Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 2010
2010 will go down in history as a record breaking year for the Liverpool International, as Calderstones Park enjoyed an amazing week of weather, attendance and unforgettable tennis.
The ninth edition of the annual exhibition tournament saw a record of over 17,000 people visit the event, including thousands of children from local schools experiencing the sport for the very first time.
Meanwhile, the tennis on show was some of the best ever. True legends of the game graced Centre Court, including a return to Liverpool for Martina Hingis and a spectacular debut from the one and only John McEnroe.
The week began basked in glorious sunshine and it was a sign of things to come as some of the world’s best players competed with the stars of tomorrow in some truly memorable match-ups.
2010 Men’s Champion Paul-Henri Mathieu opened up play, alongside the best of Britain’s youth in 15-year-old Luke Bambridge and Liverpool’s own Neal Skupski. Former double Olympic Champion Nicolas Massu was in action too, as the tournament continued to mix youth with experience in front of an adoring crowd.
It was also a great week for women’s tennis, as 16-year-old Canadian Eugenie Bouchard became Women’s Champion for 2010 by remaining undefeated throughout the week. Bouchard will now hope to emulate two-time winner Caroline Wozniacki, who became world number two after her success in Liverpool as a youngster in 2006 and 2008.
Another new star also emerged in the form of 17-year-old Ana Bogdan. The Romanian stunned Centre Court by beating Martina Hingis in straight sets, as the final day of the tournament came to a close.
Other highlights from the week included doubles play, as Stephen Huss and Andre Sa were crowned champions over the experienced Barry Cowan and Mark Knowles. Cowan was a competitor on Legends Day too, as the likes of Jeremy Bates and Mansour Bahrami treated the crowds to a wonderful display of humour on Centre Court.
However 2010 will be best remembered for the appearance of the legendary John McEnroe. The American lit up the tournament, wowing the crowds in mixed doubles action with Martina Hingis and against Paul McNamee and Mikael Pernfors in a spectacular sell-out weekend at Calderstones Park.
Anders Borg,
Tournament Director at Northern Vision, the event and sports management
company behind the event, said: “This year’s event has been the best since we began in 2001. Not only did we have record attendances but we also inspired thousands of kids from the local area. 2010 has seen the Liverpool International go from strength to strength but the hard work doesn’t stop there, we’re already planning for 2011 to ensure next year’s tournament is the best we’ve ever had at Calderstones Park!”
What they said:
Former World Number One John McEnroe:
“It’s been a great week and in a large part to everyone who came out so thank you. It’s awesome, one, to play in a public park which is great for our sport, the idea that we can put something together here. But it’s also great to see so many kids here over the weekend.”
Former Wimbledon Doubles Champion Paul McNamee:
“I’ve got to congratulate the groundsmen and the organisers for their work in putting on the tournament this week. This is probably the best grass court I’ve ever played on in a public park.”
Liverpool International and former Wimbledon Tournament Referee Alan Mills:
“This has been the best day (Sunday) in the nine years of this tournament. Everyone here has been privileged to see legends such as John McEnroe, Paul McNamee and Martina Hingis.”
Liverpool City Council’s Principal Sports Development Officer, Frank Doherty:
“Throughout the week we’ve got about a thousand kids a day coming here, so in terms of engaging the community and the young kids, this tournament is really unique.”
Lord Mayor of Liverpool Hazel Williams:
“It’s very important for the council to help put on events like this and judging by the response we’ve had I think we’ve got a healthy generation to come.”
Sean Molyneux
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