Saturday 7 January 2012 1 Comment »
Tom Dougherty | Advertiser
FORMER world No. 2 Tommy Haas will join John McEnroe in Team America at next week’s World Tennis Challenge.
The German-born and recently nationalised American was last in Adelaide 10 years ago when he defeated Chilean Nicolas Massu in the final of the AAPT Championship.
“It’s crazy to think how long ago I was last there – so much has happened in my life since then,” he said.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to take part in the challenge.”
Haas and McEnroe will attempt to defend Team America’s 2011 crown against Australia, represented by Pat Rafter and Alexandr Dolgopolov, Europe, and the “Internationals”.
“We’ve known each other for a while and get on quite well,” Haas said about McEnroe.
“What John does for the game is great.
His character and charisma, and he is just so much fun to be around.”
With a career plagued by injury, including pulling out of this week’s Brisbane International with a calf problem, Haas said the World Tennis Challenge was a great way to test his fitness.
“It’s a chance for me to get some matches in,” he said.
Henri Leconte and Michael Llodra will play for Europe and the Internationals are represented by Brad Gilbert and Stanislas Wawrinka, with Mansour Bahrami also taking part as a wildcard.
The action kicks off on Tuesday at Memorial Drive with gates opening at 4pm and play at 6.30pm, and will run until Thursday.
Friday 6 January 2012 Be the first to comment »
Former world No.2 Tommy Haas will play alongside John McEnroe for Team America at the World Tennis Challenge (WTC) held at Memorial Drive, Adelaide from 10-12 January.
The German born Haas, who now resides in Florida and is a naturalised citizen, has reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and quarterfinals at the US Open. Haas has won 13 career titles in singles and doubles, including Madrid Masters, and has a silver medal from the 2000 Summer Olympics.
“Tommy was someone we were very interested in given he is a US citizen and as such works well to complete Team America. Every indication from Tommy is he will be right to go for Adelaide and he is looking for some strong matches ahead of the Australian Open.” WTC Director Darren Cahill stated.
Haas, who made a return to the circuit in June 2011 after a period of injury saw him sidelined, is thrilled to join the WTC contingent and to be playing alongside the legendary John McEnroe.
“The WTC in Adelaide is perfect. The players in the event are either legends or some of the top guys on the tour such as Dolgopolov, Wawrinka and Llodra, so it provides the perfect balance for me between playing some tough quality tennis, but also to relax and get healthy in preparation for the Australian Open” said Haas.
“I have fond memories of Adelaide having won there in 2001. I have heard great reports about the event and the crowd they get to WTC so I am really looking forward to partnering John and I hope I can help him defend his title.” he continues.
The teams for the World Tennis Challenge in 2012 are:
| Team |
Tennis Legend |
Current Champion |
| Australasia |
Pat Rafter |
Alexandr Dolgopolov |
| Europe |
Henri Leconte |
Michael Llodra |
| International |
Brad Gilbert |
Stanislas Wawrinka |
| The Americas |
John McEnroe |
Tommy Haas |
Wildcard
|
Mansour Bahrami |
|
Tickets start from as little as $12 for children d can be purchased online at www.ticketek.com.au or call 13 28 49.
World Tennis Challenge 2012, presented by Events South Australia, will take place at the Memorial Drive, Adelaide from 10 to 12 January 2012.
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Issued for the World Tennis Challenge by Foster Hill PR & Marketing.
For information, media kit or interviews – Sue Hill, T: +61 8 8231 3555 /0418 822 629
E: [email protected]
