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Lucas Pouille, Anastasija Sevastova Upset Winners at US Open – Mondays with Bob Greene

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Mondays with Bob Greene

 

STARS

US Open – First Week

Anastasija Sevastova beat third-seeded Garbiñe Muguruza 7-5 6-4

Lucas Pouille beat fourth-seeded Rafael Nadal 6-1 2-6 6-4 3-6 7-6 (6)

Ryan Harrison beat fifth-seeded Milos Raonic 6-7 (4) 7-5 7-5 6-1

Jack Sock beat seventh-seeded Marin Cilic 6-4 6-3 6-3

Caroline Wozniacki beat eighth-seeded Madison Keys 6-3 6-4

Caroline Wozniacki beat ninth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4 6-4

 

SAYING

“Honestly I just have fun now. I love playing tennis. That’s why I play. At the end of the day I know my worth. I know how good I can play. I know that, with hard work, hopefully I can get back there.” – Caroline Wozniacki, former world number one player now ranked 74th.

“As an athlete you’re always aiming for perfection, you want more and more and more. It’s never enough. That’s what I’m looking forward to, to peak every time I get on the court. That pretty much doesn’t happen because I’m always wanting to be better.” – Venus Williams.

“That moment was unique, unforgettable and was just very, very high emotions.” – Rafael Nadal, when asked how it felt to carry his country’s flag in the opening ceremonies at the Rio Olympics.

“I’m really happy that I won the first round. Tomorrow relax and play the second round. I don’t know the opponent right now, but it will be, of course, a difficult match, tough match. I will try my best.” – Roberta Vinci, following her first-round match.

“Really. Why not at my match? It’s so unfair.” – Agnieszka Radwanska, when told Beyoncé had attended Serena Williams’ match.

“Honestly, the first time I beat my dad. But in the tour, I always say when I lost to Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 in Bercy. I lost 6-3 7-6. For me it was the best match I ever play so far.” – Gael Monfils, when asked what he felt was the most wonderful match in his career.

“That’s tennis. There are so many points during the match where it can go either way. You have to make a decision in a split second. Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the wrong decision. I have to learn from it.” – Taylor Townsend, after losing her first-round match to Caroline Wozniacki 4-6 6-3 6-4.

“If you are not nervous a little bit it’s time to say good-bye. That’s the real thing, no? You need to be nervous…. If you don’t feel that then it’s because you really don’t want to win as much as you need or you are not afraid about the lose. When you don’t have those feelings, it’s because you don’t have enough motivation for what you are doing.” – Rafael Nadal, on when it’s time to retire from tennis.

“I really enjoyed myself and I really thought I played one of the best matches I’ve played so far. I pretty much did everything but win the match. It was an unbelievable experience.” – Frances Tiafoe, who lost this first-round match to John Isner 3-6 4-6 7-6 (5) 62 7-6 (3).

“Maybe in my career I will win a Grand Slam. I’m not sure and I don’t know if it’s gonna happen, but I’m here to work hard, to get better and to dream for it.” – Simona Halep, when asked if she felt ready to win a major.

“… Because of the roof there’s literally no wind at all. It almost has a feel of playing indoors because there’s no wind. It’s like perfect conditions to play really.” – Andy Murray, on Ashe Stadium with its new roof.

“I was determined to win in ’99. I don’t think anything could have stopped me that year. I just had this feeling, even before I played the tournament, that I was going to win.” – Serena Williams, saying she doesn’t think the Serena of today would beat the Serena Williams that won the US Open in 1999, her first of 22 Grand Slam tournament titles.

“In the second (set) I just told myself … my feet needed to be way faster. I need to be way sharper to come back and win … I think just being really focused and getting my feet involved and getting really pumped up is how I did it.” – Catherine Bellis, after beating fellow American Shelby Rogers 2-6 6-2 6-2.

“There’s no shot for me that’s more exciting than hitting an ace. It’s always just fast, easy, fun, and it feels really good.” – Serena Williams, when asked if there is a particular kind of shot that gives her the most satisfaction or pleasure during a match.

“It’s not a situation that I’d want to be in. It’s not a situation I’d want anyone to be in. I’m out there to play my sport, to showcase my sport. I’m not an actress. I’m not a drama queen.” – Johanna Konta, who collapsed during her second-round victory over Tsvetana Pironkova.

“I’m not a good commentator. Even in Romania, not just in English. I don’t like to talk. I don’t like to speak. I feel some things, but I cannot explain them in words. So it’s better to stay with my job: playing tennis.” – Simona Halep, when asked how she thinks she would do as a commentator.

“In Latvia, when you lose everybody says, ‘You’re so bad.’ When you win everybody says, ‘You’re so good.’ I don’t know why we are like that. Maybe because we live next to big country, Russia. But we are a small country. We are fierce country, and we try to do our best.” – Anastasija Sevastova,

“I know it sounds bad, but honestly, at this point I’m like, I really don’t care what my ranking is. Because … it doesn’t matter because I’m going to play the same people anyway. … The main thing is that when ‘’m on court I have to believe in myself. That’s what I care about, that I know that I can do it. I know I can beat anyone. I think it just sucks for some of the other players who have to play me early.” – Carolina Wozniacki.

 

SEVASTOVA’S DAY

Anastasija Sevastova’s return to tennis made a big splash in the second round at the US Open. After suffering a number of injuries, Sevastova decided to retire in May 2013. “I have to solve my head, myself, all the thoughts,” the Latvian right-hander said. “What could be, what could not? … I was playing a little bit; I was doing some sparring. It was better, physically. I was still playing OK. That’s why I decided to try again to come back.” Returning after being away for the better part of 18 months, Sevastova overpowered French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza7-5 6-4, her first career triumph over a player ranked in the Top 5. That put her into the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career. She tempered her triumph with reality, however. “It’s not like it’s my last match,” she said of the victory. “It’s still going on. It not like it’s over, the tournament. It’s only second round. Yeah, it’s a good feeling. We can enjoy it today, but tomorrow is a new day.”

“Tomorrow” continued for Sevastova as she eliminated Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-4 6-1 in the third round, then advanced to the second week of the year’s final major by knocking off 13th-seeded Johanna Konta of Great Britain 6-4 7-5.

 

SHOCKER

Playing in only his second US Open, Lucas Pouille pulled off a stunner with a five-set upset over two-time champion Rafael Nadal. The victory – combined with wins by Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils – means three Frenchmen have reached the quarterfinals in the same Grand Slam tournament for the first time in the Open Era. “I couldn’t dream better than this,” Pouille said of his 6-1 2-6 6-4 3-6 7-6 (6) victory over the tournament’s fourth seed. It was the third consecutive five-set match for the 22-year-old Frenchman. And it was the first time he had beaten a player ranked in the Top 5. Pouille lost his opening round match at last year’s US Open, his first main draw appearance at America’s top tennis tournament.

The last time three Frenchmen reached the quarterfinals was in 1927, when the event was known as the U.S. Championships. That trio were Jean Borotra, Jacques Brugnon and Rene Lacoste, all members of France’s famed “Four Musketeers” group of tennis stars in the 1920s and 1930s.

 

STRETCHING RULES?

Great Britain’s Johanna Konta collapsed on-court during her second-round match against Tsvetana Pironkova. “I’m feeling a little embarrassed,” the 25-year-old Konta said. Serving at 5-6 in the second set – a game that lasted 10 minutes including four deuces and four rallies of at least 10 strokes –Konta missed her first serve, then bent over as she attempted the second. She fell to her knees, gasping for breath. Pironkova rushed to the net and the chair umpire rallied to her side, handing her several bags of ice. The medical staff came on court, checked her pulse and blood pressure. After 7½ minutes Konta got to her feet and left the court to take a bathroom break. She returned to complete the 6-2 5-7 6-2 victory. All the delays – the medical timeout and the toilet break – were within the rules, Pironkova agreed. Yet that didn’t make it any less maddening for the loser. “What wasn’t fair to me was what happened after that – the toilet break,” the Bulgarian said. “Because with that toilet break the match was stopped for just too long. … Today I am not very happy about the rules.”

 

SHOCKED

Milos Raonic admits cramps and nerves helped knock him out of the US Open. The Wimbledon finalist fell to American qualifier Ryan Harrison 6-7 (4) 7-5 7-6 6-1 in a second-round match. “Cramping in the left arm, right forearm there towards the end of the third set, both quads, a little bit in the hip flexor on the left,” Raonic said. “It was just catching me all over.” What caused the cramps? “It was probably just nerves and stress, a mental sort of over-exuberance,” said the fifth-seeded Canadian. “I couldn’t switch grips from one point to the next. There were a few points where I would hold the racquet with my left hand and trying to stretch out my right hand in between shots, and that’s not going to work.”

 

SERENA’S RECORDS

Serena Williams seemingly updates the record book almost every time she steps onto a court. Her third-round win over Sweden’s Johanna Larsson was the 307th career Grand Slam tournament match victory by the top-ranked American. That broke her women’s-leading tie of 306 with Martina Navratilova and tied her with Roger Federer, the men’s all-time leader.

If Williams wins her seventh US Open title, she would move past Chris Evert for most in the Open Era. And it would be her 23rd Grand Slam win, moving her past Steffi Graf for most in the Open Era and just one shy of Margaret Court, who tops the all-time list with 24.

 

SURGE

Attendance records were routinely battered during the US Open’s fortnight run at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. When 40,280 fans filed through the gates at Flushing Meadows, it smashed the old record of 38,780 set twice on Labor Day weekend in 2014, on Saturday, Aug. 30, and repeated the following day. Then the new mark was surpassed on Saturday, Sept. 3, when 40,780 spectators showed up. That record was matched on the day session on Sunday, Sept 4.

 

SHATTERED

It’s no surprise when Ivo Karlovic slams an ace. After all, he is the ATP World Tour career leader going into the US Open with 11,277 aces, more than 1,000 aces ahead of Goran Ivanisevic on the all-time list. But Karlovic outdid even himself in his first-round battle with Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun when he pounded out 61 aces in his 4-6 7-6 (4) 6-7 (4) 7-6 (5) 7-5 victory. That obliterated the old US Open record of 49 aces set by Richard Krajicek in 1999

 

STEPPING ASIDE

John McEnroe is no longer on the coaching staff of Milos Raonic. The seven-time Grand Slam tournament winner became a consultant for the Canadian right-hander he reached his first major final at Wimbledon. “I’m pulling for him and want him to do well,” McEnroe said before the US Open began its two-week run. “I’d love to see all the guys play their best because I think it’s better for tennis. But it’s best to sort of separate at this stage. It will just make life easier for everyone.” The American said his media commitments had become an “issue” at Wimbledon.

 

SPONSORSHIP

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) and adidas announced a multi-year agreement they say will impact the future of American tennis. The shoe and apparel company will become an official sponsor of the USTA National Campus, USTA Player Development and USTA League Tennis. As presenting sponsor of the adidas Easter Bowl tournament and the “USTA adidas Junior Championship Series,” adidas will be supporting the most prestigious junior tournaments in the United States.

 

SLAMMED

Bernard Tomic is USD $10,000 poorer these days. The Australian was fined that much for unsportsmanlike conduct during his first-round match for making vulgar comments to a spectator. “I think he was just baiting me a bit,” Tomic said of the spectator, who was taunting the player. “I apologized for what I said to him.” The umpire, Cedric Mourier of France, told Tomic that he should ask for the umpire’s assistance next time rather than taking matters into his own hands. The spectator was told to leave the stands at the end of the opening set.

 

SUPER ROGER

Injuries to his knee and back have sidelined Roger Federer until 2017, but that hasn’t kept the Swiss great from remaining the world’s highest-paid tennis player. Federer reportedly earned USD $67.8 million between June 2015 and June 2016, counting prize money, endorsements and appearance fees. While Novak Djokovic has surpassed Federer in the rankings, the Serb trails Federer in earnings. Federer has 10 endorsement partners, including Nike, Wilson, Credit Suisse, Mercedes-Benz and Rolex. Most have been affiliated with him for years.

 

SISTER POWER

How dominant have the Williams sisters been since they joined the WTA tour? Between them, Serena and Venus have been in 42 Grand Slam tournament finals, Serena in 28 and Venus in 14. Serena has won 22 majors, Venus seven. The next closest is Maria Sharapova, who has won five of the 10 times she has reached the title match in a major. The Russian isn’t playing this year’s US Open because of a suspension for doping. Victoria Azarenka won two of her four major finals, but skipped this year’s US Open while awaiting the birth of her first child. Seventeen other players who began play this week have played in 28 Grand Slam tournament finals, winning nine. Those who have won majors are Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, Garbiñe Muguruza, Francesca Schiavone and Samantha Stosur.

 

SPEAKING SOFTLY

Perhaps Marcos Baghdatis was telling his wife when he’d be home. The right-hander from Cyprus was given a code violation by umpire Alison Hughes when she noticed Baghdatis was using a cell phone during a changeover. Two games later, at the subsequent changeover, Baghdatis pled his case, telling Hughes, “I cannot look at the time? (What) if I want to look at the time?” After the match he told the media a different story. “I was just writing a message to my wife,” he said.

 

SHUT

Rafael Nadal was playing when the new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed for the first time. Play was suspended at 10:3:58 p.m. (New York time) and resumed at 10:46:20 – a suspension of play for 7 minutes, 22 seconds. Nadal has the distinction of hitting the first practice as well as the first match ball under a closed roof at the US Open.

 

SURFING

New York: www.usopen.org

Genova: www.atpgenova.com/

Dalian: www.dalianopen.com.cn/

Szczecin: www.pekaoszczecinopen.pl/2016/pl/

Tokyo: www.jta-tennis.or.jp/jwo/tabid/549/Default.aspx

Quebec City: www.coupebanquenationale.ca/en/home/

Biarritz: www.engie-open-biarritz.fr

 

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

 

MEN and WOMEN

US Open Tennis Championships, New York, New York, USA, hard (second week)

 

MEN

$119,195 Aon Open, Genova, Italy, clay

 

WOMEN

$115,000 Dalian Women’s Tennis Open, Dalian, China, hard

 

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

 

MEN

106,500 Pekao Szczecin Open, Szczecin, Poland, clay

 

WOMEN

$226,750 Coupe Banque Nationale, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, carpet

$226,750 Hashimoto Sogyo Japan Women’s Open Tennis, Tokyo, Japan, hard

$100,000 Engie Open de Biarritz Pays Basque, Biarritz, France, clay

 

DAVIS CUP

World Cup Semifinals

Great Britain vs. Argentina at Glasgow, Scotland, hard

Croatia vs. France at Zadar, Croatia, hard

 

World Cup Playoffs

Uzbekistan vs. Switzerland at Tashkent, Uzbekistan, clay; Belgium vs. Brazil at Ostend, Belgium, hard; Australia vs. Slovakia at Sydney, Australia, grass; Canada vs. Chile at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, hard; Russia vs. Kazakhstan at Moscow, Russia, hard; India vs. Spain at New Delhi, India, hard; Germany vs. Poland at Berlin, Germany, clay; Japan vs. Ukraine at Osaka, Japan, hard

 

Group I

1st Round Playoffs

Americas Zone: Dominican Republic vs. Colombia at Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, clay

Europe/Africa Zone: Sweden vs. Netherlands at Sweden, clay

 

2nd Round Playoffs

Asia/Oceania Zone: New Zealand vs. Pakistan at Christchurch, New Zealand, hard

Europe/Africa Zone: Portugal vs. Slovenia at Viana do Castelo, Portugal, clay

 

Group II

Finals

Americas Zone: Venezuela vs. Peru at Barcelona, Venezuela, hard

Asia/Oceania Zone: Thailand vs. Chinese Taipei at Nonthaburi, Thailand, hard

Semifinals

Europe/Asia Zone: Lithuania vs. Bosnia/Herzegovina at Vilnius, Lithuania, hard; Belarus vs. Denmark at Belarus, hard

 

Lucas Pouille
Lucas Pouille

Brand Slam: A Look Back at the US Open Brand Winners

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By Rob Penner

 

Welcome to our new monthly column “Brand Slam” featuring all things tennis brands: new products, reviews, interviews and more. The world’s biggest sports brands have made all four Grand Slam tournaments a highlight of their seasonal calendars to launch new products and feature custom designs for several years now – and continue to do so. So we’ll take a look back four times each year at the brand winners and losers at each Grand Slam.

It was at the US Open where Jennifer Capriati first came out with the blue stars and stripes dress by Fila, Serena Williams unveiled the PUMA cat suit and Tommy Haas first donned his sleeveless shirt at a major. The 2014 US Open didn’t have quite that sort of fashion statement this year, but there were plenty of other highlights.

The Winners:

Li-Ning – Li-Ning was an ATP World Tour partner from 2006-2012 and has Dwayne Wade among its basketball endorsers, but until Marin Cilic captured the US Open title last week, it had never previously received this kind of brand visibility in any sport across global newspapers and television – except perhaps during the Olympics. Ivan Ljubicic wore Li-Ning for a time and won Indian Wells but that’s not quite the Open. Putting Li Ning’s logo on the sleeve lead to some nice logo placements in photos and it will be interesting to see if Cilic stays with the lesser-known brand in the years ahead. But this is still a major coup for a brand still trying to make a mark in other markets beyond China.

Grade: A-

Uniqlo – Uniqlo’s sponsorship of Novak Djokovic is old news. He’s been wearing their square red logo since summer 2012, but it still seems a bit of an odd combination and not quite at the core of the Uniqlo brand. But who would have expected the first ever all-Uniqlo semifinal with Djokovic facing Kei Nishikori, also outfitted in Uniqlo? It was quite the brand exposure and makes you wonder if another Japanese brand like Mizuno might want to dive back into the tennis mix some time soon.

Grade: B+

Asics – Asics doesn’t go big with the sponsorship dollars in tennis – Gael Monfils and Sam Stosur are their headliners – but more and more players who might not have formal shoe deals are using the Gel-Resolution 5 or Gel-Solution Speed. You see them all over the backcourts. The average tennis fan notices this and – in parallel – you’re seeing a huge gain in popularity of Asics on tennis courts across the country.  Gael Monfils’ bright yellow shirt and shoes and all-Asics outfit during his quarterfinal against Federer definitely stuck out.

Grade: B

Noteworthy:

New Balance – New Balance gets a mention for its NYC subway ad campaign during the Open featuring Milos Raonic. His yellow Charlie Brown top gets mixed reviews, but the New Balance MC996 has been one of the best tennis shoes the venerable brand has put out in years and the yellow colorway Raonic wears is clearly a hot color across the courts this year.

Grade: B-

Nike – Nike unveiled several looks for the Open for all of its top players: Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka and Rafa Nadal. Only two of them made the semis. Nike gets credit for its design of Sharapova’s “Day Tunic” which hits high on the waist and gives a flattering silhouette. It was arguably the most stylish outfit of the entire tournament and had nice color blocking. Unfortunately, Maria’s outfit was juxtaposed by Serena’s hot mess of a dress which featured a leopard print look that was in style about 10 years ago. And the hot pink version was particularly bad.

Grade: C+

Lacoste – For several years over the past decade, Lacoste was prevalent out there in every tournament with Andy Roddick and a host of Frenchmen sporting the crocodile, but lately they have been almost non-existent on the court. They’ve seemed to fall off the radar on the competitive tennis side – much like the American men at this year’s Open.  It’s a bit curious considering that they are only on the second generation of their performance Repel shoe.

Grade: D

Rob Penner is a former PR Manager with the ATP and former head of sports PR for global sportswear brand PUMA. 

Serena Williams 2014 US Open
Serena Williams 2014 US Open

Novak Djokovic Signs Footwear Deal with Adidas: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

Novak Djokovic to wear adidas footwear

adidas and top-ranked Djokovic agree to Footwear Deal

adidas revealed a new footwear partnership with ATP World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star debuted his Barricade 7 at the French Open two weeks ago. The deal follows on from Novak’s personal decision to wear the Barricade shoe for many years; with all six of his Grand Slam titles achieved wearing the adidas shoe. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Novak said: “The adidas Barricade is my favorite shoe. I have been wearing it for many years and have worn all the different generations. I have full confidence in the shoe and am very comfortable on the court when I wear it, which is essential for a tennis player. I have very specific dynamic movements, with a lot of splits and slides, so I need to have the right stability in the shoe, but also have an optimal weight and great performance. The Barricade offers me everything – adidas has provided me with the best shoe possible to help me win Roland Garros for the first time.” “It has been more than impressive to see Novak evolve into the World Number One tennis player today. adidas is proud to partner with Novak and will do all we can to help him win more titles in the future by ensuring his footwear is industry-leading.” said Vincent Montalescot, Vice President Global Sports Marketing.

Mt. Sinai Medical partners with USTA and US Open

The USTA recently announced that The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City has been named the exclusive medical services provider and hospital of the USTA and US Open. In addition to providing on-site clinical care for tennis professionals competing in the US Open, Mount Sinai’s team of medical experts will lead the development of policies around injury prevention and will conduct educational outreach to promote the health benefits of tennis. This effort could impact millions of recreational players in the US and potentially draw new players to the sport. The new, national year-round partnership between Mount Sinai and the USTA is believed to be one of the most in-depth relationships between a sports entity and a health care provider. In conjunction with the new partnership, Alexis Chiang Colvin, MD, Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics and a specialist in the surgical treatment of sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, and hip, will serve as the USTA’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Colvin has extensive experience treating professional athletes, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, as well as collegiate athletes. She previously served as a consultant to the USTA for the US Open, providing medical care to the players. In her new role with the USTA, Dr. Colvin will assist the USTA with initiatives across multiple divisions, including player development, community tennis, and diversity and inclusion. She will also serve as the Medical Advisor to the U.S. Fed Cup team. “Players will be able to access Mount Sinai’s facilities throughout the year, providing continuity of care and access to Mount Sinai’s core orthopaedic team,” said Dr. Colvin. Dr. Colvin’s colleague, James Gladstone, MD, Associate Professor of Sports Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine in the Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics and Co-Director of Sports Medicine at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, will serve as Medical Advisor to the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Freedoms now accepting applicants for Hamlin Family Foundation Billie Jean King Character Award

The Philadelphia Freedoms are currently accepting applications from youth athletes for the Billie Jean King Character Award. This award provides scholarships to ten selected youths, ages 10-18, who are seeking to become a competitive athlete in any sport, to participate in tournaments or on their school team, and who have displayed outstanding character. The top male and female scholarship recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the second place male and female recipients will each receive a $500 scholarship. The awards will be presented to the recipients by WTT co-founder and Philadelphia Freedoms owner Billie Jean King at a Freedoms home match in July at Villanova University. The objective of the Hamlin Family Foundation-Character Initiative and CITRS is to honor the actions of those who have displayed good character, integrity and fortitude in their lives, and prepare recipients to become mentors and character ambassadors. CITRS is the cornerstone of the Hamlin Family Foundation’s philosophy for character education. Applications are due by June 24, 2013 and must be submitted along with two (2) letters of recommendation, a short essay regarding the applicant’s demonstration of character, and a CITRS Character Mini-Assessment. For the award application, visit http://www.philadelphiafreedoms.com/teams/freedoms/pictures/2013_BJK_Award_OnlineApp.pdf

Rafael Nadal commits to play Beijing in September

2013 French Open champion Rafael Nadal has committed to compete in the 10th China Open in Beijing, which will be held from September 22-October 6. The tournament is an ATP World Tour 500 event. It will mark Nadal’s first appearance in four years at the Beijing event.

James Blake to play Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport

Former Top 5 player James Blake has committed to compete in the 2013 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., which will be held on the historic grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum from July 8-14. “It will be great to have James back in Newport this summer. He always delivers exciting tennis and we know his New England fans will appreciate the opportunity to see him back in action in this area,” said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. “Putting James in the mix with players like John Isner, Sam Querrey, Lleyton Hewitt, and Ryan Harrison sets us up for a great week to kick off the pro tennis summer season in the United States.” In 2002, the former Harvard University star reached the finals in Newport as well as a semifinal performance in 2001.

Michael Chang to host 3rd Tennis Classic in Newport Beach

Former World No. 2 and French Open Champion Michael Chang will be hosting his 3rd Tennis Classic on the courts of the Newport Beach Tennis Club in Southern California from July 26-28. The main tennis tournament is a USTA Sanctioned event including Men’s and Women’s singles,  doubles and mixed doubles with prize money awarded in the Open divisions. Newport Beach Tennis Club is the host site this year and as a special addition to the tournament, Newport Beach Tennis Club will host a Saturday night player party to include dinner and live music. This year’s charitable beneficiaries will be the Prince of Peace Children’s Home in Tianjin, China and The Chang Family Foundation. The Prince of Peace Children’s home was built to provide a loving place for orphan children with special needs. All of the children at POPCH have congenital illnesses, and most are affected by cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. While under their care, POPCH seeks to provide the children with a clean and loving home and to connect them with the best possible medical/surgical care and rehabilitation services according to their individual needs. The Chang Family Foundation dedicates it’s time to community service, and programs that combine sports, family, and faith. Last year’s charity tournament raised $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity and the Chang Family Foundation. Several big name sponsors have already signed on to be a part of the 2013 Michael Chang Tennis Classic, including VantaQuest, Montauk Triguard, Nestlé, Affinity Investments, Babolat, Northwestern Mutual, Iwamoto Kong, and RLH Equity. For more information on this summer’s Michael Chang Tennis Classic or to sign up for the Kickoff Clinic and tournament, go to www.changtennis.com.

USTA Midwest Section announces 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and former USTA President Jon Vegosen will be inducted into the 2013 USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame on December 6 in Chicago, Ill. The 2013 USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the Chicago Renaissance in downtown Chicago during the USTA/Midwest Section’s 120th Annual Meeting. King won 39-time Grand Slam titles during her career while Vegosen currently serves on the USTA Board of Directors and is Chairman of the USTA Major Construction Oversight Committee.

Tennis Industry Association to offer Tennis Specialty Retail Certification Course

The TIA is developing an online Tennis Specialty Retailer Certification course that will cover key aspects of the tennis retail business and, upon successful completion, allow retailers to be recognized as a “TIA Certified Specialty Tennis Retailer.” The certification course is being developed with the assistance of retail consulting firm Gluskin Townley Group, along with input from the TIA’s Retail Panel, industry manufacturers and organizations, and the USRSA. “We are focused on helping tennis retailers improve their business, and we feel the information and product knowledge that will be offered through our online certification course can help all levels of retailers and their employees serve their customers better,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. The course will consist of eight independent online “modules.” Each module concludes with an online multiple-choice test that can also be taken independently of the module. The eight certification courses include store operations, business technology & reporting, financials, marketing & promotions, customer service, store environment, management and product knowledge. In addition to these eight modules under discussion, short online informational webinars from participating manufacturers about their current products are being considered.

Tennis Tune-Up Campaign Gains Industry Support

The Tennis Industry Association recently re-launched PlayTennis.com to get more tennis players into the game and progress on the pathway to becoming frequent players. Accompanying the re-launch of the site is the introduction of an all-new industry initiative that is gaining support from retailers, manufacturers, and the USRSA—a “Tennis Tune-Up” campaign. The goal of the campaign is two-fold: First, to help educate consumers on the need to be properly fit for tennis equipment and to restring their racquets on a regular basis, and second, to drive customers to tennis retail outlets and certified stringers for expert advice. “Consumers benefit from knowledgeable retailers and racquet technicians to help them choose the frame and string that best suits their game and style of play, and who can help them determine when their racquet needs to be serviced,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “An industry-wide campaign to have people restring more and tune up their equipment will help all tennis retailers,” adds Woody Schneider of NYC Racquet Sports. To help consumers find retailers who participate in the “Tennis Tune-Up” effort, the TIA is currently developing an integrated search function for USRSA Certified Stringers and Master Racquet Technicians on its already existing “Find-A-Retailer” search of the re-launched PlayTennis.com website. In the coming weeks the TIA will be working with the USRSA, industry manufacturers, and members of its TIA Retail Division to develop collateral material for tennis retailers and Certified Stringers and Master Racquet Technicians to utilize in the promotion and delivery of the campaign. Tennis retailers and other providers who want to participate in the campaign and be a part of PlayTennis.com should make sure they’re listed on the PlayTennis.com retail locator, or that their listing is up to date, by visiting PlayTennis.com and clicking “Find a Retailer.”

Longines Future Tennis Aces Titles Goes to Germany’s Rudolf Molleker

Sixteen of the world’s top boys’ 12-and-under players battled for the title of 2013 Longines Future Tennis Aces champion last week, with Germany’s Rudolf Molleker finally taking home the championship in a dominating performance. For the first time, the tournament was played in front of the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) in the center of Paris. Molleker defeated Carlos Sanchez Jover of Spain 4-1, 4-0 in the final in the fourth annual tournament. Following the final match, the two had the opportunity to meet Longines Rising Tennis Stars Ryan Harrison and Sabine Lisicki and teamed with Fabrice Santoro, patron of the 2013 edition of the Longines Future Tennis Aces, and former ATP star Arnaud Clément of France, friend of Longines, in an exhibition doubles match. Longines has been the official Partner and Timekeeper of the French Open at Roland Garros since 2007. For the first time this year, the U.S. representative was selected by virtue of winning the USTA Boys’ 12s National Spring Championships played in Delray Beach, Fla., in April. The Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament is part of Longines’ global commitment to support and develop tennis’ superstars of tomorrow.

Lagardere Books Net Loss Related To Sports Marketing Division: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Lagardere hit by major write-down losses related to sports marketing division

Andy Roddick in action in Indian Wells, California (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Paris-based Lagardere reported a net loss of $707 million (EU) compared to net income of $163 million (EU) in 2011 largely because of a major write-down loss related to its sports marketing division, Lagardere Unlimited. The loss in the sports division reported losses of $895 million (EU), of which $550 million (EU) was from Lagardere Unlimited and a $310 million (EU) charge on its 20 percent stake in Canal Plus, the French pay-TV group. The group has blamed the steady decline in the economy and poor prospects of Lagardere Unlimited for the charge. The sports unit has been in several costly litigations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India in connection with cricket rights. Further, the media group has also suffered from the non-renewal of a handful of contracts, including the French Football Federation. “If one puts to one side the ‘accident’ of sport, the group overall did well in 2011,” said Arnaud Lagardere, the company’s Chief Executive.

USTA awards $900,000 in grants to grow youth tennis

According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association just announced that 18 communities across the country will receive a $50,000 grant as part of its efforts to get more kids playing tennis. The contribution will be distributed over a three-year period to build new and adapt current tennis courts to accommodate 10 and Under Tennis, as well as support new programs. 10 and Under Tennis provides the opportunity to achieve immediate success by playing tennis on smaller courts, using smaller and lighter racquets and slower-moving and lower-bouncing balls. In total, the USTA will disperse $900,000 in grants to support its youth initiative and fund tennis programs. Community officials will work with the USTA to ensure that local organizers have the proper techniques and skills to implement this new method of teaching tennis to kids. The USTA and its USTA Sections will be working with partners, such as schools, public parks, youth organizations, tennis facilities, and pros to incorporate tennis into physical education classes, after-school programs and other youth programs to drive participation. Communities earning the grants in 2012 include Atlanta (East and West), Birmingham, Ala., Bayamon/San Juan, Puerto Rico, Honolulu, Hawaii, Jacksonville, Fla., Jackson, Miss., Lee County, Fla., Metro Phoenix East Valley, Ariz., Mobile, Ala., Northern Albany, N.Y., Northern Colorado, Pensacola, Fla., Richmond, Va., San Francisco, Calif., Salt Lake City, Seattle and Springfield, Mass. “We are excited to be working with the local tennis leaders in these communities to help introduce the game to more kids,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “We believe tennis is the sport of opportunity that provides a lasting effect on the lives of children.”

Vince Spadea’s “Play Like A Pro” 6-DVD Tennis Instructional Series now available for Pre-Order

Former Top 20 ATP World Tour star Vince Spadea has created an exceptional 6-DVD Tennis Instructional Series called “Play Like A Pro” which is now available for pre-order for just $129.95. Spadea, who earned victories over tennis stars including Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Marat Safin, Patrick Rafter and James Blake in a career that started in 1993, shares his remarkable insight and experience with you in the 6-DVD collection. In the series, Spadea shares his vast knowledge as a player and coach to personally teach you all the proper techniques, mechanics and strategies for improving your consistency and shot making skills. Spending most of the year in Los Angeles personally teaching high profile clients including sports figures and celebrities including rock singer Gavin Rossdale, Spadea also spends time in his hometown of Boca Raton, where he can frequently be seen on the courts at Mar-A-Lago, one of Donald Trump’s properties in Palm Beach, Fla. To learn more about Spadea’s “Play Like A Pro” DVD series or to order, please visit www.vincespadeadvds.com.

Turnberry Isle Miami Resort offers a two-day Grand Slam event featuring tennis legend Fred Stolle

For just $250 per person, tennis fans in Miami for next week’s Sony Ericsson Open can play tennis and mingle with 18-time Grand Slam champion Fred Stolle at The Turnberry Isle Miami Resort from March 23-25. The fun-filled weekend will include a pro-am round robin and meet & greet at 5 p.m. on Friday followed by a wine and cheese reception. Then on Saturday, tennis enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy a two-hour group clinic followed by an organized match-play event that begins at 9 a.m. A tennis drill and open play session on Sunday will round out this once-in-a-lifetime experience. By submitting the $250 fee to participate, you will have the opportunity be included in all the tennis activities with Stolle, enjoy unlimited court time throughout the weekend, a wine and cheese reception and save 30 percent at the Tennis Pro Shop. Spaces are limited for this event and reservations are required in advance by calling (305) 933-6925 or by emailing Elisabeth Cusack at ecusack@turnberryislemiami.com.

adidas launches micoach Tennis

Last week, adidas launched micoach Tennis, bringing together the digital and physical world in ways never imaginable in an iOS app. Visualize your speed stats collected by the miCoach SPEED_CELL, a device that sits inside a cavity of the adipower barricade 7.0 tennis shoes or clips onto your laces to measure your speed, rallies and distance from every direction covered during your tennis matches or training sessions. World famous tennis star Andrea Petkovic of Germany will take you through a sports experience unlike any other. Experience the training system professional tennis players use to stay at the top of their game. Share and compare your tennis stats with your friends or the entire world via Facebook, Twitter or email, and get in-game rewards for your real-life workouts. Send them to micoach.com where they will be compared with stats from tennis players from all over the world. miCoach SPEED_CELL is for smartphone, tablet, PC or MAC available for $70 at adidas Sport Performance stores or shopadidas.com.

Kuerten to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 14 in Newport

Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten, a former world No. 1 and three-time French Open singles champion, has been elected to receive the highest honor in tennis, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., on Saturday, July 14. Recognized as one of Brazil’s most famous and successful athletes in history, Kuerten’s induction was announced last week in a special ceremony in São Paulo at the offices of Banco do Brasil, a long-time sponsor of the former tennis champion. “During my career in tennis I was fortunate to have many victories, but the Hall of Fame induction is a special one,” said Kuerten. “I was inspired by lots of great tennis players, like Maria Esther Bueno and Thomas Koch, two of the biggest Brazilian tennis players, and I have also always greatly admired Hall of Famers including Borg, McEnroe, Sampras, and Agassi. To be honored in the same category as those great players is amazing. Probably one of my greatest accomplishments was being able to get Brazilians excited about tennis, and to elevate attention for Brazil as a tennis nation. I’m so happy to be able to celebrate this honor here in Brazil with the people who supported my career, and I look forward to the induction celebration in the United States in July.” Kuerten compiled a 358-195 record while competing on the ATP World Tour, including winning 20 singles and eight doubles titles. Earning more than $14.8 million in tournament prize money throughout his career, Kuerten played his last professional match in 2008 at Roland Garros where he lost to Paul-Henri Mathieu in front of 15,000 fans. During the match, Kuerten wore the same blue and yellow outfit he wore in 1997 when he captured his first Roland Garros title. The 35-year-old has been elected in the Recent Player Category. Additional members of the Class of 2012, who were previously announced, include Spanish tennis great Manuel Orantes, in the Master Player Category; tennis administrator and promoter Mike Davies in the Contributor Category; and Randy Snow, who has been elected posthumously in the Recent Player Category for his accomplishments as a wheelchair tennis player. The remainder of the Class of 2012 will be announced in the month ahead. “King of the clay courts, Guga was one of the most popular players of his era, and he achieved tremendous success during a time when some of the greatest players in history were active, including Hall of Famers Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Michael Chang,” said Christopher Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Enshrinee Nominating Committee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, I extend sincere congratulations to Guga on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to celebrating with him and all of the Class of 2012 inductees in July.”

2012 World TeamTennis schedule released

The 2012 World TeamTennis Pro League schedule kicks off on Monday, July 9, with the defending champion Washington Kastles hoping to continue their 16-match winning streak that started last summer, as they face off against the Orange County Breakers in Irvine, Calif. WTT officials just last week released the 59-match schedule for the three-week regular season of the WTT Pro League presented by GEICO, which runs July 9-28 and concludes with the WTT Finals Weekend from September 14-16 in Charleston, S.C. One of the most highly anticipated matches this summer will see former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis lead the New York Sportimes into a match against seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams and the Kastles on Monday, July 23 SECFU Arena at the University of Albany in Albany, N.Y. The two former top-ranked WTA stars faced each other 21 times while on tour, with Hingis holding an 11-10 edge. Hingis is expected to play at least 10 of the Sportimes’ 14 matches, including five at the Sportimes’ regular home venue Sportime Stadium at Randall’s Island in New York, N.Y., and matches in Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Albany. Venus will also play in Washington, D.C. on July 24, two days after sister Serena’s only WTT match of the season on July 22, also in the nation’s capital. Lindsay Davenport, a former world No. 1 and winner of 55 career singles titles including three Grand Slams, will be playing most of her 2012 schedule close to her home base in Southern California with the Orange County Breakers in Irvine, Calif. Davenport missed the entire 2011 season due to pregnancy. The former American star will play all seven Breakers’ home matches at Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine, and will travel to play matches in Sacramento, Springfield and Boston. World No. 8 Mardy Fish will play home matches for the Sacramento Capitals on July 12 and 13. Former four-time University of Georgia All-American John Isner will return to the Boston Lobsters this summer for two matches, July 23 at home against the Philadelphia Freedoms, and July 24 in Albany against the Hingis-led Sportimes. Australian Mark Philippoussis, who was the top overall pick in last month’s Marquee Player Draft, will be in action on July 25 in Philadelphia then leads his Freedoms out west against Sacramento on July 27 and Orange County on July 28. For a full schedule and list of marquee player dates, visit www.WTT.com.

Ljubicic to retire next month at Monte Carlo Rolex Masters

Former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in April. The 33-year-old has had a very successful professional career, winning over 400 career singles matches, including 10 ATP World Tour singles titles. He also won the Davis Cup for Croatia in 2005, as well as a bronze medal in doubles with Mario Ancic at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Throughout his career that started in 1998, Ljubicic earned victories over noteworthy players including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Andy Roddick, Gael Monfils, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Gustavo Kuerten, Marat Safin and Carlos Moya. “It’s never an easy decision for any professional athlete to retire,” said Ljubicic. “I look forward to the next stage of my life. Tennis has given me so much and I want to continue to stay involved and contribute in some ways.”

Petrova confirms U.S. citizenship application

Russia’s Nadia Petrova, who currently owns a home in Miami, confirms that she has applied for U.S. citizenship. The 29-year-old WTA Tour veteran says she feels very comfortable living in America, specifically South Florida. “I like the lifestyle. I like the weather. It’s just a perfect place for tennis,” said Petrova. “Everything’s so easy. You just come, you need to go to the pharmacy, drug store, it’s 24 hours open. Everything is here just for the people, you know. I just feel very comfortable here, relaxed atmosphere, and I don’t have to stress. I don’t have that crazy traffic like it is in Russia. I don’t have those cold winters.”

Sock faces the possibility of three months off ATP World tour

American teenager and world No. 334 Jack Sock, who won the 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles title with Melanie Oudin, may have a tear in his groin, and could miss up to several months on tour. Following his first round loss at the BNP Paribas Open, Sock received an MRI that happened to reveal a tear, but his personal physician wants him to have another one done this week on the east coast, so he is clear on how to proceed with the possible injury.