An exciting day of tennis at the Optima Open on Saturday, in front of a sell-out crowd.
3 entertaining matches with:
– 2 players I had never seen play: Mark Philippoussis and Thomas Enqvist
– 2 players I had never seen play against each other: the two legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe
and 2 players I’ve seen countless times: Guy Forget and Henri Leconte
Ballboys warm-up:
First match: Thomas Enqvist vs Mark Philippoussis. The winner of the match will meet Goran Ivanisevic in the final on Sunday.
Former top 20 Sabine Appelmans presenting the players:
Last year, I’ve had the chance to win 2 entry tickets for the Optima Open, the belgian stop of the ATP Champions Tour. I really had a great time and enjoyed watching Borg, Wilander and co. Read part 1 and part 2 of my recap.
No free tickets this time, but I’ll be at the Optima Open again this year, and can’t wait to watch the match between Borg–McEnroe on Saturday. So stay tuned for photos, video and reports.
9 players will take part to the tournament: Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Philippoussis, Henri Leconte, Guy Forget, Thomas Enqvist and defending champion Carlos Moya. Do you think the 1998 French Open champion will retain his title this year?
Who will win the Optima Open ?
- Goran Ivanisevic (45%, 5 Votes)
- Carlos Moya (18%, 2 Votes)
- Thomas Enqvist (18%, 2 Votes)
- Mark Philippoussis (9%, 1 Votes)
- Henri Leconte (9%, 1 Votes)
- Guy Forget (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 11

Who's your favorite among the players of the Optima Open?
- Mats Wilander (36%, 4 Votes)
- Goran Ivanisevic (27%, 3 Votes)
- Bjorn Borg (9%, 1 Votes)
- John McEnroe (9%, 1 Votes)
- Henri Leconte (9%, 1 Votes)
- Thomas Enqvist (9%, 1 Votes)
- Carlos Moya (0%, 0 Votes)
- Mark Philippoussis (0%, 0 Votes)
- Guy Forget (0%, 0 Votes)
Total Voters: 11

More infos on the Optima Open official website.
Lacoste announced today that 3-times Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten has become an ambassador of the brand. The 5 year contract kicks off featuring Kuerten in a new “Unconventional Chic” advertising campaign that emphasizes the brand’s relaxed elegance, style and “joie de vivre.”
Other Lacoste ambassadors include Mats Wilander and Guy Forget.
Second part of my Optima Open recap. First part here.
Henri Leconte vs Carlos Moya
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.