Teams & Players
World Tennis Challenge announced a shift from individual countries to team zones for the 2010 event. The new initiative allows greater flexibility within the teams and provides spectators with the oportunity to see the greatest players in the world.
The four teams competing at the World Tennis Challenge 2010 are:
AMERICAS
Past Player: John McEnroe 
John McEnroe is considered to be one of the biggest personalities to ever grace a tennis court. Throughout a decorated career he collected 77 ATP singles titles, including seven Grand Slam singles championships. He also won nine Grand Slam doubles championships and one Grand Slam mixed doubles championship. McEnroe spent an amazing 170 weeks at the top of the ATP Rankings, reaching number one on 14 different occasions. He is remembered for his shot-making artistry and superb volleying, for his confrontational on-court behavior, which frequently landed him in trouble with umpires and tennis authorities, and for the catchphrase "You can not be serious!"
McEnroe is thrilled to be returning to Adelaide for the World Tennis Challenge in 2010:
“World Tennis Challenge was a huge success last year and I can’t wait to play for the Americas team in 2010,” he says.
“I can't wait to play in Adelaide. I have fond memories of the city and the people and I think the combination of the legends and current players competing against each other is a fantastic idea.
Current Player: Robby Ginepri
Robby Ginepri experienced a breakout year in 2005 where he reached a career high ATP Ranking of 15 in the world. He reached the semi-final of the US Open Championships eventually losing to compatriot Andre Agassi in a five-set marathon. Ginepri recently won his third ATP singles title at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships in July and has shown a return to top form over the past six months.
Ginepri is delighted to be playing in Adelaide as a lead-up to the Australian Open in January 2010.
“I have played in Adelaide before and it is a very relaxed place to play leading into the Australian Open.”
Australasia
Past Player: Pat Cash
Pat Cash has provided tennis fans in Australia with some of the most memorable tennis matches in our rich history. This included his incredible Wimbledon win in 1987 over Ivan Lendl. In 1983, Cash was chosen to play for the Australian Davis Cup Team and became the youngest player to play in a Davis Cup final. He won the decisive singles rubber against Joakim Nyström as Australia defeated Sweden 3-2 to claim the cup. In 1986, Cash helped Australia win the Davis Cup again. Yet again they beat Sweden 3-2 in the final. Cash again won the decisive singles rubber, coming back from two sets down against Mikael Pernfors to win in five sets. This is considered to be amongst the greatest comebacks in Australian tennis history. He was a crowd favourite at the inaugural WTC and is thrilled to be returning in 2010.
Current Player: Bernard Tomic
Having just turned 17, Bernard is quickly establishing himself as the next great player in the world of tennis. An impressive resume already includes winning the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships 12/U, 14/U and 16/U divisions. In 2007 Bernard played a key role in helping Australia win the Junior Davis Cup final against Argentina. In 2008 he became the youngest player everto win a Grand Slam Junior title with victory inthe Australian Open Boys’ Singles Championship. In 2009, Bernard made his ATP debut at the Brisbane International and his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open. He became the youngest player in the Open era to win a main draw match at the Australian Open with a first round victory over Italian Potito Starace. Tomic also collected his second junior Grand Slam singles championship winning the US Open Junior Championships.
Tomic is thrilled to be playing his first World Tennis Challenge:
"I can't wait to play inAdelaide and be part of World Tennis Challenge. Playing alongside some of the greats will be a great learning curve. WTCis a fantastic concept and I thinkit will be great to play with Pat alongside some of thelegends of the game. I think Adelaide is ideal preparation for the Australian Open."
Europe
past player: henri leconte
Henri Leconte is a long time visitor to Adelaide, having been a regular player in the previous Rio International Tennis Challenge. During his ATP tour playing days, Leconte’s major achievements were securing nineteen ATP singles and doubles titles, reaching a career high ranking of number 5 in 1986 and a runner up finish in the 1988 French Open. Leconte would best be remembered by Adelaide tennis fans as a flamboyant crowd pleaser, which he reaffirmed at his first WTC appearance in 2009.
Leconte was adored by the crowds, combining some amazing tennis skill with an abundance of entertainment and showmanship.
Current Player: Gilles Simon
Gilles Simon, currently #12 on the ATP World Rankings, will represent the Europe team with French compatriot Henri Leconte. Simon started 2009 ranked sixth in the world and has maintained a top 10 position for the majority of the year, only recently falling to 12. He is currently the second ranked Frenchman behind Australian Open Finalist Jo-Wilfried Songa.
Simon is known for having a powerful forehand, while his backhand is consistent and is considered his best shot. He is an all-round tennis player, with variety and exhibits excellent defence.
International
Current Player: Radek Stepanek
Nicknamed "Steps" by his countrymen, Stepanek began playing at age three with his father who is a tennis coach. Stepanek enjoys playing on all surfaces and considers his serve as best shot. Since 2001 he has been coached by countryman Petr Korda, and has regularly been ranked in the ATP Top 20 players. In 2009 Stepanek won the inaugural Brisbane International leading into the Australian Open Championships. He won his fourth ATP singles title in San Jose, defeating Andy Roddick along the way. Stepanek has also led his country to the 2009 Davis Cup Final, where they will face Spain in December.
WTC Director Mark Woodforde was thrilled to announce Stepanek’s signing:
“Radek is a world class player who has consistently been in the top 20 over many years. It is great to have someone of his calibre in the event and we look forward to naming his partner in the coming weeks.”
Past Player: Pat rafter
Pat Rafter is an Australian icon of tennis and winner of two US Open singles. Pat will play for the International in WTC 2010 taking the place of Mats Wilander on Tuesday and Wednesday Night. Pat was a semi-finalist in all four grand slams and a two-time finalist at Wimbledon. Long time Davis Cup representative and former World Number 1.
WTC Wildcard: Mansour Bahrami
With his astounding array of shots and undeniable skill, Mansour Bahrami wows tennis crowds around the world. From his early years playing with a dustpan to his memorable 1989 French Open Doubles Final, Bahrami has seen it all. Mansour was an unknown quantity at the World Tennis Challenge 2009 and he quickly captured the imagination of the crowd, leaving a lasting impression and genuine excitement for his return to Adelaide in 2010.
As a child Bahrami worked as a ball boy, and unable to afford a racket of his own improvised with frying pans, and broom handles to teach himself the game. His progress was brought to an abrupt halt when the Islamic Revolution led to the banning of professional sport in Iran. He set off for France with his life savings, which he gambled in a casino and lost! Now aged 30 he had missed his chance to make his mark on the professional game but still managed to reach the Finals of the French Open Doubles in 1989. Bahrami reluctantly withdrew from the circuit in the early 90s and when the Champions Tour came into being in 1993, Mansour had found his calling. He now spends over 40 weeks of the year playing in tournaments and exhibitions around the world.
Players and Teams that competed in 2009 included:
Australia - Pat Cash and Mark Philippoussis
France - Henri Leconte and Gael Monfils
Sweden - Mats Wilander and Joachim Johansson
USA - Jim Courier and Taylor Dent
