World Tennis Magazine

Unique Tennis Perspectives

andre agassi foundation

Andre Agassi preparatory academy receives $18 million donation from billionaire: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

by

Billionaire donates $18 million to Andre Agassi’s Charter School

Billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, the former owner of MGM Studios, has donated $18 million to the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, a K-12 charter school. Kerkorian’s donation is the largest ever in the 16-year history of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which has raised more than $150 million to date. Agassi made the announcement regarding the donation at his foundation’s 16th Grand Slam for Children Benefit Concert in Las Vegas on Saturday night. He also mentioned that another $1.5 million was donated from the Engelstad Family Foundation and $1 million from the Windsong Trust. An estimated $26.1 million was raised that night through ticket sales and auction proceeds. “I am both astounded and humbled by the generosity and compassion of our community, the artists, sponsors, partners, and donors,” Agassi said in a statement. “This record- breaking evening will make a positive difference in students’ lives as we continue to work to transform education.” With the generous donation from Kerkorian, the school will now be funded in perpetuity. “For him to now give a gift that assures a future for Agassi Prep is a luxury I’m not sure I ever imagined,” said Agassi. “It’s your life’s work being guaranteed; its future. It changes these children’s lives forever.”

Andre Agassi

Moët & Chandon announce 3-year agreement with ATP World Tour to become official champagne

The ATP World Tour and Moët & Chandon, the world’s leading champagne house, have signed a 3-year agreement that brings Moët & Chandon on as the official champagne of the ATP World Tour. As part of the new terms, Moët & Chandon will become an instant global sponsor of the ATP World Tour, a gold sponsor of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 in London, and the official presenting sponsor of the annual ATP World Tour Awards. Moët & Chandon will also sponsor a new exclusive red carpet charity gala to kick off the ATP’s year-end championships in London, hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity on November 17 at the Battersea Power Station. “Showcasing success is one of Moët & Chandon’s original values, and one which clearly resonates at ATP World Tour events. Tennis, in addition to brilliant matches and victories on court, is a perfect complement to our partnership with cinema, offering red carpet moments of its own, and providing new opportunities to share the magic of Moët & Chandon with the world,” said Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Moët & Chandon.

Britain’s ITV to broadcast French Open starting in 2012

Starting in 2012, Britain’s ITV will venture into Grand Slam tennis for the first time and begin televising the French Open after agreeing to a three-year deal with the second major of the year. ITV beat out television giant BBC for the upcoming coverage which will last until 2015. Six hours of live coverage will be shown on ITV4 and ITV.com everyday during the 15-day clay court Grand Slam tournament, as well as highlights. ITV will also televise the men’s and women’s championship matches live, along with two other live matches. “It’s the first time that a grand slam has been shown live on ITV and with around six hours of coverage over each day of the tournament we’ll be offering viewers more free-to-air coverage of the tournament than ever before,” said Niall Sloane, ITV’s Controller of Sport. In December, ITV4 televised the AEGON Masters Champions Tour event from Royal Albert Hall in London.

WTA Tour donates $25,000 to USANA’s “Ace Out Hunger” program

On Monday, the WTA Tour announced they contributed $25,000 towards the USANA Health Sciences “Ace Out Hunger” program, a charity that raises money for some of the world’s neediest children. All of the funds raised by the “Ace Out Hunger” program will go to the Children’s Hunger Fund, a global nonprofit organization fighting hunger in poor nations around the world. “The WTA players applaud all of USANA’s efforts and support Children’s Hunger Fund, an organization extremely effective at distributing funds and supplies to some of the world’s neediest children. We are glad to be able to make a contribution to assist in the fight to rule out hunger,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA Tour. In June 2011, USANA donated $10 for every ace served at a WTA Tour event starting at Wimbledon, through the end of the 2011 season. More than 3,500 aces have been hit at tournaments to date. “We are thrilled that the WTA has joined us in supporting and raising awareness for this very worthy cause,” said Dan Macuga, USANA Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media. “It’s been a great experience partnering with the WTA, an organization that, like USANA, truly values philanthropy.”

Stonyfield signs two-year agreement to become Official Yogurt of USTA League

Stonyfield, the world’s leading organic yogurt maker, has signed a two-year agreement to become the official yogurt of USTA League, the country’s largest recreational tennis league with more than 335,000 players nationwide. The goals is to support USTA League players through online health and fitness content; sampling for members at USTA League National Championships; as well as ongoing promotions and programs exclusive to USTA Members. “We are excited to be able to have sponsor activation at this year’s USTA League National Championships,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “To collaborate with Stonyfield by promoting healthy and active lifestyles at the Championships allows us to bring another benefit to our players.” As a part of this year’s new partnership, Stonyfield will award a total of $7,500 in grants across the country to help active individuals’ fuel health and wellness in their communities. Tennis players can apply for the grants by visiting www.FueledByStonyfield.com and answer one question: “Share how tennis fuels you and what you would do to fuel others.” The public will vote to determine 10 finalists. Judges at Stonyfield will then select three winners to receive a total of $7,500 in grants, as well as free yogurt. Winners will be selected in November.

Luxury Italian Tours to offer Italian Open Tennis Package

Luxury Italian Tours, the boutique luxury tour company, announced that it will offer a special travel tour of Rome in conjunction with the 2012 Italian Open tennis championships. The tour will be offered from May 13-20 and will include tickets to the historic tennis championships where Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova will be defending their titles as well as special VIP and private cultural and culinary activities. Packages include seven nights at luxury hotel in the historic center of Rome with the Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Piazza Navona just steps away, tickets for four sessions at the Internazionali BNL D’Italia at the Foro Italico, including the men’s and women’s quarterfinals and semifinals, and private and professionally guided tours of Ancient Rome and The Vatican including the Sistine Chapel. The packages also include a day excursion to Ostia Antica (Rome’s Pompeii), a half-day visit market visit, a cooking class and lunch, dinners at a private penthouse apartment overlooking Rome and in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods, and round-trip airport transfers and to and from the Foro Italico. “Luxury Italian Tours is excited to bring our distinct slice of la dolce vita to our guests during the Italian Open next May,” said Kimberly Minarovich, President and Founder of Luxury Italian Tours. “We are thrilled to offer unique culinary and cultural activities that have been celebrated by our guests for years and now combine it with day and evening matches at the Foro Italico to give tennis fans a full and enriching experience of Rome.” For more information, pricing and for a detailed itinerary, email info@luxuryitaliantours.com. All guests will also receive gifts courtesy of New Chapter Press, the leading publisher of tennis books.

Federer names Nationale Suisse locomotive in Basel

On Friday, former world No. 1 and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer officially named the Nationale Suisse locomotive at Basel’s freight terminal. The locomotive bears Federer’s name and image and will be used on a regular basis for domestic passenger services over the coming years. Federer is currently a brand ambassador for Nationale Suisse. “I have never named a locomotive before, let alone one bearing my own name,” said Federer. For every kilometer traveled on this specific locomotive, Nationale Suisse will make a donation to the Roger Federer Foundation, which supports projects to benefit children in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. His foundation focuses on programs on improvement of the quality of early learning and basic education in the African continent.

Federer named the “Best Player” to ever play in Basel

During the Swiss Indoors in Basel on Tuesday, Tournament Director Roger Brennwald honored hometown hero Roger Federer as the “Best Player” to ever play in Basel. The 30-year-old Swiss received a trophy bearing the names of the different nominees in the shape of a number one. The former world No. 1 and 16-time Grand Slam champion received 78.5 percent of the 40,000 votes casted online, while 2009 Basel champion and current world No. 1 Novak Djokovic received just 3,233 votes. “Obviously everyone knows how much the tournament here in Basel means to me,” said Federer, a four-time champion at this ATP World Tour 500 tournament. “There’s a big voting going on here in Switzerland for this award. I haven’t seen so many people vote for a sporting award in a very long time. I’m happy so many people took part in it.” Federer will go for his 40th career win in Basel against Jarkko Nieminen later this week after beating Potito Starace in straight sets on Monday. Federer has reached the final in his hometown seven times, including the past five years.

Roddick to return to Memphis in 2012 to defend his title

Andy Roddick will return in 2012 to the Regions Morgan Keegan Champions at the Racquet Club of Memphis to defend his title according to tournament officials. Also confirmed for next year’s tournament include Gael Monfils, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Querrey, Milos Raonic and Jack Sock. Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered by visiting www.memphistennis.com or calling (901) 765-4401.

Isner will return to Newport in 2012 with second title on his mind

American John Isner, who is currently ranked No. 24 and a former four-time All American at the University of Georgia, will return to defend his title next summer at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I. The tournament, which immediately follows Wimbledon, will take place from July 9-15, 2012 on the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “Newport was a great week for me this year, and I look forward to playing there again next summer,” said Isner. “It’s a great tournament – good fans and it’s a lot of fun to play in a venue with such an important history as the Hall of Fame.” Tickets for the tournament go on sale November 16, 2011 at 10 a.m. A pre-sale for members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame will begin on November 2, offering special discounts and first access to the best seats. To learn more about the tournament or the Hall of Fame, visit www.tennisfame.com or call (866) 914-3263.

Groenfeld to become doubles specialist in 2012

Germany’s Anna-Lena Groenfeld, who was once ranked as high as No. 14 in singles on the WTA Tour, announced this week that she’ll become a doubles specialist starting in 2012. “The 2011 season was one that delivered mixed results for me personally, highlighted by reaching two WTA Tour doubles finals while at the same time struggling with my form in singles,” said Groenfeld. “I’ve come to the conclusion that it will be in my best interest to primarily focus on doubles for now. My time as a singles player on the WTA Tour has been blessed with wonderful moments of joy and triumph, but I am at a point in my career, where it is time to move on and do what I feel like is best for me.”

TV Ratings Down During First Week of Australian Open: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

by

Agassi to be inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame in July

Andre Agassi, a former world No. 1 and 8-time Grand Slam singles champion, will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R.I., on July 9, 2011. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the ATP World Tour Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Agassi’s wife, Steffi, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Newport in 2004. The 40-year-old Las Vegas native held the No. 1 singles ranking for 101 weeks, and is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, as well as one of the premier athletes of his generation. Agassi achieved a career singles record of 870-274, winning 60 titles, including four at the Australian Open, two at the US Open, and one victory each at the French Open and Wimbledon. Within his 60 tournament wins, he captured 17 Masters 1000 events. In 1990, he won the season-ending ATP World Tour Championships. Agassi earned a Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics, by taking the Singles title in Atlanta. A member of two winning American Davis Cup teams in 1990 and 1992, Agassi achieved a career record of 30-6 in Davis Cup play for the United States. In 1994, he founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which is devoted to helping at-risk youth in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Since the inception of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, $150 million dollars has been raised to benefit the mission of the Foundation, including $92 million from the Grand Slam for Children fundraising event. In 1997, he established the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas, which supports 2,000 children throughout the year and boasts a world class junior tennis team and basketball program. In 2001, Agassi opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Las Vegas’ most at-risk neighborhood. The school utilizes advanced technology, smaller class sizes and extended school hours, among other tactics, to combat lowered academic expectations and to foster a sense of hope among this community’s most challenged children. In 2009 and 2010, the school graduated a 100% acceptance rate for higher education. “Andre is a true champion of the game, and we are delighted to honor him for his contributions and achievements with induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Christopher E. Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.

Dinara Safina

More than $1 million in USTA Serves grants awarded to 33 organizations

USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association, announced on Tuesday that it has awarded 33 year-end grants totaling $420,650. The number of program grants awarded in 2010 was 59, totaling $855,150. Combined with scholarship awards, USTA Serves distributed more than $1 million in 2010. The bi-annual granting process, a national initiative of USTA Serves, was developed to provide people with disabilities and disadvantaged, at-risk children in underserved communities the opportunity to learn to play tennis and improve their academic skills in a structured format, and also to help combat obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles. To date, USTA Serves has disbursed more than $10 million to a variety of programs that share those aims. At funded program sites, children between the ages of 5-18 learn about healthy nutrition and lifestyles, responsible citizenship, study skills, and computer literacy. The grant recipients are chosen by a Grant Proposal Review Committee comprised of Foundation Board Members and USTA National staff, with important input from USTA Sections. They are awarded to programs that successfully combine tennis and education and help children pursue their goals and highest dreams by leading healthier lives, succeeding in school and becoming healthier citizens. The current year-end grants include one award supporting the children of deployed military personnel who are at particular risk for emotional and behavioral difficulties, and four adaptive awards granted to organizations that teach people with disabilities the importance of physical activity and life skills. Some of the programs awarded grants included, Abundant Waters, Inc., of New York City, A’s & Aces of New Orleans, Azleway, Inc., of Tyler, Texas, CREATE Tennis Inc., of Washington D.C., Harper for Kids of San Francisco, New York Junior Tennis League, International Rescue Committee Inc., of San Diego, and Zina Garrison All Court Tennis Academy of Houston.

Television ratings down during first week of Australian Open for second consecutive year

For the second consecutive year, the television ratings for Australia’s Channel Seven for the first week of the Australian Open in Melbourne were down. Viewership dropped by 14 to 17 percent from 2010, which was 23 to 29 percent lower than the 2009 tournament. The drop, which wasn’t helped by early round exits by Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur, was contributed to one-day cricket matches, Oprah’s Australian television special that aired last week and increased competition from digital channels. However, Channel Seven did have better ratings than competitor Channel Nine on five out of seven nights of primetime tennis.

Johan Kriek Tennis Academy moves to Virginia from Florida

Two-time Australian Open singles champion Johan Kriek has moved his tennis academy in Sarasota, Fla. to the Sun Tennis Center in Roanoke, Va. The reason for the relocation to Roanoke is because Kriek’s wife, Daga Mrozek Kriek, played collegiate tennis in the area at Virginia Tech, and his brother is a teaching professional at racquet club close by in Mount Airy, N.C. Students at the Johan Kriek Tennis Academy attend five days a week for an hour and a half a day. Only 16 players are enrolled in the academy, including eight in the group for students ages 7-12 and eight for the older group for ages 13-18. To be a student in the academy you must fork out $1,500 per week.

Serena to appear in Super Bowl ad for Mercedes-Benz

Bloomberg is reporting that Serena Williams will be making a special appearance in a Super Bowl commercial for Mercedes-Benz.

Gasquet hires Grosjean as part-time coach

Richard Gasquet, who is currently ranked No. 33, has hired former French tennis star Sebastien Grosjean as his part-time coach. Grosjean, who currently resides in Boca Raton, Fla., will work with Gasquet for a few weeks a year. Gasquet’s current coach, Eric Deblicker, will continue to coach the young Frenchman full-time.

Safina dumps Etlis as coach

Former world No. 1 Dinara Safina, who lost 6-0, 6-0 to Kim Clijsters in the opening round at the Australian Open, has dropped Gaston Etlis of Argentina has her coach. Safina and Etlis began working together in May of last year. Safina is currently ranked No. 75 in the world.

U.S. Fed Cup team announced for February tie against Belgium

U.S. Fed Cup Captain Mary Joe Fernandez announced on Tuesday that Vania King will join Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Liezel Huber on the U.S. Fed Cup team that will travel to Antwerp to take on Belgium from February 5-6 at the Antwerp Sports Palace. Vania King took the roster spot that was expected to be filled by Venus Williams. Williams told Fernandez that she couldn’t play next month due to a hip injury that she sustained during the Australian Open.

ATP Delray Beach International Tennis Championships entry list announced

Former champions Xavier Malisse, Kei Nishikori and Ricardo Mello, as well as former finalists James Blake and Ivo Karlovic have signed up to participate in the 19th annual ATP World Tour Delray Beach International Championships (ITC) at the Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Fla., from February 21-27. Other recent players to commit to the event include former world No. 12 Radek Stepanek and Janko Tipsarevic, a 2010 Davis Cup hero for Serbia. Former US Open Champions Andy Roddick and Juan Martin del Potro, as well as world No. 17 Mardy Fish and world No. 20 John Isner are also slated to participate to help give the ITC its best draw in the history of the event. “We can’t wait to see how this one plays out,” said Mark Baron, Tournament Director, who has added a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera to the $500,000 pool of tournament prize money. “Our group of stars stands out, but the depth of talent in this draw and guys who have had great results is very impressive.” To purchase tickets visit the tournament’s official website at: www.yellowtennisball.com or call (561)330-6000.

Volunteers needed for 2011 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

Volunteers are needed at the 2011 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, one of the most prestigious professional tennis tournaments in the world, for a variety of positions including court ushers, ticket checkers, guest safety, and transportation. The 2011 Sony Ericsson Open, which will take place at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park, will be played from March 21-April 3. Each individual is asked to work a minimum of 45 hours, usually nine five-hour shifts, and can be scheduled around their own work commitments. Volunteers receive one of the best benefit packages in sports which will include a FILA uniform, 10 complimentary tickets for the tournament, sponsor gifts, parking, and meals during their shifts. To get involved, call the volunteer office at (305) 446-2200 or visit the official tournament website at: www.sonyericssonopen.com or email a volunteer representative at: volunteers@sonyericssonopen.com.

WTA Mercury Insurance Open honored by San Diego District Tennis Association

The WTA Tour Mercury Insurance Open was recently honored by the San Diego District Tennis Association as the Tournament of the Year within the Southern California district. The award was presented by SDDTA President Geoff Griffin during the District’s 2011 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet, which took place last Friday at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. “We are honored to be named Tournament of the Year by our local district tennis association,” said Raquel Giscafre, Tournament Director of the Mercury Insurance Open Tournament Director, who accepted the award on behalf of the tournament. “The Mercury Insurance Open thanks the SDDTA for not only recognizing our event with this award, but for all of their work in promoting tennis in San Diego.” This year’s Mercury Insurance Open will be played from July 30-August 7 at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.

Bartoli out for six weeks due to calf tear

World No. 17 Marion Bartoli will be sidelined for six weeks due to a calf tear she sustained during her opening round loss at the Australian Open to Vesna Manasieva. “It felt like an explosion inside my muscle when I pushed off at one point,” said Bartoli. “After that, it was very complicated because I couldn’t use my right leg.” Bartoli ended up having to stay in Melbourne a few extra days because her calf was too swollen to fly.

AGASSI DEBUTS ON OUTBACK CHAMPIONS SERIES THIS WEEK

by

NEW YORK, N.Y., October 6, 2009 – Andre Agassi will make his highly anticipated Outback Champions Series debut when he takes on Mikael Pernfors of Sweden Friday night in the opening round of the 2009 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise, Ariz.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships at Surprise runs Thursday through Sunday and will feature a field of eight champion players competing in a single knock-out format event for $150,000 in prize money and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1 ranked player on the Outback Champions Series.

“It’s great to have an opportunity to get back on the court,” said the 39-year-old Agassi of playing on the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. “That’s the best part of tennis — to be out there and hopefully make a difference in the lives of fans for a couple of hours.”

Agassi is one of only six men in the history of tennis to win all four major singles titles in a career, joining Rod Laver, Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Fred Perry and Roger Federer. He won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1992, defeating Goran Ivanisevic in a dramatic five-set final. He won his first U.S. Open title in 1994, defeating Michael Stich in the final, and his second five years later in 1999, defeating Todd Martin in the championship match. He won four Australian Open titles between 1995 and 2003, while his victory at the 1999 French Open rounded out his career Grand Slam. Agassi ranked No. 1 in the world for 101 weeks during his career. He helped the United States win the Davis Cup in 1990, 1992 and 1995 and won 60 career singles titles from 1987 until he concluded his career at the 2006 U.S. Open. In 1994, Agassi started the Andre Agassi Foundation which is dedicated to transforming public education for underserved youth. He will be the eighth former world No. 1
to compete on the Outback Champions Series, joining Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Pat Rafter, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander, Thomas Muster and John McEnroe.

Born, raised and still a resident of Las Vegas, Nev., Agassi has had great success playing in the Phoenix, Ariz., area, winning four of his 60 titles in nearby Scottsdale in 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2002.

“Every time I’ve been to Arizona, I’ve loved it,” said Agassi. “I grew up in the desert. As a result, I’ve always felt very comfortable there. Some of my best memories are games played right in Scottsdale.”

Agassi and Pernfors will play their quarterfinal match the evening of October 9. Mark Philippoussis and Wayne Ferreira will open up tournament play on Thursday evening, October 8 at 7 pm with the winner playing the Agassi/Pernfors winner in the semifinals. Rounding out the field in Surprise are Americans Jim Courier, Todd Martin, Aaron Krickstein and Jimmy Arias. The order of play and tournament schedule is as follows;

Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Session #1 – 7:00pm
Quarterfinal #1 – Mark Philippoussis vs. Wayne Ferreira
Followed by Quarterfinal #2 – Jim Courier vs. Aaron Krickstein

Friday, October 9th, 2009
Session #2 – 7:00pm
Quarterfinal #3 – Todd Martin vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by Quarterfinal #4 – Andre Agassi vs. Mikael Pernfors

Saturday, October 10th, 2009
Session #3 – 12:00pm
Men’s Doubles
Followed by
Semifinal #1 – Winner of Agassi/Pernfors vs. Winner of Philippoussis/Ferreira

Session #4 – 5:00pm
Men’s Doubles
Followed by
Semifinal #2 – Winner of Martin/Arias vs. Winner of Courier/Krickstein

Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Session #5 – 12pm
Third Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

John McEnroe won the inaugural event in 2008 in Surprise defeating Martin in the final. Ticket, travel and tournament information can be found by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

Sampras won the opening event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, defeating McEnroe in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February. McEnroe won the second event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Courier in the final. Sampras won his second title of the year at the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico, defeating Rafter in the final. Courier won his first title of the 2009 season in April at the Cayman Islands, defeating Arias in the final. Pat Cash successfully defended his title on the grass courts at the Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport, R.I. in August, defeating Courier in the final. Courier won his second title of the season in Charlotte, defeating Sampras in the final.

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. The Outback Champions Series features seven events on its 2009 schedule with each event featuring $150,000 in prize money as well as Champions Series points that will determine the year-end Champions Rankings No. 1.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events, corporate outings and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

AGASSI TO PLAY PERNFORS IN OUTBACK CHAMPIONS SERIES DEBUT

by

Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi

NEW YORK, September 22, 2009 – InsideOut Sports & Entertainment today announced that Andre Agassi will take on Mikael Pernfors of Sweden in the opening round of the 2009 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprize, Ariz., to be played October 8-11. The match will mark Agassi’s debut match on the Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships at Surprise will feature a field of eight champion players competing in a single knock-out format event over four days competing for $150,000 in prize money and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1 ranked player on the Outback Champions Series. John McEnroe won the inaugural event in 2008 in Surprise defeating Todd Martin in the final. Agassi will be the eighth former world No. 1 to compete on the Outback Champions Series joining Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Pat Rafter, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander, Thomas Muster and McEnroe.

In his historic career, Agassi, 39, is one of only six men in the history of tennis to win all four major singles titles in a career, joining Rod Laver, Don Budge, Roy Emerson, Fred Perry and Roger Federer. Agassi won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1992, defeating Goran Ivanisevic in a dramatic five-set final. He won his first U.S. Open title in 1994 and his second five years later in 1999. He won four Australian Open titles between 1995 and 2003, while his victory at the 1999 French Open rounded out his “career” Grand Slam. Agassi ranked No. 1 in the world for 101 weeks during his career. He helped the United States win the Davis Cup in 1990, 1992 and 1995 and won 60 career singles titles from 1987 until he concluded his career at the 2006 U.S. Open. In 1994, Agassi started the Andre Agassi Foundation which is dedicated to transforming public education for underserved youth.

Agassi and Pernfors will play their quarterfinal match the evening of October 9. Mark Philippoussis and Wayne Ferreira will open up tournament play on Thursday evening, Oct. 8 at 7 pm with the winner playing the Agassi/Pernfors winner in the semifinals. Rounding out the field in Surprise are Americans Jim Courier, Todd Martin, Aaron Krickstein and Jimmy Arias. The order of play and tournament schedule is as follows;

Thursday, October 8th, 2009
Session #1 – 7:00pm
Quarterfinal #1 – Mark Philippoussis vs. Wayne Ferreira
Followed by
Quarterfinal #2 – Jim Courier vs. Aaron Krickstein

Friday, October 9th, 2009
Session #2 – 7:00pm
Quarterfinal #3 – Todd Martin vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Quarterfinal #4 – Andre Agassi vs. Mikael Pernfors

Saturday, October 10th, 2009
Session #3 – 12:00pm
Men’s Doubles
Followed by
Semifinal #1 – Winner of Agassi/Pernfors vs. Winner of Philippoussis/Ferreira

Session #4 – 5:00pm
Men’s Doubles
Followed by
Semifinal #2 – Winner of Martin/Arias vs. Winner of Courier/Krickstein

Sunday, October 11th, 2009
Session #5 – 12pm
Third Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

Ticket, travel and tournament information can be found by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

Sampras won the opening event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, defeating McEnroe in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February. McEnroe won the second event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Courier in the final. Sampras won his second title of the year at the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico, defeating Patrick Rafter in the final. Courier won his first title of the 2009 season in April at the Cayman Islands, defeating Jimmy Arias in the final. Pat Cash successfully defended his title on the grass courts at the Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport, R.I. in August, defeating Courier in the final. The Series travels next to Charlotte, September 24-27, followed by the Surprise event, October 8-11.

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Andre Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. The Outback Champions Series features seven events on its 2009 schedule with each event featuring $150,000 in prize money as well as Champions Series points that will determine the year-end Champions Rankings No. 1.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events, corporate outings and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.