Enqvist seizes Brodies Trophy at Gleneagles event
Delighted spectators from Strathearn and beyond watched as tennis legend Thomas Enqvist was crowned Brodies Invitational champion after a narrow victory over British ace Tim Henman at a sold-out Gleneagles Arena.
Those gathered at the two-day event witnessed the former world number four from Sweden clinch a 7-5, 2-6, 11-9 win.
It was a festival of tennis over the weekend which attracted more than 900 fans to also watch Pat Cash, Greg Rusedski and Cédric Pioline in action.
After his win, Enqvist, a former Australian Open and Davis Cup finalist, said: “It was great fun playing against a stellar line-up and I’m delighted to have won the title after such a hard-fought final against Tim.
“We’ve had a great couple of days at Gleneagles and are so grateful to the hundreds of tennis fans who turned out to cheer us on.
“We’d like to thank Brodies, Gleneagles, sponsors and supporters for putting on such a tremendous event. I look forward to playing in Scotland again in the future because we always have such a great time here.”
The tournament also encouraged grassroots involvement in the game and, supported by Tennis Scotland and Judy Murray, saw the legends compete with Scotland’s most talented junior players.
There were local schoolchildren involved in a ‘Tennis on the Road’ session with money for the Elena Baltacha Foundation, which aims to give children from all backgrounds the opportunity to take part in the sport, raised across the weekend.
Judy said: “Tennis fans have had an opportunity to see a fabulous line- up of former champions at the Gleneagles Arena, and to see some of our most promising juniors in action.
“The tournament has brought world class tennis to Scotland and given the kids an opportunity to play against legends in front of a sell-out crowd.”
Managing director of the Gleneagles Hotel, Bernard Murphy, said: “It’s been a pleasure to host and support this fantastic event, which has not only given our guests the opportunity to be entertained by great tennis, it has also provided inspiration to many young players from the local community – who’ve been able meet and play with tremendous role models for the sport.
“Gleneagles has a long association with tennis, dating back to the 1920s when outdoor tennis was a popular activity with hotel guests.
“As Perthshire’s only public indoor tennis facility, the arena builds on this great tradition, promoting sports participation and supporting the development of Scottish tennis.”