The Swiss Marc Rosset, first winner in 1993, then a repeat winner in 1994 and 2000, his compatriot Roger Federer, the best player of all time, unfortunate finalist in 2000 and then winner in 2003, the French Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, triple winner in Marseille in 2009, 2013 and 2017, Gilles Simon, double winner in 2007 and 2015. And finally Arnaud Clément, the local boy, faithful among the faithful, who lifted the trophy in 2006. These 5 champions have truly marked the history of the tournament.
Can you tell us the most striking anecdote from your various visits to Marseille?
Marc Rosset winner 1993, 1994 & 2000
"I remember locking Bruno Rebeuh in the toilet when he was refereeing my match! I was playing against Fabrice Santoro, Bruno was going to the toilet and I took a bench to block the door for him. Then I went up to the court. And we waited for him for a good five minutes. He knew it was me, I was the only one who could do that kind of shit!
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga winner 2009, 2013 & 2017
"I can't tell you everything! But this sentence alone gives an idea of why I have been loyal to the Open 13 Provence for 10 years (laughs)!
Arnaud Clement winner 2006
"It's the first year I'm playing the tournament, Gaël (Monfils) has a wild card in doubles and asked me if I wanted to play with him. I accept with pleasure. We play a good first set, we lead 5/4, set point on the opponent's serve. We play a great point, I have a not very hard passing shot to finish the set and I miss it. Gaël looks at me and says "you know that with your passing, we're going to lose 7/5 6/4? And I can tell you, we lost by exactly that score!
Gilles Simon winner 2007 and 2015
I have no particular anecdote. But I remember often walking around Marseille and especially in the old port. These are very good memories.
Roger Federer winner 2003
"With Sebastien Grosjean, we went to kick off an OM-PSG match. The Velodrome was full, we each had a shirt with our name on it. And Marseille had won that evening! But we had only been able to see the first half, because we had a double to play!
