Popular former champion returns to event he loves

Popular German player and former champion Philipp Kohlschreiber has been confirmed for the 2011 Heineken Open featuring the Panasonic Singles and Doubles.  

He may have been the surprise winner of the 2008 Heineken Open, but he has now amassed a record in Auckland which is nothing short of superb. 

On the six previous occasions in the tournament he has reached the semifinals once, the quarterfinals three times and won the title two years ago, with one first round loss.  

Kohlschreiber has had another consistent year in 2010 starting with a semifinal appearance at the Heineken Open with wins over Inigo Cervantes-Huegun, Thomaz Bellucci and Marc Gicquel before being beaten by Arnaud Clement and says feeling good about an event helps him get the victories. 

“I always like to play in Auckland. I always get my confidence in the beginning of the year. So that’s why I like to come back. It’s just a great tournament and I really like to play there,” says Kohlschreiber.  

In 2010 he also reached the semis at the tournament in Metz, France and the quarterfinals at six events, including the Masters Series tournament at Monte Carlo where he defeated Andy Murray as well as the Masters Series at Toronto before a three set loss to Rafael Nadal.  

The self-proclaimed action movie buff has amassed over US$3.5million and is known to be fond of fast cars on the autobahns in Germany. 

His current ATP singles ranking sits at 34, although he has been as high as 22 in September 2009.  

Aside from his 2008 title at the Heineken Open where he beat former world No1 Juan Carlos Ferrero he had previously won a singles title at Munich in 2007. 

 “Philipp is a real entertainer and great to watch. He has a great relationship with the Heineken Open and the crowds in Auckland with his friendliness and his determined attitude. His record in the tournament is one of the best of any player. He adds depth to any tournament and it will be great to have him returning again,” says Heineken Open tournament director, Richard Palmer.

Defending champion, John Isner has already been confirmed for the tournament with more players to be announced in the next few weeks.

The Heineken Open featuring the Panasonic Singles and Doubles will be held at the ASB Tennis Centre, January 10-15, 2011 with the first two days of qualifying January 8-9, 2011 at the Albany Tennis Park, Oteha Valley Road, Albany.

Once again the very successful Heineken Open Baseline After Party is being held with top Kiwi band OPSHOP are confirmed to headline the 2011 event.  

Joining OPSHOP will be DJ Isaac Aesili, who performed a stunning set at this year’s Baseline After Party and returns by popular demand, as well as a few other hot acts, yet to be announced. 

All Heineken Baseline After Party ticket holders can enjoy the final tennis match live from the back courts at the ASB Tennis Centre where Heineken will stream the game on mega screens.

The Heineken Baseline After Party starts after the final Heineken Open match has concluded.  

Tickets to the Baseline After Party cost $30 and go on sale tomorrow, 3rd November. To get yours, visit www.ticketek.co.nz. Some door sales may be available. 

The new Heineken Open website is online with new features at www.heinekenopen.co.nz