The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the past 21 years, Mark Knowles has not missed a trip to London, England, to participate in Wimbledon – the most prestigious Grand Slam Tournament on the ATP circuit.

This year, Knowles is teaming up with Australian Paul Hanley, a competitor whom he’s had many fierce battles with across the net from each other.

The unseeded duo is slated to play their first round match against the American team of Scott Lipsky and Rajeev Ram, either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

This one would be extra special if Knowles and Hanley can get past the first week of competition. If they are successful, they could face the winner of the match between the team of Dustin Brown and Oliver Marach and the No.11 ranked combo of Frantisek Cermak and Filip Polasek.

But, for Knowles, just the thought of being back in London has given him goose bumps.

“I’m pretty excited being at Wimbledon, the biggest tournament for the year,” he said. “It’s a major tournament to be a part of. This is my 21st year and I’m still super excited to be here.

“I have a great partner in Paul Hanley from Australia and so I’m really looking forward to getting out there and winning some matches.”

Knowles, 40, has not played since he and Xavier Malisse of Belgium got eliminated in the third round of the French Open at Roland Garros a couple weeks ago.

“I didn’t play in any grass court tournaments that lead up to Wimbledon, but I came over here a couple of days earlier and got in a lot of practice on the grass,” Knowles said.

“I feel good about the way we’re playing on the grass, so obviously it’s a new endeavour. Paul and I have never played together, so obviously we’ve played against each other for a long time, so we know each other’s game.”

Although he has 55 doubles titles in his career, the only Grand Slam that has slipped away from him has been Wimbledon. If there’s any consolation, he did reach the final with former long-time partner Daniel Nestor in 2002 and he and Anna-Lena Grönefeld of Germany did take home the mixed doubles crown in 2009.

In singles, over a span from 1992 to about 2002, Knowles has gotten to the second round at Wimbledon four times in 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996.

For Knowles, there’s no better tournament to participate in than Wimbledon.

“You never get tired of playing the Grand Slams, especially Wimbledon,” he said. “It’s deep in so much tradition and having growing up as my most favourite tournament to watch, it’s just real special. I guess because it’s choked up in tradition and I get to spend time with my family, which makes that much more special.”