Press Release
XL Bermuda Open
Category: SportXL Bermuda Open
Hamilton, Bermuda: Thursday, March 22, 2007 -
2007 marks the 14th year for the XL Bermuda Open. The Tournament will once again take place at the Coral Beach & Tennis Club from April 14th – 22nd.
Tournament Director, Mr. Alec R. Anderson has confirmed that German player, Nicolas Kiefer will be participating in the XL Bermuda Open. Kiefer reached his highest ranking of No.4 in the world in 2000 and has finished in the Top 50 for eight of the last ten years. He currently holds six singles titles and has been a finalist twelve times since turning pro in 1995. In 2006 Kiefer posted his best showing at a Grand Slam when he reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open, being defeated by eventual Champion and world No.1, Roger Federer. He was the only player at the 2005 Wimbledon Championships to take a set from Federer. He has won over six million dollars in prize money and boasts wins over such players as Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Mark Philippoussis, Tim Henman, Marat Safin, Carlos Moya and David Nalbandian. This will be Kiefer’s second trip to the XL Bermuda Open; he was the No.3 seed at the 2003 Open and lost in the second round.
19 year-old American, Sam Querrey will also compete in the 2007 XL Bermuda Open. The 6’6” Californian only turned pro in 2006 and is currently ranked 67 in the world, up over 300 ranking positions from the same date last year. He won three Challenger titles in 2006 and made his Grand Slam debut at the 2006 US Open where he won his first round match but lost in the second round to 2004 French Open Champion, Gaston Gaudio. He boasts wins over former Top 20 players, Tommy Haas and Vince Spadea and managed to take the opening set from world No.2, Rafael Nadal in the first set at the ATP Masters Series event in Cincinnati in 2006. He considers his serve and his forehand his strengths and is a practice partner for the US Davis Cup team. His favorite tennis player is Andy Roddick whom he just played and lost to in the second round of the International Series event in San Jose earlier this month. Even in defeat, Sam Querrey enjoyed playing his buddy, but agreed afterwards that calling Roddick his idol “may be a strong word. You’ve got to get over the fact that you’re friends.” Added Querrey on Roddick, “He’s a great competitor, constantly putting pressure on you.” Roddick believes Querrey can be a top 30 player by the end of 2007and is ready to become a household name. Veteran player Paul Goldstein said of Querrey, “Sam's early success has been incredibly impressive. In less than a year on tour, he has established himself in the top 100 and as one who will have great success on tour many years to come. As gifted a player as he is, he is a better guy. Without exception, every veteran American player is rooting for this kid. We all want to see him do well not only because we believe he is a worthy candidate to carry the torch for American tennis in the years ahead but also because of the way he has ingratiated himself with all of the guys. You can't help but like him.”
Tickets for the 2007 XL Bermuda Open are now on sale at the Sportseller in the Washington Mall, Hamilton and online at www.xlcapitalbermudaopen.bm and www.boxoffice.bm
Search Press Releases: