Two of the game’s longest serving top ATP players are coming to Adelaide to feature in World Tennis Challenge 2011. The Europeans’ and Americans full line-up was announced, which includes Michael Llodra and Henri Leconte for the Europeans and James Blake and John McEnroe for the Americans.
World Tennis Challenge Co-director Mark Woodforde is thrilled Blake and Llodra are returning to Adelaide to participate in World Tennis Challenge.
“Both James [Blake] and Michael [Llodra] are thrilled to be coming back to Adelaide after previously playing in the Australian Men’s Hardcourt Championships. The relaxed atmosphere, three solid matches before the Australian Open and the opportunity to play with some of their heroes were the major reasons these players have chosen Adelaide over some of the other options on the table,” Woodforde said.
“It is great to have Michael Llodra coming back to play in Adelaide as he is still technically the defending champion of our ATP event. Michael was the last person to win the ATP event in Adelaide so he is an absolute quality player. Furthermore, he has led France to the Davis Cup final this year so we are thrilled to have him play for the European team.
Llodra, ranked world No.32, will pair with Henri Leconte for the European Team in WTC 2011 and Woodforde believes they could take out the title.
“The Europeans are a quality team and I know these guys are looking forward to playing with each other. I think they are a real chance for this year’s title.”
In fact, Llodra has led his France to the Davis Cup final later this year and has been one of the most consistent ATP performers over many years.
James Blake is a former World number 4 who has been hampered by injury this year. However, he recently made the quater finals of an ATP event in Stockholm.
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