Tennis Australia and Cable & Wireless Optus today announced a $2 million sponsorship deal bringing a powerful combination to the tennis courts of Australia.

The deal will allow all Australian tennis teams to be brought under one new banner of Optus Team Tennis Australia for the first time in Australian tennis history. This includes the nation's Davis Cup, Federation Cup, Junior Davis Cup, Junior Federation Cup and international touring age teams.

In addition to Australia's elite tennis teams, the sponsorship will also provide scholarships for Australia's wheelchair tennis players and develop junior talent at tennis camps run by Tony Roche and John Newcombe.

According to Geoff Pollard, Tennis Australia President, with the introduction of Optus Team Tennis Australia, 2001 heralds a new era for tennis in Australia.

"From junior tennis to the lofty heights of Davis Cup competition, Tennis Australia is thrilled to be working with Optus to ensure the future success of Australian tennis at all levels of the game," Mr Pollard said.

Chris Anderson, Chief Executive, Cable & Wireless Optus said Optus was proud to support an organisation whose goals on the tennis court reflected what Optus is achieving in the marketplace.

"Competition, teamwork and partnerships make champions on and off the courts.

"Tennis, and in particular team tennis, has played important part in the history of Australian sport, and Optus is looking forward to making history with Australia's current and future tennis teams.

"Optus is glad to be able to provide the support which will help these teams to go on in the future with a more secure financial footing," Mr Anderson said.

Optus Team Tennis Australia will make its debut at the 2001 Davis Cup first round encounter between Australia and Ecuador in Perth (9-11 February 2001).

For more information:
Jodie Wrigley
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: (02) 9342 7846

Miranda Jukes
Tennis Australia
Phone: 03 9286 1202
Mobile: 0409 534 960