Samsun Open ATP Challenger 50 tennis tournament kicks off, ticket proceeds pledged to Mehmetçik Foundation

The International Samsun Open ATP Challenger 50 tennis tournament began at the Samsun Golf Club in Turkey, featuring about 60 players from 25 nations, including France, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Ukraine, Romania, Lebanon, Bulgaria, Moldova and Turkey. Turkish officials – Governor Orhan Tavlı, Mayor Halit Doğan, Turkish Tennis Federation President Şafak Müderrisgil and Youth‑Sports Provincial Director Feyzullah Dereci – highlighted the event’s role in promoting sport and international visibility for Samsun.

All matches up to the semifinals on 1 August are free to watch. Ticket revenue from the semifinal matches on 1 August and the final on 2 August will be donated in full to the Mehmetçik Foundation. The Turkish men’s national tennis team – Cem İlkel, Ergi Kırkın, Mert Alkaya, Arda Azkara, Mert Özdemir, Gökberk Sarıtaş, Mert Naci Türker and Kerem Yılmaz – are also competing. The tournament is scheduled to conclude with the singles final on 2 August.