Ivanisevic And Henman Win In London

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 5th December 2013

Ivanisevic And Henman Win In London

epa02985047 Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia returns the ball to Yvgeny Kafelnikov of Russia during their macth at the gala tournament Tennis Classics in Papp Laszlo Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary, 29 October 2011. HUNGARY OUT EPA/IMRE FOLDI |

Goran Ivanisevic got the first of what he hoped would be two victories on Wednesday, as he defeated Greg Rusedski 7-6(2), 7-6(6) at the Statoil Masters Tennis, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Half an hour later, the 2001 Wimbledon champion was on his way to the West Midlands, hoping to see his favorite football team, West Bromwich Albion, pull off a famous victory over Manchester City.

However, on Ivanisevic’s first time at the Hawthorns, the ‘Baggies’ went down to Manchester City 3-2. Not even that dampened his mood. The Croatian had spent eight years waiting for a chance to see a WBA home game, and he was given a rousing reception by the fans when presented on the pitch at half-time.

Afterwards, Goran spoke to the media, had a chat with WBA coach Steve Clarke and then returned to London.

“It was a great experience for me,” said Ivanisevic. “I had waited a long time for this and the fans made a great atmosphere even when City were playing so well. We came back at the end and I will always remember this trip.”

He will be back to entertain the crowds at the Royal Albert Hall again on Thursday when he partners Sergi Bruguera against Mark Philippoussis and Fabrice Santoro in the afternoon session.

The Grand Opening of the Statoil Masters Tennis launched in the evening with the UK’s top sporting stars and celebrities attending and supporting child health charity Best Beginnings.

Those who attended included: Tim Henman, Sir Steve Redgrave, Alistair McGowan, Judy Murray, Katherine Grainger, Andrew Castle, Greg Rusedski, Heather Watson, Lewis Moody, Kyran Bracken, Il Divo, Michelle Heaton, Lilah Parsons and Virginia Wade.

Henman said: “I’m thrilled to be playing at the Royal Albert Hall again with my old rivals and to support Best Beginnings. As a father of three I know how important it is to give children the best possible start in life.”

Following the red carpet arrivals, Wednesday’s evening singles match came to an abrupt end after Mark Philippoussis was forced to retire with a back injury. The Australian trailed Henman 4-5, and injured his back in his service motion to start the 10th game.

Henman entertained the crowd at the Royal Albert Hall as he knocked up with the ball girls, a member of Il Divo who was in attendance, and two members of the audience. But after several minutes of treatment, it was deemed Philippoussis was not fit to continue.

“It was really unfortunate,” said Henman. “It’s a great new surface this year and I think it really benefits the players. You feel like you can construct rallies out there. I think we played some good tennis at times. To end like that is really unfortunate for Mark, hopefully he can recover quickly.”

Philippoussis said: “Obviously it’s not the way you want to finish on the court, especially for such a beautiful cause. It’s a great event so it’s incredibly disappointing. I was having a great time out there, it’s a great court, so I hope I can rest it for a couple of days, and hopefully see if I can get out there on Friday.”

In the Legends Tournament, former World No. 5 Henri Leconte defeated Jeremy Bates 7-6(2), 7-5 in Group B.

RESULTS/ORDER OF PLAY

ATP Champions Tour Singles

Group A Henman, Philippoussis, Santoro

Group B Ivanisevic, Rafter, Rusedski

Legends Singles

Group A Bruguera, Ferreira, McEnroe

Group B Bates, Leconte, Wilander

Wednesday 4th December

Ivanisevic d. Rusedski 7-6, 7-6

Leconte d. Bates 7-6(2), 7-5

Henman d. Philippoussis 5-4 (ret)

Thursday 5th December

At 1pm

Leconte v Wilander

Rafter v Rusedski

Bruguera/Ivanisevic v Philippoussis/Santoro

At 7.30pm

Ferreira v McEnroe

Bahrami/Castle v Bates/McNamara

Friday 6th December

At 1pm

Philippoussis v Santoro

Bates v Wilander

Bahrami/Castle v Ferreira/McNamara

At 7.30pm

LIVE ON ITV4

Bruguera v McEnroe

Enqvist/Ivanisevic v Henman/Murray

Saturday 7th December

At 1pm

LIVE ON ITV4

Henman v Santoro

Bruguera v Ferreira

Bahrami/McEnroe v McNamara/Wilander

At 7.30pm

LIVE ON ITV4

Ivanisevic v Rafter

Bates/Murray v Leconte/Rusedski

Sunday 8th December

At 12 noon

LIVE ON ITV4

Legends Singles Final

Doubles Exhibition

At 5pm

LIVE ON ITV4

ATP Champions Tour Singles Final

Doubles Exhibition

*All timings may be subject to change and are dependent on the length of play. The Management reserves the right to alter the Order of Play at any time.

Topics: 10sballs, Goran Ivanisevic, Greg Rusedski, Heather Watson, Mark Philippoussis, Sergi Bruguera, Sports, Statoil Masters Tennis, Tennis, Tennis News, Tim Henman