The Nice Côte d’Azur Open returns in 2011 for the second time after a 15-year absence from the calendar. For this second edition, the lineup promises to be particularly impressive with renowned players. Spaniard David Ferrer and Czech Tomas Berdych will be the headliners of the tournament, but it is undoubtedly the participation of American Andy Roddick, ranked 14th in the world, that will draw attention. One thing is certain, the champions will find ideal conditions here to perfect their preparation just days before the French Open.
Last year, Richard Gasquet offered the Nice audience a high-flying battle, concluding with a thrilling victory over Fernando Verdasco. The player from Béziers thus inaugurated the Nice Open’s honors list, which was reborn after 15 years of absence.
This year again, the organizers will not be left behind.
Among the most awaited is David Ferrer, the world’s 6th player, who had a thunderous start to the season with a semi-final at the Australian Open in 2011 and two finals in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, both lost to a certain Rafael Nadal. Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, ranked 12th in the world, will be one of the tournament’s heavyweights. With an excellent start to the season, this clay court specialist will be eager to confirm his recent entry into the world top 10.
The arrival of Andy Roddick, however, is more intriguing as the surface seems to deter the American player. Recently out of the top 10, he will attempt to prepare for the French Open and avoid merely being a figurehead.
On the French side, we will follow the progress of Julien Benneteau (quarter-finalist at the French Open 2006), Adrian Mannarino, and Benoit Paire.
Noteworthy is the presence of the young Bulgarian prodigy, Grigor Dimitrov, 20 years old and ranked 70th in the world. Presented as the “new Federer,” his exceptional backhand and impeccable technique could allow him to go far, so why not shine in Nice?
In 2010, the Nice Côte d’Azur Open did not disappoint. With over 20,000 spectators, matches broadcast in many countries, and a French victory, the Nice Open has indeed made a successful comeback.
However, nothing was guaranteed beforehand. Pierre Albuxech, general manager of the Nice Lawn Tennis Club, and Jean-François Caujolle, co-director of the event, would not say otherwise.
The place of the open in the calendar has indeed sparked debate. The two men wanted to reclaim the spot vacated by the Warsaw tournament, the historic date of the Nice tournament.
Ultimately, everyone agreed to secure the week just before the French Open.
As a consequence, the risk for the open is to be weakened by repeated withdrawals. It is common for some players, claiming an injury, to withdraw at the last minute or voluntarily shorten their participation to preserve themselves before the grand event at Porte d’Auteuil.
We remember the premature defeats of Robin Soderling and Gaël Monfils last year, which speak volumes on this topic.
A Promising 2011 Edition
Pierre Albuxech, the main architect of this renaissance, does not hide his ambitions for this second edition, “The first edition went very well, but we will try to do even better! Already, on the sporting level, we have a better lineup. We aim to get closer to the 30,000-spectator mark. Like many tournaments, we have room to grow during the first days. The rest involves constantly improving all the little details.”
