By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44
Roland Garros prize money increases announced
The FFT announced increase to Roland Garros prize money, with the payout for the 2013 men’s events to rise to $10.1 million (EU) – a 19 per cent increase on 2012 prize money levels. It also announced plans to increase compensation for the men’s event to $15 million (EU) by 2016. ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett welcomed the news. “The Roland Garros prize money increases are another positive step forward for our players and we welcome the long-term commitment the FFT has made through 2016,” he said. “Following on from the Australian Open and US Open increases, Roland Garros is the latest Grand Slam to step up and recognize the input the players have in the success of its tournament. The progress that has been made through our discussions with the Slams over the past 15 months has been truly significant for our sport as a whole.” The biggest per cent increases will take place in the second, third and fourth rounds, which will increase by 25 per cent from 2012.
Nishikori signs endorsement deal with Japanese Credit Card Company JACCS
According to Olivier Van Lindonk, Vice President of IMG Tennis, World No. 16 Kei Nishikori has signed an endorsement deal with Japanese credit card company JACCS. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Wawrinka hires Mangus Norman on trial basis
Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland has agreed to a trial coaching agreement with former World No. 2 Magnus Norman of Sweden. The duo will work together mainly before and during major championships. Wawrinka has been without a coach for more than 12 months. He said, “I have been eager to work with Magnus for many years now and I’m very excited to finally have that opportunity. “We will explore our relationship through this test period and I have no doubt it will bear fruit with hard work and dedication. I am excited to learn from his experiences. He is a fantastic coach and was a great player, so I only see an upside to this relationship. He most certainly will add a different dimension to my game.” Norman previously coached Robin Soderling.
Djokovic, Tipsarevic receive ATP ACES For Charity Grants in Monte-Carlo
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and fellow Serbian Janko Tipsarevic were each recently presented with their $10,000 (EU) ATP ACES For Charity grants from ATP Europe CEO Laurent Delanney during this week’s Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in Monaco. The grants will respectively support The Novak Djokovic Foundation, an advocate for childhood development and inclusive preschool education, and Čika Boca, a support group for families affected by childhood cancer. Djokovic and Tipsarevic are among 14 recipients of the 2013 ATP ACES For Charity grants. Entering its third year, the ATP ACES For Charity program is a global initiative aimed at giving back to communities where ATP World Tour events are played, as well as recognizing and supporting tournament and player charitable initiatives.
Querrey, Sock to play in Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport
Americans Sam Querrey and Jack Sock have signed up to compete in the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., which will take place this summer from July 8-14 on the historic grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Querrey and Sock will join John Isner and Ryan Harrison as early American commitments. “Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, John Isner, and Ryan Harrison are all fan favorites in Newport- and rightfully so. They always deliver exciting tennis, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Newport for a great tournament, ” said Tournament Director Mark Stenning. “Having four of the top American players in our field is a great way to kick off the American summer swing of the ATP World Tour.” Tickets for the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and Class of 2013 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony are on sale now. Hall of Fame Members receive $5 off all tickets for Monday-Thursday, $5 off weekend tickets at certain membership levels, and an array of other great membership benefits during the tournament. Tickets and Hall of Fame memberships may be purchased by calling 401-849-6053 or online at HallofFameTennisChampionships.com.
Philadelphia Freedoms hosting Battle of the Sexes at Merion Cricket Club on April 19
The Philadelphia Freedoms of Mylan World TeamTennis will be hosting a Battle of the Sexes match on April 19 at the Merion Cricket Club featuring 11-time Grand Slam women’s and mixed doubles champion Lisa Raymond and Tatiana Panova. Raymond, a former University of Florida standout will lead the women’s team as they take on the men’s squad led by current Freedoms head coach Josh Cohen and Merion Cricket Club Head Tennis Professional Pascal Collard. The match will be played under Mylan World TeamTennis rules. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m. EST and tickets cost only $25, which includes a cash bar and light snacks. To order your tickets, call (215) 667-8132.
Rheborg named new GAMMA Regional Sales Manager
GAMMA representatives announced that Bjorn Rheborg, who is based out of Atlanta, has joined the GAMMA Sports Sales Team as the Regional Sales Manager for Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Southern Virginia.
Chicago’s Leah Friedman named Professional Tennis Registry Member of the Year
The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) will name Chicago’s Leah Friedman as the PTR Member of the Year at this week’s 2013 PTR International Tennis Symposium. This award is presented to a PTR member in the United States who has shown dedication and diligence in promoting and supporting tennis and PTR. She has also been selected to receive the PTR/USTA Community Service Award. Friedman selected to receive this award by the USTA (United States Tennis Association). This is a national recognition for the PTR member who has demonstrated exceptional skill and loyalty in his/her efforts to support and implement programs of PTR and USTA. Friedman is the 10 and Under Tennis/USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator for the Chicago District of the USTA Midwest Section. She is truly dedicated to expanding opportunities for all children by working with community centers, schools, religious centers, and tennis clubs to develop and enhance their 10 and Under Programs. She is a PTR 10 & Under Tennis Clinician, a USTA National Trainer, and serves on the Wilson 10 and Under Advisory Team. She has presented at the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, PTR International Symposium and various Midwest conferences.