ABN Amro Extends Partnership with Rotterdam Event for Three Years
Tennis - ABN Amro has extended its partnership with the sports palace Ahoy where the Rotterdam ATP event is held for another three years - until 2022. That would make the partnership last for 49 years and it is almost certain that the two parties will join forces for another year to complete a half-century.
Tournament Director Richard Krajicek says the bank almost withdrew its sponsorship in 2004. "There was indeed doubt at the bank to continue. The bank thought of a new strategy. With the Volvo Ocean Race, ABN Amro saw opportunities to spread internationally."
Jolanda Jansen, who Director at Ahoy since 2011 commented, "A number of people in the bank wondered if enough money had already been put in the tournament. Fortunately, she continued. Now I always say: she has been doing it for so long, she could also stop. It remains a business consideration. The tournament feels like the bank. It's a great way to speak a lot of relationships and hold seminars in a week. Thursday was David Cameron (former prime minister of the United Kingdom, ed.) Here for a group of customers. "
Krajicek says he hopes to sell out the tournament in the future in advance of the event itself. "I am concerned that everyone who goes home says: I've been to something cool and I'm going to buy a ticket again. We are far from Friends of Amstel Live but that is our goal. That we are already sold out without making a player known. I just do not think we'll succeed. For the tennis tournament, it is true that it is not immediately known who is going to play, in view of the many late cancellations this year.
The event was hit by withdrawals this year - with as many as eight including Roger Federer, pulling out of the tournament. "The people who have already bought a ticket for next year trust that there will be good players and that there is good tennis. As far as the number of cancellations is concerned, this is our worst year in times. It just happens, but eight is too much. And of course, it was a shame that with Zverev and Cilic the numbers one and two stayed away. In 2006, the players were approached by the ATP (the players' union, ed.). Now they plan their programs better with the consequence that they are more difficult to contract. "
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2TPUlNS
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