Stella Artois , owned by InBev, has said 2008 will be the last time it sponsors the Artois tournament at Queen's. It has sponsored the event for 30 years.

The LTA's Roger Draper said: “As part of our new commercial strategy we are looking to market the sport as a complete package, rather than a series of individual events. Now is an appropriate time for change.”

Commentators are surprised that the relationship between a premium sporting event and a premium-strength lager, has lasted this long.