Statoil Agrees Masters Tennis Sponsorship

International energy company Statoil has announced its title sponsorship of the Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall for the next three years. 

The event, which in the past has featured Wimbledon champions including Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras every December since 1997, will now be known as the Statoil Masters Tennis until at least 2014.

Charlie Grave, managing director, sponsorship at IMG, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Statoil as our new title sponsor. For the past 15 years, the Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall has brought together much-loved champions to compete and entertain sell-out crowds in one of the most unique and iconic tennis arenas in the world.’

‘In Statoil, we have a passionate title sponsor that will invest in the event, and help the tournament go from strength-to-strength.’

Statoil, a Norway-based company, is making its first venture into sport in the UK with its sponsorship of the tennis event.

The Statoil Masters Tennis will take place between 5th and 9th December when Tim Henman will defend the title he won for the first time last year.

Defending champ Henman added: ‘All successful events need the support of good sponsors so it is great news that Statoil has come on board to title-sponsor the tournament. The Statoil Maters Tennis is a special event and the Royal Albert Hall is an incredible arena for tennis. It is a pleasure for us to play there in front of packed crowds every year.’

The Statoil Masters Tennis is part of the ATP Champions Tour – a circuit of former World Number One tennis players, Grand Slam singles finalists and Davis Cup winners.

Last week Statoil also announced that rising British tennis star Heather Watson has signed an agreement to be an ambassador for the brand and it’s ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’ programme.

Watson, 19, will represent Statoil around the world and wear the brand’s logo during tournaments.