Eight of tennis’ greatest champions descended on Dubai for the inaugural Emirates NBD The Legends ‘Rock’ Dubai, November 22-24, 2007 as the seventh and final stop on the 2007 Outback Champions Series. Many of the players arrived early to experience the culture and tour the amazing architecture. Some of the champions barely recognized Dubai from past visits, while some were visiting the thriving Middle East metropolis for the first time.

The Dubai Tennis Center at The Aviation Club played host to the single elimination tournament, featuring Outback Champions Series veterans; four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier, French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors, Wimbledon champion Pat Cash and 2-time Grand Slam finalist Cedric Pioline. Making his 2007 series debut was French Open champion Thomas Muster, joined by Outback Champions Series new-comers, Wimbledon champion Michael Stich, six-time Grand Slam doubles champion Paul Haarhuis and fan favorite and French Open doubles finalist, Mansour Bahrami.

Kicking off Thursday’s quarter-final action, Haarhuis went the distance to defeat Pioline, 6-1, 3-6, 10-3(TB), while Stich rallied to overtake Cash, 1-6, 7-5 11-9(TB), finishing him off in a tight champions tiebreaker. Courier then celebrated his Thanksgiving by carving out a straight-set victory over Pernfors, 6-4, 6-4, setting himself up for a rematch against Muster, who held off the unpredictable Bahrami, 6-4, 6-4. Courier would be looking to even the score with Muster who was victorious when they last faced off in Dubai’s ATP event held at the Aviation Club a decade earlier in 1997.

After advancing to the semi-finals, Haarhuis was able to earn a spot in the Championship match by defeating Stich emphatically in straight sets, 6-4, 6-0. After his win, Haarhuis remarked that his experience thus far was reminiscent of many US Open night matches. “It’s really warm,” he said. “With the lights and the atmosphere – it’s great!” Courier also advanced as he evened the Dubai score against a relentless Muster in a hotly contested match, 6-4, 6-3. Both players acknolwedged the match as much closer than the score indicated. “Thomas and I always have very physical matches,” said Courier. “He pushed me all over the court tonight so I am very happy to have won in the end.” The crowds were also treated to an sensational one-set doubles exhibition match featuring incredible shot making from the team of Pioline/Bahrami, who downed the Cash/Pernfors duo, 7-6(4).

Championship Saturday had Muster and Stich leading off in the 3rd place match. The Austrian got the better of the German, taking the match 6-4, 6-4, and noting that he played his best tennis of the tournament to upend his adversary. The doubles exhibition match then took to the stadium court with the players switching partners but providing another outstanding display of virtuosity from Bahrami, as he and his partner, Pat Cash, downed the Perrnfors/Pioline pairing, 6-4.

Finally it was time for the Championship match. Fresh off of an appearance in the Dallas final, Courier was in his second consecutive OCS final. Undaunted, Haarhuis proved to have all the answers as he staked an early lead in both sets and never let go, taking the title, 6-1, 6-4. Courier had only praise for his opponent, commending his aggressive and consistent play.

While disappointed to lose in the finals, Courier earned enough Champions Series points with the effort in Dubai to secure the #2 spot in the Stanford Champions Rankings, jumping past John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. With finals appearances in Boston, Athens, Newport and Charlotte, as well as a title in Newport, Todd Martin finished 2007 with the year end #1 Stanford Champions Ranking.

Special thanks to our sponsors in Dubai, including Emirates NBD, Stanford Financial Group, Coca Cola, Rolex, Lacoste, Cacharel, and Dubai Sports City, which will be the home for The Legends “Rock” Dubai in 2009. Also, thanks to Delwood Marketing for organizing a great, fan-friendly event.

This event concludes the 2007 Outback Champions Series, and we would like to thank all of our fans worldwide for their support of the series. We would also like to acknowledge our 2007 Outback Champions Series sponsors; Outback Steakhouse, Talon Air, ASG Software Solutions, Coca Cola and Stanford Financial Group for their support all season long. Be sure to check back at www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com for 2008 event information, updates, ticket and hospitality packages and player perspectives.

See you in 2008.