“Tennis legends” : stand-off at the end of the first day.

 
The first two singles at “Tennis Legends” tournament were played today.

Marat Safin and Jim Courier were the first to play at the Small Sports Arena “Luzhniki” . The tournament organizers had provided interaction among the players with the help of portable microphones so that the audience could hear the players’ commentaries during the matches. Anastasia Myskina was doing life broadcasting. An experienced pro veteran Jim Courier wasn’t inferior in speed or serve  to the young one Marat Safin, who was complaining of his bad shape and “domestic” linesmen’s referring. Yet Marat  managed to win the starting set in the tough fight at tie break 7/6(3). Then the teams decided to change players to Andrey Cherkassov and Sregi Bruguera.  The both competitors kept silent during their game, so the audience didn’t have the chance to hear their animating commentaries, but they witnessed some really magnificent game moments instead. Sergi managed to win 6/3 and even up the score of the match. The Russian player was lucky at  tie break -10/8.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Goran Ivanisevic played the second match. Croatia’s Mr. Ace won the first set quickly, demonstrating  his perfect shape. He also won the second set  6/4.

“ We liked the atmosphere at the arena,- said Ivanisevic at the press conference at the end of the first day.  – We hope there will be more people tomorrow.” The Russian players thanked everybody, who had come to “Luzhniki” today. “ We didn’t expect so many people on the tribunes and we’re thankful to them for their support”.- confessed Yevgeny Cafelnikov. “ Next time the organizers should start the preparations earlier,- I’d prefer to see the full arena,- said Marat Safin.- May be, they should invite more children from different tennis schools- it would be more interesting for them.” Andrey Cherkasov noticed, that  there were about 50 children from his tennis school  at the match. “ I think, it’s great contribution.”

 
Tomorrow there will be two single and one double matches.

Press-centre

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