By Denise Morris.
Back in 2002 Tournament Director Anders Borg had this idea for a new grass tournament to add to the short grass season culminating in the Grand Slam at Wimbledon.
From 16-22 June this year, the inaugural Liverpool Tennis Tournament was run. A new concept of a round robin format for men's tennis in the week before Wimbledon. An excellent opportunity for top players to have a guaranteed three matches on grass - what better preparation for the Wimbledon Grand Slam to come.
Held in the beautiful Calderstones Park, the peaceful surroundings provided a wonderful backdrop to some scintillating tennis. The players were relaxed and wandered at ease amongst the crowds. Most of the spectators on the first Monday could not believe that these top name players they had only read about were actually walking right amongst them. After all how many people can boast of seeing the then current World No. 2 Marat Safin together with Swiss giant, Marc Rosset, step over to the local food van and order a hamburger! Yes the players are human after all and this memorable experience actually happened to a couple of fans. A unique talking point for them at many a night out.
As well as Marat Safin, the other big names that were there included Jan-Michael Gambil (nickname Hollywood and looking at him one can see why!), Hicham Arazi from Morocco, Juan Ignacio Chela (Argentina), Ramon Delgado (Paraguay), Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand), top doubles team Sandon Stolle and Joshua Eagle from Australia, Liverpool's own Barry Cowan, Marc Rosset (Switzerland), top juniors Steve Darcis of Belgium and Frank Dancevic of Canada, Andrew Ilie (the Australian known for tearing his shirt when he wins), Scott Humphries of the USA and Ken Skupski top local youngster who was about to embark on a tennis scholarship to the USA.
Playing in four groups consisting of 4 players each, each day provided a breathtaking display of matches, both singles and doubles. The intimate atmosphere of the main centre court, meant that the lucky spectators were close enough to see and hear everything that happened. The players played hard - after all as professionals - winning is winning even at an exhibition tournament but they were relaxed with it and many a light hearted note was struck as well as lots of smiles! Local umpire Michael Jackson also caused many a laugh as he would be announced as Michael is here folks.
Saturday's Singles Final was perfect and couldn't have been better than as if ordered for a first time tournament. Marat Safin versus Jan-Michael Gambill - top players, big servers and as an extra - superb specimens of manhood - in other words "drop dead gorgeous"!!
The crowds rolled in and were entertained to a breathtaking display in a thoroughly absorbing match. Marat was the worthy winner as after two shared tie breaks he broke Jan-Mike to take the third 6-4. It was a pity there had to be a loser as both players had played brilliant tennis but somehow the No. 1 showed why he was so ranked, by just turning up another gear and winning the match.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Jack Spriggs, Councillor Mike Storey of Liverpool City Council, Steven Gerrard of Liverpool FC were all on hand for the presentation party to provide a spectacular end to a wonderful week. The players were both presented their trophies as well as with Liver Birds as a momento of Liverpool and Mike Storey promised that this tournament would continue next year. As Liverpool bids to become European Capital of Culture 2008, this tournament provided a very important part of showing what Liverpool has to offer.