Thursday 23rd March 2017, London: IMG announced today that former British No.1 Greg Rusedski, two-time Grand Slam finalist Mark Philippoussis, former Swedish No.1 Thomas Enqvist, 1986 French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors and the ever-popular Mansour Bahrami are confirmed to participate at this year’s Aspall Tennis Classic at the prestigious Hurlingham Club, taking place between Tuesday 27th and Friday 30th June 2017. They are joined by rising stars and top 20 ATP players Jack Sock and Lucas Pouille with more players still to be announced, as part of the ultimate warm up event to Wimbledon.

Kicking off the British summer tennis season, Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy watching some of the sport’s legends compete in entertaining doubles matches. Greg Rusedski reached a career high ATP ranking of World No.4. In 1997, Rusedski reached the singles final of the US Open and also won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. In addition to these achievements, Rusedski is possibly best known for, at one time, holding the record for the fastest serve ever recorded, at 149mph. Australian, Mark Philippoussis, reached the final of the US Open in 1998 and the Wimbledon final in 2003 where he was defeated by Roger Federer. He was a member of the winning Davis Cup team in both 1999 and 2003. Thomas Enqvist, formerly ranked a career high ATP ranking of World No.4 and throughout his 15 year professional tennis career he won 19 ATP Tour titles. A highlight of Thomas' career came in 1999 when he reached the final of the Australian Open. Mikael Pernfors reached the men’s singles final of Roland Garros in 1986, defeating Mats Wilander and home favourite Henri Leconte in successive rounds, losing only to then World No.1 Ivan Lendl. Iranian-born Mansour Bahrami reached the French Open men’s doubles final in 1989 and has since taken to the court of the Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham every year from the event’s inauguration in 1993, entertaining crowds with his trick-shot wizardry and humour.

The tennis legends are joined by current ATP top 20 players Jack Sock and Lucas Pouille, who will make their final preparations for Wimbledon at this year’s Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham. Jack Sock, the current American No.1, is having a career year, winning two ATP titles and reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells. His current ranking of World No.17 is his career best. Sock is the only tennis player to earn multiple medals at the Rio Olympics winning gold in mixed doubles and bronze in men’s doubles.

Lucas Pouille ended 2016 on a career high ranking World No.15, and received the ATP Most Improved Player of the Year Award. He claimed his first ATP title last year at Metz.

Owned and managed by IMG, the Aspall Tennis Classic at Hurlingham takes place at the height of the tennis season, the week prior to Wimbledon. Set in the tranquil 42-acre grounds of The Hurlingham Club, it has become one of the most intimate tennis events in the social calendar, showcasing some of the current stars of today, playing in a series of singles exhibition matches as they finalise their preparations ahead of Wimbledon, as well as a number of tennis legends.

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Listings Information:

Dates: Tuesday 27th June – Friday 30th June 2017
Location: The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London, SW6 3PR
Booking Information: 0208 233 5838 | George.carroll@img.com
Hospitality Tickets: http://www.hurlinghamtennisclassic.com/packages/

-ENDS-

Press Enquiries:

Emma Kelleher, Head of PR, Plus 1 Communications, emma@plus1comms.com | 0207 749 5154 2135 / +44 (0) 7710 023 630

Samantha Bentley, PR Manager, Plus 1 Communications, samantha.bentley@plus1comms.com | 0207 749 1930

Amy Lababidi, PR Account Executive, Plus 1 Communications amy@plus1comms.com | 0207 749 1957

Notes to Editors:

2017 will mark the 24th staging of the event which over the years has become one of the world’s most star-studded tennis exhibitions, tying together premier hospitality with a stellar player line-up that has boasted tennis’ biggest stars of the past, present and future. Over the years, some of the sport’s best players have competed at the event, including Grand Slam champions Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, as well as Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer, and next generation stars Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios. The event has also been popular with the celebrity crowd, with those who have been spotted enjoying the summer activities including Emilia Fox, Kelly Hoppen, Dougie Poynter, Sol Campbell and Kara Tointon.

About IMG

IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.

About Aspall

Innovation and invention have been at the heart of Aspall ever since Clement Chevallier arrived at Aspall Hall in 1728 to set up his new cyder business. Now one of the oldest family businesses in the UK, Aspall is run by the eighth generation of the family, Barry and Henry Chevallier Guild. While upholding the same exacting standards set by Clement nearly 300 years ago, the business has continued to innovate and improve. Today, with its immense heritage, Aspall is recognised as a brand that values its past while enthusiastically embracing the future. Aspall cyder is still pressed, fermented, blended and bottled on site at Aspall Hall but by embracing new ideas and technologies it continues to produce the very British world-class cyders, juices and vinegars for which it is celebrated. www.aspall.co.uk