'An amazing opening act', shares tournament director Richard Krajicek

Ahoy is buzzing at the start of the 52nd edition of the ABN AMRO Open. For example, tournament director Richard Krajicek is eagerly looking forward to the titanic duel between Daniil Medvedev (photo) and Stan Wawrinka on day one of the main draw tournament. What about the popular Stefanos Tsitsipas and the young talent Mees Röttgering , who will be in action immediately?

"We have an amazing line-up right away on Monday,” Krajicek says, referring especially to the first evening match when Medvedev and Wawrinka compete. The strong line-up of the ABN AMRO Open means that spectators are assured of absolute top tennis from day one. "That is the advantage of a broad field of participants.”
The encounter between Medvedev and Wawrinka also features two former winners; 'Stan the Man' won the title in 2015. Krajicek: "I wonder if 'the old master' can surprise us again.” Wawrinka (39), who has thrilled the audience on so many occasions with his majestic backhand, is the underdog against Medvedev, who won the tournament two years ago.

Tsitsipas is back

Day one of the main tournament will showcase even more top tennis. For example, crowd favourite Stefanos Tsitsipas will cross swords with Frenchman Harold Mayot in the afternoon. And , of course , the Dutch audience is very curious about the debut of their home talent. The young Mees Röttgering will face Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci in the final evening match. Krajicek hopes that Röttgering will play freely and not be impressed by the atmosphere or his opponent. Krajicek: "Bellucci is certainly a good player, but I think Mees can keep up with the match for a long time.”
The first day of the tournament is the prelude to what promises to be a festive tennis week. There is certainly an 'Alcaraz effect', Krajicek notes. The Spanish superstar has been in Ahoy for a few days already and his presence certainly isn’t going unnoticed - especially by youngsters who have flocked to the venue in large numbers. "When we announced that we had signed Carlos Alcaraz for this edition, we immediately saw a big spike in ticket sales," says Krajicek.
The Spanish tournament favourite will face Botic van de Zandschulp on Tuesday evening from 7:30PM. This leads to mixed feelings for the tournament director. "I hope Carlos stays in the tournament for a long time, but I also feel the same for Botic. I'm not going to watch that match myself," he adds, laughing.
With four players from the top 10 and four former winners in the starting blocks, there is a lot for tennis fans to look forward to. Especially because, in addition to the established order among the Dutch (Tallon Griekspoor and Botic van de Zandschulp), young talents are also eager to compete. Krajicek: "I had hoped that in addition to Mees, some young Dutch players would also enter the main tournament through the qualification rounds, but unfortunately, that did not work out.” It also says something about the power of the event, one where you have the opportunity to see global tennis at the highest level. If you are quick enough , that is… "In the second half of the week, some sessions are already sold out,” Krajicek reminds tennis fans.