JIMMY Connors is to return to the ATP Champions Tour after a 13-year absence to play in the Zurich Open in March.
A former world number one and winner of eight Grand Slam titles, Connors will take his place in a round-robin group that includes Henri Leconte at the event, which is now in its third year. Connors said: “I am thrilled to be back on the ATP Champions Tour after more than a decade and being able to compete in Zurich against some great champions is an exciting prospect.
“Zurich is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a favourite of mine. I’m feeling good and ready to compete again and am looking forward to being back on the ATP Champions Tour.”
The charismatic left-hander still holds a number of records: he still tops the list of tournament wins with 109 titles, has won more matches (1 242) than any other player in the open era, and was the first player to win Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces.
Connors held the world number one ranking for a total of 268 weeks, which puts him behind Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl in the list of the all-time best. However, his 160 consecutive weeks at the top of the ranking have so far only been surpassed by Federer.
In addition to Connors and Leconte, the Zurich Open will feature defending champion Mark Philippoussis, last year’s runner-up Tim Henman and Marat Safin, while three further champions will complete the 8-player entry list in the coming weeks. (Eurosport)