What Is 2017 Open du Pays d'Aix - Doubles

Overview

The 2017 Open du Pays d'Aix – Doubles was a professional tennis tournament held as part of the ATP Challenger Tour. Played on outdoor clay courts, it took place in Aix-en-Provence, France, from May 1 to May 7, 2017, serving as a key lead-in event to the French Open.

This edition featured a 16-team doubles draw, with seeded and unseeded pairs competing in a single-elimination format. The tournament attracted international players aiming to gain ranking points and prepare for the upcoming Grand Slam season on clay.

• Champions: Julio Peralta and Horacio Zeballos claimed the title by defeating Ken Skupski and Neal Skupski in the final with a score of 6–3, 6–4.
• Tournament Dates: The doubles event ran from May 1 to May 7, 2017, aligning with the broader ATP Challenger Tour schedule.
• Surface: Matches were played on outdoor red clay courts, typical of European springtime tournaments leading into Roland Garros.
• Location: The event was hosted at the Country Club Aix-en-Provence, a well-known venue for Challenger-level clay court events.
• Prize Money: The tournament offered a total prize purse of $125,000, standard for ATP Challenger 125-level events.

How It Works

The doubles competition followed a standard ATP Challenger format, with teams competing in best-of-three sets, including a match tiebreak in lieu of a third set if necessary. The draw structure included seeded teams based on ATP rankings.

• Draw Size: The doubles event featured a 16-team draw, with eight seeded pairs and the remainder qualifying through preliminary rounds or wildcards.
• Seeding: Top seeds were Julio Peralta and Horacio Zeballos, who entered with strong clay-court records from previous seasons.
• Final Match: The championship match concluded in straight sets, with Peralta and Zeballos winning 6–3, 6–4 over the British Skupski brothers.
• Wildcards: Two wildcard entries were granted, including one to French pair Tristan Lamasine and Laurent Rochette, who exited in the first round.
• ATP Points: The winners earned 125 ATP ranking points, crucial for improving their standings ahead of the French Open.
• Format: Matches used a best-of-three sets system, with a 10-point match tiebreak replacing the third set if the first two were split.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Open du Pays d'Aix – Doubles compares to other similar ATP Challenger events of the same tier and surface:

While the Open du Pays d'Aix offered significantly less prize money than Grand Slam events like the French Open, it provided vital ATP points and competitive clay-court experience. Its structure mirrored other Challenger events but stood out for its timing just weeks before Roland Garros.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Open du Pays d'Aix – Doubles played a strategic role in the clay-court season, helping players fine-tune their doubles coordination and fitness ahead of major tournaments. Its results influenced ATP rankings and provided visibility for emerging and veteran teams alike.

• Ranking Boost: Winning the title earned Peralta and Zeballos 125 ATP points, directly impacting their global doubles standings.
• French Open Prep: The tournament served as a key warm-up for players transitioning into the French Open’s demanding clay conditions.
• Local Impact: The event boosted tourism and visibility for Aix-en-Provence as a growing tennis destination in southern France.
• Player Development: Younger or lower-ranked players gained experience competing against seasoned professionals in a high-pressure environment.
• Team Chemistry: Doubles partnerships like Peralta/Zeballos used the win to solidify their on-court synergy for future tournaments.
• ATP Circuit Depth: Challenger events like this one ensure depth in the professional circuit, supporting the overall health of men’s tennis.

Ultimately, the 2017 Open du Pays d'Aix – Doubles was more than just a regional tournament—it was a critical stepping stone in the broader ATP calendar, contributing to player development, rankings, and the rhythm of the clay season.