The popular Vancouver challenger event is back after missing the 2016 schedule. The popular tournament that had seen many high-profile players including Jurgen Melzer, Dudi Sela, Radek Stepanek, and Vasek Pospisil compete in the past was without a tournament director in 2016 after the departure of Floyd Hill.
The tournament has found a new director in the shape of a familiar face on the Challenger tour. Rik de Voest, who actually ended his singles playing career at the event in 2014 with a defeat to Thanasi Kokkinakis, has taken over the responsibilities of leading the tournament.
De Voest, who’s best singles ranking was no.110, and doubles ranking of no.39, won the singles title in Vancouver in 2006, his career-best year. He beat Amer Delic in a tournament where he did not drop a set throughout. De Voest also won a challenger title in Mexico City, and reached the final in Noumea, where he lost to a young Gilles Simon.
“I am very excited to form part of the team reviving the Odlum Brown VanOpen, I believe bringing world-class tennis back to Vancouver provides great inspiration to the young players who aspire to compete on the ATP World Tour one day. As a past player and having played in many Challenger events, I can honestly say that the Odlum Brown VanOpen was one of the most impressive tournaments in the world. It provides top-class facilities, amazing player accommodation, fantastic crowd support and attracts some of the best players in the world, including future World No. 1s.”
