Richard Krajicek: 'Tennis is a popular sport among spectators’

Tournament director Richard Krajicek is ready for a week of world-class top tennis. There is a lot to enjoy in Rotterdam Ahoy this week, both on and off the court. Time to look at was is in store for the coming week.

Player line-up 
Richard Krajicek: 'A few years ago we determined our strategy for our player line-up. We seek to have a broad field of participants each year, with several top 10 players. That way we hope to see interesting players in action all week long. We achieved this once again this year with Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune and Hubert Hurkacz. This means that there will be a strong competition on both sides of the draw in the battle for the title.’

Jannik Sinner
'He withdrew from Marseille last week, because that tournament came too soon after his victory at the Australian Open. It’s very nice that Jannik is in Rotterdam, and that he wanted to train here from Friday evening onwards. Sinner likes to come here. For the time being, Rotterdam is the only tournament he will play before Indian Wells. Sinner will play his first match against Botic van de Zandschulp on Wednesday evening. We can only hope that either Sinner, Botic and Tallon Griekspoor make it to the quarter-finals.´

The Dutch
'We are currently in a privileged position that I had not known for years as a tournament director. Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp are doing so well that they do not need a wildcard for the main tournament. We know that Dutch tennis players can bring a little more to the table in their home country. Tennis fans enjoy the battle between our compatriots and the world's top players. Thanks to Jesper de Jong's wildcard, we have three Dutch players in the main tournament. It's a pity that Gijs Brouwer just didn't make to the main draw and lost in the qualifications.`

Old acquaintances
'It's nice that Gaël Monfils is back. He is a crowd favourite who was not able to make it to Rotterdam in recent years for various reasons. In fact, it’s as if Monfils were now coming to defend his 2020 title. Former winner Felix Auger-Aliassime definitely has a tough draw against Maxime Cressy, and it’s also special that Grigor Dimitrov is in action in Rotterdam for the tenth time.’

Popular interest
Our spectator’s interest is going well. I think this is due to a combination of factors. After the corona crisis, people enjoy going to an event in person again. In addition, Dutch tennis players are doing well. Tennis is a popular sport for spectators, it was already surprisingly busy in this first weekend. Sunday in particular is a fantastic day to come. You get to see players up close in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The stage is set
The teams of Rotterdam Ahoy and our loyal partner ABN AMRO have worked hard for a whole year to organise a top tournament. For the players, but also for the fans that come from all over the world. What makes our tournament unique, is the fact that spectators who cheer the players on really  know their stuff. I wish you a very enjoyable week, On Top Of Tennis!’