ATP Buenos Aires: everything that moves the tournament that will bring together Alcaraz and other great characters

Carlos Alcaraz (title defender), Cameron Norrie, Francisco Cerúndolo, Arthur Fils and Stan Wawrinka as the big stars; Facundo Díaz Acosta e Diego Schwartzman as special guests of the organization (even if the gold medalist of the Pan American Games could enter directly by ranking); Sebastián Báez, Tomás Etcheverry, Pedro Cachin and also, perhaps, Federico Coria like the other strong Argentine names…

In February, from the 12th to the 18th, the ATP of Buenos Aires will have these and many other reasons not to miss it. at the end of three weeks of pure tennis in our country for the Davis Cup against Kazakhstan (in Rosario?) and the ATP in Córdoba.

The Buenos Aires tournament had bet a lot on the 2024 edition. First of all because it sought the upgrade (going from 250 to 500) but didn’t get it because Qatar’s money was too powerful – and convincing – this is the argument by Andrea Gaudenzi, president of the ATP. And to achieve this objective, beyond a draw that always exceeds that of most tournaments in its category, the Belgian company Tennium, owner of the competition, has made a strong investment with the restructuring of the player’s room, the players’ locker room and the public toilets located under the stands of the central pitch in Buenos Aires. But also, The capacity of the stage will increase with the installation of a tubular grandstand with a capacity of 850 spectators.

The point is that, like everything in Argentina, the latest devaluation ordered by Javier Milei’s new government meant a serious blow. Tennium will have to deposit just over $560,000 in prize money at the ATP offices and will have to have a sum of over $750,000 ready to be distributed among the five players who will be guaranteed to play on clay. As has been customary since the first edition won in 2001 by the Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, the best Argentine (Cerúndolo) will have a financial compensation just for taking to the field while the rest of the money will be distributed in different parts, obviously, Alcaraz, Norrie, Fils and Wawrinka.

An important fact: what type of dollar is used on this occasion? The so-called Coldplay dollar – import of services – which is the official 30% increase (around 1,040 pesos per dollar). Beyond the economic situation that the organizers compare to that of the 2002 edition, the one following the 2001 crisis, The Buenos Aires The Aires ATP is certain to once again offer reasons to have fun. From the players, obviously; and people, above all.