On court
Marion Bartoli (FRA) and Iva Majoli (CRO) opened the nights the ladies on court activities with that unique two handed fore and back-hand style of Marion’s still a winner and giving her a 6-3 result.
In the men’s singles, it was yet another closely fought match tonight between Marin Cilic (CRO) who was defeated by Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 7-6, 7-5.
The legends men’s singles between Goran Ivanisevic (CRO) v Mats Wilander (SWE) was a more relaxed affair with both men having a lot of fun on court. Yet they still showed why they are both absolute legends of the game with some brilliant tennis and the big Croatian taking the game 6-4.
The World Tennis Challenge for 2016 ended as is tradition with a hilarious mixed doubles match between
Team Ivanisevic v Team Wilander. Congratulations must go to the umpire who somehow managed to keep track of the score despite net jumping, team swapping and both women teaming up against Wilander.
Team Ivanisevic won the fast four format match 4-2 and, in doing so, were declared winners of the 2016 World Tennis Challenge Trophy.
The 2016 WTC teams
Team Philippoussis Team Wilander Team Ivanisevic
Mark Philippoussis Mats Wilander Goran Ivanisevic
Lleyton Hewitt Fernando Verdasco Marin Cilic
Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario Marion Bartoli Iva Majoli
Off court
Attendance
Massive crowds exceeded 2015 figures delighting tournament organisers. See you next January everyone.
A sporting affair…
Tonight was a multi-sport affair with the Ettix-Quick-Step cycling team, players from the Adelaide 36’ers and Adelaide United all in the crowd.
By the numbers
We went through a lot in player services to keep the players happy and in shape on court
200 towels
400 bottles of water
150 Powerades
9 kg grapes
4 dozen apples
6 dozen bananas
360 tennis balls
1km racquet string
60 coffee pods
5.7kg lollies
15 awful Dad jokes
and a lot of salad, pasta and risotto
Its not all sport
440 people plus all of the WTC players attended the Legends Lunch on Wednesday at Adelaide Oval. Once again it was an amazing event with Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario remarking it was the best interview at an event shehad ever done
On court we thank the services of
2 chair umpires from Tennis Australia
20 on court line officials all from SA
18 ball kids – all of them young enthusiastic tennis players
Around the ground the signage and barriers used 1384 cable ties and over 550m gaffa tape – essentials at any event!
The action wasn’t however confined to Memorial Drive, the Be Active Challenge presents an opportunity for players from across the country to participate in the World Tennis Challenge Event
This year 182 courts across 12 venues were utilised by around 4000 attendees with participants from beginners to adults including 600 players in the Country Carnival.
773 entries including just over 50 from interstate competed in 6 major Australian Rankings tournaments with a total prize pool of $27k.
The entire series of events would not have been possible without a team of dedicated people working long hours including 45 volunteers, 75 staff and a host of contractors. Thanks to the guys who accredited over 500 people for the event.
Schedules, draws and results available here
Latest
SA