From Flavio Cobolli to Mattia Bellucci, Pablo Carreno Busta and Luca Van Assche, not forgetting Federico Cinà. Numerous names from the international tennis scene have passed through Sardinia, and the fourth edition of the Olbia Challenger will be no less exciting. The ATP125 Challenger, organized by Mef Tennis Events together with TC Terranova, was presented at the club that will host the event from Sunday, October 11th to Sunday, October 18th. The press conference was attended by the city councilor for Sport, Elena Casu, the president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Angelo Binaghi (connected remotely), the president of the Olbia club, Giuseppe Bianco, regional councilor Roberto Franco, Michele Li Gioi, tournament director Andrea Frasconi, Sky journalist and author Stefano Meloccaro, and the sole director of Mef Tennis Events, Marcello Marchesini.
Opening the event remotely, FITP President Binaghi stated: "First of all, I must congratulate the Terranova Tennis Club. This is the right path to developing tennis. Excellent social and competitive activities aren't enough; we must also try to bring the community closer to the great international sport, because the spirit of emulation is crucial, especially at this time when Italian tennis is a leading player everywhere. These tournaments allow our young players an easier path to the top echelons of the world rankings, and we are counting on them because they are part of a system that is proving so successful, so much so that many countries want to take inspiration from it. Like last year, I will be coming for the final stages of the tournament to watch the matches; I have no doubt that this year will be a great success as well."
The support of the institutions, which have supported the tournament since its first edition, is essential for the event to be held.
Councilor Casu added: "As every year, it's right to thank all the stakeholders who contribute to the growth of the Olbia Challenger. Marcello Marchesini and his Mef Tennis Events, along with the Terranova Tennis Club, believed in what initially seemed like a dream. The event's impact on the city is incredible, and this, along with the rest of the City's offerings, fits perfectly with our goal of extending the summer season. I once again wish everyone a wonderful week of tennis and also wish the club's Serie A2 team the best of luck for their season."
TC Terranova Bianco, president of the club, emphasized: "Every year the club renews itself to prepare for the Olbia Challenger. This is our fourth year, but the excitement remains the same. I'm pleased that the tournament is also becoming a cultural event, attracting all the citizens of Olbia and beyond. As always, I must thank Mef Tennis Events, because with all their staff, they contribute to enriching our club and prepare it for players and spectators. I also thank the municipal administration and the Sardinia Region, because without them, it would simply be impossible to see this level of tennis here."
Regional Councilor Li Gioi stated: "Step by step, with great determination, the group of volunteers and organizers have made the Olbia Challenger a success, and I am proud of this. My presence is symbolic, but it strongly supports this event, which combines sporting aspects with cultural, gastronomic, and tourism aspects. As the Region of Sardinia, we believe we must strongly support the event for this and future years, because it represents something very important for our island. For us, it is a dream come true."
Stefano Meloccaro, one of the most anticipated guests at the press conference, opened with a tribute to Elena Pero, the iconic tennis voice who passed away a few days ago, before moving on to the Olbia Challenger: "We all share a great passion for tennis. We fell in love with this sport through our connection with the players, from the Serie A2 players we admire at this club to professionals like Ivan Lendl and Stefan Edberg. The Challenger tournaments fit into this broad spectrum. Everyone, including those currently at the highest levels like Jannik Sinner and Flavio Cobolli, have played at events like this, which for this reason are simply essential on the world stage."
Mef Tennis Events CEO Marchesini emphasized: "Like President Bianco, I would also like to thank the Municipality of Olbia and the Region of Sardinia for their efforts over the past few months. The ATP requires very high standards, as this is an important tournament, and together we have once again managed to reach the final, improving the facilities of an already well-equipped club. I also thank the entire Terranova Tennis Club for their patience, which I know will be rewarded by the high level of tennis. We worked hard this spring to maintain this date, which is excellent for the entry list. Just a few months ago, in Todi, we spoke with the Challenger Tour executives, who confirmed that since 2016, we have been the private company organizing the most tournaments in the world. We have leveraged this to ensure Olbia remains a top-level event. This is also why we will have extensive television coverage, on SuperTennis and DAZN, and this year we will be broadcast live in as many as nineteen countries. Our goal is always to promote the places where We organize the events and we want to continue doing so in Sardinia for many more seasons."
Giovanni Paolo D'Incecco Bayard de Volo, CEO of Mater Olbia Hospital, a partner of the event for the fourth consecutive year, commented: "The partnership with the Olbia Challenger 125, where we are once again the event's Health Partner, is an opportunity to promote a concept of health that begins with prevention, even before it becomes treatment. Sport is an important tool for promoting physical and mental well-being and active longevity. Staying active and adopting healthy lifestyles are health choices we can make at any age. We are therefore proud to renew our commitment to the Olbia Challenger and we thank the Municipality of Olbia and the Terranova Tennis Club for their ability to bring events of great sporting and social value to the city, capable of engaging the community and creating opportunities for participation in the area."
Tickets are available on the Olbia Challenger official website.

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