Tennis fans will have the opportunity to relive one of the greatest moments in the history of the sport at Australian Open 2010.
Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter will be joined at the Australian Open legends event by Goran Ivanisevic for a “magic moments” re-match of their classic 2001 Wimbledon final.
“Even though losing that final to Goran was a big disappointment, it was still an amazing match to be part of and I will never forget that extraordinary atmosphere on centre court,” Pat Rafter said.
“I’m really looking forward to a re-match at the Australian Open in January, and hope I can turn the result around this time.”
As a three-time Wimbledon runner-up, Ivanisevic, then ranked a lowly world No.125 and two months off his thirtieth birthday, was granted a wildcard into the Wimbledon main draw by the All England Club.
He fought an injured shoulder and an unpredictable temperament to win over Carlos Moya, Andy Roddick, Greg Rusedski, Marat Safin and Tim Henman and progressed to a final delayed until the Monday due to rain.
Thousands of Australians and Croatians queued for hours for the 10,000 tickets usually not available to the average tennis fan, creating a raucous centre court atmosphere unlike anything Wimbledon had ever experienced before.
The historic five-setter, with Ivanisevic prevailing over the much favoured Pat Rafter, is remembered as one of the best tennis matches ever.
Rafter, who reached the final the year before, losing out to Pete Sampras, said at the time, “I don’t know if Wimbledon has seen anything like it. I don’t know [if] they will again. This is what we play for. This is what it’s all about.”
Rafter and Ivanisevic will relive that magic tennis moment in a specially scheduled marquee match at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday 28 January (schedule to be confirmed).
Joining Rafter and Ivanisevic for the Australian Open legends tournament will be Pat Cash, Mats Wilander, Guy Forget, Henri Leconte, Mansour Bahrami and the Woodies – Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.
Tournament Director Todd Woodbridge said today, “I’m thrilled to have Pat Rafter and Goran Ivanisevic headlining the Australian Open legends event for 2010. Their 2001 Wimbledon final was unforgettable, and it will be fantastic to see them replay it here at Melbourne Park.
“We have a very strong line-up of players, and with matches starting a day earlier, on the middle Saturday next year, tennis fans will have even more opportunity to watch the guys in action. They are always highly entertaining and their skills are still impressive.”
The Australian Open 2010 legends event commences on Saturday 23 January, with matches expected to take place at Margaret Court Arena and Show Courts 2 and 3 from 10:00 am each morning. Schedules will be confirmed daily during the tournament.
Series tickets for Australian Open 2010 go on sale through Ticketek from 9:00 am on Wednesday 7 October to 5:00 pm Sunday 11 October (AEDST).
Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena single session tickets and Australian Open ground passes are on sale from 9:00 am (AEDST) Monday 12 October.
The great value $29 Australian Open ground pass gives fans access to all the outside courts and free entertainment on Grand Slam Oval and in Garden Square.
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