07-02-2011-
In the lounges of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and in the presence of various Monegasque key figures including Minister Paul Masseron and Mrs Elisabeth-Ann de Massy, President of the Tournament’s Organising Committee, Zeljko Franulovic, Director of the Tournament unveiled the outline of the next Monte Carlo Rolex Masters, which will take place from 9th to 17th April 2011 in the prestigious setting of the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Organised by SMETT (Société Monégasque pour l'Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis), the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters is the first major European tournament that opens the clay court season. Last year, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal wrote a new page in the 100-year history of the tournament and in the global history of tennis when he became, in Monte Carlo, the first player to win an ATP tournament for the sixth time running. This year, he is once again eager to leave his mark during the Monegasque tournament.
“Although registration closes on 14th March 2011, we know we can rely on the majority of the world’s top ten players to take part, as some of them have already expressed their interest in competing at the Tournament such as R. Nadal, N. Djokovic, D. Ferrer, J. -W. Tsonga, to mention just a few”, stated the Director of the Tournament without providing the complete list of the 45 players automatically entered. The Monegasque Tournament is a particular favourite of the players and they have once again shown this indirectly. The Monte Carlo Rolex Masters was awarded the “Prix d’Excellence” by ATP Europe for all the services it offers.
New for the 105th edition…
Following on from the various work carried out to the Monte Carlo Country Club site over the past few years, the organisers are continuing to make the necessary efforts to develop the tournament in order to maintain the highest level and compete with other international Tournaments.
Special efforts have been made with regard to the hospitality facilities, including the extension of the VIP Village and the creation of a closed 50-space parking lot, located under the two hard courts of the Monte Carlo Country Club, entirely rebuilt in order to meet the demands of the best players who train in the Principality throughout the year.
Furthermore, in order to anticipate the expectations of a regular audience (with close to 124,000 admissions in 2010), the Tournament Committee is eager to place focus on “off court” activities, by offering, as of the Monday, on Women’s Day, an exhibition match between the Danish player Caroline Wozniacki, world number one and the Italian player Francesca Schiavone, world number four, Roland Garros winner in 2010.
Another highlight will take place on Thursday 14th April – the Grand Evening of Tennis featuring the Antonio Najarro Company, outstanding dancers and the special participation of the world-renowned Spanish singer, Luz Casal.
Also new for this year, matches will be broadcast on Canal+ throughout the week, as well as on France Télévision with a live match every day on France 4. And all tournament fans will be delighted to discover that the semi-final and final will be shown on France 2 or France 3.
2011, the year of generosity
On the initiative of Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, an extensive festive and social programme will be available throughout the week.
As in the past two years, the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters will officially open with a “Launch Party” at Zelo’s, in the presence of tournament players. Several special charity evenings and events will follow, such as the Forest Night, a gala evening for the benefit of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which will be held on MY Cristina O, in order to raise funds for forest preservation, an exhibition match for “Aces Against AIDS” and a gala evening with an auction in aid of the Elton John Foundation.
“We are very pleased to be working alongside the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has provided support to over 150 million people in 15 countries. Our aim is to turn the spotlight on the Principality of Monaco’s humanitarian values” said Miss Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy.
An exceptional week in store – both with regard to sports and social activities – to celebrate the launch of the summer season on the Riviera.
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