World number six for SA Tennis Open
Brenda Masilela
24 November 2008
The SA Open tennis tournament is on the way up. The recent announcement that top French player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will contest the 2009 event in February indicates that the tournament is gathering prestige.
Tsonga finished runner-up in this year's Australian Open, one of tennis' four Grand Slam events, and also earned an invitation to the prestigious end of year ATP Masters tournament in Shanghai. He is currently ranked sixth in the world.
Last week he was in Johannesburg for the announcement of his participation in the SA Open, which will be sponsored by South African Airways, the national carrier.
'It's like home'
"I'm happy to be in the country; to me it's like home because my father was born in Congo and my mother in France," said Tsonga. "I will be taking part in the SA Open because I would like to improve the sport, particularly from grassroots."
SAA chief executive officer Khaya Ngqakula said: "Today our dream of having Tsonga in the country has come true. Our company is one of the sponsors of this event and we are delighted to be part of the SA Open."
Other top players who will be taking part are David Ferrer, the world number 12, who was part of the Spanish Davis Cup winning team at the weekend, and Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis, who captured the imagination of tennis fans around the world when he reached the final of the 2006 Australian Open.
'I'm excited'
"I have heard many beautiful things about South Africa," he said, "and I'm excited that I am going to be playing in Johannesburg next year.
"I hope that all the fans will come out and support us and enjoy watching us play."
The South African Tennis Association CEO Ian Smith was delighted to be able to announce the names of the three top players for next year's SA Open, but was hopeful that further additions would further improve the field. "Hopefully it doesn't end there, as we are in negotiations with some other leading players and hope to make an announcement soon," he explained.
Plans are already in motion to erect the tennis court complex, which will be completed in January, at Montecasino.
Montecasino
"Montecasino is very proud to be associated with the ATP brand and to be hosting an event of this stature," said the venue's general manager, Steve Howell. "The tournament will add another dimension to Montecasino's already diverse entertainment [offering].
"Our entertainment infrastructure will provide spectators to the tournament with a myriad of options from which to choose when visiting Montecasino next year, combined with an easily accessible, secure location and ample parking."
Four courts will be erected for the tournament – two for tournament play and two for practice purposes and qualifying rounds.
Centre court will have seating for 3 000 spectators, while there will be space for another 1 500 people around court one.
Tickets
Tickets for the SA Open will be available at the Montecasino box office and from Computicket, on 083 915 8000 or (011) 340 8000, or through the Computicket website from 1 December.
COSTS
Monday: day, 1pm, R25 court one and R40 centre court
Monday: evening, 7pm, R25 court one and R40 centre court
Tuesday: day, 1pm, R25 court one and R40 centre court
Tuesday: evening, 7pm, R25 court one and R40 centre court
Wednesday: one session, 4pm, R50 court one, R75 centre court
Thursday: one session, 4pm, R50 court one, R75 centre court
Friday: quarterfinals, 4pm, R75 court one and R100 centre court
Saturday: semifinals, 1pm, R120
Sunday: final, 1pm R150, centre court
Source: City of Johannesburg
