Athletes love coming to Austria for the Grand Slam, because the organizers treat the players right - and I mean really right!

 

Here is a list of some of the amazing services available to the players:

 

1) 5-star catering, all-you-can-eat style

2) top-notch medical services, including video technique analysis, MRI's, massage, therapy, etc.

3) player's dock area (see video), which has foosball, pinball machine, bean bag chairs, t.v. showing center court matches, motor boat rides, waterskiing, swimming in sparkling blue lake, water slides, etc.

4) anytime shuttle service from anywhere to anywhere in the city - over 40 shuttle cars and drivers working 24 hours/day.

5) athlete area with several computer stands reserved for athletes, athlete main stadium seating in the shade (unlike many other tourneys where they don't have shaded athlete seating)

6) new uniforms for every match delivered to the court before your match (unlike other tourneys where they make you use the same two shirts for all three pool matches)

7) hotel for main draw athletes right to the end of the tournament (unlike other tourneys where they kick you out the day after you are eliminated)

8) three "player's crew" members per team, which gives access to coaches or friends to the stadium and many of the services listed above

9) a welcome crew at the airport, with tournament staff offering athletes cold drinks while they wait for your luggage

10) 7 side event parties (in 5 days) with free access for athletes

 

Not bad huh? Now you know why it is ranked the number one tournament by the players, including Ahren and I.

 

P.S. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, it’s good to be a pro beach volleyball player.