The first ATP Champions Tour event to be held in Scotland has been bolstered by confirmation that Carlos Moya, the former world No 1, will compete in June's Brodies Champions of Tennis in Edinburgh.
The 36-year-old Spaniard, who won the French Open at Roland Garros in 1998, forms part of a nine-strong field which also features former Wimbledon champions, John McEnroe and Goran Ivanisevic.
The four-day contest, which will be held at Edinburgh Academicals' home ground of Raeburn Place from June 20-23, finishes the day before Wimbledon swings into action at the All England Club and tennis enthusiasts north of the border will have their appetite whetted by a glittering cast in the Capital.
Moya, who reached the top of the world rankings in 1999 and helped Spain to a Davis Cup triumph in 2004, will be in Group B of the six-man Champions Tour competition and will square up to Greg Rusedski and Mark Philippoussis. In Group A, Ivanisevic will resume hostilities with his old foe, Tim Henman, as well as Sweden's Thomas Enqvist. As a Wimbledon wildcard in 2001, Ivanisevic thwarted Henman's title ambitions in an epic last-four duel before going on to beat Pat Rafter in the final to become the lowest- ranked player, and the first wildcard, to capture the crown.
"Having the chance to play in Edinburgh is so exciting for me," said Moya, who is looking forward to rekindling the rivalries from his days on the tour. "The player field looks amazing and I can't wait to have the chance to play against people like Philippoussis, Henman and Ivanisevic. They're all great players and old friends of mine from the tour. It should be really great fun."
McEnroe, who plundered three Wimbledon singles titles between 1981 and 1984, will compete in a special legends event alongside Mikael Pernfors and Wayne Ferreira.
"I am delighted to have been able to put together a truly global field of tennis stars for our inaugural event," added Vikki Mendelssohn, the tournament director. "Each of the players has their own fan base and brings with them their own star appeal, charisma and talent in abundance. Spectators can look forward to watching some of the best tennis ever to be played in Scotland."
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