The 2023 Sofia Open will act as a makeshift tournament this season replacing the Tel Aviv Open which was canceled due to the outbreak of war in the region.
Last year, the Sofia Open was held in late September, but it will now mark the final ATP tournament of the season for the 28 players who will contest the eighth edition (except for those players playing at the ATP and Next Gen Finals). It will run from November 5th to 11th.
It's quite commendable that the tournament organizers have been able to put everything in place to host the event on such short notice and will operate on a single-year license. There will be a marginal increase in prize money which will mirrored in all rounds of the main draw.
Alongside experiencing its vibrant culture and an opportunity to trial outdoor activities like skiing and hiking in the mountains, the 28 singles players traveling to Sofia will have a goal to become an ATP champion. Last year, the unheralded Swiss lefty Marc-Andrea Huesler won his maiden ATP title, proving that the underdogs stand a chance to win here.
We could potentially crown a new champion again. Taylor Fritz is the top seed and the only Top 10 player in the field. He'll be the favorite to win a fair share of the prize money and the title. But he could get stiff competition from compatriots Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, and Sebastian Korda.
Inaugural Sofia champion Roberto Bautista Agut is a player capable of turning back time, but whether he will be able to summon his best tennis after a few months on the sidelines remains questionable. Unseeded players like Laslo Djere and Alexei Popyrin have the confidence to cause an upset or two and go deep.
The total prize money pool stands at €562,815 for the 2023 Moselle Open, an increase of 5.3% from 2022. The champion will walk away with the biggest share of this amount, earning €85,605, which is at least €4,000 better off compared to when Marc-Andrea Huesler shockingly won the event 12 months ago.
In addition to hoisting one of the most aesthetically designed trophies, the winner will receive 250 ranking points. The vanquished finalist will earn a sizable chunk, banking a cool €49,940 and accumulating 150 points in the ATP rankings.
Semifinalists stand to gain 90 points and €29,355. All four losing quarterfinalists will pocket €17,010 and will receive 45 points to close out the season. Winning at least one main draw match promises a paycheck close to five figures. These players will earn €9,880 and will receive 20 points. A full breakdown of prize money and points accumulated is detailed below.
2023 Sofia Open ATP Prize Money & Points Overview:
| ATP Points | Prize Money | |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | 250 points | 85,605€ |
| Finalist | 150 points | 49,940€ |
| Semi-finalists | 90 points | 29,355€ |
| Quarter-finalists | 45 points | 17,010€ |
| 2nd round | 20 points | 9,880€ |
| 1st round | 0 points | 6,035€ |
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