The 2008 Emirates NBD The Legends “Rock” Dubai marked the end - and a
beginning on the Outback Champions Series. The event marked the eighth-
and final event for the 2008 series, but saw the debut for two-time French, Australian and Wimbledon champion Edberg Edberg to the Outback Champions Series tour.
By the close of the four day series, it was Jim Courier who would come out on top, defeating Edberg 6-3, 6-4 in the tournament final. The win earned Courier a first-prize paycheck of $54,000 for his fourth tournament title of the year. Courier also won titles in Grand Cayman, Charlotte and Dallas in 2008. Courier's win cemented him as the year-end No. 1 on the Outback Champions Series.
"This is a great finish to a great year," said Courier after his win over Edberg. "Dubai is a fantastic place for me, and for all the players, to end up the season. It's a pleasure playing in front of the great crowds in this great city."
The championship match marked the first meeting between Courier and Edberg since they last competed on the ATP tour in the semifinals of Scottsdale, Ariz., in
1995. During their ATP careers, Courier and Edberg had a spirited rivalry
with Courier winning six of their 10 meetings, including the finals of the Australian Open in both 1992 and 1993.
The rest of the tournament proved just as exhilarating, with play beginning on November 19th at the Dubai Tennis Stadium at the Aviation Club, in the United Arab Emirates, as
Anders Jarryd defeated Wayne Ferreira in a see-saw match with a final score of 1-6, 6-1, 11-9 (TB).
Jarryd went on to meet Edberg in the semis after Edberg defeated Ferreira on the second day of play, 6-3, 6-2. Although close the whole match,
Edberg was able to edge out Jarryd, 7-5, 7-5, to ensure his spot in the finals. Edberg went on to say about the match, “Jarryd and I played so many times, we know each other’s games so well.” He went on, “This was a great match to play going into the final.”
Ferreira, meanwhile, showed he still is in tour shape by being the only player to compete all four days, in both the singles and doubles matches. Wayne teamed up with Mansour Bahrami on day three to take on Paul Haarhuis and John Fitzgerald, but Jarryd and Edberg must have worn him out the previous two days as the team went on to lose to Haarhuis/Fitzgerald, 8-7. On day four, Ferreira’s luck hadn’t changed, as he and his partner, John Fitzgerald lost to Bahrami/Haarhuis, 8-7.
On the other side of the draw, Paul Haarhuis defeated Sergi Bruguera, 7-5, 6-4, in the second match of the opening day action. Haarhuis went on to lose to Courier in day two in a close match, 7-6, 6-4. Courier went on to defeat Bruguera on day three in a walkover after Bruguera suffered a knee injury.
The pros weren’t the only ones out there playing on the courts this weekend, however. On Monday the event kicked off with its traditional kids day at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel; a fun-filled day for everyone involved. Kids’ day was followed up with a pro-am, a dream come true for some amateur players to team up with some of the all-time greats of the sport.
InsideOut would like to thank all the fans who have supported this tour event as it returned to Dubai and looks forward to continuing the 2009 season with new events in Rio de Janero, Brazil, and Los Cabos, Mexico.. Check out Champions Series Tennis for event info and tickets!
8 Legendary Tennis Champions compete in Emirates NBD The Legends “Rock” Dubai, November
19-22, 2008 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium at The Aviation Club, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Match play begins Wednesday, November 19th and continues with the Championship Match being played on Saturday, November 22nd.
Player competing for prize money and the title include: Jim Courier, Sergi Bruguera, Stefan Edberg, Anders Jarryd, Paul Haarhuis, and Wayne Ferreira. Appearing in special Doubles Exhibitions will be John Fitzgerald and Mansour Bahrami.
This is a tennis experience you don’t want to miss!
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online
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