I’ve had the chance to win 2 entry tickets for the Optima Open, the belgian stop of the ATP Champions Tour, so I spent a nice day last Friday in Knokke-Heist, Belgium.

Situated in the heart of the country’s Flemish-speaking Flanders region, Knokke-Heist is considered to be one of Belgium’s most exclusive and affluent seaside resorts.

A Fiat 500 to promote Bjorn Borg’s underwear brand :

Some Porsche in front of the club…

and in the Optima Open village (Porsche is one of the tournament’s sponsors)

Unfortunately, John McEnroe had to withdraw due to an injury, and he was replaced by 98 French Open champion Carlos Moya.
The line-up was nonetheless exceptional with Grand Slam champions Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, Richard Krajicek, Carlos Moya and 1991 Davis Cup winners Henri Leconte and Guy Forget.

A hard Greenset surface has been specially installed on the Royal Zoute Tennis Club’s Centre Court for the duration of the tournament. It is usually a clay court.

Bjorn Borg vs Richard Krajicek

First match of the day, the legend Bjorn Borg against 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek.

A warm welcome for the 11-times Grand Slam champion, Bjorn Borg:

Not much to say about the match, Krajicek dominates with his powerful serve and forehand. He’s 15 years younger than Borg and it shows.

Nice to see some serve and volley play:

I guess these days the only ways to see some serve and volley are to watch some old tennis matches on DVD, or attend senior tournaments.
And speaking of serve and volley, dear tournament director, could you please invite Stefan Edberg next year? Please…

Soon, part 2 of the report with pics and videos of Moya–Leconte and Wilander–Krajicek.