delray beach international tennis

Nishikori Edges Stubborn Sweeting in Delray

February 25, 2011 by WTM

By Blair Henley

American Ryan Sweeting put up a good fight in his first ATP Tour quarterfinal, but fell 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 to Japan’s Kei Nishikori Friday at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. It was Nishikori’s patience and poise that gave him the edge over a volatile Sweeting on a blustery day in South Florida.

After missing twelve first serves in a row in his final two service games, Sweeting became visibly flustered, looking up to his box in frustration. Nishikori broke the 23-year-old American’s serve to go up 5-4 in the third set and proceeded to close out the match – but not before Sweeting threw his racket violently to the ground in the final game. Nishikori never showed any similar signs of distress.

“Usually, I’m a calm guy,” he said. “Sometimes I think it’s important to stay calm and not get too frustrated…I think that’s me.”

Though only 21 years old, Nishikori has experience on his side. He captured the Delray title in 2008 as a qualifier, taking out American James Blake in the final.

“It was tough to play today,” said Nishikori of the windy conditions. “I’m really happy to be in the semis tomorrow…it’s my favorite tournament, so hopefully I can go farther.”

He may not be a household name in the United States, but after being named ATP Newcomer of the Year in 2008, Nishikori has become widely recognized in his home country. He’s even had to don a disguise in order to avoid screaming fans.

“No one knows me [in the U.S.], so it’s much easier for me,” he said. “If I stayed in Japan all the time I might get crazy. I have to wear the sunglasses and hat. It’s fun sometimes when everybody knows me…it’s a good feeling.”

Nishikori, who trains at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Florida, hit a roadblock in 2009 when an elbow injury kept him out of the game for almost a year. But his coach, Brad Gilbert, has carefully monitored his very successful comeback.

“He’s telling me new things, and it’s really working,” he said of his famed coach.

“We’ve been calling each other every night to see how it’s going, and to talk about my next opponent.”

Tonight the two will be discussing the often unpredictable game of Janko Tipsarevic. The 52nd-ranked Serb will play Nishikori in tomorrow’s semifinal after his 7-6, 6-1 win over Ivan Dodig. After beating Nishikori earlier this year in Chennai, Tipsarevic already has a game plan.

“He doesn’t have a big serve, but he’s very dangerous from the baseline,” he said. “I need to play aggressive, but I need to play smart. Rushing into points against him is not good, so I need to find a golden middle.”

With Andy Roddick out of the way due to illness, Tipsarevic has an opportunity to win his first ATP Tour title in Delray, but he won’t be dwelling on that fact.

“I’m really trying to take it match after match,” he said. “If I start thinking too much, I start to overcomplicate stuff, which is not something I want to do.”

OUDIN SIGNS WITH VIRGIN MOBILE, SAP STAYS IN SAN JOSE: THIS WEEK IN TENNIS BUSINESS

March 10, 2010 by WTM

By Justin Cohen

Melanie Oudin has signed an endorsement deal with Virgin Mobile that will reportedly pay her between $500,000 and $2 million over four years. Virgin Mobile announced that they will donate $1 million to homeless youth organizations if Oudin wins the 2010 US Open in New York.

Sony Ericsson has reached a contract extension with the WTA Tour through 2012 but will no longer be the title sponsor of the women’s professional tour, as well as the year-end championships. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sony Ericsson’s current six-year, $88 million deal as the global title sponsor of the WTA Tour is set to expire at the end of 2010.
SAP, a German business software company, has renewed its title sponsorship with the ATP tournament in San Jose, Calif., for the next three years. Last month, Fernando Verdasco defeated Andy Roddick in three sets to capture the title in San Jose.
Champions Porsche has extended its sponsorship deal for another five years with the ATP World Tour Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.
Pete Sampras recently listed his Los Angeles mansion on the market for $25 million, while Andy Roddick is selling his Austin, Texas, home for $4 million. Jennifer Capriati’s house in Wesley Chapel, Fla., is on the market for $2.1 million.
Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Justine Henin and Lindsay Davenport will take part in the second “Hit for Haiti” on March 12 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The match will follow the already set men’s exhibition match for Haiti featuring Roger Federer and Pete Sampras taking on Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi in a doubles match.
The World Economic Forum has named Roger Federer as one of its “Young Global Leaders for 2010.” Out of a list of 5,000 eligible candidates, only 197 were selected.
Tennis Channel Chairman and CEO Ken Solomon was sworn in as a member of President Barack Obama’s Committee of Arts and the Humanities in the U.S. Supreme Court. “It is extremely humbling to be named to this esteemed committee, but the highest honor will come in what we’re able to accomplish,” said Solomon, who has more than 25 years of television and multimedia experience. “Not only can we drive our nation’s economic growth via the arts and humanities, but through cultural diplomacy we seek to strengthen our relationship within the global family of nations as well. I welcome this service, the work ahead and the chance to advance the democratization of the arts through education.”
According to The London Telegraph, the Lawn Tennis Association might pursue Tim Henman as the next captain of Great Britain’s Davis Cup squad. Current captain John Lloyd acknowledged that his job might be in jeopardy following Great Britain’s loss to Lithuania last weekend.
According to the DPA, Serbian Davis Cup captain Bogdan Obradovic has requested that Serbia’s tie against host Croatia be played in Zagreb because the team is concerned it will attract a more rowdy and nationalistic crowd. Currently, Split is the front-runner city to host the Davis Cup quarterfinal match. Croatian newspaper Jutamji List has reportedly said the comment Obradovic said is “the start of psychological warfare already four months before.” World No. 2 and Serbian player Novak Djokovic insisted that, “I heard that my camp is complaining about Split as the host, but I think that the war years are far behind us and that we should not overreact.” Split was heavily bombed by Serbia during the Balkan Wars fought
Tennis Channel plans to carry 90 hours of television coverage of this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, following a couple years of scattered coverage by Fox Sports Net.
Martina Hingis recently told the Neue Luzemer Zeitung that she has gotten engaged to Zurich lawyer Andreas Bieri. “It’s true, Andreas made a marriage proposal to me,” said Hingis. “I was totally surprised. Naturally, I accepted.”
2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury, has resumed training and hopes to return at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Russian WTA Tour star Elena Vesnina also plans to return in Miami having been sidelined recently due to a leg injury.
Sania Mirza will be sidelined for at least six weeks so she can rest her injured right wrist. Since leaping into the Top 30 in 2008, Mirza has been plagued with many injuries since and is now ranked No. 83. “I got some MRIs done yesterday,” said Mirza. “I have been struggling with this injury since the Fed Cup. But I played on with it a little bit, just to try out if I could. But right now I need six weeks off and then we will take a re-evaluation of the situation.”
Pop star Shakira’s music video, Gypsy, featuring Rafael Nadal as last week’s top Billboard music video.

MONDAYS WITH BOB GREENE: DJOKOVIC EDGES YOUZHNY, RETAINS DUBAI TITLE

March 1, 2010 by WTM

STARS

Novak Djokovic beat Mikhail Youzhny 7-5 5-7 6-3 to win the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

David Ferrer won the Abierto Mexicano Telcel men’s singles in Acapulco, Mexico, beating Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3 3-6 6-1

Ernests Gulbis beat Ivo Karlovic 6-2 6-3 to win the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida, USA

Venus Williams beat Polona Hercog 2-6 6-2 6-3 to win the Abierto Mexicano Telcel women’s singles at Acapulco, Mexico

Alisa Kleybanova beat Elena Dementieva 6-3 6-2 to win the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Pat Rafter beat John McEnroe 7-6 (4) 7-6 (1) to win the Delray Beach International ATP Champions Tournament at Delray Beach, Florida, USA

SAYINGS

“I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully next year I can win this one three times.” – Venus Williams, after successfully defending her women’s singles title at Acapulco, Mexico.

“I’ve been waiting so long for this moment, training hard and playing in many tournaments. Everything came together in the final.” – Alisa Kleybanova, after winning her first career WTA title.

“I’m the young guy on the tour and I’m supposed to beat John because he’s 51. But this guy serves so brilliantly. I can’t read his serve at all and he covers the net so well, he is unreal. The best 51-year-old tennis player in the world by far.” – Pat Rafter, after edging John McEnroe 7-6 (4) 7-6 (1) in the final of a seniors tournament at Delray Beach, Florida, USA

“It was a fun match to play and it felt like an old-school match. It was just awesome. I think we showed the young bucks how it’s done a little bit and how to have a little bit of variety in your game. It was a lot of fun. If the score was just reversed it would have been a little bit better.” – John McEnroe, after losing to Pat Rafter.

“Every player wants to be number one in the world and it is no different with me. This is my goal and I need to work harder and be more aggressive on the court and start believing more in myself.” – Li Na, the first Chinese player to be ranked in the top 10. She lost her first-round Malaysia Open match.

“When we got nominated, I sent her a text, `Did you get the letter?’ and she said, `What letter?’ I wrote back, `We got nominated for the Hall of Fame.’ And she wrote, `What’s that?’ So I wrote, `Natasha, it’s the International Hall of Fame and we’re going down in history for our achievement in tennis.’ And she just wrote back, `Cool.’ That’s Natasha.” – Gigi Fernandez, who is being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame with her doubles partner Natasha Zvereva.

“Last night, I ate two big heads of white garlic because Novak (Djokovic) told me I’m going to feel better. Actually I did.’ – Janko Tipsarevic, who fought off a fever before upsetting Andy Murray in a second-round match in Dubai.

“Maybe I was just a step slow to get to the ball to make something happen. These guys are hitting the ball so big these days you have to be there every single point.” – Tommy Haas, after being upset by Teimuraz Gabashvili in the first round at Delray Beach.

“Today she was just much better. If she continues playing like this, she can break into the top 20 soon.” – Zheng Jie, discussing the future of her opponent after losing to Chang Kai-chen of Taiwan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“This year is going to be his breakthrough. Everything that he hit was in. He was very cool, calm. Nothing could impress him.” – Ivo Karlovic, describing Ernests Gulbis.

“It will be an interesting change to be one of the young guys on the tour again.” – Marat Safin, who turned 30 in January and will make his debut on the senior circuit this month when he competes at the Rio Champions Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

STILL COUNTING

Venus Williams leads all active players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in career titles, and she is still adding to the total. By beating first-time finalist Polona Hercog and winning the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco, Mexico, Williams has now won 43 career titles, increasing her lead to two over her closest rival, Justine Henin. Williams is tied with Martina Hingis at number 10 on the all-time list. This was her ninth career title on clay, second among active players to Henin, who has won 12 clay court titles. “It’s not enough,” Williams said about the titles. “Hopefully I’ll win more and more this year. I love winning titles, I love seeing that number go up. It feels good. There is no limit. Who wants to have a limit on titles? Not me.”

SIX HUNDRED

American twins Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan are the first doubles team in the Open era to win 600 matches. They accomplished the feat when they won their semifinal in the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, downing fellow Americans Taylor Dent and Ryan Harrison 6-7 (6) 7-5 10-4 (match tiebreak). “It’s a special milestone for us,” Mike Bryan said. “To play this long together and still be doing it with 600 wins is quite an accomplishment. It’s good to do it in Delray, a place we like coming to and where American fans can support us.” The Bryans’ 601^st match victory – over Philipp Marx and Igor Zelenay 6-3 7-6 (3) – gave them their 58^th team title, snapping a tie with Peter Fleming and John McEnroe as well as Bob Hewitt and Frew McMillan. The Bryans are now second only to the record 61 won by Australians Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.

STANDING TALL

Ernests Gulbis shared his first ATP title with a lot of people – all of his countrymen in his homeland of Latvia. “Everything that I do now is the first time for my country,” Gulbis said after winning the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida, USA. “I hope it’s positive. They see that a guy from Latvia also can make it and win.” Playing in the first final in his career, the 21-year-old Gulbis easily downed Ivo Karlovic 6-2 6-3 in one hour, 20 minutes. The big-serving Karlovic – at 6-foot-10 (2.08m) the tallest player in tennis – had nothing to celebrate on his 31^st birthday.

SPECIAL DAY

Alisa Kleybanova’s first WTA title came against one of the best players in the world. The 21-year-old Kleybanova beat fellow Russian and top-seeded Elena Dementieva 6-3 6-2 to capture the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur. Kleybanova used her big first serve and powerful ground strokes to down Dementieva, who won the women’s singles gold at the Beijing Olympics. Not only was it Kleybanova’s first tournament title, it was her first time in her career that she had reached a singles final.

SWEDE SENTENCED

A Swedish appeals court has overturned a lower court decision and convicted a man of rioting outside a Davis Cup match between Israel and Sweden. The man was sentenced to six months in prison. A lower court had acquitted the 23-year-old, saying he could not be positively identified in video footage of the riot in Malmo, Sweden, last March. The matches were played without spectators because Malmo officials said they could not guarantee security. About 10 people have now been convicted in connection with the violence that erupted during an anti-Israel demonstration outside the stadium.

STOPPED BY INFECTION

The New York Times reports that Gigi Fernandez and her doubles partner Natasha Zvereva are being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame this summer. Fernandez and Zvereva won 14 Grand Slam tournament doubles championships, second in the Open era only to Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver. Fernandez was ranked as high as 17^th in the world in singles, while Zvereva was ranked as high as fifth in the world. In 1988, Zvereva lost the French Open final to Steffi Graf.

SHORT STAY

James Blake didn’t even work up a sweat as he needed only 40 seconds to defeat fellow American Taylor Dent in an opening-round match at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. Of course, the short stay was on the second day of their rain-delayed battle. The match was suspended by rain with Blake leading 6-1 3-6 5-3 40-40. When play resumed the next day, Blake reached match point with a backhand passing shot, then hit a service winner to close out the victory. “That was quick,” Blake said. “It was what I was hoping for.”

SEEKING STEFFI’S MAGIC

Ana Ivanovic has hired just the person she thinks might help her end her slump. The former number one-ranked player from Serbia has hired Heinz Gunthardt, who helped Steffi Graf win 12 Grand Slam singles titles. On her web site, Ivanovic said Gunthardt will accompany her to the BNP Paribas Showdown in New York City, a four-woman exhibition event where she has replaced the injured Serena Williams. The 2008 French Open champion, Ivanovic has fallen to number 23 in the world rankings.

SHIRTLESS FOR SHAKIRA

While he’s unable to play tennis, Rafael Nadal’s knee injury isn’t keeping him from shaking a leg with pop star Shakira on her new video. Nadal plays basically a shirtless version of himself, but the video focuses mainly on Shakira as she sings her new single, “Gypsy.”

SKIPPING FED CUP

Maria Sharapova will not play when Russia takes on the United States in Fed Cup competition in April. The tie will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Sharapova said her schedule would not permit her to play for Russia. “My goal for this year is to be healthy. (Fed Cup) is pretty far down the line for me right now,” she said. “I’m taking it one match at a time. As far as goals and what I’m planning to play, that wasn’t on my schedule this year.”

SURFACE SWITCH?

Will the Buenos Aires Open remain a clay court tournament? Reigning champion Juan Carlos Ferrero wants the organizers to keep Argentina’s top men’s tennis tournament on a clay surface. However, tournament organizers are considering converting to hard courts in an attempt to attract more top players. Being a clay court event, the top entries come from countries such as Spain and Italy, along with Argentina’s South and Central American neighbors. Even then, not the very best players show up at Buenos Aires. Add to that the fact that Argentine players had little success this year and bad weather coupled to hold down the crowds. “I will do everything I can for (the Latin American tournaments) to remain as they are,” said Ferrero, a Spaniard who excels on clay courts, having won Roland Garros in 2003.

SPANISH WARRIORS

Even without Rafael Nadal, Fernando Verdasco and Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain will field a strong team for its first-round World Group Davis Cup tie this week against Switzerland, including David Ferrer, Tommy Robredo, Marcel Granollers and Nicolas Almagro. Nadal, Verdasco and Ferrero are missing the tie because of injuries. Switzerland will be without top-ranked Roger Federer. Almagro, who was a last-minute replacement for Ferrero, is ranked 27^th in the world.

STEPPING UP

With Juan Martin del Potro, David Nalbandian and Juan Monaco all sidelined by injuries, Argentina has selected 19-year-old Federico Del Bonis to their Davis Cup team that will face Sweden this week. Argentine captain Modesto Vazquez said Del Bonis, who is ranked 211^th in the world, will join Horacio Zeballo, Leonardo Mayer and Eduardo Schwank for the World Group first-round competition to be held in Stockholm, Sweden. Del Potro, the reigning US Open champion, is out with an injured right wrist. Nalbandian injured his right leg in his first tournament back following hip surgery and a nine-month layoff. And Monaco pulled a muscle during his semifinal against Juan Carlos Ferrero in Acapulco, Mexico.

SUPER SHOW

The latest players to be added to a tennis exhibition in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, are Pete Sampras and James Blake. Organizers said Sampras will play Blake on April 10 in the inaugural Caesars Tennis Classic. In other matches, Ivan Lendl will take on Mats Wilander in a one-set, no-ad scoring match, followed by Andy Roddick playing recently retired Marat Safin. The event will be hosted by Venus Williams.

SERBIAN JAIL

Jelena Dokic’s father has had his prison sentenced reduced by three months and could be out of prison by early May. Damir Dokic was sentenced to 15 months in jail after being convicted of threatening the Australian ambassador to Serbia. The court in Sremska Mitrovica reduced the sentence to 12 months. The 51-year-old Dokic was arrested after he reportedly said he would blow up the car belonging to Australian ambassador Clair Birgin because of stories in Australian newspapers in which Jelena Dokic accused him of beating her. When he was arrested, police found a large number of weapons in Damir Dokic’s home.

SET TO PLAY

Bernard Tomic will become Australia’s youngest Davis Cup player when he faces Taiwan in a regional group this week. The 17-year-old will be joined by Peter Luczak, Carsten Ball and doubles specialist Paul Hanley for the Asia/Oceania Group One tie to be played at Melbourne, Australia. John Alexander was also 17 when he played Davis Cup for Australia, but Tomic, the US Open junior champion, will be 42 days younger if he competes in the singles against Taiwan.

SIGNAGE

Doubles specialist Liezel Huber will endorse Volkl Tennis racquets, bags and accessories. A native of South Africa, Liezel became a United States citizen in 2007 and played Fed Cup for USA in 2008-9. She was on the American Olympic team at the 2008 Beijing Games. Since turning pro in 1992, Huber has won 39 career doubles titles, including 27 with doubles partner Cara Black. Liezel and Black are co-ranked number one in the world in doubles.

STARTING OVER

Kenya is returning to Davis Cup competition after a five-year absence. Kenya first fielded a team in the international team tennis competition in 1975 and reached the Euro/African Zone semifinals in 1992 when it was one match away from the World Group Playoffs. The Kenya Lawn Tennis Association plans on fielding a team at the Africa Group III tournament to be held in Morocco in May. Other countries competing in Morocco are Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Madagascar, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

SPONSOR

The world’s leading Mexican beer brand, Corona Extra, has signed a five-year agreement to become the official world-wide beer sponsor of the ATP World Tour. Corona Extra has been a sponsor of ATP tournaments in Acapulco, Mexico, for 16 years and in Toronto, Canada, for four years.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Acapulco (men): Lukasz Kubot and Oliver Marach beat Fabio Fognini and Potito Starace 6-0 6-0

Acapulco (women): Polona Hercog and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova beat Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 2-6 6-1 10-2 (match tiebreak)

Delray Beach: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan beat Philipp Marx and Igor Zelenay 6-3 7-6 (3)

Dubai: Simon Aspelin and Paul Hanley beat Lukas Dlouhy and Leander Paes 6-2 6-3

Kuala Lumpur: Zheng Jie and Chan Yung-jan beat Anatasia Rodionova and Anna Rodionova 6-7 (4) 6-2 10-7 (match tiebreak)

SITES TO SURF

Monterrey: www.abiertodetenismonterrey.com/portal/

Davis Cup: www.daviscup.com

Indian Wells: www.bnpparibasopen.org/

Rio de Janeiro: http://championsseriestennis.com/rio2010/

Zurich: www.atpchampionstour.com/

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

WTA

$220,000 Monterrey Open, Monterrey, Mexico, hard

DAVIS CUP

World Group

(First Round)

Spain vs. Switzerland at Logrono, Spain

France vs. Germany at Toulon, France

Russia vs. India at Moscow, Russia

Sweden vs. Argentina at Stockholm, Sweden

Croatia vs. Ecuador at Varazdin, Croatia

Serbia vs. United States at Belgrade, Serbia

Chile vs. Israel at Cuquimbo, Chile

Belgium vs. Czech Republic at Bree, Belgium

Americas Group I

(First Round)

Dominican Republic vs. Uruguay at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

(Second Round)

Colombia vs. Canada at Bogota, Colombia

Americas Group II

(First Round)

Peru vs. El Salvador at Lima, Peru; Bolivia vs. Venezuela at La Paz, Bolivia; Paraguay vs. Netherlands Antilles at Lambare, Paraguay; Mexico vs. Guatemala at Mexico City, Mexico

Asia-Oceania Group I

(First Round)

Australia vs. Chinese Taipei at Melbourne, Australia; Japan vs. Philippines at Osaka, Japan; China vs. Uzbekistan at Guangdong, China; Kazakhstan vs. Korea at Astana, Kazakhstan

Asia-Oceania Group II

(First Round)

Thailand vs. Pacific Oceania at Nonthaburi, Thailand; Malaysia vs. Indonesia at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Pakistan at Hong Kong China; Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand at Colombo, Sri Lanka

Europe-Africa Group I

(First Round)

Italy vs. Belarus at Taranto, Italy; Poland vs. Finland at Sopot, Poland; Ukraine vs. Latvia at Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine

(Second Round)

Austria vs. Slovak Republic at Gleichenberg, Austria

Europe-Africa Group II

Lithuania vs. Great Britain at Vilnius, Lithuania; Ireland vs. Turkey at Dublin, Ireland; Bulgaria vs. Monaco at Sofia, Bulgaria; Norway vs. Slovenia at Oslo, Norway; Portugal vs. Denmark at Maia, Portugal; Cyprus vs. Egypt at Limassol, Cyprus; Estonia vs. Hungary at Tallinn, Estonia; FYR Macedonia vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina at Veles, FYR Macedonia

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

ATP

$4,000,000 BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California, USA, hard

WTA

$4,000,000 BNP Paribas Open, Indian Wells, California, USA, hard

SENIORS

Rio Champions Cup, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BNP Paribas Zurich Open, Zurich, Switzerland, hard

BIRMINGHAM TO HOST FED CUP: THIS WEEK IN TENNIS BUSINESS

February 17, 2010 by WTM

By Justin Cohen

The USTA announced on Tuesday that the Birmingham –Jefferson Convention Complex Arena in Birmingham, Ala., will host the 2010 Fed Cup semifinal tie between the United States and Russia from April 24-26. “We are very excited to have earned this home tie and are thrilled to choose a community that is rampant in its love for tennis,” said Mary Joe Fernandez, the U.S. Fed Cup Captain. “The city of Birmingham offered the U.S. Davis Cup team tremendous support last year, and we look forward to playing in front of the same enthusiastic and patriotic crowd as we try to reach our second consecutive Fed Cup final.” The United States leads the series 4-3, but Russia has won the last three meetings dating back to 2005.
It was announced last Friday that MP & Silva will sell the television, internet and mobile rights to all territories outside the United States for the upcoming ATP World Tour Delray Beach International Tennis Championships. “We are glad to be able to enlist the services of MP & Silva, who have proven expertise, experience and exceptional track record of distributing top class events, which will ensure that the Delray Beach International Championships continues to make strong inroads on the ATP circuit,” said Mark Baron, the President and Tournament Director of ATP Delray Beach.
According to the Wimbledon Guardian, a local chamber of commerce is planning to create a tennis walk of fame in Wimbledon Village. The project is supposed to create awareness for the 2012 London Olympics were Wimbledon will host the tennis competition. Plaques will feature handprints and signatures of famous tennis stars along the tennis walk of fame.
Rafael Nadal has confirmed that he will not participate in Spain’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Switzerland.
Defending US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro will not participate in Argentina’s Davis Cup tie against Sweden due to a wrist injury.
Gael Monfils, who has struggled with injuries recently, has pulled out of the ATP World Tour event in Acapulco to prepare for France’s Davis Cup tie against Germany.
According to Globesports.com, recently retired former World No. 1 Marat Safin, who is a member of the Russian Olympic Committee, will attend a few days worth of action at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
ATP World Tour Marseille Tournament Director Jean-Francois Caujolle heavily criticized Andy Murray for withdrawing from his event for the second straight year, this time to get more rest following his finals run at the Australian Open. “Murray did the same thing to me last year,” the Daily Express quoted Caujolle saying on Monday. “He can’t know what it is to keep his word. A week ago, he asked me for a wild card to play doubles with his brother Jamie and I gave him one. A few days ago, he asked me for five hotel rooms and I gave him them.”
Andy Roddick was the first overall pick by the Philadelphia Freedom in the recent World Team Tennis draft. Martina Hingis was picked second by the Albany-based New York Buzz, while Lindsay Davenport was picked third by the St. Louis Aces. The defending champion Washington Kastles picked up Serena and Venus Williams, while Kim Clijsters will team up with John McEnroe and play for the New York Sportimes.
According to the Dubai Gulf News, Jelena Jankovic will now train in Dubai instead of Florida. “I love so many things about this place (Dubai). The people are good and the place is lovely as I can step out any time and practice,” said Jankovic.
The Palm Beach Post reports that Tommy Haas has officially changed his name from Tommy Mario Haas to Tommy Haas. The former World No. 2 recently became a United States citizen.
Stanislas Wawrinka and his wife, television personality Ilham Vuilloud, had their first child, daughter Alexia on Friday evening in Switzerland. Wawrinka won a Gold medal in doubles with Roger Federer at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.
Boris Becker and wife Lily had their first child, son Amadeus Benedict Edley Luis, last Wednesday in London. Becker has three other children from previous relationships.
According to the Associated Press, Ilie Nastase, 63, and wife Amalia, 34, are divorcing after seven years of marriage.
According to celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton, Rafael Nadal co-stars in Shakira’s “Gypsy” music video.
According to the ATP World Tour official website, Paradorn Srichaphan will play the lead role in the Thai movie, Bang Rajan II.

This Week In Tennis Business: USTA to award over $400,000 in grants to 45 non-profit organizations

October 20, 2009 by WTM

By Justin Cohen

Lleyton Hewitt

The USTA announced that they are awarding more than $400,000 in recreational tennis grants to 45 non-profit organizations across the United States. Winners of the grants include Parks and Recreation agencies, USTA National Junior Tennis League chapters, YMCA’s and even entire school districts. “We are excited to announce our second round of grants totaling over $400,000. This investment will help organizations that are dedicated to using tennis as a vehicle to improve the quality of life and education for both children and adults alike,” said Kurt Kamperman, the Chief Executive of Community Tennis at the USTA.
Mats Wilander has stepped down as captain of the Swedish Davis Cup team. The former world No. 1 led the Swedish team to the semifinals in 2007.
Robin Soderling said that he accidently missed a doping test at the French Open because he switched hotels and forgot to mention it to the anti-doping personnel. “I had said I would stay at the Hilton but changed hotels and forgot to announce it,” Soderling said at this week’s If Stockholm Open. “I realized after a few days but it was too late because the doping inspectors had already searched for me for a test.”
Justine Henin confirmed that she will make her comeback on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour at the Brisbane International in January. “After a 15-month absence I am pleased to begin my second tennis career at the Brisbane International,” said Henin.
James Blake and Tommy Haas have signed on to play in the 2010 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships in February. Mardy Fish and the Bryan Brothers have already committed to participate in the tournament.
53-year-old Philip Brook has been elected Vice Chairman of the All England Club and is expected to succeed Wimbledon Chairman Tim Phillips when he steps down in December 2010.
SportsBusinessJournal reports that the ATP World Tour has been denied $17.9 million in legal fees from the German and Qatari federations over the Hamburg lawsuit.
Swedish police said that two ATP players were detained while trying to enter their hotel with prostitutes before the start of this week’s If Stockholm Open.
Australian media reports that one of the seven men charged during a clash between Serbian and Bosnian fans after the Novak Djokovic and Amer Delic match ended at the Australian Open has been fined $500 (AU) but didn’t receive a criminal conviction.
According to reports from Times Online, ATP players will not be able to receive a medical timeout during the middle of a game starting next year. Players will have to wait until the end of the game to receive treatments.
In an E-Poll Market Research that surveyed the most well-liked athletes, Rafael Nadal was listed as fourth.
Czech Republic’s Ivo Minar has been given an eight month doping suspension from the ATP World Tour for testing positive for the stimulant, methylhexanamine.
The Paris Court of Appeal has upheld the ban on Unibet offering wagers on matches played at the French Open. Unibet has also been ordered to pay $1.2 million (France) in infringement damages.
France’s Tatiana Golovin recently told L’Equipe that her chances of playing professional tennis again are slim. “Learning my condition was a big shock, but now I know what I have and what I have, you can’t cure,” said Golovin, who has been diagnosed with spondylitis of the back, which is an arthritic like condition. “Do I have any chance to play again? It’s not advised, but I’m still young. The pain may suddenly disappear.”
In an interview with LAOLA1, 18-year-old Tamira Paszek indicated that she has resumed training and hopes to be ready to compete at the Australian Open in January. She also said that she was not given any penalties by the Austrian anti-doping agency for undergoing back treatment that may have been in violation of blood-doping rules. “It’s over and in the past,” said Paszek. “It was a stupid affair. It was not intentional.”
Sydney Daily Telegraph reports that Mark Philippoussis is trying to sell the rights to his engagement and wedding to an Australian women’s magazine for up to $200,000 (AU). The former Australian star is engaged to American actress Jennifer Esposito.
Lleyton Hewitt is backing Paul McNamee over Geoff Pollard in the upcoming election for President of Tennis Australia. Pollard has held the position for the last 20 years. “I get on well personally with Geoff,” said Hewitt on his official website. “However I strongly believe that change is needed at Tennis Australia and what better place to start than right at the top!!”
Serena Williams and former Sony Ericsson WTA Tour star Chanda Rubin have been added to the list of participants for the Advanta WTT Smash Hits tennis exhibition in Baton Rouge on December 8. Billie Jean King and Sir Elton John are the hosts of the event.
Tecnifibre has signed a partnership deal to become the official tennis partner with 6^th Sense, the tennis academy launched by Justine Henin and her coach Carlos Rodriguez. All coaches and players at the academies in Belgium and Florida will use Tecnifibre racquets, strings, bags and balls.
The BCF Tennis Challenge presented by the Baltimore Sun on December 9 at the 1^st Mariner Arena in Baltimore will feature John Isner, Melanie Oudin and the Bryan Brothers. The BCF Tennis Challenge, which is in its 24^th year, is the longest running annual charity event in the world. “We are thrilled that the hottest players on the tour Melanie, John and the Bryans have all made playing in Baltimore part of their year-end plans,” said Pam Shriver, the Tournament Chairman and Founder.
The USTA announced that they have partnered with Public Allies to place young leaders into 10-month apprenticeships with two National Junior Tennis and Learning chapters in Milwaukee and Oakland, Calif., beginning this month. “Public Allies and the National Junior Tennis and Learning network both share the same ideals of molding young people of all backgrounds into a diverse group of future leaders,” said Barry Ford, the USTA Director of Outreach and Advocacy. “With such a strong shared sense of mission, the partnership between the USTA and Public Allies is a natural fit, and we look forward to working with Public Allies to place more of its young people into NJTL chapters for many years to come.” Public Allies is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance new leadership to help strengthen communities, non-profits and civic participation.