Key Tennis events in Marseille

From February to June 2011

Open 13
Dates: 20 > 26 february 2012
Organiser: Pampelonne Organisation
www.open13-organisation.com
Location: Palais des Sports - rue Raymond Teisseire 13009

Open 13, the leading indoor sports event in southern France.
Considered to be one of the key international men's tennis events, the Open 13 has been welcoming the most prominent figures in international tennis for over 18 years, thanks to its reputation and position on the ATP circuit (beginning of the year). From Lendl to Federer, as well as Nadal, Becker, Noah, Kuerten, Medvedev, Hewitt, Rios, Safin, Ferrero, Moya, Murray, Tsonga, Djokovic... All of them have played on the courts of Marseille Palais des Sports at one time or another. Some of them have even claimed victory.
In all, the final draw consists of 28 players:  19 direct entrants thanks to their ATP ranking + 2 Special Exempts + 4 qualifiers (February 12th & 13th 2011, starting at 10:30) and 3 guests (Wildcards).
The prize money will reach the amount of 576,000€ which, combined with player amenities, represents over 50% of the tournament's total budget. The money will be awarded to the players according to their position in the final draw: the singles winner will take 92,400€, the finalist will take 48,700€ and the doubles winners will take 28,325€. Over the past 18 years, this financial incentive has increased by 30%, thus making the tournament more attractive.
In addition to the financial aspect, players also know that if they win, they will acquire precious points towards their ATP ranking.




Open GDF SUEZ de Marseille
Dates : 11>16 June 2012
Organiser and location: Tennis Club de Marseille - 10 bd de Tunis 13008
                                       www.tennisclubmarseille.fr

After the Open 13 men's tennis event in February, the city of Marseille welcomes a renowned international women's tournament, the Open GDF Suez de Marseille. An official International Tennis Federation tournament, established in 1993, the 12th edition of this event was its ticket to the big leagues and it was ranked among the Top 3 international French women's tournaments. WTA points are thus awarded and count towards the international women's ranking. The competition will be held on the clay courts of the Tennis Club de Marseille.
Once again this year, the draw includes top level athletes with over a dozen players ranking among the international top one hundred.

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