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 and Alexandr Dolgopolov
- Europe: Henri Leconte and Michael Llodra
- International: Brad Gilbert and Stanislas Wawrinka
- The Americas: John McEnroe and James Blake
- Wildcard Mansour Bahrami
New initiatives for the 2012 event include: - World Tennis Challenge Kids Zone for 2012 with more activities and opportunities for kids to play on the MLC Tennis Hot Shots mini-court
- Children’s ticket reduced to $12 each to encourage more families and the introduction of a special family pass (2 adults/2children)
- Play to commence at 6.30pm for family friendly finish time
- Redeveloped site with improvements to corporate and general dining areas, including new public food area
- Tennis identities to be inducted into the Tennis SA Legends Club on Thursday 12 January at the Tennis SA Legends Club Luncheon held at InterContinental.
- Next Generation to act as Village Hub for the WTC Be Active Challenge with 2,000 participants competing in the participation arm of the event.
Tickets for the event available from Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au) start at $28.50 for adults and $12 for children..
World Tennis Challenge is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Government, through Events South Australia.
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