By Justin Cohen
Cincinnati professional tennis tournament renamed to Western & Southern Open
The oldest United States professional tennis tournament still in its original city has been renamed to the Western & Southern Open. The tournament, which will be a combined event in 2011, will take place from August 13-21, 2011 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, OH. On Tuesday, tournament officials announced that Western & Southern Financial Group would still be the event’s title sponsor. They also announced that Western & Southern Financial Group played a key part in the creation of the new brand and logo. The new Western & Southern Open is one of only five events in the world where fans can see at least a Masters 1000 event on the men’s ATP World Tour and a Premier level event for the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) occurring simultaneously. “The combined tournament coming in August 2011 will be the best product we’ve ever put on the courts in our 110-year history,” said Paul Flory, tournament chairman. “The new logo and tournament name are necessary to represent the formation of this new event.” Last year, 233,775 fans paid to watch Roger Federer repeat as champion on the men’s side and observe Kim Clijsters rally past Maria Sharapova to win the women’s title.
Atlanta Tennis Championships to be played at Racquet Club of the South in 2011
On Tuesday, tournament officials announced that the Atlanta Tennis Championships will be held at the Racquet Club of the South starting in 2011. While the tournament site has changed to a different part of Atlanta, the week of the tournament is still the same, which is July 18-24, 2011. Defending champion and 2010 finalist John Isner have already committed to participate in the 2011 tournament. The Racquet Club of the South (RCS) is known as one of the premier tennis clubs in Georgia. The facility hosted the 1990 Fed Cup and a men’s World Championship Tennis tournament during the 1980’s. Numerous world-class pro players have played at RCS, including Isner, Sam Querrey, the Bryan brothers, Jim Courier and Thomas Muster. For years, it has hosted USTA Pro Circuit tournaments that have featured up-and-coming and veteran pros. The RCS is also the home training base for WTA star Melanie Oudin. “We’re extremely pleased to bring the Atlanta Tennis Championships to the Racquet Club of the South. The club’s extensive experience in hosting professional tournaments over many years makes it a very desirable location to showcase the top players in the world,” said Rex Maynard, Tournament Chairman.
Adecco to sponsor Davis Cup and Fed Cup through 2013
The International Tennis Federation announced last week that Adecco, the world leader in Human Resources Solutions, will return to Davis Cup and Fed Cup as an international sponsor. The new agreement started last week during the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final between Serbia and France and will run through 2013. Adecco previously sponsored Davis Cup from 2002-2007. “It is always good news when a top sponsor like Adecco chooses your competition. It is even better news when they decide to come back,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, International Tennis Federation President. “This shows a real vote of confidence for both Davis Cup and Fed Cup and reinforces the current strength of both competitions. We are delighted to welcome Adecco back. They are both friends and colleagues and we know, from experience, that they are a great fit for Davis Cup and Fed Cup.” Adecco will now become the official Human Resources Partner of both the Davis Cup and Fed Cup and will sponsor the on-site speed serve during each competition. Adecco will also provide hospitality and on-site banners during both competitions throughout the year.
USTA’s Gordon Smith top paid Governing Body Executive
USTA Chief Executive Gordon Smith leads the compensation list of American sports governing body top executives with an annual salary of $1.3 million, according to reports from the Colorado Gazette.
Sharapova hires Thomas Hogstedt to co-coach with Michael Joyce
Former World No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam singles champion has hired Swede Thomas Hogstedt to co-coach her along with current coach Michael Joyce as she continues her journey back to the top of the rankings. Sharapova and Hogstedt began working together this week at the Nick Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Joyce suggested bringing on Hogstedt to help Sharapova. Hogstedt is credited to helping Na Li break into the Top 10 and helping Tommy Haas reach No. 2 in the ATP World Tour rankings. Sharapova, who hasn’t won a Grand Slam singles title since 2008 at the Australian Open, finished 2010 ranked No. 18.
Soderling hires Claudio Pistolesi as new coach
According to Swedish press reports, World No. 5 Robin Soderling, who recently split with Magnus Norman, has hired Italian Claudio Pistolesi as his new coach. Pistolesi has previous coached Monica Seles, Ai Sugiyama, Anna Smashnova, Davide Sanguinetti, Simone Bolelli and Michael Berrer. According to the reports, Soderling tried to persuade a Swede to coach him, but Peter Lundgren is coaching Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, Thomas Hogstedt is now coaching Maria Sharapova and Fredrik Rosengren is said to longer want to travel and coach on tour.
Stosur honored with inaugural Newcombe Medal at Australian Tennis Awards
World No. 6 and 2010 French Open finalist Samantha Stosur was awarded with the inaugural Newcombe Medal last week at the Australian Tennis Awards in Melbourne. The 26-year-old was honored as the most outstanding player in Australia. The Newcombe Medal is named to recognize the achievements of Australian tennis legend John Newcombe, who had the honor of presenting Stosur with the first ever medal. “I think it is a great honor,” said Stosur. “It is a really good initiative of Tennis Australia to put a night like this together for everyone to celebrate our sport. So to be the first winner of the Newcombe Medal is very special. “Tennis is such a huge part of our culture in Australia, we’ve obviously got a great history and we’re trying to continue that now.” Lleyton Hewitt, Jarmila Groth and Anastasia Rodionova were the other finalists for the award. Australia’s No. 2 ranked male player Peter Luczak was presented with the Spirit of Tennis Award, which honored him for his outstanding leadership, passion for tennis, sportsmanship on and off the court, dedication to the sport and his major contribution to the game