Kremlin Cup goes from strength to strength
Published 13 October, 2008, 08:22
The Kremlin Cup, Russia’s main tennis tournament, has become a huge success since it began in 1990. The prize fund has grown from just $300,000 to $2.3m, and the player roster now boasts the biggest stars of the WTA.
It became the first ever international professional tennis tournament in Russia for men.
Shamil Tarpishchev, the president of the Russian Tennis Federation, told RT that he’s proud of the Cup becoming one of the best tournaments in the world today.
RT: What’s the secret of the Kremlin Cup’s success?
Shamil Tarpishchev: I think it’s all due to the Cup’s rich history, which goes back to 1990. The Cup has existed for 19 years now, and for the past six years, we’ve been described as the best tennis tournament in terms of organisation. We have a solid reputation. It’s also the only indoor championship which holds both men’s and women’s matches.
The women’s tournament is ranked as part of the Super 9, and the men’s tournament is in the Top 20. There have been no problems during all these 19 years, so that’s why everyone’s happy to come here, and this is good for our prestige and the country’s image.
RT: What makes the Kremlin Cup special?
S.T.: I think the Kremlin Cup has a special atmosphere, it’s very relaxed and home-like. The players are close to their fans and the personnel. Here, they really feel at home. And we’re also grateful for the support we get from Ingosstrakh, the Bank of Moscow and other companies, all our long-standing partners which have never let us down. It’s more than sponsorship, it’s friendship.
RT: The stadium has not been full, except during the finals. Does this mean there’s not so much interest for tennis now as there used to be?
S.T.: Some say it’s because the Russian public is spoiled by all the victories. We shouldn’t forget that some people like men’s tennis, other like to watch women play. There’s still an average of 100,000 spectators a week, and we don’t drop below that. I think it’s the highest ratio in Europe. Of course, there’s been a lot of interest for the finals, and the stadium was packed.
RT: What can be done to get more top class players here to the Cup?
S.T.: Every year, there are more than 300 tennis tournaments held across the globe. It’s clear the player has to make a choice. This year’s Cup has actually been the most representative ever.
On the whole, though, it’s all about what the player needs to try and make it to number one in the rating. It’s not our goal to get all the stars. There are only four Grand Slam tournaments, as you know.
Well, here the women’s tournament had more stars than the Grand Slam. What is important is that we’re moving forward. The Russian tennis federation is now the first among all the 205 federations in the world. It says it all about our level.
RT: Do you really think this tournament has been the best in all the 19 years?
S.T.: I think the strongest here certainly means the most successful. But you really have to ask the players, it’s their opinion that really counts, and I’ve heard no complaints so far. What I really liked yesterday was that a player said at the award ceremony that this was, by far, the best organised tournament he’d ever seen. And this is the best award we can get.
RT: What’s the organisational factor about? What faults can there be?
S.T.: All for the players – that’s the only way to make it. The players should not have any problems in service, transport, food or accommodation. It’s also about the tournament’s atmosphere. This is what we’ve always had, traditionally, but we’re also thankful to the Moscow government and the Moscow mayor for their support in developing our ideas. I really believe that we’re destined to be successful, always.
discuss it
