Press conference M. Zeljko Franulovic

A first balance

“What a long road since last year, with the certification of the Monte-Carlo as a Masters Series and the winning of the ATP tournament of the year 2007 award.”

Best crowd abundance ever

“116583 spectators for this edition 2008 and almost 37000 Italians.

The quality of a tournament first depend of the high quality level proposed by the players. What can we say this year we have the four seeded in the semis, never done since Cincinnati 1999”

Few words about 2009

The certification as a Masters Series implies fitting-out. The Central Court must be able to welcome 10000 persons. We will raise a new grandstand on the sea-side to welcome over 1600 persons. It will have to propose a low-level declension to preserve this wonderful view from the Central Court. Regarding the entire site we are talking about 2000 places more.

More than ever journalists support this tournament. This year, 298 were accredited, involving 22 countries. The event was broadcasted over 50 countries.

Next edition 2009 will take place from the 11th to 19th 2009. We are planning to welcome 120000 spectators.”