KITZBÜHEL, July 23, 2016

A lot of happy faces could be seen among the organizers and sponsors of the Generali Open during the final press conference, held in Kitzbühel ahead of the finals on Saturday morning.

Tournament director Alexander Antontisch and his partners

“We had a difficult year with four tournaments taking place the same week but centre court was sold out four times. With Dominic Thiem as part of the top 10, the atmosphere in Austrian tennis is excellent,” tournament director Alexander Antonitsch told.

“We have welcomed 48,900 people at the venue during the week. Of course, we would have liked to see another singles final but the tournament will make history, as we will present a new champion on the ATP World Tour.”

The event’s future seems to be a bright one. Title sponsor Generali will remain on board until at least 2017 and the license holder Octagon extended the contract for the next 10 years.

“We have found the perfect partners here in Kitzbühel,” stated Jorge Salkeld, Octagon’s Senior Vice President. “Seven years ago, we have all seen and felt the event growing since then year after year. Alex is a perfect tournament director and spokesman for the event, but we are all working together very well. We also have a great singles final here today. Having Dominic and Dennis in the doubles title match is great. Even the weather was nice. We cannot ask for more. This is simply a nice summer event. It is the ‘Wimbledon of the Alps’ and we are planning to visit the All England Championships next year to take a look and maybe collect some ideas. We keep the clay courts they can keep the grass,” he laughed.

The tournament’s 73rd edition is going to take place from July 30 to August 5, 2017.