Former world number four Greg Rudsedski cannot wait to watch world class tennis stars compete for the Aegon Manchester Trophy at The Northern Club in Didsbury.
The tournament in June will be one part of the Aegon Trophy Series that will run at four grass court venues including Eastbourne, Surbiton and Ilkley in the lead up to The Championships, Wimbledon.
Rusedski took a tour of the city that started at the The Northern Tennis Club and he is excited for world class tennis to be returning to a city that deserves to host a tournament as much as anywhere.
“It is great for this city, which has such a strong sporting heritage, that world class tennis, in the Aegon Manchester Trophy, is returning,” said the 41-year-old.
“The Northern Club is a fantastic venue with some high quality grass courts and I’m sure they will put on a very good tournament.
“It’s going to be a great British summer of tennis and it’s right that Manchester is part of it.”
The former UK number one also explored other Mancunian delights including Alexandra Park, Piccadilly Gardens and Manchester Tennis and Football Centre.
Rusedski since retiring in 2007 has been passionate about getting people to play tennis and he has admitted that events like the Manchester Trophy help the number to increase significantly.
He added: “Getting people playing tennis is something that I am passionate about and ensuring that communities have access to the type of facilities I have seen is key to that.
“This summer will see some positive programmes for tennis in the community, with Great British Tennis Weekends and Tennis Tuesdays set to take over the park sites in the city.”
Ticket holders for the event will get free Metrolink travel to and from the venue and tickets for all of the Aegon Trophy Series tournaments are available from the LTA website http://www.lta.org.uk/major-events/aegon-trophy-series/
Main image courtesy of AEGON UK via YouTube, with thanks.
