Rusedski signs in for Red Letter Days Open
Greg Rusedski, the British No.2 and world no. 45 has today
(Wednesday 10th May) confirmed that he will be returning to
Nottingham next month to contest the singles title of the
prestigious Red Letter Days Open (19th-24th June). Crowned
champion in 1997 (d/Karol Kucera 6-4,7-5) and 2003 (d/Mardy
Fish, 6-3, 6-2), a quarter-finalist in 2004 (l/T. Johansson
6-4, 5-7, 6-7 (5) and 2001 semi-finalist (l/T Johansson 6-7,
3-6), 32 year-old Rusedski remains one of only two ATP players
(with Jonas Bjorkman (Sweden / world no.72) to have twice
lifted the Nottingham singles crown. Whilst last year, Nottingham’s
centre court watched Richard Gasquet (France / world no.28)
lift his first ever ATP career singles title, Rusedski is
no stranger to ATP silverware. Since 1991, the London-based
player has won 15 ATP titles and reached 12 finals including
Moscow in 2004 and the 1997 US Open final (l/Rafter).
6ft 4’ tall, left-handed Rusedski has always been a
popular figure among the East Midland tennis fans, thrilling
centre court crowds with his powerful ground strokes and a
trademark rocket-fire serve. In 1998 at Indian Wells, Rusedski
held the record for the fastest ever recorded serve of 149mph.
Only one ranking place behind British No.1 Andy Murray, the
Great Britain Davis Cup team stalwart continues to enjoy a
15 year-long tennis career during which he has amassed over
£5m in prize money. In 2005 he achieved his 15th ATP
title with a win over Vincent Spadea in Newport. Notably,
of the three other players already confirmed for the Red Letter
Days Open, Rusedski has a 4-8 win/loss record against Thomas
Johansson whilst he’s never played Richard Gasquet or
Gael Monfils (France / world no.35).
Commenting on the return of Rusedski to Nottingham, Patrick
Hughesman, tournament director said; “Greg (Rusedski)
has a fantastic playing record at The Red Letter Days Open.
I am delighted that he will be returning to Nottingham where
he will be chasing the unique feat of becoming the first singles
player ever to win the Nottingham title on three occasions.
Exciting to watch and highly popular among our tennis fans,
it’s terrific news that this British and world-class
tennis star will be springing back into action in the East
Midlands next month.”
With Thomas Johansson (Sweden / world no.14), Richard Gasquet
(France / world no.28) and Greg Rusedski (GBR / world no.45)
all players who have tasted singles success at Nottingham,
the stage is already set for red hot tennis action at the
City of Nottingham Tennis Centre in June.
Greg Rusedski – player biography
Age: 32
Current Indesit ATP entry ranking: 45
Born: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Plays: Left handed
Turned professional: 1991
Singles titles: 15 including 1997 and 2003 Nottingham champion
Singles finals: 12 including Moscow 2004 and 1997 US Open
Nottingham record: Twice champion; 2001 semi-finalist and
2004 quarter-finalist
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