Impact on top of tennis
At the ABN AMRO Open, we are dedicated to creating a future-proof tournament. Sustainability, inclusion, and accessibility are at the heart of everything we do. From energy conservation and material reuse to initiatives that make tennis accessible to all, we take responsibility and create impact together with our partners. By working together, we ensure that the ABN AMRO Open is not only a top-tier event for tennis fans but also an inspiration for positive change.
New Initiatives?
The ABN AMRO Open organization is always open to new ideas and innovations. Do you have an initiative that could help us make great strides? Submit your idea via [email protected].
Sustainability
Energy Conservation in Rotterdam Ahoy
At Ahoy, the venue of the ABN AMRO Open, events can be organized sustainably thanks to investments in LED lighting, smart cooling systems, thermal energy storage, a moss sedum roof, a water buffer, and solar panels. We reduce energy demand by paying close attention to the airtightness of our building, sunshading, and daylight entry, as well as the type of lighting and climate control systems. Various building sections are equipped with energy meters (electricity, heat, cooling, water) to gain better insights and achieve energy savings. We continue to innovate and improve. Read more here.
Sustainable Water Management
Drinking water is inexpensive, but fresh water is scarce. Much rainwater flows into the sewage system, even though it is naturally clean. Ahoy has therefore partnered in a water buffer on its premises. This buffer purifies and stores rainwater underground so it can be reused during dry periods, for example, for window cleaning. This reduces pressure on the sewage system and helps prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The buffer, a collaboration with the municipality of Rotterdam and Hago, covers 4.8 hectares and can capture up to 2,400 cubic meters of water during a 50 mm rainfall event.
Recycled Tennis Balls
The tournament is also taking steps towards sustainability. A great example is Renewaball, an initiative in collaboration with main sponsor ABN AMRO. These tennis balls are made entirely from recycled balls. In 2022, we even opened the first sports field made from recycled tennis balls in Rotterdam, made possible by collection campaigns at the ABN AMRO Open.
Reusable Bottles
All players and coaches are provided with reusable Waterdrop bottles. Disposable bottles are not allowed on the courts. In the first year of the ATP and Waterdrop partnership in 2023, more than 1.6 tons of plastic was saved. The universal bottle features vacuum insulation, keeping drinks cold for 24 hours or warm for six hours.
Sustainable Player Benches
During the ABN AMRO Open 2024, we introduced a special innovation: sustainable player benches, a concept developed by Reinier de Jong of design studio STILTS in Rotterdam. These benches are not just new pieces of furniture on the sidelines; they represent a thoughtful combination of sustainability and promoting mental stability among players. What makes these benches unique is the use of old jackets from ABN AMRO staff as upholstery.
Accessibility
Financial Accessibility
We want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience live world-class tennis. That is why ticket prices for certain sessions have been reduced, despite rising organizational costs. For example, the Monday session has a lower price. Additionally, new ticket options have been introduced, such as the Ground Pass, which grants access to the entire venue, excluding Centre Court.
Donating Tickets to Ticketbank for Food Bank Clients
In 2025, the ABN AMRO Open donated tickets to Ticketbank, an initiative by Menoush Vroon, allowing clients of the Rotterdam Food Bank to visit the tournament for free. Ticketbank supports people who, due to financial circumstances, rarely have the opportunity to attend an event. Through this partnership, we aim to make the tournament accessible to a wider audience, offering those facing financial difficulties the chance to experience the atmosphere and spectacle of the ABN AMRO Open.
Accessibility for People with Disabilities
Special measures have been taken to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities at the ABN AMRO Open.
Inclusion
Social Initiatives with Partners
The ABN AMRO Open organization has worked closely with various partners and charities for many years. Both foundations led by our tournament directors—the Krajicek Foundation and the Esther Vergeer Foundation—support a strong mission: every child deserves equal opportunities. This includes giving children with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports at a regular sports club, as well as providing safe play and sports spaces for children in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Each year, we host a Sports Day for 200+ children with physical disabilities in collaboration with the Esther Vergeer Foundation. We support the ABN AMRO Foundation, allowing 300+ children who would not typically have access to tennis to experience the sport.
We also collaborate annually with Coalitie Erbij Rotterdam, which connects organizations and professionals to increase social engagement among Rotterdam residents. Since 2016, we have invited various groups to the tournament, including a special clinic for 160 seniors from Rotterdam on Monday, helping to combat loneliness and social isolation.
Blind Tribune
During the 52nd edition of the ABN AMRO Open, we introduced a blind tribune in collaboration with Komt het Zien!. Thanks to live audio description provided by a blind interpreter, visitors with visual impairments could experience tennis in a unique way.
Read-Aloud Function
Since 2024, the tournament’s website has been fully accessible for visually impaired users. Information such as match schedules, ticket sales, and accessibility details can now be read aloud using the ReadSpeaker function in the top right corner. This ensures that everyone, regardless of visual impairments, has full access to all tournament information and can easily plan their visit.
Low-Stimulation Room
The low-stimulation room has been created for visitors who need a moment of rest, with a special focus on those who are sensitive to sensory stimuli. The room features soft lighting, soundproofing, and comfortable seating to provide a calm and relaxing environment.