Rafter and McEnroe headline legends field with current ATP stars Dolgopolov and Wawrinka confirmed for 2012
\n\u00a0\u00a0
\nADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA:\u00a0 World Tennis Challenge Directors today announced the strongest line up for the fourth event to be held 10-12 January 2012 at Memorial Drive.<\/p>\n
Roger Rasheed, Co-Director today confirmed legendary John McEnroe has again signed for his third year with Team America whilst Australia\u2019s favourite Patrick Rafter will headline Team Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are thrilled Australia\u2019s Davis Cup captain and house hold name Pat Rafter has signed onto play the tournament.\u00a0 We know how competitive John is, and after Pat winning last time (8-6) we are anticipating sensational tennis between these two great legends\u201d said Rasheed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMcEnroe\u2019s return to Adelaide is a coup for the event and South Australians continue to embrace him\u201d Rasheed continues.<\/p>\n
To partner John McEnroe in Team America former Top 5 player and \u2018sexiest man alive\u2019 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\u2019s Jack Reader.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The World Tennis Challenge is also excited to have enticed one of the game\u2019s greatest strategists, Brad Gilbert best known as former coach of Agassi, Roddick and Murray to represent Team International.\u00a0 Brad is back from behind the commentary mic \u2013 and partnered with 2011 Australian Open Quarter Finalist Stanislas Wawrinka (ATP ranked#19).<\/p>\n
The incredible Mansour Bahrami, the \u2018world\u2019s greatest tennis entertainer\u2019 will play as wildcard.<\/p>\n
Tourism Minister Gail Gago said the World Tennis Challenge had proved to be a fantastic event for South Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast 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,\u201d the Minister said.
\n\u00a0
\n\u201cThe event was broadcast live via Fox Sports, with an additional 35 hours of replay coverage into 30 countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cI congratulate the organisers on again attracting a quality field of players to entertain spectators, promote tennis and deliver tourism benefits to South Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n
The full player line up for the 2012 World Tennis Challenge is<\/p>\n
Tickets for the event available from Ticketek (www.ticketek.com.au<\/a>) start at $28.50 for adults and $12 for children..<\/p>\n World Tennis Challenge is proudly sponsored by the South Australian Government, through Events South Australia.<\/p>\n -ends-<\/p>\n For media enquiries, media kit or interview request;<\/strong>
\nFoster Hill PR & Marketing
\nSue Hill,\u00a0 T:\u00a0 +61 8 8231 3555\u00a0 \/ 0418 822 629\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
\nE:\u00a0 suehill@fosterhill.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n