Gonzalez Confirms Participation In Movistar Open; Tournament Moves To Santiago

© Movistar OpenFernando Gonzalez will challenge for a fifth Movistar Open title.

Organisers of the Movistar Open, an ATP World Tour 250 tennis tournament, have confirmed that the 2010 event will return to Santiago in the year Chile celebrates 200 years of independence, and will be held at Hacienda Chicureo, located in Piedra Roja, Colina.

In a press conference, Tournament Director Alvaro Fillol explained: “Of all the places that we visited to establish our site, this is by far the best. We have started building the Center Court, which will have capacity for 4,500 seats. The Hacienda Chicureo executives have been very supportive and so we hope we will stay in Piedra Roja for a long time.”

The President of the Movistar Open, Jaime Fillol said “Once again our major sponsors, especially Movistar, with whom we have a long term agreement, have given us their vote of confidence, which we fully appreciate. This new era will allow us to grow, bringing an even better event each year to Chile.”

Movistar Advertising Director Cristián Rentería added: “Movistar is very happy to begin this new era of the Movistar Open in the capital city of Santiago. We hope our clients will share in our satisfaction with this new facility and with the return of the best tennis to the city. As we have done in the past, we will continue to provide the best technology for spectators, clients and media to ensure high-quality communication within the facilities and to bring the event to the rest of the world through mobile phones, internet and digital TV.”

World No. 11 Fernando Gonzalez, who plays golf at the Club Hacienda Chicureo, has confirmed that he will return to bid for a fifth Movistar Open title and added that he is happy to be playing at a tournament just 10 minutes away from his home.

The 17th edition of the Movistar Open will be played on clay from 1-7 February 2010.