The official entry list for the 2006 Rogers Cup tennis tournament, scheduled for August 5-13 at the Rexall Centre at York University, is a who's who of men's tennis.
The world-class field is highlighted by the Top 50 players on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour. Competitors will include defending champion and two-time French Open winner Rafael Nadal, 2004 winner and world number one-ranked player Roger Federer, and 2003 champion Andy Roddick. Federer and Nadal are developing a classic rivalry, and may yet face each other at the current Wimbledon tournament.
Right: Rafael Nadal
Also included in the Top 50 entry list is three-time Rogers Cup champion Andre Agassi. The American tennis legend will be making his final appearance on Canadian courts following the recent announcement of his retirement, which will take place at the conclusion of the 2006 US Open.
Now formally known as the Rogers Cup presented by American Express, the Canadian tournament is celebrating its 125th anniversary. The annual event, which alternates the men's and women's tournaments between Toronto and Montreal each year, is the world's third-oldest, behind only Wimbledon and the US Open.
Left: Roger Federer
Other names on the men's entry list this year include third-ranked David Nalbandian from Argentina, number seven-ranked James Blake from the United States, Australian and ninth-ranked Lleyton Hewitt, Croatian players Ivan Ljubicic (number four) and Mario Ancic (number 10), as well as 1999 tournament champion Thomas Johansson from Sweden.
"This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Canadian tournament," notes Grant Connell, Rogers Cup tournament director. "The entry list for the 2006 Rogers Cup presented by American Express represents some of the top athletes in the world and we welcome them to Toronto this summer. The tournament will celebrate a Canadian sport tradition with a festival-style atmosphere and elite tennis on court. We are excited to host the tennis world."
Right: Andy Roddick
To complete the 64-player draw, eight positions are reserved for qualifiers and four spots are held for wild card entrants at the discretion of Tennis Canada. These entrants will be announced at a later date.
For more information, visit the Rogers Cup Web site. Members of the York community are also eligible for ticket discounts.