Rusedski: I like the challenge, bring it on

Former British number one Greg Rusedski has called on his rival team captains Tim Henman and Goran Ivanisevic to bring on the challenge at the revamped myWorld
Champions Tennis At The Royal Albert Hall, which starts today, writes Ziad Chaudry.

This year’s ATP Champions Tour end-of season-finale has a new format which sees Rusedski, 46, fellow former British number one Henman, and Croatia’s 2001 Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic each lead a team with two former regular ATP Tour players.

Joining Rusedski’s team are Germany’s former world number two Tommy Haas, and 2006 Australian Open runner-up from Cyprus Marcos Baghdatis.

Former world number three from Spain David Ferrer, and Australia’s Mark hilippoussis form Henman’s team, while Ivanisevic’s team features last year’s singles champion Juan Carlos Ferrero and popular Belgian Xavier Malisse.

“I cannot wait to take to the court again,” said 1997 US Open finalist Rusedski. “It’s an absolute calendar highlight of mine and I have no doubt it’ll be an even bigger and
better than any of its predecessors.

“Tim Henman, Goran Ivanisevic and I will be leading our own individual teams as part of an exciting new format introduced this year, so bring on the challenge.”

IMG’s UK Tennis managing director Charlie Grace is also looking forward to the tournament, which ends on Sunday.

He said: “We’re also very excited to debut a new format for the tournament.

“The players are incredibly competitive so we know that this will take the action to the next level.”

Switzerland’s 25-time Grand Slam champion Martina Hingis, the flamboyant Mansour Bahrami plus current players from both ATP and WTA Tour, Sutton-based up-and-coming Jack Draper, young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz and current world number 88 women’s player Heather Watson will all also play in a series of exhibition matches.

Tickets are available either in person at the Royal Albert Hall box office or call
020 7070 4404.  Or go to to www.championstennis.co.uk