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PLAYER BIOGRAPHY
Borg at Optima Open

The Optima Open, Belgium

City:
Knokke-Heist, Belgium
Dates:
August 20-22, 2010
Venue:
The Royal Zoute Tennis Club
Director:
Andy Hancock
Surface:
Outdoor Greenset
Website:
http://www.optimaopen.be
tickets

Situated in the heart of the country’s Flemish-speaking Flanders region, Knokke Heist is considered to be one of Belgium’s most exclusive and affluent seaside resorts.

The town boasts long stretches of sandy beaches and promenades lined with cafes and restaurants, making it the ideal holiday setting for Belgium’s jet set. Set back amid the rolling sand dunes you will find the prestigious Royal Zoute Tennis and Golf Club, a 29 court tennis haven just a stone’s throw from the North Sea. The charming Club and its 2000-capacity stadium court will provide the perfect theatre for all the drama and entertainment of an ATP Champions Tour event.

In recent years, Belgium has become a prominent tennis nation, with players such as Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters and Xavier Malisse enjoying success in the top flight and raising the profile of the sport. With tennis’ popularity at an all-time high across the country, there is no better time for the ATP Champions Tour to add Belgium to its list of worldwide destinations.

Whilst visiting the stunning Knokke region, the legends of the ATP Champions Tour will have the opportunity to visit the famous Vlindertuin butterfly garden, or even take in the sights of the nearby Zwin nature reserve and bird sanctuary, an expanse of protected salt marsh land that separates Belgium from neighbouring Holland. The Champions may also take time out to visit the picturesque nearby city of Bruges, famed for its beautiful architecture and diverse culture.

DID YOU KNOW
  • Legend has it that a Knokke was founded between the 6th and the 9th century when a group of Irish pilgrims, monks and villains settled in the area.
  • During the Hundred Years War several battles were fought between England and France for supremacy of the area.
  • Knokke-Heist is home to more than 40 art galleries, the highest concentration in Belgium.
  • A hard Greenset surface will be specially installed on the Royal Zoute Tennis Club’s Centre Court for the duration of the tournament. It is usually a clay court.