james blake

The Greatest Ever NCAA Men’s Singles Finals

May 25, 2024 by Admin

By Randy Walker
@TennisPublisher

One of the most prestigious and historic titles in tennis is the NCAA men’s singles championship. The title of the champion in collegiate tennis dates back to 1883. Many college tennis observers delineate different “eras” in college tennis, namely when a team tournament format was instituted in 1977 and before that when only a singles and doubles tournament was held to determine a team champion. It’s not unlike delineating from the “Open Era” of pro tennis in 1968 and amateur era that preceded it. So, below, I present the greatest NCAA men’s singles finals in the “Team Tournament Era.”

1978 John McEnroe (Stanford) def. John Sadri (NC State) 7-6, 7-6, 5-7, 7-6

This match is considered the greatest college tennis match ever played and among the greatest matches period ever played. Played for four hours and 13 minutes in front of capacity crowd of about 5,000 fans at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, McEnroe, the 1977 Wimbledon semifinalist and a freshman at Stanford, claimed the singles championship by winning the best-of-five set championship match by winning three sets in tiebreakers. McEnroe actually won only one more point (144-143) and one more game (26-25) than Sadri in the titanic tilt. To boot, McEnroe won each tiebreaker 5-4, on sudden-death points at 4-4, simultaneous set points for both players. The match is immortalized in this video, narrated by the one and only Bud Collins here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ3cVebBkQw

McEnroe, of course, went on to become one of the greatest players of all time winning four U.S. Open singles titles and three Wimbledon titles as well as 77 singles titles and 78 doubles titles. Sadri also went on to a stellar career achieving a career-high ranking of No. 14 that included two ATP single titles and runner-up finish at the Australian Open in 1979, losing to Guillermo Vilas.

2007 Somdev Devvarman (Virginia) def. John Isner (Georgia) 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(2)

If you are going to beat the nearly seven foot tall big serving Isner in a match, you sometimes may have to do it without breaking his serve, which is exactly what Somdev Devvarman of Virginia did by winning two tiebeakers in his 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6(2) win over the Georgia senior. Isner, playing in front of a capacity crowd on his home court in Athens, Georgia, had just led his team to a perfect 32-0 season, capped with the NCAA team title, but was not able to also claim the individual title. Neither the No. 2-seeded Devvarman or the top-seeded Isner hit a double fault in the match and Isner slammed 22 aces in the final. “I definitely served well in the breakers,” said Devvarman, who hit his fifth ace of the match on match point. “I took advantage of the first serves he missed in the tiebreaker.” Said Isner, “I knew this match would be a coin flip. I thought I played exceptionally well. We both played high-quality tennis.” The win for Devvarman, a junior from Chennai, India, was the first NCAA singles tennis title for the University of Virginia. He lost in the NCAA singles final the year before, falling to UCLA’s Benjamin Kohlloeffel 6-1, 6-4. The following year, Devvarman repeated as champion defeating Tennessee’s J.P. Smith 6-3, 6-2 in the final.

Devvarman went on to a decent career as a professional, earning a career-high ranking of No. 62 and representing India in Davis Cup and the Olympic Games. Isner had a storied pro career winning 16 singles titles, earning a career-high ranking of No. 8, reaching the Wimbledon semifinals in 2018 and representing the United States in Davis Cup and at the Olympics. He is perhaps best known for his 11 hour and five minute win over Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010 that concluded with a 70-68-fifth set.

1999 Jeff Morrison (Florida) def. James Blake (Harvard) 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-4

Top-seed James Blake of Harvard faced No. 2 seed Jeff Morrison of Florida in Athens, Georgia in an NCAA final between sophomores that went down to the wire. Morrison broke Blake’s serve at love in the final game to claim the NCAA title with a 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-4 victory. Blake was attempting to become the first player from Harvard to win the national collegiate singles title since George Caner in 1916. Morrison was able to overcome his serving woes, connecting on only 44 percent of his first serves, to defeat Blake ”I felt I was just hanging on with my serving today,” Morrison said. ”That is not a fun thing to do at this level. At least I was attacking him off the baseline.”

Blake went on to one of the best pro careers of any college player, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 4 and winning 10 singles titles and helping the U.S. win the Davis Cup in 2007. Morrison reached a career high of No. 85 in the world and had a memorable Centre Court at Wimbledon win over future No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero en route to a third round finish at the All England Club.

Ethan Quinn (Georgia) def. Ondrej Styler (Michigan) 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 6-2

In the greatest comeback in the history of the NCAA singles final, Georgia’s Ethan Quinn came back from down quadruple match point to defeat Ondrej Styler of Michigan at the U.S. Tennis Association National Campus in Orlando, Florida. Quinn was one point from losing the final four times when Styler served at 5-4, 40-0, meaning Styler had four straight match points including the sudden-death deuce point that is used in college tennis. Quinn fought through each opportunity, capped with a forehand mishit from Styler. Quinn, from Fresno, Calif., was able to fight to win the second-set tiebreaker and play aggressive tennis in the third set to prevail and win Georgia’s fifth NCAA singles championship. “I was as close as I could possibly have been to winning this match,” said Styler, a senior from the Czech Republic. Quinn, a redshirt freshman, joined UCLA’s Jimmy Connors (1971), Stanford’s John McEnroe (1978), USC’s Cecil Mamiit (1996) and Mississippi’s Devin Britton (2009).

Quinn turned professional weeks later and Styler stopped playing competitive tennis went into a career in finance as an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse in New York City.

A Day At The Miami Open

March 28, 2024 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

The second Wednesday of the Miami Open was when I was finally able to make to Hard Rock Stadium for one of the great tennis tournaments in th world.

I mistakenly scheduled my doctor’s visit junket in New York City during the first week and weekend of the tournament (which allowed me to watch college basketball’s March Madness in the Big Apple as you can see here: https://youtu.be/xVCRF8nYr88?si=T0DJQK5Q3oAyJ6FA) So, I was late out the gate and not able to enjoy what I think is the best part of the tournament which is the first seven days or so when most of the outer courts are packed with play. But this was going to be a different Miami Open experience to check out the scene later in the tournament.

Unfortunately, I got off to a very late start as the caregiver for my 89-year-old mom with dementia canceled at the last minute and I had to scramble for four hours to get someone to come and help her, which was not easy. Fortunately, the drive to the tournament is not that difficult. One of the positives about the Miami Open moving to Hard Rock Stadium from Key Biscayne is that is an easier drive for most people to get to see the tennis. The site is just off of the Florida Turnpike making for about an hour less travel time for most people in South Florida who want to drive to see the tennis than when the event was in Key Biscayne, which is further south, through the traffic of downtown Miami and let’s not even talk about the traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway, as beautiful as the scenery there is.

It’s just under a two-hour drive for me from my house in Vero Beach, Florida to Hard Rock Stadium, but, due to the delay, I missed the entire quarterfinal match between Caroline Garcia and Danielle Collins, won by Collins, who at age 30, is set to retire at the end of the season and pursue other interests in life. When I entered the gates after getting my media credential, I walked towards the media room and who comes walking out but James Blake, the event tournament director and former U.S. Davis Cup hero. We exchanged greetings as I’ve known James since 1997 and worked with him when I was the U.S. Davis Cup team press officer. Our relationship started when he was a junior with a conversation that was his first start in pro tennis as you can read about in this classic Christopher Clarey New York Times article “Finding A Stadium Of Inspiration” here https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/22/sports/finding-a-stadium-full-of-inspiration.html. I told James that I enjoyed his recent appearance on Andy Roddick’s new podcast “Served” where they discussed a lot of the Davis Cup team hijinks that he, Andy, Mardy Fish and others got into. We laughed when we discussed that many of the jokes were not for public consumption, as he and Andy laughed about too on the podcast.

In the elevator up to the Edwin Pope Media Room, I struck up a talk with a Polish journalist and asked him who he thought would play Olympic mixed doubles for Poland in Paris this summer with Iga Swiatek. Would it be Hubert Hurkacz or Jan Zielinksi. “Hurkacz,” he said. “He will play all three disciplines singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Iga will play just singles and mixed doubles.” Zielinski is a former Georgia Bulldog All-American who won the Australian Open mixed doubles title earlier this year. I profiled him last year here: https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/22485

As I entered the media room, located in the northwest corner of the stadium, I was greeted with the friendly face of Matt Pressman, the new publisher of Florida Tennis magazine. We always have great conversations and I recently included him in my Delray Beach Open video that you can see here: https://youtu.be/UN1L-JdF63g?si=kpqoVUyMATQvXHCa As I was driving down to Miami, I was a little saddened knowing that this would be the first time I would go to a Miami Open not see the ever constant Jim Martz, the Florida Tennis magazine founder and long-time Miami’s Herald and sports writer who passed away earlier this year.

I watched the first set of the quarterfinal match between Jannik Sinner and Tomas Machac, that included one of the shots year from Sinner as you can see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7I30QACFyI then ducked into the Danielle Collins press conference. I was always a fan of Collins since I first met her on the streets of New York City in 2014 during the U.S. Open along with her University of Virginia coach Mark Gilbeau, who I knew from his days as the assistant coach at the University of Georgia. I loved her competitive grit and sass and since my grandfather went to UVA and I have strong ancestral ties to Charlottesville, Virginia, it was another reason to always root for her. The 2024 season will be her last on tour, at age 30, and some have started to question her decision to leave pro tennis since she is playing some of the best tennis of her career, she steadfastly defended her decision in the media conference, citing some of her health problems and her desire to have children.

Sinner then finished off Machac in straight sets and I wanted to participate in his press conference to ask him a question for a story I am working on, which I did. I stayed in the press seating during the portion of the conference that was in Italian, because isn’t kind of soothing to hear Italians speaking in their native language? As the conference ended with a flurry of “Grazis” and “Ciaos” I was happy to have a nice talk with Matt Futterman with the New York Times and The Athletic. I saw that he signed up for the Miami Open’s “Bud Collins Media Tournament” where he listed his playing level as “suboptimal” which is very funny. I was happy to hear that he is an enthusiastic player and plays often on New York City’s public courts.

I had to take in the grounds of the tournament and check out the food court and other offerings, so headed out of the stadium and went for a stroll, also checking out the end of the entertaining doubles match on Grandstand between Sloane Stephens (and PTR pro) and Ashlyn Krueger against reigning U.S. Open champions Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe, won by the Canadian-Kiwi pair in a match tiebreaker in a really entertaining match. After getting a $9 slice of pizza (it was very good, but not THAT good for the price), I headed back in the stadium for the first night match between Jessica Pegula and Ekaterina Alexandrova. I always like to check out the last rows when in tennis stadiums or other venues, so I ventured to the very top of the stadium for some photos and I did this video discussing attendance records in tennis here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tESpDeGrGSw&t=5s. The Miami Open should see how many people they get for one match and create some extra buzz for the tournament, and try to create some tennis history.

The Miami Open is known for its South American flavor and when a South American plays a night match there, the atmosphere is electric. I wanted to stay to watch Chile’s star Nicolas Jarry play defending champion Daniil Medvedev but Alexandrova won the second set (and eventually the match) to extend the match to after 9 pm, so I knew I had to leave to get home at a reasonable hour, so I was only able to catch the end of Medvedev’s win on Tennis Channel, where Jim Courier said in his commentary the stadium felt like “an earthquake zone” with the vociferous loud and stomping Chilean fans rooting for Jarry.

I shortly thereafter went to bed, feeling exceptionally satisfied with an entertaining and enriching day at the Miami Open. I can”t wait to get back.

Baha Mar Cup Celebrity Tennis Event In The Bahamas A Smash Hit

December 14, 2021 by Admin

By: Justin Cohen

A pair of former World No. 1s took center stage at the 2nd Annual Baha Mar Cup at the Baha Mar Racquet Club in The Bahamas on November 6. Andy Roddick and Victoria Azarenka headlined the Pro-Am tennis event, which raised funds for the Baha Mar Resort Foundation and the Mark Knowles Children’s Tennis Initiative. Knowles–the former No.1 ranked doubles player and three-time major champion from The Bahamas–was also joined by tennis legends and media personalities James Blake, Patrick McEnroe, and Cliff Drysdale. ESPN’s Chris McKendry emceed the event.

The action-packed day of tennis kicked off with a Youth Clinic, before the tennis stars paired up with the participants for 15-minute doubles matches on the hard courts. Following the on-court portion of the event, participants and their guests were treated to lunch with a variety of dishes including chicken, pasta, salad, and every type of chocolate dessert imaginable.

The evening portion of the Pro-Am was hosted by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson at his new restaurant, Marcus at Baha Mar Fish + Chop House. Then, after a networking style happy hour, the Taste of Marcus kicked-off its 4-course meal with Bluefield Farm Greens salad with shaved vegetables and passionate vinaigrette. Grilled snapper with coconut curry, black garlic rice and bok choy was the first entrée provided to the guests, followed by New York Strip Sirloin with a truffle gratin and creamed kale. The dessert was Caribbean Chocolate featuring whipped ganache, dacquoise sponge, homemade praline and berbere spice candied.

During dinner, Knowles spoke about his passion for raising money through the Baha Mar Cup to allow the children of The Bahamas the opportunity to learn the game of tennis. Each of the participating pros shared stories from their many years traveling the world competing in the biggest tournaments on tour. Blake, for instance, spoke about his post-career life as a father and his role as the Miami Open’s Tournament Director. Milos Raonic–a 2016 Wimbledon finalist and a resident of New Providence, Bahamas–made a special appearance and discussed his powerful serve and why it is important to begin points with such a strong weapon.

Following the world-class dinner, Junkanoo dancers performed and led the guests on a memorable dance party throughout the restaurant. Junkanoo is a street style parade with music, dance and costumes of African origin that many Caribbean countries use as a celebration for special holidays.

Baha Mar Cup participants were also treated to a one-of-kind food and music event — the Taste of SLS Baha Mar. The event, which took place on November 5, featured dining experiences with award-winning culinary chefs from famed restaurants such as Cleo, Carna by Dario Cecchini, Fi’lia and Katsuya. From Caviarto burgers to tuna, guests had an endless number of options to choose from. The evening ended with a special 45-minute performance by singer, songwriter, humanitarian, and philanthropist John Legend.

Participants and their guests stayed at the world-famous Rosewood Baha Mar, a modern 230-room Bahamian beachfront property with luxurious amenities, contemporary beach cottages interiors, 5-star dining experiences, private beach access and an indulgent spa along 3,000 feet of pristine white sand along the stunning Cable Beach.

More Pro Tennis At The Greenbrier! West Virginia Resort To Host Salute To Heroes Weekend September 11-13

August 25, 2021 by Admin

The Greenbrier will remember the heroes lost in the rescue efforts on September 11, 2001, and honor those who carry on their legacy today with the Salute to Heroes Weekend September 11-13, 2021.

The weekend begins with a unique performance in Colonial Hall on Saturday, September 11. “Who’s Bad, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience” was founded by Vamsi Tadepalli in 2003 as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy. It’s an unrivaled homage to pop music’s one true King. The performance at The Greenbrier begins at 9:00pm. Limited tickets are on sale now for $50.

Sunday, September 12, will begin with a Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament for event sponsors on the exclusive Snead Course at The Greenbrier Sporting Club. That evening at 6:00pm, the Salute to Heroes Dinner will take place inside Colonial Hall. This plated dinner will feature incredible cuisine from the award-winning chefs at America’s Resort, as well as an after-dinner performance from Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and the Voices of Classic Soul. The evening will also include a presentation from the First Responders Children’s Foundation, which will provide first-hand accounts of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and its impact on first responders across the country.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is a West Virginia native who was the winner of season six of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” A decade after the Sinatra and Soul-singing sensation burst onto the scene, he’s still going strong, performing arrangements of American Songbook classics, along with a dusting of Motown Magic.

Voices of Classic Soul combines former lead singers from the Temptations, Platters, Four Tops and Drifters into one incredible group that travels the world singing Motown classics. Joe Coleman, Joe Blunt and Theo Peoples come together for an incredible performance that features amazing showmanship, classic dance moves and some of the biggest hits of all time, including “My Girl,” “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” “Get Ready,” “Only You” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.”

Limited tickets are on sale now for this dinner and performance. Individual tickets start at $175, or tables of eight are available for $1,200.

The Salute to Heroes Weekend will conclude on Monday, September 13, with The Greenbrier Champions Tennis Classic. Now in its ninth year, the annual event is a tribute to the rich tennis tradition at America’s Resort.

This year’s tennis showcase will be part of the Champions Series Tennis Tour — a North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30 — with participants playing inside the picturesque Center Court at Creekside Stadium for a $25,000 first-prize paycheck. The field will feature 2003 U.S. Open champion and former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, former world No. 2 Tommy Haas, former world No. 4 James Blake and 2006 Australian Open runner-up and Champions Series Tennis debutant Marcos Baghdatis.

Haas and Blake will meet in the first semifinal at 2:30pm, followed by the second semifinal between Roddick and Baghdatis. The two winners will conclude the action at approximately 4:30pm, playing for the $25,000 prize in an exciting final.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $30. VIP packages, including play-with-the-pros and backstage opportunities, and upgraded seats are also available.

The First Responders Children’s Foundation will be the charitable partner for the Salute to Heroes Weekend. Founded immediately following the September 11 attacks on New York City, First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to both children who have lost a parent in the line of duty and families enduring significant financial hardships due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by law enforcement and firefighting organizations, whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.

For those who want to enjoy the entire weekend, a weekend bundle that includes tickets to the “Who’s Bad” performance, the Salute to Heroes Dinner and Upper Level tickets to The Greenbrier Champions Tennis Classic is available to purchase for $240. Sponsorship opportunities to support the weekend and First Responders Children’s Foundation are also available.

For more information, visit Greenbrier.com.

About The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier is a distinct and spectacular luxury mountain resort situated in the Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It’s best known as “America’s Resort™” and is synonymous with world-class, authentic, southern hospitality. The Greenbrier experience, beginning in 1778, offers a luxurious respite to discerning guests from around the world. The grand scale architecture, Dorothy Draper décor, immaculate attention to detail and legendary gracious service set The Greenbrier apart from all others. Guests walk in the footsteps of presidents, celebrities and generations of families who regard The Greenbrier as a “one-of-one” destination. The 710 perfectly appointed Signature Resort Rooms, Classic and Historic Suites, Legacy Cottages and Estate Homes are situated on our breathtaking 11,000-acre playground. Play championship golf courses or experience more than 55 activities, including professional indoor and outdoor tennis, off-road driving and falconry. America’s only private casino features table games, slot machines and the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Greenbrier’s full-service, 40,000-square-foot spa is widely recognized as one of the most luxurious mineral spas in the world, and the Retail Collection is comprised of 36 boutiques, shops and hand-crafted works of art. In addition to The Main Dining Room, The Greenbrier Restaurant Collection is comprised of 20 restaurants, cafés and lounges featuring award–winning cuisine. The Greenbrier Clinic has been practicing diagnostic medicine since 1948. The Greenbrier Sporting Club is the pinnacle of luxury real estate, offering exclusive home sites within distinctive neighborhoods across The Greenbrier estate. Follow The Greenbrier on Facebook at The Greenbrier, on Twitter at @the_greenbrier or on Instagram at the_greenbrier.

John Isner Has Now Won As Many ATP Singles Titles As James Blake And Mardy Fish Combined

August 2, 2021 by Admin

by Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

John Isner defeated fellow American Brandon Nakashima, 7-6 (8), 7-5 in just under two hours to win the Truist Atlanta Open singles title for a sixth time. The win for the 36-year-old former University of Georgia star marks his 16^th career ATP singles title, which, for perspective for the sometimes overlooked American star, is the same amount of ATP singles titles won by former American tennis stars James Blake and Mardy Fish COMBINED. Blake won 10 singles titles in his ATP career while Fish garnered six singles titles. Since the end of the John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors era of American tennis in 1992, Isner ranks No. 5 among American tennis players as far as ATP singles titles won, trailing only Pete Sampras (64 titles), Andre Agassi (60 titles), Michael Chang (34 titles), Andy Roddick (33 titles) and Jim Courier (23 titles).

With his sixth title in Atlanta, Isner joins Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the only active men’s players to win six or more singles titles at a tour-level event. Isner’s six Atlanta titles are second only to Federer’s seven Cincinnati victories in terms of US Open Series events.

Nakashima, from San Diego, was bidding to become the youngest American singles champion at an ATP event since Andy Roddick in 2002 in Houston. He was also a singles finalist a week earlier in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Coached by Dusan Vemic, Nakashima, who played one season at the University of Virginia before turning pro, spent two weeks training with former USTA Player Development director of coaching Jose Higueras prior to this hard-court swing and is projected to rise to a career-high No. 89 in the world on Monday. Nakashima is the second rising American to reach an ATP singles final in as many US Open Series events thus far in 2021, after 20-year-old Jenson Brooksby reached the final in Newport two weeks ago.

About the US Open Series

The US Open Series serves as a true “regular season” of summer tennis in North America, linking nine WTA and ATP Tour tournaments to the US Open. Featuring a cohesive weekly viewing schedule, as well as comprehensive outreach and grassroots engagement initiatives, the Series serves as a vital platform to promote and grow the game of tennis in person and at home. Fans can follow along all summer as today’s top champions go head-to-head with tomorrow’s emerging stars, while each tournament engages its local community with a variety of programs geared toward showcasing and promoting the game to new and existing fans.

James Blake Tops Robby Ginepri To Win Invesco Series QQQ Title In Toronto

September 27, 2019 by Admin

TORONTO – James Blake defeated Robby Ginepri 6-4 to win the RPIA Championships, the eighth of ten events on the 2019 Invesco Series QQQ, held Thursday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Ryerson University.

The win was the third tournament title this year for Blake on the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30 and his 16th career title since joining the circuit in 2014. The win also allowed Blake to once again leap-frog former world No. 2 Tommy Haas into first-place in the season-long Invesco Series QQQ points standings. Blake earned 400 points for his tournament win Thursday to give him 1300 points for the year, 100 more than Haas with 1200 points. Haas, like Blake, also has won three tournament titles in 2019, but Blake has played five events so far this year against only three for Haas and only a player’s best four results for the year count for the Invesco Series rankings. Both Blake and Haas will each play in one more event the rest of the this season – Blake in Houston in November and Haas in Los Angeles in October. Earlier this year, Blake, the former world No. 4, won titles in Tampa and San Jose, California while Haas won titles in Newport Beach, Calif., Maui, Hawaii and New Haven, Connecticut. Haas does have a head-to-head win over Blake in the semifinals of New Haven by a 6-2 scoreline, that could prove significant as a tiebreaker if there is a tie in points between Blake and Haas after the next two events.

In 2018, Blake won three events to fend off Haas and win the season-long points title for the first time. In 2017, he lost to Andy Roddick in the final match of the season in Los Angeles to be edged by his former U.S. Davis Cup teammate for the points title.

Ginepri was making his second career Invesco Series appearance after playing in 2018 in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he lost to Roddick 7-6(4) in the semifinals. The 2005 U.S. Open semifinalist was a late substitute in the field replacing defending champion Mark Philippoussis, who was forced to withdraw due an injured right shoulder.

To advance into the final, Blake defeated former world No. 1 Jim Courier 6-3 in the first semifinal, while Ginepri defeated Roddick 6-4. The win over Roddick was Ginepri’s first career Invesco Series QQQ match win.

The remaining 2019 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

Los Angeles, CA – October 26 (Sherwood Country Club) Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, Tommy Haas, Mardy Fish

Houston, TX – November 15: (Rice University) Andy Roddick, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis, Juan Carlos Ferrero

Results from earlier this year are as follows:

January 26 – Newport Beach, CA (Newport Beach Tennis Club) F: Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 7-6(2); SF: Tommy Haas def. Mardy Fish 6-3, Andy Roddick def. James Blake 6-3

April 4 – Tampa, FL (Innisbrook Resort) F: James Blake def. Jim Courier 6-3; SF: James Blake def. Mardy Fish 6-3, Jim Courier def. John McEnroe 7-6(4)

April 6 – Charleston, SC (Volvo Car Stadium) F: Lleyton Hewitt def. Andy Roddick 6-2; SF: Lleyton Hewitt def. Mats Wilander 6-3, Andy Roddick def. Jim Courier 6-4

May 4-5 – Maui, HI (Royal Lahaina Resort) F: Tommy Haas def. Mardy Fish 6-4; SF: Tommy Haas def. Mark Philippoussis 6-2, Mardy Fish def. Michael Chang 6-3

July 21 – Newport, RI (International Tennis Hall of Fame) F: Todd Martin def. Mats Wilander 6-2 SF: Todd Martin def. Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-4, Mats Wilander def. Jim Courier 6-2

August 3 – San Jose, CA (San Jose State University) F: James Blake def. Mark Philippoussis 7-6(4); SF: James Blake def. Michael Chang 6-2, Mark Philippoussis def. Andy Roddick 7-6(4)

September 7 – New Haven, CT (Yale University) F: Tommy Haas def. Mark Philippoussis 6-4; SF Mark Philippoussis def. Andy Roddick 6-4, Tommy Haas def. James Blake 6-2.

September 26 – Toronto, ON (Mattamy Athletic Centre): F: James Blake def. Robby Ginepri 6-4; SF: James Blake def. Jim Courier 6-3, Robby Ginepri def. Andy Roddick 6-4.

In 2018, Blake won his first Invesco Series QQQ year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

In 2017, the year-long points championship was decided in the final match of the season when Andy Roddick defeated James Blake in the Los Angeles final at the Sherwood Country Club. Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and world No. 1, won four Invesco Series QQQ titles in all in 2017, winning in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Lincoln, Neb., and Los Angeles. Blake, the former world No. 4 and former U.S. Davis Cup star, won series titles in Charleston, S.C., Winston-Salem, N.C. and in Lynchburg, Va.

In 2016, Mark Philippoussis won the Series points title with 1600 points and tournament titles in Memphis, Tulsa, Newport, Winston-Salem and New Haven. Roddick finished in second place, also earning 1600 points but losing the head-to-head tiebreaker with Philippoussis 5-2, while winning titles in Charleston, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Orlando. Blake finished in third place with 1100 points and tournament titles in Chicago, Portland and Brooklyn.

In 2015, Roddick won the Series points title in his second year of competing on the series with 1,600 points. Roddick won a record eight events Los Angeles, Lincoln, Chicago, Austin, Little Rock, Dallas, Richmond and Minneapolis. Blake finished second in the points rankings with 1,200 points, winning events in Boston and Cincinnati. Philippoussis finished in third with 1,100 points, winning titles in Salt Lake City and Vancouver. The year before in 2014, McEnroe won the points title for the first time in the nine-year history of Invesco Series QQQ tennis by winning events in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville and Charlotte.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $5 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA

Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost, 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek, and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age and as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100 year history of the 4As, the marketing industry’s leading trade association. The company’s mission is “To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere.” By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $5.3 billion and over 1,200 employees. The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, pleasevisithorizonmedia.com.

ABOUT INVESCO

Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; Invesco.com, Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd. and is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.”

On A Post Miami Open High, James Blake Wins Invesco Series QQQ Title At Innisbrook Resort

April 4, 2019 by Admin

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Just four days after presiding over the final day of the Miami Open tennis championships as the event’s tournament director, James Blake quickly made the transition from tennis administrator to tennis player.

Blake defeated Jim Courier 6-3 in the one-set final Thursday to win the ADT Champions Classic at the Innisbrook Resort, the second of ten events on the 2019 Invesco Series QQQ tennis circuit. The win was the 14th career title for Blake on the Invesco Series, the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30. Blake joined the circuit in 2014, just five months after retiring from the ATP Tour at the 2013 U.S. Open.

Blake, 39, is coming off his second year as the tournament director for the Miami Open, one of the biggest events in tennis played for the first time this year in Hard Rock Stadium. After presiding over the men’s final trophy ceremony featuring the champion Roger Federer and the runner-up John Isner, Blake traveled 300 miles north to the Innisbrook Resort just north of Tampa to resume another of this professions as a competitor on the Invesco Series. The former world No. 4 and member of the 2007 winning U.S. Davis Cup team is coming off his most successful season of champions tennis having won the year-long points championship last season, capturing titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as the runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

Courier, 48, was playing in his first Invesco Series event of 2019, his 14^th career season on the champions tennis tour he co-founded in 2005. The former two-time French and Australian Open champion was playing just 50 miles from his childhood home of Dade City, Florida and on the 20^th anniversary of perhaps his most famous Davis Cup match victory, defeating Greg Rusedski 8-6 in the fifth set to clinch the U.S. 3-2 win over Great Britain in Birmingham, England in the final year of his Hall of Fame career.

En route to the final at Innisbrook, Blake defeated his good friend and U.S. Davis Cup captain Mardy Fish 6-3 while Courier defeated 60-year-old John McEnroe 7-6 (4).

The Invesco Series QQQ circuit continues Saturday in Charleston, S.C. at the Volvo Car Open with Courier, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt and Mats Wilander in the field. Tommy Haas kicked off the 2019 Invesco Series QQQ circuit in January by defeating Roddick 7-6 (2) in the title match at the Oracle Champions Cup in Newport Beach, California.

The remaining 2019 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

Charleston, SC –April 6 (Volvo Car Open): Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander

Maui, HI – May 5 (Royal Lahaina Resort): John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Tommy Haas, Michael Chang

Newport, RI – July 21 (International Tennis Hall of Fame): Todd Martin, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander

Boston, MA – September 7 (Venue and Players TBA)

Toronto, ON – September 26 (Mattamy Athletic Centre): Players TBA

Orlando, FL – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Los Angeles, CA – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Austin, TX – November 15: Venue and Players TBA

In 2018, Blake won his first Invesco Series QQQ year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

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What Other Tennis Events Can Be Held At Miami Open’s Hard Rock Stadium Campus?

March 28, 2019 by Admin

by Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

The most impressive part of the new Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium may be its expanded “Tennis Campus.” This magnificently manicured and designed layout features not just restaurants, bars and places to lounge, but, in all, 29 tennis courts. While the center court stadium inside the stadium will be disassembled after the tournament to make way for the NFL’s Dolphins, the University of Miami football team and other sports and music events, the outer courts, including a 5,100-seat Grandstand, a 3,000-seat Court 1 and a 1,500-seat Court 2, will be permanent. This brings up the question, what other events could be held on site when the Miami Open is not being held? Also, what other ancillary events could be held leading into the Miami Open or in the waning days of the event when there are fewer matches held on site.

The Tennis Campus could certainly host the NCAA Tennis Championships one day – with the University of Miami serving as the host institution. There are two sets of eight courts consecutive courts – used for practice for the Miami Open – that could serve perfectly for college dual matches that require six side-by-side courts for six singles matches. Two dual matches could be played simultaneously while a slew of other courts on the campus could be used for other teams and players to practice. The one drawback is that there are no indoor courts in case of rain, but there are so many courts that make up matches could be done simultaneously to get a tournament back on schedule. While hosting the NCAA Tennis Championships would be a few and far between opportunity, the campus hosting college tennis matches on an annual basis is something that can easily be done. Every spring, college tennis teams from northern states are always playing matches in warmer environments down south during Spring Break trips, usually in early March.

Taking a page from what the Indian Wells Tennis Garden does leading into the BNP Paribas Open in California, lead-up events can be held at the Hard Rock Stadium Tennis Campus. In Indian Wells, in the weeks leading up the BNP Paribas Open, the site hosts wild card tournaments to earn entry into the qualifying rounds of the big show, followed by a men’s and women’s Challenger level event that leads into the BNP Paribas Open qualifying rounds. While there seems to be a well-run and perfect geographically-placed Challenger in Phoenix during the second week of Indian Wells (to accommodate ATP players losing early in Indian Wells), there is not a women’s challenger in the USA during this week, which could be an opportunity for the Miami Open to hold one on site leading into the qualifying rounds.

While the first week and weekend of the Miami Open features a flurry of action on all the outer courts, the second week leaves many of the courts unused. Some sort of content should be placed on those courts to provide supplemental entertainment for fans on site and perhaps to add a few days of grounds pass sales (and to increase on site food, beverage and retail sale opportunities). At the U.S. Open in the past, a college invitational was hosted as well as junior, senior and wheelchair events. While the prestigious Easter Bowl junior championship are held at the same time as the Miami Open, perhaps the site could host another event for “up-and-coming” players – a ITF World Tennis Tour “Futures” pro event. This would only need four competition courts – and three or four practice courts – and provide high level matches on the outer courts from the Monday to Sunday of the second week. As a tournament director for a similar and highly successful event just up the road in Vero Beach, Florida, I think this would be a great idea. A wheelchair event is also a possibility. Since South Florida is hub for retired “seniors,” perhaps an ITF or USTA “senior” event may also be something to consider. What could be a better promotion for senior tennis (and tennis as a “Sport of Lifetime”) than to have competitive 70-something, 80-something and even 90-something players playing in competitive official USTA or ITF events on the outer courts of the Miami Open, where fans can catch a few games while finishing off a mojito or a steak sandwich from the food court?

Miami Open tournament director James Blake is a competitor on the Invesco Series “senior” tennis circuit (along with fellow legends John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Andy Roddick and others) would be an excellent attraction on the Grandstand Court for either the final weekend or as a kick-off event. A “senior” event – perhaps UTR senior event featuring lower level former ATP and WTA players could be another option for the second week of the event, to give former players who are not able to play on “legends” circuits, a chance to compete in front of appreciative fans.

Some other ideas including having the campus host a USTA League Tennis National Championship in the fall. One a day-to-day basis, having the campus be the home of a USTA National Junior Tennis League chapter would be another great idea to give local kids another opportunity to learn and play the game. Opening the courts up to the public for public use would seem to be a no-brainer while also hosting clinics and other local USTA Florida section tournaments. In late April and May, perhaps Florida state high school tennis championships could be held on site.

The potential is almost unlimited. It’s going to be fascinating to see how this new remarkable tennis venue continues to evolve.

2019 Invesco Series QQQ Schedule Announced

March 4, 2019 by Admin

The Invesco Series QQQ, the North American tennis circuit for champion players over the age of 30, announced its full remaining 2019 circuit of events, featuring 10 total events, concluding in Austin, Texas. The 2019 Invesco Series QQQ circuit will also again partner alongside ATP and WTA events in Charleston, S.C., and Newport, R.I. The series of one-night tournaments, featuring two one-set semifinal matches and a one-set final-round match played between tennis legends, will feature for a fifth straight year players making their own line-calls with the assistance of electronic line-calling.

The 2019 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

Newport Beach, CA – January 26 (Newport Beach Country Club): Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 7-6 (2)

Tampa, FL – April 4 (Innisbrook Resort): John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, James Blake

Charleston, SC – April 6 (Volvo Car Open): Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander

Maui, HI – May 5 (Royal Lahaina Resort): John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Tommy Haas, Michael Chang

Newport, RI – July 21 (International Tennis Hall of Fame): Players TBA

Boston, MA – September 7: Venue and Players TBA

Toronto, ON – September 26 (Mattamy Athletic Centre): Players TBA

Orlando, FL – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Los Angeles, CA – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Austin, TX – November 15: Venue and Players TBA

The 2019 schedule already kicked off in January in Newport Beach, California at the Oracle Champions Cup with Tommy Haas defeating Andy Roddick 7-6 (2) in the one-set championship match.

Each Invesco Series QQQ event also features special VIP experiences, including hit-with-the-pros opportunities and special back-stage access. All ticket, experience and event information can be found at www.InvescoSeries.com

In 2018, Blake won his first Invesco Series QQQ year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

In 2017, the year-long points championship was decided in the final match of the season when Andy Roddick defeated James Blake in the Los Angeles final at the Sherwood Country Club. Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and world No. 1, won four PowerShares Series titles in all in 2017, winning in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Lincoln, Neb., and Los Angeles. Blake, the former world No. 4 and former U.S. Davis Cup star, won series titles in Charleston, S.C., Winston-Salem, N.C. and in Lynchburg, Va.

In 2015, Roddick won the Series points title in his second year of competing on the series with 1,600 points. Roddick won a record eight events Los Angeles, Lincoln, Chicago, Austin, Little Rock, Dallas, Richmond and Minneapolis. Blake finished second in the points rankings with 1,200 points, winning events in Boston and Cincinnati. Philippoussis finished in third with 1,100 points, winning titles in Salt Lake City and Vancouver. The year before in 2014, McEnroe won the points title for the first time in the nine-year history of Champions Series tennis by winning events in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville and Charlotte.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA

ABOUT INVESCO

Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; invesco.com. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd. and is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

Mardy Fish Wins 2018 Invesco Series QQQ Finale At USTA National Campus In Orlando

December 7, 2018 by Admin

Mardy Fish defeated good friend and former U.S. Davis Cup teammate James Blake 6-3 in the one-set championship match Thursday to win the Champions Challenge at the USTA National Campus, his fourth career title on the Invesco Series QQQ tennis circuit.

The tournament, played in front of a sold-out crowd at the hard court stadium at the USTA’s new state-of-the-art training center, concluded the 10-event North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30. The win marked the second straight tournament where Fish defeated Blake in the final after beating him in Los Angeles at the Socal Honda Dealers Helpful Cup at the Sherwood Country Club in October.

“I’m tired, my back hurts, and it’s really cold,” joked Fish of how he felt after the win over Blake on the 55-degree evening in Central Florida.

Fish also won Invesco Series QQQ titles in 2017 in Newport, R.I. and in New Haven, Connecticut. The former world No. 7 and the silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games, Fish grew up just 90 minutes down the road from the USTA National Campus in Vero Beach, Florida but now resides in Los Angeles. His parents Tom and Sally were in attendance Thursday to once again see their 36-year-old son win a tennis tournament.

“It’s great that I get to come down here and spend some time with them. It worked out great,” said Fish of spending time with his parents earlier in the week in Vero Beach. “It’s obviously nice to sleep in your own childhood home’s bed a couple of times without anyone but them in the house. It’s interesting. You’re never really home with just them. You always have family and friends around. So It was nice to be home.”

Despite the loss, Blake concludes the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ as the year-long points champion for the first time. Blake, the former world No. 4, won titles this year in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

Blake advanced into the championship match by beating former world No. 1 and two-time French and Australian Open champion and Orlando resident Jim Courier 6-3. Fish beat former U.S. Open semifinalist Robby Ginepri 6-4 in the other semifinal. Ginepri was a late replacement for 2003 U.S. Open champion Andy Roddick, who was forced to withdraw from the event with a right shoulder injury sustained in training.

The full slate of events on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ can be found below. The 2019 schedule of events will be announced soon.

2018 Invesco Series QQQ Results

April 7: Charleston, SC (Family Circle Tennis Center) F: Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 6-1; SF: Tommy Haas def. Michael Chang 6-2; Andy Roddick def. Mark Philippoussis 6-3

May 5, 6: Kohala Coast, HI (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows) F: Tommy Haas def. John McEnroe 7-5 SF: Tommy Haas def. Mardy Fish 6-3, John McEnroe def.Jim Courier 6-3

May 17: Toronto, ON (Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre) F: Mark Philippoussis d. John McEnroe 7-5, SF: Mark Philippoussis d. James Blake 7-6 (5); John McEnroe d. Jim Courier 6-2.

July 22: Newport, RI (International Tennis Hall of Fame) F: Lleyton Hewitt d. Tommy Haas 7-6(2) SF: Lleyton Hewitt d. James Blake 6-3; Tommy Haas d. Jim Courier 6-3

August 19: Winston-Salem, NC (Wake Forest University) F: James Blake d. Andy Roddick 6-1 SF: Andy Roddick d. Robby Ginepri 7-6 (4); James Blake d. Michael Chang 6-3

August 23/24: New Haven, CT (Yale University) F: James Blake d. John McEnroe 6-4 SF: John McEnroe d. Todd Martin 6-3, James Blake d. Tommy Haas 6-4

October 4: St. Louis, MO (Chaifetz Arena) F: Mark Philippoussis d. Jim Courier 6-1; SF: Jim Courier d. John McEnroe 7-6(3), Mark Philippoussis d. Andy Roddick 6-3

October 5: Houston, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) F: James Blake d. John McEnroe 7-6(3) SF: John McEnroe d. Jim Courier 6-3, James Blake d. Andy Roddick 7-6 (4)

October 21: Los Angeles, CA (Sherwood Country Club) F: Mardy Fish d. James Blake 6-3; SF: Mardy Fish d. Tommy Haas 7-6(3), James Blake d. Andy Roddick 6-2

December 6: Orlando (USTA National Campus) F: Mardy Fish d. James Blake 6-3, SF: James Blake d. Jim Courier 6-3, Mardy Fish d. Robby Ginepri 6-4.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.comor follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA

ABOUT INVESCO

Mardy Fish Wins Invesco Series QQQ Los Angeles Final; James Blake Clinches Points Title

October 22, 2018 by Admin

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Mardy Fish beat good friend and former U.S. Davis Cup teammate James Blake 6-3 Sunday to win the Socal Honda Dealers Helpful Cup at the Sherwood Country Club, the ninth of ten events on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ tour.

Despite the loss, Blake, the former world No. 4, clinched the year-end points title for 2018 on the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30 with his runner-up showing. Fish’s semifinal win over Tommy Haas, the only player who could overtake Blake in the rankings, officially clinched the points title for Blake, who won three tournament titles this year in Houston, New Haven and Winston-Salem.

“I was the superior player today, really,” joked Fish with sarcasm in his post-match on-court interview of beating his good friend. “I gave him a game there early because I was stiff, because I was laying down there in the locker room in between matches in the ice bath. What can you say, really. I beat him up on tour and I beat him up out here. It never gets old.”

The tournament win was the third for Fish on the Invesco Series after winning titles last year in Newport, R.I. and in New Haven, Connecticut. Fish, the former world No. 7 and the silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games, grew up in Vero Beach, Florida but now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Stacey, four-year-old son Beckett and one-year-old daughter Stella. Fish said competing with his good friends from his ATP World Tour days in front of his son and a sold-out crowd made for a special afternoon.

“My son is out here, our daughter is back home, she really doesn’t understand, but it’s nice for him to watch and see what Daddy can do,” said Fish. “It’s good to get out here with your buddies. I don’t get to see them very often at all. We have a lot of history with all the guys out here, so it’s fun to be back.”

Fish and Haas played one of the better matches on the Invesco Series QQQ in 2018 in the first semifinal, Fish coming back from an early break down to win 7-6 (3). In the second semifinal, Blake beat two-time defending champion Andy Roddick 6-2 in a rematch of the 2017 final at the Sherwood Country Club.

Blake’s runner-up showing puts his Invesco Series QQQ point total to 1400, which is insurmountable with one event remaining for the year. Haas, playing in his last event of the year, ended his rookie season on the Invesco Series QQQ with 1100 points which secured him a second place finish in the rankings.

The final remaining 2018 Invesco Series QQQ event will be played December 6 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, featuring Fish, Blake, Roddick and Jim Courier.