The Nice Open intrigues as much as it excites. Bold arrangements, a favorable atmosphere, close player/spectator proximity, all elements that make the Nice tournament a must-see event for tennis enthusiasts.
Throughout the whole week, and up until the final on Saturday, May 22, players will try to build confidence ahead of Roland Garros.
Spotlight on the French players’ day
It was a bleak day for French tennis this Monday, May 18, 2010, at the Nice Open. Four out of the seven French representatives participating in the main draw didn’t make it past the first round.
It is 10:30 AM when David Guez enters the Central Court to face Argentinian Leonardo Mayer. The stands are almost empty, applause is scarce, and only a few ball boys positioned at the top of the bleachers attempt to awaken the spectators. In vain. The day begins slowly, much like the match, which swings in favor of the Argentinian. Final victory: 1/6, 6/1, 6/3.
At the same time on Court number 1, the very talented Adrian Mannarino, 21 years old, faces the small but tenacious Olivier Rochus. No doubt exhausted by his marathon the previous day against French tennis hopeful Jonathan Eysseric, the world number 289 only puts up a semblance of a fight against the Belgian and loses heavily.
Arnaud Clément heats up the atmosphere
Expectations then shift to Arnaud Clément. The atmosphere warms up. The central court fills up. Nonetheless, hopes fade as the match progresses. The Frenchman is overwhelmed, powerless against the tall German player, and the presence of the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, in the stands changes nothing. Final score: 6/3, 6/4. Noteworthy is the French player’s usual yet discourteous attitude toward the ball boys.
Mina on the “big stage”
At 6 PM, Gianni Mina, only 18 years old, steps onto a professional tournament court (ATP) for the first time. The young Guadeloupean, smiling, enters to the audience’s ovation to round off this first round.
The turnout of spectators speaks for itself. Following his excellent results as a junior, including being the world number 2 last year, the French player is highly anticipated.
The audience was not disappointed, with Gianni Mina taking advantage of Kubot’s slow start. The Frenchman, ranked beyond 650th in the world, boldly seizes his chance and narrowly misses against the world number 54.
A loss, yes, but a promising one indicative of a bright future for his career.
