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Thomas Johansson coming to Binghamton
Anybody recall Mark P. last year? Former world #8, grand slam finalist. Big news for us last year. He proceeded to cruise thru the field until a foot problem stopped him. The stadium was packed every night he played. We had to get more seating to accommodate the crowd. Parking was a problem. Good response by fans last year. He then went on to the TV stuff, US Open and then a reality show. Anybody recollect that?
Hold on to your seats. This year we got a former world #7 coming. Thomas Johansson of Sweden has accepted a wild card into Rec Park. The first grand slam champion to ever play in Binghamton. We've obviously had guys who won a slam after being here, but not this scenario. Quite unreal what appears to be on the horizon; shifts us from 3rd gear to overdrive turbo-boosters 2 days prior to the event even starting. Thomas is still in the Washington ATP event as of Wednesday, he knocked off #4 seed Clement. Indeed, an interesting story. Only 32, he had a great run back in 2002, had a tough knee injury in '03, missing the entire season (rare) and then comes all the way back to #14 and gets hit in the eye in '05.
Press release credentials below.
Thomas Johansson is the first ever Grand Slam champion to participate in the Binghamton Challenger (a handful of players have won Grand Slams after being in Binghamton, but never prior). Johansson, previously ranked as high as #7 in the world, won the 2002 Australian Open and has 9 ATP titles.
Thomas Johansson's highlights include:
-9 career ATP titles, including 1 Grand Slam, 1 Masters Series and most recently, the St. Petersburg International Series in '05
-Australian Open winner, Wimbledon semifinalist, and twice US Open quarterfinalist
-Career best ranking was #7 in June of '02, the year he won the Australian and following his 2001 season when he compiled a 46-25 record
-Career earnings over $6.5 million
-Currently ranked #71, down from a #104 previously this year after a complicated eye injury in '06
-Missed entire 2003 with left knee injury and surgery, came back to be top ranked Swede in '05 and match his best year end ranking of #14.
-13-10 Davis Cup singles record, including 2-1 record this year (Sweden to play USA in SFs in September)
-Beat the #4 seed and defending champion, Arnaud Clement, in Washington ATP event on Wednesday (2nd round).
Thomas is 32 years old, and he turned pro in 1994. This will be just his 2nd Challenger appearance since 2004 and he has missed just 1 Grand Slam main draw since sitting out in '03.
Thomas commented, "As I continue to try to get more matches to prepare for the US Open, I'm appreciative to get some match play in Binghamton. I feel my fitness is good and I need some more matches to continue to climb back into the top of tennis."
Jeff Hirst, Media Relations Coordinator, comments:
"Thomas is a former world #7, last year Mark Philippoussis was a former world #8. We are priviledged to be able to see a grand slam champion play at Rec Park. Last year the community responded very well to Mark being here, I assume we'll see the same if not more for Thomas. It'll make for a great week."
