Venus Williams is participating in the Rosmalen grass tennis tournament this year. The organization of the Libéma Open announced this on Tuesday morning. “It’s fantastic that we can welcome her!”, says a beaming tournament director Marcel Hunze.
The American world star receives a wild card from the organization for the tournament, which will be held on the grounds of the Autotron. It is the first time that Williams makes her appearance in Rosmalen.
“Very happy that Venus chose us.”
“We had been in contact with Williams for several weeks. When it became known that she planned to play the grass tennis season, we strengthened those contacts,” says Hunze. “We are very happy that Venus has chosen us.”
Williams is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. She won the famous Wimbledon five times. She won the US Open twice and is also a four-time Olympic champion.
Other big names participating in the women’s tournament in Rosmalen are Belinda Bencic, Victoria Azarenka, Bianca Andreescu and Elina Svitolina. Svitolina, former number three in the world, became a mother last year and is making her comeback in the tennis top.
“The field of participants looks very good.”
Daniil Medvedev is the big name for the men this year. He is number three in the world ranking. Other crowd pleasers are Felix Auger-Aliassime, Borna Coric. and former US Open winner Marin Cilic.
Roosendaler Tim van Rijthoven surprisingly won the tournament last year. He has received a wildcard for the new edition of the event. “The field of participants looks very good”, says Hunze.
The Libéma Open starts on Saturday June 10 and lasts until June 18. “Ticket sales are going very well”, says the tournament director. According to him, this has to do with the good performances of the Dutch top tennis players such as Tim van Rijthoven, Tallon Grepes and Botic van de Zandschulp over the past two years. “That has a positive effect on the public interest.”
READ ALSO:
Tim van Rijthoven after winning Libéma Open: ‘Best day of my life’
Tim comes, sees and conquers: his sensational week in 10 photos