By Liz Kobak
@LizTennis
Andy Murray’s Endorsement Portfolio Same Before 2013 Wimbledon Win
One would think that after becoming the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win Wimbledon that Andy Murray’s endorsement dollars would immediately overflow Centre Court. But that’s not necessarily true.
The world No. 3’s contracts with racket supplier Head NV, watch manufacturer Rado Uhren AG and Adidas, among others, earn him roughly $12 million annually, said BrandRapport sports marketing Executive Nigel Currie. That endorsement number could nearly double by 2014 given Murray’s recent Fuse Science Inc. deal.
“There’s no need to rush into doing things,” Murray said. “You want to work with companies that you have a feeling towards.”
Andy Murray Joins Fuse Team
Consumer products company Fuse Science Inc., producing new technologies that redefine how consumers intake energy, medicines, vitamins and minerals, announced on Thursday that Andy Murray is now “Powered By Fuse®”.
“Fuse has developed an exciting range of products that make a real difference,” said 2013 Wimbledon and 2012 US Open Champion Andy Murray. “As part of the new deal I have an equity stake in the business, so I’m looking forward to building a lasting partnership with the Fuse Science team.”
Company founders believe that Andy’s physical strengths make him the ideal spokesman for their revolutionary product.
“Andy’s fitness is unparalleled; he’s probably the hardest worker in the game and it shows,” said Fuse Science Founder Adam Adler. “Our products, technology and company as a whole were just a perfect fit for Andy’s vision.”
Battle of the Sexes Exhibit Debuts at 2013 US Open
Next month marks 40 years since Billie Jean King authoritatively defeated Bobby Riggs in straight sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3) in The Battle of the Sexes, an historic tennis match that changed how women’s tennis was perceived.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is sponsoring the US Open special on-site exhibition Forty Years Later: The Battle of the Sexes. The exhibit is open daily and throughout the Grand Slam event (August 26 – September 9), located in the Chase Center’s American Express US Open Fan Experience. US Open guests receive complimentary admission.
“Forty Years Later: The Battle of the Sexes examines women’s tennis history, the state of the game going into the match, the Hall of Fame careers of Riggs and King, and the effects of the match on tennis and women’s sports today,” said International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum Director Doug Stark. “We look forward to offering visitors to the US Open an opportunity to learn more about the historic match and to reflect on its impact as we commemorate the 40th anniversary.”
For additional information about the exhibit at the US Open or about the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, please call 401-849-3990 or visit tennisfame.com.
AmEx, American Tennis Stars Improve Facilities
American Express and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) have once again partnered to serve nationwide tennis fans’ passion in refurbishing more than 80 community tennis courts through their annual Fresh Courts initiative.
It’s the first time AmEx and the USTA collaborated with big American tennis stars – Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys and Jack Sock – asking these three to identify community tennis courts they’d like refurbished. Each player selected one location.
“American Express is proud to serve the communities where our customers and employees live and work, and to help them unlock their passion for the game of tennis at every level,” said American Express Sports & Entertainment Marketing VP Deborah Curtis. “Our Fresh Courts partnership with the USTA and now Sloane, Madison and Jack, exemplifies our active pursuit of our Card Members’ interests and aspirations.”
Sloane Stephens selected The Prince George’s Tennis and Education Foundation’s Largo, MD community courts.
“I am so excited that you guys are getting new courts,” said world No. 15 Stephens. “I know that when I started playing I had really good courts to play on. I love you guys,” said Sloane to the Prince George’s community during the ceremony.
Throughout the US Open, Stephens, Keys and Sock will make appearances at the American Express U.S. Open Fan Experience at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, tell their stories about their passion for tennis and engage with fans through social media.
