Tennis New Zealand has adopted Slazenger as its official tennis ball. This new arrangement starts in November 2009, and will be in place for at least the next two years.
All competitors at Tennis New Zealand events will henceforth be stroking, slicing and smashing balls provided by Slazenger.
These Tennis New Zealand-run events include Davis Cup Ties hosted in New Zealand, the ASB Pro Circuit (an ITF Futures-level series of professional tournaments) , Configure Express NZ Money Tournament Circuit, all NZ national age-group tournaments, and the National Schools Tennis Championships.
Slazenger is the original manufacturer of the modern tennis ball, and one of the most widespread and enduring sporting brands.
The Slazenger Championship Tennis Ball is a premium grade ball, and is available in Hardcourt or Grasscourt, in a 3 or 4 ball can.
Tennis New Zealand CEO Steve Walker said, "We are extremely pleased to have rekindled our association with Slazenger, as our two organisations have a long history together."
“The agreement will further secure the Slazenger brand as a supporter of grass roots tennis, and our status as the number one ball in the region. We look forward to working closely with Tennis New Zealand to further promote the game,” said Ian Davis, General Manager of Dunlop Slazenger.
Established in 1881 in England, Slazenger was a pivotal force in the world-wide popularisation of tennis, by producing 'The New Game of Lawn Tennis' as a complete kit, supplied in a finely-crafted wooden box.
Slazenger grew to become multinational sporting presence, with agencies in places as far removed as Iceland, Boliva, Madagascar - and New Zealand.
In 1902, Slazenger was appointed as the official tennis ball for the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Championships - the pre-eminent professional tournament known to the world as Wimbledon.
This deal with Wimbledon is set to run till at least 2015, making it one of the sporting world's most famous and long-lived equipment endorsements.
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