Rafter Plots Ivanisevic Revenge after Announcing London Return

Pat Rafter has set his sights on avenging his heart-breaking Wimbledon 2001 final loss to Goran Ivanisevic after signing up to play in The Masters Tennis tournament at London’s Royal Albert Hall, 1-6 December.

It will be Rafter’s first appearance in Britain since that final, and The Masters Tennis will be played just a few miles away from the site of their unforgettable clash at the All England Club eight years ago.

“I’m really looking forward to playing at The Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall,” said Rafter. “I hear that it is an unbelievable venue and somewhere really different to get the chance to play. I am also looking forward to having the chance to get my revenge on Goran after he beat me in the Wimbledon final in 2001 which was the last time I played in London.”

Delayed until the third Monday of Wimbledon because of rain, Ivanisevic finally beat Rafter 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7. It was Ivanisevic’s only Grand Slam title, and despite winning two US Open titles, Rafter retired without a Wimbledon crown despite two final appearances.

After the final, which featured thousands of flag-waving Australian and Croatian fans who had bought tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, Rafter said: "I don't know if Wimbledon has ever seen anything like it and I don't think it will again - it was electric. That's what we play for and it was so much fun. It's disappointing (to lose) but at the end of the day it was a tennis match and we had fun.”

With Ivanisevic and Stefan Edberg having also signed up to play, the event promises to be a true celebration of serve and volley tennis.

This will be the 13th edition of the event, which was won last year by Cedric Pioline, who shocked debutant Pete Sampras in the semifinals before going on to defeat Britain’s Greg Rusedski in the final.

For tickets to the 2009 Masters Tennis, please call the box office on: +44 (0) 208 233 5882, or visit the official website www.themasterstennis.com.

To upgrade tickets to include hospitality, there are a variety of options available, including a pre-show package with the chance to meet tournament players. For more information call the box office on +44 (0) 208 233 5880 or e-mail: themasterstennis@imgworld.com.