Two of the biggest names in tennis will square off in exhibitions in Auckland and Christchurch in February.
The matches, featuring former Wimbledon champions John McEnroe and Pat Cash, were confirmed yesterday.
They will play evening matches under the "Mercedes Challenge" banner at the Westpac Centre for Sport andEntertainment in Christchurch on February 2 and at the ASB Bank Tennis Centre in Auckland the following day.
American McEnroe, one of the greatest-ever left-handed players, won seven grand slam tournaments and was ranked No 1 from 1981 to 1984.
The "superbrat" ended his 16-year career in 1991 and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999. These days he plays on the Masters Tour when his commentary commitments allow.
Australian Cash reached a career-high No 6 in 1984 - three years before his Wimbledon triumph. In nine years on the ATP circuit, the 38-year-old won six titles.
These days he often works as an analyst alongside McEnroe at major tournaments.
It will be McEnroe's second appearance in Auckland after playing a similar exhibition some years ago. The 44-year-old will come to New Zealand after working at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Tickets for the Auckland match went on sale yesterday.
The exhibition will continue Auckland's big summer of tennis following the ASB Classic (women) and the men's Heineken Open. Both January tournaments have attracted top-class fields.
