Challengers Honoured In London

The ATP Challenger Tour’s finest had their moment in the spotlight during the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Throughout the 2015 season, nine tournaments on the circuit were honoured with 25-year commitment awards and the celebration culminated with a group dinner in London. These events have exemplified a steadfast dedication to growing the game and creating a strong foundation for players to develop their skills at the Challenger level.

“The ATP Challenger Tour is the bedrock of men’s professional tennis,” said ATP Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode. “We’re delighted to be able to welcome and show our appreciation to these tournament organisers that have done so much for our sport over the years. The success of the ATP Challenger Tour is critical to the overall health of men’s professional tennis.”

Tournament directors and guests from Cherbourg (France), Furth (Germany), Istanbul (Turkey), San Luis Potosi (Mexico), Segovia (Spain), Sevilla (Spain), Tampere (Finland) and a USTA representative for Aptos and Winnetka were on hand. Many current and former ATP World Tour stars have started their journeys at these tournaments, including Rafael Nadal lifting the Segovia trophy in 2003, Patrick Rafter in Aptos 1993, Robin Soderling in Istanbul 2003 and Grigor Dimitrov in Cherbourg 2011. The tournament in San Luis Potosi is the oldest of the group, having first opened its doors in 1980.

In addition, tournament directors and guests from Braunschweig (Germany) and Genova (Italy) were honoured as co-ATP Challenger of the Year in 2014.

Read more about: Braunschweig | Genova