014 that allowed her to win, before Mamaia,
the ITF of Santa Margherita di Pula, Denain and Darmstadt.
Throughout the tournament Mitu lost only one set, in the
second round against the Russian Leykina.
Not satisfied with just one title Andreea, paired with Irina
Bara, went to win also the Doubles, defeating in the final
the Romanians Craciun and Tig with a score of 64 61.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
MAMAIA, PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA
Overlooking the Black Sea, Mamaia is part of the district of Constanta. It has a population of less than 50 inhabitants,
growing, though, exponentially during the tourist season. The majors attractions are the water park Aqua Magic, the
tele-gondola, a cable-way over 2 km long and Satul de Vacanta, a series of thirty-one ethnic restaurants. You can practice
various water sports at the near lake Siutghiol. The Tennis Club Mamaia IDU has seven clay courts, including a Central with
a capacity of 1,700 seats, an indoor court, many area dedicated to ping-pong, a cardio fitness gym and a physiotherapy
studio, so as to be a perfect place for those who want to look after their body without giving up the fun. The restaurant of
the club serves mostly international food, with the addition of some Romanian dishes. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. Situated on the banks of the Lake Siutghiol, the "Hotel Florida Mamaia" has very comfortable
rooms, a gym, free private parking and a bar serving drinks and small meals. From Bucharest Otopeni airport you can get
a bus or taxi for a journey time of three hours. One of our preferred local dish is the “Ciorba”: a soup made with vegetables
and meat. The best restaurants are the "Harlequin" and the "Chevalet". For a drink after dinner we suggest the "Arthur
Pub".
MAMAIA
393
4° TROFEO CPZ SPA
Tournament director: Gianluigi Terzi
Balls: Wilson
ALL THE WAY PERRIN
After hosting at the beginning of the twenty-first century an Open
tournament, the Tennis Club Bagnatica since 2011 organises a $15.000
Women ITF which takes place at the end of August. This year's event was
won by the Swiss Conny Perrin, who followed Gioia Barbieri in the Roll
of Honour. Definitely qualified the entry list with the firsts eight tennis
players included among the top 400 in the world. Perrin, born in 1990,
found a good continuity of performance in 2014, managing to win
another 3 Futures: Dakar, Bastad and Algiers. Impressive her performance
throughout the tournament, which she won without losing even a set.
One after another the Swiss eliminated Remondina, Korzeniak, Gorgodze,
Camerin and, in the final, Grymalska.
Paired with Grymalska, Perrin previously won the Doubles tournament.
The victory arrived at the end of a hard fought match played against
Arcangioli and Zlochova.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
THE QUIET BAGNATICA
Located in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy region, Bagnatica is an Italian town of about four thousand inhabitants.
The town lies on the last hills of Val Cavallina, about 9 kilometres east from Bergamo, close to the Lake Iseo. The tournament
takes place at the Tennis Club Bagnatica. The Club has four tennis courts, two in clay, used during the tournament, and
two in GommSystem with a fixed structure open to the sides. There are also a gym, a running track and a well-stocked
restaurant offering to guests and club members a wide variety of food to suit all palates. The admission is free for the
entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the four-stars "Airport Hotel", situated about five minutes drive
from the club. It is a cosy and modern facility, with big conferences rooms. Top quality and very clean the over one
hundred spacious and quiet rooms, equipped with every comfort. There is a shuttle service to and from the Tennis Club
Bagnatica. The airport of Orio al Serio is just over ten minutes away. From the airport there is a shuttle to Milan Central
Station. Even the train station is very close to the hotel and to the club. Bagnatica is accessible by car using the A4
motorway (exit Seriate). The typical dishes are the “casoncelli”, stuffed pasta symbol of the entire Lombardy region, and
the polenta Taragna. For a drink in the evening you will need to move towards Bergamo.
BAGNATICA
395
MOSCOW CUP
Tournament director: Maria Goloviznina
Balls: Babolat
EASY RIDE FOR RODINA
During the year the capital of Russia is home to several Women ITF tournaments.
The Moscow Cup, scheduled in the first week of September, is organised
directly by the Federtennis of Moscow and is played on the hard courts of the
National Tennis Centre. The club, where players train under the watchful eye of
the plenipotentiary Tarpishev, has a dozen clay courts and as much concrete
and synthetic courts.
Evgeniya Rodina, an old friend of the Centre, won the Single. The 25 yearold from Moscow, after being number 71 in the world in 2011, thanks to her
victories is climbing once again the ranking. Easy ride in the Moscow Cup for
Rodina, who won the tournament without losing even a set.
The victory of the Doubles went to the Kazakh Danilina and the Swiss Knoll
(finalist in the Single), which in the final defeated the Russian Ivakhnenko - Kalabina.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
THE IMMENSE MOSCOW
Located on the banks of the Moskva River, Moscow, with its almost 12 million inhabitants (18 million including the
metropolitan area) is the capital of the Russian Federation. It is the first city in Europe by population and the residence of
about a tenth of Russian citizens. Far from seas or lakes of great size that can mitigate the climate, Moscow has very long
and cold winters and short summers, although sometime very hot. The ITF Women's tournament is played on the courts
of the National Tennis Centre, the most important of Russia, where are trained the best young hopes of the Country.
The Centre has an incredible high number of clay and hard courts. The admission is free for the entire duration of the
event. The official hotel is the "Soyuz", a few minute drive from the Tennis centre. The tournament organisation provides
a shuttle service between the hotel and the club for players and staff. Sheremetyevo Airport is out of town, to the north,
and can be reached by taxi for a cost of about 1500 RUB, or by public transport with only 100 RUB. Belorusskiy Vokzal train
station is at about 10 km from the hotel and the club. It can be reached by taxi for a cost of about 800 RUB.
MOSCOW
397
COPA FET
Supervisor: Omar Cardona
Balls: Wilson
BRITO CHARMS QUITO
In the first week of September the Quito Tennis y Golf Club, one of the most exclusive in all of Ecuador, hosts a combined
Futures ($ 15.000 in prize money for the Men’s and $ 10.000 for the Women’s), which for several years now is present in the
international calendar. It is played outdoors on four of the twenty clay courts available to the club’s members. A special
mention is needed for two promising young players, both Ecuadorians, Anita Pérez and Camila Romero, who having
passed the first round earned their first point for the world ranking. The title went to the Chilean Fernanda Brito who in
the final defeated the Brazilian Eduarda
Piai. Second victory of 2014 for Brito
who earlier on in the year won the $
10.000 Argentine Futures of Santa Fe.
Unexpected victory in the Doubles
tournament
with
the
Ukrainian
Kharchenko and the Argentine PerezRojas winning on the Argentines
Blanco - Madcur, seed No. 4 couple.
QUITO
398
MOSCOW CUP
Tournament director: Maria Goloviznina
Balls: Babolat
1 2 3... DIATCHENKO
Just a few hours after the end, almost all the protagonists
of the first Moscow Cup met once again on the same
clay courts of the National Tennis Center for the second
$ 25.000 ITF tournament. As expected Evgeniya Rodina’
s positive period, started the week before, kept going,
allowing her to win nine consecutively games without losing a single set
and to qualify for the final, played against her compatriot Vitalia Diatchenko.
Diatchenko, however, seemed to find back her aggressive tennis, the same
that in 2009 brought her close to the top 100, annihilating in less than a
hour Rodina and earning her the third ITF trophy of the season, after the
one of Sharm el Sheik and Astana.
The Doubles was won by the Russian Kudermetova and the Swiss Knoll who
defeated the Russian Artomova and Monova in a final fought from the first
to the last point.
MOSCOW
399
BATUMI OIL TERMONAL OPEN
Date: 8-14 September 2014
Tournament director: Alexandre Metreveli
Supervisor: Vladimir Erg
Balls: US Open Wilson
BIS FOR MESTACH
Batumi, Georgian city overlooking the Black Sea, is
home to a $ 25.000 ITF Women. The tournament, which
takes place soon after the US Open, is organised by
Alexandre Metreveli, finalist at Wimbledon in '73 and
semi-finalist at the Roland Garros and at the Australian
Open the year before. Metreveli is considered the
strongest ever player of Georgia, although has never
been able to play for his native country because at
that time it was a republic of the USSR. The favourite
of the tournament, An-Sophie Mestach, lived up to
expectations. The 20 year-old Belgian player, a former
Junior No. 1 (winner of the Single and Doubles in
Melbourne in 2011 and finalist in the Doubles at the US
Open), lost only one set at the beginning to the Belarusian Pirazhenka, then dominated Kapshay and Savinykh, while in
the semi-final against the Russian Dzalamidze won the day only at the third set. In the final she left only two games to
the Ukrainian Ianchuk.
Paired with Sandra Zaniewska, Mestach also won the Doubles. In the match for the title they beat Naydenova and
Strakhova.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
BATUMI, THE PEARL OF GEORGIA
Georgian city with over 120,000 inhabitants, Batumi is one of the largest ports on the Black Sea, as well as being the
capital of Adjara, an autonomous republic in the south-west of the Country. At only 15 kilometres from the Turkish border,
it is a city with strong tourist vocation, with flocks of people filling up its white pebble beach during the summer period.
The tournament takes place on the outdoors hard courts of the Batumi Tennis Club, one of the best clubs throughout
Georgia. The admission is free for the entire duration of the event. There are two officials hotels. One is right inside the
Batumi Tennis Club, thus giving the players staying there the comfort of sleeping a few steps away from the courts, while
the second one, the "Marina" hotel, is about 1.5 km from the Club. Available a shuttle service between the “Marina” hotel
and the Club. Batumi International Airport is about 5 km away and is easily reached by taxi. The train station is about 1
km away and to reach it with a taxi it will cost you less than $ 5.
BATUMI
401
IZIDA CUP 2014
Tournament director: Yuri Doichev
Supervisor: Alexandru Dumitrescu
Balls: Head ATP
1 2 3 ... RODINA
In September in the centre of Dobrich, on the courts of the
Irida Sporting Club, takes place one of the most popular $
25.000 Futures Women of the Old Continent. The town is
located 40 km from Varna airport and 30 km from the most
popular Bulgarians resorts on the Black Sea coast: Albena,
Golden Sands and Balchik. The most awaited players were
the top 100 German Dinah Pfizenmaier and the Ukrainian
Katerina Kozlova. To win the title, however, was an
outsider, Evgeniya Rodina, earning her third ITF victory of
the season, after those of Middelburg and Moscow. In the
final the Russian defeated the Romanian Andreea Mitu in
a very balanced game, played with a lot of determination
from both players.
Mitu was able to console herself in the Doubles: paired with
compatriot Irina Maria Bara defeated Jani and Shinikova,
seed No. 2 of the board.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
DOBRICH, A CORNER OF PARADISE
Dobrich is a town of over 100,000 inhabitants in the north-eastern part of Bulgaria, 45 km from Varna. The city is known
throughout the Country for its production of cereals. The tournament takes place at the TC Izida, a small proper "village"
with inside an hotel used by the players and staff, a large gym, a restaurant with a very cheap and variegate international
menu, many green areas and, of course, four clay tennis courts. The admission is free for the entire duration of the
tournament. The "Park Hotel Izida" with its large entrance and direct view on the courts, offers a very comfortable stay.
It is a three stars hotel but thanks to its good design it could easily be considered a luxury hotel. Adjacent to the lobby
there is a cafeteria with outside tables where to watch the matches while enjoying a drink. Varna airport is about fortyfive minutes drive. We recommend to spend a day at the Golden Sands, the major holiday resort. As for the food, be
prepared to eat very flavoured food. Among the typical dishes there are the “Tarator”, a cold soup made of yoghurt, and
the “Kebapcheta”, grilled and very seasoned elongated meatballs prepared with beef and pork meat. Near the TC Izida
there is the “Bacardi Club”, where to enjoy a drink while listening music.
DOBRICH
403
TELAVI OPEN 2014
Tournament director: Alexandre Metreveli
Supervisor: Vladimir Erg
Balls: Head ATP
RAIN DOES NOT
BOTHER KASATKINA
After the ITF of Batumi, most of the players met
once again in Telavi, capital of the Kakheti region, on
the opposite side of Georgia, just a few kilometres
from the border with Russia and Azerbaijan. The
Telavi Open has a prize pool of $ 25.000 and the
tournament director is Alexandre Metreveli, great
player of the seventies, finalist at Wimbledon in
'73 and semi-finalist at the Roland Garros and the
Australian Open the year before. The 2014 edition of
this tournament will be remembered for the adverse
weather conditions. The unexpected and unwanted
heavy rain forced the Serb supervisor Vladimir Erg
to cancel the Doubles and to postpone the Single’s
semi-finals and final to 22 September. To win was the 17 year old Russian Darya Kasatkina, junior champion at Roland
Garros, in the main draw thanks to a wild card. In the final she defeated in two sets the Italian Jasmine Paolini, 18 year-old
coming from the qualifying.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
THE CASTLES OF TELAVI
Capital of Kakheti, Telavi is a town of 20 thousand inhabitants in eastern Georgia, near the border with Russia and
Azerbaijan, at about 100 kilometres from the capital Tbilisi. Its first source of income is the production of wine, probably
the best of all Georgia. It is a place where everything seems to move slowly, away from the frenetic pace of the western
cities and with no relevant tourist attractions. The first settlements date back to the Bronze Age, but it is between the X and
XII century that Telavi had its heyday, when it was declared the capital of the Kingdom of Kakheti. The only monuments
to visit are the castles Korchibashishvilebis and Vakhvakhishvilebis. The Futures ITF Women took place on the tennis
courts of the Telavi Tennis Klub. Located not far from the city centre, it has eight red clay tennis courts and a cafeteria/
diner. There is free entry for the whole duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the ''Alaznis Veli", 800 metres from
the club. It has thirty rooms between singles, doubles and suites. The tournament organisation provides a shuttle service
between the hotel and the Club. At about two hours drive from Telavi, Tblisi Airport is the nearest. Georgian cuisine is
pretty much inspired by that of the farmers. The typical dishes are the “khachapuri” (a wide and thick pizza style bread
filled with suluguni cheese) and the “khinkali”, meat dumpling. Lamb is the most used meat.
TELAVI
405
ROYAL CUP NLB MONTENEGROBANKA
Tournament director: Milorad Asanovic
Supervisor: Danilo Peskar
Balls: Slazenger Championship
BAD START, PERFECT END FOR ANDREEA
The Royal Cup is the most important female tournament of Montenegro, the small republic overlooking the southern
Adriatic, born from the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The $ 25.000 ITF
takes place at the TK Podgorica 2000, a club built around the residence
of the director of the tournament. The atmosphere is very cosy, with
all the family members of Milo Asanovic involved in the organisation.
The 2014 edition was won by Andreea Mitu that, landed in Podgorica,
had to deal with the loss of her rackets and sport outfits. In the final
the Romanian easily defeated Vitalia Diatchenko, previously beaten
in the quarterfinals of the German Futures of Darmstadt. This was the
6th victory of her season, result that allowed her to reach No. 136 in
the world.
The Doubles’ title went to Alexandra Cadantu and Stephanie Vogt
who beat in the decisive match Ksenia Knoll and Arantxa Rus.
406
TENNIS & TOURISM
PODGORICA, THE CAPITAL OF MONTENEGRO
Known as Titograd when part of Yugoslavia, now Podgorica is the capital of Montenegro, the smallest and most fascinating
state born from the dissolution of the Federal Republic. It owes its name to the mountain Gorica that protects it from
the cold winds of the Balkans. The tournament is played at TK AS Podgorica. The Club has five clay courts, one of which
indoor, an outdoor multi-purpose area for volleyball, basketball, handball and a small sports hall with a small tribune,
used for training by the Juniors Montenegrin national basketball and volleyball team. The Central has a temporary
grandstand with about three hundred seats. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. Located
downtown, "Nikic" is the official hotel, offering to its guest a pickup service from the airport. It also owns a fitness room.
Available to players and referees a shuttle service from the hotel to the club and vice versa. Pogdorica Airport is about 15
km from the city centre. Within the TK AS Podgorica there is a cafeteria-diner, which during the tournament serves pasta,
meat dishes and salads. The Montenegrin cuisine is a nice mix between the Mediterranean and the Balkans tradition. The
best restaurants in Podgorica are "Morata", "Imanje Knjaz", "Pod Volar" and "Stara Kuca". For a drink after dinner, you'll be
spoiled for choice: the narrows streets of the old city centre are littered crowded with bars and pubs. We recommend
Pivo Nisicko, the Montenegrin beer.
PODGORICA
407
VARNA CUP
Tournament director: Ognyan Iliev
Supervisor: Vesselina Doneva
Balls: Head ATP
SURPRISINGLY DJORCHESKA
A little over 60 km southwest of Dobrich, the Cherno More Varna Elit Tennis Club hosts another ITF women, with $
10.000 in prize money. The city, which overlooks the Black Sea, is one of the most popular resorts in Bulgaria and each
year welcomes thousands of vacationers. The Cherno More is surrounded by
green and is just a short walk from the beach. It has six tennis courts (four clays
and two concretes) and a football pitch. The hopes of the organisers were pinned
on Shinikova Isabella, but the 22 year old from Sofia stopped at the semi-finals,
defeated by the Macedonian Djorcheska, who will then win the tournament.
Although unexpected, Djorcheska’ s success was well deserved. In the final she
defeated the Czech Mendesova, who preceded her by about 70 places in the world
ranking.
Bulgarian success in the Doubles. In the final Shinikova and Terziyska defeated the
Romanian Bluzean - Platon.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
VARNA, PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA
After Sofia, Varna is the second largest city in Bulgaria.
Called "the pearl of the Black Sea", it is located in
the eastern part of the Country. The club where the
tournament takes place is within walking distance
(just 300 metres) from the official hotel. The Club has
five clay courts, of which only four used during the
event, and a cafeteria/restaurant. The admission is
free for the entire duration of the event. The official
hotel is the modern five-stars "Grand Hotel Dimyat",
boasting a small gym, a swimming pool, a SPA, a bar
and a restaurant, although the breakfast is way below
expectations. Being the hotel and the Club very close there is no shuttle service. Varna Airport is just twenty minutes
drive (the cost of a taxi ride is about € 15). The restaurant of the club serves good quality food: meat and pasta dishes,
salads and pizza. Nearby there are no many places where to spend the evening, but moving towards the city centre,
about ten minutes walk, you can find plenty of pubs and restaurants. We recommend the “Bodega” restaurant, where
you can eat excellent Italian food.
VARNA
409
INTERNACIONAL FEMENIL ALPINO CHIPINQUE 2014
Date: 29 September – 5 October 2014
Tournament director: Melody Falco
Olga De la Fuente
Balls: Head ATP
WELCOME BACK
MOM BONDARENKO
The Internacional Femenil Cipinque Alpine is the first leg of a mini Mexican circuit of ITF Women. Starting at the very
end of September in Monterrey, it moves to Tampico in mid October to than end in Victoria at the end of the month. The
tournament is played on the hard courts of the exclusive Alpine Cinipinque Club, inaugurated in 1977. With the time the
club expanded in size and now boasts a conference and events hall, an ice rink and an Olympic swimming pool with sun
terrace. To win was Kateryna Bondarenko, former No. 29 in the world, back to play full time after giving birth to a beautiful
baby girl last year. The Ukrainian, coached by
her sister Alona, found herself in danger only in
the second round against the Brazilian Ce, then
a smooth path until the final match against the
Croatian Vrljic. The last and only other trophy won
by Bondarenko dates back to 2010 on the indoor
courts of Bratislava.
The Doubles was won by the Slovenian Kolar and
the Slovakian Skamlova, who defeated in the
final the Argentine Molinero and the Georgian
Shapatava.
410
TENNIS & TOURISM
MONTERREY, THE CITY OF THE MOUNTAINS
With over 4 million inhabitants, Monterrey is the capital of the State of Nuevo León, in the north-east part of Mexico.
Known as the "City of the Mountains" and the "Sultana del Norte", it is the third largest and most important city of Mexico.
The city expressed the desire to apply for the Summer Olympic Games of 2020, but then this was not confirmed. The
tournament took place at the Chipinque Alpine Club, a prestigious club born in 1977 with eleven outdoors hard courts.
It is a huge facility, which offers to its guest the possibility to practice a great amount of sports: volleyball, basketball,
swimming, gymnastics, football and many others. It also boast a large clubhouse. The admission is free for the entire
duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Comfort Inn Valley", just a few kilometres from the Club. Inside there
are also some shops, a bar and free Wi-Fi for the guests. The organisation of the tournament provides a shuttle service
between the hotel and the club, which are just 2 km from each other. Monterrey airport is at about 25 km, and you can
reach it by taxi at a cost of about $ 30. Another option is El Paso airport, but is further away.
MONTERREY
411
ALBENA CUP
Date: 29 September – 5 October 2014
Tournament director: Ruslan Yordanov
Balls: Head ATP
MENDESOVA RULES ALBENA
Albena is one of the most exclusive seaside holiday
destinations on the Black Sea. The entire town consists
of resorts and hotels extending on five kilometres of
beach. Albena is home to two consecutive $ 10.000 ITF,
which take place two weeks after Dobrich and one after
Varna (about thirty kilometres away). Both tournaments
are played at the Tennis Park Kaliopa, a facility within the
Albena Resort with four clay courts a few metres from
the sea. The number one favourite of the tournament
was Pernilla Mendesova, finalist of Varna’s tournament
the previous week. She did eventually win but not that
easily. In the second set of the quarter-final against the
Romanian Buzean she found herself only two points away from defeat and then was forced to play the third set in the
final against another Romanian, Bogdan.
The Romanian couple Buzean - Platon won the Doubles, defeating in the final the outsiders Ploskina - Vdovenko.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
ALBENA, HOLIDAY RESORT
Albena is a holiday resort located on the coast of the Black sea at 30 km from Varna, in the north-eastern part of Bulgaria.
Open from May to September, Albena consists only of hotels and accommodations for the thousands of tourists coming
here from various parts of Europe to enjoy the beautiful 5 km long beach. The tournament takes place at the Tennis Park
Kaliopa, a facility with four clay courts a few metres away from the shoreline. For training, though, the players also use
the courts of the numerous neighbouring facilities. The admission is free. In the first week of the tournament the official
hotel was the four-stars "Kaliakra", with all the amenities that tourists and tennis players need and a buffet with a great
variety of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For the second week of the tournament the official hotel was the five-stars
"Grand Flamingo". A hotel of excellent quality: from the rooms/apartments to the gym, the indoor and outdoor pools,
the spa and the great buffet restaurant for the three main meals. The tennis courts are a five minute walk from "Kaliakra"
hotel and three minutes from the "Grand Flamingo". From the airport of Varna you can reach Albena by taxi (45 minutes
journey), for a cost of about 100lv (50 euro). Both hotels’ buffet are very "European", so as to please the many guests who
come from the Old Continent.
ALBENA
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INTERNACIONAL FEMENIL ALPINO CHIPINQUE 2014
Date: 7 - 12 October 2014
Tournament director: Melody Falco
Olga De la Fuente
Balls: Head ATP
NO OBSTACLES FOR MESTACH
The Internacional Femenil Alpine Cipinque II is the second in a series of ITF Women organised in Mexico - Monterrey,
Tampico and Victoria - from late September throughout October. The tournament is played on the hard courts of the
exclusive Alpine Cinipinque Club, inaugurated in 1977. The prize money is $ 50.000, double the amount of the one of the
tournament played on the same courts
the previous week. Three top 130 and
nine top 200 have ennobled the entry list
of this tournament. To lift the trophy with
full merit the Belgian An-Sophie Mestach,
able to win without losing even a set.
Junior World No. 1 in 2011, the 20 year old
from Gent defeated in the final the expert
Spanish player Dominguez Lino.
Dominguez Lino, however, paired with the
Colombian Duque Marino, the day before
had won the Doubles, defeating in the final
the Dutch Rus and the Belgian Mertens.
MONTERREY
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ALBENA CUP
Tournament director: Ruslan Yordanov
Balls: Head ATP
MENDESOVA LADY OF ALBENA
Second consecutive week of international tennis in Albena, located on the shores of the Black Sea is one of the most
exclusive holiday resort in Bulgaria. Both ITF are played at the Tennis Park Kaliopa within the Albena Resort. And, as the
previous week, to win the Single tournament was once again Pernilla Mendesova. After a difficult start against Perper
and Surdeanu and the withdrawal of Geuer in the fourth game of the third set, in the semi-final Mendesova lost only
one game to her compatriot Kuncikova and clearly beat another Czech, Karolina Stuchla, in the final. Great her Bulgarian
season ended with 14 victories in 15 matches played, including the two trophies of Albena and the final of Varna.
Czech success even in the Doubles: the title went to Kuncikova and Stuchla who defeated in the final the Macedonian
Helbet and the Bulgarian Shinikova.
ALBENA
415
ABIERTO TAMPICO 2014
Tournament director: Fernando Tamayo
Supervisor: Carlos Prano
Balls: Head ATP
DUQUE-MARINO LADY OF TAMPICO
After two consecutive weeks in Monterrey, the five legs ITF circuit lands to Tampico, resort over-looking the Gulf of
Mexico. Excellent the Single’s entry list for a $ 50.000 Futures, with as many as ten
players included among the top 200 in the world. Leading the board were the
Spanish Dominguez-Lino and the American Irina Falconi. The tournament could
not have had a better semi-finals with the top four seeded players playing against
each other. Surprisingly, however, to qualify for the final were Duque Marino and
Mestach, winner a week earlier of the leg of Monterrey. After a very much fought
final, ended 7-6 at the decisive set,
to bring back home the title was
Duque Marino.
The title of the Doubles went to
Petra Martic and Maria Sanchez,
who
defeated,
in
a
match
decided at the tiebreak, Kateryna
Bondarenko and Valeria Savinykh.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
TAMPICO, WHERE OTTERS LIVE
Tampico is a Mexican city of about 300,000 inhabitants, located in the State of Tamaulipas, on the east coast, a few
steps from the Gulf of Mexico. During the twentieth century, the city became famous due to the discovery of a oilfield,
making Tampico port the second most important in the world. However, once the field started to dry up the city fell into
a deep crisis and many people started to abandon Tampico. In 2000 it was also declared the most dangerous city in the
world. Its name comes from the Huastec language. The prefix “Tam” means "the place where" and “piko” means "water
dogs" (referring to the otters that inhabited the region in pre-Columbian times). The ITF Women tournament is played
at the Club Campestre de Tampico. It is a very important and prestigious club, with six outdoors hard courts: the Central,
located in a stadium with large grandstands, is surrounded by two courts dedicated to the tournament. The remaining
three courts are used for training. Inside the club there are also numerous bars, restaurants and VIP rooms. There is also a
nursery service for those coming to watch the tournament and a pay parking lot. The admission fee varies according to
the day: from a minimum of 100 pesos on Monday to a maximum of 200 pesos on Saturday. For 12.000 pesos is possible
to book an eight people box for the whole week. The official hotel is the "Comfort Inn". It is located at just 1 km from
the club. There is a shuttle service to and from the Club. For the guest of the hotel free Wi-Fi, parking and continental
breakfast. The Tampico airport, which is 5 km away from the club and 1 km from the hotel, is well connected to Mexico
City and Monterrey. It also has daily flights to Houston.
TAMPICO
417
Date: 27 October - 1 November 2014
FLOOD PROPHET IN HER
HOMELAND
The Norwegian Tennis Open is formed by two ITF Combined tournaments
held in the Swedish capi-tal between the end of October and the first
week of November. Both ITF are played on the twelfth hard courts of
the Oslo Tennis Arena, within which is also housed the headquarters
of the Norwegian Tennis Federation. Unlike the other Scandinavian
countries, Norway doesn’t have a strong tennis tradition, still a niche
sport. Nevertheless, the 24-year old Emma Flood (best Finnish player at
around No. 600 of the ranking) won in Oslo her first title of 2014. After
annulling in the semi-final two match points at the Swiss Ottomano,
winning in come back at the third set, Flood beat pretty easily the other
Swiss Sugnaux.
Alexa Guarachi and Nina Stojanovic won the Doubles’ title, defeating in
the final the sisters Nadiya and Maryna Kolb.
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TENNIS & TOURISM
OSLO, QUEEN OF THE FIORDS
Oslo (called Kristiania until 1921) is the capital of the Kingdom of Norway. It has about 600 thousand inhabitants and
spreads on the northernmost part of a fjord in the basin of the Skagerrak. Modern and functional, Oslo is currently
the most expensive capital of Europe. The Oslo Tennis Arena hosts two consecutive ITF Combined. In addition to the
offices of the Norwegian Federtennis, it houses a gym, a conference room, a restaurant and eleven indoors hard tennis
courts. The daily ticket costs 100 Norwegian Kroner. With 700 Kroner, however, you can purchase a ticket valid for both
weeks of the mini tour. The official hotel is the four-stars "Clarion Royal Christiana". It is located in the city centre, a short
walk from Oslo Central Station. All the rooms have king size beds, cable TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and mini bar. Due to
some infrastructural works to the railways, it is particularly awkward to access the Arena by car, therefore the organizers
provided a free travel card to all players for their entire stay in Oslo. The metro station Asle is 100 m from the Oslo Tennis
Arena. The airport is connected to the capital by a high-speed train departing every ten minutes. The cost of the ticket
is about € 25. The specialties of the Norwegian cuisine are the “fårikål” (lamb with cabbage), “lapskaus” (pork stew with
potatoes and vegetables), meatballs, steamed salmon and fish soup. For a fish based dinner we suggest one of the many
restaurants of Aker Brygge, the new harbor district, overlooking the fjord. Plenty of places where to enjoy a drink after
dinner.
OSLO
419
AFTER FLOOD, BARBAT
The second women's tournament of the Norwegian Open
Tennis 2014 does not begin in the best way for the Finnish
tennis players. At draw completed, the previous week
winner Emma Flood an-nounced her withdraw from the
competition. Slowly, one after the other, all the top seeded
play-ers left the tournament making the Danish Karen
Barbat the new favourite. In the final Barbat played against
the Swedish Cornelia Lister, who during the tournament
was able to defeat four tennis players with a better
ranking without losing a set. What was supposed to be a
very balanced final ended pretty quickly. Unfortunately
the tension had the better of Lister, who surrendered to
Barbat in under an hour of game with a double 62, before
bursting into a tears.
The Double was won by the US Guarachi and the Russian
Lodikova who beat the sisters Kolb, champions of the
tournament played the previous week on the same courts.
OSLO
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AL HABTOOR TENNIS CHALLENGE
Tournament director: Kyra Nagy
Supervisor: Hany El-Khafief
Balls: Dunlop Fort
DULGHERU PRINCESS OF
DUBAI
The Al Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, within the Dubai
Marina, hosted the 17th edition of the AH Tennis
Challenge, considered by the ITF the best Futures Women
of the world ($ 75.000 in prize money). Impeccable the
organisation of the tournament, perfect to the smallest
detail: from the welcoming to the rooms and the lavish
party for the players. Even the entry list of the event was
top notch with four top 100 tennis players and the eternal
Japanese Kimiko Date-Krumm, former No. 4 in the world.
Against all the odds the Slovakian Cepelova, No. 1 seed,
left the tournament at the very beginning at the hands of
the Russian Panova. In the bottom half of the draw same
thing happened to the Belgian Van Uytvank, defeated
by the Russian Diatchenko. To fight for the trophy were
Date-Krumm and Dulgheru, who ends up winning in
two straight sets, “ruining” the day to the public and the
organisers, supporters of the incredible Japanese. In the
Doubles tournament the Russians Panova - Diachenio
defeated the Ukrainian Kichenok and Savchuk.
DUBAI
421
TENNIS & TOURISM
THE LUXURIOS DUBAI
Located in the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is the most populous and,
together with Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates that make up
the United Arab Emirates. The tournament is held at the Habtoor Grand
Resort & Spa. A five-stars luxury facility with four hard courts, three of
which used for the matches of the tournament and one for training, a
large pool with water slides overlooking the tennis courts, a gym with
qualified staff always available and changing rooms equipped with
sauna and Turkish bath. For a fee the guests can also enjoy the SPA. The
admission is free. The official hotel is the "Metropolitan Deira", located
about a thirty/thirty-five minutes drive from the Club. Some players stay at the "Metropolitan Palace Hotel", located, once
again, at about thirty minutes from the Habtoor. The airport is about thirty minutes from the hotel. For 250 AED (€ 50)
you can reach it using one of the limousine provided by the Resort or you can opt for the cheaper option and simply use
one of the many taxi awaiting outside the resort ( 75 AED, € 15). The food in Dubai is of excellent quality, and it can affect
your wallet. We recommend the Italian restaurant "Luciano".
422
ITF ASUNCION 2014
Tournament director: Miguel Riquelme
Supervisor: Pablo Del Gobbo
Balls: Wilson Championships
A PERUVIAN IN ASUNCION
The Futures Women of Asuncion was the only one to be played out of the three meant to take place in Paraguay in
November. The favourites were the Spanish Lourdes Dominguez Lino, who left at the first round by the hand of the
Russian outsider Pivovarova, and the home heroine Veronica Cepede - Royg, who, after winning the first set, was beaten
by the Argentine Patricia Molinero in the quarterfinal. To leave the tournament also all the top seeded players present in
the top half of the draw. To play the final were the Peruvian Botto and the Argentine Molinero. The two players already
had met earlier on in the season for the final of the ITF of Santiago de Chile, and once again to win was Botto.
The Argentine couple Luini - Peres Rojas won the Doubles, defeating in the final the Russian Pivovarova and the Romanian
Tig.
ASUNCION
423
TENNIS & TOURISM
ASUNCION, THE MOTHER OF CITIES
Paraguay's capital city and one of the oldest in South America,
Asuncion has little more than 500 thousand inhabitants, although the
metropolitan area population reaches more than 2 million. Due to its
old age and to the fact that explorers departed from here in search of
new places to civilize and urbanize, it is known as the "Mother of Cities”.
Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811. The ITF Women of
Asuncion took place in the Club Internacional de Tenis, a facility with
twenty-five clay tennis courts (nineteen outdoors and six indoors), two
restaurants, a swimming pool, several TV rooms, a hall for events and
conferences, three squash courts, a grass football pitch and a gym. The
admission is free during the entire duration of the tournament. At 3 km
from the Club, the official hotel is the four-stars "Portal del Sol", ten minutes drive from the centre of Asuncion. Available
to its guests a swimming pool with pool bar and a modern gym. Each room has a mini bar, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. There is
a shuttle service for players and referees to and from the venue of the tournament. The airport of Asuncion is 10 km from
the hotel. The Paraguayan cuisine still retains much of the eating habits of the natives, with, inevitably, strong influences
from those of the colonizers. The two most important ingredients are the cassava, a tuber also known as manioc or yucca,
and wheat. The historic centre of Asuncion is full of places where to enjoy a drink while listening to music.
424
ITF NEW DEHLI 2014
Tournament director: Sunil Yajaman
Supervisor: Abhishek Mukherjee
ON JANKOVIC AND IVANOVIC’S FOOTSTEPS
In the third week of November, after the two Futures
Women of July, the Delhi Lawn Tennis Asso-ciation
hosted on its courts another ITF. Like the other two it was
a female tournament but with a higher prize money ($
50.000). Everyone's attention was focused on the Serbian
teenager Ivana Jorovic. The former Junior No. 1 did not
disappoint the public.
The 17 year old from Cacak started the tournament as
No. 503 in the world but on the court demonstrated an
impressive gaming power and mental strength rarely
found in such a young player. The Jorovic defeated in the
final with an eloquent 62 62 the Austrian Barbara Haas.
This first success in a $ 50.000 tournament placed Jankovic close to the top 300 in the world.
Chinese success in the Doubles draw. The couple Lui - Lu defeated in the final the Russian Melni-kova and the Belgian
Mertens.
NEW DELHI
425
TENNIS & TOURISM
NEW DELHI, BETWEEN WEALTH AND POVERTY
New Delhi is a city with a high population density and approximately 250,000 inhabitants. Capital of India, despite its
many attractions, it is known worldwide for the incredible poverty of some of its areas. Many are the people living on the
streets. Many the cars causing traffic jams, chaos and noise pollution. The tournament is played at the DLTA Complex, a
majestic facility with fourteen tennis courts (five of which are used for the matches of the tournament), including a wellequipped and large Central, a swimming pool, a cafeteria and a restaurant. The admission is free for the entire duration of
the event. At 3 km from the DLTA Complex and with a huge swimming pool and three restaurants, the four-stars "Jaypee
Vasant Continental" is the official hotel. There is a shuttle service to and from the venue of the tournament. The other
partner hotel, the "RK Khanna Stadium", is within the Club. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is 15 km away from
the DLTA Complex. Indian cuisine is rich in spices. Main ingredients are chicken, pork and rice. The restaurant inside the
club serves mostly Indian food.
426
WTA COSTA AZAHAR
Tournament director: Josele Diaz
Supervisor: Poncho Ayala
Balls: Wilson
SINGLE AND DOUBLES FOR SAEZ
Second edition of the female Internacional de tennis of Nules, a town on the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, Spain. Thanks
to the mild climate even in late November this $ 10.000 ITF is one of the last outdoors events on clay of the season.
Reigning champion of the tournament and favourite number one in terms of ranking was Olga Sáez Larra, followed
by the Australian Alexandra Nacarrow. To win, at the end of a perfect week in which she played with great confidence,
without los-ing a single set, was the 20 year old Spanish player. The Sáez, with a statuesque body, defeated 62 64 in the
final another Spanish player, Yvonne Caballé.
The day before Sáez and Nancarrow won the Doubles, defeating in a dual tiebreak 76 (5) 76 (5) the Spanish players
Cavalle-Reimers and Schaffner-Riera.
NULES
427
TENNIS & TOURISM
NULES, HOMELAND OF CLEMENTINE
Facing the Mediterranean sea, with its 14 thousand inhabitants, Nules is a town of the province of Castellon, in the
Comunidad Valenciana. Since 1953 it gives its name to a particular variety of Clementines, which are grown in this
particularly temperate area of Spain. In addition to the primary sector, the production and distribution of ceramics is
another important source of income. In recent years tourism saw a good growth, thanks to the many people searching
for nature, sea and good food. The Moorish domination is still evident in the architectures of the city. The castle is, of
course, the main attraction of Nules. The Futures is played on the four clay courts of the Club Scude. The facility also
has three more hard courts, a gym and five padel courts. Members of the cub often organise social events, parties and
excursions. The admission is free during the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the modern and
comfortable three-stars "Plana Parc”. The rooms are all equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a work desk, a small safe
and satellite TV. Available to players and referees a shuttle service to and from the Club. At 35 km, the nearest airport is
the one of Valencia. The most famous Spanish dish is the “paella”, but there are several other dishes, such as squid stuffed
with shrimp served with almond sauce and black pepper duck.
428
ITF ASTANA WOMENS 2014
Tournament director: Dmitriy Savchuk
Supervisor: Jenim You
YASHKINA’S FIRST HURRA
In Kazakhstan the last appointment of the season with international tennis took place in the last week of November.
It was an ITF Women and like the others was played in the modern Kazak Ten-nis Center of the capital Astana. If the
tournament had been played 20 years ago it could have been a Soviet championship: the vast majority of participants
were Kazakhstani, then the others were from Russia, Bijelo-Russia or Uzbek. To play the final were the 19 year old from
Kazakhstan Kerimbayeva and the Russian Yashkina,
respectively first and third seed of the draw and partners
in the Doubles tournament. Yashkina won in two sets,
so as to earn her first Futures title of the year. Curiously,
the Russian had already won this tournament in 2010.
Uzbek success, however, in the Doubles. Khalibulina
and Merenkova defeated no other than the two finalists
of the Single, Kerimbayeva and Yashima.
ASTANA
429
TENNIS & TOURISM
ASTANA, THE FUTURE IS HERE
With its 800 thousand inhabitants, Astana is the largest city in the former Soviet republic after Almaty and the capital of
Kazakhstan. In the last half century it changed its name four times. The first thing that catches the eye when you arrive in
Astana is that everything is new: dozens and dozens of sites that after a few months become skyscrapers, underpasses,
platforms, fountains, tree-lined avenue and other architectural works, all designed to impress the human eye. The
tournament is played on the indoors hard courts of the National Tennis Centre. A modern and functional facility with
ten outdoors hard courts, seven indoors hard courts and three indoors clay courts. There are also three cafeterias and a
gym. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. At about fifteen minutes drive, the official hotel is
the three-star "Art Astana". All the rooms are equipped with satellite TV, air conditioning, mini-bar, safe, telephone and
Wi-Fi. Inside the hotel is the restaurant "Chillout". The organisation provides a service of transportation for tennis players
and staff. The international airport is less than 25 km from the club and the train station only 5 km. Near the National
Tennis Centre you can find few places where to eat or simply have a drink: "Gun's and Roses" (English pub), "Astana Nury"
(restaurant), "Shokolad" (lounge bar) and "East-West" (restaurant). Moving towards the city centre we recommend: "Ali
Baba" (restaurant), "Zaza" (restaurant), "Friday's" (American food), "Akbulak" (local food), "Kuldja" (Uzbek cuisine), "Baden
Baden" (Irish pub), "Fusion" (nightclub). The Kazakh cuisine is influenced by the Russian, Mongolian and Uzbek tradition.
430
Supervisor: Miguel Ternera
BOSIO: VICTORY AND BEST RANKING
After the WTA International of April and the $ 100.000 ITF International of August, in November Bogotá is home to a third
and final tournament, a $ 10.000 Futures played at the Club El
Campin. This is one of the last opportunities of the season to
score some points to climb the world rankings. Respecting the
odds that gave them as favourites, the Chilean Koch-Benvenuto
and the Argentine Valeria Bosio were the two finalists. To win
in just two sets was Bosio, bringing to three the num-ber of
Futures titles won in 2014. At the end of the year the 20 yearold from Santa Fe will also reach her best ranking yet, No. 368
in the world.
The Doubles’ trophy went to the British Brogan and the
Colombian Herazo Gonzalez, who defeated in the final Bosio
and the American Roldan.
BOGOTA’
431
TENNIS & TOURISM
BOGOTA’ AND THE BARRIO OF CANDELARIA
With more than 9 million inhabitants, Bogotá is one of the largest metropolis in Latin America and the capital of Colombia.
The city stands on a plateau over 2600 metres above sea level. The most touristic district, and at the same time the
most dangerous one, of Bogota is Candelaria. Another popular destination among visitors is the Plaza de Bolivar and its
Catedral Primada de Bogotá. The ITF tournament is played on the clay courts (twelve) of the Club de Tenis el Campin,
in the homonymous district, where it is also located the Camacho Stadium (home of the Los Milionarios FC football
club). The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the residence "Hotel Estadio",
just five minutes drive from the club. Its rooms are comfortable and equipped with cable TV and Wi-Fi. The El Dorado
International Airport is just 9 km from the hotel. On request and for a fee the guests can book a pickup service from and
to the airport. Players and referees have access to a shuttle service linking the club with the hotel. The Colombian cuisine
is not very different from the one of the Mediterranean areas, rich in vegetables and fruits. Main ingredients are beans,
potatoes, corn, avocado, coconut and bananas. The typical dish of Bogotá is the “ajiaco santafereño”, a soup prepared
with chicken, potatoes, corn and served with sour cream and capers.
432
COPA ALTO TENIS
Tournament director: Macarena Miranda
Balls: Head ATP
BOTTO QUEEN OF SANTIAGO
In the first week of December Santiago returns to host a $ 25.000 ITF Women.
It is played at about 600 metres above sea level on the tennis courts of the Club
Providencia, home in March of another Futures Women. As for the Futures of
Asuncion played the previous week the runner-up to the title were the two top
seed, the Argentine Florencia Molinero (seed No. 1) and the Peruvian Bianca Botto.
And, as in Asuncion, to win was the Peruvian, showing to be in great physical
form
(especially
in
the second half of the
season). Botto earned
her fourth ITF title of
the year and closed
2014 with her best ranking yet, close to the top 200 in the world.
The Americans Guarachi and Albanese won the Doubles,
defeating in the final the Chilean Brito and the Brazilian Piai.
SANTIAGO
433
TENNIS & TOURISM
SANTIAGO, THE QUEEN OF THE ANDES
Capital of Chile, Santiago is located on a plateau about 600 metres above sea level at the foot of the Andes (on the east
side) and the Coastal Mountains (on the west side). The tournament is played in the Club Providencia, one of the most
exclusive of the city, close to the main streets of Santiago, Avenida Bilbao and Los Leones y Tobalaba (metro station).
The facility has nine tennis courts, a spa, an Olympic size heated swimming pool, a club house and two rooms for events
and ceremonies. The admission is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the "Nogales", less
than 3 km from the Club Providencia and within walking distance from the touristic streets of Santiago. The rooms are
spacious, at least 20 m square, and elegantly furnished. Inside the hotel there is a restaurant and several conference
rooms. Available to players and staff a shuttle service between the hotel and the club. The tournament venue is easily
accessible by subway, taxis or bicycles, thanks to the very good cycling network of Santiago. Commodore Benitez
International Airport is about 30 km from the hotel. Near the hotel there are plenty of restaurants and bars, many of
them within the "Costanegra Center" a skyscraper of 300 metres, the largest shopping centre in the city. One of the most
chic and frequented restaurant is the "Restaurante Liguria". We also recommend "El Giratorio", with a breathtaking view
over the city.
434
VANESSA PHILLIPS TROPHY
Tournament director: Konstantin Miller
VICTORY AND BEST RANKING FOR STEFKOVA
The tournament played in the first week of December on the tennis courts of the Maccabi Tel Aviv is the penultimate
in a series of ITF organised during 2014 by the Tennis
Federation of Israel. The climatic conditions, mitigated by
the proximity of the Mediterranean, makes possible to
play out-side even in the winter season. The tournament
had the best final possible, with the two top seed, the
home heroine Deniz Khazaniuk (seed No. 1) and the
Czech Barbora Stefkova (seed No. 2), competing for the
title. Khazaniuk appeared very nervous and committed
many irregularities, leaving a pretty easy victory to
Stefkova, who earned her fourth title of the season and
reached her best ranking yet, ending the year among the
top 400 in the world.
The Hungarian Bondar and the Romanian Csoregi clearly defeated the Ukrainian Boslavets and the Israeli Boslavets
Masuri, winning the Double stournament.
TEL AVIV
435
TENNIS & TOURISM
TEL AVIV, QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
Located in what seems to be the meeting point between Europe, Africa and Asia, Tel Aviv is a city of nearly half a million
inhabitants that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. Thanks to its geographical position it has a mild climate all year round,
so much so that its name means "Hill of Spring". Unfortunately, the well-known Israeli-Palestinian war made it often
theatre of terrorist acts and reprisals. Nevertheless, the city is known for its bustling nightlife and for its nice beaches. The
series of ITF Women takes place at the Kfar Maccabiah Tennis Club in Ramat Gan. With its ten hard tennis courts, the club
is located inside a large sports centre, with an adjoining hotel, swimming pools, restaurants and gyms. The admission is
free during the whole tournament. The official hotel is the four-stars "KFAR Maccabiah", located within the sports centre.
It is a very nice hotel, with soundproof rooms, satellite TV, mini bar, Wi-Fi and queen size beds. It also offers to its guests
two restaurants, a gym (surcharges apply), a spa, a swimming pool and several bars. The only downside is the distance
(about 10 km) from the centre of Tel Aviv. The Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv is about 20 km from KFAR Maccabiah and
can be reached by taxi. A typical dish of Tel Aviv is the hummus. Tel Aviv is full of restaurants with all kind of cuisine,
nightclubs and bars where to go for a drink after dinner: you will be really spoiled for choice.
436
CIRCUITO DIXON VINCI
Tournament director: Adrian Amezcua Velarde
Supervisor: Cristina Romero
Balls: Head ATP
EN PLEIN FOR MARIA
In the first half of December the Yucatan Country
Club, in the Mexican coastal city of Merida, hosted
two combined Futures. The tournaments took place
on hard outdoors courts. In the Women's Singles of
the second week the number one favourite was the
American Allie Kiick, but she unexpectedly left the
scene in the second round, beaten with a resounding
double 6-0 by the Russian Vikhlyantseva. To play
for the title were the Mexican Victoria Rodriguez,
coming from the qualifying, and the German Tatjana
Maria, seed No. 2, who easily won the day, with a final
score of 6-0 6-3. After Fort Worth and Makinohara, the Mexican victory brought to three the numbers of ITF won in 2014
by Maria, no. 69 in the world in 2009.
Along with Mexican Zarazua, she triumphed in the Doubles too, defeating in the final the Venezue-lan Gamiz and the
Russian Savinykh.
MERIDA
437
TENNIS & TOURISM
MERIDA AND ITS FIVE HILLS
Merida is a city of southern Mexico, capital of the state of Yucatan. It was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco
de Montejo de León, known as El Mozo, 6 January 1542, on the site of the Maya village of Ichcaansihó (City of five hills).
The ITF tournament is played on the outdoors hard courts of the wonderful Yucatan Country Club. The admission is free
for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the new four-stars "Meson de la Luna Hotel & Spa". Located
near the Mall Plaza Altabrisa, it has a spa and a restaurant serving mainly local dishes. The Club is about 20 km away
from the hotel but there is an official service of transportation for tennis players and staff that connects the twos. The
Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Crecencio Rejon is about a 25 minutes drive from the hotel and just a few kilometres
more from the venue of the tournament.
438
MARJORIE SHERMAN TROPHY
Tournament director: Konstantin Miller
PAIGINA’S INCREDIBLE WEEK
The Marjorie Sherman Trophy takes place at the Kfar Maccabiah Tel Aviv and is
the last in a series of ITF tournaments organised by the Tennis Federation of Israel
during 2014. Thanks to the mild weather of Tel Aviv, city located on the south east
shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the tournament is played outdoors. Unexpectedly
the 19 year old Czech Barbora Stefkova, No. 1 seed and winner of the Futures played
only few days earlier on these same courts, left at the first round. True heroine of
the week was, however,
the
Russian
Marta
Paigina, who won the
tournament
from
the
starting
qualifying
games. For the 15 year old Muscovite is the first ever victory
in the professional circuit. In a final between teenagers she
defeated in three sets the Ukrainian Olga Fridman.
Paigina ended her incredible week winning the Doubles too.
Together with the Macedonian Helbet she defeated the Israelis
Patiuk and Shlomo.
TEL AVIV
439
PTT ANKARA CUP
Tournament director: Elvan Yurtcu Bozgul
Supervisor: Michaela Testiban
KRUNIC AT
THE PHOTO FINISH
The PTT Ankara Cup is the most important and conspicuous
tournament of the mini indoor ITF women's circuit
organised in December by the Turkish Tennis Federation.
It is played on the courts of the Ankara Tenis Kubulu,
a historic club of the Capital, that hosted international
events as early as the sixties, as shown by the photos and
the memorabilia in the clubhouse. The entry list of the
tournament is excellent, with nine players included among
the top 200 in the world. To meet in the final match were
the Serbian seed No. 1 Alexandra Krunic and the Uzbek
Angul Amanmurado-va, returning from an injury and No.
50 in the world in 2010. To win, but only after a three hours game and two match points wasted in the third set and two
cancelled to her opponent, was the Serbian player.
The Georgian Gorgodze and the Slovenian Kolar won the Doubles, defeating in the final the Ukrainian Korashvili and the
Bulgarian Kostova.
440
TENNIS & TOURISM
ANKARA, THE QUEEN OF ANATOLIA
Capital of Turkey, Ankara extends on a plateau over 900 metres above sea level. With about 5 million inhabitants, is the
second most populous city after Istanbul. The ITF Women's tournament took place at the Ankara Tenis Kulubu, a very
large facility with eight clay courts, including a Central with a three thousand masonry grandstand, and seven indoors
hard courts (used for the matches of the tournament). The club also has a restaurant, a club house full of trophies and
a fully equipped gym. The admission is free throughout the tournament. The official hotel is the "Radisson Blu", a few
hundred metres from the club, in the central district of Ulus. It is a four-star hotel, a bit dated but clean and friendly. For
the guests there is a restaurant with international cuisine and a fitness centre with sauna and Turkish bath. In Ankara
there is a subway line that connects the city from north to south. Just outside the "Radisson Blu" is the Ulus tube station.
At about 25 km, the airport Esemboga is the most important of the city. There is a bus that connects the airport to the
main bus terminal of Ankara, from there you can use the tube. Alternatively you can get a taxi (about 150 Turkish lira),
or book a pickup service at a cheaper rate. The other airport of Ankara serves only domestic flights. The typical dish of
Ankara and, in general, of Anatolia, is the Kebab.
ANKARA
441
ITF WOMENS SERIES
Tournament director: Christopher Lai
Supervisor: Gary Au-Yeung
Balls: Babolat
LIANG, THE WINNER
Throughout December and during the first two weeks
of January, the Victoria Park Tennis Centre in Hong Kong
is home to the ITF Womens Series, with five consecutive
Futures (each with $ 10.000 in prize money). It is played
on outdoors hard courts, in a facility with a Central Court
from 6.000 places. All Asians the players taking part to the
first tournament, with a majority of young tennis players
from China and Japan. To win was the Chinese outsider
Chen Liang, after the two fa-voured, her compatriot Yang
Yuxuan and the Japanese Mighica Ozeki, left prematurely
the tour-nament. In the final she defeated another Chinese,
the nineteen years old Liang Xu Liu Sun, who thanks to the
exploit entered among the top 1000 players in the world. With the success in Hong Kong Liang finally put a stop to her
fasting for victories lasted over three years.
The South Korean Choi and Kim won the Doubles, easily defeating in the final the Japanese Fujioka and Hasegawa.
442
TENNIS & TOURISM
HONG KONG AND ITS SKYLINE
Former protectorate of the British Empire, from 1997 Hong Kong has become, along with Macau, a special administrative
region of the People's Republic of China. It is located on the southern coast of China and has over seven million inhabitants.
Hong Kong is famous for its skyline and harbour, one of the most important in the world. According to various sources
Hong Kong is the city that has the greatest number of skyscrapers (1223). The series of ITF Women took place at the
Victoria Park Tennis Centre, a facility with fourteen hard courts, including a permanent Central with six thousand seats.
Inside there are the changing rooms, the players’ lounge and the offices of the tournament’s organisation. The admission
is free for the entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel is the four stars "Causerai Bay Harbour View", with a
restaurant, swimming pools, a solarium and a gym. The rooms have king size beds and are equipped with every comfort.
Hotel and Club are very close, only a few minute walk from each other. Hong Kong has an efficient subway network: the
station of the Victoria Park is Tin Hau. Hong Kong International Airport is 39 km away from the hotel. In Hong Kong you
can find any kind of international restaurant. Local specialty, however, are noodles, roast duck and fish balls. Near Victoria
Park we recommend the restaurant "Pumpernhckel" serving delicious noodles with chicken and vegetables. The district
Causeway Bay, about 10 minutes walk from the hotel, offers a variety of dining options, with Asian and Western cuisine.
For a drink after dinner we recommend the "Hong Kong Lobby Lounge".
HONG KONG
443
ISTANBUL 10K
Tournament director: Kubra Pehlivan
Supervisor: Ali Katebi
Balls: Wilson
FETT TAKES IT ALL
The $ 10.000 ITF Women of Istanbul ended a mini circuit organised by the Turkish Federation of Tennis during the month
of December. It is played on the indoors courts of the Tacsor Club. The entry list was headed by two tennis players who
oscillate around the three hundredth position in the world ranking: the Uzbek Sabina Sharipova and the Bulgarian Dia
Evtimova. The first stopped in the quarterfinals at the hands of the Croatian Lekaj, the second reached the semi-final,
where she was beaten by the Ukrainian Ianchuk. To
win the title, though, was the promising Croatian Fett,
good at subverting the prediction that gave Ianchuk as
favourite. The eighteen years old from Zagreb ended
the year at No. 359 in the world, her best ranking,
becoming one of the best young players to watch out
for. The previous day, paired with compatriot Lekaj,
Fett defeated the Turkish Aksu and Soylu, so as to win
the Doubles tournament too.
444
TENNIS & TOURISM
ISTANBUL, BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
Capital of Turkey, with over 17 million inhabitants, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world. The tournament
is played at the Tennis Kulubu Tac Spor, located in the eastern part of Istanbul, in Ataşehir district. Born in 1977 and
completed at the end of the ‘90s, it is a very nice
facility. It has ten tennis courts (four indoors and six
outdoors), a sports hall, a restaurant, a club house,
a gym and two swimming pools (one indoor). The
members of the club also have access to a SPA with
several rooms to relax. The admission is free for the
entire duration of the tournament. The official hotel
is the ''Asia City Hotel", always in Ataşehir district,
just over 2 km from the Club and ten minute walk
from several shopping centres. The rooms, new
and spacious, are equipped with every comfort. To
reach the European side you can take the subway
or alternatively the bus or a taxi. Available to tennis
players and staff a non-stop shuttle service between the hotel and the Club. Istanbul is served by two airports: the Sabiha
Gokcen Airport is about 30 km from Ataşehir, while the Ataturk is 45 km away. Istanbul boasts an extensive and efficient
underground network. Due to the chaotic traffic congestion and the difficulty in finding parking we recommend the use
of public transport. In Ataşehir there are several places where you will be able to eat a very good Kebab, one of the typical
dish of Istanbul, of all Turkey for that matter.
ISTANBUL
445
ITF WOMENS SERIES
Tournament director: Christopher Lai
Balls: Babolat
INCREDIBLE YANG
Second of five weeks of international tennis at the Victoria Park Tennis Centre in Hong Kong for the ITF Womens Series,
which at the end of the season offers the chance to earn valuable points to climb the WTA rankings. The climate of the
former British protectorate makes possible to play outdoors even during winter months. The organisers could not hope
in a better final: to fight for the trophy were the Chinese Lin Zhu and Yang Zhaoxuan, respectively first and second
seeded. To win was Yang, at her second ITF victory of the season (ITF of Istanbul). The nineteen year old from Nangchang
climbed more than 700 positions in the world rankings, closing the season at No. 292 and becoming one of the best
Chinese hopes. The Chinese Yang and Ye defeated the South Korean Hong and Kang, so as to win the Doubles.
HONG KONG
446
ITF WOMENS SERIES
Date: 29 December 2014 - 3 January 2015
Tournament director: Grandi Chan
Balls: Babolat
SINGLES AND DOUBLES:
JAPANESE TRIUMPH
Third of five weeks of international tennis at the Victoria
Park Tennis Centre in Hong Kong for the ITF Womens
Series, which at the end of the season offers the chance
to earn valuable points to climb the WTA rankings. Good
the entry list of the tournament. Great curiosity to see
again Vera Zvonareva, the former No.2 in the world that
in 2014 went back to play, stopping, though, once again
after the third round reached at Wimbledon. The 30 yearold from Muscovite, a finalist at the US Open in 2010,
easily surpassed the first two rounds before retiring in
the quarterfinals without even playing the game against
Omae. To win the tournament was the Japanese Kijma,
19 years old, who starting from the qualifiers, in the
final match defeated her compatriot Omae in two sets.
The Japanese Ayukawa and Ninomiya triumphed in the
Doubles, beating the Chinese Tang and Ye at the tie break.
HONG KONG
447
XXXV° INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR ITF
CITTÀ DI SANTA CROCE MAURO SABATINI
NAKAGAWA E KASATKINA: FUTURE STARS?
Every year the Tennis Club Santa Croce, located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside between
Florence and Pisa, is home of one of the most important Junior tournaments on the
world calendar, category Grade 1. To win the men tournament was the Japanese class ‘96
Naoki Nakagawa, who in the days following the victory
managed to reach no. 9 of the under 18 ranking. The
Japanese tennis player defeated in the final the Brazilian
Joao Menezes by a score of 6-3 7-5. The Russian Darya
Kasatkina, class ‘97 and No. 3 of the Junior ranking, was
the one to lift the trophy at the end of the Women tournament. In the final the tennis
player from Togliatty prevailed 6-4 6-1 on the American Catherine Bellis, who a few
months later reached the highest ranking of her category.
SANTA CROCE
448
ITF BEACH TENNIS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Date: 30 July / 03 August 2014
Prize money: Tournament director: Paolo Caponigri
Supervisor: Ricardo Ragazzini
Surface: Sand
Balls: Quicksand
CALBUCCI AND GARAVINI ON TOP OF THE WORLD
In the beautiful and now familiar setting of "Bagno Delfino", in Cervia, took place the sixth edition of the World
Championship ITF Beach Tennis. After the victory in the previous year of the No. 1 couple Alessandro Calbucci and Marco
Garavini, in the 2014 edition we had to wait an extra day to know the new Champions. A heavy downpour forced the
organisers to postpone the final to Monday, but this did not stop the fans that, as throughout the week, crowded the
stands of the beautiful venue. Over two thousand the fans present to support their heroes: once again to lift the trophy
were the two experienced players, No. 1 in the world, defeating in an all Italian final the surprising and difficult to tame
Meliconi and Cramarossa. After stopping the match the previous day on 2/2 40/40, the most experienced pair, champions
of the Assoluti Italiani just two weeks earlier, won the first set in twelve games. Everything easier in the second set,
ending the match with the final score of 7/5 6/2. Big party at the end of the tournament for the two Italians. Calbucci
won two titles in Cervia e three worldwide, while Garavini is at his fourth success in Cervia and third one worldwide. The
city of Ravenna, where the sport was born thirty years ago, confirmed its superiority with three world champions out of
four and six finalists out of eight.
The Women’s tournament was won by Bacchetta-Cimatti, while the Mixed’ by Faccini-Ponti.
CERVIA
449
La Grande Sfida
IVANISEVIC YOUNG AGAIN
After filling the Forum of Assago, near Milan, in 2011 with the quartet
formed by Serena Williams, her sister Venus, Francesca Schiavone and Flavia
Pennetta, in 2012 La Grande Sfida saw playing on the courts Maria Sharapova,
Ana Ivanovic, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci. After a year off the MCA Events,
captained by Ernesto De Filippis, decided to return to tennis with a big event,
organising a leg of the ATP Champions Tour. Two the appointments: one in
the evening of October 17 at the 105 Stadium of Genoa and the second one
the next day in the afternoon at the Mediolanum Forum of Assago. Four true
legends on the courts to entertain an audience ever so varied, from old fans
to youngsters eager to see for the first time playing live those who made
the history of tennis in the 80s and 90s. After the semi-finals of Genoa, the
transfer to Milan for the final. The stadium was so crowded that the organisers
were forced to postpone the start of the matches, so as to allow the 8,500
spectators to take place. To win was Goran Ivanisevic, the youngest of them all
and former No. 2 in the world, that in the final defeated with a double 6-4 Ivan
Lendl. The left-handed Croatian with a deadly service proved to be stronger
than Lendl, the Czech born in the States who dominated the world rankings
remaining No. 1 for two hundred and seventy weeks during his career and
winning a total of ninety-four tournaments (including eight Slam). In the
match for third place to prevail was the most acclaimed by the audience, John
McEnroe, a former world No. 1 and winner of seventy-seven Singles (seven
Slam) and seventy-eight Doubles (ten Slam). McEnroe beat 6-3 6-3 Michael
Chang, also American but with Taiwanese origins who still holds the record
for youngest winner of a Grand Slam.
450
451

Youtennisnet BOOK 2014 – ENG

Transcription

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