Pro tennis exhibitions were held at Xcel Energy Center in 2002, 2003 and 2004. General manager Jack Larson told Sports Headliners he remains interested in more exhibitions. Larson said there’s been discussion about an exhibition between legends Pete Sampras and John McEnroe but an agreement hasn’t been made.
Roger Federer? “We would be interested if the financials are attractive enough,” Larson said.
He also said in 2005 Xcel looked at Federer but the “price” was too high. Larson’s intent now is to see if it’s possible to bring the man who has won seven of the last eight Grand Slam events here for an exhibition.
The problem is tennis’ biggest stars don’t play many exhibitions and their guaranteed asking prices are often more than promoters are willing to risk. Federer appeals to both the passionate and casual tennis fans here.
In his championship singles run at the Australian Open earlier this year the phenomenal Federer didn’t even lose a set! He has now won 10 Grand Slam titles and his triumphs include being the only player ever to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon three consecutive years.
Count former University of Minnesota player and coach Jerry Noyce among those in awe of the 25- year-old Swiss native. “The best athlete of our time in any sport,” Noyce said. “No one has dominated his sport as he has. He probably has played against as strong a field (of competition) as anyone ever has.”
Who is the most attractive box office opponent for Federer here? Make it Sampras, a great player who because he is 10 years older never developed a rivalry with Federer.
Noyce said Sampras has announced he will be playing 35 and over tennis. Sampras’ skills and ticket selling appeal are vibrant enough to make him Federer’s opponent here. Sampras won a record 14 Grand Slam singles titles.
Past headliners in exhibitions at Xcel have included Anna Kournikova, Andy Roddick, and McEnroe.