At a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool today, Tournament Director Anders Borg, and Cllr Gladen, revealed the official player line up for this summer’s tournament, taking place in Calderstones Park, Liverpool from 21 – 24 June.
Headline players announced to be playing at Liverpool included former Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek, and British number one Greg Rusedski. Other players confirmed by the tournament earlier today included former top ten Younes Alanoui, as well as Peter Mcnamara.
Leading tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, who has trained many of the world’s top players is also coming to the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament for the first time this year. As well as playing on the tournament’s opening day, he will also be giving tennis clinics and attending a special schools day (June 20) to help introduce Merseyside children to the game.
Nick Bollettieri said: “I am very excited about coming to Liverpool for the first time this year. I am really looking forward to the tournament. I know there is a lot of raw sporting talent in the region, and who knows, if we might even find a future champion?”
Anders Borg, Director of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament, said: “I’m thrilled that Nick Bollettieri will be joining us for the first time this year. It’s a real coup to have him playing, and not only that, but he will also be offering his expertise to our aspiring young tennis players from the area too.
“Nick is simply a legend of modern tennis and we cannot wait to welcome him to Liverpool. We’re really shaping up for an amazing line up at this summer’s tournament, and still have lots more ATP and WTA players to be confirmed in May.”
This year, the tournament will be spread over six days, comprising two days for youngsters on June 19-20, followed by the four day main tournament event, which organisers hope will generate 25,000 spectators.
Top tennis entertainer, the French-Iranian Mansour Bahrami, famous for his range of trick shots and unusual, fun-filled style of play, is also confirmed to play as part of Legends Day.
The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 2012 will provide a unique opportunity to watch ATP and WTP players warming up for both Wimbledon and the London 2012 Olympic Games, with qualifying players from Team GB scheduled to appear.
