Record numbers enjoy Calderstones tennis – putting event firmly on the map

Jun 16 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

Goran Ivanisevic at the Liverpool Tennis International at Calderstones park _320

RECORD numbers watched legends and homegrown talent at this year’s Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.

More than 2,500 corporate tickets were sold and 16,000 more spectators paid to see top-quality action at Calderstones Park.

Rain briefly threatened to spoil the fun yesterday but play was resumed at 1pm, allowing both finals and a second rematch between Martina Hingis and Jana Novotna.

Last night, tournament organiser Anders Borg told the Liverpool Daily Post: “I think this is the best we’ve ever had here.

“We’ve had record numbers of corporate guests. We’re now firmly established as a blue chip event, not just in the North of England but in the whole of the UK and we’re mentioned in the same breath as Queens and Wimbledon.

“Saturday was amazing. In the American Open, they talk about Super Saturday but we topped that with four semi-finals and a legends match.” Mr Borg also revealed that visiting Grand Slam winner Pat Cash had favourably compared Calderstones’ surface with Wimbledon’s Centre Court.

“That’s a great tribute and Liverpool City Council should take a great deal of credit for making this possible,” he said.

The success of the tournament this year goes a long way to make up for the washout in 2007.

Last year’s rain-lashed event saw Bjorn Borg pull out after being bitten by a dog and Greg Rusedski was also injured.

This year, with six days of mostly fine weather and sunshine, the improved drainage system was barely tested. Meanwhile, Liverpool-born wildcard Chloe Murphy emerged as a rising star as she forced eventual finalist Ashley Harkle-road to play at the top of her game on Wednesday to earn her win.

Another local player, Ken Skupski, reached the semi-finals before losing out to the eventual winner, Amer Delic of the USA.

Caroline Wozniacki also looks an exciting prospect after beating tournament favourite Ashley Harkleroad in the final set to take the women’s title. Amer Delic won the men’s singles.

richarddown@dailypost.co.uk