World No.36 Feliciano Lopez has been appointed the assistant director of the Madrid Open, in what is set to be the start of a new era for the Spanish tournament.
The announcement was made on Thursday during a press conference at the AC Cuzco Hotel by tournament CEO Gerard Tsobanian. Lopez will be deputy to four-time grand slam champion Manolo Santana, who is credited for bringing the combined event to Madrid. During 2018 Lopez will be mentored by both Santana and Tsobanian for his new role.
“I have a lot to learn from Manolo and from Gerard. I have seen them run this tournament for more than 15 years and I have always admired what they have achieved.” Lopez told reporters.
“As time has gone by the Mutua Madrid Open has become one of the best tournaments on tour and one of the most valued by the players. And that is thanks to both of them. It will be a huge responsibility to make sure that their legacy continues for many years to come.”
The Madrid Open is a combined event played on the clay. It is categorised as a Masters 1000 event for the men and a Premier Mandatory event for the women. This year’s edition, which was won by Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep, attracted a record audience of 260,228 spectators. An increase of over 15,000 compared to the previous year. The current owner is former player and multimillionaire Ion Tiriac.
Lopez’s appointment is the start of his path to the top position. In plans outlined by the tournament committee, the 36-year-old will take over from Santana after 2018 to become chief director. Santana will maintain ties with the Madrid Open, but in a different format as an ‘honorary president’ after he turns 80 next May. Both of those plans are subjected to the approval of the board of directors, who will be holding meetings in the near future to discuss the motions.
“The Mutua Madrid Open is and always will be my home. We put a lot of effort into getting this tournament off the ground and I will always be working to help it grow.” stated Santana.
“I am really happy that Feli is joining the team, he is a wonderful addition to it and I will try to teach him as much as I can. He knows the tournament very well because he has played in it in every year. At first he will be the person by my side to learn and then I will be the one who is by his side to support him in everything he does. We will make a great team.”
During his career, Lopez has played in the Madird Open 16 consecutive times between 2002-2017. Overall, he has won 21 out of 37 matches played at the event, reaching the quarter-finals on four occasions. The Spaniard has been ranked as high as 12th in the world and currently has six ATP titles to his name. Including one from this year’s Aegon Championships.
“I can still remember when Manolo gave me a wildcard to play in the first tournament in 2002. That was when I realised that I could take on the best in the world (and I came close to beating Agassi!). I have a very special bond with the Mutua Madrid Open and I feel very lucky to work at the tournament. Today I feel as if Manolo has given me another wildcard to work with him and I hope to be able to make the most of it.” He said about his new posistion.
Next year will be the 17th edition of the Madrid Open and the tenth anniversary of it being held at the Caja Magica. It will take place from 4th – 13th May.
(Video in Spanish)
