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Nick Bollettieri

Bud Collins On Nick Bollettieri

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Nick Bollettieri passed away at the age of 91 on Monday and tributes have flooded the social media channels of just about everybody involved in the tennis industry. It is a testament to the man that he touched so many people in tennis – from not only the greatest champions ever in the sport, but also so many lesser-talented players and those who work in all levels in the tennis industry. The overwhelming personal tributes from all spectrums of the tennis world was very reminiscent of Bud Collins, and the very personal and amiable effect he also had on so many.

Bollettieri was featured in two sections of the Bud’s book “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” encyclopedia. He was part of the “They Also Serve” section in an early edition of the volume, prior to his induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014, which, at the time, surprisingly, was a bit controversial (although hard to believe now) and was many years delayed.

Wrote Collins in the shortened “They Also Served” section of Bollettieri, “Most renowned coach, effervescent Nicholas James Bollettieri, b. July 31, 1931, Pelham, N.Y. Runs assembly line for champs, Bollettieri Sports Academy, Bradenton, Fla. Ex-U.S. Army paratrooper, graduate of Spring Hill (Ala.) College, became teaching pro, 1958. Among pupils to make World Top Ten: Andre Agassi, Jimmy Arias, Carling Bassett, Jim Courier, Aaron Krickstein, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Iva Majoli, Tommy Haas, Maria Sharapova.”

After his Hall of Fame induction, the entry from the Collins encyclopedia was as follows; Perhaps the most renowned coach in the sports history, effervescent Nicholas James Bollettieri ran an assembly line for champs via his Bollettieri Sports Academy, now the IMG Academy, in Bradenton, Fla. Among pupils to make world Top 10: Andre Agassi, Jimmy Arias, Carling Bassett, Jim Courier, Aaron Krickstein, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Iva Majoli, Tommy Haas, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and Serena Williams. An ex-U.S. Army paratrooper, a graduate of Spring Hill (Ala.) College, he became a teaching pro in 1958 and in 1978, he founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the first tennis boarding school that integrated athletic training with academics.

For more information on “The Bud Collins History of Tennis” book, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Bud-Collins-History-Tennis/dp/1937559386/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bud+collins+history+of+tennis&qid=1670335858&sprefix=Bud+Collins+History+of+Tenis%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1

Bud Collins and Nick Bollettieri in 2014 in Newport, Rhode Island

Hewitt Wins 30th Title; Davenport Leads Five Newest Members into Tennis Hall of Fame

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Mondays with Bob Greene

 

STARS

Pablo Cuevas beat Joao Sousa 6-2 6-1 to win the SkiStar Swedish Open in Båstad, Sweden

Roberto Bautista Agut beat Lukas Rosol 6-3 4-6 6-2 to win the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, Germany

Lleyton Hewitt beat Ivo Karlovic 6-3 6-7 (4) 7-6 (3) to win the Hall of Fame Championships in Newport, Rhode Island, USA

Simona Halep beat Roberta Vinci 6-1 6-3 to win the Bucharest Open in Bucharest, Romania

Andrea Petkovic beat Shelby Rogers 6-3 6-3 to win the Nürnberger Gastein Ladies in Bad Gastein, Austria

Kaia Kanepi beat Teliana Pereira 6-2 6-4 to win the Open GDF Suez de Biarritz in Biarritz, France

 

SAYING

“I was five years old when I first hit a tennis ball. I never wanted to learn another sport and I still don’t. I loved playing this game. I never thought any of this would be possible. It always felt a little bit like an accident. This is an incredible honor, an amazing achievement. I will forever be humbled by this.” – Lindsay Davenport, on being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

“We’ve had some tough times with surgeries the last few years. But it’s nice to know that all that hard work has paid off.” – Lleyton Hewitt, after finally winning the Hall of Fame Championships in his third consecutive appearance in the final.

“Last year when I was in the hospital I didn’t know if I would be able to do this again. To be here and do this now it’s an unbelievable feeling.” – Ivo Karlovic, who had viral meningitis and been in a coma before beginning his comeback at the Newport, Rhode Island, tournament a year ago.

“I want to play every match and every tournament to reach as high a ranking as possible.” – Simona Halep, following her Bucharest Open victory over Roberta Vinci.

“Simona is an incredible tennis player and she has a phenomenal game. I gave it my best and I actually managed to get to 2-0 in the second set, but she was too strong.” – Roberta Vinci.

“It’s really difficult to win a tournament on grass and then go to Wimbledon and win a couple matches there and then, with only a few practices on clay, come here and win the title. It’s really amazing.” – Roberto Bautista Agut, after winning on clay in Stuttgart, Germany.

“It’s a super feeling, I am totally happy, I want back into the top 10 and I am just playing good tennis. My serve and my footwork can still improve but I am playing well.” – Andrea Petkovic, following her winning the Gastein Ladies trophy.

“I had an incredible time. This has definitely been a week I will never forget.” – Shelby Rogers, a qualifier who reached her first WTA final before losing to Andrea Petkovic.

“Now I know exactly how it feels for those who have reached the top of Mount Everest, and the view from up here is amazing.” – Nick Bollettieri, after being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

“Hitting the ball was always something that came very natural to me. It was a blessing. It happened at a young age. I didn’t realize it was that hard to do, that I had a special talent. … Everything else about the game took work and was a struggle. But that was also the reason I fell in love with it.” – Lindsay Davenport, talking about her huge ground strokes.

 

“She led the pack in changing the game. The tennis you see today, when you see Petra Kvitova win Wimbledon, I think of Lindsay. She was the one who opened the door to that. The way she was just describing hitting the ball, that’s the way every woman player wants to hit the ball.” – Jane Brown Grimes, talking about Lindsay Davenport.

 

“I can speak first hand to the fact that Jane’s skilled diplomacy was crucial to the survival of the WTA tour as she was able to navigate the tricky waters of attracting and keeping desirable sponsorships while distancing our association with past relationships with controversial brands. It was a pivotal time for women’s tennis and it put us on a secure course for the future.” – Chris Evert, introducing Jane Brown Grimes as a new inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

“There’s so many examples in this sport making room for tolerance and understanding in a world often torn by bitter conflict. So tennis has grown bigger and stronger and richer, but it has also done what Dwight Davis set as a goal when founding Davis Cup in 1900, to promote goodwill internationally. I feel so very lucky to have played a very small role in this amazing story, and to be recognized in this way in front of so many friends and family and fans is more than I could ever have imagined.” – Jane Brown Grimes, accepting her entry into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

“Wheelchair tennis brought so much to my life. The challenge to work on my tennis game, I just love to practice and see if all you work for will reveal in the matches. But it also helped me deal with my life in a wheelchair. Being around all those active, young, independent, positive-minded sports people showed me how great my life in a wheelchair still could be. I’ve learned so much from all the other players and I’m grateful for that. I hope that with all I have learned I am able to inspire others.” – Chantal Vandierendonck, on being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

 

SUCCESS, FINALLY

The third time was the charm for Lleyton Hewitt. After losing in the final on the grass at Newport, Rhode Island, USA, for the last two years, Hewitt finally captured the Hall of Fame Championships by besting huge-serving Ivo Karlovic. And it didn’t come easily. The veteran Australian served for the match in the second set and squandered two match points on Karlovic’s serve. But the former world number one finally prevailed to capture his 30th career ATP title and his second of 2014. “It was obviously very tough the last couple of years,” said Hewitt, referring to his loss to John Isner in the 2012 final and to Nicolas Mahut in the title match a year ago. “Last year I served for it as well. That just makes it more gratifying.” The 33-year-old Hewitt has had five surgeries in five years. He and his 35-year-old opponent made this the oldest final in the grass-court tournament since it was first held in 1976 and the oldest ATP final showdown so far this season. Hewitt never managed a break point on Karlovic’s serve in the final set, but staved off three breaks points on his own serve to force the tiebreak. The Australian won five of the final six points to capture the title. “Just had to focus on what I needed to do,” Hewitt said. “I was just focusing on trying to hold serve in the third set. I t was a tough match. I was really happy to get through.”

The Hall of Fame Championships turned out to be doubly rewarding for Hewitt. After capturing the singles title, he teamed with fellow Australian Chris Guccione to win the doubles, defeating Jonathan Erlich and Rajeev Ram 7-5 6-4.

 

SIMONA THE BEST

It was fitting that Simona Halep captured her home tournament, the Bucharest Open. Top-seeded and ranked third in the world, Halep took just 68 to down the second-seeded Roberta Vinci for the third time in five career meetings. Halep, nine years younger than her 31-year-old Italian opponent, was runner-up at Roland Garros in June and a semifinalist at Wimbledon earlier this month. “I really wanted to play this tournament and win it,” Halep said. “Today’s final was a very emotional one. The crowd was amazing and I want to thank everybody who played a part in the tournament.” Vinci entered the final with an incredible 9-1 record in WTA title matches. But she knew who she had to beat to win in Bucharest. “I knew ever since yesterday that it was going to be difficult,” the Italian said. Halep has won eight WTA titles – six last year and two so far this season.

The home crowd had even more to cheer about. Joining Halep in taking home a trophy was the Romanian team of Elena Bogdan and Alexandra Cadantu. They won the doubles title by besting Cagla Buyukakcay and Andreja Klepac. It was the first WTA title of any kind for both Bogdan and Cadantu.

 

SWEDISH OPEN STAR

Pablo Cuevas won his first ATP Tour-level title when he captured the SkiStar Swedish Open by stopping Joao Sousa. Cuevas becomes the first ATP World Tour champion from Uruguay since Marcelo Filippini triumphed in St. Poelten, Austria, in May 1997. Filippini also won the Swedish Open in 1988. The 28-year-old Cuevas missed the entire 2012 season following knee surgery. He has been one of the top performers on the Challenger circuit and is currently ranked 111th in the world. Against Sousa, Cuevas dominated in all aspects of the game. Sousa was seeking his second ATP World Tour title. He became the first Portuguese to win a tour-level trophy last year in Kuala Lumpur.

 

SECOND CROWN

Roberto Bautista Agut was bombarded with 13 aces, but still managed to win his second title in as many months. Seeded third in the clay-court event, Bautista Agut downed Lukas Rosol to win the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart, Germany. Rosol slammed 13 aces, but he was unable to halt the winning game of the 23-ranked Spaniard. “Since the start of the season I believed a lot in myself and my work,” Bautista Agut said. “I’ve been playing really well, won a lot of matches and it was only a question of time before this happened.” His victory on grass at ‘s-Hertogenbosch last month was the first of Bautista Agut’s career. “I was looking to find a good rhythm, but the serve was not working at all,” Rosol said. “I had to risk a lot with my shots. The level was not as good as the previous rounds and it’s a pity because I felt really good this week.” Bautista Agut is the ninth Spanish champion in Stuttgart and the sixth in the last 10 years.

 

STEADY PERFORMER

Andrea Petkovic once was ranked in the top 10 in the world. She is on the way to returning to that lofty perch if her performances this season are any indication. The German won her second title of 2014 at the Gastein Ladies by beating surprising American Shelby Rogers. Petkovic also won in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, in April. “I wanted this victory so badly,” Petkovic said. “I am very relieved. Shelby played very aggressive tennis. I didn’t know her game, but I’ve done some research on YouTube.” Roger had to qualify for the main draw and had never been beyond the second round of a WTA event before. Ranked 147th in the world, the 21-year-old from South Carolina had never beaten a player ranked in the top 50 until this tournament. En route to the title match, Rogers beat 16th-ranked Carla Suarez Navarro, 40th-ranked Camila Giorgi and 14th-ranked Sara Errani – all in straight sets.

Twins Karolina and Kristyna Pliskova won 10 of the final 11 points in the match tiebreak to capture the Gastein Ladies doubles crown. The sisters beat Andreja Klepac and María-Teresa Torró-Flor in the final for their second WTA doubles title together. They are the only twins in the history of women’s tennis to win a WTA doubles crown as a team. “The final wasn’t looking that good for us,” Karolina Pliskova said. “We were losing almost the whole time and we were down 5-0 in the tiebreak, too. But we were still hoping we could win and we still played every point, and with a little bit of luck we came back and won. So we’re really happy. It’s our second title, and second one in Austria.”

 

SPLITS WITH COACH

Ana Ivanovic is looking for a coach again. The former world number one announced on her web site that she and Nemanja Kontic had split by mutual agreement. According to a brief statement, Kontic’s contract expired after Wimbledon and after “amicable discussions,” it was not renewed. While Kontic was her coach, Ivanovic won three titles this season, including the grass-court Wimbledon warmup event at Birmingham, Great Britain. She announced the new coach will be announced “in the coming weeks.”

Remember Nick Kyrgios? He’s the 19-year-old Australian who shocked Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon. Saying he wants to spend more time at his home in Canberra, Australia, Kyrgios has split with his coach Simon Rea. “My desire to be at home more in Canberra when I am not at tournaments has driven me to make the decision for change within my team,” Kyrgios said in a statement. “Not only is Simon a great coach but he is a great person and I wish him all the best in the next phase of his coaching career.” Kyrgios had worked with Rea since he won the Australian Open junior boys singles title last year. Australian Davis Cup coach Josh Eagle and Canberra-based academy coach Todd Larkham will take over for Rea in coaching the youngster.

 

SUPER CHAMPIONS ALL

Lindsay Davenport highlighted the ceremony for the five new inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. The three-time Grand Slam tournament singles champion was joined in the induction ceremonies by coaching legend Nick Bollettieri, Dutch wheelchair tennis star Chantal Vandierendonck, long-time tennis executive Jane Brown Grimes and British author and broadcaster John Barrett. The newest members bring the Hall total to 238 honorees from 20 nations.

The 38-year-old Davenport won the 1998 US Open, 1999 Wimbledon, 2000 Australian Open and the gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. “To be with all the greatness here is overwhelming,” Davenport said at the on-court ceremony. She finished the year as the top-ranked woman player in 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2005. She helped the United States team win three Fed Cup titles and captured three Grand Slam tournament doubles titles.

The 82-year-old Bollettieri has coached 10 players who became number one in the world, including Hall of Fame members Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Boris Becker. He has also worked with Maria Sharapova and sisters Serena and Venus Williams. He founded his own boarding school and tennis academy in 1978, which has evolved into a facility with offerings in eight sports and more than 900 year-round students.

Vandierendonck, who was injured in a 1983 car accident, was ranked number one in women’s wheelchair singles for 136 weeks and doubles for 107 weeks. The 49-year-old is a five-time Paralympic medalist.

The 82-year-old Barrett is a former British Davis Cup captain as well as a noted author, journalist and television commentator on tennis. He was the “Voice of Wimbledon” on the BBC from 1971 until 2006. His wife, the former top-ranked player Angela Mortimer Barrett, was inducted into the Hall in 1993. Agassi and Steffi Graf are the only other married couple in the tennis shrine.

Brown Grimes has been involved in tennis for more than 40 years. She is a former managing director of the Women’s Professional Tennis Council (now known as the WTA Tour Board), was president of the USTA and president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

 

SNARED BY POLICE

Police in Prague, Czech Republic, have arrested a man who they say threatened “a publicly known person” in a phone call. In announcing the arrest, police spokeswoman Gabriela Holcakova would not confirm Czech media reports that the targeted person was Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova. Holcakova said the 23-year-old man was arrested as police considered the threats serious. The incident follows criticism of Kvitova for moving to Monaco to avoid paying higher taxes.

 

STRAIGHT TO THE BANK

Players at this year’s US Open Tennis Championships will split a record purse of USD $38.3 million. In announcing the 11.7 percent increase in prize money, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said the men’s and women’s singles champions will each earn USD $3 million, a record payout at the year’s final Grand Slam tournament. Winners of each round of the singles competition will be given a double-digit percentage increase over last year. “This year’s prize money increase continues the commitment to make the US Open one of the most lucrative purses in all of sports,” USTA chairman Dave Haggerty said in a statement. The total purse for the US Open’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions will exceed those at two of the other three Grand Slam tournaments. Wimbledon this year had a total prize pool of nearly USD $42 million. This year’s US Open qualifying tournament will offer more than USD $1.5 million in prize money for the first time, an 11 percent rise over 2013.

 

SAYS I DO

Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic is now a married man. Djokovic and longtime girlfriend Jelena Ristic were wed in Podgorica, Montenegro, four days after he defeated Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final. When he won the grass-court Grand Slam tournament title, he dedicated the victory to his fiancée “and our future baby.” The two first met in high school and have been together for more than eight years. They are expecting their first child later this year. The civil wedding was held in a park above a beach close to the luxury Montenegro islet Sveti Stefan and was attended by the families, close friends and some hundred guests, according to reports. A religious ceremony was held a few days later. Among those attending the civil ceremony were tennis players Maria Sharapova, Viktor Troicki, Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic as well as Djokovic’s coach Marian Vajda and his wife.

 

SKIPPING SWEDEN

Saying she was not fully recovered from the ailment that caused her to pull out of the doubles at Wimbledon, Serena Williams withdrew from this week’s tournament in Båstad, Sweden. According to Collector Swedish Open officials, Serena Williams does not want to compete until she is 100 percent recovered. Serena won the clay-court event last year.

 

STUTTGART CHANGE

The Mercedes Cup tournament in Stuttgart, Germany, is switching from clay to grass. The ATP World Tour 250 event will be played on grass courts beginning next year. At this year event, which was played on clay, the new grass courts were officially open. Following the ceremony, former Wimbledon champions John McEnroe and Michael Stich played an exhibition match, which was won by the 55-year-old McEnroe 6-4 5-7 10-8 (match tiebreak). “The change to grass is a great opportunity for the Mercedes Cup,” Stich said. “I congratulate the tournament on this brave step. Now the grass court season will finally be extended by one week. It is good that the players will have more time to manage the difficult transition from clay to grass.”

 

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Bad Gastein: Karolina Pliskova and Kristyna Pliskova beat Andreja Klepac and María-Teresa Torró-Flor 4-6 6-3 10-6 (match tiebreak)

Båstad: Johan Brunstrom and Nicholas Monroe beat Jeremy Chardy and Oliver Marach 4-6 7-6 (5) 10-7 (match tiebreak)

Biarritz: Florencia Molinero and Stephanie Vogt beat Lourdes Dominguez Lino and Teliana Pereira 6-2 6-2

Bucharest: Elena Bogdan and Alexandra Cadantu beat Cagla Buyukakcay and Karin Knapp 6-4 3-6 10-5 (match tiebreak)

Newport: Chris Cuccione and Lleyton Hewitt beat Jonathan Erlich and Rajeev Ram 7-5 6-4

Stuttgart: Mateusz Kowalczyk and Artem Sitak beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez and Philipp Oswald 2-6 6-1 10-7 (match tiebreak)

 

SURFING

­Hamburg: http://bet-at-home-open.com/

Bogota: www.claroopencolombia.com/

Båstad (women): http://women.swedishopen.org/

Istanbul: www.istanbulcup.com/

Kaohsiung: www.oectennis.com

Atlanta: www.bbtatlantaopen.com/

Gstaad: www.creditagricolesuisseopengstaad.ch/en

Umag: www.croatiaopen.hr/tenis/home.aspx

Baku: www.bakucup.az/

 

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

MEN

$1,619,600 bet-at-home Open, Hamburg, Germany, clay

$663,610 Claro Open Colombia, Bogota, Colombia, hard

$125,000 Kaohsiung Challenger, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, hard

 

WOMEN

$250,000 Collector Swedish Open, Båstad, Sweden, clay

$250,000 TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Cup, Istanbul, Turkey, hard

 

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

MEN

$580,272 Crédit Agricole Suisse Open, Gstaad, Switzerland, clay

$580,272 Vegeta Croatia Open, Umag, Croatia, clay

$568,805 BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, hard

$125,000 President’s Cup, Astana, Kazakhstan, hard

 

WOMEN

$250,000 Baku Cup, Baku, Azerbaijan, hard

$125,000 Zhonghong Jiangxi International, Nanchang, China, hard

$100,000 President’s Cup, Astana, Kazakhstan, hard

Lleyton Hewitt
Lleyton Hewitt

USTA Serves Offering $395K In College Scholarships To 58 High School Students: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

USTA Serves grants 58 high school students with $395k in scholarships

USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), announced that it will grant 58 high school students a variety of college scholarships totaling $395,000. An objective of USTA Serves is to encourage children to pursue their goals and highest dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens. Each year, USTA Serves awards scholarships to deserving youth who have participated in USTA and other organized youth tennis programs, have demonstrated high academic achievement and require financial assistance for college matriculation. “For many years, USTA Serves has proudly awarded students throughout the country for their outstanding achievements on and off the tennis court,” said Dan Faber, USTA Serves Executive Director. “I am excited that we can play a role toward their continuous excellence in academics, as well as their drive to succeed within this great sport. We look to them as the next great leaders, scholars and champions, and for that, USTA Serves congratulates them on their future endeavors.” The following scholarships will be awarded: Marian Wood Baird Scholarship Award ($15,000), Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship (Students each receive $10,000 award), Dwight Mosley Scholarship Award (Students each receive $10,000 award), Rosalind Walter Scholarship Award (Students each receive $10,000 award), Eve Kraft Education & College Scholarship (Students each receive $2,500 award), USTA Serves College Education Scholarship (Students each receive $8,000 award) and USTA Serves College Textbook Scholarship (Students each receive $1,000).

Lanson renewed as official champagne for Wimbledon

Lanson Champagne announced late last week that they will be the official champagne for Wimbledon for another five years. This year sees the 25-year anniversary of the partnership, and to Lanson has launched a series of Wimbledon-themed neoprene jackets to celebrate, along with an exclusive champagne cocktail, Lanson Fraise, created for visitors to this year’s event. Paul Beavis, MD of Lanson International UK said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be continuing our longstanding – and very happy – relationship with the team at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and everyone involved with Wimbledon. “This is undoubtedly the world’s finest tennis event. It is very exciting to be able to continue to be a part of the Wimbledon story and we have ambitious plans to build on its success in the years to come,” added Beavis. Mick Desmond, Commercial Director at The AELTC said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Lanson for another five years. We have shared a strong and close working relationship for 25 years.”

The Tennis Show in New York City will not be held in 2013; will return in 2014

The Tennis Show, which debuted in New York City last year just before the US Open, and tied into the 2012 USTA Tennis Teacher’s Conference (TTC), will not be held in 2013. However, the Tennis Show will return to New York in 2014. The TTC, also on hiatus for 2013, will resume in 2014 with expanded plans to provide the best possible learning experience for tennis teachers and coaches. The Tennis Show, coordinated by the Tennis Industry Association and supported by the U.S. Tennis Association and the tennis industry,  was timed to offer the hundreds of Teachers Conference attendees, along with all segments of the industry, a look at upcoming products and services from dozens of tennis companies, organizations and manufacturers. For tennis teachers, coaches and the industry in general, plans are in the works for the industry-supported 2014 Tennis Show to be even bigger and broader event. In addition to the return of the Tennis Show, the TIA Tennis Forum and Tennis Industry Hall of Fame will also return to New York in 2014.

Nadal’s first round loss at Wimbledon sets tournament Twitter record

According to Wimbledon, more people tweeted on Monday about Rafael Nadal’s first round loss to Belgian Steve Darcis – 7,000 tweets per minute – than last year’s men’s final.

Sirius XM to broadcast all of Wimbledon

In developing news from SW19 at Wimbledon, Sirius XM just announced that they will offer up to 13 hours of live Wimbledon coverage daily from 4 a.m. EST through the end of each day’s last match. Matches scheduled to be broadcast on the radio will be from Centre Court as well as several of the side courts. The broadcasts will offer subscribers live coverage through the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7. Listeners can tune in on Sirius Channel 158 and XM Channel 202 and on Channel 963 on the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at SiriusXM.com.

Former WTA player Jamea Jackson named USTA National Coach

The United States Tennis Association recently announced that former WTA Tour player Jamea Jackson has been hired as a USTA National Coach for Women’s Tennis. Jackson will be based out of the USTA’s Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla. and will start on Monday, July 1. The 26-year-old reached a career-high WTA Ranking of No. 45 before retiring due to injuries just before turning 23. She most recently spent the last four years as the women’s assistant tennis coach at Oklahoma State University, and was a USTA Collegiate Team coach.

Bollettieri, Braden, Wilkinson to be inducted into USPTA Hall of Fame on September 27 in Orlando

Nick Bollettieri, Vic Braden and Steve Wilkinson will be inducted into the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Hall of Fame on September 27 during the USPTA’s national awards luncheon at the World Conference at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. The three legendary coaches will join only 13 others who have already been inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame. “I cannot think of three other tennis-teaching giants who deserve this recognition more than Nick, Vic and Steve,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “In their own individual ways they have contributed mightily to our mission of elevating the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches across the country and around the world. This will be a special occasion for all.”

USTA Maryland hosting ‘Aces and Bases Night’ at Bowie Baysox baseball game on July 14

USTA Maryland is hosting an “Aces and Bases Night” at the Bowie Baysox vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game in Bowie, Md., on Sunday, July 14 with the first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. EST. Tickets that usually run from $15-$17 will cost just $10 for USTA Members. Please call Chris Rogers at (301) 464-4813 if you are interested in purchasing tickets. The pre-game tennis fun festivities start at 4 p.m. including a mini-tennis court that adults and children can rally on. Tennis fans planning to attend the game can enter a raffle with a chance to win a driveway tennis kit. Also, the first 500 10 and under kids in attendance will receive free prizes.

Freedoms now accepting applicants for Hamlin Family Foundation Billie Jean King Character Award

The Philadelphia Freedoms are currently accepting applications from youth athletes for the Billie Jean King Character Award. This award provides scholarships to ten selected youths, ages 10-18, who are seeking to become a competitive athlete in any sport, to participate in tournaments or on their school team, and who have displayed outstanding character. The top male and female scholarship recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the second place male and female recipients will each receive a $500 scholarship. The awards will be presented to the recipients by WTT co-founder and Philadelphia Freedoms owner Billie Jean King at a Freedoms home match in July at Villanova University. The objective of the Hamlin Family Foundation-Character Initiative and CITRS is to honor the actions of those who have displayed good character, integrity and fortitude in their lives, and prepare recipients to become mentors and character ambassadors. CITRS is the cornerstone of the Hamlin Family Foundation’s philosophy for character education. Applications are due by Friday, June 28 by 6 p.m. EST and must be submitted along with two (2) letters of recommendation, a short essay regarding the applicant’s demonstration of character, and a CITRS Character Mini-Assessment. For the award application, visit http://www.philadelphiafreedoms.com/teams/freedoms/pictures/2013_BJK_Award_OnlineApp.pdf

Philadelphia Freedoms offering special ticket deals for upcoming matches in July

The Philadelphia Freedoms announced that if you buy a full price box seat for the July 10 match against Andy Roddick and the Springfield Lasers, you will receive a FREE ticket to the Freedoms match on July 17 featuring Top 20 player Sloane Stephens. Other attractions during the July 10 match include an appearance by tennis legend Billie Jean King, debut of the new Freedoms mascot and free junior Wilson tennis racquets for all children in attendance. The Freedoms also announced another special ticket price night set for the July 23 home match against the Boston Freedoms. Tickets for that match are on sale for just $25 for adults and $15 for kids. To order your tickets, please call (866) WTT-TIXS.

TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY now available as an audio book

TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY, the historical novel that narrates the incredible story of two tennis players, Dick Williams and Karl Behr, and how they survived the sinking of the Titanic disaster in 1912 only to play each other in the quarterfinals of the modern-day U.S. Open tennis championships — with the winner going on to stage a major upset victory in the final — is now available for sale as an audio book. Written by Lindsay Gibbs and narrated by Julie Eickhoff, TITANIC: THE TENNIS STORY tells a narrative tale of Williams and Behr and their incredible stories of survival from the Titanic disaster. The two tennis standouts amazingly survived the sinking and met each other on the rescue ship Carpathia. Two years later, the two became U.S. Davis Cup teammates and again faced each other in the quarterfinals in the biggest tennis tournament in the country, the U.S. Nationals — the modern-day U.S. Open. The winner went on to become the unexpected singles champion of the tournament, winning their first major singles championship with a final-round upset over the world’s best player Maurice McLoughlin – the Roger Federer of this era in tennis. The audio version is available on Amazon.com for $17.46 and also on Audible.com and iTunes.

Bollettieri, Kafelnikov Highlight Those Overlooked by Tennis Hall of Fame

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By Randy Walker

The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s “Class of 2012” will be inducted Saturday in ceremonies in Newport, Rhode Island. Highlighting the class are former world No. 1 and teen phenom Jennifer Capriati and three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten and will also include 1975 US Open champion Manuel Orantes, administrator Mike Davies and wheelchair tennis standout Randy Snow.

While much will be written and spoken of these five inductees over the next few days, there are other deserving candidates who are being overlooked by the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, some who will likely have no one lobbying for their inclusion.

Daphne Akhurst is so regarded by Tennis Australia and the Australian Open that her name graces the Australian Open women’s singles trophy, won this year by Victoria Azarenka. As famed tennis historian and journalist Bud Collins describes in his book THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS (available here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0942257707?tag=tennisgrancom-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0942257707&adid=1HSRFS3QCB6NKV4HTHXQ&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennisgrandstand.com%2F) Akhurst was “her country’s first prolific champ” winning five Australian singles titles from 1925 to 1931 and collecting 14 total majors, all at her national tournament, including five women’s doubles titles and four mixed doubles trophies. She also made the semifinals of the Australian in 1924 and at Wimbledon in 1928. She also was a quarterfinalist at the French in 1928 and at Wimbledon in 1925. She also was the first Australian woman to make the world’s Top 5 (No. 3 in 1928). She was born on April 22, 1903 and died January 9, 1933, while in childbirth.

Akhurst’s countrywoman, Thelma Long, who won 19 major titles (2 Australian singles, 12 Australian doubles, 4 Australian mixed, 1 French mixed titles) and is the most prolific winner of women’s major titles not currently in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She’s won more major titles than the entire Class of 2012 combined! (As did Akhurst!)

Much more discussed, debated and whispered about throughout the tennis community are the two most well-known people who have been “overlooked” – Nick Bollettieri and Yevgeny Kafelnikov.

One of the ironies with Bollettieri is that his brand name is probably more recognizable around the world than the Tennis Hall of Fame itself. Said Kuerten when he was announced as a 2012 inductee, “I have to confess, in my first years playing tennis, I didn’t even know that the Hall of Fame existed.” During Kuerten’s teenage, formative tennis years, Bollettieri and his Bollettieri Academy was one of the most discussed topics in the sport as he jettisoned Andre Agassi to the upper echelon of the game in a global sonic boom across the sport in 1988, when “Guga” was 12 years old. The Bollettieri Academy was such a hot commodity that it was purchased by the sports marketing mega-firm, the International Management Group (IMG). The “tennis academy” system that Bollettieri made famous became a part of the everyday tennis vernacular and in pop culture. If you asked a New York City cab driver how you would turn a kid into a tennis pro, they’d say “Send them to a tennis academy.” Chances are, that cab driver would probably name Bollettieri specifically.

Nick Bollettieri
Nick Bollettieri

As for Kafelnikov, when presented with the “tale of the tape” comparing his career with Kuerten’s below, it’s pretty plain to see that Kafelnikov’s achievements and record exceed that of Kuerten. Kafelnikov won approximately 40 percent more career singles matches and prize money, six more singles titles (25 more titles in singles and doubles combined), double the major titles (singles and doubles combined) and double the number of semifinal or better finishes at Grand Slam tournaments than that of Kuerten.

SINGLES RECORD

Kafelnikov                             609–306

Kuerten                                358–195

SINGLES TITLES

Kafelnikov                             26

Kuerten                                20

WEEKS RANKED No. 1

Kafelnikov                             6 weeks

Kuerten                                43 weeks

MAJOR SINGLES TITLES

Kafelnikov                             2 – 1996 French, 1999 Australian

Kuerten                                3 – 1997, 2000, 2001 French

MAJOR DOUBLES TITLES

Kafelnikov                             4 (1997 US Open, 1996, 1997, 2002 French Open)

Kuerten                                0

MAJOR RUNNER-UP SHOWINGS SINGLES

Kafelnikov                             1 (2000 Australian)

Kuerten                                0

MAJOR SEMIFINAL FINISHES SINGLES

Kafelnikov                             3 (1999, 2001 US Open, 1995 French)

Kuerten                                0

BEST OLYMPIC RESULT

Kafelnikov                             Gold Medalist, Singles, 2000

Kuerten                                Quarterfinalist, Singles, 2000

DAVIS CUP RECORD/BEST TEAM RESULT

Kafelnikov                             Champion, 2002

Kuerten                                Semifinals, 2000

DOUBLES TITLES

Kafelnikov                             27

Kuerten                                 8

PRIZE MONEY

Kafelnikov                             $23,883,797

Kuerten                                 $14,807,000

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Kuerten leads series 7-5

Most notable matches

2001 Tennis Masters Cup – Kafelnikov d. Kuerten 62 46 63 in round robin

2001 US Open quarterfinals – Kafelnikov d. Kuerten 64 60 63

2001 French Open quarterfinals – Kuerten d. Kafelnikov 61 36 76 64

2000 Tennis Masters Cup – Kuerten d. Kafelnikov 63 64 in round robin

2000 Sydney Olympics quarterfinals– Kafelnikov d. Kuerten 64 75

2000 French Open quarterfinals– Kuerten d. Kafelnikov 63 36 46 64 62

1997 French Open quarterfinals – Kuerten d. Kafelnikov 62 57 26 60 64

 

For more information on the International Tennis Hall of Fame –and to view the list of inductees – go to www.TennisFame.com

Introducing “The Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open”

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Nick Bollettieri wanted to try something a little different, and the 1st Annual Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open tennis tournament, June 1-4, definitely is different.

It’s for juniors only, it’s unsanctioned and you’re not guaranteed a spot because of a ranking. But you do have to send in a DVD of your recent tennis highlights, a brief biography and an explanation of why you think this is the tournament that could get you recognized.

It’s for teenagers who haven’t compiled much notoriety and who have talent that has gone largely unnoticed by teaching pros in their areas.

It is, in short, a chance for some emerging young boys and girls to get discovered.

It’s by invitation only and staff members at the Bollettieri IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., will make the call on who plays — 32 draws for boys and girls in 11-under, 13-under and 15-under tournaments. Singles only. Winners get a free one-week camp at the Bradenton academy and an evaluation by Bollettieri teaching pros.

It doesn’t matter if you live in Kiev, Ukraine, or Lodi, Calif. Send in your tape, make your pitch and, if you’re accepted, all expenses are on you and your family, including discounted hotel rates and a $50 entry fee.

There will be expenses, but this is a chance for some 10-year-olds to get off those mandated 10-under short courts with the big foam ball and play on a regular sized hardcourt with real tennis balls. They will need to turn 11 during 2012.

For 15-year-olds, there’s less chance one of these kids has “fallen through the cracks.” At 15, a young player has probably played a number of tournaments and has been seen to teaching pros, who should have a pretty good idea of what he can do.

But of course there are always late developing players at 15, who have been playing tournaments since 11 or 12 but who just weren’t fully “into” tennis. Maybe something fired them up at age 14 or 15 and now they’re ready to combine talent with motivation. It’s one of those teens who might get discovered at the Bollettieri Discovery Open.

Entries close May 15. For more information on where to send DVDs and applications, go to nickbollettieridiscovery@imgworld.com

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com

Nadal Resigns as Vice President of ATP Player Council: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Rafael Nadal at the Sony Ericsson Open (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Nadal resigns as Vice President of ATP Player Council

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal has resigned from his post as vice president of the ATP Player Council, citing the fact that he can no longer give the position the attention it needs. Nadal announced his decision while he is in Miami playing in the Sony Ericsson Open. “I don’t have enough energy,” said Nadal. “I cannot still put in my 100 percent there.” Nadal unsuccessfully tried to get the ATP World Tour to have a two-year ranking system, which was opposed by Roger Federer, the president of the ATP Player Council. However, Nadal and Federer were both in agreement on several other issues including the fact that major tennis tournaments are too powerful and players on tour need a larger opinion when making decisions on things. “I am not frustrated,” said Nadal. “I believe that we can do much more things than what we have done. My feeling is a great opportunity to improve the sport, because today the players are very unified.”

Record 14,278 attend Federer vs. Roddick third round clash at Sony Ericsson Open

Miami tennis fans on Monday night saw a vintage Andy Roddick edge world No. 3 Roger Federer in a thrilling three-set battle at the Sony Ericsson Open. Fans flocking to the Crandon Park Tennis Center to see the American win just his third match over the Swiss legend in 24 career meetings, sold out Monday’s night session for the very first time in tournament history, setting an attendance record for Session 14 with 14,278 fans.

USTA Pro Circuit coming to three new cities

The USTA has added three new tournaments to its USTA Pro Circuit schedule starting in 2012. Two $50,000 events will take place in both Denver and Yakima, Wash. One $25,000 tournament will be held in Florence, S.C.

IMG Academies to host 2012 Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open in June

IMG Academies will host the 2012 Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open at the world-renowned IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla., from June 1-4. This inaugural elite singles only event will feature 32 of the top U11, U13 and U15 players in the world, with each boys’ and girls’ age group winner receiving a one week free camp evaluation, and the overall top player earning the opportunity to receive a year-long scholarship to attend IMG Academies. “I am very excited to debut this event, which will afford young up-and-coming athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level while having access to IMG Academies’ world-class coaching and facilities,” said Nick Bollettieri. “Playing singles’ matches on our outdoor courts, against the best competition in their respective age groups, is the best way for young players to display their talent, while providing them invaluable competitive experience to apply towards their future in tennis and in life.” The Nick Bollettieri Discovery Open Tournament Committee will select the best up-and-coming players based on verifiable national and international tournament results and rankings. Interested players should submit resumes and videos to nickbollettieridiscovery@imgworld.com. Entries close on May 1, 2012. For more information about the tournament, please visit www.imgacademies.com/discoveryopen.

Lopez and Monaco awarded wild cards for US Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston

No. 15 Feliciano Lopez and No. 21 Juan Monaco have been awarded the first main draw wild cards for the US Men’s Clay Court Championship, which will be played from April 9-15 at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas. Lopez will be making his debut in Houston, while Monaco reached the quarterfinals at River Oaks in 2007. “We’re thrilled to have the chance to grant Feliciano and Juan wild cards,” said Van Barry, Tournament Director. “To have these Top 25 international stars join our field that’s anchored by a couple of Top 10 Americans with Mardy and John is a very exciting way to gear up for the tournament which begins in less than three weeks.” One more main draw wild card will be announced at a later date.

WTA Family Circle Cup Qualifying Wild Cards announced

Qualifying wild cards for the WTA Family Circle Cup at Daniel Island in Charleston, S.C., have been granted to No. 283 Jessica Pegula, No. 292 Grace Min, No. 383 Maria Sanchez, Charleston native Shelby Rogers and 16-year-old Hayley Carter. The tournament will take place from March 31-April 8. One additional qualifying wild card will be awarded soon, while two main draw wild cards have already been accepted by Americans Irina Falconi and Jamie Hampton. Notable players scheduled to compete in the main draw include Serena and Venus Williams, Samantha Stosur, Vera Zvonareva, Jelena Jankovic, Agnieszka Radwanska, Marion Bartoli, Sabine Lisicki and Julia Goerges. Last year’s singles champion was then world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, while Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina captured the doubles title. ESPN2 will televise the matches in Charleston starting on Thursday at 10 p.m. EST.

Querrey, Haas, Levine, Soeda to compete at The Sarasota Open 2012

Sam Querrey, Tommy Haas, Jesse Levine and Go Soeda have announced their plans to participate in The Sarasota Open 2012 Challenger Tournament in Longboat Key, Fla., which will be played from April 14-22. The tournament will be played at the Longboat Key Club and Resort and tickets can be purchased by calling (941) 809-8996.

Henman returning to Royal Albert Hall for AEGON Masters Tennis in December

Former ATP World Tour world No. 4 Tim Henman has joined the field for the AEGON Masters Tennis at Royal Albert Hall in London, which will take place from December 5-9. Last year, the British star defeated Thomas Enqvist in the championship match. For more information about the AEGON Masters Tennis, which has been played every year since 1997, please visit www.aegonmasterstennis.com.

HEAD top rated tennis manufacturer on Facebook

HEAD Tennis, whose top athletes include Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Andy Murray, just became the No. 1 rated tennis manufacturer on Facebook with 329,000 plus likes and more than 34,000 fans on its official fan page. Along with videos including top players, HEAD has incorporated unique contests and the opportunity for fans to ask questions to their favorite tennis superstar. HEAD also has a strong digital presence on YouTube, Twitter, and Head.com.

HEAD launches Speed Pro Lite Tennis Shoe

HEAD has launched its latest footwear innovation, the HEAD Speed Pro Lite Tennis Shoe, which is available in two colors options. Shoes can either be purchased in black, white and orange or white and black. The Speed Pro Lite is HEAD’s lightest tennis shoe ever to hit the market. However, the shoe does not sacrifice performance or stability. The latest shoe by HEAD is 10 percent lighter than the original Speed Pro Tennis Shoe. The Speed Pro Lite also offers supreme comfort. With lightweight mesh and flexible TPU materials in the upper, it can be described as “ready to play out of the box”. It also is equipped with a half-sock construction which gives it a “slipper-like” feeling. The Speed Pro Lite offers a six-month durability guarantee on the outsole and toe guard. The shoe is currently available for purchase at your local tennis store.


Charlie Bricker: “Laughable” That Bollettieri Not In Hall of Fame

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I’m having a difficult time getting exorcised by the continual snubbing of Nick Bollettieri by the International Hall of Fame.

Not because I’m numbed by the succession of petty rejections of Bollettieri over the years, but because, frankly, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has become really quite irrelevant to professional tennis with its good-ole-boy network and perplexing decisions on who gets in and who doesn’t.

The ITHF likes to tell you it’s “the highest honor you can achieve in tennis.” Pure rubbish. The highest honor you can achieve in tennis is to win a Grand Slam singles title, something several of the Hall of Fame’s inductees have never achieved.

Bollettieri wouldn’t have gone in as a player, but as a “contributor.” He never played the game professionally. But you mention the name Bollettieri to any hard-core sports fan who doesn’t watch tennis and he will, nevertheless, recognize the name.

Why? Because, within or outside the tennis community, the name Bolletteiri is synonymous with tennis.

The 80-year-old founder of the Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Fla., has coached, counseled and/or consulted with 10 former No. 1 tennis players.

His academy, which has produced beaucoup tennis stars, is the most famous in the world. Ask Jim Courier if he would have reached No. 1 in the world or won four Grand Slams if he hadn’t been at Bollettieri’s. Ask Maria Sharapova about Nick’s impact on her life.

Nick IS tennis. I know it. You know it. And so do the vindictive voters within the ITHF. I can’t tell you with 100 percent certainty why they won’t let him in, nor do I any longer care except for the curiosity of it all.

My best guess is that Nick, who has ruffled some feathers over the years, has some enemies at the Hall and this is their childish way of getting even. If that is so, and I’d bet money on it, that only authenticates the fact that the International Tennis Hall of Fame has become irrelevant.

The whole setup in Newport, R.I., is a sham. Among the “contributors” they’ve voted in over the years are some obscure Italian journalist and some guy who did radio play-by-play at Wimbledon. Plus a slew of other nobodies who are touted as having done wonders to advance tennis.

This is laughable. Nick Bollettieri does more for tennis in one day at his academy than half these so-called contributors have done in a lifetime.

OK, I’m getting a bit riled again, so I’ll have to catch myself here. Fine, Bollettieri isn’t going into the worst-run and least prestigious Hall of Fame of any major sport.

Does it really matter? Does anyone who has his finger on the pulse of this game really care?

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com.

Ryan Harrison Signs New Four-Year Racquet Deal With Babolat: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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American Ryan Harrison

Harrison renews Babolat racquet deal

American Ryan Harrison has renewed his Babolat racquet deal for four years. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Harrison, who splits his time between Texas and Florida, has used Babolat racquets and strings since he was 12 years old. “Ryan’s renewal with Babolat is a vote of confidence in the brand, the equipment and the service he receives from Babolat. Harrison’s charisma, passion and dedication to tennis represent our brand values,” said Seth McKinley, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager. Currently ranked No. 91, Harrison plays with the Babolat Pure Storm LTD racquet and Pro Hurricane Tour/VS hybrid strings.

Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island triples enrollment

The Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy (Ivan Lendl IJTA) in sunny Hilton Head Island, S.C., recently announced that the spring class has tripled enrollment from its inaugural semester. Led by Ivan Lendl, former ATP world No. 1 and current coach to Andy Murray, the new semester at Ivan Lendl IJTA began January 16, featuring students from Canada, New Zealand, Russia and the United States. “The enrollment influx from fall to spring is a tribute to the elite instruction our coaches provide students each day,” said Peter Orrell, President and CEO of Junior Sports Corporation, Owner/Operator of the Ivan Lendl IJTA. “Ivan Lendl IJTA offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for passionate junior tennis players to reach their ultimate potential.” Ivan Lendl IJTA students (grades five through 12) attend Heritage Academy. It is dedicated to progressive and diverse academic instruction for juniors pursuing extra-curricular passions. Classes average eight students – with a maximum of 15 – to promote individual attention. Optional English as a Second Language, College Preparatory and Honors courses are also available. For more information about Ivan Lendl IJTA, visit www.LendlTennis.com or call (888) 963-6647.

Australian Open to use Plexicushion through 2017

Tennis Australia, California Products’ Plexipave Division and Australian Plexipave Inc. announced an extended designation of Plexicushion Prestige as the official playing surface of the Australian Open in Melbourne through 2017. The Australian Open has been played on Plexicushion since the 2007 tournament. “Since 2008, Tennis Australia has invested more than $12 million building or resurfacing over 1,100 courts and Australian Plexipave has played and enormous role in helping us make this happen,” said Steve Wood, CEO of Tennis Australia.

USTA member discount for Sony Ericsson Open tickets

Tickets are on sale now for the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, which will be played from March 19-April 1. The tournament will feature all the top players in the game including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki. For a limited time, USTA members can receive a 20 percent discount on 400-level tickets for the Monday, March 26 day session that begins at 11 a.m. A limit of 4 tickets per member can be purchased. To order, call the Sony Ericsson Open Box Office at (305) 442-3367 or visit www.SonyEricssonOpen.com and use promo code USTA2012 to receive your discount.

Kournikova sells Miami Beach mansion for $7.4 million

Former Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova has sold her gated Miami Beach mansion for a reported $7.4 million. Kournikova purchased the seven-bedroom waterfront pad for $5 million in 2000. Coldwell Banker’s “The Jills,” Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, represented both Kournikova and the buyer. Eber declined to identify the buyer but said he or she was from South America. The former Top 10 WTA Tour star and boyfriend Enrique Iglesias are currently building a near $20 million home in South Florida.

Bollettieri not elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri fell short of being elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, according to a report by the Bradenton Herald-Tribune. The 80-year-old Bollettieri, who has coached tennis greats including Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Maria Sharapova, Tommy Haas, Martina Hingis and Marcelo Rios, was nominated in the contributor category. “I don’t question it. It is just the way it is,” said Bollettieri.

The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa named 2011 Northern California Facility of the Year by USPTA

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) announced that The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkley Hills, Calif., was named the 2011 Northern California Facility of the Year. Rated as one of the Top 17 tennis facilities in the country, The Claremont offers league play, tournaments and lessons for all ages and skill levels. Additional tennis amenities include a practice wall with ball machines, racquet re-stringing and community socials. The Club also features three swimming pools, a variety of dynamic fitness classes including yoga and spin and access to the Claremont Kids’ Club for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old. The Claremont opened in 1915 and is situated on the beautiful Northern California property that features 279 uniquely designed rooms and suites, a variety of meeting and event spaces, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, an incredible 32 treatment room spa, and an award-winning food and beverage program.

Dunlop announces new leaders

Dunlop industry leaders Steve Hall and Hunter Hines have taken over new roles at the organization. Hall, who has been with Dunlop since 2000, will assume the title of Director of Marketing for Indoor Sports. He will focus mainly on squash, badminton and indoor sports. “Steve has proven he has a knowledge and passion for indoor sports second to none,” said Kai Nitsche, Vice President of Dunlop Racket Sports. Hines, who has been working in the tennis industry for more than 10 years, takes over as the Director of Marketing and Product for Tennis. He will oversee traditional marketing duties such as advertising, public relations and social media. Further, he will have a strong grip on consumer and Tour player product development as well as Tour player singings. “Hunter has an incredible knowledge of the industry, and in particular, the technology behind performance products and how it can benefit players of all levels,” said Nitsche. “He was instrumental in helping the design process of the new Biomimetic 400 series of rackets, and he is aggressively working to help sign some standout players as well. 2012 promises to be a great year for Dunlop Tennis with him at the helm.”