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Looking Back at the 1973 Tennis Boycott

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Talk of a potential men’s player boycott against the Grand Slam tournaments heated up during the 2012 Australian Open. A boycott of a major tournament would be the first since the infamous men’s boycott at Wimbledon in 1973 that helped forge the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals). Bud Collins, the Hall of Fame tennis journalist, historian and personality, reviews this dramatic political episode from tennis in his famed book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, Order Here: http://www.amazon.com/Bud-Collins-History-Tennis-Authoritative/dp/0942257707/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327574942&sr=8-1) The exclusive book excerpt is found below.

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The already turbulent political waters in tennis were roiled further by formation of a league called World Team Tennis, which planned to start intercity team competition using a unique, Americanized format in 1974. Dennis Murphy, who had helped found the American Basketball Association and the World Hockey Association, envisioned 16 teams with six players apiece (men and women) under contract competing in a May through-August season.

Nikola Pilic

Jack Kramer and the ATP board came out staunchly opposed to WTT, saying it would harm the long-range players’ interest in a healthy worldwide tournament circuit. But even as discussions between the ILTF and ATP about team tennis were scheduled, a more immediate problem arose. When ATP member Pilic was suspended by the Yugoslav Tennis Federation for failing to participate in a Davis Cup series in New Zealand, to which he had allegedly committed himself, ATP members objected. They protested that this was precisely the sort of arbitrary disciplinary power by a national association that the ATP was meant to counteract. An ATP threat to withdraw all its 70 members from the French Open if Pilic was barred from the tournament was averted by a delaying tactic, an appeal hearing before the ILTF Emergency Committee, which reduced Pilic’s suspension from three months to one month.

This did not satisfy the ATP board, which contended that only their own association should have disciplinary authority over players. Many also felt that the one month suspension, which included Wimbledon, was devised by the ILTF to demonstrate its muscle, believing the players would never support a boycott of the world’s premier tournament. Thus “The Pilic Affair” became a test of the will and organization of the new association. Many ATP leaders felt that if they gave in on this first showdown, they would never be strong, whereas if they held firm and proved to the ILTF that even Wimbledon was not sacred, the ATP’s unity and power would never be doubted in the future.

After days of tortuous meetings and attempts to find compromises, including the ATP’s seeking an injunction in Britain’s High Court forcing the All England Club to accept Pilic’s entry, ATP members voted to withdraw en masse if Pilic were barred from Wimbledon. Seventy-nine men did withdraw their entries, including 13 of the original 16 seeds. Nastase, Englishman Roger Taylor and Australian Ray Keldie were the only members who did not withdraw. (They were later fined by the ATP.) Amid ferocious English press criticism and bitterness, the tournament was played with a second-rate men’s field. The British public, taking up the press crusade that “Wimbledon is bigger than a few spoiled players,” turned out in near-record numbers. They made heroes of Nastase, Taylor and such attractive newcomers as Connors and Swedish teen-ager Borg, who, in long blond locks, became the immediate heartthrob of squealing British schoolgirls.

Borg, destined to become the “Angelic Assassin” of Centre Court with five straight titles (1976-80), made his debut on that sacred sod memorable for the fact that he and Indian Premjit Lall engaged in the longest singles tie-breaker in a major championship. As it grew and grew and grew like Jack’s beanstalk, to a 38th point climax, the scene was punctuated by much laughter from spectators. It was only the beginning of Wimbledon’s second year of tie-breaking, and nobody had witnessed such an elongated passage. Borg, Lall and court officials, especially the traveling service line judge, shared the confusion. At last, after Lall had saved seven match points and had six set points himself, it ended at 20-18, and Borg had his first Wimbledon match win, 6-3, 6-4, 9-8 (20-18). He would go on to the quarterfinals, losing to Taylor 6-1, 6-8, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Nastase, an overwhelming favorite, was beaten at the end of the first week by constantly attacking Alex “Sandy” Mayer, 6-4, 8-6, 6-8, 6-4. Sandy went on to reach the semifinals, losing to the Soviet Georgian Alex Metreveli,6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Kodes became the first Czech champ since expatriate Jaroslav Drobny in 1954, beating Metreveli, 6-1, 9-8 (7-5), 6-3, in a predictably uninspiring final. Left-handed Yorkshireman Taylor, conqueror of Laver in 1970, was probably the best equipped to win his semifinal, but the pressure on a homeboy to end the interminable post-Fred Perry drought was fiercer than ever. Not only did the Brits yearn for a champ of their own but they wanted Roger to upstage the boycott Added pressure of disapproval came from his lodge brothers, whom he didn’t join in the walkout. He wasn’t quite up to it, falling to Kodes in five sets, 8-9, 9-7, 5-7, 6-4, 7-5. Kodes’ quarterfinal was tight, too, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, over tall and stylish Indian 19-year-old Vijay Amritraj, who nearly served-and-volleyed him off the lawn. Connors, beaten by Metreveli, 8-6, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, paired with Nastase as they clowned their way through five sets to win the doubles title over Australians John Cooper (younger brother of 1958 champ Ashley) and ex-champ, 39-year-old Neale Fraser, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 8-9 (3-7), 6-1.

A look back at the career of the new Hall of Famer Andre Agassi

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Andre Agassi and Fern Lee “Peachy” Kellmeyer were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame Saturday with moving and inspiring speeches during a festive and tradition-laced ceremonies at the Newport Casino, site of the playing of the first U.S. Championships (the modern day US Open) in 1881.

Andre Agassi

Kellmeyer, an icon of women’s sports as a crusader for women’s equality and the long-standing executive with the WTA Tour, said she was honored to be the “opening act” for Agassi, perhaps the most famous tennis player ever on the planet whose popularity transcended the sport.

Bud Collins, the Hall of Fame tennis journalist and personality, profiles the life and career of Agassi in this excerpt from his all-encompassing encyclopedia of tennis THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS. ($35.95, New Chapter Press, available here on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257707?tag=tennisgrancom-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0942257707&adid=0GQ9A2FJWE1NM3410EEM&

Andre Agassi

United States (1970—)

A player of irresistible flair, appeal and shot-making ability since appearing on the professional landscape as a 16-year-old in 1986, Andre Kirk Agassi, was the first Nevadan to make an impact on the game. And what a tremendous impact, although it took longer than expected for him to make the predicted leap to his first major championship, Wimbledon in 1992—and even longer to re-dedicate himself to his profession so that he was solidly established at the heights. At age 33, he was playing better than ever, winning his fourth Australian championship, his eighth major.

Despite a seemingly disastrous slump during which he plummeted to No. 141 in 1997, and finished the year at No. 122, Andre rebounded sensationally to rise to No. 6 in 1998—a record turnaround. He nailed down five of his majors between 1999-2003. The piece de resistance was his French triumph in 1999, evicting the defender Carlos Moya in the fourth round, 4-6, 7-5, 7-5, 6-1, and finishing in a dazzling recovery over Andrei Medvedev, 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 The win catapulted Agassi into the select company of Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver and Roy Emerson as only the fifth man to own all four majors.

Andre’s first major title, Wimbledon, came after he’d failed as the favorite to beat Pete Sampras for the U.S. Open title in 1990, and Andres Gomez and Jim Courier for the French in 1990 and 1991. After a quick, unhappy thrashing by Henri Leconte, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2, at Wimbledon in 1987, Agassi assiduously avoided the grass until 1991, a successful reappearance ending in a quarterfinal loss to David Wheaton, 6-2, 0-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. Realizing the greensward wasn’t that forbidding, he returned a year later to take it all, his No. 12 seeding making him among Wimbledon’s lowest regarded champions at the starting gate. “This was not the one people looked for me to win,” he said correctly, after his buzzing groundies outdid the missile attack of 36-ace-serving Goran Ivanisevic in the final, 6-7 (8-10), 6-4,6-4, 1-6, 6-4.

Ranked low again in 1994, No. 20, he became only the third non-seed to win the U.S. Championships, taking it on his ninth shot, over German Michael Stich, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 joining Aussies Mal Anderson (1957) and Fred Stolle (1966) in the exclusive unseeded club. He had also made excuses for skipping the long trip to Australia, yet won it on his first try in 1995, spectacularly over Sampras, the defender, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4.

Following his French title in 1999, Andre won his second U.S.—fifth major—in a five-set battle with Todd Martin, 6-4 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (2-7), 6-3. 6-2. He then won the 2000 Aussie over Yevgeny Kafelnikov, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, after being two points from defeat in a fourth-set, semifinal tie-breaker against Sampras, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (0-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-1. His third and fourth Aussie titles were both in straight-set finals, over Frenchman Arnaud Clement, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, in 2001 and German Rainer Schuettler, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1, in 2003. (He missed 2002 with a wrist injury.)

A brilliant shot-maker and thoughtful attacker from the baseline who took the ball so early that he seemed to be playing ping-pong, Agassi needed time to sort out whether being a commercial success was enough. As the most widely marketed player of all-time—“Image is Everything” was one of his sales pitches—he has made more millions off the court than on it. Fortunately, he decided to utilize his gifts to attract as much attention by winning. Never has there been such a controversial figure so broadly associated with the game, thanks to TV commercials, his ever-changing hairstyle, brightly hued attire. Such items as black shoes and denim shorts, considered garish by traditionalists, lured countless buyers as hip or avant-garde. His engagement to actress Brooke Shields (granddaughter of Hall of Famer Frank Shields), whom he married in 1997, didn’t hurt. Andre’s visibility transcended the sports page. That marriage was short-lived, but he made another high-profile pairing when he wed champion Steffi Graf in 2001 (they have two children, Jaden Gil and Jaz). But beneath the peacock and the pop idol was a tennis player whose timing, anticipation, coordination and determination enabled him to deliver withering, top-spinning barrages with flicks of the wrist. “When Andre’s on, forget it,” said Sampras. “He does practically everything better than anybody else.” Agassi, born April 29, 1970 in Las Vegas and grew up there, although he was farmed out to Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy at Brandenton, Fla., at age 13. His father, Mike Agassi, an Iranian immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, was a strict taskmaster determined that Andre would be a top tennis player.

Papa pushed the kid from cradle onward, then gave the prodigy over to surrogate father Bollettieri. An Olympic boxer for Iran in 1952, Mike fell for tennis and taught Andre the new game, “based on the way a fighter throws punches, plus a two-handed backhand for added power.” A right-hander, 5-11, Andre played at, 170 pounds.

Andre had his own Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta, where he made off with the gold medal by thumping Spaniard Sergi Bruguera, 6-2, 6-3, 6-1. He and wife Steffi Graf are the only players in tennis history to have all four major championship titles—and a gold medal—in their trophy cases.

By lifting the Australian crown from Sampras in 1995, Agassi also took Pete’s No. 1 jersey, and they dueled throughout the year for the top. But Pete ended Andre’s excellent summer streak of four tournaments and 26 matches with a 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5, title round defeat to regain his U.S. Open title and the top ranking. That loss seemed to deflate Agassi, and 1996—other than the Olympics—was a downer: Ghastly first and second-round losses respectively at Wimbledon (No. 186 Doug Flach) and the French (No. 73 Chris Woodruff), and desultory semifinal losses to Michael Chang at the Australian and the U.S. Opens. His was an uneven course through the first 11 years, up one year, down another (four first-round losses at the U.S. Open for instance), but the sheer firepower within made him a threat to blast anybody off any court at any time.

A world Top 10 inhabitant 16 times between 1988 and 2005, Agassi finished 1999 as No. 1, and was No. 2 in 1994-95, 2002. Bollettieri, feeling Andre didn’t work hard enough, severed their decade-long relationship in 1993, but he won six majors with Brad Gilbert as coach. Plunging to No. 24, his lowest adult ranking at the time, after losing the first round of the 1993 U.S. Open to No. 61 Thomas Enqvist, he required surgery to repair a damaged wrist—“I thought my career was over.” But he came back strong. Aussie Darren Cahill became his coach in 2002, and fitness guru, fellow Las Vegan Gil Reyes, directed Andre’s superb physical conditioning.

In 1988, as one of the youngest U.S. Davis Cup rookies at 18, he won all his singles on Latin clay (historic trouble ground for gringos) at Peru and Argentina to spearhead his fallen nation’s recovery from the perdition of relegation. He became a valuable hand in the Cup triumphs of 1990, 1992 and 1995, but played sporadically thereafter, a total of 22 ties. Registering four singles wins in 3-2 decisions over Zimbabwe and the Czech Republic in 2000, he sat out Davis Cup play until making a cameo in 2005 against Croatia, losing what became his Cup swan-song to Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 7-6 (0), 6-3 in the surprising 3-2 U.S. loss. He finished with a 30-6 singles record, representing the U.S. in 1988-1993, 1995, 1997- 1998, 2000, 2005.

Andre made his first splash at Stratton Mountain, Vt. in 1986 as a 16-year-old, beating Tim Mayotte en route to the quarterfinals. He won his first title at the end of 1987 in Itaparica (Brazil), over Brazil’s Luiz Mattar 7-6 (8-6), 6-2. The last title (the 60th) was Los Angeles in 2005, 6-4, 7-5, over Gilles Muller of Luxembourg. His most productive season was 1995: seven titles on a 73-9 match record, but two of his five titles in 1999 were the French and U.S. His feat of playing U.S. Open finals 15 years apart (1990 and 2005) is unequalled. Andre’s last genuine hurrah was fending off close defeats. In 2005, he was two sets down and two points from defeat in defeating James Blake in an epic Open quarterfinal 3-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(8-6), en route to climbing to the ultimate of his 15th major final, a very combative four-set loss to Roger Federer, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(7-1), 6-1.

Establishing the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, he has shown responsibility and concern, donating millions to such worthy projects as building the Agassi College Preparatory Academy, and the Agassi Boys and Girls Club in the troubled sector of West Las Vegas. Call him a humanitarian champion. Won eight major singles titles: Australian, 1995, defeating Sampras, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4; 2000, defeating Yevgeny Kafelnikov, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4; 2001, defeating Arnaud Clement, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2; 2003, defeating Rainer Schuettler, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1; French, 1999, defeating Andrei Medvedev, 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4; Wimbledon, 1992, defeating Goran Ivanisevic, 6-7 (8-10, 6-4, 6-4, 1-6, 6-4; U.S., 1994, defeating Michael Stich, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5; U.S., 1999, defeating Todd Martin, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, 6-2.

He lost seven major singles finals: French, 1990, to Andres Gomez, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4; 1991, to Jim Courier, 3-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4; Wimbledon, 1999, to Sampras, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5; U.S., 1990, to Sampras, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2; U.S., 1995, to Sampras, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5; U.S., 2002, to Sampras, 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5; U.S., 2005, to Roger Federer, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7-1) 6-1. During a 21-year pro career, ending motionally at the U.S. Open of 2006, he won 60 singles titles (of 90 finals), one doubles title and $31,152,975 prize money. His 2009 memoir Open was a tell-all best seller, revealing many downs as well as the ups. His career singles won-loss record was 870-274.

MAJOR TITLES (8)—Australian singles, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003; French singles, 1999; Wimbledon singles, 1992; US singles, 1994, 1999. DAVIS CUP— 1988,1989,1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2005 30-6 in singles. SINGLES RECORD IN THE MAJORS—Australian (48-5), French (51-16), Wimbledon(46-13), U.S. (79-19).

Previewing Andre Agassi’s International Tennis Hall of Fame induction

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Andre Agassi, perhaps the most famous man to ever play tennis, will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 9 at the Newport Casino in Newport, R.I. Agassi, the former world No. 1, eight time major tournament champion, Olympic gold medalist, Davis Cup champion and philanthropist will be inducted alongside women’s tennis executive Peachy Kellmeyer. Tickets are sold out for the induction ceremony, but go to www.TennisFame.com to learn about other opportunities to take in the Agassi induction including television air times of the ceremony and tickets for other events in conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.

If you are traveling to Newport (and if you love tennis then you should plan a trip), don’t miss walking through the Hall of Fame where you can take in the new Agassi exhibit, which is documented in these photos.

Established in 1954, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum was recognized as the sport’s official Hall of Fame in 1986 by the International Tennis Federation, the governing body of tennis. The Hall of Fame is located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, on a six-acre property that features an extensive Museum chronicling the history of the sport and honoring the 218 Hall of Famers; 13 grass tennis courts and an indoor tennis facility that are open to the public and to a club membership; a rare Court Tennis facility; and an historic 297-seat theatre. Annually in July, the venue hosts the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships for the Van Alen Cup, an ATP World Tour event. The buildings and grounds, which were constructed in 1880 by McKim, Mead & White to serve as a social club for Newport’s summer residents, are renowned for their incredible architecture and preservation. The facility was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is supported by Official Partners including BNP Paribas, Campbell Soup Company, Chubb Personal Insurance, Fila, Kia Motors and Rolex Watch USA. For information on the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum and its programs, call 401-849-3990 or visit us online at www.tennisfame.com.

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Novak Djokovic’s win streak is nothing to this birthday girl

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So you think Novak Djokovic’s 40-match win streak is impressive? Well, this birthday girl – born today, May 24, in 1899, once won 182 straight matches from 1921 to 1926. Suzanne Lenglen, the woman whose name graces the second-biggest stadium on the grounds at Roland Garros was born 112 years ago Tuesday. Here’s how Hall of Fame tennis journalist Bud Collins describes her in his famous volume THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, available for sale here: http://amzn.to/kLrGQn)

Suzanne Lenglen

France (1899–1938)

Hall of Fame—1978

In the days of ground-length tennis dresses, Suzanne Rachel Flore Lenglen played at Wimbledon with her dress cut just above the calf. She wept openly during matches, pouted and sipped brandy between sets. Some called her shocking and indecent, but she was merely ahead of her time, and she brought France the greatest global sports renown it had ever known.

Suzanne Lenglen and Bill Tilden

Right-hander Lenglen was No. 1 in 1925-26, the first years of world rankings. She won Wimbledon every year but one from 1919 through 1925, the exception being 1924, when illness led to her withdrawal after the fourth round. Her 1919 title match, at the age of 20, with 40-year-old Dorothea Douglass Chambers is one of the hallmarks of tennis history.

Chambers, the seven-time champion, was swathed in stays, petticoats, high-necked shirtwaist, and a long skirt that swept the court. The young Lenglen was in her revealing dress that shocked the British at the sight of calves and forearms. After the second set, Lenglen took some comfort from her brandy and won, 10-8, 4-6, 9-7, in a dramatic confrontation, rescuing two match points. After her victory, Lenglen became easily the greatest drawing card tennis had known, and she was one of those who made it a major box-office attraction. Along with a magnetic personality, grace and style, she was the best woman player the world had seen.

She had first attained prominence as a wonderchild at 15, winning a 1914 tournament called the World Hard Court [clay] Championships in Paris over Germaine Golding, 6-2, 6-1. However, World War I broke out shortly after that, and she had to wait five years to get to Wimbledon, which re-opened in 1919 ready for La Belle Suzanne’s takeover of the world stage.

She was golden at the 1920 Olympics, taking the singles over Brit Dorothy Holman, 6-3, 6-0, and the mixed with Max Decugis over Brits Kitty McKane (Godfree) and Max Woosnam, 6-4, 6-2. But she didn’t play the 1924 Games in Paris.

Lenglen, born May 24, 1899 in Paris, played an all-court game such as few had excelled at. She moved with rare grace, unencumbered by the tight layers of garments others wore. She had extraordinary accuracy with her classical, rhythmic groundstrokes. For hours daily, her father, Charles Lenglen, had her direct the ball at a handkerchief he moved from spot to spot. Her control was so unfailing that she thought it shameful to hit the ball into the net or beyond the lines. In addition, she had so keen a sense of anticipation that she invariably was in the right position to meet her opponent’s shot.

Her 1926 match against Helen Wills in a tournament at Cannes, France, caused a sensation, and world-wide attention and coverage. Tickets brought unheard-of wealth to scalpers, and the roofs and windows of apartments and hotels overlooking the court were crowded with fans. Lenglen was on the verge of collapse during the tense match, but was saved by smelling salts and brandy and defeated the 20-year-old Wills, 6-3, 8-6. Lenglen’s career was not free of setbacks, however. In the 1921 U.S. Championships, having lost the first set badly to Molla Mallory, Lenglen walked weeping and coughing to the umpire and said she could not continue, defaulting the match. She made up for it the next year at Wimbledon by defeating Mallory, 6-2, 6-0, in the final and did not lose another match for the remainder of her amateur career.

At Wimbledon in 1926, Lenglen had a terrifying ordeal. She kept Queen Mary waiting in the Royal Box for her appearance when, owing to a misunderstanding or a failure of communications, Lenglen did not have the correct information about the time she was to be on court. The ghastly error was too much. She fainted and Wimbledon saw her no more as a competitor. She withdrew from the tournament, and that year turned professional, going on tour of the U.S. with a troupe of newly-declared pros under the management of American promoter C.C. Pyle, winning all 38 matches against ex-U.S. champ, 35-year-old Mary K. Browne. It marked the beginning of professional tennis as a playing career.

Suzanne’s career numbers were staggering. According to the research of Wimbledon librarian Alan Little, in his biography, Suzanne Lenglen: Tennis Idol of the Twenties, she won 250 championships: 83 singles (7 without the loss of a game), 74 doubles, 93 mixed. Losing one singles match in eight years—that to Mallory at the U.S. of 1921—she was unbeaten in 1919 and 1920, 1922-23-24-25-26. Sandwiching the Mallory defeat were winning streaks of 116 matches before, and 182 after to the close of her amateur days. At Wimbledon, her greatest showplace, she won 90 of 92 matches—32-0 singles, 31-1 doubles, 27-1 mixed. She never married, despite many romances, the most serious with Baldwin Baldwin, an American millionaire who accompanied her on the professional tour.

At the age of 39, Lenglen died of pernicious anemia, July 4, 1938, in Paris. She was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1978. There was speculation that her health had been undermined by her long hours of practice as a young girl. But she had brought the glamour of the stage and the ballet to the court, and queues formed at tennis clubs where before there had been indifference. She had emancipated the female player from layers of starched clothing and set the short-hair style as well. She had brought tennis into a new era.

MAJOR TITLES (21)

French singles, 1925, 1926; Wimbledon singles, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925; French doubles, 1925, 1926; Wimbledon doubles, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1925; French mixed, 1925, 1926; Wimbledon mixed, 1920, 1922, 1925.

SINGLES RECORD IN THE MAJORS

French (10-0), Wimbledon (32-0), US, (0-1).

Andre Agassi to be Inducted to International Tennis Hall of Fame

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Andre Agassi, a former world No. 1 and one of the most revered athletes in the world, will receive the highest honor available in the sport of tennis, induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The announcement of Agassi’s induction was made today at Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, the public charter school that Agassi founded in 2001 in Las Vegas’ most at risk community. The students at Agassi Prep, who range from kindergarten through Grade 12, joined Agassi in a pep rally style event to celebrate his induction.

“I’m truly honored to be recognized alongside the greatest players of tennis,” said Agassi. “My tennis career afforded me the opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives and it was truly special to share this exciting moment with the students of Agassi Prep.”

Agassi is the sole 2011 inductee in the Recent Player category. Additional 2011 inductees in other categories will be announced at a later date.

Andre Agassi

“During his 20-year career Andre Agassi recorded some of the most incredible achievements in tennis, including Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and Davis Cup success. The energy and excitement that he personally brought to the game inspired generations of players. Today, he continues to inspire people around the world as a dedicated philanthropist, and, therefore, it was only appropriate that we share this news at the school where so many young people benefit from his generosity,” said Christopher E. Clouser, chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. “Andre is a true champion of the game, and we are delighted to honor him for his contributions and achievements with induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.”

Agassi’s Induction Ceremony will be held on July 9, 2011 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R.I. The Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, an ATP World Tour event.

Tickets for the Induction Ceremony and its surrounding events are limited. Box seats, custom sponsorship and hospitality packages are available. In addition, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is developing additional events and programs to complement the Induction Ceremony and allow as many fans as possible to be part of the celebration. Individuals looking for additional information should call 866-914-FAME (3263) and/or visit www.tennisfame.com.

Agassi, 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, held the No. 1 singles ranking for 101 weeks, and is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, as well as one of the premier athletes of his generation. Agassi achieved a career singles record of 870-274, winning 60 titles, including four at the Australian Open, two at the US Open, and one victory each at the French Open and Wimbledon. Within his 60 tournament wins, he captured 17 Masters 1000 events. In 1990, he won the season-ending ATP World Tour Championships. Agassi earned a Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics, by taking the Singles title in Atlanta. A member of two winning American Davis Cup teams (1990, 1992), Agassi achieved a career record of 30-6 in Davis Cup play for the United States. Agassi’s passionate performances, non-traditional apparel and style, and extraordinary skill made him one of the most iconic athletes in the history of the game. He is credited for reviving the popularity of the game and inspiring a generation of tennis players.

In 1999, Agassi came back from two sets down against Andrei Medvedev in the final to win the French Open, putting him in the elite company of Rod Laver, Don Budge, Fred Perry and Roy Emerson, as the only five men at that time to have achieved a Career Grand Slam. (Roger Federer later joined them with his victory at the French Open in 2009.) This win also made him the first male player in history to have won all four Grand Slam titles on three different surfaces (clay, grass, and hard courts), a tribute to his adaptability.

Agassi turned professional in 1986 at the age of 16, and made his way into the top-100 in his first professional year, finishing the season ranked No. 91. He won his first Tour-level title in 1987, and closed out his second professional season ranked No. 25 in the world. In 1988 his year-end ranking was No. 3 and he surpassed $2 million (US) in career prize money, after playing in just 43 career tournaments – the fastest anyone in history had reached that mark. Agassi enjoyed a long, successful career through 2006, during which time he earned more than $30 million (US) in prize-money, fourth only to Roger Federer, Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal to date.

In June 2003, at the age of 33, Agassi became the oldest player to hold the No. 1 singles ranking, a position that he held onto for twelve weeks. Agassi retired from professional tennis on September 3, 2006, after losing in the third round of the US Open. He delivered a memorable retirement speech and was honored with an eight-minute standing ovation from the crowd.

During his career and into retirement, Agassi has been a dedicated philanthropist. In 1994, he founded the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education, which is devoted to helping at-risk youth in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. Since the inception of the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education $150 million dollars has been raised to benefit the mission of the Foundation, including $92 million from the Grand Slam for Children fundraising event. In 1995 and 2001, Agassi was awarded the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award, which is presented annually to one ATP World Tour player in acknowledgement of outstanding humanitarian contributions.

In 1997, he established the Andre Agassi Boys & Girls Club in Las Vegas, which supports 2,000 children throughout the year and boasts a world class junior tennis team and basketball program. Additionally, the club utilizes a rigorous system that encourages a mix of academics and athletics.

In 2001, Agassi opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free public charter school in Las Vegas’ most at-risk neighborhood. The school utilizes advanced technology, smaller class sizes and extended school hours, among other tactics, to combat lowered academic expectations and to foster a sense of hope among this community’s most challenged children. In 2009 and 2010, the school graduated a 100% acceptance rate for higher education.

In 2007, Agassi joined forces with Muhammad Ali, Lance Armstrong, Warrick Dunn, Jeff Gordon, Mia Hamm, Tony Hawk, Andrea Jaeger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Mario Lemieux, Alonzo Mourning and Cal Ripken, Jr. to found Athletes for Hope. The non-profit organization helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and aims to inspire the sports community, especially athletes, to make a difference and to inspire others to pass their passion for philanthropy from generation to generation.

Agassi is married to retired professional tennis player and 2004 Hall of Famer Stefanie Graf, and they reside in Las Vegas with their two children.

Induction Process
International Tennis Hall of Fame President and 1970 Hall of Famer Tony Trabert serves as Chair of the Enshrinee Nominating Committee. Election to the Hall of Fame is voted on by a panel of more than 100 tennis media professionals around the world and a 75% favorable vote is required for induction.

Inductees to the International Tennis Hall of Fame are elected in the categories of Recent Player, Master Player and Contributor. To be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in the Recent Player category, the individual must have been active as a competitor in the sport within the last 20 years prior to consideration; must not have been a significant factor on the ATP or WTA Tour within five years prior to induction; and must hold a distinguished record of competitive achievement at the highest international level. Consideration is given to integrity, sportsmanship and character.

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis. Since 1955, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has inducted 218 people representing 19 countries.

To learn more about Andre Agassi’s induction or about the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, please visit tennisfame.com or call 401-849-3990.

Bud Collins Releases Second Edition of his Tennis Record Book and Encyclopedia “The Bud Collins History of Tennis”

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NEW YORK – Bud Collins, the man who many call the walking encyclopedia of tennis, has released a second edition of his famous tennis encyclopedia and record book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS.

The 816-page second-edition volume – the most authoritative compilation of records, biographies and information on the sport of tennis – is dedicated to John Isner, Nicolas Mahut and chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani, the three principles from the record-breaking longest match of all-time at 2010 Wimbledon, won by Isner 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68 in 11 hours, five minutes, featuring a record 113 aces from Isner.

“Has the Isner – Mahut match ended yet? You can find out in this book!” quipped Collins.

Collins, the Hall of Fame tennis journalist, broadcaster and personality, is the longtime columnist for the Boston Globe and a 1994 inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He is covering the U.S. Championships for a 56th time in 2010. He will be signing books at the US Open Bookstore during the duration of the 2010 US Open.

THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press) is the ultimate compilation of historical tennis information, including year-by-year recaps of every tennis season, biographical sketches of every major tennis personality, as well as stats, records, and championship rolls for all the major events. The author’s personal relationships with major tennis stars offer insights into the world of professional tennis found nowhere else.

Among those endorsing THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS include the two women who hold the Wimbledon record for most total titles – Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King – who both won 20 Wimbledon titles in their careers. Said Navratilova, “If you know nothing about tennis, this book is for you. And if you know everything about tennis—Hah!—Bud knows more, so this book is for you too!” Said King, “We can’t move forward if we don’t understand and appreciate our past. This book not only provides us with accurate reporting of the rich tennis history, it keeps us current on the progress of the sport today.” Also endorsing the book is author, commentator and Sports Illustrated contributor Frank Deford, who stated,“No tennis encyclopedia could be written by anyone but Bud Collins because Bud Collins is the walking tennis encyclopedia—the game’s barefoot professor. The only thing missing about the sport from his new edition is a section about Bud himself. But everything else is there—and it’s easy to open and use for the whole family.” Said Dick Enberg of CBS Sports and ESPN, “Did you ever see an encyclopedia walking? That’s Bud Collins (who sometimes runs, too). Plunge into his book and swim joyfully through the history of tennis. It’s all here.”

Founded in 1987, New Chapter Press is also the publisher of “The Roger Federer Story, Quest for Perfection” (www.RogerFedererBook.com) by Rene Stauffer, “The Education of a Tennis Player” by Rod Laver with Bud Collins, “Acing Depression: A Tennis Champion’s Toughest Match” by Cliff Richey with Hilaire Richey Kallendorf, “Tennis Made Easy” by Kelly Gunterman, “Jan Kodes: A Journey To Glory From Behind The Iron Curtain” by Jan Kodes and Petr Kolar, “Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” by Tom Caraccioli and Jerry Caraccioli, “The Lennon Prophecy” by Joe Niezgoda, “Bone Appetit, Gourmet Cooking For Your Dog” by Susan Anson, “The Rules of Neighborhood Poker According to Hoyle” by Stewart Wolpin, “People’s Choice Cancun – Travel Survey Guidebook” by Eric Rabinowitz and “Weekend Warriors: The Men of Professional Lacrosse” by Jack McDermott, among others. More information can be found at www.NewChapterMedia.com.

MONDAYS WITH BOB GREENE: ARAVANE REZAI COLLECTS TITLE IN SWEDEN

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STARS

Mardy Fish beat Olivier Rochus 5-7 6-3 6-4 to win the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Aravane Rezai beat Gisela Dulko 6-3 4-6 6-4 to win the Collector Swedish Open Women in Bastad, Sweden

Agnes Szavay beat Patty Schnyder 6-2 6-4 to win the GDF SUEZ Grand Prix in Budapest, Hungary

Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo beat Roberto Bautista-Agut 7-6 (6) 6-4 to win the Open Diputacion Ciudad Pozoblanco in Pozoblanco, Spain

DAVIS CUP

World Group Quarterfinals

France beat Spain 5-0 at Clermont-Ferrand, France

Argentina beat Russia 3-2 at Moscow, Russia

Serbia beat Croatia 4-1 at Split, Croatia

Czech Republic beat Chile 4-1 at Coquimbo, Chile

Americans Zone Group II Second Round: Venezuela leads Peru 2-1; Mexico beat Paraguay 4-1

Americas Zone Group II Playoffs: El Salvador beat Bolivia 4-1; Netherlands Antilles leads Guatemala 2-1

Asia/Oceania Zone Group I First Round Playoffs: Chinese Taipei beat Philippines 4-1; Uzbekistan beat Korea 3-2

Asia/Oceania Zone Group II Second Round: Thailand beat Indonesia 4-1; New Zealand beat Pakistan 3-2

Asia/Oceania Zone Group II Playoffs: Pacific Oceania beat Malaysia 4-1; Hong Kong China beat Sri Lanka 3-2

Europe/Africa Zone Group I First Round Playoffs: Netherlands beat Belarus 4-1

Europe/Africa Zone Group II Second Round: Lithuania beat Ireland 3-2; Slovenia beat Bulgaria 5-0; Portugal beat Cyprus 5-0; Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Estonia 3-2

Aravane Rezai
Aravane Rezai

Europe/Africa Zone Group II Playoffs: Great Britain beat Turkey 5-0; Monaco beat Norway 5-0; Denmark beat Egypt 5-0; Hungary beat FYR Macedonia 4-1

SAYINGS

“We beat Spain, the defending champions. It’s unbelievable.” – Michael Llodra, after leading France over Spain in Davis Cup play.

“It’s magical. They pulled for each other. I hope it’s just the start of a long story for that squad.” – French Davis Cup captain Guy Forget after his team beat two-time defending champion Spain.

“Personally, I had a lot of responsibility with the package that I carried on my back before this tie but right now I feel so relieved that we won. We won in one of the toughest atmospheres against a team that has a lot of success in this competition.” – Novak Djokovic, after leading Serbia over Croatia.

“The only problem is that some words you can understand. Probably when you play in other countries they also say stuff but you don’t understand them.” – Serbia’s Janko Tipsarevic, commenting on what was said by the passionate Croatian crowd during their Davis Cup doubles match.

“It was a very difficult match but at the end I showed I could win these matches and these tournaments.” – Aravane Rezai, who won her fourth career WTA Tour title, capturing the Collector Swedish Open Women.

“To win two times at home, I can’t describe this feeling.” – Agnes Szavay, a native of Hungary, who successfully defending her GDF SUEZ Grand Prix singles title in Budapest, Hungary.

“I don’t know if any of us said we’re just going to be doubles players. We just excelled on the doubles court a little more than we did on the singles. As much as we would have loved to win more in the singles titles, we did in doubles.” – Todd Woodbridge, as he has partner Mark Woodforde were inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“She was fire and I was ice.” – Natasha Zvereva, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame along with her doubles teammate Gigi Fernandez.

“I can’t believe actually that I’m here. This is kind of the last straw. A guy in a wheelchair is being inducted into the Hall of Fame.” – Brad Parkers, a pioneer of wheelchair tennis who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“I’ve certainly lost a lot of heartbreak finals, and it feels good to win one.” – Mardy Fish, after coming from behind to win the Campbell’s International Hall of Fame tournament.

SO LONG, BILLIE

Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams combined to knock Billie Jean King out of one part of the record book. A world record tennis crowd watched Clijsters beat the Wimbledon champion 6-3 6-2 in an exhibition in Brussels, Belgium. The crowd of 35,681 at King Baudouin Stadium surpassed the previous record of 30,472 set in 1973 at the Houston Astrodome in the Battle of Sexes match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. It originally was supposed to be an all-Belgian affair, but Williams stepped in when Justine Henin withdrew after injuring her elbow. Another tennis superstar also got into act: Martina Navratilova umpired the match.

STANDING ROOM ONLY

Brussels wasn’t the only spot on the tennis map to have an overflowing crowd. Wimbledon attracted a record crowd for the final Sunday. The All England Club reported that 32,036 spectators attended the final day, which included Rafael Nadal capturing his second men’s singles title, this time with a straight-sets victory over Tomas Berdych. Overall attendance for the two-week tournament was 489,946, the second-highest total for 13 days. The record was set in 2009 when 511,043 fans attended Wimbledon.

SEIZING THE MOMENT

In their first meeting in Davis Cup competition, it was Serbia that came out on top of Croatia. Ranked second in the world, Novak Djokovic won his two singles matches while Nenad Zimonjic showed why he’s one of the top doubles players in the world, teaming victoriously with Janko Tipsarevic as Serbia advanced to the semifinals of the international team tennis competition for the first time. The two countries were formerly part of Yugoslavia. Since they split, Croatia won the Davis Cup in 2005. “This is probably the sweetest victory in my career because this is not just an individual win, but a victory for my country,” Djokovic said after Serbia captured the tie 4-1. “Serbia is writing history by reaching the semifinals. Beating Croatia in this kind of heated atmosphere is really something big.” The tie was played in Split, Croatia.

France crushed two-time defending champion Spain as Gilles Simon and Julien Benneteau wrapped up the 5-0 victory in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Spain played without its top player, Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal, while France was missing its top player, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. It was the first time Spain had been beat 5-0 since 1957, when it lost to South Africa, and it was the first time Spain has lost to France in 87 years. “Hopefully they will keep the same level of play and by September our team will be even stronger,” said French captain Guy Forget. “Maybe it’s our time now.”

David Nalbandian beat Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 (5) 6-4 6-3 in the decisive fifth match as Argentina ended Russia’s 17-tie winning streak at home. The last time the Russians had lost at home was to the United States in the 1995 final. Nalbandian has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since April, but he won both of his matches in straight sets, on the opening day downing Nikolay Davydenko 6-4 7-6 (5) 7-6 (6).

It made no difference that Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek stayed at home. The Czech Republic beat Chile 4-1 and advanced to a semifinal matchup against Serbia. Chile’s top player, Fernando Gonzalez, also missed the tie because of injuries. Instead, Ivo Minar and Jan Hajek won their opening day singles in straight sets and the Czech Republic clinched the victory when Lukas Dlouhy and Hajek won the doubles.

SLIPPING

For the first time since November 2003, Roger Federer is not ranked either first or second in the world. The super Swiss tumbled to number three in the world, behind Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, after losing in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Federer also lost in the quarters at Roland Garros in June, which broke a record of 23 consecutive semifinal or better appearances in Grand Slam tournaments going back to the French Open in 2004. Since he was last ranked third in the world, Federer has won 15 of his record 16 Grand Slam tournament singles titles. He is one week short of tying Pete Sampras for the most weeks spent at number one: Sampras leads with 286 weeks.

SHARING THE THRILL

Two doubles teams are among the newest inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Australia’s Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde – the “Woodies” – headed the class of seven inductees into the Newport, Rhode Island, USA, shrine. Also enshrined were doubles partners Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva. The Woodies combined for 11 major titles and 61 ATP Tour championships from 1991-2000, a men’s record that is shared with American twins Bob and Mike Bryan. “I think we won our fourth tournament we played together,” Woodbridge said. “It was close on average to every fourth tournament we won the next 10 years. That’s pretty good business.” Fernandez and Zvereva won 14 Grand Slam tournament titles as a team. Also inducted were Brad Parks, the pioneer of wheelchair tennis, Owen Davidson and Derek Hardwick. The latter was enshrined posthumously.

SPREADING THE WEALTH

The richest purse in tennis will go to the US Open singles champions as each will earn a record USD $1.7 million. The purse for the year’s final Grand Slam tournament will top USD $22.6 million, an increase of USD $1 million from last year. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) said each singles champion can also earn an additional USD $1 million. The bonus money is for the US Open Series, 10 hard-court tournaments that are linked to the US Open. The two-week tournament in New York City begins August 30.

SETTING OFF ALARMS

A first-round match at the Hall of Fame grass-court tournament in Newport, Rhode Island, USA, is being investigated by tennis officials. The investigation was triggered by irregular betting on the match between Great Britain’s Richard Bloomfield and Belgian Christophe Rochus. Bloomfield, ranked number 552nd in the world, defeated his higher-ranked opponent 7-6 (1) 6-3. “If people are willing to risk four pounds to win one, that is indicative of a substantial gamble,” said Tony Calvin, spokesman for online gambling exchange Betfair. Bloomfield had been rated even money against his 160th-ranked foe. In the hours before the match, the odds on Bloomfield winning shortened to 1-4. After he won the first set, the odds shortened to 1-8. Notification of the irregular betting pattern was made to the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU), an independent body created by the sport’s governing bodies. Bloomfield also was involved in a betting controversy in 2006 when he beat Carlos Berlocq of Argentina in a first-round match at Wimbledon.

SINCE WHEN?

When Mardy Fish captured the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, it was the first time since 2003 that Americans had won the Newport, Rhode Island, USA, tournament two years in a row. Fish beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium 5-7 6-3 6-4. Last year, American Rajeev Ram was the winner.

STAYING POWER

Maybe Nicolas Mahut didn’t spend as much time on the grass courts at Newport, Rhode Island, USA, as he did at Wimbledon, but he went one round further. In his first match since his record-setting exploits at Wimbledon, the Frenchman won his opening round match at the Campbell’s International Tennis Hall of Fame Championships, defeating Colombia’s Alejandro Falla 6-3 1-6 6-3. Mahut lost his second-round match to Canadian Frank Dancevic 7-6 (5) 6-3. Still, it was much better than his record-setting 11-hour, 5-minute loss to John Isner at the All England Club. Mahut lost the fifth set 70-68, which in itself would have been the longest match in tennis history. “Nothing is worse than what I did in Wimbledon,” Mahut said. “Every match, I pray it will be easier. I can’t complain any more.”

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Bastad: Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta beat Renata Voracova and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 7-6 (0) 6-0

Budapest: Timea Bacsinszky and Tathiana Garbin beat Sorano Cirstea and Anabel Medina Garriguez 6-3 6-3

Newport: Carsten Ball and Chris Guccione beat Santiago Gonzalez and Travis Rettenmaier 6-4 6-4

Pozoblanco: Marcel Granollers and Gerard Granollers-Pujol beat Brian Battistone and Filip Prpic 6-4 4-6 10-4 (match tiebreak)

SITES TO SURF

Stuttgart: www.mercedescup.de/

Bastad: www.swedishopen.org/

Bogota: www.tennissegurosbolivar.com/web/

Palermo: www.internazionalisnaiopendisicilia.it/

Prague: www.pragueopen.cz/

Portoroz: www.sloveniaopen.si/

Bad Gastein: www.gastein-ladies.at/

Petange: www.tennispetange.lu/

Poznan: www.porscheopen.pl/

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

ATP

$500,000 Mercedes Cup, Stuttgart, Germany, clay

$500,000 SkiStar Swedish Open, Bastad, Sweden, clay

$133,000 The Baltic Cup, Sopot, Poland, clay

$125,000 Seguros Bolivar Open, Bogota, Colombia, hard

WTA

$220,000 XXII SNBAI Open, Palermo, Italy, clay

$220,000 ECM Prague Open by Glanzis, Prague, Czech Republic, clay

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

ATP

$1,264,000 International German Open, Hamburg, Germany, clay

$531,000 Atlanta Tennis Championships, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, hard

$107,000 Poznan Porsche Open, Poznan, Poland, clay

WTA

$220,000 Banka Koper Slovenia Open, Portoroz, Slovenia, hard

$220,000 Nurnberger Gastein Ladies Open, Bad Gastein, Austria, clay

$100,000 ITF Roller Open, Petange, Luxembourg, clay

MARDY IS THE GOLDFISH IN NEWPORT

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By Randy Walker

NEWPORT, R.I. – In a tennis tournament where one of the title sponsor’s most popular snack products is “GoldFish” it seems only appropriate that the singles champion also be named Fish.

In one of the most entertaining and well-played finals in the 34-year history of the only professional grass-court tournament in the United States, Mardy Fish of the United States defeated Olivier Rochus of Belgium 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 Sunday in the final of the $442,500 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.

Fish earned $75,500 for his fourth career ATP World Tour final and the first grass court championship of his career.

“It means a lot to me to win here,” said Fish, whose first of eight appearances in Newport was in 2000 on a special invitation from Hall of Fame tournament director Mark Stenning. “This is a special place for me.”

Fish, 28, continued to improve his ranking after undergoing knee surgery last fall. The Olympic silver medalist from the 2004 Olympic Games will see his ATP World Tour ranking move from No. 79 into the top 50 after peaking at No. 17 in 2004.

Fish had been the top-seeded player in Newport the last three years but this year was the first time he was able to reach at least the semifinals at this New England coastal town. Fish was the top seed in Newport in 2007, where he lost in the first round to Aisam Qureshi of Pakistan, in 2008, when he lost in the second round to Rohan Bopanna of India, and last year, before pulling out of the event after the start of the tournament to replace Andy Roddick on the U.S. Davis Cup team in the USA’s match against Croatia. Fish did, however, win the doubles title here in 2008 with John Isner.

Mardy Fish
Mardy Fish

Rochus won the first by breaking Fish’s serve at 5-5, after Fish did not play a backhand shot hit by Rochus, believing it had landed out. Fish complained vigorously to the linesman and chair umpire Steve Ulrich, but to no avail.

Fish stayed focused and broke Rochus to take a 3-1 lead and held on to force the third set. Both players battled valiantly in the third set, exchanging service holds until the pivotal ninth game of the final set. After Rochus fought off three break points, the Belgian tossed in a damaging double fault, giving Fish a fourth break point chance, which he converted with a briskly hit backhand approach shot and forehand volley into the open court.

Serving for the match at 5-4, Fish dug himself out of a 0-30 hole and saved two break points before converting.

Fish and Rochus both said that Fish’s serve was the difference in the match. The American hit 24 aces in the two hour, 3 minute match.

“I served great when I needed to,” said Fish. “I came up with some big serves.”

“Mardy has a huge serve. What can I say?” said Rochus, the 29-year-old ranked No. 66 “I made a few double faults here and there and he hit 24 aces. It was just one of two points (that made the difference).”

Sunday’s attendance was 2,815. Australians Chris Guccione and Carsten Ball won the doubles title, defeating Travis Rettenmaier of the United States and Santiago Gonzalez of Mexico 6-3, 6-4.

Randy Walker is a communications and marketing specialist, writer, tennis historian and the managing partner of New Chapter Media – www.NewChapterMedia.com. He was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Tennis Association’s marketing and communications division where he worked as the press officer for 22 U.S. Davis Cup ties, three Olympic tennis teams and was an integral part of USTA media services team for 14 US Opens. He is the author of the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY (www.TennisHistoryBook.com).

MAHUT ON COURT FOR NINE HOURS, 42 MINUTES LESS THAN ISNER MATCH, WINS IN NEWPORT IN FIRST MATCH SINCE EPIC

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Nicolas Mahut, who along with John Isner famously played in the longest match in tennis history at Wimbledon, returned to the grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Tuesday in his first competition since his epic match. He won his first round match at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships defeating Alejandro Falla of Columbia 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a match that lasted 1 hour and 23 minutes – a mere 9 hours and 42 minutes less than his epic 70-68 in the fifth set loss to Isner in the first round of Wimbledon.

Mahut, a wild card entry into the only professional grass court tournament in the United States, battled through temperatures in the mid 90s to fend off Falla, who famously led Roger Federer two-sets-to-love in the first round of Wimbledon before losing.

Joked Mahut of the hot conditions in Newport, “Nothing is worse than what I did in Wimbledon. Every match, I pray it will be easier. I can’t complain any more.”

Mahut said he thinks of his Wimbledon match “every minute” but despite the lingering pain of losing the match, he said he gains strength in the encouragement he receives by fans. “Every two minutes, people come to me to congratulate me. It is an unbelievable feeling,” said Mahut. “This time it’s really different. People are coming up to me; they are really nice. I took all the energy from the people and that’s why I won today.”

John Branch of the New York Times writes a nice column on Mahut linked here: http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/mahut-returns-and-wins-minus-nine-hours/

Top seed Sam Querrey, who won his first grass-court title last month at Queen’s Club and was a finalist in Newport last summer, defeated countryman Jesse Levine 6-3, 6-3. In another all-American match up, Mardy Fish defeated Michael Russell 6-1, 6-2 and defending champion Rajeev Ram overcame Spain’s Ivan Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (3). Sergei Bubka of Ukraine, the son of the world-record holding Olympic pole vaulter by the same name, won in his ATP World Tour debut, defeating Australian Chris Guccione 7-6 (0, 6-4.

For more information on the Hall of Fame Championships, go to www.TennisFame.com

GREAT STORIES, PERSONALITIES – AND TENNIS – ABOUND IN NEWPORT

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By Randy Walker

NEWPORT, R.I. – In a newspaper article from the Newport Daily News posted in the media room at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, ITHOF CEO Mark Stenning is quoted about the field of players competing this week in the 2010 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.

“I think it’s the strongest, most interesting draw we’ve had in a long time,” Stenning is quoted as saying in a large out-quote prominently displayed on the paper’s front page.

The beauty of the field in the only professional grass-court tennis tournament in the United States is the interesting and quirky storylines of the competitors. The event is the lowest-level ATP World Tour event (250 level) and features only $442,500 in prize money, with its highest-ranked competitor ranked No. 19 in the world. However, the 2010 player field is filled with some fascinating characters of professional tennis who have – or about to have – their Andy Warhol-allotted 15 minutes of fame if not more. The lawns of Newport are historic – the modern day U.S. Open was played here from its first tournament in 1881 until 1914 – and the tournament is played in a charming garden-party type atmosphere that is worth the price of admission itself. Like any good cocktail party, great stories abound and competing players have plenty of tales, anecdotes – and in some cases legends – that will more than fill conversations and entertain. A let’s not forget the intrigue of watching the almost lost art of grass court tennis.

Some of the 2010 storylines are as follows…

Mardy Fish was the surprise Olympic silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games. He was the top seed in Newport last year, but after Andy Roddick lost his epic 16-14 in the fifth set Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, Roddick was unable to play Davis Cup for the United States against Croatia and Fish was summoned to Europe to answer the call of the U.S. Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe. By virtue of Fish’s withdrawal, Rajeev Ram of the United States entered the 2009 Newport field as a “lucky loser” (having lost in the qualifying rounds of the tournament) and went on to have the week of his career and win his first ATP World Tour singles title. If you watch Ram play tennis, you will swear you are watching Pete Sampras as the former Univ. of Illinois standout’s game was patterned after the seven-time Wimbledon champion. It is almost eerie watching Ram hit serves, forehands and backhands that are almost a dead imitation of Pistol Pete.

Mardy Fish
Mardy Fish

If Wimbledon is the premier grass court tournament in the world, then the pre-Wimbledon event at Queen’s Club should be considered No. 2 grass event. Sam Querrey, the top seed this week in Newport, won the Queen’s title this year defeating Fish in the final. Querrey will look to end the “Casino Curse” at the Newport Casino this week as the tournament’s top seed has never won in Newport in the 35 years of the event. Last fall, Querrey fell through a glass-top table and suffered a gruesome three-inch cut on his right arm, coming millimeters away from severing a nerve that would likely have ended his career. He still has a photo of the injury on his cell phone. If you see Sam, do yourself a favor and don’t ask to see the photo.

Alejandro Falla and Santiago Giraldo are members of the Colombian Davis Cup team that is going to give the United States a heap of trouble in September in Bogota in the Davis Cup Play-off Round. Falla also made headlines at Wimbledon serving for a first-round upset of six-time champion and No. 1 seed Roger Federer at Wimbledon, before falling in five sets after leading two-sets-to-love. It likely would have been considered the greatest upset in the history of the sport.

Nicolas Mahut of France was a singles finalist in Newport back in 2008, but returns to the International Tennis Hall of Fame as a much bigger celebrity following is record-breaking 11 hour, 5 minute marathon 70-68 first-round loss to John Isner at Wimbledon. Mahut presented the shirt and a shoe he played in during the historic match to the Hall of Fame’s museum on Saturday upon arriving in Newport.

Ryan Harrison is one the bright hopes of American tennis. The 18-year-old, who had an impressive 6-1, 6-2 win over Slovak Davis Cupper Karol Beck on Monday, was one of the youngest players to ever win a match on the ATP World Tour when he beat Pablo Cuevas in the first round of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in 2008. Other 15-year-olds to win ATP World Tour matches in their careers include Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet.

The Rochus brothers from Belgium – Christophe and Olivier – are two of the shortest players to ever play on the ATP World Tour (they stand at 5’7” and 5’6” respectively) Christophe is the answer to the quirky trivia question; who was the first player Roger Federer ever beat at Wimbledon? (Federer beat him in the first round at Wimbledon in 2001 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.) Three years earlier in 1998, Federer won his first Wimbledon title – the junior doubles title – partnering with Olivier.

Chris Guccione is a hard-serving lefty from Australia who once belted 50 aces in a best-of-three set qualifying round match at Wimbledon in 2005. Consider that Roger Federer hit 50 aces in the 2009 Wimbledon final against Andy Roddick that he won 16-14 in the fifth set.

Ilija Bozoljac of Serbia is flashy player from Serbia who nearly extended Roger Federer to five sets in the second round of Wimbledon this year. His match did not receive much air-time in the United States as it was played at the same time as the historic Isner-Mahut match, but Bozoljac hits with such tremendous ferocity that if he can find consistency, look for him to post some strong results very soon. He is my sleeper to play the weekend in Newport.

Sergei Bubka of Ukraine, the son of the famous Olympic Soviet pole vaulter by the same the name, qualified for the main draw of the tournament Monday defeating Simon Stadler of Germany 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) and will make his ATP World Tour debut Tuesday against Guccione. Here’s a great article on Bubka from the ATP World Tour website: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2010/07/27/Newport-Monday-Bubka-Qualifies.aspx

Dustin Brown is a rarity in the world of professional tennis as he is one of few professional athletes who hail from Jamaica. Brown, who sports the Bob Marley-esque dreadlock hairstyle that is a symbol of his country, won his first-round match on Monday defeating Bjorn Phau of Germany 7-6(3), 6-7(7), 6-4.

Kevin Kim has played what is believed to be a record 213 career Challenger-level tennis tournament (equivalent to AAA professional baseball). The 31-year-old has been playing professional tennis for 12 years and has earned over $1.5 million in career prize money. Charlie Bricker profiled Kevin earlier this year in this article: http://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/1823

Taylor Dent, a champion in Newport in 2002, is fresh off hitting a 148 mph serve at Wimbledon, the fastest ever recorded delivery in the history of the most famous tournament in the world. Dent, however, was upset in the tournament opening round on Monday, falling to Japan’s No. 1 player Go Soeda 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Read more about the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championships and the International Tennis Hall of Fame at www.TennisFame.com

Randy Walker is a communications and marketing specialist, writer, tennis historian and the managing partner of New Chapter Media – www.NewChapterMedia.com. He was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Tennis Association’s marketing and communications division where he worked as the press officer for 22 U.S. Davis Cup ties, three Olympic tennis teams and was an integral part of USTA media services team for 14 US Opens. He is the author of the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY (www.TennisHistoryBook.com).

BIGGEST WOMEN’S UPSET EVER AT WIMBLEDON

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Tsvetana Pironkova’s stunning 6-2, 6-3 upset over five-time Wimbledon champion and No. 2 seed Venus Williams Tuesday in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon is the biggest upset in the history of the tournament.

Consider that Pironkova is ranked No. 82 in the world and prior to this year at Wimbledon had never advanced beyond the second round at a major tournament. The Bulgarian handed Williams, arguably one of the top three women players ever at Wimbledon, her worst ever loss at the All England Club.

Bud Collins, the Hall of Fame tennis historian and journalist, in his authoritative book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com) documents the greatest upsets in Wimbledon history below.

Where does Pironkova over Williams rank?

EARLIEST LOSS OF A No. 1 SEED

* 1962 Unseeded Billie Jean Moffitt (King) d. 1st seed Margaret Court, 1-6, 6-3, 7-5, 2nd rd. (1st defeat for 1st seed in 1st match)

* 1994 Lorl McNeil (No. 22) d. 1st seed defending champ Steffi Graf, 7-5, 7-6(7-5), 1st rd. (only 1st rd defeat of a No. 1 seeded defending champion)

* 1999 Jelena Dokic (Q) def. No. 1 seed Martina Hingis, 6-2, 6-0 in 1st rd.

* 2001 Virginia Ruano Pascual (No. 83) d. 1st seed Martina Hingis, 6-4, 6-2, 1st rd.

EARLIEST LOSS OF A DEFENDING CHAMPION

* 1994 Lori McNeil (No. 22) d. 1st seed defending champ Steffi Graf, 7-5, 7-6(7-5), 1st rd. (only 1st rd defeat of a No. 1 seeded

defending champion)

OTHER UPSETS

* 1921 Non-seed Betty Nuthall d. 6th seed Molla Mallory, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0, 3rd rd.

* 1928 Non-seed Helene Contostavlos Nicolopoulo d. 5th seed Kea Bouman, 12-10, 8-6, 3rd rd.

* 1929 Non-seed Mary Hart McIlquham d. 2nd seed Lili de Alvarez, 1928 finalist, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 4th rd.

* 1959 Non-seed Yola Ramirez d. 1st seed Christine Truman, 6-3, 6-2,QF

* 1962 Non-seed Vera Puzejova Sukova d. 6th seed defending champ Angela Mortimer, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4th rd.: 2nd seed Darlene Hard, 6-4, 6-3, QF; 3rd seed Maria Bueno, 6-4, 6-3, SF

* 1974 8th seed Olga Morozova d. 1st seed defending champ Billie Jean King, 7-5, 6-2, QF

* 1983 Non-seed Kathy Jordan d. 2nd seed Chris Evert, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2), 3rd rd. (only time Evert failed to make SF at Wimbledon) Non-seed Liz Sayers Smylie d. 3rd seed Hana Mandlikova, 6-1, 7-6(7-5), 3rd rd. Also qualifier Molly Van Nostrand (No. 154) d. 4th seed Manuela Maleeva, 7-5, 6-2 in 4th rd.

* 1986 Anne Hobbs (No. 51) d. No. 9 seed Zina Garrison, 6-4, 0-6, 6-4,(Court Two), 2nd rd.

* 1990 5th seed Zina Garrison d. 3rd seed Monica Seles. 3-6, 6-3, 9-7 in the QF; 1st seed and defending champ Steffi Graf, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in the SF

* 1991 9th seed Jennifer Capriati, d. 3rd seed and defending champ Martina Navratilova, 6-4, 7-5, QF

* 1996 Katarina Studenikova (No. 59) d. 2nd seed Monica Seles, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4, 2nd rd.

* 1997 Anna Kournikova (No. 43) d. 4th seed Iva Majoli, 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, QF. Also, Denise Chladkova (No. 89) d. 5th seed Lindsay Davenport, 7-5, 6-2, 2nd rd.

* 1998 Non-seed Natasha Zvereva (No. 22) d. 4th seed Steffi Graf, 6-4, 7-5, 3rd rd.; and 6th seed Monica Seles, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in the QF. Also, wild card Samantha Smith (No. 94) d. Conchita Martinez (No. 7), 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, (Court Two), 3rd rd.

* 1999 Mirjana Lucic (No. 134) d. 8th seed Nathalie Tauziat. 4-6. 6-4, 7-5, in QF. Also, Jelena Dokic (No.129) d. No. 1 Martina Hingis, 6-2, 6-0, 1st rd and No. 9 Mary Pierce, 6-4, 6-3, (Court Two) QF

* 2001 Lilia Osterloh (No. 51) d. No. 13 seed Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, (Court Two), 2nd rd.

* 2004 No. 13 seed Maria Sharapova d. Serena Williams (Seeded No. 1, defending champion), F, 6-1, 6-4. Also, Karolina Sprem (No. 30) d. No. 3 seed Venus Williams 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) in 2nd rd. Also, No. 31 seed Amy Frazier d. No. 2 seed Anastasia Myskina 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in 3rd rd

* 2005 No. 85-ranked Jill Craybas d. No. 3 seed Serena Williams 6-3, 7-6 (4) in 3rd rd. (Court Two), Also, No. 76 Eleni Daniilidou d. No. 7 seed Justine Henin Hardenne 7-6 (6), 2-6, 7-5 in 1st rd, ending 24-match winning streak

2007 No. 18 seed Marion Bartoli d. No. 1 seed Justine Henin 1-6, 7-5, 6-1 in SF. Also, Laura Granville (No. 77) d. Martina Hingis (Seed No. 9), 6-4, 6-2, (Court Two), 3rd rd.

QUEEN ELIZABETH AT WIMBLEDON, SITE OF HER FATHER’S TENNIS PINNACLE

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By Randy Walker

Wimbledon is abuzz in anticipation of Queen Elizabeth II attending The Championships on Thursday.

The Queen will be making her first appearance at Britain’s premier sporting event since 1977 when she presented the Venus Rosewater Dish to Britain’s own Virginia Wade as the women’s singles champion.

Curiously, the Queen’s father actually competed in the event back in 1926, Wimbledon’s Jubilee 50th Year Celebration. The Queen’s father, King George VI, then Duke of York, competed in the doubles competition but was defeated in the opening round.

Hall of Fame tennis historian and journalist Bud Collins discusses the King’s brief 1926 on-court appearance at the All England Club in his fabled book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS ($35.95, New Chapter Press, www.NewChapterMedia.com). Writes Collins, “Uncommon attention focused on a men’s doubles first-rounder as the left-handed 31-year-old Duke of York (later King George VI) played alongside Louis Grieg. Perhaps it was the aura of the Jubilee that lured the ill-advised Duke. He and Grieg were soundly beaten, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2, by a couple of commoners, old crocks and ex-champs, Herbert Roper Barrett, 52, and Arthur Gore, 58. (Was the draw rigged to give His Royal Highness a sporting chance?) He looked His Royal Hackerness just the same. Embarrassed, the lone member of the royal family ever to compete thereafter abstained as an entrant.”

George’s parents, King George V and Queen Mary, bestowed medals on champions as part of the Jubilee celebration that year. Queen Elizabeth’s father later returned to the All England Club in 1947 to award Jack Kramer his championship trophy after winning the men’s singles title.

Earlier this year, the Queen’s grandson and the future King, Prince William, attended the Australian Open and watched Roger Federer in his match with Victor Hanescu. Prince William’s mother, Lady Diana, frequently attended Wimbledon in the 1980s and 1990s, before her tragic death in 1997.

Randy Walker is a communications and marketing specialist, writer, tennis historian and the managing partner of New Chapter Media – www.NewChapterMedia.com. He was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Tennis Association’s marketing and communications division where he was worked as the press officer for 22 U.S. Davis Cup ties, three Olympic tennis teams and was an integral part of USTA media services team for 14 US Opens. He is the author of the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY.