The Return of "The Magician"!

And I dont mean Henman
Looking forward to seeing the AEGON Masters later this week/weekend, with Fabrice Santoro standing in for injured Rusedski. Santoro was nicknamed Magician by Sampras, and as we know Safin absolutely detested having to play him (no surprise with a losing 2-7 record!).

This is the list of players for the event:

Singles
John McEnroe
Richard Krajicek
Pat Cash
Henri Leconte
Goran Ivanisevic
Tim Henman
Mark Philippoussis
Thomas Enqvist
Younes El Aynaoui
Fabrice Santoro

Doubles
Mansour Bahrami
Andrew Castle
Peter McNamara
Jeremy Bates
Mikael Pernfors


1. Who do you think will win/be in final? (singles)
2. Which players do you look forward to seeing most?
3. Which match-up would you like to see?

For me....1) Goran vs Enqvist (Goran to win)
2) Santoro, always love to see Bahrami play and his wizardry, Mac of course, Leconte for that flashing SHBH and Enqvist for that weird FH
3) Santoro vs McEnroe!

I so nearly bought tickets for this event, but work etc is hectic atm and I didn't dare commit - lucky you lydian if you are going!

I would love to see McEnroe again, Henri (who always had that air that lunch and a really good bottle of wine was every bit as important as tennis!), Ivanisevic, Tim, The Scud and the wonderful Santoro.

I am not sure about the doubles - l loved McNamara with McNamee, but I haven't watched so many doubles matches over the years. Agree the singles match up that is most potentially mouth watering would be Santoro vs Mac.

Shame you cant go! I wont be able to make it unfortunately as have work and weekend commitments, plus for me the distance is a long way being the northern soul I am.

Yes didnt Leconte always have that mischievous look about him...one of the most talented players to never win a slam. But as you say you feel he wasnt too bothered! Such a great showman. Speaking of the other showman, Bahrami's life story is also fascinating.

I was just reading the website further and they've split the players into Legends players (the oldies) and the Champions Tour players (recently retired) so we cant get to see Santoro vs Mac after all

http://www.aegonmasterstennis.com/schedule/

Pity that Lendl had to pull out.

Believe it would have been his first appearance in UK for some considerable time ...??

Agree Lags, would have been great to see him play Mac again...