The ATP Chief Andrea Gaudenzi is in Florence where he gave an exclusive interview to ubitennis talking about several topics.
As Gaudenzi came to the city to watch the event take place he gave an interview and one of the subjects discussed was the Florence Open. Being an Italian native, it's significant for him since he expressed excitement that his nation will be able to host two additional ATP events this year.
“We are extremely happy. The institutions and the Italian Tennis Federation have provided great support; replacing the Chinese tournaments scheduled in China in such a short time was not easy. I saw the arena today, it’s a terrific facility, and there is a high-level draw, with excellent Italian players.”
Unlike last year when Italy had two players compete at the ATP Finals, this year seems unlikely to see Berrettini or Sinner at the event. It's something that is unfortunate according to Gaudenzi: "Matteo has this tournament, then there are Basel and Vienna. There are 1750 points at stake. He’ll have to play well. It’s going to be tough, but not impossible" adding on Sinner :
I’ve spoken with his agent. It doesn’t seem to be a very serious injury and they’re confident he’ll be able to play in Vienna and Paris and do his best to qualify for the Finals”.
Both Djokovic and Nadal have qualified for Turin but Nadal has not yet confirmed his participation at the event with Gaudenzi explaining: “I don’t know. I hope he’ll come. In my opinion he will, because he’s never won the ATP Finals."
"He’s won everything else, but is still to secure an ATP Finals (title). He has always complained about the fact it’s played on hardcourt and not on clay. He’s got a point, but it’s quite inevitable considering the scheduling. Anyway I know it’s an event he would like to win at all costs because it’s the only important title missing in his palmarès”.