McEnroe To Headline New ATP Champions Event In US

John McEnroe will join fellow tennis icons next February at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC) in Florida after the ATP Champions Tour unveiled another new event for 2010.

The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships is to become a unique showcase of tennis’ greatest talents across multiple eras when it simultaneously hosts the ATP Champions Tour and the ATP World Tour, creating a 9-day extravaganza from February 20th to 28th at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center. The event will begin with the 8-player, 4-day ATP Champions Tour event and culminate with the ATP World Tour tournament that has been played in Delray Beach for the past 12 years.

Tennis legend John McEnroe is thrilled to be one of the first three players confirmed to take part.

“I work hard to stay in shape off the court so that I can still play well when I get out there," said McEnroe. "To be able to play an ATP Champions Tour event in Delray Beach - a tournament in the US - is an extra incentive to stay fit. I'm looking forward to it and I want to win."

Joining McEnroe will be seven-time Grand Slam title winner Mats Wilander and 1987 Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash. The remaining five names in the star-studded player field are to be announced over the coming weeks.

Jan Felgate, CEO of the ATP Champions Tour, is excited about the Tour’s new addition:

"As soon as our players heard about the event they were queuing up to take part, and we believe it will be a big success," she said. "It's great for the ATP Champions Tour to have a tournament in the United States and we are delighted to be working with the organisers of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships."

Tournament Director Mark Baron is also eagerly anticipating the event:

“This new combined event is going to be unbelievable,“ he said. “Delray Beach is going to be one of the few ATP cities in the world where fans can see multiple generations of tennis stars sharing the same stage during the same week. The ATP Champions Tour has enjoyed a successful niche internationally and now tennis fans in America have the opportunity to see legends like Mac, Wilander and Cash competing in our intimate venue.”

The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships will run from February 20th to 23rd, 2010. For tickets visit www.yellowtennisball.com or call the box office on (001) 561 330 6000.