VIENNA, October 23, 2016

Four of the top players at this year’s edition of the Erste Bank Open spent Sunday afternoon in the city centre of Vienna. Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga did a short sightseeing tour with photo shootings in front of the Haas House, a building in the postmodernist style designed by Austrian architect Hans Hollein, as well as the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.

Andy Murray and St. Stephen’s Cathedral

“When you are going around by car, the views are stunning. There are so many fantastic buildings and great architecture, which you really have to visit,” world number two Andy Murray was impressed. The 2014 Vienna champion also enjoys playing inside the Stadthalle. He has returned to Austria’s capital city for the second time. Murray takes on Martin Klizan in his opening round encounter.

“I really like the centre court with its great atmosphere. The tournament has a long tradition, many of the great names in tennis had competed here over the years. I am glad, being part of this history.”

Tomas Berdych, is the current number nine in the ATP Race to London and is still looking for one of the eight sports in order to qualify for the season finale. “The next two weeks will be very important and it will be crucial to play good tennis. This is the only thing, which can bring me to London’s O2 Arena. But first of all, I need to have a good start into the tournament here. Then it’s time for the next step,” the second seed from the Czech Republic stated. Berdych will meet a qualifier in the first round.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga captured the title here in 2011 and still has good memories of the city. “I won the final against Juan Martin del Potro. After the match a couple of former champions came on court to hand over the trophy. This was a special moment for me. It’s great for the tennis sport that so many good players have come to Vienna, although it has become difficult to clinch the title. Nonetheless, it is going to be a great event again,” said the Frenchman, who will appear in the Stadthalle for the fourth time.

“I have been here several times but I think that the city is getting even more attractive every year. Our hotel is located right in the city centre and it is really fun to have a walk, admiring the attractions.”

Tsonga will open his campaign against a qualifier.