The Cliff Richard Tennis Classic 2002

The Tennis Classic 2002, held at the Birmingham NIA on the 14th of December, marked an important milestone for the Cliff Richard Tennis Foundation

Although it seems like only yesterday when Cliff and Sue Barker organised the first 'Mixed Doubles' event at the Brighton Centre in 1983, this year Cliff took to the stage to announce our 20th pro-celebrity tennis event! Quite an acheivement and an important anniversay, so the Tennis Classic 2002 was certain to be a very special occassion.

Over the years the event has become hugely popular and an essential diary date for thousands of loyal fans. So to celebrate our 20th night of exciting tennis action, comedy, music and entertainment, we arranged an all-star cast of celebrities and top tennis players

Sir Cliff with co-presenter Claire Sweeney

Joining Tennis Foundation regular Mike Read as co-presenter for the evening was Claire Sweeney. The multi-talented Claire is an accomplished actress and singer and doubled as both presenter and performer, delighting the crowd with some stunning vocal performances.

Central to our evening of course, is the tennis action and this year we lined up teams consiting some of the Britians finest tennis players.

Captain of the challeging team was TV, stage and screen star Rudolph Walker (Patrick from Eastenders) Off-screen Rudy is a keen tennis player and was looking forward to putting his skills to the test against Captan Cliff.

Claire Sweeney welcomes Captain Rudy Walker

Joining Rudy's team were three former Britsh Number 1 players: The Tennis world's golden boy in the 70s and 80s John Lloyd; player turned commentator Andrew Castle; and tennis legend Virginia Wade. Virginia was ranked number 1 in Great Britain for 10 consecutive years was the last British tennis player to win Wimbledon in 1977.

As many of you will know, Captain Cliff has had the monopoly on winning the trophy at our Tennis Event for a few years now. This year, with such a formidable team arrayed, we felt sure that he might have to concede his champions crown! In the face of such stiff opppostion however, Sir Cliff had some big hitters of his own.

Annabel Croft was the youngest Briton to play at Wimbledon for nearly 100 years and was Britain's Number One women player by the age of 21. Also joining Cliff's team were Peter Fleming and Roger Taylor

Peter had a hugely successful career in tennis, with singles wins over Borg, McEnroe and Nastase. While Roger is another former British Number One and is the current Davis Cup Captain.

The Tennis Classic

In Association with
Intelligent Finance

'All that Jazz'
Claire Sweeney
shows off her
singing talents

Co-presenter
Mike Read

Virgina Wade
Tennis Legend
Virginia Wade

The tennis action was spread over a series of quick-fire tie-breaks and was fast, furious and entertaining. After overcomming some initial difficulties with his serve, Rudy led his team in a valliant challenge, and for a while it looked as if his team might have the edge.

The match play was interspersed with the usual mix of favourites that have become an integral part of the show, including the raffle and lucky brochure prize draws and the chance to win a new car, kindly supplied by Rover Cars. This year there was a special prize for one lucky winner - the opportunity to come down on court and play doubles with Cliff. The lucky winner was Rosemary Skyrme from Melksham in Wiltshire. You can read Rosemary's personal account of her match with Cliff in our Latest News section. Click Here

Sir Cliff announces the winners of the raffle

Sue Barker also made a guest appearance on court to talk to Cliff about the ongoing work of the Tennis Foundation, and to present some prizes to Tara Hall and Lucy Roze, two our Trailblazers who were selected by BATS (The British Association of Tennis Supporters) for being the most improved juniors, each earning a cheque for £100.

One of the Tenors serenades Virgina Wade

There was an additional surprise interlude with an appearance from Tenors Incognito. Cleverly disguised as fans and stewards, the three tenors burst onto the court, serenading both the audience and players with a selection of pop and operatic hits.

There was anothersurprise appearance from the rock star Ozzzy Osbourne who stumbled on court to umpire the last match clutching a can of lager! Closer inspection revealed the drunken rock star to be none other than Bobby Davro, another regular at our annual tennis event.

Despite some last minute celebrity assistance from Mr Davro, Rudy's team were unable to find the crucial points needed to clinch the match, and once again, Captain Cliff and his team took the winning trophy.

The awards and trophies were presented on court by Grenville Turner, Chief Executive of Intelligent Finance. Despite his last minute efforts Bobby Davro did however, scoop the Man of the Match award for his final peformance.

The teams recieve their trophies from Grenville Turner, CEO of Intelligent Finance

With the wining trophy in the bag it was time for Cliff to take to the stage for his much-loved Christmas musical extravaganza. This year the fans were in for a real treat and the show featured a solo performance of the theme from 'Titanic' from Claire Sweeney, who then performed with Cliff, singing a duet of 'Silent Night'.

Claire and Cliff duet on Miss You Nights

There was also a big surprise in store for Cliff. Roy C Bennett is a song writer who has written numerous famous pop songs, including 'The Young Ones' which Cliff sung way back in 1960.

Cliff has never met Roy, so imagine his surprise and delight when the 84 year old Roy appeared on stage, having flown over from the USA specially to appear at the Show. The two proceeded to make musical history, performing a duet of 'The Young Ones'

Cliff sings Living Doll with Roy C Bennet

As is tradition at the annual tennis event, the evening was rounded off with Cliff leading the audience in the Christmas Carols, accompanied by children from Robert's Primary School, Dudley and the Bormingham Salvation Army Band. It was a fine end to a wonderful evening and, as the show drew to a close Cliff wished everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and announced that as long as the fans keep coming, he'll keep performing. It's therefore safe to assume that the Tennis Classic will be a regular fixture at the NIA for many years to come! A huge thank-you to all Cliff's fans who continue to support the event.