Michael Stich took his first title of the year with a 6-2, 7-6 victory over compatriot Marc-Kevin Goellner in the final of the BlackRock Tour of Champions event in Hamburg, and then laid out plans to make fun of British football fans this summer.
Stich moved to the top of the South African Airways Champions Tour Rankings with his victory. He toyed with Goellner at times, using different spins and angles to bamboozle his fellow German.
“I was serving well - I placed it well and showed that it’s not just about speed, it’s about placement,” said Stich. “It’s nice to win the title here - I was a champion of the ATP event in 1993 so I have good memories of this event.”
As well as being one of the stars of the BlackRock Tour of Champions, Stich is also part of the BBC Radio team that covers Wimbledon each year.
The German has become popular with British audiences in his role as a colour, expert summariser. However, that popularity may be tested this year. With the Euro 2008 football Championships taking place at the same time as Wimbledon, and with all British teams having failed to qualify, Stich is looking forward to making fun of his British colleagues at the BBC.
“I feel very sad for the British that they are unfortunately not taking part again. It’s a shame, but the truth is that only the best teams go to Euro 2008 and obviously the British teams do not qualify for that description!” said Stich.
“Let’s hope that the German team is still in the tournament when Wimbledon starts because then it’s going to be even more fun. I like to tease my colleagues at the BBC during Wimbledon. It’s sad for them and for the British teams, but personally, I don’t mind! Seriously though, I enjoy working for BBC Radio 5 Live at Wimbledon - it’s a great team of people, they help me a lot to improve each year and I think they do a great job. As for the football, I think the German team has a chance of winning, but the goal should be to reach the semifinals. Once they get to that point, everyone has a chance of winning.”
In the third/fourth play-off, Pat Cash defeated Anders Jarryd when the Swede was forced to retire through injury while trailing 6-4, 3-0.
SAMPRAS DEBUT DELAYED AS SAO PAULO CHANGES DATE
Pete Sampras will make his debut on the BlackRock Tour of Champions one month later than scheduled after the date of the Tour stop in Sao Paulo, Brazil was changed to 19-22 June, 2008.
The Tour opened in February with Anders Jarryd successfully defending his Belfast title. In Barcelona last month, Marcelo Rios triumphed, while Muster won in Rome last week.
Goellner Sets Up All-German Final
Ivanisevic Completes Dramatic Recovery
Fast Talking Goran Earns Hamburg Reprieve
Stich Starts Well in Hamburg
Champions Arrive in Hamburg
View Hamburg Order of Play
