Here we go! Play In Challenger, only 7 years after its first edition, becomes an ATP Challenger 125 event, to reach the highest level of Challenger tournaments (except ATP Challengers 175, with a specific format). Tournament of Lille thus belongs to the world masterclass of this circuit, considered as the last step before joining the elite of professional players, giving 125 ATP points ATP to its winner, so more than a 3rd round in Roland Garros, for an all-time high prize money of 200 000 $.
More than ever, « Play In » is considered as a main sports event, and Tennis Club Lillois Lille Métropole, which hosts and manages this competition, as an unavoidable place for tennis fans.
This evolution would not have been possible without the support of collectivities, and that is why I would like first to warmly thank our institutional partnersfor their continual support to this event:
⦁ Ville de Lille, her Mayor Madam Martine Aubry and her Sports Vice Pressident Madam Johanne Gomis,
⦁ Métropole Européenne de Lille, his President Mr Damien Castelain and his Sports Vice-President Mr Eric Skyronka,
⦁ Département du Nord, his President Mr Christian Poiret and his Sports Vice-President Mr François-Xavier Cadart,
⦁ Région Hauts de France, his President Mr Xavier Bertrand and his Sports Vice-President Mr Antoine Sillani.
All my thanks also to private partners, more and more present, for their confidence and their loyalty.
Thanks to the ATP, to the French Tennis Federation, to Ligue des Hauts de France de Tennis and Comité Départemental de Tennis du Nord, without whom nothing would have been possible.
Thanks at last to the volunteers and employees of the Club, who, once again, will not count their hours to enable the public to experience wonderful and unforgettable moments.
I wish to all of you an excellent tournament, with fantastic sports and human emotions!
Antoine Sueur
President of Tennis Club Lillois Lille Métropole
President of Management Committee of Play In Challenger
