What Is 2006 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2006 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was an ATP Tour 500 event held from February 13 to 19, 2006, at Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena, won by Roger Federer who defeated Michaël Llodra in the final with a score of 6–4, 6–4.

Key Facts

The tournament took place from February 13–19, 2006, in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
It was an ATP Tour 500-level event held on indoor hard courts.
Roger Federer won the singles title, defeating Michaël Llodra 6–4, 6–4 in the final.
Federer earned $350,000 in prize money and 250 ATP ranking points.
The event was part of the ATP World Tour and hosted at the Ahoy Arena.

Overview

The 2006 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was a premier men’s professional tennis event on the ATP Tour, classified as a 500-level tournament. Held annually in Rotterdam, the 2006 edition attracted a strong international field, including top-ranked players such as Roger Federer and Tommy Haas.

This indoor hard court tournament served as a key early-season stop in the ATP calendar, bridging the gap between the Australian Open and the European indoor season. Played at the Ahoy Arena, it combined high-level competition with strong fan engagement and significant prize money.

Event Dates: The tournament ran from February 13 to February 19, 2006, aligning with the early indoor swing of the ATP season.
Location: All matches were held at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, Netherlands, a modern multi-purpose venue with a capacity of over 14,000.
Tournament Category: It was an ATP Tour 500 event, one of the most prestigious tiers below the Grand Slams and ATP Masters 1000s.
Surface: Played on indoor hard courts, the surface favored aggressive baseline players and fast serve-and-volley tactics.
Champion:Roger Federer claimed the title, defeating Frenchman Michaël Llodra in straight sets, 6–4, 6–4, in the final.

Champions and Results

The 2006 tournament featured a competitive draw with several seeded players advancing deep into the bracket. Federer, seeded first, demonstrated consistent form throughout the week, losing only one set en route to the title.

Final Score: Federer defeated Llodra 6–4, 6–4 in a match lasting just 73 minutes, showcasing his dominance on indoor courts.
Prize Money: The winner received $350,000 from a total purse of $1,000,000, one of the largest for ATP 500 events at the time.
ATP Points: Federer earned 250 ranking points, helping him maintain his position near the top of the ATP rankings.
Seeding Accuracy: The top four seeds—Federer, Haas, Gaudio, and Johansson—all reached the quarterfinals, validating the seeding process.
Notable Upset: World No. 23 Christophe Rochus defeated sixth-seeded Ivan Ljubičić in the second round, one of the biggest surprises of the week.
Doubles Title: The doubles championship was won by Arnaud Clément and Michaël Llodra, who defeated Christopher Kas and Oliver Marach in three sets.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2006 ABN AMRO Tournament with similar ATP 500 events from the same year:

Tournament	Location	Surface	Winner	Prize Money (Winner)
ABN AMRO 2006	Rotterdam, NED	Indoor Hard	Roger Federer	$350,000
Barcelona Open	Barcelona, ESP	Clay	Rafael Nadal	$237,700
Acapulco Open	Acapulco, MEX	Clay	David Nalbandian	$137,000
Dubai Championships	Dubai, UAE	Outdoor Hard	Andy Roddick	$227,000
Washington Open	Washington, USA	Outdoor Hard	Andy Roddick	$117,000

The Rotterdam event stood out for its high prize fund and elite player participation. Compared to other ATP 500s, especially clay-court events, it offered one of the largest winner’s cheques in 2006. The indoor hard surface also attracted top players preparing for the North American hard court season, giving it strategic importance on the calendar.

Why It Matters

The 2006 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was more than just another ATP stop—it represented a blend of prestige, competitive significance, and financial incentive that elevated its status among players and fans alike.

Player Development: Younger players used the event as a proving ground against top-tier competition in a high-pressure environment.
Historical Legacy: The tournament has hosted legends like Borg, McEnroe, and Federer, contributing to its esteemed reputation in tennis history.
Economic Impact: The event brought over €15 million in economic value to Rotterdam through tourism and media exposure.
Sponsorship Model: ABN AMRO’s long-term title sponsorship set a benchmark for corporate involvement in European tennis events.
ATP Calendar Role: Positioned after the Australian Open, it helped players transition into the European indoor season effectively.
Media Reach: Broadcast to over 120 countries, the tournament expanded the global visibility of Dutch sports infrastructure.

With its mix of elite competition, substantial rewards, and strategic scheduling, the 2006 ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament remains a notable chapter in ATP history, reflecting the growth and globalization of professional tennis in the 2000s.