Legends Day round-up
The final day of the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament has come to a close with a host of legends capping off a superb week at Calderstones Park.
The likes of Mansour Bahrami, John McEnroe and Martina Hingis all made an appearance, alongside a new star in the making in 17-year-old Ana Bogdan.
Sunday, 20th June
Centre Court:
Bahrami/McNamee (IRN/AUS) beat Cowan/Bates (GBR) 7-6 (4), 6-2
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First up on Legends Day was tennis’ greatest entertainer Mansour Bahrami, who stole the show in men’s doubles action alongside Aussie great Paul McNamee. The pair beat the British team of Barry Cowan and Jeremy Bates in straight sets, but it was the trickery and humour on show that wowed the crowds in a truly unique contest.
Bahrami: “(Growing up) I couldn’t afford a racquet, so I used anything I could find that looked like a racquet! It wasn’t easy but I’m now here and it’s fantastic to be in this beautiful venue and I love to play for all of you”
Bates: “I’m delighted to be here, first time ever and it’s a privilege to be on court with the genius Mansour Bahrami and former Wimbledon Champion Paul McNamee. It’s awesome.”
John McEnroe (USA) beat Mikael Pernfors (SWE) 7-6 (1), 7-6 (6)
Next up on Centre Court was a rematch 20 years in the making as John McEnroe made his third appearance at this year’s tournament against a newcomer on Legends Day in Mikael Pernfors.
The American had unfinished business against the Swede having been disqualified from the Australian Open when they met in 1990. And whilst Pernfors pushed McEnroe to two tiebreaks, it was the controversial star who came out on top in a tense but exciting match-up.
McEnroe: “Mikael played an incredible match. He places the ball well and he’s got incredible hands and feel for the game. It’s been a great week and in a large part to everyone who came out so thank you”
Pernfors: “If I can’t get excited about playing John McEnroe, with a crowd like this, on a day like this, then I should be shot! With the crowd out here, excited to see us play and enjoying what were doing, it made it really special for us.”
Jeremy Bates (GBR) beat Barry Cowan (GBR) 8-7 (8)
It was the battle of Britain next as the doubles pair of Jeremy Bates and Barry Cowan squared off in singles action on Centre Court.
The match was closely fought but came alive as it went to a pro-set super tiebreak. Debutant Bates took the early lead to go 3-0 ahead but Liverpool lad Cowan fought back with some superb net play to level at 8-8. Cowan then missed an easy overhead smash as Bates broke and served out with an ace to win 8-7 (8).
Bates: “That was fantastic, we played each other last week and had a really tight match, he’s still playing great and serves so well but it was a lot of fun.”
Cowan: “It’s been a phenomenal year and thanks to everyone for coming out. I’ve got to thank the umpires, ball boys, linesman and of course Anders the Tournament Director. Thanks a lot for supporting us and hopefully see you next year”
Ana Bogdan (ROM) beat Martina Hingis (SUI) 6-4, 6-4
Finally, 17-year-old Ana Bogdan produced the shock of the tournament as the Liverpool International came to a close for another year.
The Romanian braved injury and a range of emotions to beat the former world number one, in undoubtedly the biggest win of her career so far.
Bogdan: “It’s a pleasure for me to play against Martina…it was unbelievable. This day is the best day of my life and I won’t forget it.”
Hingis: “She played very well, I had my chances in the second set but I let it go, but she played wonderful. She’ll be here for a while longer that’s for sure.”
Sean Molyneux
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