VERDASCO CLAIMS AAMI CLASSIC TITLE

Spain’s FERNANDO VERDASCO defeated J0-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA) 7/5, 6/3 in the final of the AAMI Classic today at Kooyong.

Verdasco was in scintillating form, looming as a serious contender for the Australian Open title in two weeks. He said after the match “I hope that it’s going to help me a lot to be ready for the next two weeks, so let’s see if I can play at least as good as I was playing last year here. So I’m very happy that I came again this year to Kooyong and getting ready for the best I can for the Australian Open. For me the most important thing is that I put myself in a good level with these tough conditions and I win three good matches against three very good players, so that’s the most important thing for me” he added.

In an entertaining first match, BERNARD TOMIC (AUS) had a solid preparation for the Australian Open, proving too good for NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SER) 6/4, 3/6, 7/5. “I played well and I took everything seriously today” he said afterwards. “It was tough conditions out there, the ball was swirling around and I couldn’t ask for anything better than to win today so I was happy”.

Kooyong fans were taken back to the halcyon days of the grand old stadium when PATRICK CASH (AUS) took to the court against HENRI LECONTE (FRA) in the final match of the day.



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

Website: www.aamiclassic.com.au

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AAMI CLASSIC DAY TWO

Spain’s FERNANDO VERDASCO today secured a place in Saturday’s final of the 2010 AAMI Classic by soundly defeating NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) 6/1, 6/2.

His opponent will be JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA).

In other matches today, FERNANDO GONZALEZ (CHI) was too good for TOMMY HAAS (GER) 6/2 6/4.

Swede ROBIN SODERLING retired hurt with an elbow injury at the end of the first set (4/6) in his match against Croatian IVAN LJUBICIC and will take no further part in the format.

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO (ARG) withdrew with a suspect wrist and will not take to the court tomorrow against Tsonga. He called Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, to explain the situation and was disappointed that he could not fulfill his obligations.

ANDY MURRAY (SCO) was too strong for American SAM QUERREY in the final special exhibition match of the day, winning 6/1 6/4.

Tomorrow’s schedule of play is as follows:
11.00 am
FERNANDO GONZALEZ (CHI) V IVAN LJUBICIC (CRO)
Followed by:
JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (FRA) V TOMMY HAAS (GER)
Followed by (not before 2.30 pm):
SAM QUERREY (USA) V SERGIY STAKHOVSKY (UKR)



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

 

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Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Press Conference

 WAYNE ARTHURS:Good day. Welcome, boys. It's strange to see me here, I suppose. This is what you probably won't have to do, you know. You've got a bit more money than I have. I get the ball rolling. Ivan, it's nice to see you here, nice to see you again. How's your family?

IVAN LJUBICIC:  Good. Thank you.

WAYNE ARTHURS: A bit of a rebuilding year, 2009 after an injury in 2008. You got your ranking from 55 back to 24. How's it all going?

IVAN LJUBICIC: It's been great end of the season for me. As you mentioned, I managed to bring my ranking down, back to top 25 for sixth year. Seven years, I played last seven years, so again, full of hopes, full than expectations, feelings good and looking for new season.

WAYNE ARTHURS: And you became an Ambassador for the Special Olympics in Monaco. How did that come about?

IVAN LJUBICIC: I've been helping these guys for a couple of years now, and they decided to give me this role and I'm really happy to help them. It's people who need to enjoy life and I'm really pleased and happy that I can help them.

WAYNE ARTHURS: Great. Tommy? Fifth year on the tour.

TOMMY HAAS: Yes. Can you believe it?

WAYNE ARTHURS: At 41, you played some great tennis last year - semi-finals of Wimbledon, winner in Halle - how do you keep that motivation going?

 TOMMY HAAS: Yes. I had a great run there. I think it all started in Madrid. I clicked a little bit. I had to play qualifying for the first time since 1996. I wasn't ashamed of it. I actually took it as a welcome back, and played some really good tennis after that. Also playing good in the French Open, I kind of got some confidence, qualifying with that. Reaching the semi-finals in Wimbledon was a great success for me and something I always look back to. You know, end of the season was okay. I had a little bit of problems towards the end - caught the swine flu, which I still have.

WAYNE ARTHURS: You probably got few matches like that.

TOMMY HAAS: I've just recovered from that; still deciding whether I'm going to get the vaccine shot that I don't need any more. I beat the swine flu. That's a good thing. So, yeah just looking forward to a new start. Glad I got the toughest opponent here in my first round against Novak. I'm sure he's looking forward to revenge himself against me. Should be a good one, so I'm glad to be here. Thanks for having us and making this a great, you know, place to get a few matches in before the big tournament.

WAYNE ARTHURS: Fernando, How was your off season?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Was good. I have a good rest, good preparation and looking forward to coming back here.

WAYNE ARTHURS: And always good, nice to come back to where you played very well, obviously.

FERNANDO GONZALEZ: Played in Melbourne a few years ago, and specially have a really good crowd here, from Chile, so I hope they support me this year again and hope to play good tennis.

WAYNE ARTHURS: Are there any superstitions that you have? Do you go back to the same restaurant, or anything like that?

FERNANDO GONZALEZ:  Not really; just try to have fun, and I'm looking forward with my people.

WAYNE ARTHURS: That's good. Jo-Wilfried, how are you? How's the wrist?

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: Is good, really good, because the season is long and difficult and at the end of the season is good to just take some rest.

WAYNE ARTHURS: And your wrist?

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: Sorry. Might wrist is okay.

WAYNE ARTHURS: No chance of not coming here?

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: Sorry?

WAYNE ARTHURS: Was there a chance of not coming here?

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: No, no. I'm really pleased, you know, to be here and I'm really happy, and I'm here to play against the best player in the world.

WAYNE ARTHURS: You can say it in French, if you like. Fernando Verdasco, another Davis Cup final, another win, Spain has been going pretty well in the Davis Cup?

FERNANDO VERDASCO: We have good team.

WAYNE ARTHURS: You have a very good team. It's a pretty good team to have David Ferrer sitting on the side line. It's a pretty good team to have.

FERNANDO VERDASCO: Yes. We are lucky, you know, that we have many good players, and then when someone is not ready we have unbelievable players that they can play for you or for another partner of your team and they can make it the same as before.

WAYNE ARTHURS: Just staying on that point: you are the second - you are No. 8 in the world, and you didn't play singles the first day. Was that always going to be the case.

FERNANDO VERDASCO: No. The thing was that in London I had some problems in my match with Andy Murray, the last match, and I was really close to play that time in finals; so at the end I couldn't play that mixed doubles and give the point to my country so it was very important for me.

WAYNE ARTHURS:And also you are playing here for your second year in a row. Obviously, will you had the same build-up as you had last year, hopefully to make the semi-finals again.

FERNANDO VERDASCO: I hope. It was an unbelievable year; I played my best tennis by far and I hope to play as good as last year.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Great to see you.

FERNANDO VERDASCO: Thank you.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Robyn, nine wins from ten tournaments, before the French Open.

ROBIN SODERLING Thanks for reminding me.

WAYNE ARTHURS:What happened? Then the French Open, and end up the year No. 8 in the world.

ROBIN SODERLING I had a tough start. I think I played pretty well in Australia. After that I had some problems with injuries, struggled a bit. But as I said, I think started to play well a week or two before Paris, and then after that it has been really great.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Yes. You are the only Swede in the top hundred these days. What's going on? You are like Australia?

ROBIN SODERLING Well - - -

WAYNE ARTHURS:We used to be such good nations, Australia and Sweden. What's going on?

ROBIN SODERLING Yes, but we don't have that many people in the country, you know. But I think it's going in the right way again and we have a lot of good juniors coming up, so hopefully in a few years' time we have at least a few more guys on tour.

WAYNE ARTHURS:And the retirements of Bjorn Borg and Thomas Johansson - - -

ROBIN SODERLING Finally. No, as I said, we had some good success in the past with so many good players and, you know, these players they were the players that inspired me when I was growing up so I hope, you know, if I can do the same, you know, inspire any kids to start playing, then it will be good.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Do you see yourself as a role model?

ROBIN SODERLING Well, I try to be.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Yes. That's good. There he is, the US Open Champion. How are you?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Good. How are you?

WAYNE ARTHURS:How has life changed since winning the US Open?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Changed a little bit, you know, tennis-wise, especially in my country, the time to be with my friends, family, good preparation, so I'll be looking for another grand slam here in Melbourne.

WAYNE ARTHURS:You are certainly playing well enough. Sportsman of the Year in Argentina: how does that feel? A win over Lionel Messi, not a bad win there.

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: I think Messi is better. He play a lot of sport and I'm doing my sport with this, with this tennis. I hope I will be like him, in the future, but we play different things, and playing with this kind of player is very tough for nerve.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Yes. Novak, the most matches on tour last year, Novak, leaving you fairly tired towards the end of the year. Obviously, you are on the Player Council. You have a say in how the schedule goes.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I got involved in the Players Council at the same time when Raffa and Roger did. It was two years ago and, well, the plan and idea was to try to contribute to the sport and make some things better, make some things work more in the players' favour, and we are going towards that direction, towards that goal. So it takes time, you know. It's not something that can happen overnight. But the schedule is, well, definitely one of the things that we are putting priority on.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Yes. How was your golf yesterday, apart from being 49 degrees?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Yes. I was just telling the guys, even the birds were in the shades.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Easy to get a birdie then, sitting in the trees.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No. I didn't have even close a birdie. I thought Martin was an eagle guy, he played in eagles.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Very good. Also, you are going to cut down the schedule to pursue your acting career.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No.

WAYNE ARTHURS:I'm not sure that everyone knows that he's part of a TV program over in Yugoslavia.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, it was Yugoslavia, not in Serbia.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Right.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: No problem. Yes. I got offered to be a part of the show, which is supposed to be the biggest show of our country in all times, you know. It's about the king who was, you know, of the biggest names in our history, and he was assassinated. Frankly, I hate that part, definitely. But no, it takes time, so for now I'm going to skip it because the schedule is too busy for me and, unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to do that, yes.

WAYNE ARTHURS:I was going to give you a chance to do a Clint Eastwood impersonation. Are you going to give me one?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: You look like him.

WAYNE ARTHURS:You can do it.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: That's a compliment.

WAYNE ARTHURS:Can you do one? Thanks very much, guys. That's enough from me. I'll throw it open to the floor for the media. I'll get Jason back.

JASON DUNSTALL: All right. Fire away. Lets make it short and sharp, hopefully. Novak, the luxury of two coaches, good coaches. How do they share the workload?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, I felt that after three years of co-operation with Marian Vajda I needed some freshness in the team, and I brought Todd Martin to our team, which I think is a good decision because he's, first of all, a great person, very calm, and he brings this calmness to the team. It's totally opposite from me. But he used to play a couple of finals in the grand slams, to be at the top of the men's tennis for many years, and he knows what is the deal on the court and he can help me a lot. He has a lot of experience. But of course, on the other hand, that doesn't mean that I'm going to stop with Marian. We all agreed that we are going to work partially with each other.

Novak, you have been doing a lot of play altitude training in the off season. How is that helping you for the Australian summer?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Excuse me? Could you repeat the question.

You have been doing a lot of training in difficult conditions, high altitude. How do you think that will help you for the Australian summer and Australian Open?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: I mean, I think to do so many days - I mean, I did almost ten days on high altitude workout - I think that         helps the blood cells, helps the, you know, consummation of more oxygen to your body. That's what I do all my life. I try to get on mountain work out in the first place, when I start doing fitness after a yearly rest of two weeks, and then I try to go somewhere, somewhere where I can get the good weather, you know. That is the case in Dubai this year, for ten days where I practised and got ready, so I hope I can give my hundred per cent now.

Fernando Verdasco, last year you trained the Vegas beforehand for a month. Have you done a similar type of thing this year?

FERNANDO VERDASCO: Yes, I was there. I came straight away from Vegas last Saturday. I was there the same, for two weeks. Last year I was two weeks. I don't have, you know, more time. To finish in the Davis Cup 7th of January and making the start in Spain, I didn't have too much time. But at least I did the same thing last year and I'm happy for that.

And with the late finish for the season, do you feel fresh?

How do you feel?

FERNANDO VERDASCO: I took almost ten days holidays and then I started work in Vegas, so I'm feeling good. That ten days helped me a lot to recharge the batteries again.

Fernando, you had an amazing semi-final last year against Rafael Nadal. Do you reflect on that match at all, or do you have fond memories of that much coming back here this summer?

FERNANDO VERDASCO: Of course, that match I think I'll remember always, you know, because of everything - atmosphere, that I was playing against Raffa - he's one of my best friends on tour and we know each other from, you know, since we are kids. And the level I play also, the best level I ever play in my life and, you know, since that moment that tournament, this tournament, Australian Open is so special for me, so I'm looking forward to play so good this year again.

Fernando, you mentioned that you had ten days off and, Novak, you said two weeks off, which seems like it's no time at all. When would you like to see the season end?

TOMMY HAAS: April.

FERNANDO VERDASCO: No, no, but at least just to have - I don't know, I think every player would like to have at least two weeks off and then have more time also to prepare, you know; not to be in a rush and, you know, I didn't play Abu Dhabi, I didn't play Doha that I was supposed to play because, you know, finish in the Davis Cup on the 7th is impossible. You know, I cannot rest, I cannot practise good and go to Abu Dhabi looking for a good, to play a good level. So you need to make your decisions and, for me, I think it's, you know, the Davis Cup - that's the last competition - must finish at least at the beginning of November, no at the beginning of December, sorry, for everybody.

Sure, That's the way it is. So Novak, with you on the Players Council, Raffa and Roger too, is that something you are looking at with them?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well, yes. I mean, as I say, the schedule is our  main priority and - - -How are you going with it, though? How are you making it relieve the pressure?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Well look, you know, you have to know that it's not only about players. It's about tournaments and it's about sponsors and it's about all these things, you know; so it's organisation which unites, you know, tournaments and players, and we have to consider, we have to take both positions. But we are trying to fight for the players' rights and I think it's very important that people understand how we feel, and I mean listening to the top players and, I mean, you get a fair point. I don't need to tell you much. I mean it's just too long, and definitely having five weeks, four weeks, you know, before the end, the season ends, and the start of the new season so little, you know. We have to have at least two months, and that's a minimum - I mean, considering the season that we are playing, the amount of matches and the level we are playing on. But, as I said, you know, we will have some talks here in Australia and we will try to work towards the next couple of months and make it better.

Novak, your retirement last year, have you reflected on that much this year, and is that something that motivates you going into this tournament?

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Definitely. I was having the, I was facing the role of defending champion of the grand slam for the first time in my life so I was going through a lot of tough periods in the start of 2009. I didn't feel really hundred per cent physically ready, first of all, for the tournament, then I changed the racquet which has been a huge decision for my side, and I think it all reflected on my game and on court, and I was going through a lot of stress periods. Unfortunately, I finished the way I did, but this year is quite different and I just hope it won't finish that way?

Juan Martin, how difficult is it, psychologically for you to come into a grand slam now, having won one already?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Tough. But especially I think here in Melbourne it will the first grand slam, it will be tough for everyone. We were practising hard. Maybe we didn't feel a hundred per cent but here we don't play good tennis. I will try to play like normal or maybe like in New York. I should be in good shape next couple of weeks.

Juan Martin, do you have a lot more confidence now that you have won that grand slam? Do you feel like you are a lot more confident as a player?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Yes, a little bit. Of course, winning grand slam is lot of motivation to keep working, keep improving. But these guys are playing very good tennis and all the matches are very tough. Would you like to see a Masters tournament in South America?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: Of course.

Where would you like to see it?

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO: (Inaudible). Home.

Fernando Gonzales, you mentioned the Chilean supporters. What would be more attractive to you in your summer: fighting with the grass in Wimbledon or watching Chilean games in the World Cup?

FERNANDO GONZALES: Well, we are going to World Cup after many years. I'm really excited as a Chilean, but of course Wimbledon is my priority. But I would love to be there when, to see my country in the World Cup.

JASON DUNSTALL: Is there a last couple of questions, last opportunity? They have been fantastic in giving us access, the players, giving their time up to make it a very good week. So the last couple of questions, if you could jump in now.

Tommy, you have really had a renaissance in your form in the last 12 to 18 months or so. Do you feel better as a player? Do you feel like you are coming into some better form?

TOMMY HAAS: Yes. I have had that a few times now in my career, unfortunately, due to injury, so the coming back part has not really been such a thing that I look at like "Oh, wow. I have to make something happen". I just feel like if I'm feeling fit and I get some confidence in my game I still have plenty of game to give the top players some trouble and, you know, the results in some of last year's matches have shown that. So as long as I have that feeling, and as long as I'm eager to play this great sport that I love I will continue and try might best.

You are obviously extremely tough. Do you feel like you could challenge for a grand slam?

TOMMY HAAS: Well, like I say, a lot of things have to go in the right direction and, you know, I think with the first tournament being the Australian Open this is probably one of the toughest ones right away to really try. Even though I have done well here in the past, you know, like I said, I think it just all depends on how I feel. If I'm physically fit and have some confidence in my game and can somehow sneak through the first couple of rounds I feel I'm always going to be a tough player to play against.

Joe, with your wrist, are you still feeling - - -

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: No, now I'm okay, I'm 100 per cent, and yeah, like I said before, I'm really excellent.

Do you think you can push as far as you did a couple of years ago, take on Novak again?

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA: I don't know. I'll do everything possible obviously.

Just one quick for Robin: after Novak and Rafael beat Roger Federer it happened that Juan Martin Del Potro also beat him, now Davydenko, and you finally beat him. What is the secret?

ROBIN SODERLING I wish I knew. Well, I think the game is getting a lot tougher now compared to maybe, two, three, four years ago, and also I think, you know, there's at least ten guys, even more, who can compete for the bigger tournaments, for the grand slams, and if I play well I see myself as one of them.

JASON DUNSTALL: I think we might draw things to a close. A big thank you to the players for making themselves available. We look forward to a fantastic four days and wish you all the best for the tournament. Thanks, guys. We appreciate it for all those here.

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Del Potro into AAMI Classic Field

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, November 12, 2009 

DEL POTRO INTO AAMI CLASSIC FIELD

US Open winner and world no. 5, Argentine JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO, will replace Cypriot MARCOS BAGHDATIS in January's AAMI Classic.

Del Potro was recently named by Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, as alternate for the event and will now take his place in the eight-man field alongside:

Eighth spot is being kept for world no. 1 ROGER FEDERER, who is expected to advise of his decision in the New Year.

Baghdatis recently changed his manager, who advised Stubs the following in the last few days: "Marcos has been heavily sidelined for the best part of the year by injury. This has taken a heavy toll on his ranking. Although he has found some of his old form, he still has a good way to go till he reaches his maximum potential. Marcos is now keen to participate at tournaments that earn ranking points so he can consolidate his ranking. Very much to his regret, he shall have to withdraw from Kooyong. I hope that you will understand the predicament and dilemmas that are in the mind of Marcos, especially when he had to take the decision to withdraw from Kooyong, a tournament which he greatly values and respects".

Stubs said today "It is most unfortunate to lose Marcos from an already announced field, but I understand his situation. This event was instigated to provide the world's top players with the best possible preparation for the Australian Open, but it will not always suit. We are delighted to now announce the inclusion of one of the most exciting players on the ATP Tour at the moment, JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO. It will be his first appearance at Kooyong and he is sure to excite our loyal band of fans.

For further information, please contact Marie Kelley (Media & Corporate Sales Consultant) on 61 3 9827.8422 or 0417 168019 – marie@aamiclassic.com.au.
Website: www.aamiclassic.com.au

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Kooyong Coup - AAMI Classic Signs Del Potro

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 

KOOYONG COUP – AAMI CLASSIC SIGNS DEL POTRO

Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, announced today that World No. 5 and US Open winner, JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO, will assume alternate status at Kooyong next January (13-16).

Stubs confirmed seven of his eight-man field last month and, on request, is holding the eighth spot for world no. 1 ROGER FEDERER. “If Roger decides against playing at Kooyong, or another player withdraws before January 13, Juan Martin will step into the field. I am delighted that such strong back-up plans have been put in place” said Stubs.

The just-turned 21 year-old from Tandil, Argentina, has had a hero’s welcome since returning from Flushing Meadows. Former Argentine Davis Cup captain, Alberto Mancini, said after del Potro’s US Open win: “Without doubt, Juan Martin can be world no. 1. He has improved beyond measure this season, but he is still only a 20 year-old and has not yet reached his full potential”.

Del Potro reached the quarter-finals or better in 11 of 13 tournaments this year:

• Quarter-finalist: Australian Open, San Jose, Memphis, Indian Wells Masters, Rome Masters
• Semi-finalist: Miami Masters, Madrid Masters, French Open
• Finalist: Montreal Masters
• Winner: Auckland, Washington, US Open (over Federer in 5 sets).
• 4-1 Singles Record in 3 Davis Cup ties.

Other confirmed signings for the 2010 AAMI Classic are:

• NOVAK DJOKOVIC (4)
• JO-WILFRIED TSONGA (7)
• FERNANDO VERDASCO (9)
• ROBIN SODERLING (11)
• FERNANDO GONZALEZ (12)
• TOMMY HAAS (18)
• MARCOS BAGHDATIS (87)

Djokovic won last week’s China Open, while Tsonga took out the Japan Open.

For further information, please contact Marie Kelley (Media & Corporate Sales Consultant) on 61 3 9827.8422 or 0417 168019 – marie@aamiclassic.com.au.
Website: www.aamiclassic.com.au

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Kooyong Clinches Choice Field

MEDIA RELEASE

Embargoed for Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 10.30 am

KOOYONG CLINCHES CHOICE FIELD

2010 AAMI CLASSIC

January 13-16 – Kooyong

Three top ten players have been confirmed for the 2010 AAMI Classic at Kooyong (January 13-16), two of whom will be competing for the first time:

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA

FERNANDO VERDASCO

They will be joined by:

FERNANDO GONZALEZ

ROBIN SODERLING

TOMMY HAAS

MARCOS BAGHDATIS

So where does that leave five time participant, world no. 1 and current AAMI Classic champion, ROGER FEDERER (SUI)?  Tournament Director, Colin Stubs, said today at the event’s launch at Rippon Lea, Melbourne: “I have been asked by Roger to keep a spot open for him in January’s field. He has not yet decided on his Australian Open preparation because of the recent birth of his twin girls, Myla and Charlene, with wife Mirka Vavrinec. Naturally I said I would do so and clarity is not expected until early in the New Year. I have a few options in mind as a fall-back position and will work on those in the coming weeks”.

World no. 4, NOVAK DJOKOVIC is making his first Kooyong appearance. The 22 year old Serbian, who credits his family with much of his success, has had a good year to date. He won the Dubai tournament in February and took out the inaugural Serbian Open in May. He was a finalist in Miami/Monte Carlo/Rome Masters, Halle and more recently in Cincinnati; semi-finalist in Sydney, Marseille and Madrid Masters and quarter-finalist at the Australian Open, Indian Wells/Montreal Masters and Wimbledon. He was consistently ranked no. 3 from 13.8.07 to 11.5.09.

Seventh-ranked, JO-WILFRIED TSONGA, will be a popular new-comer to the AAMI Classic eight-man field. The 24 year old Frenchman won the hearts of Australian fans early last year when, after making the semi-finals in Adelaide, he reached the final of the Australian Open, where he lost to Djokovic in four sets. This year he won in Marseille and Johannesburg (bringing his total ATP World Tour titles to 4), got to the fourth round at Roland Garros; semis in Montreal (where he ended Federer’s 21 match winning streak) and quarter-finals in Brisbane, Sydney, Australian Open, Miami Masters and Rotterdam.

FERNANDO VERDASCO, who beat Fernando Gonzalez into third place at the 09 AAMI Classic, is returning for the second time. The tenth ranked Spaniard stunned Rafael Nadal (and the rest of the tennis world) at last January’s Australian Open by almost defeating him in an epic semi-final match that lasted a record 5 hours, 14 minutes. He has been a consistent performer in the top ten this year - finalist in Brisbane; fourth rounds at Roland Garros & Wimbledon and quarter-finalist in Bastad, Barcelona & Madrid/Rome/Monte Carlo/Miami/Indian Wells Masters events. He took out his first hardcourt title last week in New Haven.

Chilean, FERNANDO GONZALES (ranked 11), back for his fourth Kooyong appearance, is a consistent crowd-pleaser. He began the year strongly, reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open and going on to win the Vina del Mar tournament in his home country. He reached the semi-finals in Washington, Barcelona, Rome Masters and the French Open, where he lost to eventual finalist Robin Soderling. Gonzales has won 11 ATP World Tour titles and is the first player to have won medals at successive Olympics – Gold in doubles, Bronze in singles in Athens 2004 and singles Silver in Beijing 2008.

The AAMI Classic is pleased to announce the debut of Swede, ROBIN SODERLING. Presently ranked 12, Soderling reached his first Grand Slam final at Roland Garros (defeated by Federer) after beating Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. He followed up by making the round of 16 at Wimbledon, taking out his fourth career title in Bastad and reaching the quarter-finals in Washington. Earlier this year he won the Sunrise tournament in Florida, made the semi-finals in Auckland and quarters in Brisbane. Soderling is coached by former Swedish pro, Magnus Norman.

TOMMY HAAS notches up his fifth Kooyong visit. The 31 year old German (who has lived in the US full-time since the age of 13) has struck a “purple patch” this year, winning in Halle and reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon (where he lost to Federer, ending a 10 match winning streak) and in LA. He also lost to Federer at Roland Garros, going down in 5 sets, having led 2 sets to 0 in their fourth round match. Presently ranked 21, his other best results have been in San Jose, Houston and Washington where he got to the quarter-finals.

Amiable Cypriot MARCOS BAGHDATIS (ranked 110), a popular figure on Kooyong’s centre court for the past two years, is back for the third time. Marcos has been working hard to regain the form and confidence which took him to a career high of 8 in 2006. He recently took out the Vancouver Challenger in August and earlier in the year made the quarter-finals in Johannesburg and Delray Beach.

Stubs is well-pleased with the field he has assembled: “We are delighted to welcome Novak, Jo-Wilfried and Robin to Kooyong for the first time” he said at today’s launch. “Fernando Verdasco is one of the hottest players on the Tour right now and it’s great to have Fernando Gonzalez back for his fourth visit. Tommy Haas has had a resurgence in form this year and Marcos – well, everyone loves Marcos” he added.

Stubs was also excited to announce: “We have entered into a 5 year arrangement with Tennis Australia which will guarantee our 7 Network telecast going forward. The Network will provide approx. 12 hours of live national (metropolitan and regional) coverage over the four days. Added to that is the international distribution by IEC (International Event & Communication in Sport), which went to 18 countries in 2009”.

KLTC President, Ian Hill, updated the media throng with news of his clubhouse renovations: “The Club renovations are progressing according to schedule, with the anticipated handover prior to Christmas. We look forward to showcasing the club to members, players, media and corporate supporters during the 2010 AAMI Classic” he said.

The event’s new website, www.aamiclassic.com.au, is now operational. The site has been designed and built by Bryce Ford from Guns4Hire.

Wayne Arthurs was today announced as the “Face of the AAMI Classic”. Wayne will be involved in a number of activities leading up to and during the event.

Play begins at 11.00 am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Jan. 13, 14 &15) and 1.00 pm on Saturday (Jan. 16). Corporate facilities are approx. 80% reserved and tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster on 13 6100.

For further information, please contact:

Marie Kelley (Media & Corporate Sales Consultant)

t. 03 9827.8422 m. 0417 168019 marie@aamiclassic.com.au

Website: www.aamiclassic.com.au

Player bios: www.atpworldtour.com

Major Sponsor: AAMI

Support Partners: Seven Network, IEC, Snap Printing, Rowland Major Events, Schweppes, 3AW, Diadora, Wilson, Vittoria Coffee, Tennis Australia, Tennis Victoria

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