The ARAG ATP World Team Championship will continue to host world-class international tennis at the Rochusclub in Duesseldorf, Germany, through 2012. The governing body of men’s professional tennis, ATP and tournament organizers Rochusclub Turnier GmbH have extended the contract, expiring in 2007, by another five years.

Horst Klosterkemper, ATP CEO Europe, said: “This means great news. The city of Duesseldorf as the hometown of the ARAG ATP World Team Championship will host that unique team event at least for another 5 years! “The Lord Mayor, Mr. Joachim Erwin, has proved many times that he is a great sport-fan. That's why I'm very optimistic for the future growth of this worldwide recognized Tennis Festival in Duesseldorf. So I'm happy and grateful that the trustful partnership between Duesseldorf and our ATP will become even stronger during the near future"

 

Klosterkemper founded the Nations Cup, now known as the ARAG ATP World Team Championships in 1978. Tournament director Dietloff von Arnim is already looking forward to the 30th edition of the ARAG ATP World Team Championships, from May 20-26, 2007.

 

“We’re very happy with regard to the continuation. Thus, the annual ATP World Championship remains at the Rochusclub and in the City of Duesseldorf,” said von Arnim. “However, the extension of the contract is not only extremely satisfying and very important for us and the City but for the entire tennis sport in Germany.”

 

Von Arnim further emphasised “that the many long-time sponsors, first and foremost ARAG as title sponsors, have contributed enormously to achieve this feat.” In 2007, Croatia will return to defend its title against the likes of Spain, the United States, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Argentina. The wild-card will be given to host nation Germany, who have been boosted by the news that Tommy Haas has already given his confirmation to participate.