2/1/08
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the Hopman Cup was here to stay and recent media reports about its future were unfounded.
Ms McHale said the State Government had recently signed an unprecedented six year contract with the International Tennis Federation, the Hopman Cup owner, to host the event until 2013.
“Talks today in Perth between myself and senior International Tennis Federation officials, confirmed there is no intention whatsoever to shift the event to another location or conclude the event,” she said.
“In fact both partners are looking forward to the Perth event continuing to build in popularity and international profile, especially when the event moves to the new $335million Perth Arena currently under construction.”
The Minister said the Hopman Cup is an iconic Western Australian event which this year celebrated its 20th birthday.
“We look forward to the Hopman Cup being the cornerstone event of the new Perth Arena,” Ms McHale said.
“There should be no doubt this wonderful event is staying in Perth and will continue, under the guidance of Tournament Director Paul McNamee, to be innovative, exciting and to grow even stronger.”
Minister's Office - 9213 6900
