By Tennis Now Staff
(November 9, 2012) -- The ATP today announced the extension of their partnership with HEAD for a further five years. Under the agreement, HEAD will continue to be the official tennis ball of the ATP World Tour, as well as the official ball of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through 2017.
The agreement marks an extension to a partnership which began back in 1994, one which will celebrate its 20-year anniversary on 1 January 2013, making HEAD the longest-standing partner of the ATP.
All matches at this week’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London are being played with the HEAD ATP ball, which also served as official ball at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and BNP Paribas Masters in Paris this season.
“HEAD is one of the most established brands in our sport and has been a great partner for the ATP for many years,” said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President. “We’re delighted to extend our partnership a further five years and look forward to continuing to build on our successful relationship.”
“The continuation of our long-term partnership with the ATP strengthens our position as a leading brand on the ATP World Tour,” added Ottmar Barbian, Vice President and Division Manager HEAD Racquet Sports. “We are proud to not only provide the racquets for several outstanding players in the Top 10, but also to be trusted as official ball supplier to the Tour on an ongoing basis.”
“It’s the best ball in tennis,” said 2012 ATP World Tour No.1 Novak Djokovic. “Whenever I can, I definitely choose that ball!” Alongside Djokovic, HEAD players Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych are once again among the eight contenders battling for the title at this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London this week.
In London: At this week's event, the men are concluding their round-robin play as the weekend begins. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are locked in, each still undefeated. (Djokovic just beat Berdych 6-2, 7-6(6) to put him at 3-0 in round-robin play.) See all the updated scores here.
(Photo Credit: Red Photographic)