Young Guns to Challenge World's Best at 25th Stella Artois
Two of the most exciting teenagers in tennis will take their place alongside the world's best players at the 25th Stella Artois Championships after the official entry list was announced today.
Sixteen-year-old Rafael Nadal from Spain and 19-year-old Croatian Mario Ancic will join an all-star field that includes Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski, Andy Roddick and Marat Safin at the Queen's Club, 9-15 June, 2003.
Nadal earned comparisons to Boris Becker, who won the Stella Artois as a 17-year-old in 1985, when he advanced to the third round in Monte Carlo two weeks ago.
The six-feet-tall Spanish left-hander defeated French Open champion Albert Costa in straight sets in Monte Carlo, and has already appeared in four challenger finals on three different surfaces this year. He is ranked No. 93 and his first venture onto a grass court will take place at this year's Stella Artois Championships.
Becker will have an opportunity to witness Nadal's potential for himself when he returns to the Queen's Club to celebrate the tournament's 25th anniversary in a first-to-eight game Pro Set match against old rival Stefan Edberg on final's day.
Ancic, like his friend and compatriot Goran Ivanisevic, hails from Split, Croatia, and leapt to fame at Wimbledon last year when he overwhelmed seventh seed Roger Federer in straight sets. Standing 6'5", he bears many similarities to Ivanisevic, including a baritone voice and an ideal game for grass. The Croatian youngster reached the last 16 at the Australian Open in January this year and currently stands No.77 in the Entry Rankings.
Blake Can't Wait for Stella Artois 2003
Also entered into the draw for the tournament that traditionally kick-starts the British grass court season, are Thai star Paradorn Srichaphan, Dutchman Sjeng Schalken and James Blake, ranked numbers 10, 11, and 23 respectively.
For American Blake, whose grass court season last year was blighted by injury, the Stella Artois Championships can't come soon enough.
"I enjoy the grass and being in London for a whole month - it's very exciting to have somewhere to call your home for a while," said Blake.
"The Stella Artois is a great tournament and the Queen's Club is a beautiful facility. I think they have the best grass courts in the world - I was told that before I went there and they have lived up to those expectations. Last year I came in a little injured but I think I have a great opportunity this year."
He will have stiff competition to overcome however, including former winners Wayne Ferreira (1992), Todd Martin (1994) and Mark Philippoussis (1997).
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