In the last few days, the preparations for the WATERGEN OPEN tennis tournament of the 250ATP series in Tel Aviv are picking up speed, with the organizers hoping that everything will be completed in time for September 26, when stars such as Novak Djokovic, Diego Schwarzen, Domenic Thiem and others.
The one who wins over the entire organization is Victor Chernov, a representative of the ATP Board, who landed in Israel yesterday afternoon once again and in an exclusive interview with Israel Hayom, he talks about the upcoming tournament, the preparations and the difficulties on the way.
"The teams are working very hard to hold a successful tournament," said Chernov, "to host all the best players in the world here in Israel, when everyone wants to have a good tournament, which may bring more events here in the future."
Why did it take so long since Israel's last time?
"Good question, everything that happens in our lives comes at the time it should be. Now is probably the time, there was an opportunity, when it is very difficult to get the hand to host, there are many cities that want to host and many more cities that host each year. Once the opportunity was given and there were good relations with the -ATP, the trust was created and the decision was made to hold a new event and give it to Tel Aviv, to be part of the schedule this year, when we are proud of it and hope that it will continue in the coming years as well."
What is the biggest problem you encountered in the preparations here for the tournament?
"At the moment we have no particular problems and I am grateful for that. There are things we are doing here for the first time, but we have to remember that our preparations for this tournament are only two months and we are working on it 24 hours a day, so that everything works as it should, for the 8 days of the tournament."
Djokovic.
He will also arrive in Tel Aviv, photo: Reuters
What do you think of the facility at the Expo?
"When I came upon it for the first time, I liked it very much. It is modern, it is new. It will be comfortable, but we have to remember that we have to build everything from scratch, there are problems with prestige, but I guess we will overcome everything."
And how many viewers could watch?
"We see a high demand for tickets and are trying to find the best solution thanks to 'Expo', we have joint work, and we have to think about the future, with a much bigger facility especially after seeing the list of players. We want to open the tickets as soon as possible, but We are still working to get as many spectators as possible to enter, when currently only a little more than 2,500 could enter the main court and 300 spectators to court number 1, hoping that as many as possible could eventually come and watch."
What do you think about Israeli tennis?
"I'm happy that everyone has the opportunity to play here, tennis is developing in your country, after the corona virus, with many small tournaments taking place, and now a big tournament is coming which is good for everyone. There is a full schedule for all ages, it helps us develop the sport here."
So which players will come to Israel?
"Today the official website and the final list will also be launched, but it is already clear that it will be possible to see Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Diego Schwarzen, Dominic Thiem, a very strong list."
In an event like this, when Djokovic arrives, do you need increased security?
"Safety, this is our first priority for the players throughout the week, everyone understands that big stars are in contact and the tournament will do its best to provide the supply for the players, the spectators and for everyone."
Will we see the tournament in Tel Aviv in the coming years or is it a one-off?
"The license is one-time, but let's see in the future. I hope that we will keep the event and that players of the best level will arrive and appreciate everyone who comes in now."
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