Press Conference - Monaco

CENTRE DE PRESSE

 The 106th edition

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel played host to the press conference organized by the SMETT (Societe Monegasque pour l'Exploitation du Tournoi de Tennis), the organizing body of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, during which the tournament director, Zeljko Franulovic, presented the upcoming event to take place from 14th to 22nd April 2012.

Last year, the Spanish champion Rafael Nadal won the event for the 7th year running, thus becoming the first player in the Open era to win the same tournament seven times in a row. "Thanks to the exploit of this exceptional player, we are very proud to have written with him a new page in the history of our tournament, and in the history of world tennis", declared the tournament director.

He continued: "Over the last few years, through their regular participation at our event, the players have testified their attachment to our tournament, and offered the public outstanding player field. The 106th edition promises to be just as exciting and we are very confident that at the entry deadline, on 19th March, we will be able to announce an exceptional field. We can already say that, unless unforeseeable circumstances arise, most of the ten best world players will be present at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2012".

What’s new for the 106th edition …

With the many enhancement works undertaken at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, the tournament organizers pursue in their efforts to further develop the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in order to maintain its highest level and face the competition from other international events.

Among the latest additions, with the concern for improving players’ comfort, the organizing committee has decided to centralize all players’ services in one building. These player "headquarters" will contain such amenities as locker-room, gymnasium, medical services and player restaurant.

Many of the ATP players who visit regularly the Monte-Carlo Country Club throughout the year take advantage of its sports and tennis facilities to prepare for the American and Australian seasons. This is the case for the Monaco-resident, Novak Djokovic, currently world no. 1, who was winner of the recent Australian Open, after winning the memorable final against Rafael Nadal.
 
A new entertainment area will be opened on courts 19 and 20, dedicated to the young spectators who demonstrate increasing enthusiasm and interest for the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. Along with many activities, the space will also be kitted out with a "real" tennis court. This new zone will allow the organizers to assume their educational role and the Tournament to become a real platform for the promotion of the sport.

Another addition to this edition is a state-of-the-art giant screen that will be set up on the Court des Princes, from the Friday and after the double matches, to broadcast live the matches taking place on Centre Court, thus enabling all spectators without access to Centre Court to follow the matches.

Last but not least, the tournament continues to uphold its traditions with classic events taking place throughout the week, such as the 20th anniversary of the Grand Nuit du Tennis, which will stage the show, "Rock the Ballet", performed by Rasta Thomas’ Company "The Bad Boys of Dance" The show combines classic ballet and modern rhythms, with amazing images being projected onto giant video screens to the beat of Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, U2, Black Eyed Peas, and Lenny Kravitz, not forgetting the voice of Maria Callas.

Zeljko Franulovic concluded: "To our great pride, our tournament remains one of the most prestigious in the world. But to maintain our position, this also means we must perpetually innovate. And this is what we endeavor to do on a daily basis, without overlooking the essential aspects of our tournament: to respect its history and safeguard the soul of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters".

Rendez-vous from 14th to 22nd April 2012