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Hingis Joins Coaching Ranks at Patrick Mouratoglou Academy: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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Martina Hingis

Hingis joins coaching ranks at Patrick Mouratoglou Academy in Paris

Former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis has joined the prestigious Patrick Mouratoglou Academy in Paris as an advisor and will help oversee the playing careers of Daria Gavrilova, Yulia Putintseva, Naomi Broady and Sachia Vickery. The Swiss legend will travel to the Australian Open in January with those players, and also play in the Legends event while in town. “Now that she has accepted the end of her career, Martina is ready to move on and coaching is a natural,” said Mouratoglou. “The girls are delighted and are well aware of the opportunity they have. It’s been one month that she has been with us and everything is going very well…We all know about her tactical understanding of the game, her insight on the court.”

John McEnroe to be honored by the New York Junior Tennis League on November 17

At the glamorous Waldorf Astoria in New York City on Thursday, November 17 at 12:00 noon, the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL) will present tennis legend John McEnroe with its annual Leadership Award during its 26th annual luncheon. McEnroe, a former top-ranked ATP player and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has helped grow the game of tennis in his hometown of New York City by opening the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Randall’s Island, a part of the SPORTIME organization. Further, McEnroe is a renowned tennis broadcaster on CBS, NBC, ESPN2 and Tennis Channel, and continues to play tennis competitively in World TeamTennis events, the Champions Series Tour and exhibition matches around the globe. The luncheon will also recognize Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. To purchase tickets to the event, visit www.nyjtlluncheon.kintera.org or contact Pamela Glick at pglick@nyjtl.org.

Racquet Club of the South agrees to three-year extension to host Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs

On Monday, the USTA announced they agreed to a new three-year contract to host its annual Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs at Atlanta’s Racquet Club of the South, a USTA Certified Regional Training Center. This year’s tournament, which will be held from December 16-18, marks the third consecutive year it will take played at the Racquet Club of the South. “The Racquet Club of the South has been a great host for our Australian Open Wild Card Playoff the past two years. The Atlanta tennis community has embraced the event and we expect interest to continue to grow in the coming years,” said Patrick McEnroe, USTA Player Development General Manager. “The event is a great showcase for our players and promotes our philosophy of having them earn their way into Grand Slam events through competition.” Eight men and eight women will compete in the playoff event with aspirations of earning a main draw wild card into the Australian Open in Melbourne in January 2012. The USTA secured the opportunity through a reciprocal agreement with Tennis Australia where the two national tennis federations exchange wild cards for the 2011 US Open and the 2012 Australian Open. The fields for the event will be announced in the coming weeks. For tickets and more information, visit www.australianwildcard.com. USTA members receive 10% off their ticket purchases by using the promotional code: “usta10off”.

Anastasia Myskina honored with Fed Cup Award of Excellence

Former world No. 2 and 2004 French Open champion Anastasia Myskina was recently honored as the 2011 Fed Cup Award of Excellence recipient by the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and Jane Brown Grimes, president emerita of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, presented Myskina with the award on Saturday, November 5 in Moscow, during the 2011 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final between the Czech Republic and Russia. “Anastasia Myskina has been a great factor in the success of the Russian Fed Cup team and an inspiration for the growth of tennis in Russia,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, ITF President. “In recognition of all that she has achieved and in appreciation for her contributions to the sport and to Fed Cup, we are proud to present her with the Fed Cup Award of Excellence.” Since 2001, the Hall of Fame and ITF have presented the Fed Cup Award of Excellence to a person who represents the ideals and spirits of the Fed Cup competition. It is presented to a person who has been an active member of a past or present Fed Cup team. During her career on the WTA Tour, Myskina played in 11 Fed Cup ties, and was a member of the 2004 and 2005 championship teams. She compiled a winning record of 14-5 in singles and 4-1 in doubles. Myskina won a total of 10 singles titles and 5 doubles titles in her career, and had a career win-loss record of 355-191. From 2002-2006, she finished each season ranked in the Top 20 in the WTA Rankings. She stopped playing competitively due to injury in 2007. Past recipients of the Fed Cup Award of Excellence are American Billie Jean King in 2010; Mary Joe Fernandez of the United States and Silvia Farina of Italy in 2009; Miguel Margets of Spain in 2008; Lea Pericoli of Italy in 2007; Sabine Appelmans of Belgium in 2006; Françoise “Frankie” Dürr of France in 2005; Olga Morozova of Russia in 2004; Larisa Savchenko of Latvia in 2003; Virginia Wade of Great Britain in 2002; and Spain’s Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario and Conchita Martinez in 2001.

WTA’s season-ending tournament in Istanbul registered highest attendance in 12 years

The attendance for the WTA’s season-ending event in Istanbul, Turkey, the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, reached 70,824, the highest total in 12 years. The average session was visited by 11,804 fans, and 13,676 packed Stadium Court on championship Sunday to witness Petra Kvitova capture the title by defeating Victoria Azarenka. “The TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships was an historic event in a new market, and having a full stadium of enthusiastic fans supporting our players at the WTA’s crown-jewel finale has demonstrated the global reach and strength of women’s tennis,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA. “Sold-out attendance is also a testament to the Ministry of Sport and Turkish Tennis Federation’s efforts in executing, promoting and organizing this great event.” Record broadcast and digital audience milestones were also set, as the tournament broadcast more than 400 hours of live coverage in 164 countries through 22 international TV broadcasters, the widest reach of a WTA Championships in history. Among the broadcast highlights, the WTA’s longstanding partner Eurosport once again telecast the Championships across its pan-European footprint. The previous high came last year at the WTA Championships in Doha, Qatar through coverage by 19 international broadcasters in 162 countries. Further, EuroSport and ESPN3.com, among others, offered live streaming broadcasts of all matches.

USTA to bring Tennis to Military Veterans and Wounded Warriors

According to a press release, the USTA announced that it has donated two tennis courts to the Charlie Norwood Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Augusta, Ga. for its tennis therapy training programs. The donation of the courts is part of the USTA’s ongoing military outreach efforts to support U.S. military service members and their families, who continue to sacrifice in order to serve our country. Representatives from the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (CNVAMC), Freedom Alliance and the USTA will dedicate the courts at a ribbon cutting ceremony November 9th.  The two courts, designed and installed by Sport Court®, were built last year to help kick-off First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let Move!” program on the White House Lawn.  They will now be used to help veterans and wounded warriors in their physical therapy and recovery from injuries.  As the only VA facility in partnership with an active duty Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB), Charlie Norwood’s new tennis therapy program will also serve as a rehabilitation space for wounded warriors from the nearby Warrior Transition Unit in Ft. Gordon. “The USTA is honored to provide a resource that will better enable our military veterans and wounded warriors an opportunity to excel in their therapy and recovery,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President.  “We are proud to partner with Freedom Alliance and showcase how tennis is truly the sport of opportunity.” “We greatly appreciate the commitment shown by the USTA and Connor Sport Courts in promoting the healing journey and recovery of our wounded troops through this very generous donation of tennis courts,” said Tom Kilgannon, Freedom Alliance President.  Through the USTA’s partnership with Freedom Alliance, an educational and charitable organization that sponsors numerous program activities aimed at supporting and honoring our service members and their families, the USTA will be offering training and volunteers for the facility.

Lisicki commits to 2012 ASB Classic in Auckland

Big-serving German Sabine Lisicki, a semifinalist this year at Wimbledon, has committed to playing at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand from January 2-7, 2012 at the ASB Tennis Centre. Currently ranked No. 15, Lisicki made it the second round in Auckland earlier this year after playing her way through the qualifying tournament. “Sabine is a very likable young woman and was a delight to have here. She has always shown exceptional promise and has been one of the biggest movers on the WTA circuit this year as she begins to fulfill her promise. Hopefully fans will get to see her at her best and witness her big serve,” said Richard Palmer, ASB Classic Tournament Director.

Kirilenko to play doubles with Petrova in 2012

Maria Kirilenko will partner with fellow Russian Nadia Petrova next year in doubles in an attempt to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Kirilenko recently announced the decision at the Fed Cup final last weekend. This past season, Kirilenko played doubles with Victoria Azarenka. Kirilenko has won 10 career doubles titles, while Petrova has captured 19 since turning pro in 1999.

US Open Base Pay Reaches Record $23.7 Million; $1.8 Million for Singles Champions: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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US Open singles champions to earn record $1.8 million plus potential $1 million bonus prize money

The USTA announced that the prize money purse for the 2011 US Open has reached a record $23.7 million, a $1 million increase from last year. Additionally, the top three men’s and women’s finishers in the Olympus US Open Series may earn up to an extra $2.6 million in bonus prize money at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, which could potentially provide a payout of $26.3 million. Both the men’s and women’s singles champions will collect a record $1.8 million by winning the final Grand Slam title of the year, as well as an additional $1 million if they finish first place in the Olympus US Open Series standings. This year’s US Open will be held from August 29-September 11. Tickets for the 2011 US Open are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX, visiting the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office in Flushing Meadows or by visiting the official US Open website at www.USOpen.org.

The US Open

Eighth season of the Olympus US Open Series kicks off this week at Atlanta Tennis Championships

The eighth season of the Olympus US Open Series got underway on Monday at the Atlanta Tennis Championships at the Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, as veteran American James Blake knocked out Ernests Gulbis in a nail-bitter on Stadium Court, launching the six-week North American summer tennis season that links 10 ATP World Tour and WTA summer tournaments to the US Open in New York. The USTA announced that throughout the U.S. summer hard-court season, nearly 200 live television hours of tennis will be featured on ESPN2, Tennis Channel and CBS Sports, highlighted by back-to-back men’s and women’s finals on Sundays on ESPN2 and select finals on CBS. The Olympus US Open Series season will be supported once again by a multi-million dollar national marketing campaign, the OlympusUSOpenSeries.com website, and sponsor creation on both the national and local levels.  In 2008, Olympus became the first title sponsor of the Series. The Olympus US Open Series is also supported by sponsors American Express, Evian, Esurance and Gatorade. Earlier this summer, the USTA launched the “Follow Me to the US Open” contest – designed to allow fans to actively engage and follow tennis all summer long, through the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open. Fans will accumulate points by engaging with the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open, and the fan who accumulates the most points at the conclusion of the 2011 US Open will receive a trip to the 2012 US Open and a one-hour hitting session in Arthur Ashe Stadium.  The contest, developed in partnership with Omnigon Communications, will engage tennis fans via social media, online media, traditional media, on-site assets at all Olympus US Open Series events as well as in-broadcast assets to better show fans the connection between the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open. 

Tennis Channel to air about 100 hours of live and same-day coverage during Olympus US Open Series

Tennis Channel announced that they will broadcast close to 100 high-definition hours of live or same-day match play during the upcoming Olympus US Open Series leading up to the US Open in Flushing Meadows. The network will cover singles semifinal, quarterfinal and early round matches during the yearly North American hard-court summer circuit, in addition to prime-time Sunday doubles finals.  Matches from the six-week series will first appear on the channel Friday, July 22, and conclude Friday, August 26, on the eve of the network’s US Open telecast that begins two days later. Tennis Channel will broadcast nine of the 10 tournaments that consist of the Olympus US Open Series, with exception being the WTA New Haven Open at Yale, which will be played the week before the US Open. In Tennis Channel’s 2011 Olympus US Open Series lineup: ATP – Atlanta Tennis Championships (Atlanta),Farmers Classic (Los Angeles), Legg Mason Tennis Classic (Washington, D.C.), Rogers Masters (Montreal) and the new Winston-Salem Open (Winston-Salem, N.C.); WTA – Bank of the West Classic (Stanford, Calif.), Mercury Insurance Open (San Diego) and Rogers Cup (Toronto). The network will also cover the combined men’s and women’s Western and Southern Open (Cincinnati).

More than $300,000 raised for the Johnny Mac Tennis Project during McEnroe-Borg WTT Match

On Tuesday, The John McEnroe Tennis Academy announced that more than $300,000 was raised in last Thursday’s highly publicized World TeamTennis match at SPORTIME Randall’s Island in Manhattan between the New York Sportimes and Philadelphia Freedoms. The match featured Sportimes’ John McEnroe defeating Bjorn Borg of the Freedoms 5-4 in front of a packed house. The funds raised from the match will benefit the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, which provides scholarships, coaching, tournament travel and introductory programs for area youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the Academy or to participate in recreational tennis programs. “We are very pleased that the fundraising night in connection with an exciting World TeamTennis match was able to both bring in critical dollars and to show so many people our facility for the first time,” said Mark McEnroe, Academy Director. “The Academy’s first year of operation has gone very well, and we are confident that these funds will help us increase our reach to many kids who have the interest but not the wherewithal to join our mission of bringing well-rounded, athletic kids from all walks of life into the game of tennis.”

James Blake hoping to build indoor tennis facility in Connecticut

Last week, James Blake’s lawyer, Raymond Rizio presented a proposal to the Bridgeport Board of Parks Commissioners to build a $4 million, privately funded indoor tennis facility at Veteran’s Park on Park Avenue next to the newly developed Discovery Magnet School in Bridgeport, Conn. Blake, who spent his childhood days in nearby Fairfield, would like to see seven indoor courts, as well as four platform tennis courts built, since no indoor tennis courts are currently in Bridgeport. The proposed tennis facility would bring in top tennis teaching professionals to the area to grow the game to the city youths through the USTA’s Quick Start program, as well as scholarship programs. If all went according to plan, the new tennis facility would be ready to open its doors in September 2012. Other possible cities that Blake would consider building a tennis facility include Fairfield, Trumbull and Tampa, Fla., where he owns a home.

Regions Financial and Morgan Keegan staying put as title sponsor for ATP event in Memphis

Officials from Regions Financial and Morgan Keegan & Company announced last Friday that they will be extending their agreement to continue as the title sponsor of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis, one of just 11 ATP World Tour 500-level men’s tournaments throughout the world. The tournament, which was won this year by Andy Roddick over Canadian Milos Raonic, has served as the title sponsor for the last eight years. The tournament also announced last week that St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is the recipient of one of 12 $10,000 ATP ACES for Charity grants. The grant program was launched earlier this year and is a global initiative aimed at giving back to communities where ATP World Tour events are played. St. Jude Children’s Hospital has been the tournament’s designated beneficiary since 1993.

Former USC Trojans star Maria Sanchez signs with Las Vegas-based Agent Atleta

Maria Sanchez, former University of Southern California All-American and Intercollegiate Tennis Association top-ranked player, has signed an agency agreement with Las Vegas-based Agent Atleta Ltd. “I am honored and thrilled to represent Maria as she embarks on her promising pro career,” said Agent Atleta’s Jordan J. Butler, who will represent Sanchez. “She is a proven winner and has a very high ceiling due to her superior athletic ability and competitive nature. Maria is also a well-rounded individual and a great person off the court.” Sanchez, who graduated from USC with a degree in real estate and a minor in business, currently trains at the USTA Training Center – West in Carson, Calif. She was recently selected by the St. Louis Aces to replace the pregnant Lindsay Davenport in World TeamTennis. The Northern California native speaks fluent Spanish, having spent time in Mexico as a child where she was introduced to tennis at the age of 10.

Ivanovic rehires Byrnes as fitness trainer

According to a recently released statement by Ana Ivanovic, the former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion has re-hired fitness trainer Scott Byrnes, just weeks after announcing at Wimbledon the hiring of Nigel Sears as her new coach. Byrnes, who was Ivanovic’s trainer from July 2006 – July 2009, which included when she was the top-ranked player in the world in 2008, has also trained Maria Sharapova, Vera Zvonareva and Victoria Azarenka. “With the appointment of Nigel as my coach, and now Scott as my fitness trainer, I feel that I have a very good structure in place and I am feeling optimistic about the future,” said Ivanovic.

Bryan Brothers commit to Legg Mason Tennis Classic

Top-ranked doubles duo and three-time champions Bob and Mike Bryan announced that they will compete in the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, which will be played from July 30-August 7 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. The Bryan Brothers, who played in the nation’s capital for the first time as teenagers, were crowned champions in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The former Stanford All-Americans were finalists in 2001 and 2002. “The addition of the Bryans, considered by most as the greatest doubles team of all-time, to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic is great news for Washington tennis fans,” said Jeff Newman, Tournament Director. “They are without question two of the most charismatic players on the ATP World Tour, both on and off the court, and we are thrilled to have them competing. We also look forward to the return of Wayne Bryan, who will once again bring his entertaining personality to the court and tournament events.” Ticket packages to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic are on sale now. Call (202) 721-9500 or visit www.leggmasontennisclassic.com to purchase your tickets for this year’s tournament, which includes players such as world No. 7 Gael Monfils, No. 9 Mardy Fish, No. 10 Andy Roddick, No. 12 Jurgen Melzer, No. 13 Viktor Troicki, No. 22 Fernando Verdasco, as well as defending champion David Nalbandian. Marcos Baghdatis, James Blake, Lleyton Hewitt and John Isner are also slated to compete in Washington in late July.

Cincinnati Tournament Renamed to Western & Southern Open: This Week in Tennis Business

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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.

Maria Sharapova

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