Sofia replaces Tel Aviv on 2023 ATP calendar with November tournament

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Last week, plans to stage the Tel Aviv Watergen Open for a second year running were abandoned due to the Israel-Hamas war. On Tuesday, Sofia, Bulgaria was officially named by the ATP as a replacement 250-level tournament.

Finding an alternative host for the single-year license ensures that two ATP events are available to competitors the week of November 5, a position on the calendar that falls just before the ATP Finals. The Sofia Open was previously held from 2016-2022 and was the site of Jannik Sinner’s maiden tour-level crown in 2020. Home favorite Grigor Dimitrov also won the event in 2018.

“We’re excited to host ATP Tour tennis back in the historic city of Sofia again. It goes without saying that we wish the circumstances were different, and our thoughts remain with all those affected by the terrible conflict,” Bulgarian Tennis Federation president Stefan Tzvetkov said in a statement.

“Our appreciation goes to ATP, the Bulgarian government, the municipality, and our team. We look forward to working together with ATP to deliver a successful event for the players and the incredible fans of Bulgaria.”

Among those entered (as of today) to compete at the Sofia Arena include Turin hopeful Taylor Fritz, alongside compatriots Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton and Sebastian Korda. The competing 250 event in Metz, France currently boasts an entry list with fellow ATP Finals contenders Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, Tommy Paul and Alex de Minaur.