May 19, 2008
Edberg to play in senior tour
Stefan Edberg will play competitive tennis for the first time in 12 years after signing up to play on the BlackRock Tour of Champions in 2008.
Edberg, who won six Grand Slam titles including two Wimbledon crowns, had previously declined invitations to compete against his old rivals. News of his acceptance is a further boost to the BlackRock Tour of Champions after Pete Sampras announced last month that he would play in two events this year.
The Swede will compete in Paris, France (The Trophee Jean-Luc Lagardere, September 18-21, 2008) and at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England (The BlackRock Masters Tennis, December 2-7, 2008).
The 42-year-old won fans all over the world with his classical serve-and-volley style, and he could yet get to play against Sampras for the first time in 13 years when the pair arrive in London.
Sampras is looking forward to the prospect.
"It's great to hear that Stefan is going to be playing because he's a great guy and a great player," said Sampras, who led their personal head-to-head 8-6.
"I'm looking forward to playing against him because I always looked up to him with his serve-volley game, his movement and the attitude that he had. I always thought that he was a real gentleman and I'm looking forward to seeing him, talking to him and just seeing how his life is as I haven't spoken to him for many years."
Edberg has largely kept out of the limelight since retiring in 1996, but he is excited at the prospect of joining the circuit of former World No.1's, Grand Slam finalists and Davis cup winners.
"I retired from the ATP circuit 12 years ago and had often been asked to play on the BlackRock Tour of Champions, but I had always said 'no' in the past," said Edberg.
"This time I decided to say 'yes' and I will play at the events in Paris in September and the Royal Albert Hall in London in December. They are beautiful cities and I am looking forward to seeing and playing against some of my old rivals."
Nuala Walsh, Head of International Marketing at BlackRock commented: "It is really exciting news that such a stylish and successful player as Stefan Edberg is going to join the BlackRock Tour of champions."
The BlackRock Masters Tennis Tournament Director, Peter Worth, agreed.
"We have been trying to persuade Stefan to join the Champions Tour for years --- he has a huge following and I am sure everyone will be delighted to see him," he said.