The legendary rivalry between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe has captured the imagination of tennis fans all over Northern Ireland as the stars of the Blackrock Tour of Champions roll into Belfast this week.
Tickets for the classic showdown were sold out months in advance of Friday night’s clash, as Borg prepares for another meeting with his old friend on what will be his first appearance at the Odyssey Arena.
View Belfast Groups and Schedule of Play
“It’s always a special feeling to see John’s face on the other side of the net,” said the Swede. “We’ve had so many great matches in the past, so it’s a special moment every time we step on the court and play again.”
McEnroe, who played in the inaugural Tennis Legends event in Belfast last year, said he was looking forward to rekindling old memories.
“Bjorn was my greatest rival,” said the American, who ended Borg’s run of five successive Wimbledon victories in the 1981 final.
“I know it feels special for me and you don’t know how many more times it’s going to happen. I didn’t think it was going to happen this time and it makes you feel proud when the fans respond in the way they have.”
Borg, who took some time away from competitive tennis following the birth of his son in 2002, made his comeback to the Blackrock Tour of Champions last year.
“I’m not getting any younger but I’m still in good shape,” said Borg, whose son and wife are with him here in Belfast this week.
“I still enjoy playing on tour and to see these guys and play against them is a lot of fun. Everybody who played here last year said it was a great event, that it was a great success and that a lot of people came to the matches, so it was a very positive reaction.”
Meanwhile, last year’s runner-up Henri Leconte and Britain’s Jeremy Bates believe Tour newcomer Chris Wilkinson could be the man to beat at this year’s tournament.
“I’d like to go one better this year but Chris is the rookie now and he’s playing very well,” said Leconte, who lost to Anders Jarryd in the final 12 months ago.
“But it’s nice to come back, I have such good memories from last year. Bjorn is here so it’s perfect, with John, for everybody, it’s nice to be back.”
Matches get underway at the Odyssey Arena at 2.00pm on Thursday, with Jarryd meeting Wilkinson and Bates facing Borg.
In the evening session, Henri Leconte takes on Pat Cash while McEnroe meets former French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors.
For further Belfast event information and ticket details, go to:
http://www.odysseyarena.com/tennis-legends-2008.html
