Querrey signs three-year racquet sponsorship contract with Babolat
World No. 85 Sam Querrey, who has finished in the Top 100 in South African Airways ATP Rankings for five consecutive years, has signed a three-year sponsorship deal with racquet manufacturer Babolat. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The Las Vegas resident will play with the AeroPro Drive GT Plus. “I am thrilled to be part of the Babolat team,” said Querrey. “I think with this racquet in my hand I can make a quick rise back to the top.” A six-time singles winner on the ATP World Tour, Querrey has been ranked as high as No. 17, a ranking he achieved in January 2011. “Sam is a natural fit for Team Babolat. Not only is he a remarkable talent, but he is also the type of well-rounded, well-respected individual we seek to represent the Babolat brand,” said Seth McKinley, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager.
Emirates Airlines partners with United States Tennis Association
According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association and Emirates Airlines announced a global, integrated sponsorship of the US Open and US Open Series. As part of the agreement, Emirates becomes the “Official Airline of the US Open” and the title sponsor of the “Emirates Airline US Open Series,” whose 10 events combine to form the summer hardcourt professional tennis season and lead into the US Open. The seven-year partnership will enable the airline to strengthen its connection with U.S. consumers through a long-term investment in U.S. sport. The sponsorship rights include integrated consumer experiential elements and substantial digital media assets and opportunities. Emirates will have a significant on-court presence and also receive global promotional rights. In 2011, the US Open Series collectively reached a U.S. viewing audience of 39 million and drew more than 800,000 fans. “Our new partnership with the USTA and sponsorship of the prestigious US Open represents a further strengthening of Emirates’ presence within the United States,” said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice-Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group. “With the launch of Seattle, our sixth U.S. gateway on March 1, Emirates will soon offer 59 flights a week to North America, connecting more U.S. consumers than ever to our vast global network spanning six continents.” “Our continued expansion across the country and the advent of a new brand era for Emirates makes this the perfect time to embark on our first major, national sponsorship in the United States,” continued Sir Maurice. “Through this partnership, we hope to create a deeper connection with our customers through sharing in and supporting their passions. Emirates is a strong champion of North American sports and this sponsorship will enable us to enhance the fan experience at these tournaments while building a lasting relationship with tennis in the U.S.” “This partnership truly is a combination of prestigious global brands and we’re thrilled to welcome Emirates Airline as a USTA Corporate Champion,” said Lew Sherr, Chief Revenue Officer, USTA. “While we look forward to supporting Emirates’ efforts to build awareness in the U.S., we’re also excited to leverage their global network and promote our events to an equally sophisticated, global clientele.” Through the sponsorship, Emirates will enhance attendees’ experiences and engage with viewers through mainstream and digital platforms and an on-site presence during all US Open and Emirates Airline US Open Series events. During the 2012 US Open in New York, which will be played this year from August 27 – September 9, Emirates will create an integrated fan experience – both on and off the court – demonstrating the airline’s award-winning, world-class service, as well as opening doors to Emirates’ network of destinations across six continents. As presenting sponsor of the US Open Club, Emirates will enhance the on-site upscale dining venue and provide interactive elements to elevate attendees’ overall involvement at the event. Travelers on Emirates will enjoy in-flight content featuring classic US Open matches and recap programs. Emirates Skywards members will also enjoy onsite promotional experiences. Emirates will be integrated into all Emirates Airline US Open Series broadcasts across CBS Sports, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel through on-air billboards, interstitials and in-broadcast features. When combined, the 2011 US Open and US Open Series drew more than 1.5 million fans and provided more than $40 million in prize money to men’s and women’s professional tennis players. “This sponsorship provides Emirates with a unique opportunity to engage with local communities across the United States through the USTA’s community initiatives,” added Sir Maurice. “By building bridges with local communities through sport, Emirates hopes to unite fans, engage in meaningful conversations and bring global cultures together.”
Tennis Channel to count down Top 100 Greatest Players
Starting on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. EST, Tennis Channel will rank the top 100 tennis players to ever pick up a tennis racquet. 100 Greatest of all Time Presented by Ally Bank is a five-night, weeklong special series that will cross generations and gender as it counts down the most elite tennis players to ever play the game. The No. 1 all-time tennis player in history will be unveiled at the conclusion of the final episode on Friday, March 23. “This is a televised answer to the old sports saying that great athletes don’t just compete with their contemporaries – they compete with everyone who ever played the game, said Laura Hockridge, Vice President, Original Programming, Tennis Channel. “No one has devoted this much air time to exploring and ranking the top 100 tennis players in history and, while we don’t think viewers will be surprised with the names at the top of our list, we expect this series to add to the ongoing fan debate, rather than settle it.” Tennis Channel’s 100 Greatest of all Time rankings were decided by an international committee of players, journalists, coaches, historians and industry representatives. Participants hailed from six continents and included the International Tennis Hall of Fame. During the 2011 voting and selection process, the series’ producers spent several months taping interviews and collecting footage before editing the individual episodes this winter. In all, the entire project has taken about a year to prepare.
USTA Eastern to bring back tennis to Intrepid with Patrick McEnroe on February 23
Tennis is returning to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on February 23 when ESPN tennis broadcaster and former French Open Doubles champion Patrick McEnroe hosts a 10 and Under tennis clinic. Hosted for the second consecutive year at the Intrepid, the clinic will give children the opportunity to learn the game of tennis using special equipment tailored to their age and size. Children will also have the chance to meet McEnroe, who also serves as the General Manager of USTA Player Development. “We are very excited to bring 10 and Under Tennis aboard the Intrepid once again,” said Michelle Blake Wilson, Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for USTA Eastern. “And we are fortunate this year to be joined by Patrick McEnroe, who is using this kid-friendly format to train high-performing junior players across the country.” In addition to the clinic, there will be many on and off-court activities including a photo station and raffles every hour for a chance to win kids’ size tennis racquet and free tickets to the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden, featuring Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki. The BNP Paribas Showdown will be played at the World’s Most Famous Arena on March 5. The Intrepid is located at Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) in Manhattan.
USTA and Nickelodeon launch “Tennis Really Rocks” Sweepstakes
On February 21, the USTA and Nickelodeon announced the kick-off of the “Tennis Really Rocks” sweepstakes as part of their ongoing partnership. One lucky child will win a grand prize trip for four to New York City to attend the Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the annual kick-off event for the final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, as well as the opportunity to hang out with the stars of Nickelodeon’s brand-new live-action series How to Rock, Cymphonique Miller and Max Schneider. Fifty kids will win the first prize, which includes 10 and Under Tennis equipment such as tennis racquets and lower bouncing balls specifically designed for young children. The “Tennis Really Rocks” contest runs through April 1. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 or their parents can enter the contest at www.nick.com/TENNISROCKS. “Over the past few years we’ve been working with our industry partners to leverage our 10 and Under Tennis format and garner their support for our largest-ever youth tennis initiative,” says Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “With our agreement with Nickelodeon, we’re now stepping outside of tennis and reaching a much wider youth audience to engage them in tennis. Our goal is to get them to try tennis and then keep them in the game.” Also as part of the USTA and Nickelodeon partnership, Miller and Schneider will make appearances, throughout the year, at USTA events aimed at kids and be featured in commercial and promotional spots promoting youth tennis.
Querrey drops Nainkin as coach, hires Brad Gilbert
American Sam Querrey has split with coach David Nainkin and has hired Brad Gilbert on a trial basis. ZooTennis’ Colette Lewis first reported that Gilbert was hired to work with Querrey. TENNIS.com has learned that Gilbert will still consider his role as an ESPN tennis analyst as his full-time job. His commitment to coaching the No. 85 ranked Querrey will be on a week to week basis. Gilbert is currently in Memphis working with Querrey at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships. The American won his first round match on Tuesday in three sets over Alejandro Falla.
Wozniacki, Ivanovic named Global Brand Ambassadors for Dubai Duty Free
Former World No. 1s Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic have been named global brand ambassadors for Dubai Duty Free. The Dubai Duty Free Player Ambassador Program is a prestigious initiative between the WTA Tour and Dubai Duty Free, which recently extended its partnership through 2014. “Dubai has a special place in my heart and it feels great to return this year as defending champion of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Being an ambassador for Dubai Duty Free is a great honor and it gives me the opportunity to help promote one of my favorite destinations,” said Wozniacki. “I am really flattered that Dubai Duty Free asked me to become its brand ambassador. It is a great company that has also been extremely supportive of women’s tennis. I always get excited about traveling to Dubai as it is one of the most exciting cities in the world,” said Ivanovic.
Djokovic to open title defense at Sony Ericsson Open on Saturday, March 24 (Session 10)
World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic will begin his quest for a second consecutive Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami on Saturday, March 24 at 8 p.m., which is Session 10. This year, the Serbian is looking to join Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras as the only man to win the Sony Ericsson Open at least three times. The Sony Ericsson Open will be played from March 19-April 1 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.SonyEricssonOpen.com or by calling (305) 442-3367.
Har-Tru acquires J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports
Charlottesville-based Har-Tru, the leading provider of clay courts, lighting and court accessories in the tennis industry, announced the acquisition of the tennis operations of J.A. Cissel Manufacturing and Century Sports. The acquisition allows customers to have more access to a wider selection of products and the best brands in tennis accessories and surfacing marketplace. “The acquisition supports and aligns with Har-Tru’s mission to develop innovative tennis products that help our customers maximize their potential,” said Anderson McNeill, President of Har-Tru Sports and Charles Luck. “The acquisition allows us to stay competitive in the sports supply segment and focused on our path of developing champions around the world.” Headquartered in Lakewood, N.J, Cissel and Century provide complementary extensions of Har-Tru’s product offerings. The acquisition also creates synergies in product innovation, product sourcing, and new product development. Cissel and Century are being purchased from Bob Hellerson. “We’ve admired Bob’s product leadership and focus on introducing innovative and top-of-the-line tennis court accessories for years,” said Randy Futty, General Manager of HAR-TRU Sports. “This acquisition allows us to expand our current product offering to include accessories for clay and hard courts while giving us a chance to increase our reach and name recognition nationally and globally.”