Can’t wait until December? Watch the legends this June

Added on: March 9, 2011

BORIS BECKER AND GORAN IVANISEVIC TO DEBUT AT 2011 BNP PARIBAS TENNIS CLASSIC

Boris Becker will end a long absence from UK tennis courts after it was announced that he will play in the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic, an IMG-owned event, at The Hurlingham Club in London, 14-18 June 2011.

In his first appearance at the luxurious central-London event, the former World No.1 and three-time Wimbledon champion will compete against many of his old rivals at the ever-popular event, now in its 18^th year.  “I am looking forward to getting back on grass and playing against some of my old rivals”, said Becker.  “The BNP Paribas Tennis Classic is one of the most beautiful and exclusive tennis events in the summer calendar, I’m looking forward to getting on court.”

Becker has always been a favourite with the British crowds, since famously becoming the youngest player ever to lift the Wimbledon trophy in 1985.  His rivalry at the Championships with Stefan Edberg is one of the most heralded of Wimbledon’s history.   He went on to win the title a further two times as well as the US Open and two Australian Opens.  His trophy cabinet also holds three Tour Finals crowns and an Olympic gold medal.  In recent years Becker has been a regular face on television, commentating for the BBC at Wimbledon and as a regular panellist on They Think Its All Over.

Becker will be joined at the BNP Paribas Tennis Classic by fellow former Wimbledon Champion Goran Ivanisevic who is celebrating the tenth anniversary of his unique victory this year.  In 2001, Goran became the first wildcard to win the event and was the first man to lift the trophy on a Monday after the final was delayed.  Ivanisevic’s  semi final against Tim Henman spanned three days as persistent rain kept interrupting the tensely fought match, eventually forcing the final to be held on Monday.  ”I am excited to be playing at Hurlingham for the first time’, said Ivaniseivc. “ I have heard what a fun tournament it is from all the other players who talk about the event a lot.  It is ten years since I won Wimbledon, so it is a great time to be back in London and playing on grass.”  Famous for his booming serve, Ivanisevic still holds the record for the most aces dispatched in one year – 1,477 in 1996. His serves are sure to hold the Hurlingham Club audience captive throughout the tournament.

With prime positioning in the summer tennis calendar, the week before Wimbledon, the exclusive BNP Paribas Tennis Classic provides the perfect way to entertain during the peak of the summer. The Hurlingham Club makes for a quintessentially English experience with outstanding hospitality in a luxurious central-London setting. Featuring some of the top ATP World Tour players and legends of the game, the unique set up allows you to enjoy the tennis without the crowds and really get close to the action.

For more information and to book please contact IMG today on 020 8233 5854 or email bnpparibasclassic@imgworld.com

www.bnpparibastennisclassic.com

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