Sletting-Johnsen Qualifies for Men's Draw
Norwegian Frederik Sletting-Johnsen qualified for the men’s singles draw at the Tradition-ICAP Liverpool International Tennis Tournament at Calderstones Park today.
Sletting-Johnsen went head-to-head with young Englishman Simon Roberts, during the annual Kid’s Day on Centre Court and came through in straight sets, winning 6-3 6-3.
The 23-year-old had to go through three qualifying matches at the David Lloyd Tennis Centre in Speke before competing in the final in front of the Lord Mayor of Liverpool this afternoon.
“It’s amazing, I love playing here. It’s the first time I’ve had to qualify though and it makes you appreciate it more.” said Sletting-Johnsen.
‘Freddie’ was born in Denmark, grew up in Norway and even has a Scouse accent having lived in Liverpool for a year on his travels. The Norwegian is currently competing in the futures tournaments on the Men’s circuit of the ITF Tour.
As a qualifier, Sletting-Johnsen will now take on Brazilian doubles expert Andre Sa in the first round of the tournament on court one tomorrow: “I hope he’s not as good as the Brazilian football team! But it should be great fun and hopefully I can get to meet John McEnroe later in the week.”
McEnroe will be competing in singles action on Friday and in the doubles on Saturday and Sunday. He will be joined by fellow ex-ATP legends such as Australian Paul McNamee and Brtiain’s own Jeremy Bates.
Tickets are still available from Northern Vision’s dedicated Liverpool International Tennis Tournament website www.liverpooltennis.co.uk, Ticketmaster, the Echo Arena and the 08 Place.
Sean Molyneux
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