May 13, 2024, 2.28pm
3 min read
ROME – “I have always heard positive things about the Palermo tournament and I can’t wait to come and play at the Country Time Club for the first time. See you next July 15th”. This is the message that Elina Svitolina – former n. 3 in the world, winner of 17 career titles and current no. 19 in the ranking – wanted to send a video to the organizers of the 35th Palermo Ladies Open.
The WTA 250 tournament, scheduled from 13 to 21 July on the red clay courts of the Country of Palermo, was presented in the conference room of the Central Court of the Foro Italico. The meeting with the press took place on the occasion of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.
The conference was attended by, among others, the President of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Angelo Binaghi, the Vice President of the WTA, Fabrizio Sestini, the Sports Councilor of the Municipality of Palermo, Alessandro Anello, the President of the Country, Giorgio Cammarata and the Tournament Director, Oliviero Palma.
The Palermo Ladies Open
The 35th edition of the Palermo Ladies Open will have a main draw of 32 players, while 16 couples will participate in the doubles tournament and 24 tennis players will be admitted to the qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be played on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July, while the main draw matches will start on Monday 15th.
In accordance with the new ATP/WTA rules the matches will start every day at 5.00 pm and the last match will have to ‘be on court’ by 11.00 pm. The decision to move the remaining matches to the following day will be made at 10pm. The doubles final will be played on Saturday 20 July, while the singles final will be played on Sunday 21.
A total of 3,500 tickets have already been sold, with proceeds of 40,000 euros.. Season tickets and tickets can be purchased through the Vivaticket circuit or at the club’s secretariat in Viale dell’Olimpo in Palermo, where it will also be possible to purchase the pitchside boxes.
The presence of the blue ones
FITP number one, Angelo Binaghi, opened the press conference: “First of all, I welcome Oliviero Palma and Giorgio Cammarata, the organizers of this tournament, the most important that is organized in Italy after the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. A tournament that is part of a mixed public/private system, one of the flagships of our Federation”
“We are breaking all records and I am pleased that Palermo is also experiencing a significant increase in ticket sales. In my opinion, beyond the commercial aspect, it always represents the thermometer of an event and the popularity of a sport – continues Binaghi -. These are tournaments that support our kids but, as can be seen from the studies we are having done on our major events, they also support the local economy.”
“We want to represent Sicily through values such as good organisation, hospitality and the efficiency of services – said the Tournament Director, Oliviero Palma –. Year after year we aspire to contribute to the growth of women’s tennis, to the promotion of all the unique values that it represents. But also to enhance the artistic-cultural heritage of our island.”
“After Elina Svitolina, many talented players have expressed interest in participating in the tournament. The latter will represent one of the last clay tests before the Olympics (which will be played on the clay courts of Roland Garros, ed.). Like every year, we trust in the presence of all the best Italians and we aim to have a Top Ten. An intense conversation has been underway for days with a great player and we hope to be able to announce her presence soon”, added Palma.
Published on
May 13, 2024, 2.28pm
