Ivanisevic And Henman Win In London
Ivanisevic And Henman Win In London
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
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