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16.2 Million Watch Andy Murray Win First Grand Slam Title at US Open: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen

CBS Sports reports that 16.2 million people in the United States tuned in to the US Open on Monday to witness Brit Andy Murray capture his first Grand Slam title with a five-set victory over defending champion Novak Djokovic, which was a 2.3 television rating. The 16.2 million viewers was a 4.4 million increase from Djokovic’s 2011 victory over Rafael Nadal, which was also a Monday final. This year’s mark was the highest total since 2007. Also, according to Nielsen numbers provided to CBS Sports, this year’s viewership was a 10.3 million increase from the 2010 championship match which saw Nadal defeat Djokovic for his first ever title in New York. CBS Sports also reported that Serena Williams’ three-set victory over Victoria Azarenka on Sunday, capturing her 15th career Grand Slam singles title, had 17.7 million viewers, the highest for a women’s singles championship match since 2002, when 20.1 million viewers tuned in to watch Serena defeat sister Venus for the crown.

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic

2012 US Open Attendance Soars

The total attendance for the 2012 US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, reached 710,803. This year’s total was just shy of the Open’s all-time record of 721,059, set in 2007. Attendance in Flushing Meadows during the first Friday of the event was a tournament-best 62,362, with a record 37,688 people attending the day session and 24,674 during the night session. Day 6, the first Saturday, nearly surpassed the Day 5 record total as a combined 62,192 entered the grounds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Bob and Mike Bryan, Stosur Awarded US Open Sportsmanship Award

The USTA announced that recent US Open Men’s Doubles Champions Bob and Mike Bryan have received the first-ever “US Open Sportsmanship Award” presented to the male and female professional tennis players who best demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship throughout the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open. The award was presented to the Bryan brothers at the US Open by USTA Chairman of the Board and President Jon Vegosen and Sportsmanship Selection Committee Chairman Todd Martin. “Bob and Mike are both great champions and gracious competitors, making them the perfect choice to receive the US Open Sportsmanship Award,” said Vegosen. “Through all of their accomplishments on the court, Bob and Mike have exuded the class and integrity that exemplify what makes tennis such a great sport. Their success continues to set a perfect example for future generations.” Under Vegosen’s leadership, the USTA started a Sportsmanship Committee in 2011. Its charge is to “educate and inspire youngsters and their parents to develop and exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship and an attitude of fair play and mutual respect on and off the tennis court. Underlying the charge is the ethical imperative that fairness is more important than winning.” Eligibility requirements for winners include participating in at least two Series tournaments, as well as the 2012 US Open. In addition to a handsome trophy, each US Open Sportsmanship Award winner receives a $5,000 donation to the charity of his or her choice. Samantha Stosur received the women’s US Open Sportsmanship Award. “Great sports make a sport great and Samantha Stosur is a perfect choice for the US Open Sportsmanship Award,” said Vegosen. “Samantha is a phenomenal player and also exhibits the type of quality and tradition in our sport that we want to showcase. When someone like Samantha has accomplished as much as she has and is still a class act, it shows that character is really important in the game and in life.”

Isner Extends Sponsorship Deal with Prince

Prince Global Sports, a leading tennis equipment and footwear company, announced during the US Open that it has renewed its sponsorship partnership with World No. 10 John Isner. A four-time All-American while playing collegiate tennis at the University of Georgia, Isner will continue to use his Prince EXO3 Warrior 100 racquet, and wear Prince footwear. Since 1994, Isner has played with Prince products and continues to choose the leading tennis equipment and footwear brand to help take his career to the next level. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. “I’m really excited to continue to work with Prince,” said Isner. “I’ve been playing with Prince racquets since I was 9 years old, it’s the tool that I am comfortable with on the court.”

International Tennis Hall of Fame Names 2013 Nominees

Former World No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam Singles Champion Martina Hingis, 1991 Wimbledon Champion Michael Stich and doubles legend Helena Sukova – a 14-time Grand Slam winner in doubles and mixed doubles – have all been nominated for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. All three are nominated for the induction Class of 2013 in the Recent Player Category. In the Master Player Category, Thelma Coyne Long of Australia, who captured 19 Grand Slam titles between the 1930s and 1950s and who is the most prolific winner of major titles not currently in the Hall of Fame, has been nominated. Additionally, three individuals have been nominated in the Contributor Category for their work toward the growth of tennis- ESPN’s longtime tennis broadcaster Cliff Drysdale, tennis promoter and industry leader Charlie Pasarell, and Ion Tiriac, the Romanian tennis player turned influential player manager and tournament promoter. Voting for the 2013 ballot will take place over the next several months, culminating with an announcement early next year to reveal the Class of 2013 Inductees. The International Media Panel, which is comprised of tennis journalists and authors, will vote on the Recent Player nominee. The International Masters Panel, which consists of Hall of Fame inductees and individuals who are highly knowledgeable of the sport and its history, will vote on the Master Player and Contributor nominees. To be inducted in any of the categories, an affirmative vote of 75% is required. The 2012 Induction Ceremony in Newport will take place on Saturday, July 13. The ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual grass-court Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, an ATP World Tour event.

Roddick, Sock, Fernandez to Compete This Week at “Match for a Cure” in Connecticut

On September 14 at 7 p.m. EST, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut, Mohegan Sun Arena and WKP Sports and Entertainment will present the “Match for a Cure”, featuring tennis stars Andy Roddick, Jack Sock, and Gigi Fernandez. The headlining match will showcase the recently-retired Roddick against Miracle Match Foundation founder, leukemia survivor and tennis professional Bill Przybysz, all while supporting Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and the Miracle Match Foundation. Real Housewives of New York City star Countess Luann de Lesseps will make a special appearance. VIP ticket holders and sponsors are invited to attend a gala cocktail reception that will feature a question-and-answer session with the players, as well as opportunities for autographs and pictures. Twenty tickets are also being sold for both beginner and advanced tennis clinics with the celebrity players prior to the main event. Tickets are on sale now and are available by calling (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. All general admission seats range in price from $20 – $40, courtside seats are $65 and VIP tickets, which include courtside seats and admission to a pre-match cocktail reception with players, are $150.

Dunlop Names New Southwest Territory Manager

Dunlop recently appointed Ralph Shaw as its new Territory Manager for the Southwest. Shaw will handle racquet sport accounts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas and Southern Nevada. Shaw, who is based in Southern California, will be responsible for managing the sales and promotion of the Dunlop brand throughout the territory and report directly to Rich Neighbor, Western Sales Manager for Dunlop Racquet Sports. Shaw has extensive category experience ranging from retail buyer of sports apparel to sales rep for K-Swiss tennis. He was also a sales representative for Dunlop Tennis from 2000-2007. “We are glad to have Ralph back with Dunlop,” said Neighbor. “He has developed strong relationships with tennis accounts across the Southwest over the past decade and he’ll make an immediate impact for us as we launch our six new Biomimetic racquets into the market.”

 

“9-11-01” to be painted on court during US Open Finals to honor those fallen 10 years ago: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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US Open to conduct 9/11 Memorial Tributes during Finals Weekend

During the men’s and women’s championship matches at the US Open in New York, “9-11-01” will be inscribed on the court in Arthur Ashe Stadium to remember those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The USTA also will include on the upper ring encircling Arthur Ashe Stadium the 9-11 memorial logo developed by the City of New York. This logo will replace a USOpen.org logo that will be in place prior to Finals Weekend. “The USTA’s goal is to mark this solemn occasion in a dignified and respectful manner,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “We are one of this nation’s global stages on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, and we have a special responsibility to honor those fallen and those who responded heroically on that fateful day.” Each ceremony will include a moment of silence and the unfolding of a giant American flag over the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium by a United States Marines Corps color guard.  On Sunday, the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the two men’s players competing in the Final will enter the court through an honor guard comprised of members of the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York and the Port Authority Police.  There also will be a military flyover on Sunday, September 11, at the conclusion of the ceremony.  CBS Sports will present live coverage of each ceremony as part of its broadcasts of the prime-time women’s final and Sunday afternoon men’s final. Also to pay tribute during finals weekend, prior to the start of the prime-time women’s singles final on Saturday, September 10, there will be a special performance by Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper. On Sunday, September 11, Queen Latifah – musician, television and film actress, label president and author – will preside over a tribute before the start of the men’s singles final. Queen Latifah performed at the US Open’s first ever Opening Night Ceremony in 2002, which was 9/11 themed.

In memory of September 11, 2001

Yale University becomes one of five major sponsors for WTA New Haven Open at Yale

After Pilot Pen ended its 15-year reign as title sponsor of the professional tennis tournament in New Haven, Yale University stepped in to help save the tournament. The prestigious Ivy League university is one of five major sponsors for the WTA New Haven Open at Yale, which is being played this week at the 15,000-seat Connecticut Tennis Centre. Former WTA Tour Chief Executive Anne Worcester said Yale President Rick Levin helped recruit the major sponsors including American Express, Aetna, First Niagara and Yale-New Haven Hospital, all under three-year agreements. Financial terms of the partnership have not been disclosed, but Yale spokesman Michael Morand said: “The world is a giant place. It is true that lots of people know Yale, but you might be surprised that not everybody does in all places. It’s a vast market, so there is a lot value in the name recognition.” First Niagara spokesman James Bzdyra said his company would not have become involved in the New Haven Open without Yale.

Tennis Channel’s third year of US Open coverage includes more than 230 hours of coverage

Starting on August 29, the US Open will begin in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., and Tennis Channel will bring more than 230 hours of tournament coverage to viewers throughout the United States, including 72 hours of live coverage. The Los Angeles-based 24-hour, television based multimedia destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle, will showcase 41 hours of US Open Tonight and Breakfast at the Open. In its third year of coverage from the final Grand Slam of the season, Tennis Channel adds veteran tennis broadcaster Mary Carillo to its already impressive line-up of an air talent including Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin and Lindsay Davenport. New in 2011 is the addition of a six television court for tournament broadcasters to share with viewers. Court No. 17 joins Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, Court No. 11 and Court No. 13 as courts with television coverage from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Tennis Channel’s live coverage of this year’s US Open begins on Monday, August 29, at 11 a.m. ET, and concludes Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. ET.

Tennis Channel, National Cable Television Cooperative sign new affiliation agreement

On Tuesday, Tennis Channel announced they had signed a new affiliation agreement with National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), which is a not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming and hardware purchasing corporation for nearly 1,000 member companies. The multi-year deal gives authorization for broad distribution for Tennis Channel by NCTC members who elect to carry the network under the NCTC partnership. The previous agreement between Tennis Channel and NCTC was set to expire on September 3, which was during the middle of the US Open. “We’re happy to renew our relationship with Tennis Channel, and to continue to make the network available to our members,” said Frank Hughes, Senior Vice President, Programming, NCTC. “The channel has matured tremendously in recent years to truly become the television home for tennis.” The new NCTC deal with Tennis Channel provides the 24-hour television network with broad carriage on widely penetrated levels of service. “The NCTC plays an important role in representing independent cable operators, and we’re excited that the businesses and viewers they serve will continue to have the opportunity to watch Tennis Channel,” said Patrick Wilson, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Tennis Channel.

USTA announces new enhancements and programming for 2011 US Open

The USTA recently announced that several new enhanced fan experiences and programming expansions are in store for next week’s US Open, including new musical entertainment, upgrades to the facility, new mobile technology offerings and many activities for young tennis players. To kick things off on Opening Night, youth tennis will be celebrated in an innovative way that will showcase player images with special lighting effects for the first time, as well as a breathtaking musical performance by world famous entertainer, Taio Cruz. Following Cruz, young singer Greyson Chance will take the stage to perform the Star Spangled Banner. During finals weekend, the USTA and US Open will remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, with a pair of pre-match ceremonies in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Grammy and Emmy-Award winner Cyndi Lauper will perform before the women’s final on Saturday, September 10, while Queen Latifah will perform a tribute before the men’s championship match on Sunday, September 11. For both the men’s and women’s singles championships “9-11-01” will be painted on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium as a part of this memorial tribute. New this year is US Open Fan Patrol, which will allow fans sitting in the promenade section of Arthur Ashe Stadium during night sessions to be entertained by visiting former players and other celebrities, and will be treated to a series of prize giveaways and other interactive contests. Other happenings around the grounds include American Express unveiling a new fan area just outside the USTA’s indoor tennis facility at Arthur Ashe, which will provide a host of amenities and attractions to those attending the 2011 US Open, providing both American Express cardholders and all fans with information on the game. For the second year, microphones will be installed in the player boxes in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which will help viewers get up close and personal with the emotion and drama by adding the perspective of the players’ guests as matches unfold. Also new in 2011, fans that are on-site will be able to purchase US Open merchandise from their mobile device and pick up their order either as they leave the facility, or have the merchandise delivered to a suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Working with IBM again, USOpen.org will offer its very popular iPhone app and introduce its Android app. Both apps will provide users with live scores, draws, schedules, videos, news, features and other tournaments news. Additionally, for the first time, live video streaming will be available via both apps during Labor Day weekend and Finals Weekend. On Thursday, September 8, a doubles exhibition will take place between actor Will Ferrell, tennis legends John McEnroe and Jim Courier, as well as other special tennis guests.

USTA Serves to host 11th Annual Opening Night Gala at US Open in New York on Monday, August 29

According to a recently released press release by the United States Tennis Association, USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, will host its 11th Annual Opening Night Gala in the USTA President’s Box at the US Open on Monday, August 29. The evening will feature honored guests including legendary Grammy and Emmy award winning performer Tony Bennett; Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and future Basketball Hall of Fame  inductee; and Alec Baldwin, the Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning star of NBC’s “30 Rock.” The Opening Night Gala is the major fundraiser for USTA Serves and contributes more than $400,000 to help fund college scholarships and program grants to community-based tennis and education programs throughout the country. USTA Serves has awarded more than $14 million to grassroots tennis and education programs that enhance the lives of at-risk children and those with special needs. Also, the foundation has provided more than 18 million hours of mentoring, tutoring and nutrition guidance to more than 225,000 kids. The success of this one night allows the foundation to continue supporting programs that increase students’ high school graduation rates, grade point averages, and reading grade levels. Many of these children become the first in their families to go to college. “We’ve seen, time and again, that when you give young people a chance to succeed; they grab the opportunity and make the most of it,” says Mary Carillo, President, USTA Serves. “That’s why we support these efforts that provide kids with that chance.” Carillo will host the Gala’s dinner and the evening’s festivities. The Gala’s auction will feature many valuable items, including a trip to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, a luncheon with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a meet-and-greet with Alec Baldwin on the set of “30 Rock,” trips to St. Barth’s and Barbados Islands, and a trip to the 2012 Wimbledon Championships. Baldwin will serve as the celebrity auctioneer. During the evening’s festivities, USTA Serves also will celebrate Tony Bennett’s 85th birthday and serve the “Tony Bennett Cupcake” created by Bare Naked Bakery of Long Island.

Serving Their Countries: Tennis and War; Special exhibit featuring Arthur Ashe photos at US Open

At the upcoming US Open in New York, which beings on August 29, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum will present Serving Their Countries: Tennis and War, a special exhibition showcasing the sometimes tragic, often inspiring, and always heroic and selfless stories of how the tennis community has shown a commitment to a free and safe world in the face of conflict – and continues to do so today. In addition, the gallery will host a new exhibition of photos of Arthur Ashe, shot and compiled by his wife, renowned photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum Gallery at the US Open will be open daily, August 29 – September 11, and admission is complimentary for guests attending the US Open. New this year, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum Gallery at the US Open is located in the Chase Center, with the US Open Bookstore. “The rich history of tennis extends far beyond the great moments of dramatic match points and Grand Slam victories. The involvement of tennis professionals in the war effort is one important example of this,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “I think tennis fans and those interested in history in general will really enjoy seeing this exhibit and learning more about what role some of the heroes of our sport have played in war efforts worldwide. In addition, we are pleased to work with Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe on a one-of-a-kind, truly outstanding photo exhibit showcasing one of the greatest heroes of tennis, Arthur Ashe.”

Tweet rally set for 2011 US Open tickets

Mercedes-Bens and its Tri-State dealers are kicking off a Tweet Rally to the 2011 US Open and plan to giveaway 90 pairs of tickets to the tournament during a two-week period through the Twitter handle @MBUSA. From August 22 – September 1, via the @MBUSA Twitter handle, messages are being broadcast with clues to surprise locations and times where those following the Tennis Tweet Rally can go to land a pair of premium loge US Open tickets. Each location is marked by a special tennis themed 2012 ML 350 SUV, which serves as the ticket giveaway spot on a first come, first served basis.Thirty Mercedes-Benz dealers in the Tri-State region are participating and approximately three or four locations per day are being revealed via the Twitter feed @MBUSA. One special giveaway location is going to include an opportunity to meet Roger Federer, who is personally handing over tickets.

Fourteen children ages 12-and-under will perform patriotic songs at 2011 US Open

On Tuesday, the USTA announced the names of 14 vocalists, all ages 12-and-under and mainly from the east coast, who will perform patriotic-themed songs during 13 sessions of the upcoming US Open, which will be held from August 29-September 11. Performing at their fifth and final US Open will be Brooke Demetri of Glen Head, N.Y., and Owen Doherty of Rumson, N.J. Since the casting calls’ inception in 2007, Demetri and Doherty are the only two children who have appeared in five consecutive performances at the US Open. Earlier this summer, nearly 200 children came out to the US Open Casting Call at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theatre in New York City. Each singer performed in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including Tinsel Korey, who plays Emily Young in the Twilight Saga series; Josh Henderson, the star of television shows such as “90210” and “Desperate Housewives;” and “American Idol” Season 2 alum Kimberley Locke.

Sir Elton John, Billie Jean King bringing WTT Smash Hits to Cleveland on October 27

Sir Elton John and tennis legend Billie Jean King are bringing their annual World TeamTennis Smash Hits charity night of tennis to Cleveland, Ohio, for the first time in the event’s 19-year history on Thursday, October 27 at Public Hall. Other tennis stars scheduled to participate include Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo and several more to be announced at a later date. Tickets for the one-night event go on sale on Tuesday, August 30, at 10 a.m. ET. The event is produced by World TeamTennis in association with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. Smash Hits has raised more than $10 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993. This year’s event will benefit EJAF and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.  The funds raised at the pre-match Smash Hits VIP Reception will be specifically targeted for local programs.“It is always such a great pleasure to co-host this wonderful event with my dear friend Billie Jean King,” said Sir Elton John.  “I’m so pleased that we will be teaming up with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland to raise awareness about the continuing challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic both locally and nationally and to raise urgently needed dollars for community-based HIV prevention, education, treatment, and care services.  I urge all of the tennis fans and concerned citizens in the Greater Cleveland area to support this event and bring their families for a wonderful evening of tennis for a great cause.” “It is great for Elton and I to return to Cleveland and we are looking forward to a night of competitive and entertaining tennis,” said King.  “WTT Smash Hits is much more than a tennis event.  It’s a way for us to give back to the local community and make an impact by generating awareness and much needed financial support for HIV and AIDS.  We hope the Greater Cleveland area will help us reach those goals and support Smash Hits.” For more information, visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits.

Nick Bollettieri to be inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame on August 27 in New York

Nick Bollettieri, one of the world’s most famous tennis coaches, will be inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on Saturday, August 27. Bollettieri, who started the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978 in Bradenton, Fla., has worked with 10 world No. 1 ranked players including Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Venus Williams. “I am thrilled to be honored by the tennis industry,” said Bollettieri. “I’ve dedicated my life to helping players of all ages and abilities enjoy the sport of tennis. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by the tennis industry in this way.” Bollettieri joins previous Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees Howard Head (2008), Dennis Van der Meer (2008), Alan Schwartz (2009), and Billie Jean King (2010). Plaques of Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees are on permanent display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki no longer coached by father

According to reports by Ekstra Bladet, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki is no longer being coached by her father, Piotr. Supposedly, Wozniacki and her father discussed moving in another direction following her loss at Wimbledon to Dominika Cibulkova but had yet to hire a new coach so he went with her to Toronto and Cincinnati. Wozniacki fell in the opening round in both tournaments, losing to Roberta Vinci in Toronto and 19-year-old American Christina McHale in Cincinnati. Piotr, who was sitting frustrated in his seat all match next to Caroline’s boyfriend Rory McIlroy who plays on the PGA Tour, was heard yelling at her when he came on the court during her loss to McHale. Wozniacki’s agent, Lagardere’s John Tobias, confirmed to TENNIS.com that Piotr is stepping back, but said that no definitive hire of a new coach has been made yet. Wozniacki is scheduled to play New Haven this week where she is the 3-time defending champion.

US Open Base Pay Reaches Record $23.7 Million; $1.8 Million for Singles Champions: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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US Open singles champions to earn record $1.8 million plus potential $1 million bonus prize money

The USTA announced that the prize money purse for the 2011 US Open has reached a record $23.7 million, a $1 million increase from last year. Additionally, the top three men’s and women’s finishers in the Olympus US Open Series may earn up to an extra $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, which could potentially provide a payout of $26.3 million. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will collect a record $1.8 million by winning the final Grand Slam title of the year, as well as an additional $1 million if they finish first place in the Olympus US Open Series standings. This year’s US Open will be held from August 29-September 11. Tickets for the 2011 US Open are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX, visiting the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office in Flushing Meadows or by visiting the official US Open website at www.USOpen.org.

The US Open

Eighth season of the Olympus US Open Series kicks off this week at Atlanta Tennis Championships

The eighth season of the Olympus US Open Series got underway on Monday at the Atlanta Tennis Championships at the Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, as veteran American James Blake knocked out Ernests Gulbis in a nail-bitter on Stadium Court, launching the six-week North American summer tennis season that links 10 ATP World Tour and WTA summer tournaments to the US Open in New York. The USTA announced that throughout the U.S. summer hard-court season, nearly 200 live television hours of tennis will be featured on ESPN2, Tennis Channel and CBS Sports, highlighted by back-to-back men’s and women’s finals on Sundays on ESPN2 and select finals on CBS. The Olympus US Open Series season will be supported once again by a multi-million dollar national marketing campaign, the OlympusUSOpenSeries.com website, and sponsor creation on both the national and local levels.  In 2008, Olympus became the first title sponsor of the Series. The Olympus US Open Series is also supported by sponsors American Express, Evian, Esurance and Gatorade. Earlier this summer, the USTA launched the “Follow Me to the US Open” contest – designed to allow fans to actively engage and follow tennis all summer long, through the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open. Fans will accumulate points by engaging with the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open, and the fan who accumulates the most points at the conclusion of the 2011 US Open will receive a trip to the 2012 US Open and a one-hour hitting session in Arthur Ashe Stadium.  The contest, developed in partnership with Omnigon Communications, will engage tennis fans via social media, online media, traditional media, on-site assets at all Olympus US Open Series events as well as in-broadcast assets to better show fans the connection between the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open. 

Tennis Channel to air about 100 hours of live and same-day coverage during Olympus US Open Series

Tennis Channel announced that they will broadcast close to 100 high-definition hours of live or same-day match play during the upcoming Olympus US Open Series leading up to the US Open in Flushing Meadows. The network will cover singles semifinal, quarterfinal and early round matches during the yearly North American hard-court summer circuit, in addition to prime-time Sunday doubles finals.  Matches from the six-week series will first appear on the channel Friday, July 22, and conclude Friday, August 26, on the eve of the network’s US Open telecast that begins two days later. Tennis Channel will broadcast nine of the 10 tournaments that consist of the Olympus US Open Series, with exception being the WTA New Haven Open at Yale, which will be played the week before the US Open. In Tennis Channel’s 2011 Olympus US Open Series lineup: ATP – Atlanta Tennis Championships (Atlanta),Farmers Classic (Los Angeles), Legg Mason Tennis Classic (Washington, D.C.), Rogers Masters (Montreal) and the new Winston-Salem Open (Winston-Salem, N.C.); WTA – Bank of the West Classic (Stanford, Calif.), Mercury Insurance Open (San Diego) and Rogers Cup (Toronto). The network will also cover the combined men’s and women’s Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati).

More than $300,000 raised for the Johnny Mac Tennis Project during McEnroe-Borg WTT Match

On Tuesday, The John McEnroe Tennis Academy announced that more than $300,000 was raised in last Thursday’s highly publicized World TeamTennis match at SPORTIME Randall’s Island in Manhattan between the New York Sportimes and Philadelphia Freedoms. The match featured Sportimes’ John McEnroe defeating Bjorn Borg of the Freedoms 5-4 in front of a packed house. The funds raised from the match will benefit the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, which provides scholarships, coaching, tournament travel and introductory programs for area youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the Academy or to participate in recreational tennis programs. “We are very pleased that the fundraising night in connection with an exciting World TeamTennis match was able to both bring in critical dollars and to show so many people our facility for the first time,” said Mark McEnroe, Academy Director. “The Academy’s first year of operation has gone very well, and we are confident that these funds will help us increase our reach to many kids who have the interest but not the wherewithal to join our mission of bringing well-rounded, athletic kids from all walks of life into the game of tennis.”

James Blake hoping to build indoor tennis facility in Connecticut

Last week, James Blake’s lawyer, Raymond Rizio presented a proposal to the Bridgeport Board of Parks Commissioners to build a $4 million, privately funded indoor tennis facility at Veteran’s Park on Park Avenue next to the newly developed Discovery Magnet School in Bridgeport, Conn. Blake, who spent his childhood days in nearby Fairfield, would like to see seven indoor courts, as well as four platform tennis courts built, since no indoor tennis courts are currently in Bridgeport. The proposed tennis facility would bring in top tennis teaching professionals to the area to grow the game to the city youths through the USTA’s Quick Start program, as well as scholarship programs. If all went according to plan, the new tennis facility would be ready to open its doors in September 2012. Other possible cities that Blake would consider building a tennis facility include Fairfield, Trumbull and Tampa, Fla., where he owns a home.

Regions Financial and Morgan Keegan staying put as title sponsor for ATP event in Memphis

Officials from Regions Financial and Morgan Keegan & Company announced last Friday that they will be extending their agreement to continue as the title sponsor of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis, one of just 11 ATP World Tour 500-level men’s tournaments throughout the world. The tournament, which was won this year by Andy Roddick over Canadian Milos Raonic, has served as the title sponsor for the last eight years. The tournament also announced last week that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the recipient of one of 12 $10,000 ATP ACES for Charity grants. The grant program was launched earlier this year and is a global initiative aimed at giving back to communities where ATP World Tour events are played. St. Jude Children’s Hospital has been the tournament’s designated beneficiary since 1993.

Former USC Trojans star Maria Sanchez signs with Las Vegas-based Agent Atleta

Maria Sanchez, former University of Southern California All-American and Intercollegiate Tennis Association top-ranked player, has signed an agency agreement with Las Vegas-based Agent Atleta Ltd. “I am honored and thrilled to represent Maria as she embarks on her promising pro career,” said Agent Atleta’s Jordan J. Butler, who will represent Sanchez. “She is a proven winner and has a very high ceiling due to her superior athletic ability and competitive nature. Maria is also a well-rounded individual and a great person off the court.” Sanchez, who graduated from USC with a degree in real estate and a minor in business, currently trains at the USTA Training Center – West in Carson, Calif. She was recently selected by the St. Louis Aces to replace the pregnant Lindsay Davenport in World TeamTennis. The Northern California native speaks fluent Spanish, having spent time in Mexico as a child where she was introduced to tennis at the age of 10.

Ivanovic rehires Byrnes as fitness trainer

According to a recently released statement by Ana Ivanovic, the former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion has re-hired fitness trainer Scott Byrnes, just weeks after announcing at Wimbledon the hiring of Nigel Sears as her new coach. Byrnes, who was Ivanovic’s trainer from July 2006 – July 2009, which included when she was the top-ranked player in the world in 2008, has also trained Maria Sharapova, Vera Zvonareva and Victoria Azarenka. “With the appointment of Nigel as my coach, and now Scott as my fitness trainer, I feel that I have a very good structure in place and I am feeling optimistic about the future,” said Ivanovic.

Bryan Brothers commit to Legg Mason Tennis Classic

Top-ranked doubles duo and three-time champions Bob and Mike Bryan announced that they will compete in the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, which will be played from July 30-August 7 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. The Bryan Brothers, who played in the nation’s capital for the first time as teenagers, were crowned champions in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The former Stanford All-Americans were finalists in 2001 and 2002. “The addition of the Bryans, considered by most as the greatest doubles team of all-time, to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic is great news for Washington tennis fans,” said Jeff Newman, Tournament Director. “They are without question two of the most charismatic players on the ATP World Tour, both on and off the court, and we are thrilled to have them competing. We also look forward to the return of Wayne Bryan, who will once again bring his entertaining personality to the court and tournament events.” Ticket packages to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic are on sale now. Call (202) 721-9500 or visit www.leggmasontennisclassic.com to purchase your tickets for this year’s tournament, which includes players such as world No. 7 Gael Monfils, No. 9 Mardy Fish, No. 10 Andy Roddick, No. 12 Jurgen Melzer, No. 13 Viktor Troicki, No. 22 Fernando Verdasco, as well as defending champion David Nalbandian. Marcos Baghdatis, James Blake, Lleyton Hewitt and John Isner are also slated to compete in Washington in late July.

First Lady Michelle Obama and USTA create “Let’s Move!” campaign to encourage tennis for kids: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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First Lady Michelle Obama and USTA team up to make difference for kids

First Lady Michelle Obama and the USTA have teamed up to create the “Let’s Move!” campaign to encourage young people across the United States to get active, play tennis and lead healthy lifestyles. Components of the campaign include a new public service announcement with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf that ran on Monday night during the BNP Paribas Showdown, as well as the construction of thousands of tennis courts throughout the country and commitment to 20,000 children to participate in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. “It’s important for kids to get the hour of active play they need every day, and there are so many fun things that each of us can do to be healthier,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Thanks to programs like the USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis initiative, it’s easier than ever for kids to get active and have fun.  And that’s a big part of what we’re doing with ‘Let’s Move!’, America’s campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids.” The USTA plans to create both a 60-second and a 30-second version of this PSA. Initial plans call for the PSA to be used in tennis programming on CBS Sports, ESPN and Tennis Channel. The PSA will go into more rotation during the summer months leading up to the US Open in New York, which takes place from August 29 through September 11. “Tennis is the sport of opportunity. With our new 10 and Under initiative, tennis is also the newest ‘pick-up sport’ where kids can play in schools, in parks, at clubs, and even at home,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President.  “Our new collaboration with the First Lady and ‘Let’s Move!’ will help us reach more families to teach them that tennis is easier to learn and access than ever before.”

Michelle Obama

BNP Paribas Open owner buys $42.9 million golf course estate at discount

Oracle Co-Founder and CEO Larry Ellison, the sixth-richest man in the world and owner of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, just purchased a 249-acre estate called the Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for a reported $42.9 million that once belonged to Edra Blixseth, which is about 20 minutes away from the tennis tournament site. The original asking price for the property was $75 million, according to the Desert Sun. Ellison’s new property features an 18,430-square-foot Mediterranean-style main house with hand-painted ceiling murals, an amphitheater and a resort style pool. It also has eight two-bedroom guest houses, a gym, spa, an outdoor party grotto and an 18-hole golf course.

Nadal to open evening session at Sony Ericsson Open in Miami on Saturday, March 26

World No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Rafael Nadal will play his opening round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami on Saturday, March 26 at 8:00pm, which is Session 10. Nadal’s potential opponent will not be determined until the draw is made on Monday, March 21 at Noon. Tickets to the Sony Ericsson Open are still available and can be purchased by phone at (305) 442-3367 or via internet at www.sonyericssonopen.com. The Sony Ericsson Open will be played from March 21-April 3 at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.

ESPN2 joining Tennis Channel and CBS to cover Sony Ericsson Open

The Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, which is considered one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world outside of the four Grand Slam events, has announced that ESPN2 will join Tennis Channel and CBS this month to cover an event record 77-hours of domestic coverage of this year’s tournament. Television coverage of the tournament will begin on March 26 on Tennis Channel and will move to ESPN2 beginning March 30. Both the men’s and women’s final will be shown live on CBS. In 2010, more than 2,400 hours of Sony Ericsson Open action was shown worldwide to more than 153 million viewers.

Wild Cards announced for BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells

On Monday, Tournament Director Steve Simon announced that rising stars Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, Ryan Harrison, Bernard Tomic, as well as American veteran James Blake were awarded main draw wild cards into the BNP Paribas Open, to be held from March 7-20 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif. Ryan Sweeting, Steve Johnson and Greg Ouellette accepted qualifying draw wild cards. Coco Vandeweghe, Christina McHale, Vania King, Jill Craybas, Sloane Stephens, Lauren Davis and Sania Mirza were awarded main draw wild cards into the women’s draw, while Sabine Lisicki, Madison Keys, Madison Brengle, Monica Puig, and Maria Sanchez were given qualifying draw wild cards. There are two more qualifying draw wildcards to be distributed and will be given to the men’s and women’s winner of the BNP Paribas Open Pre-Qualifier, which began on Tuesday in Indian Wells and runs through March 6. Between the men and women, the Pre-Qualifier had a record 145 entries.

Stolle receives commemorative ring from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Delray Beach

Australian tennis legend Fred Stolle, who won 2 Grand Slam singles titles and 10 Grand Slam doubles titles, was presented a commemorative ring from the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday at the ATP World Tour Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. The newly developed one-of-a-kind rings will presented to Hall of Famers over the next several years at tennis tournaments around the world to mark their achievement of Hall of Fame induction. Stolle was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. Christopher E. Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, presented the ring to Stolle. Also participating in the ring ceremony was Peggy Woolard, a member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and Delray Beach ITC Tournament Director Mark Baron, who co-founded the tournament with Stolle in 1993. “As a Hall of Famer, Fred is among an elite group of athletes. His contributions to tennis have a permanent place in the history and heritage of tennis and we are pleased to be able to recognize this achievement with this special ring, which only the best tennis players and contributors in the world will have the honor of wearing,” said Christopher E. Clouser, Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.

World Team Tennis announces staff promotions

World Team Tennis recently announced the promotions of Kerry Schneider to Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Services, and Isaac Leamer to Director of Advanced Media and Internet Technology. Schneider, of New Castle, Del., joined WTT in January 2004 after holding positions with both the New York Power of the WUSA and Pam Shriver’s Charity Tennis Event, where she was ticketing manager in addition to handling event promotions. Schneider graduated from Loyola College with a BBA in Marketing in 2000. Leamer, who lives in New York City, joined WTT in 2009 after working in philanthropy at Public Interest Projects where he supported the day to day operations of several funds and was responsible for establishing and maintaining the web presence. Prior to that, Leamer was a Teach for America corps member where he taught students from the New Orleans 9th Ward. He is a 2004 graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Foreign Affairs with a Middle Eastern concentration and a B.S. in psychology.

Levy officially retires from ATP World Tour

Israeli Harel Levy has officially retired from the ATP World Tour at the age of 32. The Ramat Hasharon native, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 30 in June 2001 and won more than $1.4 million in tournament prize money, suffered a hip injury early in his career and never managed to recover. A regular Davis Cup player for Israel, Levy reached the second round at all for Grand Slam events in singles and was a singles finalist at the Masters 1000 Canada event in Toronto in 2001, losing to Marat Safin. Levy, a winner of one ATP doubles title, earned singles victories during his career over Pete Sampras, Michael Chang, Andy Roddick, Sebastien Grosjean, Nicolas Kiefer and Wayne Ferreira. “I had the honor to be ranked among the top players in the world and experienced amazing things that were only cut abruptly by my injury,” said Levy. “I battled my injury hoping for some more success and got it with the Davis Cup team in recent years. Tennis has given me so much, but now it is time for me to dedicate myself to my family.”

Italian Tennis Federation offers Capra spot on Fed Cup team

Up and coming American teenager, Beatrice Capra, was recruited by the Italian Tennis Federation to play on Italy’s Fed Cup team, according to Zootennis. Capra, who is currently playing pro circuit events and will soon play collegiate tennis at Duke, turned down the offer. “After I won the Italian Open (juniors), they got in contact with me, and they want me to represent Italy,” said Capra. “After the US Open, they had some meetings with my parents, and they offered for me to play on the Italian Fed Cup team, against the U.S. But I said no, I don’t think I could do that. But they’re really interested in me and they’ve helped me out a lot, and whenever I go over there, there’s always someone there to hit with. They’re really helpful, but I don’t think I’ll be switching federations.” Capra, who is currently ranked No. 233 in the WTA Rankings, has been offered a wild card into the main draw at the Italian Open.

ATP and WTA launch official live scoring application for Android phones

The ATP and WTA recently announced the launch of the “ATP/WTA LIVE” – an Android mobile application that allows users to follow scores as they happen on their mobile phones from all the ATP and WTA tournaments around the globe. The new and official live scoring mobile application is available for free on the Android market and allows fans to follow the progress of their favorite professional tennis players competing around the globe across 115 events in 43 countries throughout the season. The application is available in 20 different languages and features live scores, live match statistics, completed matches, draws, order of play, rankings, player bios and head-to-head records.

Gasquet not available to play in France’s Davis Cup tie due to shoulder injury

Frenchman Richard Gasquet will be sidelined for France’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Austria in Vienna due to recent shoulder problems. Gasquet joins Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who both earlier announced that they will not participate in the tie due to injury. Gilles Simon, Michael Llodra, Jeremy Chardy, and Julien Benneteau will make up the French team. Austria will be led by Jurgen Melzer and Stefan Koubek, who is coming out of retirement to play. The match will be played on a clay court in an airport hangar.

Dubai location added to Peter Burwash International

Peter Burwash International (PBI), the most well known tennis management company in the world, has announced that Dubai will be a new location for the organization. The Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, a property with two tennis courts, is a beautiful beachside resort located in the western crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. There are 402 rooms, 38 additional villas situated on the beach and around a lagoon pool, 10 restaurants, a night club, boutiques, lush gardens, infinity pool with two Jacuzzis and an ultramodern fitness center. “Dubai has become one of the most important tennis destinations in the world,” said Peter Burwash, President of PBI. “We are very appreciative of being given the opportunity to continue to grow and develop the sport in that region of the world.” PBI will begin directing the tennis program in February after which the season will be from October 1 to May 15 each year.

Hasselhoff to be featured on Celebrity Tennis on Tennis Channel on March 6

Actor and singer David Hasselhoff will be featured in the upcoming episode of the original series, Celebrity Tennis, on Tennis Channel on March 6 at 7pm ET. The episode will re-air multiple times the following week. In each episode of Celebrity Tennis, former ATP World Tour player and actor Vince Van Patten gives the viewer an inside look of a celebrity who has a burning desire for the game of tennis. Hasselhoff tells Van Patten that he started playing tennis with his dad as a small child and has remained an avid fan and player throughout his life, although he describes his on-court style as that of a “Swatter… like Dr. Seuss on the court.” While Hasselhoff can be found courtside at numerous Grand Slam tournaments, he suggests that the sport could afford to be more entertaining for its viewers.  If ever named commissioner of tennis for a day, he would pattern the events after WWE wrestling by making the games shorter and allowing the fans in the stands to be more vocal. Previous celebrities to be featured on Celebrity Tennis include Dr. Phil McGraw, Christie Brinkley, Gus Hanson and Brandy.

Sign up for a 1-year USTA Adult Membership and get a FREE 2011 US Open long sleeve t-shirt

For a limited time, you can sign up for a 1-year USTA Adult Membership and receive a free 2011 US Open long sleeve t-shirt. By signing up before March 15, 2011, you will also enjoy annual subscriptions to top tennis publications, the opportunity to participate in USTA tennis leagues, discounts on travel, tennis gear, hotel reservations, entertainment and dining, and special benefits and discounts on tennis instruction.

Winston-Salem to host new ATP event: This Week in Tennis Business

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By Justin Cohen

ATP event in New Haven moving to Winston-Salem

The United States Tennis Association and the ATP World Tour announced on Monday the sale of the ATP World Tour event previously located in New Haven, Conn., to Winston-Salem Professional Tennis. Starting the week before the US Open in 2011, a 48-draw tournament will take place on the campus of Wake Forest University in a soon-to-be constructed tennis facility. The newly-designed state-of-the-art tennis facility will be constructed to host both professional and collegiate tennis events. The facility will be located between the current indoor tennis training center and BB&T Field, home of the Wake Forest Demon Deacon football team. Plans call for the construction of 10-12 Deco-Turf II courts, and will include center court seating with a minimum of 3,500 and two additional show courts which will hold at least 1,500 each. “We are thrilled about the ATP’s new home at Wake Forest University, and thank Don Flow and Winston-Salem Professional Tennis for bringing men’s professional tennis back to North Carolina,” said Adam Helfant, ATP Executive Chairman and President. “Globally, the game is enjoying one of the most exciting periods in its history, and it’s terrific that the tour will visit Winston-Salem as part of its U.S. summer swing.” The event, with a total purse of $625,000, will take place from August 21-27, with qualifying set for August 19 and August 20. The tournament remains the final men’s event of the Olympus US Open Series, and will receive national television exposure via Tennis Channel and ESPN2. The 2011 singles final is expected to be carried by CBS Sports on Saturday, August 27. “We are thrilled this prestigious event is coming to Winston-Salem, a community that has embraced tennis events over the past several years,” said Don Flow, President of The Flow Companies and head of Winston-Salem Professional Tennis. “The entire community will embrace this event and the process has already begun with our corporate community stepping up, and with Wake Forest University being a major supporter of the event.”

Ana Ivanovic

Nadal is the new face of Armani underwear and jeans

Looking to rebound from their profits falling 28 percent last year, Armani has named Rafael Nadal as their new face of the Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans. Sweden’s Bjorn Borg and Australian Patrick Rafter are the only other previous ATP players to have been the face of underwear brands. The current World No. 1 is said to have earned $21 million over the past year from tournament prize money and sponsorship deals. Nadal already has sponsorship deals with an insurance company, a car company, Nike and Babolat.

Jon Muir named Person of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry magazine

Jon Muir, the worldwide General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports and President of the Tennis Industry Association, has been named the 2010 Person of the Year by Racquet Sports Industry magazine in the upcoming January 2011 issue. The magazine said it was Muir’s dedication to the tennis business and his “vision and talent in helping this sport to grow and in bringing all industry groups together” that has made him Racquet Sports Industry’s 2010 Person of the Year.

Ivanovic hires Antonio van Grichen on trial basis

Former World No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic has hired Antonio van Grichen as her new coach on a trial basis through at least the Australian hard court season. The Serbian, who is currently ranked No. 17, had been working with Steffi Graf’s former coach Heinz Gunthardt. Gunthardt no longer wanted to travel full-time on the tour, so the pair decided to part ways. Ivanovic will start her 2011 season off by participating in the Hopman Cup.

Tomic hires new fitness trainer

According to the Herald Sun, Australian Bernard Tomic has hired Mario Tudor as his fitness trainer. Tudor is the former trainer for Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, as well as Mirjana Lucic and Karolina Sprem. Tomic’s previous fitness trainer, Yutaka Nakamura, quit in July.

Forget to be French Davis Cup Captain for two more years

Guy Forget, 45, will continue to be the French Davis Cup Captain for at least two more years, according to a French Tennis Federation press release. Forget has been the captain since 1999, which includes guiding the team to four finals, one of which was a title in 2001.

Dusseldorf no longer hosting ATP World Team Cup

The German city of Dusseldorf is pulling out of hosting the ATP World Team Cup after more than 30 years because it can’t find a new sponsor for the annual event which takes places each May. Tournament organizers said that they haven’t been able to find a new title sponsor after the withdrawal of recent title sponsor, ARAG insurance group.

Etlingh and Haarhuis to return in Rotterdam in February

After winning 39 doubles titles as a pair, Jacco Etlingh and Paul Haarhuis will return to play together in the ABN Amro tournament in Rotterdam in February to help raise money for the Richard Krajicek Foundation.

Canadian Valerie Tetreault retires at age 22

At the young age of 22, Canadian Valerie Tetreault has officially announced her retirement from the WTA Tour after just under five years on tour. Tetreault, who plans to pursue a degree in communications, reached a career high ranking of No. 112 in February 2010. “I’ve spent the last month thinking about my future” said Tetreault. “It’s a difficult decision to make—undoubtedly the biggest one of my life. My passion for my sport remains the same, but I want to take on new challenges while maintaining a more stable life.” Tetreault won three ITF singles titles throughout her career, while earning $158,841 in tournament prize money.

Molik granted wild card into Hobart in 2011

Former World No. 8 and former champion Alicia Molik has been awarded a wild card into the WTA Moorilla Hobart International in Australia, which will take place from January 7-15, 2011 at the Domain Tennis Centre. “I’m gearing up for a big summer and the Moorilla Hobart International will give me the perfect preparation for the Australian Open,” said Molik.

Meet Nick Bollettieri on New Year’s Eve

Nick Bollettieri will conduct a tennis clinic and talk at the Miromar Lakes Tennis Club in Estero, Fla. on Friday, December 31 from 11 am to 1 pm. Those interested in attending can RSVP to Mary Meisenbach at MMeisenbach@miromar.com.

RODDICK BEATS BERDYCH TO WIN SECOND KEY BISCAYNE TITLE

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By Randy Walker

Andy Roddick, displaying the form that could lead him to his elusive second Grand Slam tournament title later this year, defeated Thomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 7-5, 6-4 Sunday to win the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla.

Roddick collected $605,500 for the title, his second career championship at the event regarded as the most prestigious in tennis outside of the four major championships. Roddick joins an elite group of players who have won in Miami multiple times, joining Andre Agassi (6 titles), Pete Sampras (3 titles), Roger Federer (2 titles) and Ivan Lendl (2 titles). The 2010 title marked Roddick’s 29th career ATP World Tour title

“I won in different ways,” Roddick said to Mary Joe Fernandez on CBS Sports on how he won the title. “Today, I was really smart with chipping and keeping him guessing. I thought I played a really smart tournament.”

Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick

Roddick broke Berdych in the 11th game of the first set and again in the first game of the second set. He won the match in one hour, 43 minutes.

The final was played six years to the day when Roddick won his last – and only other – title in Key Biscayne, when he defeated Guillermo Coria of Argentina 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-1, ret. (best-of-five-set final) in 2004.

Roddick has played the most consistent of any player on the ATP Tour, through the first three months of the 2010 season, reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, winning the title in Brisbane in January, reaching the final in San Jose, Calif., in February and reaching the final at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., last month. Roddick’s match record for the season is an impressive 26-4 and leads the ATP World Tour in match wins (26) and total matches played (30).

While the clay court season now looms through the French Open – a part of the calendar where Roddick, and other American men, do not excel – Roddick’s results this spring will give him confidence that he can break through and win his second major tournament title later in the year.

Since he won the 2003 U.S. Open and finished that season as the No. 1 player in the world, Roddick has failed to break through and win a second major. He lost the 2004 and 2005 Wimbledon finals to Roger Federer – while also losing the 2009 Wimbledon final to Federer in heart-breaking fashion by a 16-14 in the fifth set scoreline. Federer stopped Roddick in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open.

STEADY CLIJSTERS BEATS VENUS FOR SONY ERICSSON TITLE

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By Randy Walker

Kim Cljisters won the biggest tennis tournament in the United States last September when she won the U.S. Open.

Saturday, she won the second biggest.

The Belgian dominated Venus Williams 6-2, 6-1 in just 58 minutes in the title match at the Sony Ericsson Open, regarded by many as the most important tournament outside of the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Clijsters, 26, played steady, consistent tennis while Williams was not in top form, committing numerous errors. During one stretch, Clijsters won 17 straight points in the second set, many off of unforced errors from the 29-year-old Williams.

”I was ready to go and was seeing the ball really well,” said Clijsters to Mary Joe Fernandez on CBS Sports following the win. “I stayed really consistent during the match today.”

While Clijsters was an unseeded, unranked wild card entry last September in the U.S. Open, Clijsters was seeded No. 14 in Key Biscayne this week, and will move back into the top 10 – at No. 10 – on the WTA Tour computer on Monday with her tournament victory.

The title was the 37th of Clijsters’ career and her third since she came out of retirement last summer – the other two being the U.S. Open last year and earlier this year in Brisbane, Australia. The title was also the second for Clijsters in Key Biscayne, having previously won the title in 2005, defeating Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-5 in the final.

Williams was seeking her fourth Key Biscayne title and was riding a 15-match win streak – with two tournament titles – entering the early spring hard court event.

PIERCE O’NEIL, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER, TO DEPART USTA

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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., January 11, 2010 – Pierce O’Neil, Chief Business Officer of the USTA announced today that he is moving on from his role at the USTA after 15 years of generating record revenue growth for the USTA and US Open.

Pierce ONeil
Pierce O'Neil

O’Neil, former Senior Vice President at IMG and Associate Producer/Director at CBS Sports joined the USTA in 1995 prior to the construction of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the expansion of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.  From that point forward, O’Neil successfully leveraged the platform of the new stadium and facility to grow the US Open into one of the most successful and profitable sports and entertainment events in the world. During O’Neil’s tenure he signed over $1.0 billion in business for the Association and USTA/US Open annual revenues more than doubled to over $255 million in 2009.  Of particular note, O’Neil is credited with growing USTA/US Open annual sponsorship revenues from $14 million in 1994 to over $60 million in 2009.  O’Neil also led negotiations that resulted in the largest television agreements in the history of the sport.

O’Neil also oversaw all USTA/US Open television productions and operations.  Over 33,000 hours of US Open television coverage were broadcast in over 180 countries around the world in 2009.  O’Neil built the USTA’s Advanced Media department that generated over one billion page views on USTA websites and streamed over 157 matches live in high definition in 2009.

Prior to becoming Chief Business Officer at the USTA, O’Neil served as the Association’s Chief Marketing Officer.  In that role, O’Neil created award winning advertising campaigns, special events such as Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, PR initiatives and grass root programs that contributed to significant growth in tennis participation throughout America.

“It has been an extremely rewarding 15 years”, said O’Neil.  “I have had the pleasure of working with a great team of people at the USTA and on one of the biggest and most exciting events in the world. In particular, I have had the privilege to work with many exceptional people at our client organizations – many of whom have gone from being important business partners to valued personal friends.”

“Pierce has been a tremendous asset to the USTA over the last fifteen years” said Lucy Garvin, Chairman and President of the USTA.  “His leadership, vision, creativity and skills have benefited the USTA in so many ways.  Pierce has been instrumental in growing the USTA’s revenues to unprecedented levels and in growing the US Open into one of the most successful sports and entertainment events in the world. Thanks, in significant part to Pierce, the USTA is in a very strong financial position. We are grateful to Pierce for his dedication, service, and contributions.  We wish him the very best in his future endeavourers.”

“It has been a pleasure to work closely with Pierce over my two years as Executive Director of the USTA.” said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director & COO. “In perhaps the worst economy in history, Pierce was largely responsible for the USTA having the second most successful US Open ever in 2009. For that, as well as for all the other contributions Pierce has made while at the USTA over the last fifteen years, I and the entire Association are very grateful. Pierce should feel a great sense of pride in all that he has accomplished while at the USTA.”