Dubai – One of the greatest tennis players of all time, The Legend, the sublime Stefan Edberg is on his way to Dubai this month. Edberg is replacing Goran Ivanisevic at Emirates NBD’s The Legends “Rock” Dubai 2008, who regretfully pulled out of the tournament due to injury. Delwood, the organizer of Emirates NBD’s The Legends “Rock” Dubai 2008 are very disappointed to lose Goran Ivanisevic due to an untimely injury, but were dedicated to find a suitable replacement for the tall Croatian. Delwood’s General Manager Dorothee Schweighoefer said: “When we got the news that Goran Ivanisevic is injured, we at Delwood went the extra mile to replace the Wimbledon Champion with a greater Legend of tennis and we are very excited to announce that Stefan Edberg is coming to Dubai for the first time after his retirement from professional tennis. It’s a rarity to see Edberg on the senior tour, he has played in Paris in September and due to play in London in December, we are fortunate to have Stefan Edberg participating in our event here in Dubai next week. It’s always tough for the tournament to lose one of its stars, but our policy is to always go one better, we feel that we owe it to our sponsors and most of all to our spectators. ”
Stefan Edberg is regarded as one of the greatest if not The Greatest serve-an-volley player of all time, his kicking serve is legendary, his volley is poetry in motion and his one-handed backhand is often described as “textbook” simply perfect, overall Edberg’s style could only be described as graceful and unbelievably effective. Over the course of his stellar career Stefan Edberg reached the final on 78 occasions, winning 42 singles titles including six Grand Slam Crowns: Australian Open in 1985 and 1987, Wimbledon in 1988 and 1990, and US Open in 1991 and 1992, 4 Masters: Indian Wells in 1990, Cincinnati 1990, Paris 1990 and Hamburg 1992, he was a finalist on another 36 occasions including 5 Grand Slams Finals: French Open in 1989, Wimbledon in 1989 and three Australian Open Finals in 1990, 1992 and 1993. He also won 18 doubles titles including 2 Australian Open Crowns and 1 US Open Crown. Edberg earned his first Grand Slam crown in sunny Australia at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in 1985 when the Australian Open was still played on grass. He followed that success with another Australian Open win in 1987 by beating local hero Pat Cash in a five set thriller and demolishing Australian hopes for the local champion, it was the last year the Australian Open was played on grass.
He reached the final of Roland Garros in 1989 it was the only Grand Slam that eluded him, he came so tantalizingly close to conquering the red clay of Paris but lost to 17-year old Michael Chang in five sets after numerous chances to close the match in forth set. Edberg’s last Grand Slam final appearance was ironically at the same place where he has claimed his first Grand Slam Crown at the Australian Open in 1993 where he lost in four sets to Jim Courier. Edberg’s illustrious career that lasted over 13 years is a milestone of tennis, Edberg’s contribution to tennis was awarded with numerous honors and distinctions such as Player of the Year Award in 1990 and 1991, United Press International Athlete of the Year Award 1991, in 1990 Edberg was awarded the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal, in 2004 Edberg was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He was ranked the World No. 1 for a total of 72 weeks and his distinctive serve used in the logo of Australian Open.
Delwood is proud and excited to add Legendary Stefan Edberg to star-studded line up of Emirates NBD’s The Legends “Rock” Dubai 2008 which will take place at The Aviation Club next week, the four day tournament will begin on 19th November. Everyday spectators are up for a treat, they will witness two competitive singles encounters and one highly entertaining doubles match. On Wednesday and Thursday matches will commence at 5pm and on the weekend the matches will start at 3pm, gates will open an hour before match play. Tickets are on sale at selected Virgin Megastores outlets, online at www.boxofficeme.com and from the Delwood office. Tickets start from AED50. VIP tickets are also available, packages include: a private box on court, VIP parking and full corporate hospitality. For more information on the tournament and tickets please call 04- 368 1548 or e-mail: info@delwood.com
Prior to the highly anticipated event, kids of Dubai will get the chance to test their skills against The Legends. This is unique opportunity for the kids to get up close and personal with legendary tennis champions. Children as young as 5 years of age can participate; all levels of skill are welcome. This is a great day out for the whole family. This tennis extravaganza will be set over four courts, where kids can join in a variety of games, shows and competitions with a dedicated viewing area for the parents to watch the activities. But the party doesn’t end on the courts, to wrap up the event the kids can participate in a raffle prize draw, photo sessions and autograph signings with the Legends, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience. Limited spaces are available but due to high demand are going very quick. For more information call the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Tennis Club Reception on 04- 4068826.
Supporting this years event Delwood is pleased to introduce; title sponsor Emirates NBD, the official time keeper Rolex, official newspaper The National, official transportation Cadillac, Dubai Duty Free, Cougar Real Estate, Dubai Sports City, Showtime, official hotel InterContinental Dubai Festival City along with official host broadcaster Dubai Sports Channel, ENOC, Pocari Sweat and official host The Aviation Club.
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