With three players from the top ten in the world for men, the best Dutch tennis players Tallon Greekpoor and Botic van de Zandschulp and for women, including defending champion Elise Mertens, true tennis heroes are participating in the Libéma Open in Rosmalen. According to director Marcel Hunze, the success is partly due to Brabant hospitality. “We like the pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.”
While the qualification for the main tournament is in full swing on Sunday, Hunze shows Omroep Brabant what has been built up at the Autotron in Rosmalen.
He walks past the renovated players area, which even has an outdoor fitness area. “When the weather is good, tennis players can enjoy themselves here in the open air,” says the director. “We think it is important that they have a good time, we are happy to go the extra mile for them.”
Audience everywhere
According to Hunze, the atmosphere in Rosmalen cannot be compared to many other tournaments. “It’s always a friendly atmosphere. For example, the tennis players simply walk among the audience, which doesn’t happen everywhere,” he explains. “There are also four courts where the tennis players train, all of which are accessible. At other tournaments this is often out of sight of spectators, we want to keep it accessible.”
Many tennis players see the green court of the Libéma Open as the ideal preparation for the famous grass tennis tournament Wimbledon at the end of June. Top tennis players Felix Auger-Aliassime, Daniil Medvedev and Alex de Minaur, among others, are active on the Rosmalen grass.
‘Setting toppers’
“We are very satisfied with the field of participants. It is a big challenge every year, but we always succeed in attracting top players,” Hunze beams. But he doesn’t give away who he will cheer the loudest for. “I’m not going to reveal my favorite final, but an international top name against a Dutchman is a dream scenario.”
The organization expects around 60,000 visitors in nine days. Not only can you see tennis on the seven championship courts, there is also a promotional village set up to entertain anyone who enjoys even a little tennis all day long.
Signatures
“From shops to restaurants, there is a lot to do. There are all kinds of tennischallengesin which you can compete with top players,” says Hunze. “And of course the autograph sessions with top players, which are well attended.”
One of the things Hunze is most proud of are the grass courts. A project that will start at the end of August. “After the first renovation work, things remain quiet until March and then the major maintenance process begins. The grass is mowed shorter and shorter and eventually it looks like this. With these weather conditions it can be very tough, a lot of work has been done.”