Roger Federer to play in inaugural Istanbul Open

Swiss tennis legend and world’s number two; Roger Federer will play at the first ever ATP World Tour event in Istanbul, Turkey from 27 April - 3 May in 2015. The Istanbul Open will be held at the spectacular Koza World of Sports facility, which is promoted as the largest tennis academy in the world. The center court features a retractable roof and will provide seating for 7,500 people.

Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman and President, said, “We are delighted that the ATP World Tour will be taking place in Turkey for the first time from 2015. This incredible new facility in Istanbul will make a wonderful addition to the many remarkable venues that feature on the ATP World Tour throughout the season. As we add an important market such as Turkey to our global footprint, the ATP World Tour will be set to take place across 62 tournaments in 32 countries in 2015.”

Federer said in a video message, “I’m very excited to be coming to Istanbul for the first time in my life. Turkey has been a country I have always wanted to visit and Istanbul is a very exciting city from what I’ve heard” Federer says in the video message. “I hope you can come and see me play there in April; I can’t wait.”

Tennis Federation Chair Durmuş said, "It is different to watch tennis players on TV and live. Federer will contribute to Turkish tennis by participating on our courts. Federer's probable effect will support Turkish tennis by increasing interest in this sport. After Federer the other most precious tennis stars will come to Turkey. Previously, we had brought the most famous women tennis stars to Turkey. This tournament will be very useful for our country."

The CEO of ATP Europe Delanney also said, "The world no.2 Federer's coming to Turkey will make very important contributions to Turkish tennis. Federer has a long and successful career. I'm sure he thought quite hard before deciding to come to Turkey. He must be convinced thanks to the organizer's big efforts. It will be the first ATP tournament in Istanbul. We will organize it in 62 countries. We felt Istanbul's deficiency. We are proud that this gap will be filled from now on."

The tournament venue is part of an overall tennis academy that features 15 outdoor clay courts, 20 outdoor hard courts and 28 indoor hard courts and is located within a sporting complex which also has facilities for swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer and handball. A five star hotel is nearby.

The event will take place in week 17 of the 2015 ATP World Tour, alongside the Portugal Open in Oeiras and the BMW Open by FWU AG in Munich.

Date: 17th February 2015, Source: FTN News