Say Shalom to “Tennis Fantasies Israel”
Tennis enthusiasts looking to travel abroad and play in beautiful surroundings will have a great opportunity in 2012 with the debut of “Tennis Fantasies Israel”. Set to take place from Sunday, May 6 thru Tuesday, May 15, “Tennis Fantasies Israel” combines clinics, matches and sightseeing, taking men and women to such places as Tel Aviv, Akko, Galilee and Jerusalem. In each of these spots, participants will have the opportunity to play tennis at venues run by the Israel Tennis Center and tour a variety of historic locations, museums and other places of interest.Tennis legends currently set to lead the group include a trio of former US Davis Cup squad members who were each ranked in the Top 10 in the world including Brian Gottfried (former world No. 3 and winner of 79 singles and doubles titles, including three Grand Slam doubles titles), Harold Solomon (former world No. 5 and winner of 23 singles and doubles titles) and Dick Stockton (former world No. 8 and winner of 24 singles and doubles titles, including a pair of Grand Slam mixed doubles titles). Israeli Shlomo Glickstein, who rose as high as No. 22 in the ATP rankings and represented his country in 66 Davis Cup matches throughout his ten-year professional career, will round out the staff of legends. There is also a charity component to “Tennis Fantasies Israel”. The event’s organizers are working with the Israel Tennis Center in Akko, Israel to create a new co-existence program for local Jewish and Arab children involving tennis, families and teachers. All event proceeds will benefit this program including a portion of every registration fee.The event costs $3,000.00, which includes all transportation within Israel, breakfasts, two dinners, tennis, lodging tour guide and sightseeing attractions. “Tennis Fantasies Israel” was created by USPTA Master Professional Steve Contardi, the same person who also started and has directed the most successful tennis fantasy camp in the sport’s history, “Tennis Fantasies with John Newcombe and the Legends”, an Australian-flavored event that has been running non-stop for nearly a quarter-century in Texas. For more information on “Tennis Fantasies Israel”, contact Steve Contardi via his website at www.tennisfantasiesisrael.net or stevec@towneproperties.comor call (513) 489-9700 or 1-800-874-7788.
Line-up announced for 16th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at US Open in New York
The USTA recently announced that defending US Open champions Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 2003 champion Andy Roddick and 2010 US Open wheelchair champion David Wagner will team up with actor Bradley Cooper, New York Knicks all-star Carmelo Anthony, and pop star Cody Simpson at the 16th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on Saturday, August 27 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. More tennis stars and musical guests will be announced in the coming weeks. The event will be hosted by TV personalities/actors La La Anthony and Quddus. The popular event for children features interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis activities throughout the day. Tickets for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at (866-OPEN-TIX), www.USOpen.org or by visiting the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office in Flushing Meadows. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will be broadcast nationally by CBS on Sunday, August 28, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kids 12-and-under with stadium show tickets will receive a free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day hat from the USTA and Hess on a first-come, first-served basis. “We are excited to kick off the 2011 US Open with the biggest names in sports and entertainment at the 16th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess,” said Harlan Stone, Chief Business and Marketing Officer, USTA. “We look forward to serving up a day of family fun as we celebrate the life of a tennis legend whose mission was to empower kids through sport and education.”
Starwood Hotels and Resorts offering up unique access to 2011 US Open in New York
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., just announced its award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program is offering its members direct access to the US Open, which begins on August 29th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. SPG members can now officially bid Starpoints on a variety of once-in-a-lifetime experiences including premium luxury suite seating for Arthur Ashe Stadium, a VIP reception with match tickets, a private tennis clinic with ATP World Tour player James Blake, behind-the-scenes tours and access to Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess. “Through our US Open sponsorship, SPG is offering an incredible line-up of US Open experiences so members can connect with their passion for world-class tennis in the company of family and friends,” said Chris Holdren, Senior Vice President of Starwood Preferred Guest. “By enjoying the US Open the SPG way, members can transform their Starpoints into memories they will treasure for a lifetime.” To celebrate the start of the tournament, Starwood Preferred Guest is launching a Kickoff Sweepstakes. SPG members who register at SPG.com/USOpenSuiteSweeps will earn one chance to win numerous prizes for each night they stay at a Starwood property from August 2 – August 29. Ten grand prize winners will win a pair of tickets to the SPG Luxury Suite for the Women’s Singles Semifinals on Friday, September 9.
USTA partners with Uglydoll to create three limited-edition characters for 2011 US Open
The USTA and the award-winning brand Uglydoll announced on Monday that they have partnered to create three extraordinary limited-edition tennis themed Uglydoll characters that will be available during this year’s US Open. The characters Ox™, Big Toe™ and Trunko™ will come with their own tennis-inspired description that will supply consumers with an exclusive and fun way to share their passion for tennis. The plush toy collection will be featured in three sizes.The one-of-a-kind toys are currently available at the renowned FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue store in New York City and will be available at US Open retail shops beginning August 23. Customers can also purchase the merchandise online at www.uglydolls.com and www.usopenshop.org. “The USTA’s partnership with Uglydoll illustrates both brands’ broad appeal among tennis fans and fun-loving consumers of all ages,” said Paul White, USTA Director of Licensing. “We are pleased to be the first sports entity that Uglydoll has partnered with and look forward to offering tennis fans a fun new twist on Uglydoll characters.”
British tennis star Heather Watson signs with Dunlop
British rising star Heather Watson, 19, has signed with Dunlop and will play with the Biomimetic 300 Tour racquet. Watson, who is currently ranked No. 104 in the WTA Tour rankings, trains at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla. “We all had a chance to meet Heather at a Dunlop photoshoot earlier this year in Miami, and we couldn’t be more happy to have her as part of our Tour Team,” said Kai Nitsche, Vice President and General Manager of Dunlop Racket Sports. “She’s energetic, fun and has an incredibly positive attitude. It’s been exciting seeing her do well on Tour this year and it’s even better seeing her achieve her dreams with a Dunlop racket in hand.”
Sharapova, Wozniacki lead list of highest paid female athletes
Russian Maria Sharapova topped Forbes’ list for the world’s highest-paid female athlete for the seventh straight year, with earnings of roughly $25 million in the past 12 months due largely in part to big endorsement deals with Nike, Head and Tiffany. Caroline Wozniacki, who is currently the top-ranked player on the WTA Tour, came in second on the list by earning $12.5 million. Palm Beach Gardens-based Venus Williams came in fourth after earning $11.5 million, while four-time Grand Slam singles champion and world No. 2 Kim Clijsters came in fifth with $11 million in earnings. Serena Williams landed sixth on the list at $10.5 million in earnings, while defending French Open champion Li Na came in eight with $8 million in earnings. Former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic of Serbia finished ninth with $6 million in earnings.
Monfils to be coached by trainer for at least the next few weeks
Gael Monfils, a finalist last week at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C., says his fitness coach Patrick Chamagne will be his coach for at least the next few weeks. The current world No. 7 mutually split from Australia-based coach Roger Rasheed last month after three years together.
Vandeweghe to work with Jan-Michael Gambill through US Open
After getting to know each other through World TeamTennis matches, rising American Coco Vandeweghe has hired former ATP World Tour No. 14 Jan-Michael Gambill to coach her through the US Open. In their first tournament together last week in Carlsbad at the Mercury Insurance Open, the No. 113 ranked Vandeweghe won two main draw matches before falling to Sabine Lisicki in the Round of 16. She was previously coached by the USTA’s Tom Gullikson.
Fish and Petkovic will attempt world record at US Open
ATP World Tour No. 8 Mardy Fish and WTA Tour No. 10 Andrea Petkovic will join Wilson in their attempt to set the Guinness Book of World Record for the “Most people to bounce a tennis ball on their racquet in one location” on August 26 from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. near the boardwalk at Courts P10-15 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Fish and Petkovic are encouraging kids to get fit and get involved in tennis. One of the first things players learn when starting tennis, is to bounce the ball on their racquet and the Guinness World Record attempt will have players of all ages do just that. The first 500 kids to participate in the world record attempt will receive a free Wilson junior racquet and a can of tennis balls so they can get started right away. The current record is 383, a mark set in England in 2006.
Chris Walling named USTA Southern Director of Adult Tennis and Section League Coordinator
Chris Walling, an Atlanta native, has been named the new USTA Southern Director of Adult Tennis and Section League Coordinator by USTA Southern Executive Director and COO John Callen. Walling has served in his present position as the Local League Coordinator for USTA Atlanta for just over three years. His accomplishments, while heading up more than 42,000 USTA League participants in the Atlanta area, include increasing participation by eight percent, organizing more than 30 volunteers and being awarded the 2009 Local League Coordinator of the Year by USTA Southern and USTA Georgia. “Over the past three-plus years, Chris has shown excellent leadership skills in promoting USTA League and expanding the program to more than 4,000 new tennis players using creative methods and gaining the support of the people he has touched,” said Callen. Walling will start his new position on August 16.
Har-Tru Maintenance Certification Seminar set for September 28 in New York City
Har-Tru Sports, the manufacturer of Har-Tru, will be hosting a Har-Tru Maintenance Certification Seminar on Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at The John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Sportime at Randall’s Island in Manhattan. The purpose of the seminar is to bring together leading experts on indoor and outdoor clay courts to discuss the construction and maintenance of clay. In addition to construction and maintenance techniques, the seminar will include information on the causes of indoor and bubbled court surface compaction and what techniques are being used to alleviate it. The seminar is perfect for club managers, tennis professionals, court builders and maintenance professionals who manage, maintain or considering installing clay tennis courts. For more information contact Ed Montecalvo at 1-877-4HARTRU or emontecalvo@hartru.com.