Mercedes-Benz Will End ATP Sponsorship After '08

Mercedes-Benz To Drop ATP Sponsorship

Mercedes-Benz will not renew its sponsorship with the ATP when its current three-year agreement expires at the end of '08, according to TENNIS WEEK. The departure of Mercedes-Benz "is a significant loss to the tour at a time when it is preparing to launch the new-look ATP Tour" in '09. Two years ago, ATP Chair Etienne de Villiers proclaimed the partnership, which began in '96, as "one of the most successful and visible in all of world sports."  Mercedes-Benz is the official car of the ATP and the primary sponsor of the Tennis Masters Cup. The ATP said in a statement it is "currently in discussions with a number of potential new sponsorship partners" (TENNISWEEK.com, 9/28).