Safin Joins Elite Field as Artois Entry List Revealed

FFormer World No.1 and two-time Grand Slam title winner Marat Safin has joined the list of star names set to contest the 2007 Artois Championships at the Queen’s Club in London.

Safin, who won the US Open in 2000 and the Australian Open two years ago, joins World No.2 Rafael Nadal, three-time winner Andy Roddick, defending champion Lleyton Hewitt and British No.1 Andy Murray.

“The Artois Championships in 2005 was only my second ATP event and it was great to win my first ATP level match,” said Murray. “It’s a great tournament.”

Top Ten players Novak Djokovic, Fernando Gonzalez and Ivan Ljubicic are also on the official Entry List, which was announced today.

It means that six of the current Top Ten will compete on the grass at the Artois Championships, 11-17 June.

“We are delighted to add Marat to an already strong field,” said Tournament Director, Ian Wight.

British favourite Tim Henman – a semifinalist last year, former finalist Sebastien Grosjean and exciting Frenchman Gael Monfils are also entered.

The doubles draw will feature the Bryan Brothers – Mike and Bob, and Andy Murray’s brother, Jamie.

The full singles entry list is attached.

For the first time at an ATP event in the UK, the electronic line-calling system ‘Hawk-Eye’ will be in operation at the Artois Championships.

Giant Screens will be installed at opposite ends of the centre court showing replays of line-calls ‘challenged’ by players. The technology has been greeted with huge acclaim among players, spectators and the media.

More fans than ever before will be able to enjoy the Artois Championships with the Centre Court capacity increasing by 400 seats to 6,858.

Click here for full 2007 Artois Championships Entry List