EXPERIENCE THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE O2: There is a buzz around The O2, venue of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, again this year. Holding Court Live Presented by Barclays, a twice daily live show on BarclaysATPWorldTourFinals, hosted by Rob Curling and featuring Ross Hutchins and Charlie Webster, is proving to be a welcome addition at the centre of the Fan Zone. The area is free to all visitors to the entertainment venue. Shirley Williams, a Roger Federer fan, who has visited The O2 in each of the past five years, said, “It is nice to be able to watch the show, listen to analysis from the likes of Boris Becker and Alex Corretja, and watch features behind the scenes.” Jack Whitaker, aged nine, admitted that he has been a keen player of the Emirates World Tour Challenge, where you compete to accrue points by tapping the lights out on a mini tennis court with a paddle bat. “I played it three times with my friends. It is tricky to predict where the lights on the globe will flicker on.” Fans also have the opportunity to watch their favourite ATP World Tour players practice ahead of their matches in the arena. “At other tournaments you don’t often see the players train,” said Rafael Nadal fanatic Rose Boucher. “To be able to watch close-up how hard they hit the ball and move around the close is amazing and pretty inspiring.” Be Part Of The Experience: Get Your Tickets Once inside The O2 arena, the show begins. “The sense of anticipation builds when you see the players on the big screen, walking from the locker rooms,” said Peter Hockley, who travels from Swansea each year. “You’ve seen the players compete throughout the year and now the Top 8 are in front of you competing for the title.” Catherine Rice likes the atmosphere courtside when the lights are dimmed. “Once the arena plunges into darkness and the blue court is lit up, everyone quietens down. I think the heartbeat when the result of a Hawk-Eye challenge is pending is also great.” Former players are also enamoured by the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. Corretja, the 1998 champion at the season finale in Hanover, admitted, “The best I have ever seen. It is amazing and I know the players really appreciate it. The court is fair for everyone. Justin Gimelstob, a former pro turned ATP Board member, said, “Its an incredible entertainment venue. Controlled environments always allow for great tennis. This week will be no different.” The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals has welcomed more than one million fans to The O2 since it moved to London in 2009.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:49:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015