ATP tour 500 – EUR 2.540 million – 19 to 27 October 2024

Ben Shelton joins the list of next-gen representatives

The trend at this year’s Swiss Indoors (19 to 27 October) is all about fostering the next generation: there is every indication that the players who have registered to date will shake up the hierarchy of the global elite. The young US star Ben Shelton (ATP 14) will be competing in Basel for the first time. This 21-year-old left-handed player is a typical product of the American college tennis system. The rookie made it to the semi-finals at the last US Open – and his serve has already reached a speed of 239 km/h. To conserve his energy, the young US star will not be participating in the Olympic Games in Paris.

Holger Rune, the rough diamond, returns to Basel

Holger Rune (ATP 15) hides some of the most impressive talent on the global tennis scene. He came with part-time coach Boris Becker last year and advanced to the semi-finals at St. Jakobshalle. A year earlier, the 21-year-old Dane caused a stir with his victory at Paris-Bercy (ATP 1000), catapulting himself to fourth place in the ATP world rankings. In the meantime, however, it has become increasingly clear that Holger Rune is a rough diamond – which explains his rollercoaster performance. The tennis world is waiting with bated breath to see how this young star evolves going forward.

Increasingly strong field of participants

This year’s tournament already features an exceptionally broad field of top-class players. In addition to Ben Shelton and Holger Rune, the following players from the top ten have registered for the event: Andrey Rublev, Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Last year’s Swiss Indoors finalist Hurkacz has never been so high up the rankings; he recently reached the final in Halle after displaying a stunning performance on grass. The upcoming headline events of Wimbledon and the Olympic Games will reveal which other players will be able to slot into the format and budget of this year’s Swiss Indoors.

Stan Wawrinka and Dominic Stricker flying the flag for Switzerland

The big question is whether Stan Wawrinka (ATP 93) can soar to victory once again. The three-time Grand Slam winner will be taking to the court in Basel for the 17th time, where he will be well received by the crowd. The Vaud native will be entitled to a wildcard at the tournament, which is the highlight of the Swiss tennis calendar, if necessary, as will the Swiss upstart Dominic Stricker (ATP 151), who will resume his endeavours at Wimbledon after a lengthy absence due to injury.

Promotion within the organisation

The Board of Directors of Swiss Indoors is facing up to the growing challenges of the major event and has nominated two long-standing employees, Massimiliano Iuliano (49) and Simone Weiss (41), as Heads of Tournament Organization. Massimiliano Iuliano is now Head of Venue Operations, and Simone Weiss is Head of Event Services. These appointments will strengthen the symbiosis and efficiency between management and tournament organization.

Tickets can be ordered online via the Swiss Indoors website or the Ticketcorner website.