As it was announced earlier, Bulgarian ex-Top player Orlin Stanoychev will be the tournament director of the eighth edition of the ATP 250 series tournament in Sofia. Sofia Open 2023 will be held from November 4 to 11 in Sofia Arena and Sofia Hall.
Mr. Stanoychev, how did you decide to become Tournament Director of Sofia Open 2023?
– I accepted with great excitement. Tennis is my life; I have been playing tennis all my life. This sport has always been something I have loved and love. This fantastic opportunity has appeared to host such a big tournament in Bulgaria. I want to help with my experience, which I have accumulated for so many years, so this renowned competition can take place in our country.
– The negotiations Sofia to host the tournament were quite difficult. Would you say something about it?
– Yes, it was a tough negotiation. As a matter of fact, the ATP called Bulgaria first, given that among the candidates, there were also countries with which it is difficult to compare, such as Spain, for example. This means that the ATP is pleased with how the organization of the previous tournaments went, which makes me very happy. Indeed, this is a big challenge for us because such tournaments are being prepared much earlier. In that sense, we have to make a significant effort to organise everything and make the tournament go as well as possible.
– Are you worried about the little time for organization?
– Really, the time is record short. You know that the Arena Sofia is involved in the elections. Things are not easy. But I have always been positive and think positively and am convinced we will manage. With positive thinking, we will achieve positive results. That’s always been my motto. Most importantly, we will provide an excellent feist for Bulgarian tennis. Seeing what kind of players we will have in the tournament. What players!
– What would you say to tennis fans?
– I will tell the fans that there will be great tennis players at the tournament, let them enjoy them. This is the last ATP tournament of the year before the Masters Finals in Turin, with some players having a chance to qualify there. So, for tennis fans, it will be a fantastic experience. Also, as the tournament director, I will try to offer the lowest possible ticket prices so that more people can come and watch these outstanding tennis players live.
– What are the advantages for the Bulgarian players?
– This will be an excellent chance for them. They did not anticipate having such an opportunity at the end of the year. Our best tennis players will have the opportunity to earn points. It is also an opportunity for the younger ones to meet big, famous players to play against them on the court. I’m sure they are thrilled to have this opportunity.
