Jamba Juice signs Venus Williams to develop at least five store locations
Jamba Juice and Venus Williams recently announced that they signed a non-binding letter of intent to form a joint venture to develop up to five Jamba Juice stores in the Washington, D.C./Maryland area over the next couple years. The venture will also provide a platform for a long-term relationship, which would provide Williams’ organization with the certain exclusive rights to franchise the Jamba Juice brand throughout the Washington D.C./Maryland marketplace. The terms of the arrangement are expected to be finalized within the next 60 days and the first store to open later this summer. “Venus is a legend in the sports world, an entrepreneur, and a role model who serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to achieve new heights in their personal or professional lives,” said James D. White, Chairman, President and CEO, Jamba Juice Company. “In her we found a partner as committed as we are to enabling people to lead healthier, more active lifestyles and who wants to help people find simple solutions to eating better. “Regardless of her endeavor, Venus goes after everything with gusto and a motivation to win. And she is committed to helping others succeed too. Her support for a brand like Jamba that brings great tasting, better-for-you, convenience to eating healthier is a win for everyone.”
Sharapova donates $250,000 to Chernobyl relief on 25-year anniversary
Former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion Maria Sharapova donated $250,000 to expand a United Nations Development Program (UNDP) that provides sports and physical activities for youth in the three countries affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which occurred 25 years ago on April 26. The 24-year-old Russian native has been a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and runs a foundation under her name that awards five-year university scholarships to youth from the area. Last weekend, Sharapova delivered a recorded world-wide message about the tragedy. “Today, while the anniversary is filled with sadness, we also acknowledge that this is a time for hope, as we move forward in building a better future for all those whose lives have been changed by this tragedy,” said Sharapova. “At the same time my thoughts today are with the people of Japan who are facing a nuclear disaster.”
Where Champions Live” is new tagline for Tennis Channel
Starting this week, Tennis Channel will unveil its new tagline “Where Champions Live” after previously being known as the “Home of the Slams”. Tennis Channel has created a multi-tiered approach to unveil the new tagline, rolling it out through a series of promos, short-form pieces and ID spots in support of “Where Champions Live.” The campaign launches this week and will unfold throughout the summer with promotional elements that feature several men and women who have tasted their share of on-court success. Among these players are Billie Jean King, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Lindsay Davenport, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, Andy Murray, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Querrey, Ana Ivanovic, Fernando Verdasco, Jelena Jankovic, John Isner and Na Li. “Tennis Channel’s new tagline, “Where Champions Live,” characterizes both the year-round tournament finals we offer and the stars that consistently appear on our air,” said Robyn Miller, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Tennis Channel. One of the first IDs, with the all-time men’s Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer, can be seen online now at http://goo.gl/aGKY0
Clijsters named to TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential People list
Former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam singles champion Kim Clijsters was recently named to TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential People list, along with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, actress Amy Poehler, Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings, economist Joe Stiglitz and Egyptian political activist Wael Ghonim. “Sure, it’s easier to balance work and family when you’re making a lot of money. But Kim has turned that balance into an art form,” wrote Martina Navratilova in TIME. “She has kept her feet on the ground and knows that her tennis skills do not make her a great person. Whenever there’s an opportunity for players to do something charitable, she’s the first to sign up. On the court, Kim doesn’t play any mind games. She won’t throw tantrums or call for bathroom breaks to throw off her opponent. Kim just gets on with it.”
US Open tickets sales extended for USTA members through April 29
USTA members can now purchase tickets to the US Open through April 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET in an extended members-only presale. This year’s US Open will be played from August 29-September 11 in Flushing Meadows, New York.
Isner signs up to play in ATP Winston-Salem Open
World No. 29 John Isner has agreed to play in the ATP Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University, which will be held from August 21-27. Isner, who grew up in nearby Greensboro and was a graduate of Page High School, is the second player to sign up to compete, joining fellow American Mardy Fish. Tickets to the inaugural ATP Winston-Salem Open go on sale to the public on May 10 and can be purchased through the official website at winstonsalemopen.com. “We’re incredibly excited to have two of the top five male tennis players in America as the first to sign on with the Winston-Salem Open,” said Bill Oakes, Tournament Director. “We’re also anticipating a groundswell of local fan enthusiasm for John since he grew up in the Triad and maintains many friendships here.” A current player on the U.S. Davis Cup team, Isner is well known in tennis circles as the only player in the Top 150 to attend college for four years, for being the second tallest player on tour (6’9″) and for his fast rise on the South African Airways ATP Rankings. He has one of the hardest serves among current pros and holds the record for the longest match ever played in tennis history. Isner’s epic battle at Wimbledon against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut lasted for 11 hours and 5 minutes, ending with his 70-68 victory in the fifth set.
Wozniacki might hire tennis legend Navratilova as consultant
Sporten DK is reporting that Caroline Wozniacki’s father, Piotr, said that the top-ranked women’s player might consider hiring tennis great Martina Navratilova as a consultant. Piotr is Caroline’s main coach, but she also uses the services of adidas coaches Sven Groenefeld and Mats Merkel. The asking price to hire Navratilova is around $300,000.
Petkovic hires Graf’s former coach on part-time basis
Rising German star Andrea Petkovic, who is currently ranked No. 15 in the WTA Tour, has hired Steffi Graf’s former coach Heinz Gunthardt. Gunthardt worked with Serbian Ana Ivanovic for a good portion of the 2010 season, but didn’t want to travel with her full-time. Petkovic and Gunthardt will work on a part-time basis, as Petar Popovic will remain her full-time coach. “The point is that I will incorporate my ideas and experiences and give an input,” said Gunthardt. “I will not be working with Andrea every day.”
Several top Serbian players issued diplomatic passports
Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic granted diplomatic passports to members of the Serbian Davis Cup team, which includes world No. 2 Novak Djokovic, as well as top women players Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic. Serbian authorities issued the diplomatic passports to the players because they said it would allow for easier travel.
Spanish tennis legends presented with Hall of Fame rings in Barcelona
Spanish tennis legends Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Andres Gimeno and Manolo Santana were presented with one-of-a-kind Hall of Fame rings last week at the ATP Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell. The rings were given to them by Christopher E. Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, and Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “Arantxa, Andres and Manolo have won the most coveted titles in tennis and have achieved rankings among the best players in the sport, while serving as ambassadors for tennis worldwide,” said Clouser. “They have inspired many, and as a nation, Spain has always shown great appreciation and enthusiasm for the sport of tennis. We are very pleased to recognize their contributions during this important Spanish tournament. As Hall of Famers, Arantxa, Andres and Manolo are among an elite group of athletes and contributors. We are pleased to be able to recognize this achievement with this special ring, which only the most successful and influential individuals in tennis will have the honor of wearing.”
Serena tries her luck in the studio as a rapper
Former world No. 1 and 13-time Grand Slam Singles champion Serena Williams has already had success in the fashion and entertainment world, and is even a part-owner of the NFL Miami Dolphins. Now, Williams has taken it to a new level, trying her luck in the studio as a rapper. Just last week, TMZ.com learned that Williams laid down a few tracks in a recording studio owned by Minnesota Vikings player Bryant McKinnie. During the recording session, Williams worked with well-known hip-hop producer DJ Clue.
Teams announced for Junior U.S. Davis Cup and Fed Cup competition
The USTA recently announced the top American juniors who will represent the United States in the qualifying events for the Junior Davis Cup (16-and-under) and Junior Fed Cup (16-and-under) by BNP Paribas and the World Junior Tennis Competition (14-and-under). Each event features a four-team round robin competition April 29-May 1 in Merida, Mexico. Other nations participating include: Bahamas, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The top two teams from each division in the World Junior Tennis qualifying event in Mexico will advance to the 16-nation World Final, held August 1-6 in Prostejov, Czech Republic. The Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup World Finals will be held September 27-October 2 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. As the host country, Mexico’s teams automatically qualify for the Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup Finals, meaning only one other team from each division will advance from the qualifying event in Mexico to the 16-nation World Final. The Junior Davis Cup roster includes Luca Corinteli, Nikko Madregallejo and Spencer Papa, while the Junior Fed Cup roster is filled by Gabrielle Andrews, Brooke Austin and Taylor Townsend. Dustin Taylor will coach the Junior Davis Cup team, while Kathy Rinaldi will coach the Junior Fed Cup squad. Stefan Kozlov, Frances Tiafoe, Henrik Wiersholm and coach Michael Sell were selected for the Boys World Junior Tennis team, while coach Troy Hahn will lead Jessica Ho, Julia O’Loughlin and Maria Smith for the Girls World Junior Tennis team.
Private concert with AMERICA to benefit the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum
On Sunday, May 29, International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum patrons are invited to celebrate four decades of AMERICA’s musical legacy in the intimate setting of the 300-seat historic Casino Theatre at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. This is an invitation only event. You will be required to enter a password when purchasing tickets. To get the password, call (401) 849-5329. Ticket prices range from $75-$250. For more information, visit www.tennisfame.com.