Day One of the World Tennis Challenge was nothing short of fabulous. Although it was hot, that didn’t stop a crowd of almost 4000 from flooding into Memorial Drive to see some of the biggest names in tennis battling it out!
In a result that the crowd had definitely come to see, hometown hero Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) dominated world number 47 Fernando Verdasco (SPA) 6-3, 6-2 (result). With a well deserved standing ovation our Ley Ley thanked the masses and went on to watch the other matches from the side of the court.
The first match of the night was actually that of the recently retired Marion Bartoli (FRA) against the incredible Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (SPA). Marion proved too strong for the Spaniard, winning 6-2.
Mark Philippoussis (AUS), with youth on his side (and an arm span as big as he is tall) defeated Mats Wilander (SWE), winning 6-4.
Then came the very entertaining mixed doubles which included some fine play by one of the ball kids and some pretty fancy footwork. With Philippoussis and Sanchez-Vicario against Wilander and Bartoli, it was nothing short of a laugh mixed with some absolutely incredible shots. Philippoussis managed to nail two shots around the net post. Epic! And in the end it was Team Philippoussis who took out the fun fast four format match 4-3, 4-1.
A few fun facts:
The Lord Mayor of Darwin, Katrina Fong Lim, Cr Natasha Malani, the Mayor of Unley, Lachlan Clyne, Crows CEO, Andrew Fagan, Kane Cornes, and Andre Ursini, Masterchef Runner Up and Owner of Adnre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar were all watching the action.
Early arrivals for the Tour Down Under, Team Lotto, took a break from preparations to enjoy the tennis.
Fernando Verdasco hates Vegemite!
Mark Philippoussis won 3 of 4 matches, proving he has still got it in spades!
Marion Bartoli and Mark Philippoussis have fashion lines with new ranges out soon.
The WTC is being broadcast to over 100 countries this year and will have a highlights package on 7Two the following day. ESPN is also broadcasting nationally. Find out more here.
There are still two more days of tennis action and you can find all tournament information here: www.worldtennischallenge.com.
More News
