Palermo tournament director Palma: "Have great responsibility"
The first official tennis tournament after the Corona break will be played in Palermo from 3 to 9 August 2020. The field is unusually strong for a "WTA International" tournament, including Simona Halep.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jul 23, 2020, 04:18 pm
Of course, they are proud that tennis will be resumed in Palermo of all places , said tournament director Oliviero Palma in an interview with tennismajors.com . Of course, one is also aware of the great pressure that comes with the challenges of the corona pandemic. "This is the other side of the coin. We are confident, but feel a great responsibility that we cannot fail. It is the first tournament in the world and it should show that we can start again."
Social distancing and face masks are a must, Palma explained, as is gel. The center court would allow 350 people - including players and staff - instead of the possible 1,500. "All players, coaches, tournament and WTA staff are subjected to serological tests and PCR tests before their arrival, on arrival and every four days. They will only receive their badge if we get their negative results. What the lines judges and ball boys and girls, we have reduced their number and we will make sure that they have practically no contact with the players. For example, each player takes care of their own towels. "
Strong field, less income?
In addition to Simona Halep, Johanna Konta, Petra Martic, Anett Kontaveit, Elise Mertens, Maria Sakkari, Donna Vekic, Jelena Ostapenko and Kristina Mladenovic also reported - a strong field. For Palma, although "only" a tournament in the WTA International category is organized, but expected, "because everyone wants to play again, and this is the opportunity to do so." Of course, one is also aware of the travel bans. "Most players live in Europe, the rest will find a way, but some will have to cancel. It's part of the new game."
Nevertheless, Palermo will probably lose money, as the article goes on to say. Prize money was reduced by $ 27,500 to $ 250,000. But ticket revenue, which normally makes up 15 percent of revenue, will decrease because fewer spectators are allowed to visit the facility. So there remains advertising (51 percent) and TV rights (24 percent) - both will probably experience a decline for economic reasons. The opportunity will thus be in the strong field. And with it that the tennis world looks to Palermo - more than in previous years.