TENNIS – The 2015 edition of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master was officially presented in the Sergio Tacchini headquarters in Milan. Zeliko Franulovic, Monte-Carlo champion in 1970 and Director of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master, spoke to the Italian media about the success of the 2014 edition and the expectations for 2015. The 108th edition of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master is scheduled from 11th to 19th April 2015. Diego Sampaolo
The 2014 edition of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Master confirmed its status as one of the most popular tournaments in the circuit. Last April no less than 131472 spectators attended the Tournament at the famous Monte-Carlo Country Club, breaking the record of attendance.
“In 2014 the main draw featured all the top-six players in the ranking and the return of Roger Federer after two years of absence. For the first time two Swiss players Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka qualified for the final after eight years by Rafa Nadal and the triumph by Novak Djokovic in 2013. Wawrinka was the first Swiss player to win in Monte-Carlo. players We were privileged to attend a great final between two players who trained together before the match. We are grateful to Novak Djokovic who reached the semifinals despite a wrist injury. We have a great respect for Djokovic who fought until the end to defend his title showing once again his support for our tournament”
“The Draw Ceremony was held in the heart of the Principality in the exceptional setting of the Garner Opera in Monaco and was attended by 2013 champion Novak Djokovic and his coach Boris Becker”, said Zeliko Franulovic.
The Monte-Carlo Tournament also supported the SAS Foundation of Princess Charlene, a charity organization associated with the Program of the ATP called Aces for Charity. The Foundation focuses on the practice of sport as a vector for children’s education and development. The Foundation’s priorities include setting up educational projects supporting young gifted athletes lacking sufficient resources and supporting sports projects involving children’s education.
“Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic showed their support by offering a signed racquet to the Princess”, said Franulovic
The organizers of the Monte-Carlo Master 1000 Tournament held a special press conference in the headquarters of the Sergio Tacchini in Milan to thank the Italian partners and media who have contributed to the success of the tournament among Italian tennis fans.
“Since the the start of our ticket sales on 1 October we have increased the figure of tickets sold to Italian fans by 29 percent compared to the same period of last year. Last year our Tournament attracted a record figure of 131000 spectators and more than 40000 spectators. it’s too early to speak about our ticket sales for the next edition but we expect that next year will be even more successful than 2014 in terms of ticket sales.
“We had an excellent television coverage thanks to Canal + and France Television and Sky Italia. Our tournament was broadcast live for a total of 6500 hours in more than 80 countries all over the world. We expect a similar coverage for 2015. The Monte-Carlo Rolex Master was covered by 370 accredited journalists, including many media representatives from Italy. The Gazzetta dello Sport was our Media Partner for the third consecutive year. We are grateful to the Sergio Tacchini for extending its partnership deal for three years. We are pleased to inform that we have renewed our partnership to Fedcom and Orezza for 2015. We will continue our tradition by holding the Players’ Party, the Great Might of Tennis at the Salle des Etoilles in Monte-Carlo and the Tournament for the Media. Next year we will hold a humanitarian exhibition on 11th April 2015 thanks to the initiative of this year’s US Open Marin Cilic. Money will be raised for two charity organizations in Monaco. Many past and present tennis players will attend the exhibition”, said Franulovic.