Open Parc ATP is Back, and so are the World-Class Tennis Players.
Clay-Court Tennis
Lyon’s open is played on the clay courts – just like France’s Roland-Garros Grand Slam – which were built in the velodrome of Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’or. Unlike the Roland-Garros, Lyon’s open is not a Grand Slam event, rather it is part of the ATP 250 series. It is nonetheless widely deemed to be France’s second most important tennis event.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Makes His Return
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – the winner of the first Lyon Open – will return to the courts this year, following a year out due to injury. The 33 year old French player is also an ambassador of the tournament, and has spoken of his excitement to return. “Returning to Lyon and winning the first edition of the tournament in 2017 was a very special time, filled with emotion, over the course of an absolutely magic week. Having to forfeit due to injury last year, I can’t wait to be able to return as a player in 2019.”
World-Class Tennis Players Flood to Lyon
Amongst the highest-ranking players coming to Lyon for the Open Park are American John Isner, currently ranked at number 10 in the world, Spaniard R. Bautista Agut, ranked at number 17, and of course Frenchman Tsonga, ranked at 34..
Qualification rounds start on 18th May, with semi-finals taking place on 24th May and finals on 25th May.