Marcos has confirmed his participation in the 2009 AAMI Classic (Kooyong, Jan. 14-17, 2009).
I'm trying hard to stay positive, Choupi.
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www.aamiclassic.com.au/files/20081002%20AAMI%20Classic%20Launch%20Media%20Release.docMEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Embargoed for 1.00 pm
STILL LUCKY WE’RE WITH AAMI
2009 AAMI CLASSIC
Kooyong, Jan. 14-17
Leading Australian home and car insurer, AAMI, has renewed its sponsorship of Kooyong’s
AAMI Classic for the next 3 years (2009-11).
Executive General Manager for AAMI, Anthony Durakovic said “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to renew with the AAMI Classic till 2011. The first 3 years of our association saw record crowds, a great line up of players each year and great support by the Australian sporting media. We are pleased to be a part of this wonderful event on the Australian tennis calendar at the historical home of Australian tennis, Kooyong.”
Arguably the best player in history and US Open winner for the fifth consecutive time,
ROGER FEDERER (SUI) has confirmed his participation in the 2009 AAMI Classic.
Federer (who has become the first man in history to win 5 straight Wimbledon and US Open titles) had a poor start to the year due to illness, which forced him to withdraw from the 08 Classic. He still managed to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open and ATP Masters Series Indian Wells. He went on to win tournaments in Estoril/Halle and was a finalist at the French Open/Wimbledon/ATP Masters Series Monte Carlo. By winning the last (his 13th) Grand Slam of the year, his confidence has been restored and he will be looking to take that form into January’s Australian Open, via his fifth Kooyong appearance.
“Top-tenner” STANISLAS WAWRINKA (SUI) will make his AAMI Classic debut in January after requesting a start in the field through his management. Wawrinka and compatriot Federer took Olympic Gold in Beijing and he was instrumental in Switzerland’s recent Davis Cup 4-1 win over Belgium. He was a finalist at the ATP Masters Series Rome/Doha and a semi-finalist in Barcelona/Gstaad.
American JAMES BLAKE will also make his first Kooyong appearance. He has had a solid year, winning Bronze at the Beijing Olympics and reaching the finals in Delray Beach/Houston and semis in Halle/Indianapolis.
Explosive Chilean FERNANDO GONZALEZ will line up in the field for the third time. He won in Munich/Vina del Mar earlier this year, took the Silver Medal at the Beijing Olympics and made the quarters at the French Open.
Popular Russian MARAT SAFIN, in the never-ending search for consistent brilliance, has confirmed his fourth AAMI Classic appearance. His best performance so far this year was at Wimbledon, where he surprised even himself by reaching the semi-finals.
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Cypriot MARCOS BAGHDATIS returns to the AAMI Classic for the second consecutive year.
A crowd favourite after his 07 Australian Open finals’ appearance, Baghdatis, who is now coached
by former prominent Swedish player, Peter Lundgren, reached the semi-final in Marseille, quarters in Halle and the last 16 at Wimbledon.
The “rookie” of the 2009 field and Kooyong newcomer is ERNESTS GULBIS. The 20 year old multi-lingual Latvian (a prodigy of Croatian pro Niki Pilic) has shown great potential this year and has been annointed by Rafael Nadal as one of the most promising young players on the circuit.
Eighth place in the field remains open and Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, is considering a number of options.
In announcing the seven players at a Kooyong media launch today, Stubs said: “We are delighted that our major sponsor, AAMI, has committed to another 3 year term. The 09 field is shaping up well, headed by an in-form Roger Federer. Stanislas Wawrinka and James Blake were keen to participate and Gonzalez, Safin and Baghdatis, always a marketable trio, were eager to return. The inclusion of Ernests Gulbis enables us to continue our philosophy of showcasing one of the ATP Tour’s “rising stars”.
Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club President, Ian Hill, added: “The Club is thrilled with AAMI’s continued support, taking us into our twenty-first year. This event has allowed Kooyong’s proud tradition of hosting world-class tennis to endure and thrive.
The Seven Network will again undertake a live national telecast of approx. 12 hours of play – first 2 matches on Wednesday and Thursday (January 14 and 15), 1 match on Friday (January 16) and the 2 finals on Saturday (January 17).
International Events and Communication in Sport (IEC) sold the 2008 event’s international television coverage to 17 countries and hopes to exceed that number in 09.
Corporate facilities are almost sold out and tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster
(13 6100).
Play begins at 11.00 am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Finals get under way at 1.00 pm on Saturday.
Appreciation is expressed to the following sponsors/supporters:
AAMI Mercedes-Benz
Snap Printing Rolex
Seven Network IEC
Rowland Major Events Cadbury Schweppes
3AW Diadora
Lanson Champagne Nepenthe Wines
Wilson Vittoria Coffee
Tennis Australia Tennis Victoria
For further information, please contact:
AAMI Classic:
Marie Kelley: 61 3 9827.8422 or 0417 168019 – njsmk@bigpond.com
Colin Stubs: 61 3 9822.4430 or 0419 314642 – cse@mira.net
AAMI: John Bennetts (National Sponsorship Manager) – 61 3 8520.1524 John_Bennetts@aami.com.au
Website:
www.aamiclassic.com.au Player bios and rankings:
www.atptennis.com