Tomic Makes History

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Nineteen year old Australian BERNARD TOMIC today became the youngest AAMI Classic champion when he overcame American MARDY FISH in the final (6/4 3/6 7/5).

It was a thrilling and highly entertaining encounter which capped off a successful week’s preparation for Tomic leading into the Australian Open.

“I got a good workout. I played well, got confidence up and played three world-class players. A lot of good players have won, so to be up there with those names is great” said Tomic after the match.

Fish was happy with his form and complimentary of Tomic in defeat “He’s got a great feel for his game on the court – what’s smart what isn’t. He’s got some strengths for sure. He’s got some weaknesses that he can address. He’ll only get better” he said.

In the play-off for third and fourth, Austrian JURGEN MELZER was too good for GAEL MONFILS, winning 6/3 6/7 (10) 6/2.

PAT CASH (AUS) and HENRI LECONTE (FRA) provided a light-hearted conclusion to the day’s proceedings by playing a pro-set after the final.

For further information, please contact Marie Kelley on 0417 168019.

 

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Tomic into AAMI Classic Final

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The sun finally shone at Kooyong this afternoon when BERNARD TOMIC (AUS) raced into the final of the AAMI Classic. He eventually wore down Frenchman GAEL MONFILS in the second match of the day, winning in three sets, 6/4, 4/6, 7/6(2).

Bernard said after the match that he was happy with the way he played and he was feeling more confident each match “I think I’ve got what I need here in confidence and match practice and Saturday will be the same thing, just to come out and try a few things. I’ll definitely try my heart out. I’ve tried my heart out from the first match I’ve played here and it’s an opportunity like any tournament. I think this is the more serious exhibition that there is and these top players are all training here and getting ready for the start on Monday like I am too. I’m having fun playing and winning”.

Monfils was complimentary about Tomic’s game: “He’s doing great. Sometimes he has this really slow rhythm and sometimes he can hit it, flick it, so he’s great. He’s got a really good hand and you know what is great with him is actually he seizes the court like very, very good and, I mean, he has a lot of talent”.

In Saturday’s final Tomic faces the winner of tomorrow’s match between American MARDY FISH and Austrian JURGEN MELZER who are first up on centre court at 11.00 am.

ANDY RODDICK (USA) and TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE) fought out the last match of the day, with Roddick prevailing in an entertaining three set match (4/6, 7/6 (5) 6/3).

Tomorrow’s schedule of play is attached. Scot ANDY MURRAY will play an exhibition match against Argentinian DAVID NALBANDIAN second up after 11.00 am.

For further information please contact Marie Kelley on 0417 168019 or Carol Wilson on 0407 064164.

 

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CHALLENGING CONDITIONS ON DAY ONE AT KOOYONG

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After a rain delay and in some of the windiest conditions ever experienced at Kooyong, play got under way on day one of the 2012 AAMI Classic around 1.00 pm. JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA) was first-up against JURGEN MELZER (AUT). Melzer was too good for a jet-lagged Tsonga, winning 6/4 6/3. Tsonga had arrived late from his Doha victory and struggled with the prevailing winds. Melzer had a back injury last year causing him to drop in the rankings. “I’m feeling fine and have been practising five hours a day. I’m happy with the way it is” he said after the match.
In the second match of the day, Australia’s top ranked player, BERNARD TOMIC showed good form going into the Open by beating world no. 7 TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE) 4/6, 6/3 6/4. When asked how important it was to win these types of matches, Tomic said “Yeah. I mean, I like to win as much as I can. Even being in this tournament, this is one of the most serious exhibitions there is. I work on my things as well and you can only learn and get confidence if you win a few matches under your belt”.

MARDY FISH (USA) had an easy win over a weary MILOS RAONIC (CAN) – 6/1 6/2, who later withdrew from the event with an upset stomach. “It’s been a long time since I’ve really felt 100% healthy, which I do now. And now I just need the matches and I need to get going again” Fish said in his after-match media conference.

In the last match of the day GAEL MONFILS (FRA) defeated American ANDY RODDICK 7/6 (2) 7/6 (3) in an entertaining match which provided great preparation for the Australian Open for both players.

Tomorrow’s schedule starting at 11.00 am sees JO-WILFRIED TSONGA take on Japanese sensation, KEI NISHIKORI, who replaces MILOS RAONIC. BERNARD TOMIC meets GAEL MONFILS in the second match and ANDY RODDICK is up against TOMAS BERDYCH in the last match of the day.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the gate.
 

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2012 AAMI Classic Player Update

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Kooyong is looking forward to hosting a classic four days of tennis (Jan. 11-14) next week, with five of its participants experiencing good results in current tournaments around the world.

Top-ranked Australian BERNARD TOMIC (42) takes on Brit ANDY MURRAY (4) in the second semi-final this afternoon in the Brisbane International. Murray will make a special appearance at Kooyong on Friday, Jan. 13.

GAEL MONFILS (FRA – 16) had a great win overnight in Doha over Rafael Nadal, placing him in the final tomorrow against compatriot JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (6). Tsonga had a walkover against Roger Federer who withdrew before the match with a back injury.

Czech TOMAS BERDYCH (7) is in the final of the Hopman Cup today against France.

ATP Newcomer of the Year, MILOS RAONIC (CAN-31), serving 15 aces, overpowered Israeli Dudi Sela in a powerful performance last night in Chennai and now plays Nicolas Almagro from Spain in the semis.

ANDY RODDICK (USA-14) landed in Melbourne yesterday and headed to Kooyong this morning for an extensive practice session. MARDY FISH (USA-8) is expected from Perth later today.

Play starts at 11.00 am next Wednesday when all eight take to centre court at Kooyong, the spiritual home of Australian tennis.

All eight players will participate in a media conference at Federation Square on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 11.30 am and will follow up with a public appearance on the Fed Square stage at 12.15 pm.
 

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Fish and Raonic Take Last 2 Spots

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MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday, December 14, 2011

FISH & RAONIC TAKE LAST TWO SPOTS

World no. 8, American MARDY FISH, and ATP Newcomer of the Year, Canadian MILOS RAONIC (ranked 31) are the last two players confirmed for the 2012 AAMI Classic at Kooyong (Jan. 11-14).

It will be Fish’s first official appearance at Kooyong. The 29 year old from Minnesota, (now residing in Los Angeles) achieved his highest ranking of 7 in August. A major knee injury in 2009 caused him to re-assess his tennis and fitness levels. As a result, he lost over 13 kilos and worked hard to resurrect his career, influenced by his wife, actress Stacey Gardner. It’s been said he added substance to style and the results have been commanding. His major achievements throughout the year are as follows:
W: Atlanta
F:  Montreal Masters, Los Angeles
S:  Tokyo, Cincinnati Masters, Miami Masters, Delray Beach, Memphis
Q:  Houston, Wimbledon.

MILOS RAONIC (pronounced MIL-osh Rau-nitch) is one of the most exciting young players on the ATP World Tour at present.  At 20 years of age and 6’5”tall, he has a 2011 match record of 31-19. His ranking has rocketed as fast as his booming serve (average 225 kph) from 156 at the start of the year to 31. He won his first ATP event in San Jose, was a finalist in Memphis, semi-finalist in Stockholm and Estoril and quarter-finalist in Halle.

Fish joins compatriot and good friend, ANDY RODDICK (14), who is making a welcome return to Kooyong after a four year absence. Top ranked Australian BERNARD TOMIC, who has crept up to 42 in the world, will play in the official format for the first time and JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (6), TOMAS BERDYCH (7), GAEL MONFILS (16) and JURGEN MELZER (33) complete the high-profile field.

Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, said today “We are delighted that Mardy, following his best year on the circuit, has decided to prepare for the Australian Open at the AAMI Classic. I am looking forward to watching ‘up close’ two of the world’s most exciting tennis prospects in Milos Raonic and Bernard Tomic take on the more highly-ranked Roddick, Tsonga, Berdych and Monfils”.

Play gets under way in the “promotion/relegation” event on Wednesday, January 11, at 11.00 am. Four matches will be played on Wednesday, three each on Thursday and Friday and the finals on Saturday starting at 1.00 pm.


For further enquiries, please contact Marie Kelley on 61 3 9827.8422 or 0417 168019
marie@aamiclassic.com.au                                                       www.aamiclassic.com.au
 

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Roddick Returns to AAMI Classic

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MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 11th October, 2011

RODDICK RETURNS TO AAMI CLASSIC

Former world no. 1, American ANDY RODDICK (ranked 15) will make a welcome return to the 2012 AAMI Classic at Kooyong, January 11-14.

The “A-Rod” from Austin, Texas, has won the event three times. He started the year well by winning the Memphis tournament in February, but has since been hampered by injuries. He rocketed back into form by reaching the semis in Winston Salem and then last month the quarter-finals of the US Open in New York.

Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, felt the time was right to ask the question again: “I had a gut feel this year that Andy might be ready to return. That was vindicated when I picked up the phone to his manager recently and received a positive response” he said.

Czech TOMAS BERDYCH (7), who was part of the 2011 AAMI Classic field, is keen to return, having just taken out the Beijing tournament last week. Over the past two years he has worked on his fitness and strength, so is at the stage where he is a genuine Grand Slam title contender. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2010 and this year has hovered around the finals on twelve weekends (five semis and seven quarter-finals), showing consistent form.

Joining Roddick and back for the third time is Frenchman JO-WILFRIED TSONGA, whose ranking has shot up to 8 after a strong quarter-finals showing at the US Open, a recent win in Metz (France) and a semi-finals appearance in Beijing. In his most successful year, he has reached two finals, three semis and two quarter-finals. His best Grand Slam result was making the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Compatriot GAEL MONFILS (ranked 10) notches up his second Kooyong visit. Known as one of the finest athletes on the ATP Tour, “Lamonf” is having his best year on the circuit, making the final in Washington, semis in San Jose, Halle and Bangkok, plus five quarter-finals.

Austrian JURGEN MELZER (20) will make his second AAMI Classic appearance. Coached by former Swedish champion, Joakim Nystrom, Melzer has reached one semi-final this year (Monte Carlo Masters) and four quarter-finals.

Highest ranked Australian BERNARD TOMIC (49), who reached the quarter-finals in Tokyo last week and attained the pinnacle of his short career by making the quarter-finals at Wimbledon mid-year, will join the above five players, leaving two spots remaining in the eight man field.

Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, said today: “I am really looking forward to seeing Bernard Tomic play against some of the best and charismatic players in the world. Demand for the remaining two spots in the field has been high and at this time dialogue is taking place with Andy Murray, Mardy Fish, Gilles Simon, Janko Tipsarevic, Fernando Verdasco, Alex Dolgopolov, Mikael Youzhny, Milos Raonic and Florian Mayer. We are pleased by the rock-solid support which has been shown by our corporate supporters and we are determined to produce an ‘up close’ and family friendly world-class sporting and entertainment event in January at Kooyong, the spiritual home of Australian tennis”.

More player details are attached.

The four day event, now in its 24th year, is sponsored by leading Australian car and home insurer, AAMI. It receives live national television coverage by the Seven Network, footage from which is distributed by IEC in Sport to over 65 international outlets.

All matches are played on Kooyong’s famed centre court, beginning at 11.00 am Wednesday to Friday (Jan. 11-13) and 1.00 pm on Saturday (Jan. 14).

For further information, please contact Marie Kelley (Media & Corporate Sales Consultant) on 03 9827.8422/0417168019 marie@aamiclassic.com.au

Event partners:
AAMI (Major Sponsor); AUDI; SCHWEPPES; NESTLE PETERS (CONNOISSEUR); NEPENTHE WINES; LANSON CHAMPAGNE; PARK HYATT MELBOURNE; ROWLAND MAJOR EVENTS; COFFEE SUPREME; TICKETMASTER; WILSON; TENNIS AUSTRALIA; TENNIS VICTORIA.
Media partners:
SEVEN NETWORK; 3AW
Tickets:
Ticketmaster 13 6100
Event website:
www.aamiclassic.com.au

‘Up Close & Classic’

PLAYER DETAILS

TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE – RANKING 7) Age: 26
W:    China Open (Beijing)
S:    Chennai, Dubai, Nice, Halle, Bastad, Cincinnati
Q:    Australian Open, Rotterdam, Marseille, Miami Masters, Madrid Masters, Rome Masters; Montreal Masters

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA - RANKING 8) Age: 26
W:    Metz, France
F:    Rotterdam, Queens
S:    Doha, Wimbledon, Montreal Masters, Beijing
Q:    Marseille, US Open

GAEL MONFILS (FRA – RANKING 10) Age: 25
F:    Washington
S:    San Jose, Halle, Bangkok
Q:    Barcelona, Roland Garros, Hamburg, Montreal Masters, Cincinnati

ANDY RODDICK (USA – RANKING 15) Age: 29
F:    Brisbane
S:     Queens, Winston Salem NC
Q:    US Open

JURGEN MELZER (AUT – RANKING 20) Age: 30
S:    Monte Carlo Masters
Q:    Marseille, Barcelona, Hamburg, Kuala Lumpur

BERNARD TOMIC (AUS – RANKING 49) Age: 18
Q:    Wimbledon, Tokyo

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Tomic Signs For Classic

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MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed for 10.00 am on Wednesday, 10th August, 2011

A TOMIC COUP

2012 AAMI CLASSIC
Jan. 11-14

Australian tennis “wunderkind” BERNARD TOMIC (ranked 68 and no. 1 Australian), has chosen Kooyong’s AAMI Classic as his final 2012 Australian Open preparation.

Tomic defeated NOVAK DJOKOVIC (CRO) at the 2010 event and so began a firm friendship between the two. Djokovic said at the time “he’s a very good player, he’s got the shots, he’s got the weapons, definitely”. Those words returned to haunt him at Wimbledon this year, when the young Australian took Djokovic to four sets in the quarter finals. Having qualified for the tournament and gone on to beat Davydenko (RUS), Andreev (RUS), Soderling (SWE) and Malisse (BEL) to reach the quarters,Tomic had finally “arrived”, showing the full potential that experts had been expecting from him for some time.

The youngest Grand Slam quarter-finalist since 1986 and youngest ever player to win an Australian Open junior title (2008 at 15) left last week for the US where he will play lead-in events to the US Open later this month.

Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, has had Tomic on the top of his “to get” list since Wimbledon and clinched the deal a few days ago through his agent. “Bernard helped us out a couple of years ago on the final day and we were pleased to be able to showcase his talents to Kooyong fans at the time” Stubs said. “I had a close look at the way he played and was more than impressed. It’s great to be able to kick off our 2012 campaign by announcing the participation of Australia’s brightest prospect” he added.

Stubs is busy confirming the rest of his field and further announcements are expected soon.

LLEYTON HEWITT (AUST) is the current AAMI Classic champion, having defeated GAEL MONFILS (FRA) in the 2011 final.

This will be the 24th year of the event, which began in 1988. Leading Australian car and home insurer, AAMI, enters its 8th year of sponsorship, having recently signed on for the 2012 and 2013 events.

The Seven Network will provide approx. 13 hours of live national coverage over the 4 days while IEC in Sport will distribute footage to over 60 international outlets.

Corporate support for the event remains strong, with a high retention rate annually.

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster (13 6100).

Event partners are as follows:

AUDI; SCHWEPPES; NESTLE PETERS (CONNOISSEUR); DIADORA; NEPENTHE WINES; LANSON CHAMPAGNE; PARK HYATT MELBOURNE; ROWLAND MAJOR EVENTS; COFFEE SUPREME; TICKETMASTER; WILSON; VRC; NGV; TENNIS AUSTRALIA, TENNNIS VICTORIA.

Media partners:

SEVEN NETWORK; 3AW

For further enquiries, please contact Marie Kelley (Media & Corporate Sales Consultant) on 03 9827.8422 or 0417 168019.

Event website: www.aamiclassic.com.au

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Hewitt Wins Classic

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MEDIA RELEASE
Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011

AAMI CLASSIC - KOOYONG
HEWITT’S KOOYONG DEBUT A WINNER

The sun came out at last today for the final of the 2011 AAMI Classic at Kooyong.

JURGEN MELZER (AUT) was too strong for NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO (RUS) in the play-off for third and fourth spots in the draw, winning 7/6 (3) 6/2. Melzer, who arrived in Melbourne early for intense practice sessions, was satisfied with his form heading into the Australian Open starting on Monday.

The near capacity crowd were entertained pre-final by Wendy Matthews before LLEYTON HEWITT (AUS) and GAEL MONFILS (FRA) took to the court.

Hewitt proved too good for Monfils, winning 7/6 (4), 6/3, in what he described as a perfect preparation for the Australian Open. “It’s as good as I could have done. I think the last two weeks I’ve done everything possible for me and I feel like my game’s where I wanted it to be at ten weeks ago and yeah, physically I feel good”. Monfils suffered a slight injury in the second set but hopes to be fit for his first match next week against Thiemo de Bakker.

Lleyton was pleased with his AAMI Classic matches: “I’ve had a great week here and I’ve really enjoyed it and it’s been tough conditions not knowing when we’re going to get on and off sometimes. I felt pretty comfortable this week and only time will tell in the next couple of weeks if it’s a perfect preparation, but at the moment I’m extremely excited about playing here and obviously winning three tough matches”.

At the presentation, Lleyton was joined on court by two of his three children, Mia (5) and Cruz (2), while little Ava (3 months) slept on in the player lounge.

Following the main draw matches, 6 Legends of the game revisited old Kooyong memories. PAT CASH (AUS) played Swede MIKHAIL PERNFORS in a re-match from the 1986 Davis Cup final at Kooyong. Cash was again victorious winning 7-6.

MATS WILANDER (SWE) and HENRI LECONTE (FRA) then took on MANSOUR BAHRAMI (IRA) and JOHN FITZGERALD (AUS) in an entertaining doubles encounter. Wilander/Leconte eventually won 7/6.
For further enquiries, please contact Marie Kelley on 0417 168019.

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Player Media Conference

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011
2011 AAMI CLASSIC SERVES UP TENNIS FEAST
Jan. 12-15 - KOOYONG

All 8 players are now in town for the 2011 AAMI Classic at Kooyong, beginning tomorrow. The spiritual home of Australian tennis has being dressed for the occasion and the first ball will be hit at 11.00 am.

Top seed TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE–6) has come from Chennai, where he lost to Stanislas Wawrinka in the semi-finals. FERNANDO VERDASCO (ESP-9) will be keen to defend his AAMI Classic title after an early exit in Brisbane last week. JURGEN MELZER (AUT-11) was the first to arrive and has been practising three times a day since, so means business.

The Kooyong event will be MIKHAIL YOUZHNY’s (RUS-10) and GAEL MONFILS’S (FRA-12) first 2011 Australian appearances. JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA-13) arrived late Saturday, having started the year well, making the semis in Doha where he lost to Roger Federer. NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO (RUS-22) got in yesterday, having maintained his good form in Doha, losing to Roger Federer in the final. LLEYTON HEWITT (AUS-54) is making his Kooyong debut and is looking forward to three tough matches during the week.

Six Legends of the game will add a welcome perspective to the event – PAT CASH, HENRI LECONTE, MATS WILANDER, MIKAEL PERNFORS, MANSOUR BAHRAMI and JOHN FITZGERALD. Those matches will be played after the main draw fixtures on Thursday (one match), Friday (two matches) and Saturday (2 matches).

The draw and tomorrow’s schedule is attached.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster on 136100.

For further enquiries, please contact Carol Wilson on 0407 064164 or Marie Kelley on 0417 168019.

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Hewitt Media Conference

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MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, December 6, 2010

LLEYTON HEWITT TALKS TO MEDIA AT KOOYONG

FINAL TWO SPOTS IN AAMI CLASSIC FIELD ANNOUNCED

LLEYTON HEWITT, who was due to be the “star attraction” at the 2011 AAMI Classic launch on Tuesday, October 19, was a late apology due to the birth of his third child, a daughter Ava. He told Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, that he would be happy to chat to the media another time, hence today’s conference. A transcript will be available on www.aamiclassic.com.au this afternoon.

Stubs, before introducing Lleyton to the awaiting media throng, announced the final two players in his 8 man field – Austrian JURGEN MELZER and Russian NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO.

Twenty-nine year old Melzer (coached by Swede Joakim Nystrom) has had his most successful year, winning at home in Vienna and reaching the final in Hamburg. He also made 3 semis (French Open, Dubai and Zagreb) and 8 quarter-finals (Auckland, Rotterdam, Madrid Masters, Stuttgart, Umag, Bangkok, Shanghai Masters and Paris Masters)

Davydenko, also 29, started the year well by winning Doha and reaching the Australian Open quarter-finals. He then got to the semis in Rotterdam and appeared in 6 other quarter-finals (Umag, Cincinnati Masters, Beijing, Montpelier, Valencia and Paris Masters).

The AAMI Classic 8 man field is now complete:

TOMAS BERDYCH (CZE – 6)                                   

FERNANDO VERDASCO (ESP – 9)

MIKHAIL YOUZHNY (RUS – 10)                                   

JURGEN MELZER (AUT – 11)

GAEL MONFILS (FRA – 12)                                   

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA – 13)

NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO (RUS – 22)                       

LLEYTON HEWITT (AUS – 54)

Five “Legends of the Game” will play a supporting role over the four days: PAT CASH, HENRI LECONTE, MATS WILANDER, MIKAEL PERNFORS and MANSOUR BAHRAMI.

Ticket sales (available through Ticketmaster 136100) are surging and corporate facilities are almost sold out.

For further enquiries, please contact Marie Kelley on 61 3 9827.8422 or 0417 168019 (marie@aamiclassic.com.au)

www.aamiclassic.com.au

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