Goran Ivanisevic, the former Wimbledon champion, has pulled out of a veterans tennis tournament in Dubai this month because of a knee injury. The Croat will be replaced by Stefan Edberg, a double Wimbledon winner, in The Legends Rock Dubai tournament. The tournament organiser, Dorothee Schweighoefer, said: "As a tall man, Goran's knees are susceptible to injury and unfortunately he has been forced to withdraw from the tournament at short notice. We wish him well in his recovery."
However, she said Edberg's inclusion will ensure class and calibre for the event. "We are very excited that Stefan Edberg is coming to Dubai for the first time after his retirement from professional tennis. "It's a rarity to see Edberg on the senior tour, but we are delighted he has agreed to replace Goran. His record speaks for itself and he will certainly be one to watch." The Swede dominated men's tennis in the late 1980s and early 1990s, claiming seven Grand Slam titles. He is best remembered for his rivalry with Boris Becker, whom he played in three consecutive Wimbledon finals between 1988 and 1990, winning the first and the last.
Edberg has kept a low public profile since retiring in the mid-1990s, concentrating on his coaching and business interests. Jim Courier will also play in the tournament. Courier, himself a former world number one, defeated Edberg at the Australian Open in 1992 and 1993. The tournament will take place at the Dubai Aviation Club from Nov 19 to 22. tbrooks@thenational.ae
