Baghdatis & Ferrer To Join Tsonga At SA Open

Popular Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis will join David Ferrer of Spain and Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the SA Open tennis tournament to be played at Montecasino in Johannesburg from February 2 to 8. Tsonga was on hand in Johannesburg Thursday as tournament organizers announced the addition of Baghdatis and Ferrer to the playing field.

Baghdatis burst on to the tennis scene in 2006 when he reached the final of the Australian Open, only to lose to Roger Federer. In 2003 he was the best junior in the world. The Cypriot has been ranked as high as No. 8 and is currently coached by Swede Peter Lundgren, who not only coached Roger Federer early in his career, but in his playing days contested the SA Open.

“I have heard many beautiful things about South Africa, and I'm really excited that I am going to be playing there in Johannesburg next year,” said Baghdatis. “I hope that all the fans will come out and support us and enjoy watching us play.”
South African Tennis Association CEO Ian Smith said he was delighted they could announce a third major player for the tournament. “Hopefully it doesn’t end there as we are in negotiations with some other leading players and hope to make an announcement soon.”

Tsonga has done remarkably well in recent weeks, qualifying for the Tennis Masters Cup after winning the Paris Masters and finishing No. 6 in the year-end South African Airways ATP Rankings.

Ferrer, last year's Tennis Masters Cup finalist, finished 2008 at No 12 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings.

Montecasino will be a unique venue for this tournament and will provide four courts, two of which will be used for the tournament itself and the other two for practice purposes as well as the qualifying rounds. The centre court will have seats for 3000 fans, with space for another 1500 around court one.

"Montecasino is very proud to be associated with the ATP brand and to be hosting an event of this stature,” said General Manager Steve Howell. “We've hosted a variety of stars and celebrities at Montecasino, including some of the world's top performers, and are delighted to be hosting these top international tennis players. The tournament will add another dimension to Montecasino's already diverse entertainment offering, which has seen our leisure destination hosting everything from Broadway musicals to sell-out concerts by top-selling international artists, to festivals, fashion shows, sporting events and much more.

“Our entertainment infrastructure will provide spectators to the tournament with myriad options from which to choose when visiting Montecasino next year, combined with an easily accessible and secure location, and ample parking."

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