from TTF.org.tr
translated into English by Rasim Oskay KOCAOĞLU

Stefan Edberg during the doubles match at the Ali Bey Club

(29.03.2012) Former world n. 1 and 9 time Grand Slam champion Swedish tennis star Stefan Edberg was the special guest of the 9th International Wilson Seniors Open Tennis Tournament.

The tournament was scheduled in TTF’s (Turkish Tennis Federation) international seniors calendar and took place in Ali Bey Club Manavgat tennis courts. Having the opportunity to meet Stefan Edberg, Turkish seniors also had the chance to take photographs with the Swedish tennis star. The famous champion’s practices and show matches were breathtaking. The organization took place in the Center Court and the Grand Stand was strikingly filled with people.

Umpired by Murat Aykaç, the first doubles match was between Stefan Edberg/Peter Pokorny (60+ Austria) against Peter Adrigan (65+ Germany) /Andrew Rae (Australia). In the second match Stefan Edberg partnered with fellow player Jörgen Aberg against Manfred Hundstorfer (Austria)/Jörgen Aberg(Germany).

The viewers were breathtaken by the Swede’s practices and matches coloured by his masterful tactics and game plays. Many skillful shots made by Stefan Edberg were applauded with pleasure by the audience. Edberg’s doubles matches with Senior World No1 players were watched carefully by Turkish seniors.

After his exhibition matches, veteran tennis players competing in the 9th International Wilson Seniors Open, raced against each other to take photographs with the Swedish champion or to have his autograph. The famous champion attended the gala night as the honorary guest.

During his press conference, Edberg stated that he had never come to Turkey before, on the other hand he had found Turkey as beautiful as he heard from his social surroundings. The Swedish champion emphasized about the spectecularity of Turkey and the uptrending place of Turkish tennis in the world. Edberg said that tennis should be under one central administration like football was. He said he enjoyed the facility in Ali Bey Club Manavgat and added that it was one of the rare beautiful tennis facilities he has ever seen.

Facebook Social Comments