Rafter Unable To Play London But Planning On Adelaide

Written by: Staff on 3rd November 2011

Rafter Unable To Play London But Planning On Adelaide |

Patrick Rafter is unable to play the ATP Champions’ Tour calendar ending AEGON
Masters event at London’s Royal Albert Hall next month but he is
committed to joining John McEnroe as one of the main star attractions in
the strongest ever field announced for World Tennis Challenge Directors
that starts at Adelaide’s Memorial Drive on January 10.

Co-tournament director Roger Rasheed, former coach to both Lleyton
Hewitt and Gael Monfils, confirmed McEnroe has again signed for his
third year. Australian Davis Cup captain Rafter will be sufficiently
recovered from the shoulder procedure he recently underwent that ruled
him out of the London event.

“We are thrilled Australia’s Davis Cup captain and house hold name Pat
Rafter has signed onto play the tournament,” said Rasheed. “We know how
competitive John is, and after Pat winning last time we are anticipating
sensational tennis between these two great legends.

“McEnroe’s return to Adelaide is a coup for the event and South
Australians continue to embrace him.”

The resurgent James Blake will partner McEnroe in Team America while the
Ukraine’s 16th ranked Alexandr Dolgopolov will line up
alongside Rafter in Team Australia because of his Jack Reader hails from
Adelaide..

Henri Leconte, coach of Gael Monfils will partner Michael Llodra (ATP in
Team Europe while Team International will prompt the playing comeback of
Brad Gilbert alongside Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka.

South Australia Tourist Minister Gail Gago stressed how important the
novel tournament was for the state. “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,” he said, mindful the event was broadcast
live via Fox Sports, with an additional 35 hours of replay coverage into
30 countries.

“I congratulate the organizers on again attracting a quality field of
players to entertain spectators, promote tennis and deliver tourism
benefits to South Australia.”

” DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: ATP Champions Tour