The 2nd edition of the Angers Open P2I will take place from 6 to 12 December. With 11 players from the world top 100, for the 4th French WTA tournament
Credit: Yann Le Gal
If Caroline Garcia has just offered France her best tennis win in years, the women’s circuit isn’t over in 2022. And the P2i tournament in Angers, which starts on December 6, is one of those interesting end-of-season tournaments. Especially since for its 2nd edition, the plateau will be raised. The organization unveiled the identity of 21 players last night, with guest star Lionel Chamoulaud, former journalist of France Televisions and commentator of the biggest tournaments offered by France TV antennas. “It is important to have players of this level, to have credibility with the partners but also with the players who will take part in this tournament”, confided Lionel Chamoulaud yesterday.
Sofia Kenin as the main headliner
Barring a last-minute injury, at least 11 players will be in the top 100, with a cut to 135th place in the world, higher than that of the first edition. Which is higher than last year and which reflects better player density. Among the 6 “jokers”, a “sounding” name. Sofia Kenin definitely dropped to 235th place in the world, but she won the Australian Open in 2020 and the same year she reached the Roland-Garros final. Since then, she has had a few injuries and she got a little lost in her game of hers, but she remains THE main protagonist. She but she is not the only Grand Slam finalist to be present at Angers. Marketa Vondrousova, 99th in the world, played in the final of Roland-Garros. She will also be present at the Open P2i in Angers.
The best player is the 25-year-old Ukrainian Kalinina Anhelina. The reigning champion, the 32-year-old Russian Vitalia Diatchenko, will come to defend her crown, while solid players such as Alison Van Uytvack (54th in the world) will be present, but also the recent Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria. On the French side we can count on the young and in full progression Diane Parry, who can continue her progression (76th in the world), but also on one of the revelations of 2022, Léolia Jeanjean 126th in the world. And there will also be the young Clara Burel (135th in the world). More players are expected and there may be some nice surprises. In organizing this Open P2i in Angers, we also put emphasis on the young Linda Noskova, only 17 years old, but already in the world top 100 (91st). “She is a player who can become one of the future stars of the circuit”. To continue then.
The Angers Open P2i, between development and enthusiasm
“There are more than 100 partners present at the presentation evening, for us it is a good sign”, the organization exulted yesterday. “The players have given us excellent feedback on the first edition”. But Angers Open P2i wants to keep growing, even beyond the tournament. With a match of legends and the presence of Amélie Mauresmo, Fabrice Santoro, the ambassador of the tournament Pauline Parmentier, but also the extravagant Mansour Bahrami. A match that should take place after the semifinals. On the sporting level, the appearance of the Hauk-Eye is a real step forward for the show but also for refereeing. “I think we are the only tournament of this level in Europe to offer it,” the organization confided.
But there will be operations around the tournament: “What makes success is what we will put in place around this tournament. We will put things for the general public. With tennis discovery activities in Angers for children ”. And the tournament is associated with the association of women’s foundationof which Tournament Director Nicolas Mahut is an ambassador.
Interview by Yann Le Gal
