World Tennis Magazine

Unique Tennis Perspectives

september 11 2001

“9-11-01” to be painted on court during US Open Finals to honor those fallen 10 years ago: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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US Open to conduct 9/11 Memorial Tributes during Finals Weekend

During the men’s and women’s championship matches at the US Open in New York, “9-11-01” will be inscribed on the court in Arthur Ashe Stadium to remember those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The USTA also will include on the upper ring encircling Arthur Ashe Stadium the 9-11 memorial logo developed by the City of New York. This logo will replace a USOpen.org logo that will be in place prior to Finals Weekend. “The USTA’s goal is to mark this solemn occasion in a dignified and respectful manner,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “We are one of this nation’s global stages on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, and we have a special responsibility to honor those fallen and those who responded heroically on that fateful day.” Each ceremony will include a moment of silence and the unfolding of a giant American flag over the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium by a United States Marines Corps color guard.  On Sunday, the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the two men’s players competing in the Final will enter the court through an honor guard comprised of members of the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York and the Port Authority Police.  There also will be a military flyover on Sunday, September 11, at the conclusion of the ceremony.  CBS Sports will present live coverage of each ceremony as part of its broadcasts of the prime-time women’s final and Sunday afternoon men’s final. Also to pay tribute during finals weekend, prior to the start of the prime-time women’s singles final on Saturday, September 10, there will be a special performance by Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Cyndi Lauper. On Sunday, September 11, Queen Latifah – musician, television and film actress, label president and author – will preside over a tribute before the start of the men’s singles final. Queen Latifah performed at the US Open’s first ever Opening Night Ceremony in 2002, which was 9/11 themed.

In memory of September 11, 2001

Yale University becomes one of five major sponsors for WTA New Haven Open at Yale

After Pilot Pen ended its 15-year reign as title sponsor of the professional tennis tournament in New Haven, Yale University stepped in to help save the tournament. The prestigious Ivy League university is one of five major sponsors for the WTA New Haven Open at Yale, which is being played this week at the 15,000-seat Connecticut Tennis Centre. Former WTA Tour Chief Executive Anne Worcester said Yale President Rick Levin helped recruit the major sponsors including American Express, Aetna, First Niagara and Yale-New Haven Hospital, all under three-year agreements. Financial terms of the partnership have not been disclosed, but Yale spokesman Michael Morand said: “The world is a giant place. It is true that lots of people know Yale, but you might be surprised that not everybody does in all places. It’s a vast market, so there is a lot value in the name recognition.” First Niagara spokesman James Bzdyra said his company would not have become involved in the New Haven Open without Yale.

Tennis Channel’s third year of US Open coverage includes more than 230 hours of coverage

Starting on August 29, the US Open will begin in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., and Tennis Channel will bring more than 230 hours of tournament coverage to viewers throughout the United States, including 72 hours of live coverage. The Los Angeles-based 24-hour, television based multimedia destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle, will showcase 41 hours of US Open Tonight and Breakfast at the Open. In its third year of coverage from the final Grand Slam of the season, Tennis Channel adds veteran tennis broadcaster Mary Carillo to its already impressive line-up of an air talent including Martina Navratilova, Tracy Austin and Lindsay Davenport. New in 2011 is the addition of a six television court for tournament broadcasters to share with viewers. Court No. 17 joins Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, Grandstand, Court No. 11 and Court No. 13 as courts with television coverage from the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Tennis Channel’s live coverage of this year’s US Open begins on Monday, August 29, at 11 a.m. ET, and concludes Thursday, September 8, at 7 p.m. ET.

Tennis Channel, National Cable Television Cooperative sign new affiliation agreement

On Tuesday, Tennis Channel announced they had signed a new affiliation agreement with National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), which is a not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming and hardware purchasing corporation for nearly 1,000 member companies. The multi-year deal gives authorization for broad distribution for Tennis Channel by NCTC members who elect to carry the network under the NCTC partnership. The previous agreement between Tennis Channel and NCTC was set to expire on September 3, which was during the middle of the US Open. “We’re happy to renew our relationship with Tennis Channel, and to continue to make the network available to our members,” said Frank Hughes, Senior Vice President, Programming, NCTC. “The channel has matured tremendously in recent years to truly become the television home for tennis.” The new NCTC deal with Tennis Channel provides the 24-hour television network with broad carriage on widely penetrated levels of service. “The NCTC plays an important role in representing independent cable operators, and we’re excited that the businesses and viewers they serve will continue to have the opportunity to watch Tennis Channel,” said Patrick Wilson, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Tennis Channel.

USTA announces new enhancements and programming for 2011 US Open

The USTA recently announced that several new enhanced fan experiences and programming expansions are in store for next week’s US Open, including new musical entertainment, upgrades to the facility, new mobile technology offerings and many activities for young tennis players. To kick things off on Opening Night, youth tennis will be celebrated in an innovative way that will showcase player images with special lighting effects for the first time, as well as a breathtaking musical performance by world famous entertainer, Taio Cruz. Following Cruz, young singer Greyson Chance will take the stage to perform the Star Spangled Banner. During finals weekend, the USTA and US Open will remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, with a pair of pre-match ceremonies in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Grammy and Emmy-Award winner Cyndi Lauper will perform before the women’s final on Saturday, September 10, while Queen Latifah will perform a tribute before the men’s championship match on Sunday, September 11. For both the men’s and women’s singles championships “9-11-01” will be painted on the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium as a part of this memorial tribute. New this year is US Open Fan Patrol, which will allow fans sitting in the promenade section of Arthur Ashe Stadium during night sessions to be entertained by visiting former players and other celebrities, and will be treated to a series of prize giveaways and other interactive contests. Other happenings around the grounds include American Express unveiling a new fan area just outside the USTA’s indoor tennis facility at Arthur Ashe, which will provide a host of amenities and attractions to those attending the 2011 US Open, providing both American Express cardholders and all fans with information on the game. For the second year, microphones will be installed in the player boxes in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which will help viewers get up close and personal with the emotion and drama by adding the perspective of the players’ guests as matches unfold. Also new in 2011, fans that are on-site will be able to purchase US Open merchandise from their mobile device and pick up their order either as they leave the facility, or have the merchandise delivered to a suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Working with IBM again, USOpen.org will offer its very popular iPhone app and introduce its Android app. Both apps will provide users with live scores, draws, schedules, videos, news, features and other tournaments news. Additionally, for the first time, live video streaming will be available via both apps during Labor Day weekend and Finals Weekend. On Thursday, September 8, a doubles exhibition will take place between actor Will Ferrell, tennis legends John McEnroe and Jim Courier, as well as other special tennis guests.

USTA Serves to host 11th Annual Opening Night Gala at US Open in New York on Monday, August 29

According to a recently released press release by the United States Tennis Association, USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, will host its 11th Annual Opening Night Gala in the USTA President’s Box at the US Open on Monday, August 29. The evening will feature honored guests including legendary Grammy and Emmy award winning performer Tony Bennett; Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and future Basketball Hall of Fame  inductee; and Alec Baldwin, the Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning star of NBC’s “30 Rock.” The Opening Night Gala is the major fundraiser for USTA Serves and contributes more than $400,000 to help fund college scholarships and program grants to community-based tennis and education programs throughout the country. USTA Serves has awarded more than $14 million to grassroots tennis and education programs that enhance the lives of at-risk children and those with special needs. Also, the foundation has provided more than 18 million hours of mentoring, tutoring and nutrition guidance to more than 225,000 kids. The success of this one night allows the foundation to continue supporting programs that increase students’ high school graduation rates, grade point averages, and reading grade levels. Many of these children become the first in their families to go to college. “We’ve seen, time and again, that when you give young people a chance to succeed; they grab the opportunity and make the most of it,” says Mary Carillo, President, USTA Serves. “That’s why we support these efforts that provide kids with that chance.” Carillo will host the Gala’s dinner and the evening’s festivities. The Gala’s auction will feature many valuable items, including a trip to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, a luncheon with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a meet-and-greet with Alec Baldwin on the set of “30 Rock,” trips to St. Barth’s and Barbados Islands, and a trip to the 2012 Wimbledon Championships. Baldwin will serve as the celebrity auctioneer. During the evening’s festivities, USTA Serves also will celebrate Tony Bennett’s 85th birthday and serve the “Tony Bennett Cupcake” created by Bare Naked Bakery of Long Island.

Serving Their Countries: Tennis and War; Special exhibit featuring Arthur Ashe photos at US Open

At the upcoming US Open in New York, which beings on August 29, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum will present Serving Their Countries: Tennis and War, a special exhibition showcasing the sometimes tragic, often inspiring, and always heroic and selfless stories of how the tennis community has shown a commitment to a free and safe world in the face of conflict – and continues to do so today. In addition, the gallery will host a new exhibition of photos of Arthur Ashe, shot and compiled by his wife, renowned photographer Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum Gallery at the US Open will be open daily, August 29 – September 11, and admission is complimentary for guests attending the US Open. New this year, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum Gallery at the US Open is located in the Chase Center, with the US Open Bookstore. “The rich history of tennis extends far beyond the great moments of dramatic match points and Grand Slam victories. The involvement of tennis professionals in the war effort is one important example of this,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “I think tennis fans and those interested in history in general will really enjoy seeing this exhibit and learning more about what role some of the heroes of our sport have played in war efforts worldwide. In addition, we are pleased to work with Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe on a one-of-a-kind, truly outstanding photo exhibit showcasing one of the greatest heroes of tennis, Arthur Ashe.”

Tweet rally set for 2011 US Open tickets

Mercedes-Bens and its Tri-State dealers are kicking off a Tweet Rally to the 2011 US Open and plan to giveaway 90 pairs of tickets to the tournament during a two-week period through the Twitter handle @MBUSA. From August 22 – September 1, via the @MBUSA Twitter handle, messages are being broadcast with clues to surprise locations and times where those following the Tennis Tweet Rally can go to land a pair of premium loge US Open tickets. Each location is marked by a special tennis themed 2012 ML 350 SUV, which serves as the ticket giveaway spot on a first come, first served basis.Thirty Mercedes-Benz dealers in the Tri-State region are participating and approximately three or four locations per day are being revealed via the Twitter feed @MBUSA. One special giveaway location is going to include an opportunity to meet Roger Federer, who is personally handing over tickets.

Fourteen children ages 12-and-under will perform patriotic songs at 2011 US Open

On Tuesday, the USTA announced the names of 14 vocalists, all ages 12-and-under and mainly from the east coast, who will perform patriotic-themed songs during 13 sessions of the upcoming US Open, which will be held from August 29-September 11. Performing at their fifth and final US Open will be Brooke Demetri of Glen Head, N.Y., and Owen Doherty of Rumson, N.J. Since the casting calls’ inception in 2007, Demetri and Doherty are the only two children who have appeared in five consecutive performances at the US Open. Earlier this summer, nearly 200 children came out to the US Open Casting Call at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theatre in New York City. Each singer performed in front of a panel of celebrity judges, including Tinsel Korey, who plays Emily Young in the Twilight Saga series; Josh Henderson, the star of television shows such as “90210” and “Desperate Housewives;” and “American Idol” Season 2 alum Kimberley Locke.

Sir Elton John, Billie Jean King bringing WTT Smash Hits to Cleveland on October 27

Sir Elton John and tennis legend Billie Jean King are bringing their annual World TeamTennis Smash Hits charity night of tennis to Cleveland, Ohio, for the first time in the event’s 19-year history on Thursday, October 27 at Public Hall. Other tennis stars scheduled to participate include Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo and several more to be announced at a later date. Tickets for the one-night event go on sale on Tuesday, August 30, at 10 a.m. ET. The event is produced by World TeamTennis in association with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. Smash Hits has raised more than $10 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993. This year’s event will benefit EJAF and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland.  The funds raised at the pre-match Smash Hits VIP Reception will be specifically targeted for local programs.“It is always such a great pleasure to co-host this wonderful event with my dear friend Billie Jean King,” said Sir Elton John.  “I’m so pleased that we will be teaming up with the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland to raise awareness about the continuing challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic both locally and nationally and to raise urgently needed dollars for community-based HIV prevention, education, treatment, and care services.  I urge all of the tennis fans and concerned citizens in the Greater Cleveland area to support this event and bring their families for a wonderful evening of tennis for a great cause.” “It is great for Elton and I to return to Cleveland and we are looking forward to a night of competitive and entertaining tennis,” said King.  “WTT Smash Hits is much more than a tennis event.  It’s a way for us to give back to the local community and make an impact by generating awareness and much needed financial support for HIV and AIDS.  We hope the Greater Cleveland area will help us reach those goals and support Smash Hits.” For more information, visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits.

Nick Bollettieri to be inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame on August 27 in New York

Nick Bollettieri, one of the world’s most famous tennis coaches, will be inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on Saturday, August 27. Bollettieri, who started the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978 in Bradenton, Fla., has worked with 10 world No. 1 ranked players including Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Venus Williams. “I am thrilled to be honored by the tennis industry,” said Bollettieri. “I’ve dedicated my life to helping players of all ages and abilities enjoy the sport of tennis. It’s quite an honor to be recognized by the tennis industry in this way.” Bollettieri joins previous Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees Howard Head (2008), Dennis Van der Meer (2008), Alan Schwartz (2009), and Billie Jean King (2010). Plaques of Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees are on permanent display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki no longer coached by father

According to reports by Ekstra Bladet, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki is no longer being coached by her father, Piotr. Supposedly, Wozniacki and her father discussed moving in another direction following her loss at Wimbledon to Dominika Cibulkova but had yet to hire a new coach so he went with her to Toronto and Cincinnati. Wozniacki fell in the opening round in both tournaments, losing to Roberta Vinci in Toronto and 19-year-old American Christina McHale in Cincinnati. Piotr, who was sitting frustrated in his seat all match next to Caroline’s boyfriend Rory McIlroy who plays on the PGA Tour, was heard yelling at her when he came on the court during her loss to McHale. Wozniacki’s agent, Lagardere’s John Tobias, confirmed to TENNIS.com that Piotr is stepping back, but said that no definitive hire of a new coach has been made yet. Wozniacki is scheduled to play New Haven this week where she is the 3-time defending champion.

US Open Ceremony Anniversaries Abound

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August 25 is an historic day for the United States Tennis Association and the U.S. Open as it was on this date in 1997 that the new Arthur Ashe Stadium was christened in a moving on-court ceremony, as documented in the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY by Randy Walker ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.TennisHistoryBook.com). August 25 also marked the day that Pete Sampras officially ended his miraculous career in another memorable on-court ceremony, while August 26 marks the date when the 2002 U.S. Open kicked off paying homage in an opening ceremony to the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York City by raising the American flag that flew over the World Trade Center over Arthur Ashe Stadium. Events from August 25 and August 26 are documented below in this exclusive book excerpt.

1997 – The United States Tennis Association dedicates Arthur Ashe Stadium with a dramatic on-court ceremony featuring Ashe’s widow Jeanne Moutassamy Ashe, Whitney Houston and 38 former champions. Tamarine Tanasugarn wins the first-ever match on Arthur Ashe Stadium defeating Chanda Rubin 6-4, 6-0. Future world No. 1 and two-time U.S. Open champion Venus Williams makes her U.S. Open debut, also on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court, and defeats Larisa Neiland of Latvia in the first round 5-7, 6-0, 6-1.

2003 – In an emotional on-court ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium on the opening night of the U.S. Open, five-time U.S. Open champion Pete Sampras officially announces his retirement from professional tennis. Just 12 months earlier, Sampras, seeded No. 17, brushing off the critics that say he is washed up and dramatically wins the U.S. Open – ending a tournament title slump of nearly 26 months – beating arch rival Andre Agassi 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in the final. Sampras appears on the court with his wife Bridgette and his 9-month-old son Christian, whom he carries in his arms as he takes one final victory lap around the center court at the U.S. Open.  “I’m going to miss playing here,” Sampras tells the crowd. “I really loved playing in New York, loved playing in front of you guys. But I know in my heart, it’s time to say goodbye.”

Pete Sampras

1927 – Althea Gibson, the woman who broke the color barrier at the U.S. Championships in 1950 and became one of the world’s most talented and accomplished players, is born in Spring, S.C. Gibson is the first black player to win a major title at the French Championships in 1956 and also becomes the first black player to win at Wimbledon (1957-1958) and at the U.S. Championships (1957-1958).

1950 – Play begins at the 50th anniversary edition of the Davis Cup Challenge Round as the United States and Australia open up play at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y. Australia takes a 2-0 on the Davis Cup holders as Frank Sedgman defeats Tom Brown 6-0, 8-6, 9-7 and Ken McGregor defeats Ted Schroeder 13-11, 6-3, 6-4. Australia goes on to claim its first Davis Cup title since 1939 the next day as Sedgman and John Bromwich defeat Gardnar Mulloy and Schroeder 4-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 giving Australia an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Brown prevents an Australian shutout on the third day of play as he comes back from two-sets-to-love deficit to defeat Ken McGregor 9-11, 8-10, 11-9, 6-1, 6-4 in the fifth and final match. Brown, a finalist at Forest Hills in 1946 and at Wimbledon in 1947, continues to play competitive tennis well into his 70s. In 1994, he undergoes shoulder replacement surgery where his arm was disconnected from his body and surgically re-attachment with an artificial shoulder.

2007 – James Blake wins his 10th career ATP singles title, defeating good friend Mardy Fish 7-5, 6-4. in the final of the Pilot Pen Championships in New Haven, Conn., just down the road from Blake’s childhood home of Fairfield, Conn.

August 26

1933 – Helen Wills Moody’s 45-match winning streak at the U.S. Championships ends in controversial circumstances as she quits her match with rival Helen Jacobs while trailing 0-3 in the final set of the women’s singles final at the West Side Tennis Club at Forest Hills. Trailing 0-3 in the final set, Moody walks to the chair umpire and informs him that she can no longer continue due to pain in her back. Jacobs pleads with Moody to continue, but the seven-time U.S. champion retreats to the dressing room, giving Jacobs the 8-6, 3-6, 3-0, ret. victory in front of  a shocked crowd of 8,000 fans. Moody’s loss is the first of any kind, in any circumstance since 1926. Moody issues a statement that reads, “In the third set of my singles match, I felt as though I was going to faint because of pain in my back and hip and complete numbness of my right leg. The match was long and by defaulting I do not wish to detract from the excellence of Miss Jacobs’s play. I felt that I have spoiled the finish of the national championship, and wish that I had followed the advice of my doctor and returned to California. I still feel that I did right in withdrawing because I felt that I was on the verge of a collapse on the court.” The loss marks the first loss for Moody in the championship since the 1922 U.S. women’s final.

1951 – Frank Sedgman and Ken McGregor clinch the first Grand Slam in doubles, defeating fellow Aussies Mervyn Rose and Don Candy 10-8, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the doubles final of the U.S. Championships, played at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.

1986 – John McEnroe suffers his first – and only – first round loss at the U.S. Open, when fellow Long Island native Paul Annacone fires 23 aces and dismisses the four-time champion 1-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 on the opening day of the tournament. McEnroe, the four-time U.S. Open champion, plays only his third event after returning from a six-month sabbatical from the game that featured him being married to actress Tatum O’Neal and the birth of his first child. Says McEnroe of his lack of vigor in his first-round exit, “I have to look at myself in the mirror and ask whether I have the enthusiasm. There’s not much sense in pretending it’s there.” Says Annacone of the victory, “I kind of felt awkward beating him. He’s a great champion. He’s entertained so many millions of people and done so much for the game. I want to see him come back, but I feel he has got to get some more matches under his belt.” While McEnroe is beginning the downward path of his career, Andre Agassi, a standard bearer for the next generation of American tennis, makes his U.S. Open debut as a 16-year-old. The future two-time U.S. Open champion also loses in the opening round, falling to Jeremy Bates of Great Britain, 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

1991 – No. 8 seed Andre Agassi commits 61 unforced errors in his 7-5, 7-6, 6-2 first round loss to Aaron Krickstein at the US Open. Says Krickstein simply of Agassi and the upset-win,” He had a lot more to do with what happened than I did.” Says Agassi, who lost in the finals of the U.S. Open to Pete Sampras the previous year, “I don’t know what is harder, to lose in the first round or to lose in the finals.”

2002 – The United States Tennis Association pays tribute to the City of New York nearly one year after the Sept. 11 World Trade Center tragedy with a moving on-court “Opening Night” ceremony at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The World Trade Center flag that flew over the Kandahar Airport in Afghanistan is unfurled on-court, then raised over the stadium. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Tony Bennett, actor Judd Hirsch, Queen Latifah, John McEnroe and Billie Jean King join New York City police and fire fighters during the ceremonies.

1949 – Twenty-one-year-old Richard “Pancho” Gonzales makes his Davis Cup debut defeating Frank Sedgman 8-6, 6-4, 9-7 to help the United States to a 2-0 lead over Australia after the first day of the Davis Cup Challenge Round at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens, N.Y. Born of Mexican parents in Los Angeles, Gonzalez wins the singles title at the U.S. National Championships at Forest Hills the year before in 1948 and goes on to defend his title in 1949. Following his triumph at Forest Hills in 1949, Gonzales, short of money, turns professional thus not being eligible to play Davis Cup again until the advent of Open tennis in 1968.

1974 – Bjorn Borg, who earlier in the year wins the Italian and French Championships, wins the U.S. Pro Championships in Boston, defeating Tom Okker in the final, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 6-1. Borg rallies from being down 2-5 in the first set to easily capture his first title in the United States. In the semifinals, Borg comes back from a 1-5 deficit in the fifth set to beat Jan Kodes 7-6 (7-3), 6-0, 1-6, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4) in the semifinals.

1991– After mysteriously skipping Wimbledon earlier in the summer, Monica Seles is unveiled as the spokesperson for the blue-jean manufacturer “No Excuses” in a press conference in New York. Seles, who absence from Wimbledon was the only blip on a season that saw her win the other three major tournaments she entered, used the excuse of shin splits for her Wimbledon withdrawal after weeks of speculation and secrecy regarding the reasoning for her no show.

2006 – Nikolay Davydenko of Russia defeats Agustin Calleri of Argentina 6-4, 6-3 in the final of the Pilot Pen Championships in New Haven, Conn., to win his eighth career ATP singles title. Davydenko wins the crown in New Haven – his first title in North America – without losing a set.