After long months of work, the project which was so dear to the heart of professional tennis player Angevin Nicolas Mahut, finally saw the light of day: the creation, in 2021, in Anjou, of a WTA women’s professional tournament in the 125K category. “The favorable conditions to launch this great event are now met: The availability of the sports infrastructure necessary for an event of such magnitude, the agreement of the French Tennis Federation and the WTA (Women Tennis Association, the international body which organizes the women’s professional circuit), the essential support of local authorities and an operational and highly motivated organization team! “ sums up Nicolas Mahut.
The tournament, whose name will be, pending a possible private title partner, “Open Angers Arena Loire” – will take place from 6 to 12 December 2021 at the Arena Loire, its main site and at ATC (Angers tennis club) for its second match and training site.
Nicolas Mahut will be the tournament director, and the organizing association will be accompanied in its task by Rivacom Events Agency, tennis events specialist since it already coordinates the ATP Challenger tournaments in Rennes, Brest and Vendée ”. A partners’ club, co-chaired by Emmanuel PICOT (President of Evolis) and Gilles MADRE (President of P2I), will bring together the partners of the event.
The Open Angers Arena Loire will be the 4th French women’s tournament, after Roland-Garros, the Strasbourg Internationals and the Open 6th Sens in Lyon. “We will be at the same level of endowment and points as the WTA Limoges (125K) and located just after in the international calendar which should allow us to attract very good headliners, players of the World Top 50 in all cases “ adds the future tournament director. “I would like to underline here the support of the local authorities which accompany us: the city of Angers, Angers Loire Métropole, the city of Trélazé, the department and the region. Thanks to their impetus, the project is on the right track and we are now going to work hard to unite the private partners ” concludes Nicolas Mahut.
“When Nicolas Mahut came to suggest that we create an international women’s tennis tournament in Angers, we immediately agreed with the idea. That this project is now on track is a real satisfaction. Nicolas was as determined and daring to promote this event to communities as he is eye-catching and enduring on a court, that is to say! This tournament, in its quintessence, responds well to two ambitions which are ours: the influence of the Angevin territory, because it is essential if we want it to continue to develop in a dynamic way; the development and promotion of women’s sport, which is of a high level, because it is a strong social issue. In Angers, this new Open will have at its disposal all the infrastructures to make this first a success: the Arena Loire, which will give a popular dimension to this event due to its capacity of reception (20,000 spectators), but also the central court la Baumette, which will host matches and serve as a training site for the players. This complementarity is a guarantee of quality for the reception of the participants but also of the public, on a ground where tennis remains a sure value of the sport ” explains Christophe BECHU, Mayor of Angers and President of Angers Loire Métropole.
“Trélazé, land of sports and sportsmen… Trélazé, land of great events: After having hosted very beautiful national and international competitions in basketball, handball, tennis and judo, the City of Trélazé opens its doors to a large WTA tournament major, with the best players of the circuit, within its equipment the Arena Loire Trélazé. We are very proud to be able to organize such an event which is fully integrated into our sports policy, contributes to the influence of Trélazé, Anjou and the Pays de la Loire region. The direction of this tournament could only go to a local child, Nicolas Mahut, whom we had the pleasure of seeing play at the Arena. Very beautiful meetings in prospect, not to be missed under any circumstances! “ underlines Marc GOUA, Mayor of Trélazé.
Matthieu BLESTEAU, Sports Pole Director at Rivacom Events adds:“We are delighted to support Nicolas in his project since the first discussions. We share the same values of requirements and respect. He has proven it all his career, and especially when he came as a player in the tournaments that we organize. There is no doubt that Nicolas will perform as well as a tournament director as he will on a tennis court. We will be at his side to support him with all our expertise and make our collaboration a double winner! “
.
Nicolas Mahut is currently in Australia to play the first Grand Slam of the year, an official presentation press conference will take place on his return to provide the necessary details as well as new information on the creation of the tournament.
–
