Henman likes grass, Kuertan favours clay but Seles and McEnroe prefer to play on water
LONDON — Today John McEnroe and Monica Seles stunned Londoners by playing tennis on a floating court on the Thames river.
The two Wimbledon greats were invited to deliver the court to Tower Bridge by American Express who is staging a tennis event, Wimbledon at Tower Bridge. As the court was delivered to the site via famous London landmarks, Seles and McEnroe took the opportunity to test out the surface.
On being aboard the first floating tennis court Seles quoted; “I’ve had some nervous moments in my career but sea legs is a new one for me.”
The tennis court will be the centre piece to Wimbledon at Tower Bridge. This four day American Express event will recreate the experience of Wimbledon by bringing the sight and sounds of SW19 to SE1. Members of the public will be able to watch live tennis action from The Championships as well as the chance to try out the tennis skill zones and experience photo opportunities with the stars. Classic Wimbledon fare will even be on offer in the form of Strawberries and Cream with glasses of Champagne and Pimms to bring a real taste of summer to the City. The venue will also stage an exclusive music concert; US R’n’B sensation, Alicia Keys, has signed up to play an exclusive and free live concert for American Express.
Monica Seles was particularly concerned to deliver the court to the Tower Bridge site in pristine condition as she is supporting a celebrity tennis match at the event to raise money for Sport Relief*. Seles and Pat Cash will team up with two Sport Relief celebrities in a rapid fire doubles contest in a bid to raise money for the charity.
Wimbledon at Tower Bridge is free to the public and will open at 11am every day and will not close until the close of play at Wimbledon.
Doug Smith, Director of Public Affairs, American Express: “We are proud of our new partnership with The Championships, Wimbledon** and this is an ideal opportunity for us to bring the atmosphere and excitement of this famous tennis tournament to the centre of London.”
For further details on the event programme visit http://www.americanexpress.co.uk/wimbledon
Notes:
- Sport Relief charity uses sport to raise money to tackle poverty and disadvantage in the UK and overseas. In a new fundraising mechanic called ACEs, American Express will donate 25 pounds to Sport Relief for every ace scored on the legendary Centre Court and Court Number 1 during Wimbledon.
** American Express is the Official Card of The Championships, Wimbledon.