Nur-Sultan will host its first ever ATP 500 tennis tournament on 1-9 October 2022, El.kz reports with reference to ktf.kz.
Earlier, the Association of Tennis Professionals planned to hold the tournament in Beijing, but changed decision.
THE ATP 500, the third most important men's tennis tournament after the Grand Slam and ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, will be held at the National Tennis Center in Nur-Sultan, which has 24 weather courts n a park area with a picturesque view of the Esil River.
"I am glad that the ATP has entrusted Kazakhstan to host this prestigious international tournament. The decision of the ATP to approach as a priority candidate for the ATP 500 tournament is another confirmation that we chose the right strategy to use the best world experience for the development of tennis in Kazakhstan," Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, Vice-President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said.
The high status of the tournament means that Astana Open expects a strong roster of participants, including best tennis players in the world.
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, who is the world No.1, has already announced that he will play at the Astana Open. Medvedev has won the US Open and has been a finalist in three more Grand Slam tournaments; he also took home the trophy at the ATP Finals in 2020.
"Back in 2020, Kazakhstan received a one-year license to expand gaming opportunities and explore new markets for professional tennis. We have held two ATP 250 tournaments in 2020 and 2021. Two years later, we have given the right to host the ATP 500. Notably that this tournament takes place in a significant year for us - our tennis player Elena Rybakina showed an outstanding result, winning her first and historic victory for the country at Wimbledon, and in the same year the Federation marks 30 years," Utemuratov added.