'Tokyo was set to host ATP Finals, then Turin got the money needed'
In an interview to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Italy's Tennis Federation chief Angelo Binaghi commented on Turin being chosen to host the ATP Finals from 2021 to 2025. Binaghi admitted that at some point Turin was totally cut off. "We were out. Dead. In Indian Wells, the ATP chief Chris Kermode had announced to everyone that Tokyo was chosen. In those minutes the Italian Government guaranteed the economical coverage. Kermode suspended the meeting and postponed it until two weeks after to give us the possibility to comeback there."
"With the Rome Open before and the NextGen ATP Finals after we showed to be a trustable authority. Tokyo and Singapore offered more but ATP gave us the chance to host the most important tournament."
On the next steps, Binaghi added: "We need to get the investors involved. We put them aside in such a complicated situation. And then spread the message that the ATP Finals will be an economic boost for the city, Region and the entire country. The news comes in a week where an Italian, Fabio Fognini, has won his maiden Masters 1000. And a Turin native, Lorenzo Sonego, reaches the quarters which is an even bigger result for the future. We have the players who can win the title."
Grigor Dimitrov is excited too. The Bulgarian, who won the 2017 title, said: "It's a different tournament. Since when I started watching it, it always took place in London. Playing this event was a dream for me, as well as reaching it and winning it. The relationship with people is different than in other events. So I congratulate Turin."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2V4qy8D
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