Tennis-Madrid aiming to hold two-week mixed tournament in 2009

MADRID, Oct 2 (Reuters) Madrid is almost certain to hold a two-week tournament with both men's and women's competitions at a new arena in 2009, tennis promoter Ion Tiriac said today.

''We are 90 percent convinced that in 2009 the Masters in Madrid will be a mixed tournament that will last up to two weeks,'' Tiriac said at the presentation of this year's men's Masters tournament in Madrid.

''That was always our original goal and it looks like we will achieve it.'' City mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon said the tournament would take place in a new purpose-built arena, known as the ''Caja Magica'' (the Magic Box) which was originally intended to be one of the venues for Madrid's bid to hold the 2012 Olympic Games.

''The Caja Magica project is a reality and it will be ready by 2009,'' said Ruiz-Gallardon.

''We will have the installations to hold the most important tennis events. We have made a long-term commitment to the sport and this will become its permanent home.'' This year's Madrid Masters, which takes place on October 14-22, is the fifth edition of the tournament to be held in the Spanish capital. The city is also hosting the WTA tour end-of-season championships on November 7-12.

REUTERS PDS KN2012