April 13, 2005
DAVIS, Calif. - Former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion John McEnroe, one of the most notable tennis figures in the world, will be on hand Thursday to help with dedication ceremonies for the new Marya Welch Tennis Center on the UC Davis campus.
Tickets are no longer available for the evening as the event sold out earlier this week.
McEnroe's attendance, along with that of the tennis center's namesake, Dr. Marya Welch, will highlight an evening of festivities that includes tennis exhibitions with current UC Davis tennis players, an exhibition match between McEnroe and Wayne Ferreira - who achieved a world ranking as high as No.6 - and an evening reception that includes a question-and-answer period with McEnroe.
During his remarkable career, McEnroe captured 77 singles and 77 doubles titles, achieving No.1 in the year-end world singles rankings from 1981-84. He captured seven Grand Slam singles titles and seven doubles titles and had his best season in 1984 when he won 82 of 84 matches, including his third Wimbledon and fourth U.S. Open titles.
Gates open at 4 p.m. with the dedication ceremony beginning at 5 p.m., which will include comments from Welch and McEnroe. The exhibitions begin at 5:30 p.m. with McEnroe and Ferreira joining forces with both UC Davis men's and women's players followed by a pro-set exhibition between McEnroe and Ferreira. The evening concludes with a reception with Welch, McEnroe and the UC Davis tennis teams. McEnroe will also hold court for a question and answer period at the reception.
The Marya Welch Tennis Center is a first-class facility that is the new home to UC Davis Tennis. Completion of the tennis center will be done in two phases. Phase I was completed earlier this year and includes six new championship courts, a center patio, fencing and grand entryway. Phase II will complete the project with rest rooms, lighting, meeting facilities, and spectator seating for viewing all 16 courts, providing a tennis center which will accommodate joint men's and women's matches as well as major NCAA tournaments.
