This weekend at the World Doubles Championship in Zurich, I took the opportunity to catch up with some of the players who are flying out to Türkiye next week to play in the Inaugural SWT Inventist Open. I
wanted to find out what it is about the tournament that attracted them and what they are most looking forward to during their time in Istanbul.
Whilst interviewing the players, I found out that there is much excitement about the tournament in Türkiye, with Myriam Enmer (the 2022 world champion) commenting on the fact that she is really excited to go to Istanbul as she is staying on for three days after the tournament for a vacation and a chance to experience warm weather, and this sentiment is shared by many, with Adeline Kilchenmann (current world number 9) saying that she has never been to Istanbul before and that she loves to
visit new places. It is hardly surprising that so many players are eagerly anticipating their trip to Istanbul as it is one of the most visited cities worldwide for tourists, largely due to its rich history and vibrant culture, making it a great place, not only for a tournament but also for sightseeing. There are many great tourist attractions to see in Türkiye such as the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Underground
Basilica Cistern.
During my chat with the players, I also found out that they are not only excited to see the city, but are also extremely excited to see the venu for the first time, with Graham King ( the current record holder for the most tournaments ever played) saying that the venue itself looks
fantastic, whilst Anna-Klara Ahlmer (current world number 1) said that one of the things that she is most looking forward to is seeing the new venue, which was an opinion shared by Kirsten Kaptein (current world doubles number 1). This comes as no surprise, with the Inventist academy being a ‘state of the art sports centre,’ designed to meet the needs of all ‘high tier racket sports,’ whilst having a deep rooted
‘commitment to excellence.’ The venue itself boasts both outdoor and indoor tennis courts, alongside nine squash courts, more than six badminton courts, and many table tennis tables, making it a fabulous
venue for such a high-profile tournament. But it is not only this that is drawing the players in, as the players can stay in rooms on site at a ‘special rate’ and have free access to a sauna, steam room, and outdoor heated pool.
However, the players are not going all the way to Istanbul just to see the new centre, as many of the players also have their own personal reasons for choosing to play this tournament. For Anthony Duthuillé
(world number 29) the tournament is a great opportunity to prepare for the World Championships in August, while for Malte Thyregod (world number 23) it is a chance to go to Istanbul and see the city, as he missed out on the opportunity to go eight years ago and has wanted to go ever since. Nicolas Leggenhager (the world number 7) is seeing it as a great opportunity to spend time with friends.
It was clear from my conversations with the players that they are really looking forward to the tournament, as the Inaugural SWT Inventist Open will be a great experience and a tournament which provides something for everyone, whether you are playing for an elite title, are there to enjoy
the venue and accommodation, or want to explore the city of Istanbul.
So why not enter? But do not delay, as entry closes on Wednesday…
