Turkey's Tennis Federation Chair Cengiz Durmuş, CEO of ATP Europe Laurent Delanney, TEB General Manager Ümit Leblebici and Garanti Koza Member of Board Serhan Baykal held a press conference yesterday in Istanbul. It was announced that after a survey was taken, the federation learned that tennis lovers wanted to see Federer in Turkey. Joining in the press conference through a video link, Federer said, "Turkey was a country I always wanted to visit. I think all of you will come and watch me in April. See you in Istanbul."
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."
While TEB General Manager Leblebici said they were supporting the organization "with pleasure," Garanti Koza Member of Board Serhan Baykal underlined that Federer was convinced as a result of long negotiations. Baykal added, "Federer is a legend. He saw how much he was loved in Turkey and accepted our offer. But it was not easy for us."
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 centre court features a retractable roof and will provide seating for 7,500 people. Two other clay show courts raise available seating to 9,500 and the clubhouse features a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool and restaurant.
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, football and handball. A five-star hotel is nearby.
The tournament has been brought to Istanbul by Istanbul Kupası Tenis İşletmecilik Turizm A.S., a subsidiary of Garanti Koza, one of Turkey's largest international general contracting companies.
Serhan Baykal, Garanti Koza Board Member, said: "Garanti Koza is thrilled to host an ATP event in Istanbul, giving Turkish tennis fans the opportunity to watch the best players in the world. We look forward to great tennis in Istanbul for many years to come!"