Statoil becomes title sponsor of Masters Tennis
Originally published on: 23/05/12 00:00
The hugely popular Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall is to be sponsored by Statoil for at least the next three years, IMG announced today.
Formerly known as the AEGON Masters Tennis but changing to the Statoil Masters Tennis with immediate effect, this year’s event will run from December 5-9 and sees Tim Henman return to defend his 2011 crown. The four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist won his first ever title in London last year, beating Thomas Enqvist in straight sets, and welcomed the tournament’s new sponsorship.
“All successful events need the support of good sponsors so it is great news that Statoil has come on board to title-sponsor the tournament,” said the former world No.4. “The Statoil Masters Tennis is a special event and the Royal Albert Hall is an incredible arena for tennis. It is a pleasure for us to play there in front of packed crowds every year.”
The event has attracted a host of top players, including former Wimbledon champions Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras, every December since 1997. Charlie Grave, Managing Director of Sponsorship at IMG, said the new sponsor would help the tournament go from “strength to strength”.
“We are delighted to welcome Statoil as our new title sponsor,” he said. “For the past 15 years, the Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall has brought together much-loved champions to compete and entertain sell-out crowds in one of the most unique and iconic tennis arenas in the world.
“In Statoil, we have a passionate title sponsor that will invest in the event, and help the tournament go from strength-to-strength.”
Statoil, who supply energy to UK homes and work places, announced that rising British player and IMG client Heather Watson has signed an agreement to be an ambassador for the brand and it’s ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’ program.
Watson, 19, will represent Statoil around the world and wear the brand’s logo during tournaments. She developed her game at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida where she began training at the age of 12, and is currently ranked 109 in the world.
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