McEnroe to play in Surprise tennis tournament

Tennis bad boy John McEnroe will compete in Surprise's upcoming Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships, the city has announced.

McEnroe is one on a full slate of tennis stars scheduled to compete in the tournament, Nov. 5-9 at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

The city has been negotiating a contract for six months to lure McEnroe, who is guaranteed to draw crowds, Community and Recreation Services Director Mark Coronado said.

"He's obviously one of the premier tennis players of all time," Coronado said. "He should generate a box office that will be complementary to the tournament."

This will mark the first of three years the city is committed to serve as a stop for the Outback Champions Series, a traveling tour featuring past tennis greats. Others scheduled to attend in Surprise include Jimmy Arias, Jim Courier, Wayne Ferreira, Todd Martin and Mark Philippoussis.

McEnroe, who still has his trademark temper, is a frequent competitor on the Outback tour. Earlier this month, in Newport, R.I., he was ejected from a match after cutting loose with a flurry of obscenities and engaging in a shouting match with a spectator.

"He has a very passionate on-court demeanor, and the years have not mellowed John McEnroe," Coronado said.

As host, the city is expected to pay for the cost of the tournament, estimated to cost $750,000 per year. More than $200,000 is allotted to cover appearance fees and travel costs of players, and $150,000 will be dedicated to prize money. The city is not disclosing the players' individual appearance fees because the agreements were made through a private contractor.

The hope is to recoup the entire tournament's costs through ticket and merchandise sales, sponsorships and concessions, Coronado said.

More than 10,000 spectators are expected to attend.