Tennis Executives getting paid less according to Sports Business Journal article
According to a November 28 article in Sports Business Journal written by staff journalist Daniel Kaplan, pay for the tennis executives is on the decline. The article states that between 2008 and 2010, the USTA cut overall compensation $38 million, which was down 22 percent, while the WTA Tour dropped overall pay to $7.9 million, a nearly 8 percent decline. The ATP World Tour also eliminated 11 percent of their pay during that time to $12.9 million. Further, Kaplan mentioned that the men’s professional tour saw its pay go up in 2010 from 2009. Outgoing ATP Executive Chairman and President Adam Helfant, who formerly was a Vice President at Nike, earned $2.3 million in 2010, before making close to $3 million in 2011. Helfant was not satisfied with his pay as the top guy at the ATP World Tour, leading to his decision to step down at the end of the year, according to sources that are close to the ATP Board of Directors. Helfant denies that is the reason for his departure. In Kaplan’s article, he states that former USTA CEO Arlen Kantarian took home $9 million in his final year with the organization, while former head of the WTA Tour Larry Scott, who is now the Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference, took in $1.6 million in 2006, a huge sum for that position, considering the previous leader made roughly a half a million dollars. Current WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster made just $1 million in 2010.
Tickets for United States vs. Belarus Fed Cup tie on sale to general public on December 9
The USTA announced that tickets to the 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group II First Round tie between the United States and Belarus will go on sale to the general public on Friday, December 9, at 10 a.m. EST. An exclusive pre-sale for USTA members begins today at 10 a.m. EST and ends on Thursday, December 8 or while supplies last. The United States vs. Belarus tie will take place at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., from February 4-5, 2012. Ticket prices range from $60-$225 and are sold as two-day packages. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or www.usta.com/fedcup. Tickets can also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (888) 334-8782.
Emilio Sanchez honored with Davis Cup Award of Excellence
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) recently announced that Spain’s Emilio Sanchez is the 2011 recipient of the Davis Cup Award of Excellence. Sanchez was presented with his award at last weekend’s Davis Cup final between Spain and Argentina in Seville. ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and 1984 Tennis Hall of Famer Manolo Santana, a previous recipient of the award, presented Sanchez with the prestigious award. “Emilio Sanchez was a great contributor to the Davis Cup for nearly two decades, as a player, captain, and dedicated supporter of the event,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President. “In recognition of his achievements and in appreciation for his contributions to the sport and to Davis Cup, we are proud to present him with the Davis Cup Award of Excellence.” While playing on the ATP Tour, Sanchez competed for Spain in Davis Cup on 12 occasions between 1984 and 1996, compiling a 32-23 record. In 2005, he took over as captain for Spain, and in 2008, he led his nation to the Davis Cup title by defeating Argentina.
Bacardi serves up a chance to play tennis against tennis star Rafael Nadal
Bacardi Limited recently launched an international free competition to meet its Global Social Responsibility Ambassador Rafael Nadal as part of the award-winning “Champions Drink Responsibly” social responsibility campaign. If you are the legal drinking age, you will get the opportunity to “Ace Rafa” in an online virtual reality video game created by Bacardi Limited. Fans who successfully “Ace” Nadal in the game will be entered into a free prize drawing for a chance to win a trip to Mallorca, Spain, where they will meet Nadal and have a chance to ace the 10-time Grand Slam singles champion. You can enter the competition by visiting www.facebook.com/ChampionsDrinkResponsibly.
Wozniacki hires Ricardo Sanchez as new coach
World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki announced that she has hired Ricardo Sanchez as her new coach. Sanchez, who most recently coached former top-ranked player Jelena Jankovic, will coach the Dane along with her father, Piotr. “It’s a good idea with Ricky,” said Wozniacki. “We know him very well, and he has been watching so many of my matches and created tactics against me, so he really knows me as a player. He also knows all the other girls on the tour very well.” It is believed that Sanchez has signed a one-year deal to coach the 21-year-old.
Ryan Harrison hires Grant Doyle as new coach
American Ryan Harrison has hired Grant Doyle as his new coach, his agent, IMG’s Ben Crandell, confirmed to TENNIS.com. Doyle previously coached Southern Californian Sam Querrey. Harrison most recently split with coach Scott McCain, whom he worked with since May and was sharing with former two-time NCAA singles champion Somdev Devvarman. Currently ranked No. 79, Harrison will start his 2012 season by playing in Brisbane, Auckland and then at the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Roddick enters 2012 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis
Tournament officials announced on Tuesday that former world No. 1 and defending champion Andy Roddick has entered the 2012 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships at The Racquet Club of Memphis, which will be played from February 17-26. Roddick joins an already impressive field which includes 2011 ATP “Newcomer of the Year” Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils, Sam Querrey, John Isner, Lleyton Hewitt and James Blake. It was also announced that Roddick will play his first round match at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22 followed by Raonic’s match. Monfils will play his first round match at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21. Also scheduled to appear in Memphis in February is tennis legend John McEnroe, who will play a doubles exhibition match on Monday, February 20 with Blake, Querrey and Jack Sock.
Wozniacki, Azarenka confirm they will play Rogers Cup in 2012
World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and No. 3 Victoria Azarenka confirmed that they will participate in the 2012 Rogers Cup at the Uniprix Stadium in Montreal from August 4-13. The last time the tournament was played in Montreal, Wozniacki defeated Russian Vera Zvonareva to win the title. Zvonareva and France’s Marion Bartoli announced their decision last week to participate in next year’s event.
ATP World Tour player Rajeev Ram to host exhibition match for charity in Indianapolis on Saturday
Indianapolis native Rajeev Ram, a former singles and doubles champion in Newport, will host the 2nd annual “EntouRAJ for Kids” charity event at the Five Seasons Racquet Club in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 10 from 5-8 p.m. The former Carmel High School and University of Illinois standout will take on two-time NCAA Division I singles champion Somdev Devvarman, before WNBA Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings and local tennis players will join them on the court. During the event, a live and silent auction will occur with the chance to win signed tennis racquets from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Tickets are $10 for children and $20 for adults. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hamilton County Community Tennis Association’s college scholarship and reading programs. Last year’s event raised nearly $13,600. Tickets can be ordered by visiting http://entourajforkids2011.eventbrite.com/.
ATP doubles specialist James Cerretani to host charity exhibition match in Boston on December 15
The Boston Lobsters and Cohasset Tennis Club invites you to a special night of doubles on Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m. in Cohasset, Mass., to benefit ATP World Tour doubles player James Cerretani’s charity Tenacity, a non-profit organization that promotes a safe and healthy after-school environment. The event will feature Cerretani, as well as 2011 Australian Open doubles semifinalist Eric Butorac, Adil Shamasdin and Harvard’s Christo Schultz, who plays No. 1 for the Crimson. Each featured player will be paired with an amateur and play a 10-point tiebreaker semifinal. A 10-point tiebreaker final will immediately follow. There is a $250 entry fee for amateur participants, who must be rated 4.0 or higher to enter. There will be $1,000 from this event donated to Tenacity. At 8 p.m., Butorac and Schultz will play Cerretani and Shamasdin in the feature match. Food, beer and wine will be provided. It will cost $10 for Cohasset Tennis Club members and $15 for non-members. Please call (781) 383-9533 to reserve tickets or secure your place in the Pro-Am.
Vazquez out as Argentina’s Davis Cup captain following loss to Spain in finals
ESPN Deportes is reporting that Tito Vazquez is out as Argentina’s Davis Cup captain after the country’s tennis federation decided not to renew his contract following their loss to Spain in last weekend’s Davis Cup final in Seville. Mariano Zabaleta and Martin Jaite have been named as potential replacements for Vazquez. However, the Argentine newspaper, Ole, is reporting that Jaite has already been offered the job.
Sony Ericsson Open offering ticket specials as holiday gifts
If you are interested in seeing some of the best tennis in the world in sunny Miami, Florida, consider ordering tickets to the Sony Ericsson Open as a holiday gift before they go on sale to the public. The 2012 Sony Ericsson Open will be played from March 19-April 1 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park. For more information on ordering tickets, please call the ticket office at (305) 442-3367 or visit the official tournament website at www.sonyericssonopen.com.
Rod Laver to miss Australian Open in January
Rod Laver, who is considered by some to be the greatest tennis player in the history of the sport, will miss the 100th annual Australian Open in Melbourne, since he wants to spend time with his wife at their home in Southern California since her health has been fluctuating over the last several years. “Mary’s fine, but we are battling (her health), so I definitely won’t be flying to Melbourne for next year’s Australian Open,” said Laver. The 73-year-old Laver is the only male player to have twice won the career Grand Slam, achieving it in 1962 and 1969.
Professional Tennis Registry signs two new corporate members
Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) recently announced that they signed two new corporate members, Fuzzy Yellow Balls and reBounces. Fuzzy Yellow Balls is a website where tennis players can learn how to play tennis online for free, discuss the sport they love and socialize. Fuzzy Yellow Balls content combines the knowledge of some of the Washington D.C. area’s top tennis professionals with innovative teaching technologies and strategies. Since 2007, reBounces has been the leader in green tennis technology. The patented Green Tennis Machine is a bulk tennis ball re-pressurization system that allows tennis facilities to extend life of their practice tennis balls and increase their bottom line. The company is also the first and only organization to offer a free tennis ball recycling program facilities and individuals in the United States who need to get rid of their old tennis balls. Both companies will have a booth at the PTR Tennis Trade Show on February 26 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla.