ryan harrison

John Isner Wins Atlanta for Fifth Time – Mondays with Bob Greene

July 30, 2018 by Admin

John Isner Wins Atlanta for Fifth Time – Mondays with Bob Greene

STARS

Nikoloz Basilashvili beat Leonardo Mayer 6-4 0-6 7-5 to win the German Tennis Championships in Hamburg, Germany

John Isner beat Ryan Harrison 5-7 6-3 6-4 to win the BB&T Atlanta Open in Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Matteo Berrettini beat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (9) 6-4 to win the J. Safra Sarasin Swiss Open in Gstaad, Switzerland

Olga Danilovic beat Anastasia Potapova 7-5 6-7 (1) 6-4 to win the Moscow River Cup presented by Ingrad in Moscow, Russia

Wang Qiang beat Zheng Saisai 7-5 4-0 retired to win the Jiangxi Open in Nanchang, China

Peter Polansky beat Ugo Humbert 6-4 1-6 6-2 to win the Challenger Banque Nationale de Granby in Granby, Quebec, Canada

SAYINGS

“There are no words to describe this kind of feeling. Yesterday I said, ‘This is the final, and this is my life, this is the moment that I live for.’ Being able to win, it’s even a better feeling.” – Olga Danilovic, who beat Anastasia Potapova to win the Moscow River Cup.

“I just calmed down and enjoyed the match. I always believe that practice makes perfect.” – Wang Qiang, who was singing along with the music being played during changeovers in her Jiangxi Open victory.

“I’m extremely tired, I played seven matches. I literally gave, in every match, my heart. I’m pretty sure every player worked so hard for this, but it’s an unbelievable moment for me.” – Nikoloz Basilashvili, who won Hamburg.

“This was an unbelievable week. I didn’t expect that at all coming here. Congrats to my partner Matteo (Berrettini), who won two titles here and had a fantastic week.” – Daniele Bracciali, who with his fellow Italian won the doubles in Gstaad.

“He is a tough player and I played well today. I needed to.” – John Isner, after beating Mischa Zverev 7-5 4-6 6-1 in the Atlanta Open quarterfinals.

“This is exactly what the doctor ordered for me.” – Ryan Harrison, after beating Korea’s Hyeon Chung 6-7 (3) 6-2 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals in Atlanta.

“The winning never gets old in any form. It’s just addictive.” – Venus Williams.

“I want to stay healthy through the end of the year. If I do that, I’ll win more matches and my ranking will move up. If I stay fit and healthy, I’ll play more against the best players and that will improve my fitness. I’ll be ready to start the 2019 season really well.” – Andy Murray.

SURPRISE

With the exception of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, there were a lot of new faces taking home the big trophies around the tennis world. First-time winners on the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour showed up in Hamburg, Germany; Gstaad, Switzerland, Moscow, Russia; and Nanchang, China. And in Moscow, if the loser had won, it still would have been a first-time champion. As it was, the Moscow champion is the first lucky loser to capture the crown in WTA history, and the first born in the 21^st century to be a champion. Matteo Berrettini won seven matches to win in Gstaad, Switzerland, coming through qualifying to win the tournament. Then there was John Isner, winning his fifth Atlanta Open.

SUCCESS IN ATLANTA

It’s becoming habit-forming for John Isner. The top-seeded American won the BB&T Atlanta Open for the fifth time, stopping Ryan Harrison in the title match for the second straight year. Isner also won in Atlanta in 2013, 2014 and 2015. This was Isner’s second title of the year – he also won the Miami Open in April – matching his career best season. And earlier this month, he reached his first Grand Slam tournament semifinal at Wimbledon. Harrison took the opening set after breaking Isner’s serve in the 11^th game, then holding at love. Isner staved off four break points in the second set, including three in the third game, then cashed in his only break chance Harrison netted a backhand. Isner broke Harrison to begin the third set, then held serve the rest of the way to claim the title.

SNARES FIRST TITLE

Wang Qiang won her first WTA title at the Jiangxi Open when Zheng Saisai retired because of exhaustion while trailing 7-5 4-0. Wang, who was seeded second, dropped her serve to begin the match as Zheng kept the eventual champion off-balance with high, top-spin groundstrokes, biting slices and redirections of pace. Zheng was two points away from grabbing the opening set at 5-3 0-30 on Wang’s serve, but she netted a forehand and Wang eventually held with her fourth and fifth aces of the match. With Zheng’s shots falling shorter in the court, Wang attacked, winning eight of the last 10 points to take the set. Towards the end of the set, Zheng, who missed six months because of injury, returning only in March, complained to her coach of fatigue. Visibly struggling in the second set, Zheng tried to shorten points by going to the net at every opportunity. But nothing worked as Wang found the passing lanes and kept the pressure on. Zheng, in tears, conceded the match two games later. “I am really happy to win the match,” Wang said. “My fans are great motivation for me to keep fighting.” It was the first all-Chinese final at the Jiangxi Open and third in WTA history.

SWISS WINNER

Italy’s Matteo Berrettini upset second-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut at the Swiss Open to win his first ATP World Tour title. Ranked 17^th in the world, Bautista Agut was playing in his first tournament since suffering a hip injury just before Wimbledon. Berrettini took the opening set tiebreak 11-9, then broke Bautista Agut in the 10^th game of the second set to wrap up the victory. “I served really good most of the days and it was an unbelievable tiebreak,” the Italian said. “If I lost the tiebreak, I think the match would have been really tough. I was lucky I did a really good job.” Playing his first career final, Berrettini blasted 17 aces, saved all five break points he faced and lost just 12 points on his serve in the match. He didn’t lose a set in the tournament while upsetting 2016 champion Feliciano Lopez and fourth-seeded Andrey Rublev on his way to the title.

Berrettini returned to the court with fellow Italian Daniele Bracciali and also won the doubles, defeating Denys Molchanov and Igor Zelenay. Berrettini had only played two tour-level doubles matches before winning Gstaad. The 40-year-old Bracciali had won just two tour-level doubles matches since 2015 before capturing the Swiss Open.

Berrettini is the first player to win both singles and doubles at the same ATP World Tour event since last season in Montpellier, France, where Alexander Zverev won the singles and teamed with his brother Mischa to capture the doubles.

SERBIAN CHAMPION

Olga Danilovic prevailed in a battle of teenagers, stopping Russian Anastasia Potapova to win the Moscow River Cup. The 17-year-old Serbian is the first lucky loser to win a WTA title and the first WTA champion to be born this century. Potapova, also 17, was a wild card playing in her first final. It was the first time the two had played as professionals, but Potapova had won both of their meetings as juniors. Danilovic had a match point in the second set, but Potapova survived, then took a lead in the final set. Neither, however, could hold serve, and when Potapova had a 40-0 lead to grab a 5-3 advance, Danilovic once again sprayed winners off her racquet. She won five straight points to break for 4-4, held, then finally closed out the win on her fourth match point with an overhead winner. “We had such an amazing final, and I think it was such big quality of the match, through all the match,” Danilovic said. “We didn’t go up and down so much, we both had so many winners, we both had so many amazing points. … She’s just a complete, great player.” Danilovic finished with 47 winners and 46 unforced errors, while Potapova had only 18 winners against 32 unforced errors.

SEIZES CROWN

Nikoloz Basilashvili won his first ATP title when he upset defending champion Leonardo Mayer at the German Tennis Championships. Mayer’s two tour-level titles have come on the clay in Hamburg, and he knotted the title match at a set apiece when he broke Basilashvili’s serve three times. But Basilashvili rallied and became the first Georgian to win an ATP World Tour title. The victory also pushes Basilashvili’s ranking to 35^th in the world, the highest placement of any Georgian man in history. “I think you had a great, incredible tournament,” tournament director and Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Michael Stich told Basilashvili after his victory. “I think it just shows that you have a lot of determination, a lot of mental will to play seven matches throughout this week, and you played great tennis every single match you played.” In the final set, neither player faced break point until 5-5, when Basilashvili hit a massive forehand to take the lead. But the Georgian had to save a break point on his own serve before Mayer missed a forehand on the match’s final point. Basilashvili had lost his first two tour-level finals, in Kitzbühel two years ago and in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, last season.

STILL UPSET

Crying “discrimination,” Serena Williams is still upset over what she feels is excessive drug testing she is undergoing. “It’s that time of day to get “randomly” drug tested and only test Serena,” the Wimbledon finalist posted on Twitter. “Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most,” she wrote. “Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositive.” At Wimbledon, the 36-year-old said she had been tested five times in June, compared to one or none from some of her fellow players. Wimbledon was just her fourth tournament back after having a baby. Athletes returning from a long absence are often the subject of repeated drug tests because they are seen as part of a higher-risk category than athletes in regular competition.

SET TO PLAY

Serena Williams has received a wild card entry into next month’s Rogers Cup in Montreal. The three-time champion has not competed in Montreal since she reached the semifinals in 2014. She last played the Rogers Cup in Toronto in 2015. “After announcing our player list a few weeks ago, we were only missing Serena to complete our dream tournament, Rogers Cup tournament director Eugene Lapierre said in a statement announcing the wild card. “She has always been a fighter and she is proving it once again.”

STAYING HOME

Roger Federer won’t be playing next month’s Rogers Cup in Toronto. The world number two decided to skip the Canadian event to lighten his schedule and conserve energy for the Grand Slam tournaments. “I had a fantastic time in Montreal last year and always enjoy playing in front of the Canadian fans, but unfortunately with scheduling being the key to my longevity moving forward, I have regrettably decided to withdraw from Tonto this year,” Federer said in a statement. I wish the tournament every success and am sorry to miss it.” The August 4-12 tournament will include nine of the top 10 ATP World Tour players, including three-time winner Rafael Nadal and four-time winner Novak Djokovic.

SCOTSMAN RETURNS

Former world number one Andy Murray will return to the ATP World Tour at the Citi Open in Washington, DC, this week. It will be his first hardcourt match since he underwent surgery on his right hip in January. “That’s a long time,” Murray said. “I have to see how the body responds to that, not just the hip.” Murray’s last hardcourt event was Indian Wells, California, USA last year. That’s when he lost his first match to Canada’s Vasek Pospisil. He has only played three matches in the past year and is currently ranked 838^th in the world. “It takes a long time after you have been out to get the match fitness back,” Murray said. “I need to get back on the match court and see how I come through two, three, four, five matches in a week. I’ve done pretty well in practice.”

SCHEDULE FOR FED CUP

By reaching the Fed Cup final this year, the Czech Republic and United States will be at home for their first-round ties in 2019. The Czechs will play Romania and the USA will take on Australia. Other first-round Fed Cup matches scheduled for February 9-10, 2019, are Belgium vs. France and Germany vs. Belarus. The Czechs will be going for their sixth title in eight years when they play host to the United States on November 10-11.

STREAMLINING TENNIS

In an effort to make it easier for players to earn a living, the ATP is changing its Challenger Tour. Beginning in 2019, draw sizes will be increased from 32 to 48 at all events in the second rung of men’s tennis. All players will earn prize money and receive hotel accommodations. The 160 tournaments worldwide will be rebranded as ATP Challenger 70, 80, 95, 110 and 125, according to the prize-money level and ranking points. The highest-level Challengers will offer a purse of USD $162,480. Beginning in 2020, ATP ranking points will only be awarded at the Challenger Tour level and above. Currently, the Futures Tour also offers points.

STEPS INTO FAME HALL

The two newest members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame are Helena Sukova or the Czech Republic and Michael Stich of Germany. Sukova won 14 Grand Slam tournament doubles titles – nine in women’s and five in mixed. She was runner-up in singles at four majors, twice each at the Australian and US Opens. “For me, the most important (thing) was playing the singles, the 53-year-old Sukova said. “I didn’t really like to practice, so doubles was perfect.” Her biggest singles win came in 1984 when she beat Martina Navratilova at the Australian Open, ending Navratilova’s 74-match winning streak, including six consecutive Grand Slam titles. Stich won his only Grand Slam singles title in 1991, beating countryman Boris Becker, also a Hall of Famer, at Wimbledon. He was a US Open finalist in 1994 and French Open runner-up in 1996. Stich and Becker joined to win gold in doubles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. “It was always said that we didn’t get along,” Stich said. “Obviously as we were rivals we could get along. I think we benefitted a lot from each other because we always wanted to be better than the other player. We proved it to ourselves and to everyone else that it was possible to follow our goal.”

SKIPPING KITZBUHEL

Two Frenchmen – Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils – have withdrawn from this week’s Generali Open in Kitzbühel, Austria. Neither has ever played in the clay-court tournament. Gasquet withdrew from his second-round match in Hamburg, Germany, with a left hip injury. Monfils also last played at Hamburg, losing in the second round. Also withdrawing from Kitzbühel were clay-court specialists Albert Ramos-Vinolas, Pablo Cuevas and Joao Sousa.

SET FOR LONDON

Australian Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic of Croatia are the first players to clinch a spot at the season-ending 2018 Nitto ATP Finals, which will be held November 11-18 in London. Marach and Pavic qualified for the elite eight-player, eight-team field for the first time. Last year they were alternates and played on the final day of the round-robin portion where they defeated American twins Bob and Mike Bryan. Marach had previously qualified for the tournament in 2009-10 alongside Lukasz Kubot. “We have qualified quite early,” Pavic said. “For sure it takes the pressure off. … It was a goal to be there this year and we’re looking forward to it.”

SOUNDING OFF

Fans at the Atlanta Open were not sympathetic when Australian Nick Kyrgios retired with an injury in his quarterfinal match against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Kyrgios had earlier taken a medical timeout and appeared to be struggling with a troublesome hip. When his retirement was announced, he was loudly booed by the fans as he left the court. The crowd was upset because Kyrgios appeared to be disinterested in the match at times, especially with his effort late in the opening set. The Australian double-faulted to lose his serve in the second set, giving Norrie an early break. When Kyrgios retired, Norrie was leading 7-5 3-0. “I really feel for the guy,” Norrie said of Kyrgios. “He’s so talented. Who knows what he could do in tennis if he was healthy.”

SUSPENDED

Argentina’s Patricio Heras was suspended after being found guilty of match fixing. The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said his punishment will be confirmed later. The 29-year-old, who was ranked as high as 269^th in the world in September 2013, was found to have “contrived the outcome” of a match at an ATP Challenger event in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 2015. The TIU added that Heras had also failed to report corrupt approaches in August and September 2015.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Atlanta: Nicolas Monroe and John-Patrick Smith beat Ryan Harrison and Rajeev Ram 3-6 7-6 (5) 10-8 (match tiebreak)

Granby: Alex Lawson and Li Zhe beat JC Aragone and Liam Broady 7-6 (2) 6-3

Gstaad: Matteo Berrettini and Daniele Bracciali beat Denys Molchanov and Igor Zelenay 7-6 (2) 7-6 (5)

Hamburg: Julio Peralta and Horacio Zeballos beat Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic 6-1 4-6 10-6 (match tiebreak)

Moscow: Anastasia Potapova and Vera Zvonareva beat Kateryna Kozlova and Natalia Vikhlyantseva 6-3 7-6 (2)

Nanchang: Jiang Xinyu and Tang Qianhui beat Lu Jing-Jing You Xiaodi 6-4 6-4

SURFING

Washington: www.citiopentennis.com

Los Cabos: www.abiertoloscabos.com/en/home/

Kitzbühel: www.generaliopen.com/

San Jose: www.mubadalasvc.com/

Toronto: www.rogerscup.com/

Montreal: www.couperogers.com/en/

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

MEN

$2,146,815 Citi Open, Washington, DC, USA, hard

$808,770 Abierto Mexicano de Tenis Mifel presentado por Cinemex, Los Cabos, Mexico, hard

$654,186 Generali Open, Kitzbühel, Austria, clay

$125,000 2018 International Challenger Chengdu, Chengdu, China, hard

$100,000 Open Castilla Leon Villa de El Espinar, Segovia, Spain, hard

WOMEN

$731,000 280 Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic, San José, California, USA, hard

$250,000 Citi Open, Washington, DC, USA, hard

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

MEN

$5,275,595 Rogers Cup, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, hard

$174,800 China International Challenger, Jinan, China, hard

$148,000 Isar Open, Pullach, Germany, clay

$100,000 Nordic Naturals Challenger, Aptos, California, USA, hard

$ 116,539 Tilia Slovenia Open, Portoroz, Slovenia, hard

WOMEN

$2,513,000 Coupe Rogers présentée par Banque Nationale, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, hard

A Victory In A Loss For Mardy Fish

March 13, 2015 by Admin

by Andrew Eichenholz

Sports have the ability to convey more than just victory and defeat. The BNP Paribas Open was no different on an otherwise ordinary Thursday afternoon.

Mardy Fish had not played a professional singles match in 569 days. Heart issues and anxiety were among the maladies that sidelined the former world No. 7 ever since. So, even though his 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3) loss to fellow American Ryan Harrison was a victory for himself, he won a battle for the sport, showing that anybody can overcome any obstacle.

It was not so long ago that Fish was the only American hope. Ranked in the top-10 for 46 consecutive weeks in 2011 and 2012. Andy Roddick’s high school basketball teammate made the finals of this same Indian Wells tournament in 2008, going on a magical run to oust former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer before bowing out to current ranking-topper Novak Djokovic.

Armed with a crafty serve, a delicate touch at net, and one of the most effective two-handed backhands in the sport, Fish could challenge any player on any day.

Nobody would have dreamed that just four years later, the 33-year old would have to enter the highest profile American tennis event outside of the U.S. Open based on a protected ranking.

That he entered at all was an accomplishment.

So, losing to the 110^th-ranked, 22-year old Ryan Harrison, who he had beaten three times previously is as uplifting as a loss could come.

Brad Gilbert, an analyst and former top professional himself, tweeted before the match that he “will be surprised” if Harrison did not take the match in straight sets.

Yet, Fish held two match points, and forced one of the hotter players out there to a third-set tiebreak to decide affairs.

The Minnesota-native has feared for his health time and time again. Tennis meant nothing. It is only ironic that his return, at least temporarily, displayed some signs of nerves, especially in key moments. That proves that Fish was into the match, not only physically, but also mentally, and that is a greater sign than anything.

A loss is a loss, but nobody else sees it that way.

“Mardy Fish is amazing,” 10^th-ranked WTA Tour player Andrea Petkovic said.

Sure, at tennis he is, but at fighting back, he is a unique animal on the tennis circuit.

For every youth or adult from every age or background going through similar health struggles, they can use Fish as a role model. Not only was he able to break through and conquer his demons, but go out there and play tennis at the highest level in the world.

If he can do that, there are a lot of people who can follow suit.

When Larry Sanders, a former NBA player spoke up about his bouts with mental health, Fish was there.

“I wish Larry Sanders the best,” he tweeted. “Mental health disorders are for real and CAN be beaten! You are not alone!”

And if it consoles Fish’s feelings after his loss to Harrison, the world is there cheering for him.

“Very excited to be through today,” Harrison tweeted after the match. “So happy that Mardy is back healthy and able to play the game again.”

He attached the hashtag “respect” to the message.

Everybody respects Mardy Fish.

The Post-Andy Roddick U.S. Davis Cup World

February 2, 2013 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

JACKSONSVILLE, Fla. – Welcome to the new post-Andy Roddick U.S. Davis Cup world.

Gone are the days when one Andrew Stephen Roddick strutted across the baselines of the United States and the world representing his country with fire and fist-pumping passion. The new faces of Davis Cup in the United States are John Isner and Sam Querrey, who this week are playing in this city most notably known for his annual Georgia-Florida football game in their first career home Davis Cup series. It just so happens that it is also the first U.S. home match since the retirement of Roddick.

This new edition of America’s national men’s tennis team, competing for a 98th year in the annual international team competition, is the first to compete at home without Roddick since 2000. It also marks only the second time that the U.S. Tennis Association has hosted a Davis Cup series without the promotional power of a current top 10 American player or former major singles champion on its team since the ATP rankings started in 1973. The lone other time was the 2001 Davis Cup Qualifying Round against India in Winston-Salem, N.C. that featured a 19-year-old and No. 16-ranked Roddick and a 21-year-old and No. 85-ranked James Blake, who, like Isner and Querrey, were also making their home Davis Cup debuts. Six years later, that singles tandem helped the U.S. hoist the Davis Cup trophy in 2007 after a 12-year U.S. title hiatus.

How will the public embrace this new look squad? Will it be a USTA box office smash as it had been over the last decade when Davis Cup sellouts cascaded the country from Charleston, S.C. to Austin, Texas to Portland, Oregon?

The skinny crowd of approximately 3,500 during Friday’s opening singles may not be the most accurate or fair barometer. This first-round match is drama-free against a relatively benign team from Brazil that is five years removed from being a marquee squad following the retirement of Hall of Famer Gustavo Kuerten. One also has to consider the tennis hangover from last week’s Australian Open as well as this series being played the weekend of the unique American holiday that is Super Bowl Sunday.

But there is no denying a new look and feel of this next generation of Davis Cuppers in the United States. U.S. Captain Jim Courier spoke of the “different energy” that his new squad has since the “alpha dog” Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, last played for the United States in the 2011 quarterfinal against Spain in Austin, Texas. Before Roddick’s Davis Cup arrival in 2001, it was Courier who ruled the U.S. Davis Cup roost for most of the 1990s, along with Andre Agassi and, to a lesser extent when it worked within his schedule, Pete Sampras. Prior to that, from 1978 to 1992, the U.S. Davis Cup team was centered around John McEnroe, the most zealous of all American Davis Cuppers. No one played and won more on an American Davis Cup court than McEnroe, who has his name etched five times as a champion team member on the Davis Cup trophy. In the late 1960s into the 1970s, Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith were the faces of Davis Cup in America.

So now with the Roddick era already dipped below the horizon, what will be the new identity of Davis Cup in the United States? Does Isner, the highest ranking American at No. 16, take the reigns of America’s team like he did as a four-year standout on the University of Georgia’s men’s team? The 27-year-old’s status as folk hero in tennis history is already firmly established, courtesy of his 70-68 fifth-set Wimbledon epic over Nicolas Mahut in no less than 11 hours and five minutes back in 2010. Can he, 25-year-old Querrey or 20-year-old Ryan Harrison become household names and transcend the sport with a performance on – or off – the court? Could they possibly win a major title in this Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray dominated era? Will the U.S. have to wait for another generation in a decade or two when Roddick or Blake are a future Davis Cup captain before the United States has another major singles champion to build a bigger Davis Cup buzz in the United States? Can the Bryan twins – Bob and Mike – become more of a leading Davis cup act now that they have won a record 13^thmajor doubles title and are almost unanimously considered the greatest doubles team of all time? Perhaps a new buzz will come when Davis Cup is given better dates in the tennis calendar and not the suicidal weeks after major events, or as many contend, a better format, some suggesting a Ryder Cup-type format.

But until those days come – if they ever do – followers and observers of Davis Cup in the United States will watch the seeds that Captain Courier is planting at present and watch what sprouts in the months and years to come. Time will tell if Isner and Querrey can achieve the heights that Roddick and Blake ascended to after they made played their first Davis Cup matches on home soil.

Sam Querrey and Brian Baker Advance Into All-American Second-Round Australian Open Showdown

January 14, 2013 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

It’s a different vibe with American men’s tennis at the 2013 Australian Open.

In the first major championship in the post-Andy Roddick era, there are eight American men in the main draw singles field led by No. 20 seed Sam Querrey. None of the eight Americans – Querrey, Brian Baker, Ryan Harrison, Michael Russell, Steve Johnson, Tim Smyczek, Rajeev Ram and Rhyne Williams – have reached the quarterfinals of a major tournament, only Querrey, Baker and Russell having reached a Grand Slam fourth round in their careers.

Querrey, 25, defeated Daniel Munoz-De La Nava of Spain 6-7 (2-7), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round Monday to set up a second-round match against fellow American Baker, who defeated Alex Bogomolov Jr., the former U.S. player who now plays for Russia 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6-7 (0-7), 3-6, 6-2. Baker, age 27 and ranked No. 57, is playing for the first time at the Australian Open after seven years mainly off the circuit due to five surgeries over a six-year period (three hip surgeries, one elbow surgery and one hernia injury). A win over Querrey in the second-round would certainly get the attention of U.S. Davis Cup captain Jim Courier, who is expected to name his US team that will face Brazil in the Davis Cup first round next week. At this time last year, Baker was ranked No. 456 in the world.

Harrison, 20, who some have labeled as the successor to Roddick as the top dog of the next generation of American men’s tennis, posted a confidence-building 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win over Santiago Giraldo of Colombia, the same man who defeated him easily in the first round of the 2012 Olympics, causing Harrison to erupt in on-court tantrums that prompted him to make a nationally-televised apology to Pat O’Brien on the NBC-networks in the United States. Harrison, ranked No. 62, now has the dubious distinction and fantastic opportunity of playing No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion Novak Djokovic in the second round.

Michael Russell, age 34 and ranked No. 94, was defeated by No. 5 seed Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic 6-3, 7-5, 6-3.

Steve Johnson, the former two-time NCAA champion from USC, fought admirably against No. 10 Nicolas Almagro of Spain but was defeated in five sets, 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-7(8-6), 6-2. Johnson, ranked No. 175, won three matches to qualify for his first Australian Open, including a 17-15 in the third-set win in the first round over Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Tim Smyczek, the 25-year-old ranked No. 126 who qualified for the main draw as a lucky loser, posted a 6-4, 7-6 (5), 7-6 over the fading but still big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic.

There are only two American men in the bottom half of the draw – qualifier Ram, ranked No. 131, who plays Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain and Williams, the winner of the USTA’s Australian Open wild card playoff ranked No. 194, who plays Florian Mayer of Germany.

In addition to Roddick being absent from the season’s first major, John Isner, the top-ranking US man at No. 13, was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Former top tenner Mardy Fish, ranked No. 27, is still sidelined from tennis due to a heart condition, but is anticipated to return to tennis next month.

When asked if he felt like the leader of the American men’s pack in Australia, Querrey answered to reporters in Australia, “I don’t feel like I am. I feel like the No. 2 American even though John (Isner) is not here, which is unfortunate. … Everyone keeps asking me about it but it’s a complete non-issue, something I don’t even think about. I see myself as the No. 2 American right now.”

When asked whether he feels like the U.S. leader, Querrey quipped, “Serena (Williams) is probably the real leader. A lot of the younger guys are here so I guess a little bit. I’m just doing the best I can. I don’t feel like too much of a leader.”

With Isner and Fish’s health issues, Querrey and Baker could be the singles line-up for Courier in the U.S. Davis Cup team’s first round match against Brazil, Feb. 1-3 in Jacksonville, Fla.

Player fields announced for 2012 Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs in Atlanta: This week in tennis business with Justin Cohen

November 28, 2012 by Justin Cohen

By Justin Cohen

Wild Cards Announced for 2012 Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs

The USTA announced on Tuesday that former Top 30 player Bethanie Mattek-Sands (Rochester, Minn.), former US Open junior champion Jack Sock (Lincoln, Neb.) and two-time reigning NCAA singles champion Steve Johnson (Orange, Calif.) are among the players competing in the 2012 Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs, held December 14-16, at Life Time Athletic & Tennis at Peachtree Corners in Norcross, Ga., a certified USTA Regional Training Center. Eight men and eight women will compete in the fourth annual Wild Card Playoffs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with each winner earning a singles main draw wild card into the 2013 Australian Open. The USTA secured the opportunity through a reciprocal agreement with Tennis Australia, where the two national tennis federations exchanged wild cards for the 2012 US Open and 2013 Australian Open. The men’s field also includes Bradley Klahn (Poway, Calif.), Rhyne Williams (Knoxville, Tenn.), Denis Kudla (Arlington, Va.), Tennys Sandgren (Gallatin, Tenn.), Christian Harrison (Shrevport, La.) and Daniel Kosakowski (Huntington Park, Calif.). The women’s field also includes Irina Falconi (Jupiter, Fla.), Mallory Burdette (Jackson, Ga.), Madison Keys (Rock Island, Ill.), Julia Cohen (Philadelphia), Maria Sanchez (Modesto, Calif.), Alison Riske (Pittsburgh) and Alexa Glatch (Newport Beach, Calif.). To help kick off the fourth annual Australian Open Wild Card Playoff, 2012 Olympic men’s doubles gold medal winners and 12-time Grand Slam doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan will play a unique exhibition, the “Battle of Georgia,” taking on five select doubles teams from the state each in a first-to-four-games exhibition match on Friday, December 14, at Life Time.

Western & Southern Open Sells More Than $400,000 in Gift Cards during Cyber Monday Promo

In a record-setting holiday promotion for the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, tournament fans purchased $40,750 worth of tournament “Court Cards” from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on November 26, 2012. The one-day promotion offered tournament Court Cards at a 10 percent discount. A Court Card is redeemable for tickets at the tournament box office, and food, beverage and merchandise at the Lindner Family Tennis Center during the event. The Western & Southern Open is one of only five professional tennis events in the world (outside of the grand slams) to feature top-level men’s and women’s tournaments playing concurrently at the same venue during the same week. The event is played in Mason, OH, 20 miles north of Cincinnati. Interesting facts from the Cyber Monday promotion included: An order was placed an average of every 8.5 minutes, 320 total Court Cards were purchased, the most popular denomination of gift cards ordered was $100, an average of $1,698 of card value was ordered every hour and cards were ordered from 19 different states. The 2013 Western & Southern Open will be held from August 10-18.

Li Na, Wozniacki Headline BNP Paribas Showdown in Hong Kong

World class tennis returns to Hong Kong after a two-year absence as a pair of Top 10 stars of women’s tennis will be joined by two legends of the men’s game for the BNP Paribas Showdown on March 4 at the AsiaWorld-Arena. Li Na, Asia’s first Grand Slam champion, will take on two-time year-end world No. 1 and Grand Slam finalist Caroline Wozniacki while eight-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl will renew his rivalry with John McEnroe, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, during the event in Hong Kong. The BNP Paribas Showdown will be produced by StarGames, Inc., in conjunction with the Hong Kong Tennis Association. It marks the first time the AsiaWorld-Arena has played host to such an international tennis event. BNP Paribas, a leader in banking and financial services and the world No. 1 tennis partner, will support this event as title sponsor. Additional event sponsors include Fiji Water, Getty Images, Wilson and PURE Fitness and Yoga. “Once more, BNP Paribas is proud to bring the best of tennis to Asia by supporting this outstanding sporting event, as it does with the same acclaimed tennis event in New York. We are excited to share our passion and enthusiasm for tennis with the fans in Hong Kong” said Paul Yang, Chief Executive Officer for BNP Paribas Hong Kong. “The BNP Paribas Showdown gives the bank a perfect opportunity to accelerate the growing awareness of our brand in Asia and it reaffirms our commitment and loyalty to this region and to this sport.” The matches will take place the same night as an event with the same name is held at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of the first annual “World Tennis Day.” Serena Williams will play Victoria Azarenka in the first match in New York, followed by Rafael Nadal against Juan Martin del Potro.

McEnroe, Haas Sign On for 2012 Necker Cup

Seven-time Grand Slam Champion and tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe has agreed to play in the first annual Necker Cup, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Bryan Brothers and other current and past ATP players in the Premier Tennis Travel hosted pro-am on Sir Richard Branson’s private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands. Additionally, Necker Cup organizers at Premier Tennis Travel have announced that current ATP veteran, former World No. 2 and 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Tommy Haas has signed on to play in what is being billed as the world’s most exclusive pro-am. A former Australian Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, Haas has won 14 career ATP singles and doubles titles, as well as a silver medal in the 2000 Olympic Games. Amateurs can book a spot in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800-376-0975 or by visiting www.NeckerCup.com.

Former ATP Chief Mark Miles Lands New Role as CEO at IndyCar’s Parent Company

According to an article written by Matt Cutler on SportsBusiness.com, experienced sports industry executive Mark Miles has been named CEO of Hulman & Co, parent company of the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and the sport’s media and technology partner IMS Productions. In the sports world, Miles served as CEO of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the governing body of men’s tennis, from 1990 to 2005. Before that he led Indianapolis’ staging of the 1987 Pan American Games, while he also served as chairman of the board for the city’s hosting of the National Football League’s (NFL) Super Bowl last year. Miles added: “I’m excited about joining the team and contributing my lifetime learning from international professional sports, large-scale major sports events and business environments. I have worked for companies with global profiles and brands, and I’m happy to continue that on behalf of the Hulman-George family and its significant business interests.”

Wilson Unveils New Racket Series for 2013

Building upon the success of one of its most popular rackets among Next Gen tour players, Wilson Racquet Sports is unveiling the next evolution of the Blade™ racket series for 2013, engineered for hard-hitting players that want to maximize control, spin and feel. The new rackets take control to the next level and feature Wilson’s proprietary Amplifeel™ handle technology for optimal feel, as well as an enhanced modulus graphite construction for added control. A new sleek black and silver cosmetic, inspired by tour players, rounds out the revamped product family. “I had a great time testing the Blade 98,” said Milos Raonic. “The increased level of feel and control gives me exactly what I am looking for in 2013. It looks and feels great for my game.” The Blade 98™ is now available in an additional 16×19 (318g) spin-enhancing string pattern. Milos Raonic leads the charge of Blade 98 players, and newest Wilson team member, Gael Monfils, switched to Wilson to play with the new racket. Wilson Next Gen players Laura Robson, David Goffin and Elina Svitolina are already adding wins to their career records. Included in the group are the Blade 93™, Blade 98 and Blade 104™. Used by 75 percent of Wilson’s Next Gen team, the rackets will be available at retail December 1.

Murray, Hewitt, Raonic Headline 2013 Brisbane International Field

World No. 3 and defending US Open Champion Andy Murray and former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt headline a strong player field at the 2013 Brisbane International presented by Suncorp. Five Top 20 players have signed up for the Australian Open tune-up event including No. 13 Milos Raonic, No. 16 Gilles Simon, 2012 Brisbane runner-up and World No. 18 Alexandr Dolgopolov, as well as No. 19 Kei Nishikori. Other set to compete in Brisbane in January include Marcos Baghdatis, Tommy Robredo, Australian No. 1 Marinko Matosevic, David Goffin, Martin Klizan, Radek Stepanek, Jurgen Melzer, Florian Meier, Jarkko Nieminen and Paul-Henri Mathieu. This year’s tournament will take place from December 30, 2012 – January 6, 2013.

Bryan Brothers help Eric Butorac Raise $50,000 During Charity Event in Minnesota

With the help from fellow ATP players Bob and Mike Bryan, Nicholas Monroe, Brian Battistone and Michael Yani, doubles specialist Eric Butorac was able to raise more than $50,000 during his fourth annual charity event, Eric Butorac’s Minnesota Tennis Challenge on November 17 in Eden Prairie. “It feels so great to give back to the Minnesota tennis community,” Butorac says. “It is the place where I enjoyed most of my tennis development and hope that many others can share the same opportunities that I had.” Hosted by Wayne Bryan at Life Time Athletic in Eden Prairie, the charitable cause raised more than $50,000 for inner city tennis programs in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Proceeds benefited the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center, Inner City Tennis, Saint Paul Urban Tennis and the Rochester Boys and Girls Club. The event saw 1,000 people turn out for the festivities, featuring a clinic, doubles Pro-Am, VIP reception, a doubles match between Butorac/Monroe and the top-ranked Bryans, and an auction and gala.

Ryan Harrison Invitational Raises Funds for Wounded Warriors Project

Ryan Harrison and fellow Americans Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, Ryan Sweeting, Scott Lipsky and Christian Harrison came together recently in Shreveport, Louisiana to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project in the first annual Ryan Harrison Invitational. “I could not be happier with the way things went this first year of the Ryan Harrison Invitational,” said the 20-year-old Harrison. “I am so grateful for what our troops do to preserve our freedom and rights here in the United States and around the world and I am glad that we could all come together to help raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. They sacrifice so much for us.” Several hundred people turned out for the charity event, which featured a gala, kids clinic and exhibition. The gala on Saturday night, which included dinner, dancing, a meet and greet, as well as a singing performance by Ryan’s younger brother Christian, raised approximately $20,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Juan Carlos Ferrero to Coach Nicolas Almagro Part-Time

According to a report on TENNIS.com by Matt Cronin, the recently retired Juan Carlos Ferrero will coach fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro on a part-time basis. Ferrero told journalists during the Davis Cup final that he does not want to travel full-time, but will accompany Almagro to the ATP event in Acapulco in February.

Dimitrov to be Coached by Swedish Team

World No. 48 Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria will now be coached by the Good to Great Tennis Academy in Sweden, which is run by former ATP players Magnus Norman, Nicklas Kulti and Mikael Tillstrom. Dimitrov was most recently coached by Patrick Mouratoglou at his academy in Paris. Tillstrom will accompany Dimitrov at the Australian tournaments in January 2013.

Federer to skip Miami Masters, Monte Carlo, Paris Bercy in 2013

As Roger Federer typically does around the Thanksgiving holiday, he releases his tournament schedule for the upcoming season. In 2013, Federer will skip the Miami Masters in March, a tournament he has played every year since 1999. The 17-time Grand Slam Champion will also skip Monte Carlo and is not scheduled to play in his hometown event in Basel. The Swiss will begin tournament play in 2013 at the Australian Open, and then play ATP 500 tournaments in Rotterdam and Dubai, followed by the Indian Wells Masters. He will then take seven weeks off before returning on clay in Madrid, then play the week after that in Rome and head to Roland Garros. He will again play the grass court warm-up tournament in Halle (his only ATP 250-level event) before heading to Wimbledon. During the North American summer, Federer will play Canada, Cincinnati, and the US Open. In the fall, he is only scheduled to play Shanghai before the ATP World Tour Finals (assuming he qualifies), which means he will skip the Masters in Paris/Bercy again.

ESPN’s Wimbledon television ratings up eight percent in 2012: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

July 4, 2012 by Justin Cohen

More people watching Wimbledon this year on ESPN than last year

During last year’s coverage of Wimbledon on ESPN, the network enjoyed an eight percent increase over its household audience through the first six days of marathon telecasts. After six days this year, the ESPN/ESPN2 presentation is up eight percent in household impressions to 569,000 homes compared to last year. ESPN/ESPN2 are even with last year’s ESPN2/NBC rating of 0.5 (US rating) to date. Nevertheless, the audiences for the key male demos are all seeing an advantage over last year — M18-34 is up 13 percent, M18-49 is up 20 percent, and M25-54 is up 11 percent. On Saturday, the ten-hour, ten-minute ESPN telecast (the third longest Wimbledon telecast ever, behind only an ESPN2 telecast in 2010 and Day One this year) – earned a 0.9 US rating, the best for the “middle Saturday” since 2007 (1.0). The ESPN coverage rating of 1.0 ties the ESPN Wimbledon record (two previous 1.0 ratings: ESPN2 on July 4, 2007 for the Ladies’ Quarterfinals, and ESPN on July 4, 200 for a Gentlemen’s Semifinal). The telecast ended with Andy Murray’s victory over Marcos Baghdatis in the latest-ever finish at Wimbledon (11:02 p.m. in London). Digital consumption of Wimbledon action on ESPN3 and WatchESPN through six days has soared over the usage a year ago. Through the first week of Wimbledon, there was a total of 46.6 million live minutes consumed across all platforms (computer, smartphone, tablet and Xbox), up 67 percent from 2011 through the same point.

Fines Handed Out to 14 Players at 2012 Wimbledon

Through July 1 at Wimbledon, 14 players have been slapped with fines due to misbehavior, including 11 men and three women. Two of the offenders given $2,500 fines were rising Australian star Bernard Tomic for racquet abuse and Belgian doubles specialist Dick Norman for unsportsmanlike behavior. Two-time Grand Slam singles champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, was fined $2,000 for illegal coaching.

2012 Wimbledon Attendance Facts

On the first Monday of Wimbledon this year, nearly 42,000 were in attendance, up 3,000 from last year on that day. As usual, celebrities continue to fill the seats on Centre Court. This year celebrities spotted include Harry Potter Author J.K. Rowling, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Hall of Fame golfer Jack Nicklaus, NHL star Alex Ovechkin, former NBA World Champions Scottie Pippen and Dirk Nowitzki, and current PGA Tour golfers, Ernie Els, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey.

Legendary Florida Junior Tournament Organizer Bobby Curtis Steps Down

According to the USTA Florida section, Bobby Curtis – the face of Florida junior tennis for more than 30 years – will step down immediately due to age and health considerations following the 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships. “This was the tournament to retire on,” said Curtis. “It’s a good year, this was the first edition that the tournament was renamed the Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships – it’s an honor and it’s very humbling.” As early as the 1960s, Curtis was taking players to the Florida state junior championships as a coach, and then in the 1970s was working as a tournament organizer. Curtis says he never missed a state junior championship he was involved in due to injury or illness, noting a hip replacement and heart stint were his only medical issues. “I never missed an event as the tournament used to move around some – we were in St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, all over the place,” said Curtis. In 2002 the Florida Tennis Center was constructed in Daytona Beach, and Florida’s top junior event moved to the 24-court facility. “I know all the players, parents, and coaches who have been involved in junior tennis in Florida will always be thankful for all the efforts Bobby made over the years,” said Doug Booth, USTA Florida Executive Director. “Naming the premier junior event in Florida after Bobby highlights his importance to junior tennis in Florida over 32 years.”

Orange County Breakers Celebrating 10th Anniversary with Special Events

The Orange County Breakers of World TeamTennis are celebrating the team’s 10th anniversary by offering a series of special events, VIP tickets packages and group sales options, including a clinic with former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Mark Philippoussis. Round up the girls for a “Ladies Night Out” at UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center on July 28, when the Philadelphia Freedoms and former ATP top-10 player Philippoussis arrive in town. “Ladies Night Out” tickets for the special event range from $30-$45 and include one reserved space in a clinic with the popular Australian and current Southern California resident Philippoussis, a Macy’s gift bag, and one ticket to the Breakers vs. Philadelphia Freedoms match that night. As a special treat, Macy’s will also host a fashion show at halftime. Fans are also invited to come out to support the Orange County Breakers’ own supermom and mother of three, Lindsay Davenport, as well as celebrate all moms through special “Mom’s Night Out” packages. Gather up a group of 15 or more to receive a 15% discount on either Courtside or Upper Reserved tickets for any of the home matches (July 9, 11, 14, 23, 25, 27 and 28). Grand Slam champion and Orange County resident Davenport is scheduled to play all seven home matches at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine. As an added bonus to the moms purchasing this package, Davenport will be available for group photos before the match. VIP ticket packages make every match into a special event by featuring courtside seats along with access to a private baseline-area buffet and bar with complimentary food and drink for the duration of the match. The VIP Baseline Table ticket package accommodates up to six guests and is available for purchase for the seven home matches at $5,500 for the season, or $1,000 per match. The VIP Bar Table package seats up to four guests per match and is available for the season at $3,500, or for individual matches at $700. To purchase any of these ticket packages, or for additional information about group sales or special events, please call the Orange County Breakers office at (949) 205-9526 or email tickets@breakerstennis.com.

Boston Lobsters Kick-Off World TeamTennis Season against Sacramento on July 9

The Boston Lobsters are set to kick-off the 37th season of World TeamTennis with a home match against the Sacramento Capitals presented by Coco Key Hotel and Water Park. The Lobsters will enjoy a fan-favorite line-up of veteran players this year including John Isner, Robby Ginepri, Eric Butorac, Jan-Michael Gambill, Irina Falconi and Carly Gullickson-Eagle. Ginepri will be the featured player for the Lobsters clash with the Capitals on opening night at the John Norton Stadium at the Ferncroft Country Club. Match time is set for 7 p.m. EST. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Darlene Hayes at (508) 435-2023 or by emailing her at Darlene@BostonLobsters.net. Box seats are $60 each, which includes premium courtside seating, name on seat and VIP parking privileges. Reserve seats run for $30 each and include an assigned bleacher seat. New in 2012, you can add a VIP Hospitality Access Ticket for just $15 each. This additional ticket includes a player meet-and-greet, up close photo opportunities and higher end concessions. The Lobsters will host many exciting matches this summer including against Leander Paes and the Washington Kastles on July 13, Lindsay Davenport and the Orange County Breakers on July 17, Martina Hingis and the New York Sportimes on July 22 and the final match of the season against the Philadelphia Freedoms.

Tennis Hall of Fame to Investigate ATP Doubles Legend Bob Hewitt

According to an article written by Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, reversing course after months of inaction, is investigating allegations that Bob Hewitt, one of the greatest doubles players in the history of the sport, sexually abused nearly a dozen girls he coached in South Africa and the United States from the 1970s to 1990s, according to several of the alleged victims. The Hall of Fame launched the inquiry after drawing criticism throughout the tennis community for dropping its plan last year to investigate the scandal. The organization has hired a Boston law firm — Hinckley, Allen & Snyder — to conduct the investigation and present its findings before the hall’s board of directors meet later this month in Newport, R.I. The law firm was commissioned “to submit a confidential report to the executive committee to assist in deciding whether to suspend or take other action against Mr. Hewitt’s status as a Tennis Hall of Fame’’ member, according to an e-mail sent from the firm’s attorney, Michael J. Connolly, to one of the women Hewitt allegedly abused in South Africa. A copy of the e-mail was provided to the Globe. The inquiry was welcomed as long overdue by Hewitt’s alleged victims, five of whom called last year for his removal from the hall after a Globe story detailed his history of alleged sexual misconduct. “This is half our battle won,’’ said Suellen Sheehan, who was 12 when, she said, Hewitt first had sex with her in South Africa. The statute of limitations has expired on most of the allegations in the United States, but not in South Africa, where the National Prosecuting Authority is investigating Hewitt. Hewitt, 72, who lives in rural Addo, South Africa, has not been charged with a crime. He has not spoken publicly about the case since last year, when he told the Globe, “I just want to forget about it,’’ and was quoted by the Weekend Post in South Africa as saying, “I only want to apologize if I offended anyone in any way.’’ The hall’s executive director, Mark Stenning, said in May that the organization dropped its plan to investigate Hewitt in favor of drafting a policy to address similar issues in the future. The decision triggered a backlash against the organization, as several prominent tennis figures voiced their support for the alleged victims. Among those who have spoken out is Billie Jean King, an inductee and life trustee of the hall. While hundreds of supporters of Hewitt’s alleged victims have petitioned the hall to remove him, Massachusetts Citizens for Children and its South African counterpart, Men & Women Against Abuse, have been considering joint efforts to pressure the hall to oust him, including picketing the organization’s induction ceremony July 14. But news of the inquiry prompted them to suspend their protest plans. Instead, the advocates said, they will wait for the law firm to present its report and the hall to respond. The hall’s earlier backpedaling posed a striking contrast to the US Gymastics Hall of Fame’s swift expulsion last year of an inductee facing similar allegations of sexually abusing girls he was coaching. Hewitt’s alleged victims and their supporters viewed the tennis hall’s inaction as emblematic of leaders throughout professional tennis distancing themselves from the scandal.

Brian Baker Awarded Atlanta Main Draw Wild Card

Following a lengthy hiatus from the ATP World Tour due to five surgeries between 2003 and 2008, American Brian Baker is back and stronger than ever. Following a runner-up performance on the red clay in Nice just before the French Open and a recent fourth round showing at Wimbledon, Baker is a lock to receive many wild cards throughout the United States hardcourt season this summer. His first stop will be in Atlanta after he just accepted a main draw wild card for the BB&T Atlanta Open. This year’s tournament will be played from July 14-22 at Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta.

Ryan Harrison Accepts Final Newport Wild Card

World No. 48 Ryan Harrison has accepted the final main draw wild card for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, which is the only professional tennis tournament played on grass courts in North America. This year’s tournament will take place from July 9-15 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Harrison’s appearance in Newport will give the young American one last chance to prep for the London Olympics, which will be played on the grass courts at Wimbledon.

Richard Gasquet Receives Wild Card into next week’s Vegeta Croatia Open Umag

Richard Gasquet, who this week reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, requested and received a main draw wild card into the Vegeta Croatia Open Umag. This year’s tournament, which will be played from July9-15, will feature many household names including Marin Cilic, Fernando Verdasco, Ivo Karlovic, Alexandr Dolgopolov and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Serena Williams Has Best First Serve in Women’s Tennis, According to Steve Flink’s New Book

Serena Williams, currently in contention for a fifth Wimbledon women’s singles title, has the best first serve in the history of women’s tennis, according to tennis historian Steve Flink in his new book THE GREATEST TENNIS MATCHES OF ALL TIME. “Watching Serena Williams serve when she is in peak form is astonishing,” writes Flink in the book in a special chapter that ranks the greatest strokes of all time. “Her motion is the most natural of any woman player I have ever seen. Her toss is reliable, her velocity impressive, her ability to rack up free points ever apparent. It is a daunting first serve, delivered with power and panache. As the serve goes, so goes Serena Williams.” Rounding out Flink’s top five women’s first serves of all time are five-time Wimbledon champion and Serena’s older sister Venus Williams at No. 2, four-time US champion Alice Marble at No. 3, nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova at No. 4 and two-time US and Wimbledon champion Althea Gibson at No. 5. THE GREATEST TENNIS MATCHES OF ALL TIME features profiles and rankings of the greatest matches of all time dating from the 1920s featuring Bill Tilden and Suzanne Lenglen up through the modern era of tennis featuring contemporary stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Flink breaks down, analyzes and puts into historical context the sport’s most memorable matches, providing readers with a courtside seat at these most celebrated and significant duels. Other champions featured in the book include Don Budge, Maureen Connolly, Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf among many others. Flink’s fascinating “greatest strokes of all time” section ranks and describes the players who best executed all the important shots in the game through the years. Williams also ranked No. 2 all time in the second serve category, No. 5 in forehands and No. 3 in mental toughness. Other 2012 Wimbledon contenders featured in this section include Novak Djokovic (No. 4 all time backhand, No. 3 return of serve, No. 5 passing shot), Roger Federer (No. 1 forehand of all time, No. 5 first serve, No. 4 overhead), Andy Murray (No. 5 all time return of serve, No. 5 lob) and Victoria Azarenka (No. 4 return of serve of all time.) Incidentally, Flink ranked Samantha Stosur’s second serve as the best of all time, with Williams placed at No. 2 in that category. THE GREATEST TENNIS MATCHES OF ALL TIME, a hard-cover book that retails for $28.95, can be purchased via this link http://m1e.net/c?96018505-iLYStDWtYOSUU%407657030-OHHZOwxMnE6yk at www.NewChapterMedia.com and where ever books are sold. The book is available in electronic formats, including on Amazon.com’s Kindle. Flink, one of the most respected writers and observers in the game, is currently a columnist for TennisChannel.com. A resident of Katonah, N.Y., he is the former editor of World Tennis magazine and a former senior columnist at Tennis Week. The book has received high praise from some of the most respected names in the sport, including Chris Evert, a winner of 18 major singles titles, who wrote the foreword to the book.

Confident Andy Roddick is ready for Wimbledon — Mondays with Bob Greene

June 25, 2012 by Bob Greene

STARS

Tamira Paszek beat Angelique Kerber 5-7 6-3 7-5 to win the women’s singles at the AEGON International in Eastbourne, Great Britain

Andy Roddick beat Andreas Seppi 6-3 6-2 to win the AEGON International men’s singles in Eastbourne, Great Britain

David Ferrer beat Philipp Petzschner 6-3 6-4 to win men’s singles in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Nadia Petrova beat Urzula Radwanska 6-4 6-3 to win the UNICEF Open women’s singles in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

Melanie Oudin beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4 6-2 to win the rain-delayed AEGON Classic in Birmingham, Great Britain

SAYING

“The thing that makes sports great is there is no script. You can draw it up, and it rarely works out the way this week has. I think, as I’ve gotten older, I guess I’ve learned to appreciate this a little bit more … I went from a six-match losing streak to all of a sudden winning a tournament. It is a 180-degree turnaround.” – Andy Roddick, following his title win at Eastbourne.

“I’m very, very happy. I’ve won two times here. This is special for me because grass is maybe my worst surface. On a clay court or hard court, my game is more adapted.” – David Ferrer, after winning at ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

“I must say I’m happy to win today in straight sets. The beginning of the match was a little bit rusty – I lost my serve, even though I was 40-0 up. That put me in a little bit of an uncomfortable situation. But I really controlled my emotions well and broke back to get into the match.” – Nadia Petrova, who won the women’s singles at Eastbourne.

“Nadia was playing amazing today. She served so well and I really couldn’t do much – she didn’t let me play my game. But I was excited to be in my first WTA final and I hope my next final will be coming soon.” – Urzula Radwanska, who, as a qualifier, reached the women’s title match at Eastbourne.

“It was like this came out of nowhere. I’d been working away for a long time, and I was waiting for something to happen and it didn’t. Until now, that is.” – Melanie Oudin, winner her first WTA tournament title at the AEGON Classic.

“If we said anything less than winning it, we’d be stupid. We have a very tough first match, so the focus lies on that. If you look too far ahead in the draw, you’ll stumble on your own shoelaces. We’re focusing on that first match and then hopefully we can get the ball rolling.” – Robert Lindstedt, when asked about his chances at Wimbledon with doubles partner Horia Tecau.

STRONG SHOWING

AEGON International - Day Eight — Andy Roddick wins AEGON (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

After a string of disappointments, Andy Roddick added to his career totals by winning the men’s singles title at the AEGON International in Eastbourne. It marked the 12th consecutive year that the 29-year-old American has won at least one tournament. After suffering a first-round defeat at Queen’s Club the week before, Roddick asked for and received a wild card entry into the Eastbourne tournament. He responded by reaching his first final in 16 months. Until now it hasn’t been an easy year for Roddick. He had been sidelined since the US hard court swing with a hamstring injury. When he returned to action in late May, he preceded to loss all three of his round-robin matches in Düsseldorf, Germany, and then his following two opening matches at Roland Garros and Queen’s Club. Roddick’s semifinal win over Steve Darcis was the 600th of his career. He is the 19th player in the Open Era to record 600 match wins, and joins Roger Federer as the only active players to have attained the milestone. Roddick’s last grass court final was the 2009 Wimbledon, when he lost to Federer 16-14 in the fifth set. Before Eastbourne, Roddick had not won a tour-level match since defeating Federer in the third round at Miami, Florida, USA, in March.

SURPRISE

Five times Angelique Kerber reached match point. Five times, Tamira Paszek won the next point. And when they passed out the women’s singles trophies at Eastbourne, Paszek was holding the big one, having beaten her German opponent 5-7 6-3 7-5. The left-handed Kerber had five match points at 5-3 in the final set before Paszek won the next four games. When she won the final point, the 21-year-old Austrian sank to her knees and kissed the grass at Devonshire Park. The winner slipped in the seventh game of the set, causing problems with her right leg. She took a medical time-out to have her right ankle strapped and called the trainer again to massage her calf during a changeover before winning the battle on her third match point. “I was that tired in the third set I could hardly move,” Paszek said. “I just gave all I had left and it just was enough.”

SANCTIONS THREAT LIFTED

David Nalbandian was defaulted in his Queen’s Club final, lost approximately USD $70,000 in prize money and fined, and 150 ranking points after he kicked an on-court advertising board into an official. He has escaped any further punishment from the ATP. “After a review of the incident, the ATP determined that although David’s actions were unacceptable and under ATP rules warranted an automatic default, the injury to the linesman was unintentional. As such, it was decided that the sanctions already levied against David are sufficient in this case.” The Argentine player had faced the prospect of a lengthy ban since had also been accused of throwing water at an official during the Australia Open.

SPANISH POWER

Riding his big serve, David Ferrer of Spain, won a grass-court event, ending a qualifier’s surprising run. Better known for his success on clay, Ferrer bombarded Philipp Petzschner in straight sets at the UNICEF Open. The Spaniard won 78 percent of his first serve points and broke the German three times to wrap up the win in 69 minutes. “The key was with my serve,” Ferrer said. “I served very good all the match. I played my best match of this week. I was more consistent than in my last matches.” Ranked sixth in the world, Ferrer also won at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2008. “I think he played a great match. He deserved to win the tournament and he was the best player here,” Petzschner said. “I made too many mistakes today. If I want to beat him, I have to play at my highest level. But I’m happy with the week. I played really good tennis.” When accepting his trophy, Petzschner announced he would donate a portion of his prize money to UNICEF.

STICKING TO RED

The ATP has ruled that blue clay courts will not be permitted at ATP World Tour events next year. “While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide,” said Brad Drewett, ATP executive chairman and president. “Regardless of color, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players. … At this time it’s clear that further development is required before it can be considered for use at the ATP World Tour level.” Both top-ranked Novak Djokovic and second-ranked Rafael Nadal complained about the court, saying they would not play the event next year if the blue clay court remained. Roger Federer, who won the tournament, didn’t complain.

SISTER TEAM

Sisters Venus and Serena Williams are back at Wimbledon seeking another doubles title. The two are entered in doubles at the All England Club, the first time they have played together since losing in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon two years ago. They have won 12 Grand Slam tournament women’s doubles trophies. The only official doubles match either sister has played since 1020 win in Fed Cup in February, when Venus teamed with Liezel Huber to help the United States beat Belarus.

SERVING

Roger Federer has been reelected to the ATP Player Council by its members. Other returning players on the council include Jarkko Nieminen and Eric Butorac. Serving two-year terms in the category representing the top 50 players by ranking are Kevin Anderson, Federer, Nieminen and Gilles Simon. Elected to represent players ranked 51 to 100 were Robin Haase and Sergiy Stakhovsky, while Butorac and Mahesh Bhupathi will represent the top 100-ranked doubles players. James Cerretani and Andre Sa were elected at-large, Brian Gottfried to represent the alumni and Claudio Pistolesi to represent the coaches. The new ATP Player Council’s first meeting will be in New York prior to the US Open, where the president and vice president will be elected. Federer, who begins his third term on the council, said: “It has been four years of good work with the Player Council in which we have made progress in some areas. There is more to do and I am happy to be back with the council group. It’s great to see some new players step up and I look forward to working with them to continue to grow our sport.”

The outgoing Player Council re-elected Giorgio di Palermo as Player Board representative from the European region. Di Palermo will serve a three-year term starting January 1, 2013. The ATP Board of Directors is comprised of three player representatives, three tournament representatives, and Brad Drewett, the organization’s executive chairman and president.

SHAPE UP

At least members of the All England Club aren’t restricted to only wearing white clothes during the fortnight. Players at the famed grass court Grand Slam tournament must wear predominantly white clothing, unlike the other three major events. But this year dress code guidelines were included in a glossy pamphlet mailed to members of the club. Acceptable dress for gentlemen means a suit or tailored jacket, shirt, tie, trousers and dress shoes, while “’Ladies are expected to dress to a similar standard.” According to the pamphlet, the dress standards will be strictly enforced, and the guidelines were included “’to avoid any embarrassment.”

SENDING TWO TEAMS

India’s tennis association has solved its problem by doubling its doubles teams. The All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced Mahesh Bhupathi and regular partner Rohan Bopanna will play together at the London Olympics. Each had turned down requests by the AITA to partner Leander Paes at the Games. “In the given circumstances, the best option before the AITA is of sending two pairs,” said federation president Anil Khanna. Paes is expected to partner Vishnu Vardhan. “The AITA agrees that this decision is unfair to Paes … but in the given circumstances, which is not 100 percent tennis circumstance, this is the best option,” Khanna said. Paes will also team up with Sania Mirza in mixed doubles at the Olympics, even though Mirza and Bhupathi won the French Open mixed title earlier this month. Also, Khanna warned that the matter is not closed and that the AITA will consider taking action against Bhupathi and Bopanna following the Olympics.

SURPRISE

Qualifier Melanie Oudin won her first WTA tournament when she shocked Jelena Jankovic in the rain-delayed AEGON Classic in Birmingham, Great Britain. The20-year-old American won eight matches to win the Wimbledon warm-up event. With the victory she received a wild card entry into The Championships at the All England Club. With the victory, Oudin became the first player ranked outside the top 200 to win a main tour title since Kim Clijsters captured the US Open in 2009. Jankovic wasn’t the only seeded player surprised by Oudin during the week. The American knocked off 10th-seeded Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the opening round and eighth-seeded Ekaterina Makarova of Russia in the semifinals. Oudin also beat Jankovic in their only previous meeting, at Wimbledon three years ago.

SET FOR OLYMPICS

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has been selected to represent France in the London Olympics. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) also named Gilles Simon, Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet would compete in the tennis Olympic tennis, which will be held on the grass courts at Wimbledon. Tsonga missed the 2008 Beijing Olympics because of a knee injury. He could be sidelined for Wimbledon because of a badly twisted little finger.

The FFT also announced that a wild card has been requested to allow Alize Cornet to participate in the women’s tournament, while Michael Llodra and Tsonga as well as Julien Benneteau and Gasuet will be the doubles pairings representing France.

STATOIL MASTERS

John McEnroe will defend his title at the Statoil Masters Tennis when the senior tour returns to Royal Albert Hall in London, Great Britain, in December. McEnroe, who won the inaugural tournament in 1997, will be joined in the field by former Wimbledon champions Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Cash. Others who have confirmed they will play include Tim Henman, Mark Philippoussis, Henri Leconte, Mansour Bahrami and Fabrice Santoro.

Statoil has become the title sponsor of the tournament for at least the next three years. The Statoil Masters Tennis is part of the ATP Champions Tour, a circuit of former world number one players, Grand Slam tournament singles finalists and Davis Cup winners.

SOCK TO PLAY

Young American Jack Sock has been given a wild card entry into the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, to be played July 9-15 on the grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. The 19-year-old teamed with Melanie Oudin to win the US Open mixed doubles title in 2011, the same year Sock captured the USTA Boys’ 18 title. This will be Sock’s first appearance in Newport, which is the only grass court tournament on grass courts in North or South America. Others in the field include: defending champion John Isner; the record-setting doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan; Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Canada’s Milos Raonic.

SET FOR FARMERS CLASSIC

Sam Querrey, a two-time winner, fellow Americans Ryan Harrison and James Black; France’s Nicolas Mahut, Russia’s Dmitry Tursunov and Belgium’s Xavier Malisse are among the players initially entered in the draw for the 86th annual Farmers Classic, which will be played July 23-29 in Los Angeles. The tournament features a 28-player singles and 16-team doubles competition.

SAD NEWS

Judge Robert J. Kelleher, who was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2000, is dead at the age of 99. Kelleher was the oldest serving federal judge in the nation. He was president of the United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) in 1967-68 and helped usher in the Open Era in tennis. Kelleher also served as captain of the United States Davis Cup team in 1962 and 1963, winning the title in 1963. He teamed with his wife Gracyn Wheeler Kelleher to win the Canadian mixed doubles championship in 1947.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Eastbourne (men): Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins beat Jamie Delgado and Ken Skupski 6-4 6-3

Eastbourne (women): Nuria Llagostera Vives and María José Martinez Sánchez beat Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 6-4, retired (Huber thigh injury)

‘s-Hertogenbosch (men): Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau beat Juan Sebastian Cabal and Dmitry Tursunov 6-3 7-6 (1)

‘s-Hertogenbosch (women): Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci beat Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova 6-3 3-6 11-9 (match tiebreak)

SURFING

Wimbledon: www.wimbledon.com/

Braunschweig: http://www.nordlb-open.org/

Biella: www.itfbiella.com

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

MEN and WOMEN

The Championships, Wimbledon, Great Britain, grass (first week)

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

MEN

The Championships, Wimbledon, Great Britain, grass (second week)
$134,000 Sparkassen Open, Braunschweig, Germany, clay

WOMEN

The Championships, Wimbledon, Great Britain, grass (second week)
$100,000 XIII Torneo Internazionale Regione Piemonte, Biella, Italy, clay

United States to take on France and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Davis Cup Battle this weekend on Tennis Channel

April 5, 2012 by WTM

Captain Jim Courier Leads John Isner, Ryan Harrison, and Brothers Bob and Mike Bryan into Quarterfinal Competition Against France

French national tennis team player Jo-Wi — Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and John Isner ready for Davis Cup battle (Photo credit should read SEBASTIEN NOGIER/AFP/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA April 5, 2012-Tennis Channel will provide exclusive coverage of the U.S. Davis Cup team’s quarterfinal competition against France in Monaco, this weekend, with live and same-day, “Instant Encore” replays Friday through Sunday. John Isner, World No. 11, leads a U.S. team of tennis up-and-comer Ryan Harrison and top-ranked doubles brothers Bob and Mike Bryan against France’s World No. 6, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The French will face the Americans for the first time since its 2008 upset at the same stage in the competition.

The meeting will consist of two singles matches on Friday, April 6, at 6 a.m. ET, followed by the doubles match Saturday, April 7, at 8 a.m. Tennis Channel’s coverage concludes with the remaining singles play Sunday, April 8, at 5 a.m. Each of the five matches is worth one point, with the team that wins at least three points advancing to the semifinals to face either Spain or Austria September 14-16. Each afternoon Tennis Channel will offer an encore presentation of the day’s Davis Cup action.

Coverage from Monte Carlo Country Club in in Monacois as follows (all time ET):

Friday, April 6:

6 a.m. – Live Singles #1

9 a.m. – Live Singles #2

{12 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #1}

{3 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #2}

{7 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #1}

{10 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #2}

Saturday, April 7:

8 a.m. – Live Doubles

{4 p.m. – Instant Encore Doubles}

{12 a.m. – Instant Encore Doubles}

Sunday, April 8:

5 a.m. – Live Singles #1

8 a.m. – Live Singles #2

{12 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #1}

{3 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #2}

{8 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #1}

{11 p.m. – Instant Encore Singles #2}

The United States and France have one of the oldest Davis Cup rivalries, first playing in 1905. The two nations have met 15 times in Davis Cup play, with the United States holding a 8-7 advantage. The most recent meeting was at the same stage of play in 2008 when the United States upset the French team 4-1 in Winston-Salem, N.C. France’s only home loss to the United States was in the 1982 final. The United States enters this weekend’s match after defeating Switzerland 5-0 in Fribourg, Switzerland. The Americans are looking to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2008. The United States leads all nations with 23 Davis Cup titles, the most recent in 2007.

Leading the U.S. team is Captain Jim Courier, who as a player helped the American squad win the Davis Cup in 1992 and 1995. John Isner enters this weekend’s competition after an impressive win over World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., before falling to Roger Federer. Teenager Ryan Harrison came one step closer to winning his first pro title when he advanced to the semifinals at the SAP Open in San Jose before losing to eventual champion Milos Raonic. The world’s top-ranked doubles team, twin brothers Bob and Mike Bryan, continue to be the world’s most dominant pair, capturing their eleventh Grand Slam doubles title at Wimbledon last year.

France is bidding to reach its third-consecutive semifinal and win its tenth Davis Cup crown. The French team enters this weekend’s matchup after a 4-1 victory over Canada in Vancouver. France’s team is captained by Guy Forget and features World No. 6 Tsonga, Gilles Simon, Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra.

Tennis Channel (www.tennischannel.com) is the only 24-hour, television-based multimedia destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle. A hybrid of comprehensive sports, health, fitness, pop culture, entertainment, lifestyle and travel programming, the network is home to every aspect of the wide-ranging, worldwide tennis community. It also has the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television, with telecast rights to the US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open), Australian Open, Olympus US Open Series, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events, top-tier WTA competitions, Davis Cup and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, and Hyundai Hopman Cup. Tennis Channel is carried by nine of the top 10 video providers.

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

February 8, 2012 by Justin Cohen

Rainer Schuettler, Ryan Harrison — 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.”

USA’s Performance At The Australian Open Is Gimpy

January 20, 2012 by Charles Bricker

Metaphorical, wasn’t it, as Andy Roddick limped off court, having waved the white flag after going down two sets to one to Lleyton Hewitt and grimacing through several games with a hamstring injury.

How gimpy was the overall U.S. performance at this opening Grand Slam of the season? When the day was done, John Isner was beaten as well, leaving no American men in the round of 16 since the beginning of the Open Era of tennis in 1968.

Gone: Roddick in the second round with yet another injury as he marches, or rather hobbles, toward his 30th birthday.

Gone: No. 8 ranked Mardy Fish, down in straights to Colombia’s Alejandro Falla in the second round.

Gone: Isner, beaten 6-1 in the fifth set by lefty ace-serving Feliciano Lopez in the third round.

And the rest of the U.S. cast of characters are gone as well: Ryan Sweeting, though he looks as if he might have a very good year, young Ryan Harrison, Michael Russell, Donald Young, Jesse Levine, and qualifiers Denis Kudla and Alex Kuznetsov.

On the women’s side, only two of 10 U.S. players remain in the draw — Serena Williams and, surprisingly, Vania King.

This was the start of what was hoped would be a breakthrough year for a number of young American women, and one might argue that 19-year-old Christina McHale, her ranking already at No. 43, had her breakthrough in 2011.

But she was thumped out of the Aussie Open in the third round by No. 13 seed Jelena Jankovic by 6-2, 6-0 with an extremely disappointing performance.

There are other young Americans from whom more is expected by the very heavily funded USTA development program — Madison Keys, 16; Sloane Stephens, 18, Irina Falconi and Alison Riske, both 21; and Jamie Hampton, 22. And for most of them their losses shouldn’t be seen as total failures. They are evolving players who should get better. Still, U.S. tennis fans can be impatient and the toe tapping is well under way for most of this young talent.

Let’s go back a week. The U.S. had just six men players in the Australian Open qualifying tournament, and that alone speaks to disappearing depth. Kudla and Kuznetsov qualified with Denis losing in five to the soon-to-be-retired Tommy Haas in the main draw while Alex drew No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal and went down quickly in three.

The other four in the qualifying produced just two wins, both by Tim Smyczek, who was beaten in the final round in a quest for a main draw spot. Robby Ginepri, Michael Yani and Rajeev Ram? All down in straight sets in the opening round.

On the women’s side, there were 12 in the qualifying with Riske, Hampton and Varvara Lepchenko going through. Only Hampton won a main draw round, beating career minor leaguer Mandy Minella of Luxembourg and then getting blasted 6-0, 6-1 by Maria Sharapova. No great shame in losing there, but the USTA had hoped for a lot more fight than she delivered.

Serena is doing what was expected and, though she’s a longshot to win the tournament because of her succession of injuries, she’ll almost certainly make the second week. King, who turns 23 on Feb. 3, has been a slow developer and, though she upset No. 15 seed Anastasia Pavlyochenkova in the second round, she won’t be favored to get by Ana Ivanovic in the third.

That would leave just one U.S. player out of a total of 22 entered in the main draws.

So what do you deduce? To begin with, it’s not a good start to the year. Last year, Roddick, because of injury, played the fewest matches since his first full-time season, and if this hamstring injury has indeed been lingering since December, that’s not a good signal of his recuperative abilities at age 29.

Mardy Fish? It has been a good year and a half since he became the svelte Mardy and he’s run up an excellent won-lost record and achieved top-10 status. But his performances in the Slams are largely disappointing. There was a quarterfinal finish at Wimbledon last year, where he beat Tomas Berdych and lost to Nadal, and who knows how far he might have gone with a cozier draw. But he was out in the second round of the 2011 Aussie Open (Tommy Robredo) and round of 16 at the U.S. Open (Jo-Wilfried Tsonga). Tough opponents, yes. But still . . . Big players score big results in big moments.

Isner? Two five-setters in a row was devastating. I think he can reach top-10.

Is there another top-10 talent out there on the U.S. women’s side? McHale is the best of the young Americans right now, but I still don’t see elite talent there. Keys is the X factor. She got slapped down pretty hard by Jie Zheng in the opening round (6-2, 6-1), scoring only 35 points in 15 games. But she’s only 16! We still have to see how she holds up physically with an intensified tournament schedule.

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com

US Open announces wild card entries for 2011 edition

August 17, 2011 by WTM

The USTA announced today that 2001 US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and a group of Americans consisting of former US Open semifinalist Robby Ginepri, teenager Ryan Harrison, reigning NCAA champion Steve Johnson, Jack Sock, who won his second consecutive USTA Boys’ 18s title on Sunday, and current world No. 89 Donald Young, along with France’s Julien Benneteau, have been awarded men’s singles main draw wild card entries into the 2011 US Open Tennis Championships. The 2011 US Open will be played August 29 – September 11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.

One additional wild card will be given to the winner of the 2011 US Open Wild Card Playoff, an eight-player invitational event held by USTA Player Development at the Junior Tennis Champions Center, a USTA Certified Regional Training Center in College Park, Md., this week.

Both the men’s and women’s US Open singles champions will win $1.8 million in prize money with the ability to earn an additional $1 million in bonus prize money (for a total potential payout of $2.8 million) based on their performance in the 2011 Olympus US Open Series. The US Open Men’s Singles Championship is presented by Mercedes-Benz USA.

Ginepri, 28, of Kennesaw, Ga., has played in just six events since the 2010 US Open after undergoing arm surgery last September, and is currently ranked No. 305 after reaching the final of the USTA Pro Circuit $100,000 Challenger in Vancouver earlier this month. He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 15 in 2005 after reaching the semifinals of the US Open that year. Ginepri has won three career ATP World Tour singles titles and has been a member of the U.S. Davis Cup and Olympic tennis teams.

Hewitt, 30, of Adelaide, Australia, received his wild card through a reciprocal arrangement with Tennis Australia, which will grant a men’s singles main draw wild card into the 2012 Australian Open to a player designated by the USTA. He is a former world No. 1 and the winner of 28 career singles titles, including 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon.

Harrison, 19, of Bradenton, Fla., is currently ranked No. 78 in the world and is the youngest American in the top 100. This summer he reached consecutive semifinals at the Olympus US Open Series events in Atlanta and Los Angeles, where he lost to the top-ranked American Mardy Fish both times. Harrison was given a wild card into qualifying at the US Open last year and won three matches to advance to the main draw, where he upset No. 15 seed Ivan Ljubicic in the first round and had match points in the second round before losing in a fifth set tiebreak.

Reigning NCAA champion Johnson, 21, of Orange, Calif., captured the title as a junior at USC and also helped lead the Trojans to their third consecutive NCAA team title. Johnson earned 2011 All-America honors and competed on the USTA Collegiate Team this summer, where he reached his first pro final (as an amateur) at the $15,000 USTA Pro Circuit Futures in Sacramento, Calif. Johnson was a practice partner for the U.S. Davis Cup team in July during the 2011 quarterfinal between the United States and Spain in Austin, Texas.

Sock, 18, of Lincoln, Neb., recently turned pro and successfully defended his title at the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championships on Sunday to earn a wild card into the US Open men’s singles draw for the second consecutive year, and become the first back-to-back USTA Boys’ 18s champion since Donald Young in 2005-06. Last year, Sock became the first American to win the US Open boys’ singles title since Andy Roddick in 2000.

Young, 22, of Atlanta, re-entered the top 100 this year after reaching the semifinals of the Olympus US Open Series event in Washington D.C. earlier this month and upsetting two top 30 players—his career-best result. This year, he also advanced to the third round of Indian Wells, where he defeated world No. 5 Andy Murray en route, and then captured his sixth career USTA Pro Circuit singles title. A two-time Grand Slam junior tournament champion, Young became the youngest-ever year-end world No. 1 junior in 2005. He first broke into the top 100 in 2007 when he reached the third round of the US Open.

Benneteau, 29, of Bourg en Bresse, France, received his wild card through a reciprocal arrangement with the French Tennis Federation, which granted a wild card into the 2011 French Open to a player designated by the USTA (Tim Smyczek, who won a USTA playoff). Benneteau is currently ranked No. 112 after having reached a career-high No. 32 in 2010.

In addition to the eight US Open men’s singles main draw wild cards, the USTA also announced eight men who have been awarded wild card entries into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will be held August 23-26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. One additional US Open qualifying wild card will be awarded to the winner of the 2011 US Open National Playoffs – Men’s Championship, taking place August 18-21 in New Haven, Conn.

Players receiving 2011 US Open qualifying wild cards are: 2011 USTA Boys’ 18s runner-up Mitchell Frank (18, Annandale, Va.); 2011 French Open boys’ singles champion Bjorn Fratangelo (18, Plum, Pa.); 2011 Easter Bowl champion Marcos Giron (18, Thousand Oaks, Calif.); Bradley Klahn (20, Poway, Calif.), the 2010 NCAA men’s singles champion and a rising senior at Stanford; Daniel Kosakowski (19, Huntington Park, Calif.), who recently turned professional after his freshman year at UCLA; Denis Kudla (18, Arlington, Va.), who recently reached the quarterfinals at the ATP World Tour event in Newport, R.I.; and two University of Tennessee standouts – Tennys Sandgren (20, Gallatin, Tenn.), who won back-to-back titles on the USTA Pro Circuit this summer; and 2011 NCAA men’s singles runner-up Rhyne Williams (20, Knoxville, Tenn.), who turned professional this summer.

Watching Wimbledon from up in the clouds

June 28, 2011 by WTM

By Thomas Swick

swickt@bellsouth.net

I really didn’t get into Wimbledon until Thursday afternoon, when I was sitting in the last row of a Continental plane flying from Fort Lauderdale to Newark. On the small screen in front of me I watched Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Grigor Dimitrov play a match so spirited that at the conclusion of one point they found themselves on the same side of the net. (They honored the occasion, and each other, by exchanging low fives). Then Tsonga concluded the match by jumping over the net (a rare sight these days, but, then, this is the tournament of tradition) to console the laid-flat Bulgarian.

The other memorable match watched at 30,000 feet was Sabine Lisicki’s defeat of Na Li. If Wide World of Sports were still around they could ditch the footage of the tumbling ski jumper and illustrate the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat with two shots of Lisicki: the first, showing her falling to her knees and bowing her head to the grass in exultant ecstasy, and the second, from a few weeks ago, showing her in tears as she gets carried off the red clay of Roland Garros on a stretcher. The redemptive power of sports.

This is not to say the first few days were without interest. There was the ball that bounced directly off the head of a lines judge and over the wall. There was Ryan Harrison finally putting his shirt on correctly and then giving himself a wry fist pump. There was Chris Evert telling, in his presence, of a borderline obsession with Roger Federer, and Patrick McEnroe confessing that, at Stanford, he took “Physics for Poets.” (Which is much more respectable than “Physics for Jocks.”) Pam Shriver, during a discussion of the coveted Wimbledon towels, said that she saw Serena Williams blow her nose in one.

Shriver has had perhaps the best line of the tournament so far. During the Maria Sharapova-Klara Zakopalova match, the conversation came around to what a difficult game tennis is, with each player out there alone, without teammates or coach. Shriver, not totally convinced, asked, “But where else could someone named Koukalova-Zakopalova make a million dollars?”

I flew north to attend a family wedding, and each morning I would turn on the motel TV to watch Wimbledon. This meant that I also heard the commentary of a non-tennis fan: my wife. When one of the talking heads, perhaps Brad Gilbert, described Harrison as someone who “loves to compete” and “hates to lose,” Hania asked reasonably: “And the other players hate to compete and love to lose?”

We flew home on Sunday, Wimbledon’s day off. At the airport, we struck up a conversation with a Norwegian family traveling from Oslo to their second home in Pompano Beach. The nine-year-old boy was a budding tennis player (with a Swedish coach), hoping to work on his game in the Florida sun. I asked him who his favorite player was. And the poised, soft-spoken, well-coiffed little Scandinavian said, not surprisingly: “Roger Federer.” Then his mother asked me which channel was showing Wimbledon.

ryan harrison

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