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In an interview with Tennis Magazin, the ATP Chief Executive Chris Kermode spoke about the past, present and future of ATP Finals. Kermode explained why the event has been played in the British city for ten consecutive years now considering 2018 as well.
'ATP Finals took place in London from 2009. Over this time, the event got establishes as one of the main yearly sports events in the world', said Kermode. 'The popularity quickly increased with a total attendance of more than 250,000 fans.
The O2 Arena brought the standard on a very high level. Staying in London beyond 2020 is an option we are considering. Ten cities are the candidates we are considering to host ATP Finals after 2020.' Could the event back to be played outdoors? 'While the tournament has been traditionally held indoor, it took place also as an outdoor tournament, the most recent one in Houston (2003 and 2004).
We are open to both options, but we recognize that this time of the year is better for indoor tennis with the previous European indoor swing.' ATP Finals never took place on clay, and Rafael Nadal often complained about it.
Kermode suggested it will not change: 'We do not necessarily see the need for a surface change in this time of the year.' ALSO READ: Roger Federer explains why he is not the greatest player ever
