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Doubles Star Mahesh Bhupathi Teaming Up With Andy Murray: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By: Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

Bhupathi teams with Andy Murray

According to a press release, doubles legend Mahesh Bhupathi’s Globosport and Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment have announced a new venture named XIX Globosport to capitalize on the two partners strengths in media, entertainment and tennis. The new partnership has been created to extend relationships and create dynamic new opportunities in developing markets around the world, with the burgeoning sports and entertainment opportunities in India and the Middle East in particular providing an exciting backdrop to the enterprise. The venture’s first client will be World No. 2 Andy Murray and the venture is expected to contract with the respected tennis agent and former ATP professional Ugo Colombini to provide on the ground tennis support and specialist resourcing for the player as he challenges for major honors during the 2013 ATP Calendar. XIX Entertainment has managed Andy Murray since 2007 during which time he has become a national hero and a global sports star, enjoying breakthrough moments including winning Olympic Gold at London 2012 and a historic first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012. The new partnership will provide Andy Murray with the global resource, media expertise and strategic skills of Fuller’s XIX Entertainment, and the credibility, drive and specialist tennis skills of Globosport. The new partnership will start with immediate effect.

Davis Cup attendance for Serbia’s victory over United States

The quarterfinal Davis cup tie between the United States and Serbia at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho, saw 24,715 fans attend the competition over three days. On Sunday, 8, 612 fans were in attendance to see World No. 1 Novak Djokovic clinch the victory for Serbia with a four-set victory over Sam Querrey. 8,115 tickets were sold for Saturday’s epic doubles match that resulted in team Serbia’s Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic 15-13 fifth set win over top-ranked Bob and Mike Bryan.

Attendance Record at Family Circle Cup in Charleston during Venus/Serena match

On Saturday, April 6 at the WTA Family Circle Cup in Charleston, 9,538 fans packed Billie Jean King Court for the Serena vs. Venus Williams semifinal match, an all-time single-session record. Serena won the match easily, 6-1, 6-2, then went on to win the title by defeating Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic in three-sets in the Sunday afternoon championship match.

Texas Christian University Men’s Tennis edges Georgia in attendance so far in 2013 season

According to Texas Christian University Sports Information Director Mark Cohen, the Horned Frogs men’s tennis team ranks first in the nation in attendance with a total of 6,528 fans (502 per match) so far during the 2013 men’s tennis season. TCU is currently ranked No. 35 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division I rankings. The No. 3 ranked Georgia Bulldogs rank second with an overall attendance of 3,522.

Stuttgart outlines 2015 grass court switch

Construction of grass courts at the MercedesCup in Stuttgart will begin immediately after the conclusion of this year’s ATP World Tour 250 tournament, which takes place from July 6-14. Last month, the ATP Board of Directors approved the MercedesCup’s request to move to a grass court event taking place the week following Roland Garros in the lead up to Wimbledon beginning in 2015. “The future starts now!” said Edwin Weindorfer, theMercedesCup Tournament Director, at a press conference in Stuttgart City Hall, on Monday. “The switch to grass courts opens many interesting perspectives for the MercedesCup and starts a new era of the tournament.” Court No. 18 at the Weissenhof Tennis Club will become the first of five clay courts that will be converted to grass, under the supervision of the ground staff from the All England Club, Wimbledon. The court will be ready for the 2014 tournament, when an exhibition match will be held. Centre Court, ENBW Court and Court No. 12 and No. 13 will be converted to grass courts after the end of the 2014 tournament. It was also announced that prize money will increase in 2015 from 467,800 (EU) to 600,000 (EU). In 2015, the MercedesCup will join the AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club, the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, the AEGON International in Eastbourne, the Topshelf Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport as an ATP World Tour grass court tournament.

USTA to conduct first-ever nationwide DVD open casting call for children to perform at 2013 US Open

The USTA recently announced that it is offering two audition options for the seventh annual US Open casting call, starting with a DVD submission process. A second exclusive opportunity for children who are residents of the borough of Queens, N.Y., will be held at the Queens Theater in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Winners selected from these auditions will perform “America the Beautiful” live at Arthur Ashe Stadium during night sessions at the 2013 US Open, which we be held August 26-September 9. “This year’s open casting call process is a tremendous opportunity for kids nationwide and youngsters from our neighboring Queens’ communities to showcase their vocal talents,” said Gordon Smith, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, USTA. “We are looking forward to these young performers lighting up the stage and contributing to the overall excitement that makes this tournament so spectacular.” For the first time, children 12 years of age or younger as of September 9, 2013, are being asked to submit a taped audition of themselves performing “America the Beautiful” a cappella on DVD format by May 10. The exclusive open casting call for residents of Queens 12 years of age or younger as of September 9, 2013, will take place at the Queens Theater, June 11, from 2-4 p.m. EDT. Participants there also will be asked to perform “American the Beautiful” a cappella. All DVD audition entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges from the music and entertainment industries. A select number of submissions will be chosen to participate in a call-back audition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center July 11. At that time, they will be asked to individually perform in front of the judges. The USTA will make its final singer selections in mid-July, and winners will receive a US Open gift bag and tickets to their performance session, where they will sing in front of as many as 24,000 fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium. For more information on the DVD open casting call and Queens open casting call, including the official rules, log on to www.USOpen.org.

Philadelphia Freedoms hosting Battle of the Sexes at Merion Cricket Club on April 19

The Philadelphia Freedoms of Mylan World TeamTennis will be hosting a Battle of the Sexes match on April 19 at the Merion Cricket Club featuring 11-time Grand Slam women’s and mixed doubles champion Lisa Raymond. The former University of Florida standout will lead the women’s team as they take on the men’s squad led by current Freedoms head coach Josh Cohen and Merion Cricket Club Head Tennis Professional Pascal Collard. The match will be played under Mylan World TeamTennis rules and is slated to begin at 7 p.m. EST. Tickets cost only $25 and will include a cash bar and light snacks. To order your tickets, call (215) 667-8132.

USPTA Middle States hosting 2013 Tennis in the Streets in Wilmington, Delaware

On Friday, May 17 from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. EST, at Rodney Square in Wilmington, Del., the USPTA Middle States division will host the 2013 Tennis in the Streets event, which is a 2012 national USPTA award winning event that is a part of “Tennis Across America.” USPTA Delaware District President Jackie Roe is currently looking for volunteers for the event, who will help feed balls, organize lines for the kids and picking up balls where over 700 city kids will be introduced to the game of tennis. For more information or questions, contact Jackie Roe at jrotennis@gmail.com.

Super Serena Squashes Safarova — Mondays with Bob Greene

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STARS

Serena Williams beat Lucie Safarova 6-0 6-1 to win the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina, USA

DAVIS CUP

WORLD GROUP
Quarterfinals

Spain beat Austria 4-1 at Castellón, Spain
United States beat France 3-2 at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Czech Republic beat Serbia 4-1 at Prague, Czech Republic
Argentina beat Croatia 4-1 at Buenos Aires, Argentina

GROUP I
Second Round

Americas: Uruguay beat Chile 3-1 at Montevideo, Uruguay; Brazil beat Colombia 3-1 at São José do Rio Preto, Brazil

Asia/Oceania: Uzbekistan beat India 3-2 at Namangan, Uzbekistan; Australia beat Korea 5-0 at Brisbane, Australia

Europe/Africa: Israel beat Portugal 3-2 at Ramat HaSharon, Israel; Belgium beat Great Britain 4-1 at Glasgow, Great Britain; Netherlands beat Romania 5-0 at Amsterdam, Netherlands; South Africa beat Slovenia 4-1 at Johannesburg, South Africa

Playoffs

Asia/Oceania: China beat China Taipei 3-2 at Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

GROUP II
Second Round

Americas: Mexico beat Barbados 5-0 at Mexico City, Mexico; Venezuela beat Dominican Republic 3-1 at Valencia, Venezuela

Asia/Oceania: Philippines beat Pakistan 5-0 at Manila, Philippines; Indonesia beat Thailand 3-2 at Jakarta, Indonesia

Europe/Africa: Ukraine beat Cyprus 5-0 at Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine; Latvia beat Hungary 3-2 at Nyíregyháza, Hungary; Belarus beat Bosnia/Herzegovina 4-1 at Minsk, Belarus; Poland beat Estonia 4-1 at Inowroclaw, Poland

Playoffs

Asia/Oceania: Lebanon beat Pacific Ocean 4-1 at Journieh, Lebanon; Sri Lanka beat Hong Kong 3-2 at Hong Kong, China

Europe/Africa: Monaco beat Morocco 3-2 at Casablanca, Morocco; Moldova beat Turkey 3-2 at Istanbul, Turkey; Luxembourg beat Madagascar 4-1 at Antananarivo, Madagascar; Egypt and Ireland tied 2-2 at Cairo, Egypt

SAYING

“I definitely want to continue this. I’ve never played consistently at such a high level with low errors like this, and the scary thing is I could have served so much better.” – Serena Williams, after winning the Family Circle Cup singles title.

“She was amazing. She deserves to be the champion.” – Lucie Safarova, after losing the final to Serena Williams.

“I have to say this is probably the best match I’ve played in my career, either in a long time or it’s up there in the top five.” – Serena Williams, after crushing US Open champion Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-1 in the semifinals of the Family Circle Cup.

“I think she was pretty happy with the way she played.” – Samantha Stosur, commenting on Serena Williams’ game after the American crushed the reigning US Open champion 6-1 6-1.

“It’s amazing. Nastia and I got our first wild card in Miami and made the quarters, and here we got our second wild card and won it. I like doubles. I really enjoy playing doubles and it seems we fit as partners.” – Lucie Safarova, after teaming with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win the Family Circle Cup doubles.

“I have come so far, so far from the U.S. Open … I’ve never been so happy to be 70th” in the world. – Venus Williams, who has risen about 60 spots in the rankings in the last month as she strives to qualify for the United States Olympic team.

“I never double fault that much, which is funny. My second serve is usually one of my biggest weapons.” – Ryan Harrison, who double-faulted 10 times in his Davis Cup loss to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“I get all the kudos, but the eight players here did just as much or sometimes more.” – Billie Jean King, remembering the beginning of women’s professional tennis when nine players signed contracts for USD one dollar each.

“We had no idea that this little dollar would turn into millions.” – Rosie Casals, another of the “Original 9” players.

“I love what I do. I love playing tennis, and I know that thing that ultimately wins me matches is the hard work I put on the court. When I have tough things in my life going on, when I go on court it’s like my oasis. You know, you forget about everything when you’re out there. I love that feeling.” – Maria Sharapova, on what’s behind her successful tennis career.

“This was one of my greatest wins. Playing for your country must rate right up there and winning an important tie for your country is just simply marvelous.” – Izak van der Merwe, who won both of his singles matches and teamed with Raven Klaasen to win the doubles as South Africa beat Slovenia in Davis Cup Group I competition.

SUPER SERENA

Serena Williams win the Family Circle Cup

Scary thought. Serena Williams got better as the 40th annual Family Circle Cup tournament got closer to the end. Seeded fifth, Serena won her 40th career title as she crushed her last two opponents – slamming Samantha Stosur 6-1 6-1 in the semifinals and Lucie Safarova 6-0 6-1 in the title match. Serena is the 14th player in the Open Era to win at least 40 titles, and trails only her older sister Venus (who has 43) and Kim Clijsters (41) for most titles among active players. “It’s motivating for me to go home and work harder, because I know Lucie and Sam and everyone is going to work hard, too,” Serena said. “Now they know what to expect even more when they play me. This is a battle, and I want to continue to win.” Williams was dominant on her serves during the week, not losing her serve in her final four matches. The crowd exploded in cheers when Safarova held at love in the fourth game of the second set, the only mark she could make against Serena’s powerful game. With the win, Williams moves up to ninth in the world in the WTA rankings, but with nothing substantial to defend until the hard court season, she could make a run back towards where she once was. “I have nothing to defend,” Serena said. “June – Wimbledon, I didn’t do anything. Eastbourne, I won one match, so that doesn’t count. I did pretty well in the summer, but then I dropped off again until this tournament. So I really am like a floating bird.”

SMILING SAFAROVA

Although she lost the singles final, Lucie Safarova left Charleston, South Carolina, USA, feeling pretty good. Not only did she have the double bagel win of her career – blanking Polona Hercog 6-0 6-0 in the singles semifinals – Safarova teamed with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to win their first doubles title together in their second tournament as a team. They reached the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open last month in Miami, Florida. It was Pavlyuchenkova’s third career doubles title and Safarova’s first. And it wasn’t easy. Their only straight-set win of the week came in the semifinals when they upset the top-seeded team of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond.

SUPER ISNER

John Isner continued his dominating Davis Cup play against the world’s top players to lead the United States to the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals as the Americans shocked France 3-2. The victory sends the United States against Spain in the next round, which will be the third straight road tie for the Americans this year and the seventh time in their last eight matches that the United States has not played at home. Isner clinched the match by defeated sixth-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the reverse singles. In the first round, Isner led the Americans by upsetting second-ranked Roger Federer. The victory over France marked the first time the United States Davis Cup team has won two clay-court ties since 1995. The Americans have now won four straight matches on clay, their longest winning streak on dirt since they won nine consecutive matches from 1988 to 200.

SERBIAN CONQUEROR

It was as close as a three-set match could be, and when it was over Tomas Berdych had given the Czech Republic an unassailable 3-1 lead over Serbia. In a battle that indicated their ranking – Berdych is seventh in the world, Janko Tipsarevic is eighth – Berdych edged Tipsarevic 7-6 (6) 7-6 (6) 7-6 (7). Putting the win down to his greater experience, Berdych came from behind in two of the sets and all three tiebreaks. In the final set, he saved two set points and a further three in the tiebreak. He closed out the victory on his second match point.

STADIUM NAMED

The Family Circle Cup celebrated its 40th anniversary by honoring the nine players who began women’s professional tennis. And they did it in the newly named Billie Jean King Stadium. King and the other eight members of the “Original 9” were reunited for just the second time since they all retired. The nine players defied the tennis establishment in 1970 to form the first women’s tour and fight for better prize money. Rosie Casals won the first Family Circle Cup in 1973 when the tournament offered a then-unheard of USD $100,000 in total prize money. When Serena Williams won this year’s event, she pocketed USD $115,000. The nine players each signed USD one-dollar contracts with Gladys Heldman, publisher of World Tennis Magazine, to begin a series of women’s professional tournaments. Besides King and Casals, other members of the “Original 9” were Nancy Richey, Kerry Melville, Peaches Bartkowicz, Kristy Pigeon, Judy Dalton, Valerie Ziegenfuss and Julie Heldman.

STAYING HOME

Romania didn’t offer much competition when it faced the Netherlands in a Davis Cup World Group I Europe/Africa Zone tie. That’s because the top five Romanian players – including Victor Hanescu, who is ranked 93rd in the world, and doubles star Horia Tecau – boycotted the second round competition after the Romanian captain Andrei Pavel was fired. Petru-Alexandru Luncanu, ranked 443rd in the world, and Andrei Daescu, ranked 680th, were Romania’s top players. “Throughout the weekend it was hard for my team to keep the concentration up, which partly had to do with the quality of the opponents,” Dutch captain Jan Siemerink said after the Netherlands swept the weekend play 5-0. “Now we have plenty of time to improve for September, in order to have a chance to qualify for the World Group.”

SINGLE DIGITS?

It was bad enough Serbia lost its Davis Cup tie against the Czech Republic. The Serbs also accused Czech Radek Stepanek of giving the middle finger and swearing at Janko Tipsarevic in their marathon singles match on the opening day of the competition in Prague, Czech Republic. Tipsarevic won the five-hour, five-set match to level the quarterfinal at 1-1. After Tomas Berdych teamed with Stepanek to win the doubles, beating the Serb duo of Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic, Bozoljac refused to shake Stepanek’s hand. “I was afraid that he was going to give me the middle finger like he did yesterday to Janko,” Bozoljac said. “I was just protecting myself from the middle finger.” Zimonjic said he wasn’t surprised by the accusation against Stepanek. “I’ve been on the tour for quite a while and played many times against Stepanek, so he did something that you can expect to him,” Zimonjic said “I think he’s the least likable guy on the tour, especially on the court.” Stepanek denied the charges.

SIGNED ON

Two-time Grand Slam tournament winner Amelie Mauresmo has signed on as a consultant for Victoria Azarenka, the world’s top-ranked female player. Mauresmo, who once was number one in the world herself, will advise the Australian Open champion who is preparing for next month’s French Open. Mauresmo retired in 2009 after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon three years earlier. The 22-year-old Azarenka won the Australian Open in January.

SWINGING FOR PARIS

Junior girls from around the world will compete in a bid to earn a trip to Paris to play on the famous clay courts at Roland Garros and attend the French Open women’s final on June 9. Longines, the official timekeeper and partner of the French Open announced that 16 girls aged 12 and under from the United States will compete in a one-day Longines Future Tennis Aces – On the Road to the French Open. Other countries hosting junior girls’ tournaments include Australia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Longines said the event is part of the company’s global commitment to support and develop tennis’ superstars of tomorrow. The girls will be selected on two criteria: athletic performance and commitment to give back to the community. At the conclusion of play in Paris, Longines will present a check for USD $100,000 to the two foundations of its ambassadors: the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and Stefanie Graf’s Children for Tomorrow.

SNIPPING THE COACH

Apparently turning her into a champion wasn’t enough. Three days after she won the Sony Ericsson Open, Agnieszka Radwanska fired her coach, Borna Vikic. The Croat has been coaching the fourth-ranked Radwanska and her sister Urzula since January on a trail basis. When asked why she let Vikic go, Radwanska said “he did not pass.”

STOPPED BY INJURY

Agnieszka Radwanska was supposed to be the top seed at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Instead, she withdrew from the clay court tournament because of a back injury. The withdrawal came shortly after Radwanska defeated Maria Sharapova to win the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida, USA.

SICK CALL

When the United States took on France in a Davis Cup quarterfinal, each team was missing one of its top players. Mardy Fish suffered extreme fatigue and was told by doctors to rest. His spot was taken by Ryan Harrison. The French lost Gael Monfils because of a stomach injury. He was replaced by Gilles Simon. “We don’t want to get exactly into what the symptoms were. He didn’t feel normal. He said, `Hey, something’s wrong here.’ He was concerned about it,” Fish’s agent, John Tobias, said. “His body got out of whack, caused by a number of different variables … (but) they ruled out any potential long-term issues.”

SIGNED UP

Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam tournament champion Lleyton Hewitt has committed to play in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, which will be held July 9-15 on the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. It will be Hewitt’s second appearance in Newport, where he reached the second round in 1998. The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is the only grass court tournament in North or South America. It begins the day after Wimbledon ends and precedes the London Olympics, which will also be played at Wimbledon.

SEEKS GRASS TITLE

Andy Roddick will be seeking his fifth AEGON Championships title when he plays at The Queen’s Club in June. The American won the grass-court title in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. Roddick was a finalist at Wimbledon three times – in 2004, 2005 and 2009. Playing in the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida, recently, Roddick scored an impressive win over Roger Federer. “It’s hard to believe I’ve won a tournament as strong as the AEGON Championships four times and I’d love to win it again,” said Roddick, who joins Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Juan Martin del Potro as early entrants into the field.

SERVICES PROVIDED

The Hopman Cup tournament will receive services from Tennis Australia for two years under an agreement signed by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Under the agreement, the Hopman Cup will be returned to the Australian Open Series ahead of next year’s Grand Slam tournament Down Under. “The return of Hopman Cup to the Australian Open Series is an important step towards maintaining the world-class status of the event and maximizing the opportunities which the new Perth Arena presents,” said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Charleston: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Lucie Safarova beat Anabel Medina Garrigues and Yaroslava Shvedova 5-7 6-4 10-6 (match tiebreak)

SURFING

Casablanca: www.frmt.ma/frmt/index.php

Houston: www.mensclaycourt.com/

Barcelona: www.barcelonaladiesopen.com/

Copenhagen: www.e-boksdanishopen.dk

Monte Carlo: www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com

Fed Cup: www.fedcup.com

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

MEN

$532,000 Grand Prix Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco, clay
$442,500 US Men’s Clay Court Championships, Houston, Texas, USA, clay

WOMEN

$220,000 Barcelona Ladies Open, Barcelona, Spain, clay
$220,000 e-Boks Open, Copenhagen, Denmark, hard

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

MEN

$3,180,000 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, Monte Carlo, Monaco, clay
$100,000 Sarasota Open, Sarasota, Florida, USA

FED CUP
World Group Semifinals

Russia vs. Serbia at Moscow, Russia, clay
Czech Republic vs. Italy at Ostrava, Czech Republic, hard

World Group Playoffs

Ukraine vs. United States at Kharkiv, Ukraine, clay
Japan vs. Belgium at Tokyo, Japan, hard
Spain vs. Slovak Republic at Marbella, Spain, clay
Germany vs. Australia at Stuttgart, Germany, clay

World Group II Playoffs

France vs. Slovenia at Besançon, France, hard
Switzerland vs. Belarus at Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, hard
Sweden vs. Great Britain at Borås, Sweden, hard
Argentina vs. China at Buenos Aires, Argentina, clay

Group II
Round-Robin

Europe/Africa at Cairo, Egypt, clay: Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Latvia, Montenegro, Norway, South Africa, Turkey

Americas at Guadalajara, Mexico, clay: Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay

Group III
Round-Robin

Europe/Africa at Cairo, Egypt, clay: Algeria, Armenia, Cyprus, Egypt, Ireland, Kenya, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Tunisia

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

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Kei Nishikori

Nishikori signs brand ambassador deal with TAG Heuer

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

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

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

Jim Curley steps down as US Open Tournament Director

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

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

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

International Tennis Federation and Wilson renew deal for five-years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venus Williams enters Family Circle Cup

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

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

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

GOOD GRACIOUS, GABY IS 40!

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Wasn’t it just yesterday when Gabriela Sabatini was 14 years old, playing in the nationally-televised Family Circle Cup final on NBC against Chris Evert in 1985. Well, she’s all grown up now and is 40 years old (Sunday, May 16, 2010). Here’s her bio as it appears in my book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com).

Which do you prefer? The Divine Argentine? Or Pearl of the Pampas? Descriptive noms de racket befitting a gorgeous gem. Or just plain Gaby, as her friends call her. Doesn’t matter. It can only be one person whose name rolls across your tongue like fine wine:

Gabriela Beatrice Sabatini.

As the most extraordinary Latin American lady since Brazil­ian Maria Bueno was winning Wimbledon and U.S. titles back in the 1960s, making her own way to the Hall of Fame, Gaby had a different style. She adored life at the baseline, her heavy topspin­ning groundies coming in like a high tide.

“It was so hard, so much work playing against her shots,” said Chris Evert. “Gaby was terrific, and so good so young.”

As a 14-year-old pro, she made her first impact, playing three matches on the last day at Hilton Head, S.C., in 1985, a tournament backed up by rain. It was a Sunday made for TV drama, and Gaby made the most of it, first finishing up a downpour-interrupted quarterfinal over No. 8 Pam Shriver, 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 then knocking off No. 5 Manuela Maleeva in the semis, 6-1, 7-6(11-9). Evert, No. 2, the defending champ awaited in the final. It was explained to Gaby that the rules allowed her to put it off until Monday and rest.

No thanks, she said. Bring on Evert and the cameras. The kid was sensational for a set, then an empty tank and Chris took over, 6-4, 6-0.

Soon enough, the following year, 1986, she was in the world’s Top 10, No. 10, and stayed in that select company for 10 straight years—No. 3 in 1989, 91-92—before retiring in 1996. Everybody liked and respected dark-haired Gaby, a splendid sportswoman in a highly competitive profession. Presenting her for Hall of Fame induction in 2006 was her leading rival, Steffi Graf.

It was Graf whom she beat for her major singles title, the U.S. Open in the 1990 final, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). “I’ll never forget the last shot,” she says of a massive forehand passer. “It had been a hot, tiring match. I put everything into that shot…a third set would have been too much for me.”

Nobody who was there will forget it either. In a desperate semifinal, she notched a 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 win over Mary Joe Fernan­dez. She did it by attacking the net and volleying. Continuing that Bueno-like approach, she reached the Wimbledon final in 1991, building a 6-5, 30-15 lead in the third set—two points from the title—but strangely hung back. Graf won, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 but she and Steffi did collaborate for a major, grabbing the 1988 Wimble­don doubles as teenies away from Natasha Zvereva and Larisa Savchenko Neiland 6-3, 1-6, 12-10.

Rare consistency: from the semifinals of Wimbledon in 1990 through the semifinals of the Australian in 1994, she was no worse than a quarterfinalist in 15 straight majors.

Gaby got a silver at the 1988 Olympics because she couldn’t stop golden Steffi, 6-3, 6-3. Steffi got a 1988 Grand Slam because Gaby couldn’t win their third set of the U.S. Open final, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

A right-hander born May 16, 1970 in Buenos Aires, she grew to 5-foot-9, 130 lbs., spent formative tennis years on Key Biscayne, Florida, coached by Pato Apey. She turned pro in 1985.

Among her prominent titles were the year-end WTA Cham­pionships over Shriver, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2, in 1988, and over Lindsay Davenport, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, in 1994. She also won in Key Biscayne in 1989 over Evert, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 and the Canadian Open in 1988 over Zvereva, 6-1, 6-2. The Italian Open was a particularly joyful gig. She was in six finals, winning four: 1988 over Canadian Helen Kelesi 6-1, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1; 1989 over Arantxa Sanchez Vicario 6-2, 5-7, 6-4; 1991 over Monica Seles 6-3, 6-2; 1992 over Seles 7-5, 6-4. She lost the 1987 final to Graf, 7-5, 4-6, 6-0; and 1993 to Conchita Martinez 7-5, 6-1.

Gaby was especially adored in Rome where clusters of encouraging signs and banners appeared at Il Foro Italico—even for a few years after she retired. But who wouldn’t love her?

She won 27 singles titles (632-189 matches), 12 doubles titles (252-96) and earned $8,785,850 in prize money.

MAJOR TITLES (2)—U.S. singles, 1990; Wimbledon doubles, 1988. FEDERATION CUP—1984—87, 95; 13-3 singles, 11-3 doubles. SINGLES RECORDS IN THE MAJORS—Australian (29-8), French (42-11), Wimbledon (42-11), U.S. (51-12)

MONDAYS WITH BOB GREENE: NADAL TAKES MONTE CARLO

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STARS

Rafael Nadal beat Fernando Verdasco 6-0 6-1 to win the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Samantha Stosur beat Vera Zvonareva 6-0 6-3 to win the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, South Carolina

Francesca Schiavone beat Roberta Vinci 6-1 6-1 to win the Barcelona Ladies Open in Barcelona, Spain.

Dustin Brown beat Izak van der Merwe 7-6 (2) 6-3 to win the Soweto Open men’s singles in Johannesburg, South Africa

Nina Bratchikova beat Tamarine Tanasugarn 7-5 7-6 (4) to win the women’s singles at the Soweto Open in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Goran Ivanisevic beat Thomas Enqvist 6-4 6-4 to win the Champions Cup in Barcelona, Spain

SAYINGS

“For sure, this year is really special for me. One of the most special because I had a little bit of a hard time for the last year.” – Rafael Nadal, after winning the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters.

“If he plays like this, no one can beat him. He beat everyone in six years here and I’m just one of them.” – Fernando Verdasco, after losing the Monte Carlo final to Rafael Nadal.

“This is going to be the one he loses. He has to lose some time and I’m feeling fit and playing well.” – Goran Ivanisevic, promising to be the first player to beat Thomas Enqvist on the ATP Champions Tour. In the final of the Barcelona Champions Cup, Ivanisevic made good on his promise.

“I wasn’t very good today. It was the first time in a few years that the court felt so small. I just could not find the court. When it’s like that, it’s difficult to play.” – Andy Murray, after losing to Philipp Kohlschreiber in his opening match at Monte Carlo.

“To be able to play that well in a final is a great feeling. You always hope you’ll do that, but to actually go and perform that way is very, very pleasing.” – Samantha Stosur, after crushing Vera Zvonareva 6-0 6-3 to win the Family Circle Cup.

“You know, you just gotta try to change something up. Just maybe break a racquet, forget about what was happening for the past half an hour and start all over again.” – Vera Zvonareva, who smashed a racquet in frustration while losing to Samantha Stosur.

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“I played at a very high level and I was having fun playing. Roberta had some problems with her ankle, so it wasn’t easy for her. It just wasn’t her day.” – Francesca Schiavone, after beating Roberta Vinci to win the Barcelona Ladies singles.

SIXTH STRAIGHT

Rafael Nadal feels right at home in Monte Carlo and has the trophies to prove it. The Spaniard won his sixth straight Monte Carlo Masters, becoming the only player to win six consecutive titles at the same tournament since the Open Era began in 1968. And Nadal’s win on the clay courts in Monaco tied him with Britain’s Reggie Doherty, who won the Monte Carlo event six times overall between 1897 and 1904. Nadal’s 6-0 6-1 crushing of fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco was his first tournament title since the Rome Masters in May 2009. “Last year I didn’t play well but won. This year the level is completely different,” Nadal said. “I have been playing well since the start of the season.” It was Nadal’s 32nd straight match win at Monte Carlo and his 37th career title. “I hope one day Rafa gets tired of winning here,” Verdasco said.

SOWETO STUNNER

It wasn’t the usual suspects who found themselves in the final of the Soweto Open. And when the ATP Challenger was over, it was Jamaica’s Dustin Brown who had beaten South Africa’s Izak van der Merwe 7-6 (2) 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center. South African newspapers called Brown’s huge serve, booming returns and angled chip shots “Rasta magic.” It was enough to win his third Challenger title as Brown finished with 11 aces to four for Van der Merwe. It was a double defeat for Van der Merwe, who with fellow South African Davis Cup member Raven Klaasen fell in the doubles final to Nicolas Mahut and Lovro Zovko 6-2 6-2.

Another who stumbled twice in Soweto was Thailand veteran Tamarine Tanasugarn. The 32-year-old lost the singles final to Nina Bratchikova 7-5 7-6 (4), then, with teammate Marina Erakovic of New Zealand, fell in the doubles final to Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia and Eirini Georgatou of Greece 6-3 5-7 16-14 (match tiebreak).

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

SENIOR STOPPER

Goran Ivanisevic knew what he was talking about. “This is going to be the one he loses,” Ivanisevic said of Thomas Enqvist, who had never tasted defeat since joining the ATP Champions Tour. Ivanisevic backed up his words and won his first title since Budapest, Hungary, in 2008. Enqvist had won five consecutive tournaments on the senior circuit. Instead, it was Ivanisevic, who won only one clay court title on the ATP Tour during his professional career, who came away with the top prize. With the win, Ivanisevic moves into first place in the ATP Champion Tour rankings, taking over for John McEnroe. Enqvist advanced to second place in the rankings.

SWINGING FOR US OPEN

The US Open is becoming even more open to tennis players of all ages. At the age of 61, Richie Bustamante is seeking a spot in the US Open draw. Bustamante, from East Norwich, New York, USA, is one of many around the United States who are fighting for a wild-card entry into the US Open qualifying tournament in August. The first of 16 sectional tournaments was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City with 150 men and 44 women entered. The youngest was 14-year-old Angela Assal of the Bronx, New York. The men’s national final will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, in July, with the women competing for their one wild-card berth at Stanford, California.

SERENA IN ROME

Serena Williams will return to action at the Italian Open. The world’s top-ranked woman asked for and received a wild-card entry into the Rome tournament. Williams has not played since winning the Australian Open in January, having been sidelined with a lingering knee injury. She won the Italian Open in 2002 en route to her only title at Roland Garros.

SUFFERING

Tendinitis in his right wrist has caused Juan Martin del Potro to pull out of the Barcelona Open. The injury has sidelined the 21-year-old since he lost to Marin Cilic at the Australian Open in January. Del Potro is the reigning US Open champion, having won his first Grand Slam singles crown last September. In a statement on the Barcelona Open website, del Potro said his wrist is improving but he has been unable to train properly. Also withdrawing from the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury was Russian Nikolay Davydenko.

SENT PACKING

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Andy Murray, the world’s fourth-ranked player, was embarrassed at the Monte Carlo Masters, losing 6-2 6-1 to Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber. Even the crowd booed Murray for what seemed to be lackluster play. “I wasn’t very good today,” the Scot admitted. “I tried different things. I tried serve and volleying a couple of times. I tried hitting some high balls. It did not really make a whole lot of difference.”

SITTING IT OUT

Russia will play its Fed Cup semifinal against the United States without Svetlana Kuznetsova. The world’s fifth-ranked player will skip the international team competition and instead play a WTA Tour event in Stuttgart, Germany, the day after the Fed Cup ends. “I will have to miss the semifinal with the United States because my personal schedule is too tight,” Kuznetsova said. “It’s unreal to go to Stuttgart directly from the United States.” The Russian is recovering from a shoulder injury and has not played since losing a fourth-round match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida. Three times she received on-court treatment for her shoulder during the match.

Without Kuznetsova, world number three Dinara Safina and Maria Sharapova, the Russian Fed Cup team will be led by Elena Dementieva. Captain Shamil Tarpischchev also has named Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Ekatarina Makarova and Alla Kudryavtseva to the tie, which will be held in Birmingham, Alabama. The Americans will counter with 18-year-old Melanie Oudin, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and doubles specialist Liezel Huber. The United States has left a spot vacant, hoping either one of the Williams sisters, Serena or Venus, will be healthy enough to compete.

Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci will be in the lineup as defending champion Italy takes on the Czech Republic in a semifinal match. The Czech team will be composed of Lucie Safarova, Petra Kvitova, Lucie Hradecka and Kveta Peschke. Italy has won the last three Fed Cup encounters between the two nations.

SHUDDERING HALT

Caroline Wozniacki injured her right ankle, forcing a sudden halt to her semifinal match against Vera Zvonareva at the Family Circle Cup. After injuring her ankle in a tumble, the top-seeded Dane fell behind Zvonareva 5-2 before calling it quits. Wozniacki tripped while sliding in to retrieve a drop shot. After being helped from the court, she had her ankle taped and played one more game before pulling out.

SUSPENSION AHEAD?

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is reviewing the rules that prevented it from suspending Wayne Odesnik after the American pleaded guilty to importing banned substances into Australia. Under current rules, the governing body of tennis can only suspend players who are being investigated for a failed drug test. Currently, players cannot be prevented from playing for possessing a banned substance. Stuart Miller, the ITF anti-doping manager, says there’s clearly a need to review those rules.

SERB PAROLED

Damir Dokic is out of jail. The father of Jelena Dokic was paroled by a Serbian court a year after being convicted of threatening to blow up the car of Australian ambassador Claire Birkin because of articles in the Australian press in which the player accused her father of beating her. Dokic was sentenced to 15 months in prison, but the sentence was later reduced to 12 months.

SPLITSVILLE

Novak Djokovic has split with his American coach Todd Martin. The 22-year-old Djokovic started working with Martin last year, but said it has become too complicated working at the same time with two coaches who styles are so different. The Serb is continuing to working with Marian Vajda. “Todd is a fantastic person who has so much experience and he shared everything with me,” Djokovic said. “But it just did not work out in the end and we separated with no hard feelings.”

STAYING POWER

It took an extra day before Joao Souza could win his first tournament title as a pro. The Brazilian captured the rain-delayed Bancolombia Open singles final in Bogota, Colombia, upsetting top-seeded Alejandro Falla of Colombia 4-6 6-4 6-1. Souza, who knocked off second-seeded Santiago Giraldo of Colombia in the semifinals 6-3 6-3, has only played one match outside South America since turning pro, losing his opening match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida, USA, this year. The victory boosted Souza’s ranking to 153rd in the world, his best yet.

SMITH IN CHARGE

Andy Murray’s former coach Leon Smith is Great Britain’s new Davis Cup captain. The 34-year-old Scot takes over for John Lloyd, who resigned following Britain’s embarrassing loss to Lithuania last month. Smith most recently had been the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) head of men’s player development. The new coach hopes to persuade Murray to return to Davis Cup after he skipped the tie against Lithuania.

SUCCESSFUL DEFENSE

When Mahesh Bhupathi retired because of a left leg injury, it meant Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic had become the first doubles team in eight years to successfully defend their title at the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. The top-ranked pair were leading Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi 6-3 2-0 when Bhupathi couldn’t go on. “Of course with Mahesh getting injured, it’s not the way you want to win, but we played well the whole weekend,” Zimonjic said. “It’s my fourth title here and it’s nice to win at least one tournament more times than Daniel has.” Nestor has now won 67 doubles titles, while Zimonjic has captured 35. Zimonjic also won Monte Carlo in 2004 with Tim Henman and in 2005 with Leander Paes.

SHERR IN NEW ROLE

Lewis H. Sherr has been named Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships, by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). He will be responsible for new corporate sales and partnership development for the USTA, the US Open, the Olympus US Open Series, community based programs and all USTA properties. Sherr most recently was senior vice president, Marketing Partnerships, for Madison Square Garden (MSG) and MSG Entertainment.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Barcelona: Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci beat Timea Bacsinszky and Tathiana Garbin 6-1 3-6 10-2 (match tiebreak)

Charleston: Liezel Huber and Nadia Petrova beat Vania King and Michaella Krajicek 6-3 6-4

Johannesburg (men): Nicolas Mahut and Lovro Zovko beat Raven Klaasen and Izak van der Merwe 6-2 6-2

Johannesburg (women): Vitalia Diatchenko and Eirini Georgatou beat Marina Erakovic and Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-3 5-7 16-14 (match tiebreak)

Monte Carlo: David Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic beat Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi 6-3 2-0 retired

SITES TO SURF

Barcelona: www.barcelonaopenbancosabadell.com/

Athens: www.statusathensopen.gr/

Davis Cup: www.daviscup.com/

Fed Cup: www.fedcup.com/

Rome: www.internazionalibnlditalia.it/

Stuttgart: www.porsche-tennis.de/

Fez: www.frmtennis.com/

Tunis: www.tct.org.tn/

Cagnes-Sur-Mer: www.opendecagnes.com/

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

ATP

$2,100,000 Barcelona Open BancSabadell, Barcelona, Spain, clay

$113,000 Status Athens Open, Athens, Greece, hard

DAVIS CUP

Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV at Amman, Jordan, hard (round robin): Bahrain, Brunei, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Qatar, Singapore, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

FED CUP

World Group Semifinals

Italy vs. Czech Republic at Rome, Italy

United States vs. Russia at Birmingham, Alabama, USA

World Group Playoffs

Belgium vs. Estonia at Hassell, Belgium; Ukraine vs. Australia at Kharkiv, Ukraine; Germany vs. France at Frankfurt, Germany; Serbia vs. Slovak Republic at Belgrade, Serbia

World Group II Playoffs

Poland vs. Spain at Sopot, Poland; Sweden vs. China at Helsingborg, Sweden; Canada vs. Argentina at Montreal, Canada; Slovenia vs. Japan at Maribon, Slovenia

America’s Zone Group II at Guayaquil, Ecuador, clay (round robin, two groups): Bahamas, Bermuda, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Trinidad & Tobago

Europe/Africa Zone Group II at Cairo, Egypt, clay (round round, two groups): Algeria, Egypt, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Moldova, Morocco, Turkey

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

ATP

$3,026,000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Rome, Italy, clay

$125,000 Tunis Open, Tunis, Tunisia, clay

WTA

$700,000 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Stuttgart, Germany, clay

$230,000 Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem, Fes, Morocco, clay

$100,000 Open GDF Suez de Cagnes-sur-Mer Alpes-Maritimes 2010, Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, clay

DAVIS CUP

Asia/Oceania Zone Group III, Tehran, Iran, clay (round robin, two groups): Bangladesh, Iran, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Vietnam

FED CUP

Europe/Africa Zone Group II, Yerevan, Armenia, clay (round robin, two groups): Armenia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, South Africa

WHEN WILL ALEXANDRA STEVENSON CALL IT A CAREER?

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By Charles Bricker

Could this be the loss, a double-bagel to No. 140 Ekaterina Ivanova on Saturday afternoon, that finally drives Ms. 15 Minutes of Fame Alexandra Stevenson into retirement?

Not match retirement. She’s done that 42 times over a career that has gotten far more publicity than it deserved. But retirement retirement.

How Stevenson, ranked No. 248, got a wild card into the qualifying at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, S.C., is a mystery to everyone but tournament organizers, but she hardly made them look good.

Alexandra Stevenson
Alexandra Stevenson

She was outscored 25-5 in the opening set of this 6-0, 6-0 humiliation, outscored 51-15 for the match (an average of 1.25 points per game) and was on and off the court in 51 minutes on the first day of quallies. Her next stop? Heaven only knows. But there are undoubtedly a great number of people who would tell you it’s time at age 29 to quit her day job and find a more fruitful career.

This was only Stevenson’s third match of 2010 — all qualifiers — and she deserves some credit for finishing the match. After retiring from seven matches with various ailments in 2009, she quit her previous two this year, the last time in a $25,000 Futures event in Clearwater, Fla.

She hasn’t been in the main draw of a regular Sony Ericsson WTA Tour tournament since the folks in Charleston gave her a wild card into the Family Circle Cup a year ago. She hasn’t won a main draw match in a regular tournament since the 2008 Family Circle Cup.

Her life these days consists of bouncing from one backwater tournament to another — a Grand Canyon of difference from her rookie season in 1999, when, out of nowhere, she reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and acknowledged that she was the out-of-wedlock daughter of pro basketball icon Julius Erving.

Since then. . .virtually nothing. She has been beset by injuries, primarily to her right shoulder, and by the mismanagement of her career. Coaches have quit on her because they were unable to work with her mother, who still accompanies her daughter as a “coach” to all her tournaments.

She broke into tennis in controversy with mother Samantha claiming the WTA Tour was rife with lesbians, and controversy sometimes still follows her. Two years ago at the Canadian Open qualifying, she was beaten in the first round by Ahsha Rolle of Miami, losing match point on a “hindrance” after she screamed “out” on a ball not called out by the linespersons.

Journalists at that match reported that her mother used foul language in criticizing the chair umpire and Alexandra was reported to have dropped a couple of F bombs in comments to the umpire, who had ruled hindrance and given the match point to Rolle.

Not everything has gone badly for the Stevensons. A year ago, in a warm, fuzzy story for ESPN, she revealed how she had reunited with Erving, from whom she had been estranged for years, and Erving is believed to have helped fund Stevenson’s tennis career, which no longer is making much money.

She hasn’t appeared in a Grand Slam main draw since the 2004 U.S. Open and, since that amazing run at the 1999 Wimbledon, she is only 4-19 in Grand Slam matches. She’s gone out in 10 of the last 11 first rounds she’s played at majors.

Meanwhile, the mid-match retirements have rolled up. The women’s tour doesn’t keep statistics on how many matches players quit, but 42 must be a record. By far.

And Alexandra Stevenson and her mother continue to plod on.

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com