Apia International Sydney Tennis - Australian Open Series

Australian tennis legends John Fitzgerald and Sandon Stolle are set to make a spectacular return to the court in January to face off in a Legends Match at the Medibank International Sydney.

Announcing the Legends Match today as part of Apia Day activities on Tuesday 11th January, Tournament Director Craig Watson said the match was a valuable addition to the line up for the 2011 event.

“John Fitzgerald and Sandon Stolle were both phenomenal players in their heyday, amassing an impressive record of singles and doubles titles between them,” Watson said.

“The Legends Match will see them pit their skills against each other on the court in what should be an entertaining spectacle for the fans.”

Apia Distribution Executive Manager Craig Dingle said the Legends Match is a terrific opportunity for tennis fans to see two of the former greats of the game in action.

“The Legends Match gives fans a unique opportunity to see some champions of the game in action and Apia is excited to be involved in presenting a match featuring two of Australia’s true tennis legends of this calibre on the Sydney court,” Dingle said.

“Tennis is not just a sport, but a lifestyle for many Australians and as a leading over 50s insurance provider Apia is pleased to be able to share in this passion.

“Many of our customers will remember having seen Fitzy and Sandon in action in the 80s and 90s, and we are sure they will enjoy the chance to see them once again,” Dingle said.

Fitzgerald, a former Davis Cup captain and player, said he was looking forward to matching up against his old teammate Stolle in January.

“The Medibank International Sydney is a fantastic event, with a great tradition and history, so I am excited to be part of the Apia day activities at the event,” Fitzgerald said.

“Hopefully Sandon and I can give the Sydney crowds an entertaining match.”

The event holds special memories for both players, with Fitzgerald winning the men’s singles title in 1984 and 1988, while Stolle is a two-time men’s doubles champion (1993, 1994).

This will be Apia’s second year as a platinum partner of the Medibank International Sydney, which runs from the 9th to the 15th of January at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre.

“As well as presenting the Legends Match, 2011 will also see the return of the Apia Masters Marquee which was a huge hit at last year’s event,” Dingle said.

“The Apia Masters Marquee will be open right throughout the week, providing a welcoming air-conditioned retreat from the heat and crowds with refreshments on offer and giveaways throughout the day – including signed Medibank International Sydney merchandise, Slazenger tennis gear, Schweppes drinks hampers, Pooles Rock wines and the chance to win an accommodation package at the Westin Sydney,” Dingle said.

Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic is the latest star to sign up for the Medibank International Sydney.

The Serbian glamour girl joins an outstanding line-up of players for the January 9 to 15 event, which already includes US Open champion Kim Clijsters, Australia’s world No. 6 Samantha Stosur, defending champion Marcos Baghdatis and former US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro in the fantastic line up.

Ivanovic confirmed today that she will play at the Medibank International Sydney for the first time since 2008, when she reached the semi finals.

“I’m very excited to be returning to Sydney for the Medibank International; it is one of my favourite cities to visit and I can’t wait to play there in January,” Ivanovic said.

“I have had some good results there in the past, when I reached the semi finals in 2008. Hopefully I can go on and win the title in 2011.”

“The matches there in Sydney are incredibly tough because the women’s draw is always excellent so I am looking forward to some good preparation before the Australian Open.”

Tournament Director Craig Watson said he was thrilled to add another crowd favourite to the event’s star-studded field.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Ana back to Sydney in January. I know our fans will be keen to see her again at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre,” Watson said.

“She is back in the world’s top 20 after a great end to her season so she will be a definite contender for her first title in Australia in the New Year

“With Kim and Samantha in action, along with Ana, the Medibank International Sydney crowds will be in store for some world-class tennis in January.”

23-year-old Ivanovic is currently ranked No. 17 on the WTA Tour after an impressive October and November, which saw her win titles in Linz and the season-ending Commonwealth Bank Tournament of Champions in Bali.

The Serbian’s biggest career achievement to date was her first grand slam title at Roland Garros in 2008. Following that triumph, the Ivanovic claimed the world No.1 ranking.

She has won ten career titles including Indian Wells (2008), Berlin, Los Angeles, Luxembourg (2006) and Montreal (2005), and was also a finalist at the 2008 Australian Open final.