The first edition of the Roanne International Open starts this Monday 08 November, after being postponed last year, covid epidemic obliges. But it was worth the wait because the organizers managed to line up a raised field with five players from the Top-100.
Benoît Pair, currently 50th at ATP, is the headliner of the tournament. The 32-year-old Frenchman has already played six finals on the ATP circuit and reached 18th place in the world in 2016. Richard Gasquet should also attract a good number of spectators. The former world number 7 won fifteen titles on the ATP circuit; he is now 81st.
Also announced, Antoine Hoang, Jiri Vesely, among others. The Loire public will also be able to applaud the “local stage”, Hugo Grenier, from Montbrison (188th ATP).
Ten thousand spectators expected over the week
For this first edition, the organizers hope to attract ten thousand spectators over one week, with a central court at the Scarabée de Riorges (places from 5 to 15 euros) and a second court at the gymnasium on Boulevard de Belgique, in Roanne (free places). It will also be possible to attend training at the Riorges tennis club.
Each day, the meetings begin at 11 am; a flagship meeting is scheduled at 6.30 p.m. and a second at 8 p.m. The final is scheduled for Sunday November 14 at 2:00 p.m.. The double will take place the day before.