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Peugeot Increases Tennis Sponsorship – This Week In Tennis Business with Kevin Craig

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by Kevin Craig

@KCraig_Tennis

Peugeot Increases Tennis Sponsorship

French car company Peugeot has announced they will be increasing their sponsorship of tennis in the United Kingdom, with the success of the Murray brothers being the main reason. Peugeot and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have signed a new three year deal that will help improve initiatives “to get more people playing tennis more often,” according to Daily Record. Peugeot has had a very big influence with tennis in the past, being the official car sponsor of both the LTA and the ATP, and sponsoring Jamie Murray, as well as world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. Andrew Didlick, director of brand partnerships for Peugeot, stated that the “new initiatives for 2016 are timely when there is so much focus on the sport. Our product range is perfectly positioned to support the LTA and ATP in their endeavors to go ever further with tennis and get more people involved in this great sport,” according to Daily Record.

Kate Middleton to Participate in Judy Murray’s Coaching Workshop

According to the IB Times, Middleton will be participating in Murray’s Tennis on the Road coaching workshop, as tennis coaches from around the world will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland. Murray’s foundation intends to bring intermediate levels of tennis to both children and adults in an attempt to get more people playing the sport. Middleton’s love of tennis is well documented as she has attended Wimbledon many times, often supporting Andy Murray. Also according to the IB Times, Middleton is reported to be planning to become a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. Middleton and husband Price William have also recently been “granted permission to build a tennis court in the grounds of their Norfolk home,” which will cost approximately $86,000.

Romanian ATP Event in Danger

Ion Tiriac, former Romanian tennis great, is threatening to retire the ATP event’s license “due to a lack of suitable infrastructure” at the site in which the tournament is held, according to Bob Larson Tennis. Tiriac claimed to the media that “the poor infrastructure has prevented us from taking the tournament to the next level, ATP 500,” in an interview with local media. The site, which was built decades ago, is only part of the problem. Tiriac has also had struggles with local authorities in regards to a proposed hockey arena that he has proposed to have built. The plans have been delayed for years due to the actions of the local government, and is now playing a role in Tiriac being unable to help improve the tennis center in which his ATP event is played.

World Team Tennis Returns to New York

Mylan World Team Tennis has announced that the New York Empire will become the newest addition to World Team Tennis (WTT) as they begin play in the 2016 season. The team will be playing in the historic West Side Tennis Stadium, the former home of the US Open, with Patrick McEnroe as the coach and Andy Roddick as the headline player. Roddick stated his excitement for being part of the new organization, stating that playing “on the legendary courts” and playing in a city that he loves “will make this even more special.” McEnroe claimed “this is a perfect way to link the past of the game with the new thinking that Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss (WTT’s CEO and commissioner) have infused into the sport.” Tickets will go on sale for the Empire later in the spring, while information about season tickets can be found at www.nyempiretennis.com. New York has been without a WTT team since 2013 when the New York Sportimes had to fold and the organization was taken to San Diego.

Boston Lobsters Cease Operations

The Boston Lobsters, one of WTT’s mainstays, has been forced to cease operations and leave the league, according to Kloss. Kloss revealed that the league had been searching for a new owner to take charge of the team since previous owner Bahar Uttam retired after the 2014 season. In an announcement from Kloss on Wednesday, she stated the league was “not able to find the right fit” for a new owner, forcing the Lobsters become no more. The Lobsters were one of the original teams in the WTT, playing from 1974-1978, and 2005-2015. The Manchester Athletic Club, the site in which the Lobsters had played their home matches since 2013, was asked to take over the team, but Keith Callahan, general manager of the club, stated they were unable to do so, citing that “it would have taken an enormous amount of resources to take on an operation like that,” in an interview with the Newbury Port News.

Lagardere Tennis Signs Ulises Blanch

American junior Ulises Blanch has turned pro, signing on with Lagardere Tennis. The agency announced the signing, with Senior Vice President Julien Cassaigne stating his excitement about the deal. “We are thrilled to welcome Ulises to the Lagardere Sports family and support his development as he successfully transitions to the professional tour,” stated Cassaigne. Blanch, who had a very successful career on the juniors circuit, acknowledged that “it is important to surround [himself] with the right people to help navigate this journey,” as he hopes to continue his development and rise up the ATP ranks. Blanch recently won his first ITF Grade 1 title in Australia in the lead up to the Australian Open, reaching a new career high ranking of No. 12 on the juniors circuit.

Fabrice Santoro Ends Coaching Stint with Sergiy Stakhovsky

According to Fabrice Santoro, via his Twitter account, his time working as Stakhovsky’s coach has come to an end. The two began working together at the end of the 2014 season, but have now deciding to amicably split ways after 15 months of work. With the Ukrainian struggling so far through 2016, the decision is not all that surprising, however neither party has announced the exact reason for their split. In a reply to Santoro on Twitter, Stakhovsky said “thank you for your fantastic patron insights and your time!”

Peugeot
Peugeot

Kei Nishikori Signs Brand Ambassador Deal with TAG Heuer: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Kei Nishikori

Nishikori signs brand ambassador deal with TAG Heuer

World No. 18 and rising Japanese star Kei Nishikori has signed a brand ambassador deal with TAG Heuer, the prestigious Swiss watch brand established in 1860. The former Junior French Open Doubles champion announced his decision to become a part of the TAG Heuer family during a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday. Nishikori joins Maria Sharapova, Leonardo DiCaprio and Leonard Hamilton as ambassadors to the organization. Other current sponsors of Nishikori are Wilson, adidas (shoes only), CupNoodle, Weider, UniQlo, WOWOW and EA Sports. Nishikori began his 2012 season by reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals, the furthest round a Japanese male player has ever reached in a Grand Slam event since 1968.

World TeamTennis Marquee Player Draft includes six current or former world No. 1s from U.S.

During Tuesday’s World TeamTennis Marquee Player Draft, six current or former world No. 1s from the United States were selected including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Bob and Mike Bryan, Lindsay Davenport and John McEnroe. Other household names selected in the draft included Mardy Fish, Martina Hingis, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis and John Isner. Following the birth of her third child in January, Davenport will return to the court and play for the Orange County Breakers. “I am excited to be back in Orange County and it will be great for my kids to get to see me play,” said Davenport. “I have always loved playing on a team so I am looking forward to getting back on the court.” The Washington Kastles will try to complete another undefeated championship season like last year with the help of both Williams’ sisters. The Philadelphia Freedoms selected American fan-favorite Blake and former world No. 8 Philippoussis. This summer marks Blake’s seventh WTT season and first with the Freedoms. The Boston Lobsters are bringing back one of the best players in the world in Isner, who just defeated 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in four sets in Davis Cup last weekend in Switzerland. McEnroe and Hingis will once again join forces as part of the New York Sportimes. The Sacramento Capitals will build their team around Fish. The WTT Pro League presented by GEICO, which was co-founded by Billie Jean King, is a professional sports league featuring three generations of tennis stars playing in a coed team format.  The 2012 WTT Pro League begins July 9 and runs through July 29. The top two teams from both the Western and Eastern Conference advance to the WTT Finals Weekend presented by GEICO from September 14-16, at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.

Jim Curley steps down as US Open Tournament Director

After more than 10 years on the job, the USTA announced that Jim Curley is stepping down as the Chief Professional Tournaments Officer and US Open Tournament Director. Deputy Tournament Director David Brewer, a 14-year USTA employee, will take over as the new US Open Tournament Director and also oversee the USTA’s professional tennis operations. “It has been a privilege to lead the USTA’s efforts in professional tennis,” said Curley. “My decision to step down after more than 10 years was a difficult one, but I believe it is time for a change.” Brewer, currently the Managing Director, Professional Operations, joined the USTA in 1997. In addition to his US Open Tournament Director obligations, his responsibilities will include oversight of the US Open Series, all US Team events including Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Olympics, USTA Pro Circuit competition and all aspects of the USTA’s professional tennis division. Brewer will report to Gordon Smith, USTA COO and Executive Director. “Jim is an exemplary professional who has helped to elevate the US Open during his decade-long stewardship of the event,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “We are disappointed in his decision to step down, but are confident that David will continue to build on Jim’s legacy of growth and innovation.”

USTA Player Development names five additional programs as USTA Certified Regional Training Centers

According to a press release, the United States Tennis Association announced that five junior development programs in four states have been named USTA Certified Regional Training Centers as part of its continuing effort to develop the next generation of world-class American players. The five programs will service the junior players in four USTA sections across the country. The five new USTA Certified Regional Training Centers include The Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego and the Northwest High Performance Tennis program in Seattle. These programs are the first Certified Regional Training Centers named in the USTA Southern California and USTA Pacific Northwest sections, respectively. The 4 Star Tennis Academy in Fairfax, Va., will join the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park, Md. The Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester, Minn., and the Life Time Fitness Center in Lakeville, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul will comprise a USTA Certified Regional Training Center network for the USTA Northern section. In addition to continuing their existing programs, the USTA Certified Regional Training Centers will host USTA Player Development camps for players, ages 8-12, in their respective regions.  These players will be selected in conjunction with the USTA national coaching staff and their respective USTA Section Coaching Commission.  The Centers will also help identify talent in players as young as 6 years old, run programs using the 10 and Under Tennis* and host 10 and Under Tennis tournaments for players 8 and under and 10 and under. “Now in its fourth year, the Certified Regional Training Center initiative continues to expand and flourish as we at USTA Player Development work collaboratively with more programs and coaches,” said Patrick McEnroe, General Manager, USTA Player Development.  “We are happy that we are continuing to see positive results from some of the young players who train at these USTA Certified Regional Training Centers, and these new programs will help us continue to expand our outreach as we continue to try and develop the next wave of world-class American players.”

International Tennis Federation and Wilson renew deal for five-years

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) renewed its Davis Cup and Fed Cup sponsorship deal with Wilson Racquet Sports for five-years through 2017. Under the new arrangement, Wilson will remain as the official tennis ball of Davis Cup and Fed Cup, starting in 2013. Wilson will also maintain its investment in grassroots level tennis as the official ball of the ITF’s under 14 and under 16 level competitions. “Wilson remains an outstanding partner for the ITF, helping in our efforts to develop and promote the game. In particular the company has been a long and loyal sponsor of our premier team competitions, and we are delighted to have its continued support for many years to come,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President. “The Davis Cup and Fed Cup are iconic tennis institutions, important to the heritage of the sport and to our brand,” said Jon Muir, General Manager for Wilson Racquet Sports. “These events help to drive the local participation efforts in many countries around the world, and our brand and business efforts have aligned to support this as well. We are pleased to continue this strong partnership and look forward to bringing the energy of the game to all generations of tennis fans.”

112th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament to be promoted by top Sports PR/Marketing firm

Top sports public relations and marketing firm Brener Zwikel & Associates will play a major role in the largest amateur tennis tournament in the United States. The California-based firm, which also has an office in New York City, will be in charge of promoting the 112th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, April 25-29. The Ojai, a Southern California tennis tradition since 1896, is the oldest amateur tournament played at the same location in the United States. “We are very pleased to have the assistance and public relations expertise of Brener Zwikel & Associates working with The Ojai and our 112th-annual event this April,” said Ojai Valley Tennis Club President Vivian Perrett. “We look forward to working with BZA to gain heightened awareness about The Ojai throughout the tennis world via print, electronic and social interactive media, and promotions. With 27 different events and more than 1,500 players, we have a great deal of tennis to offer at more than 30 sites throughout Ventura County, including private Ojai courts.” New this year will be the Pac-12 Championships being played in a team format, which is different from the original 32-player individual draw. All matches in 2012 will take place in downtown Ojai at the Libbey Park courts. Also new at this year’s event will be the prize money boost. An all-time high of $20,000 will be awarded to the men’s and women’s Open divisions in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Additionally, The Ojai will have a major social media presence, having launched official Facebook and Twitter pages. Fans can follow the action from all 27 divisions by visiting the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theojaitennistournament or following @TheOjai on Twitter. A long list of legendary players have competed in The Ojai in the past including Bill Tilden, Tony Trabert, Bobby Riggs, Jack Kramer, Maureen Connolly, Arthur Ashe, Billie Jean King, Pancho Gonzales, Stan Smith, Jimmy Connors, Michael Chang,  Lindsay Davenport, Pete Sampras, Taylor Dent and the Bryan Brothers. A total of 85 players who have competed in the prestigious Ventura County tournament have gone on to win a Grand Slam tournament.

Murray returning to The Queen’s Club in June to defend title

World No. 4 and defending champion Andy Murray announced that he will return this summer to the AEGON Championships at The Queen’s Club in search of a third title on the famed grass courts in London. This year’s tournament will be played from June 11-17. “I’m excited to be going back to The Queen’s Club,” said Murray. “It’s a great tournament and the grass courts are as good as anywhere in the world, so it’s the perfect preparation for Wimbledon. There’s always a great atmosphere and having won the trophy twice previously, I have nothing but good memories. They also have one of the biggest trophies on the tennis circuit, and most of the Wimbledon champions are on it, so you know it’s a big deal. I’d love to win it again this year.” The last British player to win three titles at The Queen’s Club was FG Lowe, who won his third and final singles title in 1925.

Isner, Fish, Bryan Brothers commit to US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston

Tournament officials at the US Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston announced that Americans John Isner, Mardy Fish and Bob and Mike Bryan will compete in the event to be held from April 9-15 at the River Oaks Country Club. Isner is currently ranked at a career high No. 14. The former University of Georgia four-time All-American reached the doubles final in Houston last year with fellow American Sam Querrey. Fish, who is currently ranked No. 8, won the singles title at River Oaks in 2006. The Bryan Brothers will return to Texas aiming for a fifth doubles crown.

Venus Williams enters Family Circle Cup

Former world No. 1 Venus Williams has entered the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, which will be played from March 31-April 8. The 31-year-old Williams was diagnosed last year with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease. The South Florida resident recently teamed with Liezel Huber in the United States Fed Cup dead-rubber doubles victory against Belarus.

New book “TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY” tells incredible story of survival and triumph

Karl Behr was one of the best tennis players in the United States – a member of the 1907 U.S. Davis Cup team and a Wimbledon doubles finalist that year. In 1912, he was madly in love with Helen Newsom. However, Newsom’s mother, Sally Beckwith, did not approve of their relationship and whisked her daughter away on a European adventure in an attempt to break up the couple. Behr concocted a European business trip to chase after the love of his life. Both had return trips to America on the famed and fated ship TITANIC. The love story of Behr and Newsom, as well as the incredible story of survival and triumph of another TITANIC survivor and future U.S. singles champion Dick Williams, are featured in the new book TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY by Lindsay Gibbs ($12.95, New Chapter Press, available for order on Amazon.com here: http://m1e.net/c?96018505-IQGyTFTob4NIw%407231931-7LMaJhRrgzL1I TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY, due out officially in six weeks, narrates the extraordinary stories of tennis players Behr and Williams, who survived the sinking of the famous ship 100 years ago this coming April 15 and met on the deck of the rescue ship Carpathia. Behr and Williams eventually became teammates on the U.S. Davis Cup team and faced each other in the quarterfinals of the 1914 U.S. Nationals in Newport, R.I. – the tournament that is now the US Open.

Jan-Michael Gambill lives for the roar of a different kind of crowd

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By Christopher Lancette

I could see a little bid of dread cross Jan-Michael Gambill’s face when he saw me sprinting toward him just moments after he and his Boston Lobsters had lost their World Team Tennis match to the Washington Kastles. It had been a long day and an even tougher night on the courts. I couldn’t blame him for feeling an urge to skip post-match press interviews and wanting to just head to the hotel.

His eyes lit up, though, once he realized this scribe wanted to talk to him about big cats – as in lions, tigers and jaguars – and he pounced on the opportunity to share his passion for supporting the Cat Tales Zoological Park near his hometown of Spokane, Washington. The nonprofit organization operated by Mike and Debbie Wyche rescues and cares for upwards of 50 endangered cats at a time.

“It’s an amazing facility run by two people who have given their lives to this,” said Gambill, who reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 14 and beat world No. 1’s including Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Lleyton Hewitt. “They don’t get any federal support and it was an easy cause for me to get involved in. I’ve always loved animals, especially big cats.”

The Wyches founded the park in their own home in 1991 and now attract thousands of visitors a year. They also run a Zoological Training Center that teaches people the profession of zoo keeping. The mission of the “zoo school” becomes clear to students on day one: “The first thing you learn in this program is that you do not ‘work with the animals’,” according to its Web site. “You ‘work for the animals.’”

Gambill himself has taken classes so he can learn more about the animals he’s so eager to save.

How does a tennis player once named by People Magazine one of the “50 most beautiful people in the world” get hooked on the Cat Tales Zoological Park?

Playing in the Davis Cup. (That was your first guess, right?)

“Back then, you used to get an allocation of money that you could donate to the charity of your choice,” Gambill said. “I was very interested in endangered animals and the Davis Cup led me to my first opportunity to make a real difference.”

Gambill hopes to bring more attention to the plight of endangered cats and to the charitable work of the Cat Tales Zoological Park. He would love to put together a TV show about the Wyches and their calling.

That would be reality TV worth watching!

Photos by © Won-ok Kim

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Obama family enjoys “normal” night of World Team Tennis in D.C.?

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By Christopher Lancette

If it’s possible for First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha to “sneak” into an event, that’s exactly what they did on July 7. The fans in attendance were so focused on Serena Williams playing women’s doubles for the Washington Kastles in a World Team Tennis match that they missed the Obamas’ entrance.

Once the on-court photographers went telephoto on them, though, the buzz shot across the stadium in southwest Washington. The First Family of Tennis wasn’t doing just a drive-by appearance, either: They stayed until the match was over. Sasha was fired up the most – flashing her “Refuse to Lose” Kastles sign throughout much of the match – leading the team to an easy win over the Boston Lobsters.

I’m not prone to being star-struck as I’ve been interviewing famous people since I was a teenager but the Obamas had me spellbound. I’ve long thought I was the only person in Washington D.C. who had not run across at least one member of the family since it took office. I was starting to take it personally.

I can’t imagine how the family’s appearance didn’t distract Williams and partner Rennae Stubbs but they took care of business and stepped aside. Coach Murphy Jensen and Stubbs also got in a word, saying something that made Mrs. Obama break out in a wide smile. I didn’t get a chance to ask Jensen what he or Stubbs said but I’ve followed him long enough to know he has the gift of gab.

I had a very difficult time concentrating on the match because I was too busy watching the Obamas try to have a normal family night out on the courts. “Normal” probably isn’t a word that applies to the lives of our presidents and their families but I admired the effort the Obamas put into trying to have a low-key evening.

That’s when I got close to crossing a line — but not one on the court.

As Leander Paes and Bobby Reynolds were turning in another stellar men’s doubles performance against Eric Butorac and Jan-Michael Gambill, I edged closer to the attraction behind them – racing out ahead of Malia and Sasha when they left their seats. Turned out they were headed for snow cones. I watched them stand in line just like everyone else instead of having staff bring them their treats or asking the very muscular men surrounding them to clear out the crowd. I began to feel a little uncomfortable with my stalking, as if Chris Hansen might step out any second and shine a TV camera light in my face.

I sheepishly turned to another reporter, Judy Kurtz from The Hill newspaper, and confessed my discomfort. She told me we were fine because we were keeping our distance and not doing anything to intrude. Still, is it normal for a 42-year-old man to scribble down that a girl who just turned 13 on July 4 was wearing orange slip-on shoes and opting for what appeared to be a frozen strawberry-lemon dessert? Or that I joined Kurtz in trying to interview the scooper who sold the Obama sisters the snack? He claimed not to know he had assisted such high-profile clients – a story that sounded even weaker when he claimed he barely noticed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the same spot two nights earlier. I can possibly imagine not recognizing two kids among a gaggle of them but it’s kind of hard to miss a 7’2’’ Hall of Famer.

I retreated past the invisible boundary line as Malia and Sasha got in their first licks and walked back toward mom.

“It’s the family of the president of the United States,” I assured myself. “It’s OK.”

I wondered how tricky life must be for kids living in that kind of a fishbowl. Growing up in the White House didn’t appear to be a picnic for Amy Carter or Chelsea Clinton. Still, Malia and Sasha kept their focus on their friends and appeared to somehow be able to tune out the swirl of attention around them.

They returned to their seats and cheered some more. Williams and Boston’s Coco Vandeweghe promptly lifted their concluding women’s singles set, perhaps seeking to impress the folks in the first row.

For all the fans at Kastles Stadium at The Wharf, it was a special night. For the First Family of Tennis, though, it was a “normal” night out – a treat that was probably every bit as delicious as a strawberry-lemon snow cone.

See more photos of the First Family on our Facebook page. All photos are © by Won-ok Kim.

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“World Tennis with Harry Cicma presented by Infiniti of Norwood” returns for third season NESN

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – “World Tennis with Harry Cicma” will return for a third season on New England Sports Network (NESN) with an expanded number of shows in high definition and a new presenting sponsor with Infiniti of Norwood. “World Tennis with Harry Cicma Presented by Infiniti of Norwood” will have 12 shows this summer airing twice per week from June 6 through August 29 – up from last season’s total of five shows.

Infinit of Norwood logo
Infiniti of Norwood

“World Tennis Presented by Infiniti of Norwood” will have exclusive one-on-one interviews with legends such as Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, John Isner, Anna Kournikova, Kim Clijsters and more hosted by veteran tennis analyst Harry Cicma. In addition, the show will be available globally on the internet at www.WorldTennisMagazine.com and on the World Tennis Magazine YouTube channel following its airing on NESN.

In addition to Infiniti of Norwood (www.InfinitiofNorwood.com), other sponsors for 2011 include Cruise Control Gear (www.CruiseControlGear.com), the Boston Lobsters World Team Tennis franchise, (www.BostonLobsters.net), the Upper Dublin Sports Center, (www.UpperDublinSportsCenter.com) and “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” book, published by New Chapter Media, (www.NewChapterMedia.com).

The New England Sports Network (NESN) is the flagship station for both the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins and is available on New England cable systems and nationally = in both standard definition and high definition through satellite TV providers DirectTV (Channel 628) and Dish Network (Channel 434). The Red Sox are a co-founder and majority owner (80 percent) of NESN with the Bruins owning the remaining 20 percent. NESN is delivered to over four million homes throughout New England and consistently receives higher ratings of any other national or regional sports channels in the region combined.

Cicma is an on-air correspondent for NBC Sports, the former sports producer and anchor at NBC in Providence, R.I. and CBS in Springfield, Mass., and ABC in Sioux City, Iowa. He is the co-founder and host of “World Tennis with Harry Cicma” and also served as a commentator for other networks including Fox Sports Net and Tennis Channel and the U.S. Open tennis championship’s world feed. He is the TV voice of World Team Tennis, also host & producer of FOX Sports’ Ping Pong coverage, along with other productions on SNY, FOX, NESN and Comcast SportsNet. A former world-ranked doubles player, he is a graduate of Rutgers University.