Joe Anderson, the Leader of Liverpool City Council, has welcomed the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 2011 to Calderstones Park.
Joe visited the park to inspect centre court ahead of next week's tournament, and found time to test the court out himself by playing a few points with tournament organiser, Anders Borg.
The tournament will be played between Thursday 16 June and Sunday 19 June.
This year's special guest is former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova. Martina is visiting the tournament for the second time, and Joe Anderson was keen to extend a warm welcome her way:
"Martina is one of the game's super stars. She's been here before, and last year we had John McEnroe. It just goes to show that Liverpool can attract the biggest tennis names to perform in this tournament."
"As well as seeing Martina play, spectators will get the chance to see some of Liverpool's own brightest tennis talents in action."
"The court looks fantastic. I had chance to play on it myself earlier, and it really is playing well."
"I hope everyone who comes gets a few days of good weather. They can be sure that the tennis won't let them down."