Great news for China… but a really bad one for Thailand.
The 250ATP that was held in Bangkok will be relocated to Shenzen in 2014 making China the only country in the world with USA to host all the categories of the ATP events.
The tournament will be played between the 22nd and the 28th of September to help to kick start the Asian swing.
From the ATP
The ATP executive Vice President Director, Alison Lee, commented “China has long been a growing market for men’s professional tennis and we’re delighted to strengthen our presence in the region through the addition of this ATP World Tour 250 tournament in Shenzhen.
The opportunities for growth in China continue to abound, and we look forward to working with the tournament organisers in delivering a first-class event in 2014. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported the Thailand Open in Bangkok over the past 11 years.”
From the Tournament Director
Bangkok Tournament Director, Allon Khakshouri will be also the Tournament Director for Shenzen to comment “I want to thank BEC-Tero, the LTAT, and all the sponsors and supporters of the Thailand Open, as well as all the Thai fans, for making this tournament such a success.
The entire tennis world will miss the warm and friendly Thai hospitality. At the same time, it is a privilege for me to share my experience as the Tournament Director with the new team in the host city of Shenzhen.
The new ATP World Tour event, Shenzhen Open, confirms the exponential growth of tennis in the People’s Republic of China.”
The last Champion of the event will be Milos Raonic that has defeated Tomas Berdych in the final.