Court princes set to return in 2012

Saturday 8 October 2011

Two of the most popular players over the past years of the World Tennis Challenge, Henri Leconte and Mansour Bahrami will return to Adelaide for the 2012 event to be held 10-12 January at Memorial Drive.

Mark Woodforde, Tournament Director said “The feedback we get from the audience is that they cannot get enough and never tire of seeing not only the skill of these two players, but the additional entertainment they add to the event”

Frenchman Henri Leconte who has also been known to indulge in his love of our wine during his visits is equally fond of Adelaide “I am so happy to be back again, I love this place the people and also so nice to be in Adelaide at that time for me”.

Former ATP player Mansour, who’s famous for his incredible trick shots, says he’s looking forward to creating mayhem with his old mate.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au from just $39.50 for adults and $12 for children.

http://worldtennischallenge.com

Swiss ace Wawrinka lands Adelaide spot

Wednesday 2 November 2011

World No.19 and Roger Federer’s Swiss team-mate Stanislas Wawrinka is heading to Adelaide to play in the World Tennis Challenge.

Wawrinka, who has been ranked as high as No.9 on the ATP circuit, will headline Team International at Memorial Drive from January 10-12.

He reached this year’s Australian Open quarter-finals with wins over Gael Monfils and Andy Roddick and in September beat Lleyton Hewitt in their Davis Cup match in Sydney.

WTC Director Roger Rasheed said it was a coup for SA tennis fans.

“It’s great for the tournament,” Rasheed said.

“Australians saw him (Wawrinka) play Lleyton in the last Davis Cup tie where he got over the top.

“He’s got a great game, he’s been in the top 10 just 18 months ago and he’s got a lot of flair and all-round game that the fans will love.”

Wawrinka will team with international coach Brad Gilbert, who has taken charge of some of the biggest name in world tennis including Andre Agassi, Roddick and Andy Murray.

American Gilbert attended last year’s WTC as coach of rising Japanese star Kei Nishikori and loved the event so much he made contact with Tennis SA to make himself available.

Gilbert was ranked as high as No.4 in a singles career that included 20 titles in 13 years.

“Brad is a tennis purist,” Rasheed said. “He loves the sport from the social aspect to the top end.”

The complete line-ups for the WTC will be unveiled at a launch at Memorial Drive today. Team International will do battle with Team Australia, Team America and Team Europe – starring flamboyant Henri Leconte.

Mansour Bahrami is returning as a wildcard for the tournament, which will be broadcast by Fox Sports.

http://worldtennischallenge.com

WTC 2012 announces strongest field yet

Thursday 3 November 2011

Rafter and McEnroe headline legends field with current ATP stars Dolgopolov and Wawrinka confirmed for 2012

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA: World Tennis Challenge Directors today announced the strongest line up for the fourth event to be held 10-12 January 2012 at Memorial Drive.

Roger Rasheed, Co-Director today confirmed legendary John McEnroe has again signed for his third year with Team America whilst Australia’s favourite Patrick Rafter will headline Team Australia.

“We are thrilled Australia’s Davis Cup captain and house hold name Pat Rafter has signed onto play the tournament. We know how competitive John is, and after Pat winning last time (8-6) we are anticipating sensational tennis between these two great legends” said Rasheed. McEnroe’s return to Adelaide is a coup for the event and South Australians continue to embrace him” Rasheed continues.

To partner John McEnroe in Team America former Top 5 player and ‘sexiest man alive’ nominee James Blake has confirmed his participation with Alexandr Dolgopolov (ATP ranked#16) partnering Rafter in Team Australia, fittingly due to his connection with his coach being Adelaide’s Jack Reader.

Crowd favourite Henri Leconte, coach of Gael Monfils will partner with Michael Llodra (ATP ranked#29) which is assured to entertain crowds due to their wit and skilful shots in Team Europe.

The World Tennis Challenge is also excited to have enticed one of the game’s greatest strategists, Brad Gilbert best known as former coach of Agassi, Roddick and Murray to represent Team International. Brad is back from behind the commentary mic – and partnered with 2011 Australian Open Quarter Finalist Stanislas Wawrinka (ATP ranked#19).

The incredible Mansour Bahrami, the ‘world’s greatest tennis entertainer’ will play as wildcard.

Tourism Minister Gail Gago said the World Tennis Challenge had proved to be a fantastic event for South Australia.

“Last year the WTC and associated Be Active Challenge participation event attracted 3665 visitors, generating more than $4.1 million in visitor expenditure for the state and an attendance of 15,122 people,” the Minister said. “The event was broadcast live via Fox Sports, with an additional 35 hours of replay coverage into 30 countries. I congratulate the organisers on again attracting a quality field of players to entertain spectators, promote tennis and deliver tourism benefits to South Australia.”

The full player line up for the 2012 World Tennis Challenge is
Australasia: Pat Rafter & Alexandr Dolgopolov
Europe: Henri Leconte & Michael Llodra
International: Brad Gilbert & Stanislas Wawrinka
The Americas: John McEnroe & James Blake
Wildcard Mansour Bahrami

http://worldtennischallenge.com