The quality of tennis on display at this week’s Florence Open is exceeding expectations, according to the head of one of the tournament’s key sponsors.
Lorenzo Nencini is attending the event this week representing the prestigious clothing manufacturer and distributor Incom which has been in operation since 1951. They are the Italian partner of the U.S. Polo Assn., which are the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA). The two companies have worked together on numerous projects.
Despite being more commonly associated with the sport of Polo, Nencini states that his company is more than willing to get involved with other sports, which is evident through their sponsoring of the Florence Open.
In a brief interview with Ubitennis founder Ubaldo Scanagatta, Nencici spoke about the tournament and one particular player who has already impressed him this week.
UBITENNIS: It has been 28 years since Florence last hosted an ATP Tour event. Lorenzo, are you happy that tennis is once again in Florence and representing your company in Europe?
NENCINI: We are very happy and very proud about this event. It has been a long time since the last tournament. We look forward to having this tournament every year and as a licensee partner for Europe, we are really proud to be part of the event.
The US Polo Association has been a brand with a long tradition in sport. Of course, that is polo but we are happy to be involved in tennis too.
UBITENNIS: This tournament is very international. Five American players are playing in Florence, which is one of the most beautiful cities (in the world). Maybe that’s the reason why the level of the tournament is much higher than what might normally occur in an ATP 250 event.
NENCINI: Yes, we are very surprised and happy. I have seen a lot of international players, As you said, five of those are from America. They are really high-level players, which is really good for the tournament.
UBITENNIS: I saw you watch Nakashima beating Richard Gasquet (on Monday). Gasquet is a player who has been twice in the semi-finals of Wimbledon and has been in the top 10 for a long time. But this guy Nakashima has a very strong serve and were you impressed by him?
NENCINI: It was a very beautiful match. They both played very well and Nakashima played in an amazing way. On this kind of court, a fast court, he played very well. He has very powerful shots.
