Henman and Ivanisevic to face off in Edinburgh

Goran Ivanisevic and Tim Henman, who have joined John McEnroe as confirmed participants in the Edinburgh event, met in the 2001 semi-final. Ivanisevic, a wildcard entrant and a 125-1 outsider for the championship, beat home favourite Henman and went on to defeat Pat Rafter in the final. It is to be hoped that the weather is more forgiving this June than it was in London 12 years ago – the semi was badly affected by rain and took three days to complete – but the recruitment of two such big names is sure to heighten interest in the competition at Raeburn Place.

“Whenever I see Tim I think of that match,” Ivanisevic said. “It’s going to be great to play him again, especially in Scotland.

“I have always wanted to visit Scotland, home of Andy Murray. It will be great to see Edinburgh, a city that I have heard so much about. I know John McEnroe is going to be there as well so it should be a fun week – it always is when John is around.”

Henman, a good friend and former Davis Cup team-mate of Murray, was equally enthusiastic about the prospect of renewing his rivalry with the Croatian. “I’m really looking forward to returning to Edinburgh to compete in the Brodies Champions of Tennis event,” he said. “The last time I played in Scotland was at the National Junior Championships at Craiglockhart and it will be a real pleasure to come back and play in front of some very knowledgeable supporters.

“Andy Murray’s success has put Scotland firmly on the tennis map and the level of support he has received demonstrates that there is a great passion for tennis in Scotland. I am looking forward to being a part of what is shaping up to be a first-class event.”

The event at the Edinburgh Accies rugby ground is the brainchild of tournament director Viki Mendelssohn, who decided some 18 months ago to bring a top-class tennis event to Scotland. She now has a three-year agreement in place for Brodies Champions of Tennis to be part of the official ATP Champions Tour, which was established in 1997. “The quality of the playing field I am bringing together is turning up some mouth-watering rematches,” she said. “Alongside John McEnroe, to have players as outstanding as Goran and Tim – two of the most popular and passionate players of their time – shows our commitment to producing a highly competitive tennis event for spectators.”

A total of ten players will take part in the competition, which will include singles and doubles tournaments. One other Briton is expected to join Henman – each leg of the ATP Champions Tour includes two wildcard entrants from the host country – while the other six competitors will be drawn from the ranks of tour regulars.

Tickets for the competition, which takes place on 20-23 June, are now on sale. For more information, see www.championsoftennis.com