At the end of May, tennis fans will have the opportunity to see John McEnroe serve, volley and shout on a Belgian tennis court. “You cannot be serious?” Yes, we are! The American legend of the game will headline the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions, an official ATP Champions Tour event, from 24th May until 26th May at the David Lloyd Club, in Brussels. Kim Clijsters, Dominique Monami and Sabine Appelmans will also star at the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions.
The ATP Champions Tour travels the world showcasing the world’s best players of all time. Spectators at the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions can expect some great tennis combined with a dose of entertainment and nostalgia, guaranteed by John McEnroe himself. ‘Johnny Mac’ is the most flamboyant player ever seen in tennis. The winner of seven Grand Slam titles and world former number one in both the single and double circuit still loves the game, even at the age of 59.
“I have enjoyed competing on the ATP Champions Tour for more than twenty years”, explains John McEnroe. “Training hard and competing still keeps me in shape so I can take on my old rivals and some of the younger stars on the tour. I get to travel the world to promote our game and it gives me the opportunity to show tennis fans all over the world that the old guys can still play some great tennis. I’m looking forward to playing again in Belgium, a country that has achieved great tennis success in recent years and is known for fantastic tennis fans.” Click the link to watch McEnroe’s video message:
McEnroe’s opponents at the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions will be announced later, but that there are some big names included, is beyond any doubt. Only players who have been number one in the world, reached a Grand Slam singles final or have won the Davis Cup are allowed in this tournament. Besides those legends, each host city can invite two more players via a wildcard.
Max Jadot, CEO of BNP Paribas Fortis: “With We Are Tennis, BNP Paribas Fortis have been showing its engagement towards numerous tennis fans since 1973 by supporting professional tennis, junior and amateur tournaments and many local initiatives. I am delighted to add the ATP Champions Tour to our list and I hope that Belgian fans will enjoy the competition, the entertainment and the pure nostalgia as much as I do.”
Jan Felgate, CEO of the ATP Champions Tour: “We welcome the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions in our family with open arms. Everything in the ATP Champions Tour is about legendary players at special locations. This new event in Belgium fits perfectly into that picture.”
In between the men’s games on Thursday and Friday and after the final on Saturday, there are some mixed doubles matches on the schedule. So not only the biggest names of men’s tennis will play at the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions, there are also icons from the women’s circuit. Belgian legend Kim Clijsters will play in a mixed doubles game! In the past few years she competed in the Legends Cup during Grand Slams. Two other legends of Belgian women’s tennis, Sabine Appelmans and Dominique Monami, will also make their appearance at the BNP Paribas Fortis Champions.
Set the next to the Forêt de Soignes in Brussels, the David Lloyd Club makes the perfect location for this tournament. To guarantee all visitors a warm welcome, there will be a village surrounding the outdoor courts. The village is not only great for fans, but it is also an excellent opportunity for companies to meet clients and strenghten business relations.