Cunard, owners of the most famous ocean liners in the world, has been a tournament partner since 1999 and has decided to step up its support of an event that enjoyed record-breaking crowds in 2003.
Stuart Perl, marketing director of Cunard, said: “This is a prestigious event that fits the profile of our passengers and attracts the sort of clientele that we would like to have on board our ships.”
The finale to the ATP Delta Tour of Champions, which sees superstars like John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Pat Cash vying for a winner-takes-all prize of $100,000, will now be known as The Masters Tennis presented by Cunard.
Players are now required to qualify for the event, which boasts a bigger field of champions than ever before and an extra day of action.
Qualifiers for the tournament, being held between November 30 and December 5, include: Boris Becker, Sergi Bruguera, Jim Courier, Pat Cash, Guy Forget, Richard Krajicek, Thomas Muster, Michael Stich and Mats Wilander.
McEnroe has accepted one of the two wildcards to be awarded.
The field will total 12 with the addition of the two wildcard invitations.
As well as the competitive action, a world-class field of players will figure in doubles entertainment.
