By Justin Cohen
Extended Off-Season Starting in 2012
Starting in 2012, the ATP World Tour will make the off-season seven weeks long, which will eliminate two weeks from the tournament season. The calendar change was made possible by removing a free week between the Masters 1000 in Paris Bercy and the ATP World Tour Finals in London and rescheduling four late-season events to earlier in the year. “The health and wellbeing of our players is a tour-wide issue and preserving and extending the playing careers of our top players is critical for the long-term good of the game,” said Adam Helfant, ATP World Tour Executive Chairman and President. Players who are involved in the Davis Cup finals will only have six weeks off since the finals will take place after the ATP World Tour year-end finals. “I think it’s good to have a longer off-season. I definitely think it’s a step in the right direction,” said Roger Federer.
Tennis Channel extends ATP Television Contract through 2015
Tennis Channel has extended its television rights deal with the ATP World Tour through 2015. The five-year contract announced on Tuesday covers 19 tournaments each year, including the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London and all nine Masters 1000 events. The agreement allows the Tennis Channel to show matches on up to three courts at international Masters 1000 tournaments.
BMW to become Official Car of Sony Ericsson Open
BMW has agreed to a three-year partnership with the Sony Ericsson Open making them the tournament’s official car sponsor through 2013. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. “The Sony Ericsson Open is proud to add premium brands like BMW and MINI to our list of tournament partners. We are the most glamorous event on the ATP and WTA tours with an international following, and it was attractive to the BMW Group to reach these consumers,” said Adam Barrett, Sony Ericsson Open Tournament Director. “BMW’s high quality standards and commitment to excellence make them a perfect fit for our event.”
USTA going to court against Olympus
According to courthousenews.com, The USTA has filed a claim against Olympus, which sponsors the U.S. Open Series, claiming the company has backed out of its sponsorship agreement a year early due to category conflicts with Panasonic. The USTA is claiming Olympus is trying to back out of sponsoring the 2011 U.S. Open Series because it wants to save the $11.7 million it will cost. The USTA is also claiming Olympus manufactured a dispute with Panasonic to breach Olympus’ exclusive contract for camera products. The USTA says the issues stem from its collaboration this year with CBS, DirecTV and Panasonic to film and broadcast U.S. Open matches in 3D. “Because Panasonic is expressly identified in the Olympus agreement as not being a ‘competitive company’ with regard to Olympus and because the scope of the two sponsorship agreements are markedly different, there is no conflict between the two sponsorships,” the USTA complaint reads. Olympus has apparently pulled of its USTA contract, which runs through 2013. The USTA is seeking $11.65 million for breach of contract, and a declaratory judgment that it did not violate Olympus’ exclusive sponsorship rights.
Federer vs. Nadal exhibition matches to be televised on ESPN2
The December 21 and 22 exhibition matches between Roger Federer and Rafael will be televised on ESPN2, ESPN HD and ESPN3.com. The two indoor hard-court best-of-three set matches will take place in each player’s home country, benefiting his charitable foundation. The first match will take place on Tuesday, December 21 at 2pm EST at the Hallenstadion Arena in Zurich, Switzerland benefiting the Roger Federer Foundation. A day later, they will play again, at La Caja Magica in Madrid, Spain at 1pm EST, with proceeds going to Fundacion Rafael Nadal. Chris Fowler and Patrick McEnroe will provide television commentary for both broadcasts. “Federer and Nadal have rarely played each other on a hard court surface – and never at the US Open – so it will be fun to see their styles in this environment,” said McEnroe. “Being indoors, a quicker surface where the ball doesn’t bounce as high, favors Federer, the more aggressive player. But he’s five years older than Rafa, so for me it’s more about seeing where he is heading to 2011 than Nadal, who clearly supplanted Roger as No. 1 this year. I believe Roger can and will still win majors, but every time it’s Nadal who is the man to beat.
USTA Player Development adds New Coaches
The USTA announced the hiring of three new coaches – Jorge Todero as a USTA Lead National Coach, Frederico Rodriguez as a USTA National Coach and Marc Lucero as a USTA Coach. Todero will be based at the USTA Training Center-East at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., and will report to Jose Higueras, the Director of Coaching for USTA Player Development. Rodriguez will be based at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., while Lucero will be based at the USTA Training Center-West in Carson, Calif. They will both report to Ola Malmqvist, Head of Women’s Tennis, USTA Player Development. Lucero joined the staff on October 4, Todero on November 8, and Rodriguez on November 15. “Jorge, Frederico and Marc are strong additions to our coaching staff, and all three bring different experiences to our program,” said Patrick McEnroe, General Manager of USTA Player Development.
All England Lawn Tennis Club’s Tim Phillips Honored
The International Tennis Hall of Fame and International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced that Tim Phillips CBE, Chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Golden Achievement Award. Phillips has served as Chairman of the AELTC since January 2000, and has led the organization and The Championships at Wimbledon through a pivotal period of positive growth and transition. He will retire from the position in December 2010. The Golden Achievement Award is given jointly by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation. It is presented annually to individuals who have made important contributions internationally to tennis in the fields of administration, promotion or education, and who have devoted long and outstanding service to the sport. Phillips will receive is award on November 27 at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London. He will receive is award from Sir James Harvie-Watt, a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum and Chair of the Golden Achievement Award Committee.
Barth reappointed Chairman of USTA Davis Cup Committee for 2011-2012
Roy Barth, longtime Director of Tennis at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, has been reappointed Chairman of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Davis Cup Committee for 2011-2012. Jonathan Vegosen, the incoming President of the USTA, made the appointment. Barth will co-chair the combined Davis/Fed Cup/Olympic Committee with Fed Cup Chairwoman, Pam Austin, and Olympic Chairwoman, Barbara Smith. Barth has been a member of the Davis Cup Committee for ten years including as vice-chairman for four years and chairman for two years. He is also a former president of the USTA-South Carolina. Barth has been the Director of Tennis at Kiawah Island Golf Resort since the resort opened in 1976.
Ljubicic to partner with Ivan Lendl at World Tennis Challenge
Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia has signed up to partner with tennis legend Ivan Lendl for the International team at the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide, Australia. “Lendl is here to win and he is really excited that Ivan has agreed to partner him on the international team,” said Mark Woodford, Tournament Organizer. “The pairing of Ivan and Ivan will surely make the international team the one to beat.” The American team will be made up of John McEnroe and James Blake, while Henri Leconte and Michael Llodra will make up the European team. Pat Cash has signed up to participate as one half of the Australian team.
Safina to play Hobart in 2011
Former World No. 1 and 2009 Australian Open finalist Dinara Safina has signed up to participate in the Moorilla Hobart International in January 2011. Currently ranked No. 63 in the world, Safina will be the biggest name to be competing in the field. “Dinara is a great addition to the line-up and a player of her caliber will certainly be in contention to take out the Moorilla Hobart International,” said Michael Roberts, Tournament Director.
Report: Serena Williams pulls out of 2011 Hopman Cup
A report from Sportsnewsfirst.com.au., says that Serena Williams is pulling out of the 2011 Hopman Cup, where she was scheduled to team with fellow American John Isner. Several pictures were taken of Williams leaving Thursday nights Miami Dolphins game against the Chicago Bears on crutches and a walking boot on her right foot, leaving some to speculate that she is still injured.
Bhupathi and Paes to team up at 2011 Australian Open
Mahesh Bhupathi announced on his Twitter account that he will team with Leander Paes at the 2011 Australian Open. “The Indian Express rolls again at the Aussie Open next year. Our first slam in 9 years.” The duo was one of the most successful Indian duos in the history of the sport from 1997-2002. They won three Grand Slam doubles titles together before a feud had them split as a team. They have made up since and teamed up at Davis Cup this year.
Philippoussis served with Mortgage Default Notice on his home in Sydney
Australia tennis star Mark Philippoussis has been served with mortgage default notice on his home in Sydney, Australia according to media reports. The Aussie allegedly borrowed $1.2 million to buy a house, which is now worth a lot less. Philippoussis, who know plays seniors events, is currently living in the United States.
Marino named Canada’s Player of the Year
19-year-old Rebecca Marino of Vancouver, who moved up 80 spots in the WTA ranking from the start of the season to No. 102, was named Canada’s Player of the Year.
Legends Event in Cayman Islands Raises $63,000
From November 5-7th, the 2010 Legends Championships brought world-class tennis to Cayman, but the associated Pro-Am Tournament made the event a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for six lucky amateurs. The event was organized to support the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, a non-profit organization dedicated to sheltering victims of domestic and sexual abuse, while advocating a life free of violence for everyone. The event raised $63,000 for the centre.