New deal reached over Hyundai Hopman Cup

9/12/03
The future of the Hopman Cup tennis tournament has been secured for at least the next three years, Tourism and Sport and Recreation Minister Bob Kucera announced today.
Mr Kucera said a new agreement between the Western Australian Tourism Commission and Hopman Cup Pty Ltd had secured the international tennis tournament until 2007, with a further two-year extension possible.
"Hosting the event in 2008 and 2009 will depend on our being able to confirm a venue for the tournament," he said.
"Discussions currently under way are very positive, and the initial three-year deal through to 2007 provides the time needed to work through all the options."
The Minister said the new contract would see Perth retain its international status as the 'home of the Hopman Cup'.
"EventsCorp, a division of the Western Australian Tourism Commission, has been a major sponsor of the event since 1988 when the tournament was first staged under the Burswood Dome," he said.

"The existing contract was due to expire at the end of the 2004 tournament season. I'm pleased to report that lengthy negotiations between EventsCorp, Burswood and Hopman Cup Pty Ltd have resulted in the new agreement, which has significant benefits for Western Australia.
"I would like to commend all parties on their commitment to staging a successful event in WA and their willingness to maintain a strong, constructive relationship."
President of the International Tennis Federation and chairman of the Hopman Cup, Francesco Ricci Bitti, said he was delighted that the immediate future for the tournament was now confirmed.
"We have always maintained that Burswood in Perth is the right home for the Hyundai Hopman Cup," he said.
"It is also imperative that we acknowledge and thank our host broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Fox Sports for renewing their broadcasting arrangements for another five years."
The ABC has signed a five-year deal to continue as host broadcaster, telecasting the tournament live on national free-to-air television and Fox Sport has again signed on as the Pay-TV broadcaster, providing 60 hours of live coverage.
ABC footage of the Hyundai Hopman Cup Tournament will be telecast around the globe via satellite, throughout Asia on the Star TV network, Pan-Middle East on Gulf TV, and will also feature on the Tennis Channel - a new American cable broadcaster.
"In addition, highlights and news coverage of the event are expected to reach more than 200 countries," Mr Kucera said.
"Increased media exposure ensures the eyes of the world will be focussed on Perth throughout the tournament, providing major exposure for WA."
Minister's office: 9213 7000