LONDON, February 7, 2017
Rafael Nadal, winner of two Wimbledon crowns, 14 Grand Slam singles titles overall, Olympic gold in Beijing, and runner-up in the Australian Open just over a week ago, can’t wait to return to the prestigious grass court tournament that he won in 2008.
“I am very happy to be coming back to Queen’s in June,” said Nadal, who went on to win The Championships, Wimbledon for the first time nine years ago, just three weeks after his triumph at The Queen’s Club. “Winning the title in 2008 is a great memory for me, the people that organise the event at Queen’s and the British crowds are fantastic, and it is the best way for me to be ready for Wimbledon.”
Nadal’s two Wimbledon titles (’08, ’10) both followed good runs at the Aegon Championships. He reached the Wimbledon final five times between 2006 and 2011, making the quarterfinals or better at The Queen’s Club prior to each one.
Stephen Farrow, Aegon Championships Tournament Director, was delighted to confirm Nadal. “Rafa is one of the greatest tennis players of all-time and one of the most popular ever to play at The Queen’s Club. To be able to add his name to that of the World No.1 Andy Murray in the Aegon Championships line-up in a year when we are expanding our Centre Court capacity by 30%, and just a week after reaching the final in Australia, is wonderful news for the tournament, our spectators and our sponsors.”
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Head of Brand & Sponsorship, Aegon UK said: “We are thrilled that Rafael Nadal has committed to playing the Aegon championships this summer. Everyone loves watching him play, and we look forward to seeing him in June.”
Earlier this month, Murray made a career-commitment to play in the Aegon Championships, and the BBC announced that they will cover the tournament until at least 2024.
Last year, the Aegon Championships was voted ATP World Tour 500 Tournament of the Year by the players – the fourth successive year that the event has received a tournament of the year award.
The event also received the award for the best media services of any ATP tournament in Europe.
