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Chris Kermode Introduced As New ATP World Tour’s President – This Week In Tennis Business With Liz Kobak

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By Liz Kobak                 

@LizTennis

 

Chris Kermode Introduced As New ATP World Tour’s President

The ATP announced on Wednesday that Chris Kermode is its new president and chairman effective January 2014 through 2017.

For more than 30 years, Kermode has been involved in tennis. He started out playing on tour and most recently served as the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club’s tournament director and Barclays ATP World Tour Finals’ managing director. Regarded as the ATP’s crown jewel, the latter tournament has welcomed more than 1.28 Million fans to London’s The O2 arena these past five seasons.

“It’s a huge honor to have been given the opportunity to lead the ATP during what is unquestionably one of the most exciting periods in the history of men’s professional tennis,” Kermode said. “I look forward to getting started in my new role, and to working very hard together with ATP staff, players, tournaments and partners as we look to harness the full potential of our great sport in years to come.”

Top tour players Roger Federer and Andy Murray are confident that Kermode will carry out ATP endeavors well in his new post.

“On behalf of the players, I am delighted to welcome Chris as our new ATP Executive Chairman & President,” said ATP Player Council President Roger Federer. “Chris has a lot of experience having worked in a number of different capacities in tennis over the years and he has all the attributes required to lead the ATP World Tour forward during this period of unprecedented popularity and success.”

NYJTL Awards Honor Tennis Channel’s CEO Ken Solomon

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) honored Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon this afternoon in Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt Hotel.

NYJTL is the largest national provider of tennis and education services, helping more than 75,000 children in New York’s five boroughs in 26 schools and 68 community-based sites.

The Leadership Awards Luncheon is NYJTL’s predominant annual fundraiser, drawing 400 guests to its sold out event that the Lawrence B. and Frances Benenson Family Foundation has supported since its 1986 inception. Luncheon co-chairs are Lawrence Benenson, Peter Malkin, and Polly Scott. Honorary Chairs include Jeanne Moutoussamy Ashe, former Mayor David Dinkins and USTA President David Haggerty.

“The Tennis Channel is being honored in 2013 because it represents excellence in presenting all the benefits of playing tennis from the highest levels of the professional game to the joys of the every day player,” said NYJTL President & CEO Dr. Deborah Antoine while drawing back tears. “Ken Solomon has been the driving force behind the growth of the Tennis Channel into more than 35 million homes nationwide.”

Legendary tennis coach and New York native Nick Bollettieri, who recently provided more than 600 NYJTL participants with hands-on instruction at the Fall Tennis Festival, gladly introduced Solomon. Before giving Solomon the stage, Bollettieri spoke about his Festival experience. Tennis’ most famous coach enticed one stubborn young man to hit at least three out of five balls over the net in exchange for his Prince tennis racket. The boy not only hit three balls in and got his first racket, but he fulfilled Nick’s goal of getting kids interested in tennis and instilling good morals. Recent past honorees have included Bill Ackman, Clay Hamlin, Billie Jean King, Howard Lutnick and John McEnroe.

NYJTL also presented the following awards:

  • NYJTL Achievement Award— Amanda Rivera, 9, who attends Queens’ Our World Charter School.
  •  Irwin Askenase Sportsmanship Award—Chris Tham, 12, who attends Adrien Block IS 25 in Queens.
  • Principal of the Year— Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics High School Founder Ed Tom.

Sports broadcaster Bill Macatee was the master of ceremonies while ATP Player Council representative and Tennis Channel broadcaster Justin Gimelstob auctioned off two VIP Grand Slam packages: Roland Garros (Tennis Channel donation) and the US Open (USTA donation). Former honoree Bill Ackman won Roland Garros’ VIP Grand Slam packages for $30,000 after supposedly calling in his offer.

Lendl Replacing Connors for PowerShares Challenge

InsideOut Sports & Entertainment announced this week that Ivan Lendl is taking Jimmy Connors spot at the PowerShares QQQ Challenge, held February 14 at the Banker’s Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Connors said personal reasons caused his withdrawal. As such, Lendl joins a field of former rivals comprising 11-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe, two-time Roland Garros and Australian Open champion Jim Courier and former Wimbledon and US Open finalist Mark Philippoussis. The one-night tournament features three matches: two one-set semi-final matches and then a one-set championship match. The PowerShares QQQ Challenge is the fourth event on the 12-city PowerShares Series tennis circuit, featuring legendary tennis players who exceed 30 years of age.

Event tickets are on sale now and start at $25. Learn more about this tournament series here: www.PowerSharesSeries.com.

Blake, Roddick, Isner Serving For a Cure

After his father succumbed to gastric cancer in 2004, James Blake has used tennis as a vehicle to raise cancer awareness and research funds.

Blake and two fellow American tennis legends are participating in his charity’s event, “Serving for a Cure.” Taking court in Manhattan’s Upper East Side Regiment Armory on December 5 is former top-five ATP player Blake, 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick and top 20 ATP tour player John Isner. All proceeds accumulated during their exhibition match go toward The James Blake Foundation, which fosters cancer research and finding the disease’s cure.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where Thomas Blake Senior (James’ father) was treated, has donated $30,000 and more than any other organization thus far. Those who purchase the VIP Dinner ticket or cocktails and tennis could have a 45-minute private clinic with Blake. Learn more about how you can serve for a cause here: http://www.crowdrise.com/servingforacure

Nishikori, McEnroe Serving Tsunami Benefit

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe made Japan’s top player Kei Nishikori work for his 1-6, 6-4 and 10-7 win, a charity match for Northeast Japan’s spring 2011 natural disaster victims.

Playing in Japan for the first time since 1997, 54-year-old McEnroe took on 23-year-old Japanese standout Kei Nishikori, who reached his career high ranking of No. 11 this year. The two men had never played each other before.

The score, although close, was not pivotal for players. What mattered was that Sunday’s match raised money for the Tohoku Tennis Association, which is looking to rejuvenate tennis regions that the March 11, 2011 tsunami devastated.

“Considering I just got in a few days ago, my body was moving pretty well,” McEnroe said. “I was able to make some good shots but he took some mercy on me.”

Not only did McEnroe exhibit his signature competitive nature, he also displayed his notorious gamesmanship.

“Is this a tennis match or a day-care center? What the heck is going on here?” He shouted to a sold-out crowd of 10,000 when a crying baby interrupted service.

McEnroe said he was thrilled to visit Japan and assist Northeastern people who are still recovering from storm damages.

“It’s good to try to help people through a difficult time,” McEnroe said. “Unfortunately, disasters like this seem to be happening more and more these days.”

McEnroe’s game and spirit similarly impressed Nishikori.

“He played a lot better than I expected,” Nishikori said. “I was surprised. His shots were very good. I really enjoyed playing against him and it was a great experience.”

Liz Kobak won the 2013 USTA National Women’s Open Singles Grass Court Championship. She is a 2010 Columbia University graduate and Northwestern University journalism master’s recipient. She is a former WTA ranked pro and #1 ranked United States junior tennis player who rates her 6-4, 6-1 win on Italian clay over Sara Errani as her best victory.

Chris Kermode
Chris Kermode

 

Wimbledon primetime staying put on Tennis Channel through 2023: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Wimbledon Primetime to air on Tennis Channel through 2023

According to a recently released press release, Tennis Channel and the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) have agreed to a multi-year extension of Wimbledon Primetime, the network’s nightly program that brings its audience the day’s best tennis, encore matches, original features and coverage from in and around Wimbledon Village. Ian Ritchie, chief executive, AELTC; and Ken Solomon, chairman and CEO, Tennis Channel; announced the extension, which runs through 2023. Beginning in 2012, Wimbledon Primetime will air each evening of the two-week tournament. The network will also produce a 30-minute preview edition of the program that will run during the two weeks leading up to the event. This marks a significant broadening of Wimbledon Primetime’s nightly reach, which previously had started on the first day of tournament play and concluded midway through the second week. “We are most pleased to extend and expand our relationship with Tennis Channel,” said Ritchie. “Their nightly Wimbledon Primetime coverage has been a great success since its debut in 2008, bringing the best of the Championships, Wimbledon, to the largest possible American audience during the highest-viewer evening hours. The telecast allows fans to stay on top of everything that’s happened each day with the editorial scope and depth of an organization whose sole, year-round focus is the sport of tennis.” “We’re deeply honored to extend our relationship with the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the coming decade, one of the most beautiful and hallowed places in the world of athletic competition,” said Solomon. “Wimbledon Primetimehas become a nightly institution for both die-hard tennis fans as well as more casual viewers who watch and enjoy world-class sports.”

Wimbledon

Tennis Channel to feature 30 matches in 30 days in December

In December, Tennis Channel will countdown the 30 greatest matches of 2011. You can vote for which matches make the cut starting on October 30 by visiting Tennis Channel’s official website, www.tennischannel.com.

Doubles legends Bob and Mike Bryan to host “Bryan Brothers Slam Jam” on October 22 in Malibu

Benefiting the Bryan Brothers Foundation, ATP World Tour top-ranked doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan will host the annual “Bryan Brothers Slam Jam” on Saturday, October 22 at the Malibu Racquet Club at 23847 Stuart Ranch Road in Malibu, Calif. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. with a tennis Pro-Am featuring the Bryan Brothers and 14 other professional tennis players. The day will continue at 6 p.m. when Bob and Mike switch over to their musical side and join the Bryan Brothers Band, as well as special invited musical guests for a performance. Ticket prices for the event are $195 or $180 if you are a member of the Malibu Racquet Club. For more information and ticket purchases, call (310) 456-3314 Ext. 334.

Serena announces on Twitter that she will play Mixed Doubles with Roddick at 2012 Australian Open

Just last week, former world No. 1 and 13-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams mentioned on her Twitter account that she will join forces with fellow American Andy Roddick in the mixed doubles tournament at the 2012 Australian Open in Melbourne. Roddick is a former world No. 1 and 2003 US Open singles champion.

Nadal will play Halle instead of Queen’s Club in prep for 2012 Wimbledon

According to the Daily Mail, world No. 2 and two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal will prepare for the only grass court Grand Slam by playing in the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, rather than competing at Queen’s Club in London, an event he traditionally participates in. “Rafa will not be with us next year,” said Chris Kermode, Queen’s Club Tournament Director. The Daily Mail is reporting that Nadal will earn a tournament appearance fee of around $1.2 million for playing in Halle.

Tennis Promoter says Venus Williams will be back in action in December during Barbados exhibition

The Tournament Director for the “Tennis Pon de Rock” exhibition in Barbados has been assured by a tennis promoter that Venus Williams will make her return to tennis at their event, which will be played from December 10-11. Williams has not played a competitive WTA match since withdrawing from her second round US Open match against Sabine Lisicki in September after being diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome. “I have spoken to Venus herself, I have spoken to her manager and I have had discussions with her doctors to get her full prescription for her specific autoimmune disease. In a short answer, yes, she will be fit,” said Kodi Lewis. “She is back on the court as we speak and she is very much looking forward to coming as well.” Williams recently said on Twitter that she is “absolutely planning on being in Australia” to participate in the Australian Open. Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Gael Monfils and John Isner are also confirmed for the Spring Hill Tennis Resort event in Barbados.

Prince William and Duchess Catherine offered honorary membership to Queen’s Club in London

Prince William and Duchess Catherine have been offered an honorary membership to Queen’s Club in London, according to reports by the Daily Mail. The Queen’s Club annually hosts an ATP World Tour grass court tournament two-weeks before the start of Wimbledon. Membership to the club is said to be worth $22,000. Catherine’s sister Pippa Middleton is already a paying member at the club.

Daniel Nestor inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in Toronto

This past weekend at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, 39-year-old Canadian Daniel Nestor teamed with Max Mirnyi to save two match points en route to defeating Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic for the title. The victory added to Nestor’s extremely impressive doubles resume. Nestor, who earlier this year became the first ever player to record 800 doubles wins in a career, is the only player past or present to have won all four majors, every ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event, a season-ending championship and an Olympic gold medal. The future Hall of Famer was recently inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame with a star in Toronto.

Doubles specialist Ashley Fisher retires from professional tennis

Doubles specialist Ashley Fisher officially announced his retirement from the ATP World Tour following his first round loss at the China Open in Beijing. The 36-year-old Australian, who is now a resident of St. Petersburg, Fla., made the decision to retire after Skyping with his eight week old son Holden while in Asia. That moment made him realize he wanted to spend more time with his son and wife Kirsten. Fisher, who missed the latter part of the 2009 season and all of 2010 after having knee surgery for the fourth time, was a semifinalist at the US Open in 2006, as well as a quarterfinalist in 2004 at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon in 2006. Reaching a career-best doubles ranking of No. 19 in June 2009, Fisher won four titles, his last coming in Indianapolis in 2008 with American Tripp Phillips. He reached seven other ATP doubles finals, including the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami in 2009, and has served on the ATP Player Council since 2009. He states that his greatest match he ever played was when he and Stephen Huss beat Bob and Mike Bryan in the semifinals at the Sony Ericsson Open in 2009. He even claims he still gets goose bumps when he pictures match point. Fisher, who often times serves as a sideline reporter on Tennis Channel, won just over $850,000 in tournament prize money throughout his career that started in 1998.

USTA announces Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Tennis Teams for 2011 Parapan American Games

The USTA recently announced the two men and two women who were invited to represent the United States in wheelchair tennis at the 2011 Parapan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico from November 14-18. Four-time Paralympic medalist Steve Welch of Arlington, Texas and 2007 Parapan Am gold medalist Jon Rydberg of St. Paul, Minn., will play on the men’s team. Top ranked American wheelchair player Emmy Kaiser of Fort Mitchell, Ky., and 2007 Parapan Am gold medalist Kaitlyn Verfuerth of Port Washington, Wis., will play on the women’s team. During the event, Dan James will serve as Head Coach, while Jason Hartnett will be the Assistant Coach. Jeremiah Yolkut will be the Team Leader. Started in 1999, the Parapan Am Games are an international multi-sport event for athletes with a physical disability. The Games are held every four years in the year immediately prior to the Paralympic Games. This year, an estimated 1,500 athletes will compete in 13 different sports from 26 countries.

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

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By Justin Cohen

  • Melanie Oudin has signed an endorsement deal with Virgin Mobile that will reportedly pay her between $500,000 and $2 million over four years. Virgin Mobile announced that they will donate $1 million to homeless youth organizations if Oudin wins the 2010 US Open in New York.
    • Melanie Oudin
    Melanie Oudin
  • Sony Ericsson has reached a contract extension with the WTA Tour through 2012 but will no longer be the title sponsor of the women’s professional tour, as well as the year-end championships. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Sony Ericsson’s current six-year, $88 million deal as the global title sponsor of the WTA Tour is set to expire at the end of 2010.
  • SAP, a German business software company, has renewed its title sponsorship with the ATP tournament in San Jose, Calif., for the next three years. Last month, Fernando Verdasco defeated Andy Roddick in three sets to capture the title in San Jose.
  • Champions Porsche has extended its sponsorship deal for another five years with the ATP World Tour Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.
  • Pete Sampras recently listed his Los Angeles mansion on the market for $25 million, while Andy Roddick is selling his Austin, Texas, home for $4 million. Jennifer Capriati’s house in Wesley Chapel, Fla., is on the market for $2.1 million.
  • Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Justine Henin and Lindsay Davenport will take part in the second “Hit for Haiti” on March 12 at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The match will follow the already set men’s exhibition match for Haiti featuring Roger Federer and Pete Sampras taking on Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi in a doubles match.
  • The World Economic Forum has named Roger Federer as one of its “Young Global Leaders for 2010.” Out of a list of 5,000 eligible candidates, only 197 were selected.
  • Tennis Channel Chairman and CEO Ken Solomon was sworn in as a member of President Barack Obama’s Committee of Arts and the Humanities in the U.S. Supreme Court. “It is extremely humbling to be named to this esteemed committee, but the highest honor will come in what we’re able to accomplish,” said Solomon, who has more than 25 years of television and multimedia experience. “Not only can we drive our nation’s economic growth via the arts and humanities, but through cultural diplomacy we seek to strengthen our relationship within the global family of nations as well. I welcome this service, the work ahead and the chance to advance the democratization of the arts through education.”
  • According to The London Telegraph, the Lawn Tennis Association might pursue Tim Henman as the next captain of Great Britain’s Davis Cup squad. Current captain John Lloyd acknowledged that his job might be in jeopardy following Great Britain’s loss to Lithuania last weekend.
  • According to the DPA, Serbian Davis Cup captain Bogdan Obradovic has requested that Serbia’s tie against host Croatia be played in Zagreb because the team is concerned it will attract a more rowdy and nationalistic crowd. Currently, Split is the front-runner city to host the Davis Cup quarterfinal match. Croatian newspaper Jutamji List has reportedly said the comment Obradovic said is “the start of psychological warfare already four months before.” World No. 2 and Serbian player Novak Djokovic insisted that, “I heard that my camp is complaining about Split as the host, but I think that the war years are far behind us and that we should not overreact.” Split was heavily bombed by Serbia during the Balkan Wars fought
  • Tennis Channel plans to carry 90 hours of television coverage of this week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, following a couple years of scattered coverage by Fox Sports Net.
  • Martina Hingis recently told the Neue Luzemer Zeitung that she has gotten engaged to Zurich lawyer Andreas Bieri. “It’s true, Andreas made a marriage proposal to me,” said Hingis. “I was totally surprised. Naturally, I accepted.”
  • 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, who has been sidelined with a wrist injury, has resumed training and hopes to return at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Russian WTA Tour star Elena Vesnina also plans to return in Miami having been sidelined recently due to a leg injury.
  • Sania Mirza will be sidelined for at least six weeks so she can rest her injured right wrist. Since leaping into the Top 30 in 2008, Mirza has been plagued with many injuries since and is now ranked No. 83. “I got some MRIs done yesterday,” said Mirza. “I have been struggling with this injury since the Fed Cup. But I played on with it a little bit, just to try out if I could. But right now I need six weeks off and then we will take a re-evaluation of the situation.”
  • Pop star Shakira’s music video, Gypsy, featuring Rafael Nadal as last week’s top Billboard music video.