Tennis Champions to Re-Ignite Grand Slam Rivalries

Tennis Champions to Re-Ignite Grand Slam Rivalries Downunder
Mcenroe, Rafter, Wilander, Cash & Ivanisevic ‘Get Serious’ in Action-Packed Sydney Leg of Global Tour

Sydney, Australia, 21 September – For the first time ever, Sydney will host some of the most exciting stoushes in Grand Slam tennis revisited when a number of the greatest names in the sports’ history take centre court this November in the Champions Downunder - Sydney.

The ATP Champions Tour has added Australia to its global calendar, with Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre hosting the greats of the sport from 11-14 November in a highly competitive, but party-like atmosphere never before seen at tennis in this part of the world – and Kiwis can buy tickets online from AU$39 this Friday.

With a total of 18 Grand Slam titles between them, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Goran Ivanisevic, and Australia’s two Pats - Rafter and Cash - are sure to make the inaugural Champions Downunder - Sydney event a major highlight on the tennis and sporting calendar.

Classic re-matches of former Grand Slam tussles will be among the tournament highlights with Pat Rafter looking to avenge his heartbreaking 2001 five set Wimbledon defeat to Ivanisevic, while Cash will face Wilander once again in a repeat of their epic 1988 Australian Open final. McEnroe is also sure to draw large crowds eager for more ‘you cannot be serious’ confrontations with umpires and linesmen.

Also playing in the eight man field is French Grand Slam finalist and perennial on-court funnyman Henri Leconte, along with current ATP Champions Tour leader Thomas Enqvist from Sweden and South Africa’s Wayne Ferreira. The full line up includes six of the current top eight players on the tour.

“This is a great coup for Australian tennis and for sporting fans,” said Pat Rafter.

“The ATP Champions Tour is just as competitive as the current tour and even more entertaining. We all still take great pride in our fitness, reputations and ability to perform, so the standard of play will be incredibly high.

“Last year I won the year end title in London and it’s great that I will get the chance to play some of the greats of the game in front of a home crowd. I’m looking forward to facing Goran again and the crowds can expect to also see a few fiery moments from McEnroe, given he still doesn’t like to lose,” concluded Rafter.

To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No. 1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player in a victorious Davis Cup team; and they should have retired from the ATP circuit. The event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.

The round robin tournament splits players into two groups over the first three days, with a finals day on Sunday featuring all eight players in action, with the winner of each group playing for the Champions Downunder - Sydney title.

The Sydney tournament will be seen by a significant global audience, and is the second last tournament on this year’s ATP Champions Tour calendar. Players will be vying for vital points to be crowned year end champion at London’s Royal Albert Hall in December.

Outside of the on-court tennis action, the tournament will feature major entertainment events as well as corporate hospitality opportunities.

ENDS

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