Aegon Tennis Masters at the Royal Albert Hall
(PRWEB) December 2, 2009 -- The conclusion of the end of season ATP Finals at the 02 Arena in November brings the focus in tennis to celebrating former champions of the game at the Royal Albert Hall (http://www.aegonmasterstennis.com/venue.asp), dubbed the Theatre of Champions. From December 1st-6th, the historical Albert Hall plays host to a handpicked selection of former greats of the game - and over 35,000 avid spectators. After over 10 years, the Tournament is now loved for being one of the most unique and fun events in the tennis calendar.
The Tournament has got a new leading sponsor in Aegon. Aegon has become a strong backer of British Tennis in 2009 and this is the latest addition to Aegon's coverage. Other proud sponsors of the Tournament include local London backers Flemings Mayfair Hotel (http://www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk/index.php), which is welcoming a selection of the players to its luxury hotel in Mayfair (http://www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk/index.php). Simon Scarborough, General Manager of Flemings Hotel, said "We are proud to be involved this week at the Masters. Being an avid supporter of tennis myself, I am thrilled to be supporting this prestigious Tennis event in one of sport's leading unique venues, and even more thrilled that some of the stars of the game will by staying at our hotel". Watch out for tweets from Simon (http://twitter.com/FlemingsMayfair) during the tournament.
For newcomers to the tournament, here's a quick guide to the background and format:
• The ATP Champions Tour made its 'end of year' home at the Albert Hall in 1997, with John McEnroe picking up the first 3 titles.
• In order to qualify for the singles Tournament, a player must either have been ranked number 1 in the World or have been a singles finalist in a Grand Slam Championship. No tall order then!
• There are 8 singles players in total. These players are split in to 2 groups of 4 and compete in a round-robin tournament from Tuesday through to Saturday. The winner from each group goes through to the final on the Sunday afternoon session.
• The current singles champion of 2008 is France's Cedric Pioline.
• The Tournament also includes competitive and exhibition Doubles.
So, who is the class of 2009 that tennis fans will be able to see on the tennis court once again? Household names such as Stephan Edberg need little introduction. Winner of 6 Grand Slam titles and 3 Grand Slam Doubles (not to forget a handsome $20 million in career earnings), Edberg will be carrying the belt of 'leading champion' going in to the Tournament.
Former Grand slam champion and world number 1 Pat Rafter (winner of 2 US Opens) will also be at the top of a lot of fans must see list this week. Pat was a very popular player on the ATP with both players and fans alike.
And who else to come up against Pat Rafter (http://www.aegonmasterstennis.com/playerprofile.asp?theid=49) than old Wimbledon adversary Goran Ivanisevic (http://www.aegonmasterstennis.com/playerprofile.asp?theid=48)? Dubbed the crazy Croatian, Ivanisevic will be forever remembered for his prolific 5 set victory over Pat Rafter in 2001. Ivanisevic went on to achieve one of sports greatest fairytales, beating Rafter to become the first wildcard entrant to ever win Wimbledon. The 2 players will meet each other again on the court on Saturday - the first time since the historic Wimbledon encounter.
Debutants to the singles tournament include Australian Mark Philippoussis, who was known for his hard hitting serve and volley game. And Britain's "favourite Canadian" Greg Rusedski makes his return to the Albert Hall centre stage.
An interesting theme across these special players is the art of serve and volley that was employed . With few natural serve and volley players in the tennis circuit today, this tournament gives us an opportunity to re-visit a style that has been forgotten in recent years. This year's tournament is sure to serve up some hard hitting, crisp volleying and furious clapping.
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