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Novak Djokovic Signs Footwear Deal with Adidas: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

Novak Djokovic to wear adidas footwear

adidas and top-ranked Djokovic agree to Footwear Deal

adidas revealed a new footwear partnership with ATP World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star debuted his Barricade 7 at the French Open two weeks ago. The deal follows on from Novak’s personal decision to wear the Barricade shoe for many years; with all six of his Grand Slam titles achieved wearing the adidas shoe. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Novak said: “The adidas Barricade is my favorite shoe. I have been wearing it for many years and have worn all the different generations. I have full confidence in the shoe and am very comfortable on the court when I wear it, which is essential for a tennis player. I have very specific dynamic movements, with a lot of splits and slides, so I need to have the right stability in the shoe, but also have an optimal weight and great performance. The Barricade offers me everything – adidas has provided me with the best shoe possible to help me win Roland Garros for the first time.” “It has been more than impressive to see Novak evolve into the World Number One tennis player today. adidas is proud to partner with Novak and will do all we can to help him win more titles in the future by ensuring his footwear is industry-leading.” said Vincent Montalescot, Vice President Global Sports Marketing.

Mt. Sinai Medical partners with USTA and US Open

The USTA recently announced that The Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City has been named the exclusive medical services provider and hospital of the USTA and US Open. In addition to providing on-site clinical care for tennis professionals competing in the US Open, Mount Sinai’s team of medical experts will lead the development of policies around injury prevention and will conduct educational outreach to promote the health benefits of tennis. This effort could impact millions of recreational players in the US and potentially draw new players to the sport. The new, national year-round partnership between Mount Sinai and the USTA is believed to be one of the most in-depth relationships between a sports entity and a health care provider. In conjunction with the new partnership, Alexis Chiang Colvin, MD, Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics and a specialist in the surgical treatment of sports-related injuries of the knee, shoulder, and hip, will serve as the USTA’s Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Colvin has extensive experience treating professional athletes, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, as well as collegiate athletes. She previously served as a consultant to the USTA for the US Open, providing medical care to the players. In her new role with the USTA, Dr. Colvin will assist the USTA with initiatives across multiple divisions, including player development, community tennis, and diversity and inclusion. She will also serve as the Medical Advisor to the U.S. Fed Cup team. “Players will be able to access Mount Sinai’s facilities throughout the year, providing continuity of care and access to Mount Sinai’s core orthopaedic team,” said Dr. Colvin. Dr. Colvin’s colleague, James Gladstone, MD, Associate Professor of Sports Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine in the Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics and Co-Director of Sports Medicine at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, will serve as Medical Advisor to the U.S. Davis Cup team.

Freedoms now accepting applicants for Hamlin Family Foundation Billie Jean King Character Award

The Philadelphia Freedoms are currently accepting applications from youth athletes for the Billie Jean King Character Award. This award provides scholarships to ten selected youths, ages 10-18, who are seeking to become a competitive athlete in any sport, to participate in tournaments or on their school team, and who have displayed outstanding character. The top male and female scholarship recipients will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the second place male and female recipients will each receive a $500 scholarship. The awards will be presented to the recipients by WTT co-founder and Philadelphia Freedoms owner Billie Jean King at a Freedoms home match in July at Villanova University. The objective of the Hamlin Family Foundation-Character Initiative and CITRS is to honor the actions of those who have displayed good character, integrity and fortitude in their lives, and prepare recipients to become mentors and character ambassadors. CITRS is the cornerstone of the Hamlin Family Foundation’s philosophy for character education. Applications are due by June 24, 2013 and must be submitted along with two (2) letters of recommendation, a short essay regarding the applicant’s demonstration of character, and a CITRS Character Mini-Assessment. For the award application, visit http://www.philadelphiafreedoms.com/teams/freedoms/pictures/2013_BJK_Award_OnlineApp.pdf

Rafael Nadal commits to play Beijing in September

2013 French Open champion Rafael Nadal has committed to compete in the 10th China Open in Beijing, which will be held from September 22-October 6. The tournament is an ATP World Tour 500 event. It will mark Nadal’s first appearance in four years at the Beijing event.

James Blake to play Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport

Former Top 5 player James Blake has committed to compete in the 2013 Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., which will be held on the historic grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum from July 8-14. “It will be great to have James back in Newport this summer. He always delivers exciting tennis and we know his New England fans will appreciate the opportunity to see him back in action in this area,” said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. “Putting James in the mix with players like John Isner, Sam Querrey, Lleyton Hewitt, and Ryan Harrison sets us up for a great week to kick off the pro tennis summer season in the United States.” In 2002, the former Harvard University star reached the finals in Newport as well as a semifinal performance in 2001.

Michael Chang to host 3rd Tennis Classic in Newport Beach

Former World No. 2 and French Open Champion Michael Chang will be hosting his 3rd Tennis Classic on the courts of the Newport Beach Tennis Club in Southern California from July 26-28. The main tennis tournament is a USTA Sanctioned event including Men’s and Women’s singles,  doubles and mixed doubles with prize money awarded in the Open divisions. Newport Beach Tennis Club is the host site this year and as a special addition to the tournament, Newport Beach Tennis Club will host a Saturday night player party to include dinner and live music. This year’s charitable beneficiaries will be the Prince of Peace Children’s Home in Tianjin, China and The Chang Family Foundation. The Prince of Peace Children’s home was built to provide a loving place for orphan children with special needs. All of the children at POPCH have congenital illnesses, and most are affected by cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. While under their care, POPCH seeks to provide the children with a clean and loving home and to connect them with the best possible medical/surgical care and rehabilitation services according to their individual needs. The Chang Family Foundation dedicates it’s time to community service, and programs that combine sports, family, and faith. Last year’s charity tournament raised $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity and the Chang Family Foundation. Several big name sponsors have already signed on to be a part of the 2013 Michael Chang Tennis Classic, including VantaQuest, Montauk Triguard, Nestlé, Affinity Investments, Babolat, Northwestern Mutual, Iwamoto Kong, and RLH Equity. For more information on this summer’s Michael Chang Tennis Classic or to sign up for the Kickoff Clinic and tournament, go to www.changtennis.com.

USTA Midwest Section announces 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and former USTA President Jon Vegosen will be inducted into the 2013 USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame on December 6 in Chicago, Ill. The 2013 USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at the Chicago Renaissance in downtown Chicago during the USTA/Midwest Section’s 120th Annual Meeting. King won 39-time Grand Slam titles during her career while Vegosen currently serves on the USTA Board of Directors and is Chairman of the USTA Major Construction Oversight Committee.

Tennis Industry Association to offer Tennis Specialty Retail Certification Course

The TIA is developing an online Tennis Specialty Retailer Certification course that will cover key aspects of the tennis retail business and, upon successful completion, allow retailers to be recognized as a “TIA Certified Specialty Tennis Retailer.” The certification course is being developed with the assistance of retail consulting firm Gluskin Townley Group, along with input from the TIA’s Retail Panel, industry manufacturers and organizations, and the USRSA. “We are focused on helping tennis retailers improve their business, and we feel the information and product knowledge that will be offered through our online certification course can help all levels of retailers and their employees serve their customers better,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. The course will consist of eight independent online “modules.” Each module concludes with an online multiple-choice test that can also be taken independently of the module. The eight certification courses include store operations, business technology & reporting, financials, marketing & promotions, customer service, store environment, management and product knowledge. In addition to these eight modules under discussion, short online informational webinars from participating manufacturers about their current products are being considered.

Tennis Tune-Up Campaign Gains Industry Support

The Tennis Industry Association recently re-launched PlayTennis.com to get more tennis players into the game and progress on the pathway to becoming frequent players. Accompanying the re-launch of the site is the introduction of an all-new industry initiative that is gaining support from retailers, manufacturers, and the USRSA—a “Tennis Tune-Up” campaign. The goal of the campaign is two-fold: First, to help educate consumers on the need to be properly fit for tennis equipment and to restring their racquets on a regular basis, and second, to drive customers to tennis retail outlets and certified stringers for expert advice. “Consumers benefit from knowledgeable retailers and racquet technicians to help them choose the frame and string that best suits their game and style of play, and who can help them determine when their racquet needs to be serviced,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “An industry-wide campaign to have people restring more and tune up their equipment will help all tennis retailers,” adds Woody Schneider of NYC Racquet Sports. To help consumers find retailers who participate in the “Tennis Tune-Up” effort, the TIA is currently developing an integrated search function for USRSA Certified Stringers and Master Racquet Technicians on its already existing “Find-A-Retailer” search of the re-launched PlayTennis.com website. In the coming weeks the TIA will be working with the USRSA, industry manufacturers, and members of its TIA Retail Division to develop collateral material for tennis retailers and Certified Stringers and Master Racquet Technicians to utilize in the promotion and delivery of the campaign. Tennis retailers and other providers who want to participate in the campaign and be a part of PlayTennis.com should make sure they’re listed on the PlayTennis.com retail locator, or that their listing is up to date, by visiting PlayTennis.com and clicking “Find a Retailer.”

Longines Future Tennis Aces Titles Goes to Germany’s Rudolf Molleker

Sixteen of the world’s top boys’ 12-and-under players battled for the title of 2013 Longines Future Tennis Aces champion last week, with Germany’s Rudolf Molleker finally taking home the championship in a dominating performance. For the first time, the tournament was played in front of the Hotel de Ville (City Hall) in the center of Paris. Molleker defeated Carlos Sanchez Jover of Spain 4-1, 4-0 in the final in the fourth annual tournament. Following the final match, the two had the opportunity to meet Longines Rising Tennis Stars Ryan Harrison and Sabine Lisicki and teamed with Fabrice Santoro, patron of the 2013 edition of the Longines Future Tennis Aces, and former ATP star Arnaud Clément of France, friend of Longines, in an exhibition doubles match. Longines has been the official Partner and Timekeeper of the French Open at Roland Garros since 2007. For the first time this year, the U.S. representative was selected by virtue of winning the USTA Boys’ 12s National Spring Championships played in Delray Beach, Fla., in April. The Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament is part of Longines’ global commitment to support and develop tennis’ superstars of tomorrow.

The Times Reporting November Launch For International Premier Tennis League: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

Novak Djokovic

The Times reporting a November launch for International Premier Tennis League (IPTL)

According to an article written by Matt Cutler on SportsBusiness.com, tennis is set to become the latest sport to attempt to create its own version of cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL), according to The Times. The UK newspaper reports that a November launch has been primed for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), which will be played across Asia and will be backed by princes and governments across the region and the Middle East. Like the IPL, the IPTL is said to be modeled on a city-based franchise league format including not only current grand slam champions but also past stars. The Times states that the inaugural league will be staged from late November until just before Christmas, with matches played on a home-and-away basis across Asia. It is understood that a number of the sport’s top stars in the men’s and women’s game are already contracted to the IPTL and will be auctioned to an initial six teams. Indian sports, entertainment and new media agency Globosport is said to be behind the plans. Globosport was founded by Indian doubles specialist Mahesh Bhupathi. An IPTL match is planned to consist of five sets, with no-advantage scoring. Each match would consist of one set each of men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and a legends singles. This format has been drawn up to ensure matches do not exceed three hours in a bid to cater to television audiences. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have all been talked of as leading targets for the new event.

Sony Open outlines plans for Crandon Park Tennis Center renovations

Tournament organizers for the recently completed Sony Open in Miami unveiled plans last week for a fully-renovated Crandon Park Tennis Center and a construction timeline that would see the project getting underway this time next year. The Tournament’s vision includes permanent show courts, landscaped green spaces, and the addition of new park facilities that will be open to the public when the Sony Open is not in session. The Sony Open’s owner, IMG, is prepared to begin construction on April 1, 2014, immediately following next year’s Tournament. The announcement comes as the Sony Open grows in stature as an international event that brings the world’s top tennis players to Miami, draws visitors from across the globe, and generates an economic impact totaling $386 million each year. Tournament attendance has climbed by 52% and the number of international visitors who attend the event has risen by 500% since Stadium Court opened in 1994. The 2012 Sony Open drew more than 326,000 attendees – nearly 20% of whom came from outside the US – and resulted in the booking of more than 15,000 hotel room nights. “The Sony Open’s evolution into a top-tier global tournament has mirrored Miami’s rise as a global city, broadcasting the city’s brand around the world and attracting visitors from overseas,” said Tournament Director Adam Barrett. “What began as a regional event has grown to become one of the premier stops on the professional tour, and we believe the Sony Open deserves first-rate facilities. Our investment in upgrading the Crandon Park Tennis Center will insure international tennis remains in Miami for the long-term.” Accommodating the Tournament’s growth requires undertaking a renovation project that will improve the patron and player experience, while insuring the Crandon Park Tennis Center remains a world-class facility. Planned upgrades include three new permanent show courts with fixed seating, locker rooms and training facilities for players, and improved broadcast facilities for global media partners. New green spaces will be landscaped with plants and trees native to Key Biscayne, including a central water feature. An outdoor viewing mound featuring a video screen will enable Tournament attendees to view matches in a park-like setting. The Sony Open’s growth has also enhanced Miami’s global brand: the 2013 tournament was viewed by more than 45 million people around the world, up from 14.5 million people in 2005. This year’s Tournament was viewed by audiences in 193 countries.

Andy Roddick Foundation announces new directors

The Andy Roddick Foundation (ARF) announced on Monday its new Board of Directors, assembled to help ARF achieve its mission to develop and inspire underserved youth through education and sports-based mentoring. Retired former World No. 1 and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick has relocated his foundation to Austin, Texas, and recruited a new team to transform ARF from an all-volunteer charity into a professional, not-for-profit organization focused on after-school programs that teach character and life lessons to underserved youth. “It’s humbling to have such incredibly accomplished and experienced people believe in our mission and want to work together to steer us through our next phase of growth,” Roddick said. Leading the team is CEO Jeff Lau, with a wealth of experience in several management, operations, and finance roles. Lau, who is also a new director, said, “Today’s announcement underscores the Foundation’s commitment to create, deliver, and support high-quality programs that can change the arc of a child’s life.” Roddick will chair the Board and is joined by several others including tennis legend Billie Jean King. Additional directors include Paul Bell, Andy Esparza, Maria Farahani and Phillip Meyers.

MercedesCup in Stuttgart switching to grass courts in 2015

The MercedesCup in Stuttgart will become an ATP World Tour grass court tournament starting in 2015. The tournament’s request to move to a grass court event taking place the week following Roland Garros in the lead up to Wimbledon beginning in 2015 was approved by the ATP Board of Directors at its recent meetings in Miami during the Sony Open. With Wimbledon taking place a week later in the calendar from 2015, a three-week gap will be incorporated in the ATP World Tour calendar in between Roland Garros and The Championships, meaning an additional week of tournaments in the lead up to Wimbledon. Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman and President, said: “The ATP is pleased to confirm that the request by the MercedesCup in Stuttgart to move to a grass court event in the week after Roland Garros from 2015 has been approved by the ATP Board of Directors. The MercedesCup in Stuttgart presented an extremely thorough application and we have full confidence that they will deliver a high-level ATP grass court event in the lead up to Wimbledon. As part of our process in setting the 2015 ATP World Tour calendar, we continue to review other options for the three-week period between Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2015.” The MercedesCup will join the AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club, the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, the AEGON International in Eastbourne, the Topshelf Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport as ATP World Tour grass court tournaments.

Rio launches new combined ATP/WTA event

ATP Americas CEO, Mark Young, ATP Chief Player Officer Andre Silva and WTA CEO Stacey Allaster helped officially launch the new Rio Open last week in Brazil. The new event joins other global events in Rio de Janeiro, including the 2016 Olympics, the 2014 World Cup, Rock in Rio, New Year’s Eve in Copacabana and Carnival, strengthening the city as one of the major worldwide tourist destinations. It is the only tournament in South America to host an ATP World Tour 500 and WTA International combined event. It will be held from February 15-23, 2014 at the Brazilian Jockey Club, which includes a stadium with a seating capacity of 7,000. “It is a great privilege for IMX to bring an event of this magnitude to Brazil. The Rio Open is here to stay and it will be the largest annual sporting event in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The date acquisition of Memphis in 2012 was the first step to enter the world of tennis and the next will be holding the event in 2014, with the presence of big names in the sport”, said Alan Adler, CEO of IMX. “We are very pleased that the calendar in 2014 includes a new ATP World Tour 500 in Rio de Janeiro, a renowned destination and that will be the focus of the sporting world in the coming years with a series of major events. I’m sure that Rio will be an extremely popular destination among our players, who are eager to bring the best to the passionate Brazilian fans of tennis. We wish all the best for the organization, with IMX ahead of this first edition of the tournament in 2014”, says ATP Executive Chairman & President Brad Drewett.

New Prince CEO Ballardie joins Tennis Industry Association (TIA) Board of Directors

According to a press release, Mike Ballardie, the new CEO of Prince Global Sports, is the newest member of the Tennis Industry Association’s Board of Directors. Ballardie, who is based in London, has been responsible for Prince’s operations in the eastern hemisphere for nearly 10 years. We’re delighted to have Mike join our Board of Directors and Executive Committee,” said TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “I’m very much looking forward to working with him, along with the entire Board of Directors and our industry partners, in helping to grow this industry.” Ballardie has played tennis since the age of 4, including seven years as a professional player and coach, and has held positions at Wilson Sporting Goods, VF Corp., and Benetton in Europe. “I have been involved in the tennis world as a player, a coach and as a business career,” Ballardie said. “The opportunity to lead Prince as its CEO is a tremendous honor and privilege.”

10 and Under Tennis Workshop in Delray Beach includes free Fed Cup Ticket

A 10 and Under Tennis Workshop will be held for coaches and instructors of all levels, from after-school to professional development, during the U.S. Fed Cup match against Sweden on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Delray Beach, Fla. For the $20 workshop fee (only $10 for USTA members), participants will also receive a ticket to Saturday play at the Fed Cup at the Delray Beach Tennis Center on Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Fla. The workshop will have a 9 a.m. check-in, and run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the Fed Cup matches starting at 2 p.m. USTA National Trainers Kirk Anderson, Susan Allshouse and Spanish-speaking coach Jose Caballero will provide workshop participants with the tools and age-specific activities that will have kids experiencing the fun of the 10 and Under Tennis format. “This tennis workshop is a great educational opportunity to learn how to introduce and develop children via the 10 and Under Tennis principals and philosophy,” says USTA Florida Associate Executive Director Andy McFarland. “We are encouraging any level of teacher, instructor, coach, teaching professional and anyone that works with younger children to attend this workshop, as we will be customizing it to our audience. It is also an exciting opportunity to partner with USTA national to allow our workshop participants to attend a first-rate workshop led by Kirk Anderson, and then attend the Fed Cup matches afterwards and support the U.S. players.”

Luigi Bertino named Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Clinician of the Year

From May 2-5 at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) will present its annual awards and PTR Master Professional Luigi Bertino of Italy will take home the PTR Clinician of the Year. Currently, Bertino is the Director of Education for PTR Italy. Since 1992, he has been the Director of World Class Training at Van der Meer Tennis University in Marlengo, Italy. He is also the Director of Tennis at Club Monviso in Turin, and Head Coach at the Italian Tennis Federation’s (FIT) Regional Tennis Center. Betino’s primary focus is player development programs for junior and researching teaching methods for 10 and under tennis. He has written numerous articles for Tennis Italiano Magazine and has been a speaker at many international tennis conferences.

Wawrinka launches campaign for safer driving in Switzerland

World No. 17 Stanislas Wawrinka launched a campaign of Tuesday for safer streets in his home city of Vaud, Switzerland. The slogans on 1,700 posters across the region read, “The street is not my circuit” and “200 km/h only at serve!” Wawrinka, who is working in conjunction with regional police and Touring Club Switzerland, wants to encourage people to drive safely, respect the rules and use their seat belts.

2013 BNP Paribas Open Set Attendance Records: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen @JustinCohen44

2013 BNP Paribas Open sets attendance record

For the seventh consecutive year, the BNP Paribas Open, the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined event, has broken its attendance record. The 2013 event welcomed 382,227 fans to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for two weeks of world-class tennis. In addition to breaking overall attendance records, the tournament also set day (25,786) and night (18,656) session attendance records on Saturday, March 9. The staggering attendance figures continue to solidify the BNP Paribas Open’s place as the most-attended ATP World Tour and WTA combined event in the world. Fans interested in the 2014 edition of the tournament (March 3-16), can begin purchasing tickets Wednesday, March 20 when Classic Series ticket packages go on sale to the public. The Classic Series package includes all 21 sessions of tennis in the Main Stadium and offers the best seat locations and value. The new Stadium 2 will also offer Classic Series packages. In addition, the tournament has begun building a new permanent Stadium 2, which will feature 8,000 seats and two restaurants, a marquee site entrance on Washington Street with a new box office, a new 19,000 square foot shade structure identical to the one built in 2012, four additional practice courts, and an additional grass parking space for up to 2,000 cars. The new Stadium 2 will be ready for the 2014 BNP Paribas Open. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Box Office 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit bnpparibasopen.com, where there is a complete listing and description of all ticket packages and pricing. Rafael Nadal won the men’s singles title this year by defeating Juan Martin del Potro in three sets, while Maria Sharapova captured the women’s title with a convincing straight sets win over Caroline Wozniacki.

Mallory Burdette signs multi-year deal with Dunlop

Rising American star Mallory Burdette, a former NCAA Champion while playing at Stanford, has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Dunlop. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Burdette will play with the new Biomimetic M3.0 tennis racquet. “I’ve been lucky enough to know Mallory since her junior days in Georgia,” said Hunter Hines, Dunlop Racquet Sports Director of Marketing and Product Development. “Since leaving Stanford after her junior year, she’s already had a couple memorable runs at high profile tournaments, including last year’s US Open where she reached the third round. We look forward to big things from Mallory.” Burdette is currently playing at the Sony Open in Miami, where she just qualified for the main draw.

Har-Tru named Title Sponsor of USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that Har-Tru Sports has signed a three-year agreement to become the title sponsor of the 2013 USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge. Har-Tru becomes the first title sponsor of the event, which utilizes the USTA Pro Circuit to award wild cards into the French Open to one American man and one American woman. In the newly named Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge, the American man and American woman who earn the most ATP World Tour and WTA tour ranking points at two of three select USTA Pro Circuit clay-court events (see schedule below) earn the designated main draw wild cards into the French Open. Only Americans who did not otherwise earn direct entry into the French Open are eligible. The USTA and the French Tennis Federation have a reciprocal agreement in which wild cards into the 2013 French and US Opens are exchanged. “We are incredibly excited to be able to sponsor the USTA Pro Circuit,” said Pat Hanssen, General Manager of Har-Tru Sports. “It’s a great opportunity to support the governing body of our sport, the USTA, and its efforts to promote and develop the growth of tennis in the U.S. The fact that we can help the USTA leverage their efforts to drive more high level training and competition on clay, and indeed support the method for these players to gain wild card entry into Roland Garros, lines up perfectly with our commitment to developing champions.” “The USTA Pro Circuit has long been devoted to developing American world-class players, and now we have a world-class partner in that endeavor in Har-Tru,” said Brian Earley, Director of the USTA Pro Circuit. “Learning to play on clay is an important part of developing the all-around player in tennis today, and Har-Tru is a top-notch, innovative company that has served the needs of American clay-court tennis for generations. We are thrilled to have them sponsor the Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge to give American players the equal chance to compete in the French Open—the world’s most prestigious clay-court tournament.” The Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge will consist of events in Dothan, Ala., Charlottesville, Va., and Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., for the women’s events and Sarasota, Savannah and Tallahassee for the men’s events.

Draper to step down in September as Chief Executive of Lawn Tennis Association

According to an article by Paul Newman in the Independent, Roger Draper, one of the most criticized figures in British sports, will step down in September as Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association. The announcement follows the recent appointment of David Gregson as independent chairman of the LTA board. During his seven years in charge, Draper came under fire from many, despite lots of success of local players including Andy Murray, Heather Watson and Laura Robson. However, the biggest successes have been achieved by players whose careers have developed largely outside the LTA’s training programs and critics point instead to what they see as the governing body’s failure to spend its annual Wimbledon windfall wisely. Millions were spent in Draper’s early years on recruiting highly-paid coaches and administrators from overseas, such as Brad Gilbert and Paul Annacone, nearly all of whom have now left. Draper himself earned $ 640,000 (EU) last year, including a $200,000 (EU) bonus. In recent times Draper has been roundly criticized for the declining numbers of people playing tennis in Britain, which led to Sport England withholding around $10 million (EU) of grant money last year.

Federer among Sports Illustrated’s Top 10 Power Players

Former World No. 1 and 17-time Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer is among the Top 10 power players of world sport according to Sports Illustrated. The Swiss superstar is No. 3 in the list, behind NBA basketball star LeBron James and golfer Tiger Woods. Serena Williams, the WTA World No. 1, is seventh overall. Sports Illustrated writes, “Never mind that he’s the most decorated men’s tennis player ever, is there a more likeable athlete? “A 2011 Reputation Institute study listed Federer, 31, as the second-most-respected man in the world – behind only Nelson Mandela.”

Murray named Laureus World Breakthrough Player of the Year

Andy Murray was named the Laureus World Breakthrough Player of the Year on Monday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2012, Murray won his first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, the London Olympics Gold Medal in singles and the silver medal in mixed doubles with Laura Robson. Murray is currently in Miami competing in the Sony Open.

Del Potro commits to AEGON Championships at The Queen’s Club in London

Recent BNP Paribas Open finalist Juan Martin del Potro announced on Tuesday that he will participate in the 2013 AEGON Championships at The Queen’s Club in London, which will be played from June 10-16. The Argentine joins US Open champion Andy Murray and World No. 6 Tomas Berdych in the player field. “I like to play on grass, and at the Aegon Championships you feel like you are at home,” said Del Potro, the World No.7. “They provide some great facilities for the players and it’s a very good tournament. Everything is made easy for the players – the locker-room is close to the courts, there is plenty of chance to practise on grass, and there are full crowds every day. It’s a really nice tournament.

USTA junior-tennis restructuring eliminates tournament worth $2 million to Mobile, Ala.

According to an article written by Mark Inabinett on Alabama.com, the USTA’s junior tournament schedule for 2014 doesn’t include the 18s National Spring Championships in Mobile, Ala., which is an event credited with adding close to $2 million to the local economy and $195,383 to the city, county and state tax coffers in 2012. The elimination of the tournament is part of a change in direction by the USTA for its junior tennis program. But it doesn’t mean the tournament is dead just yet. USTA leaders say the changes to the national competitive structure make junior tennis more efficient, effective and affordable. One factor for the changes is that the USTA expects a boom in junior tennis because of its recent emphasis on 10-and-under programs. The organization wants to give these youngsters, which the USTA expects to reflect a wider diversity in demographics than junior tennis does today, more opportunities to complete locally, which will mean lower travel costs and less time out of school. In that same vein, the elimination of the 18s National Spring Championships avoids holding a major national tournament during the school year. The USTA also has added team tournaments in the new plan to prepare junior players for the format that they will see in college. With more emphasis on regional and sectional play than in the past, the changes reduced national opportunities for junior players by up to 50 percent in some age groups. Since announcing the changes, the USTA has held meetings with several groups that coalesced to oppose them. The protests have produced some results. The USTA’s Junior Competition and Sportsmanship Committee’s latest revision to the changes includes reinstating the USTA National Winter Championships. The National Spring Championships have not received a reprieve, however. The Junior Competition and Sportsmanship Committee is holding its annual meeting this weekend in Miami and is scheduled to release its latest recommendations after the meeting ends on Monday.

Luxilon returns as Official Stringer of Sony Open in Miami

Luxilon®, the number one string on the pro tour and distributed exclusively worldwide by Wilson Racquet Sports, is the official stringer again of this year’s Sony Open, which will be held from March 18-31 in Miami. Used by 73 percent of the top 100 ATP players and 59 percent of the top 100 WTA players, this string is the brand of choice among the world’s top players because of its power, spin potential, and overall playing performance. “We are proud to be part of the Sony Open, and Miami is a great venue to showcase our world-class strings and stringing team,” said Ryan Polito, Luxilon global product manager. “We will string 2,000 racquets, the majority with Luxilon string, to meet and exceed the demands of the world’s best players.”

Philadelphia Freedoms tickets on sale now

Tickets for the Philadelphia Freedoms of the Mylan World TeamTennis Pro League are now on sale to the public. For your chance to see Andy Roddick, Sloane Stephens, John McEnroe and Bob and Mike Bryan, please call (866) 988-8497 or visit freedomstix.ticketfly.com. The regular season for the Pro League this year will run from Sunday, July 7 – Wednesday, July 24.

Starwood Hotels renews sponsorship deal with US Open through 2014: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

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By Justin Cohen

Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Extends Partnership with USTA

The USTA and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., announced on Tuesday an extension of their agreement that will keep Westin Hotels and the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program as official US Open sponsors through 2014. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Westin Hotels and SPG first came on board as US Open sponsors in 2010. In addition to sponsoring the tournament as official hotel, the Westin brand will remain a non-exclusive presenting sponsor of US Open Live on USOpen.org, the official website of the US Open. In 2011, more than 3.1 million hours of live streaming were viewed over the course of the Open. Westin and the SPG sponsorship activation will feature a number of enhancements to the fan experience, including the return of the popular free pedicab rides on the boardwalk from the No. 7 subway train to the East Gate entrance of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, site of the US Open. SPG members will have an opportunity to bid on a number of unique experiences including ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours, corporate tennis clinics with a celebrity tennis pro and luxury suite packages at: http://www.spg.com/moments. For the first time, the SPG onsite activation in their promotional booth will feature digital displays, allowing fans to immerse themselves in destinations around the globe. “Through our partnership with the USTA, we have the ability to create once in a lifetime experiences, hospitality and surprise and delight opportunities for our SPG Members at the US Open – the highest attended annual sporting event in the world,” said Mark Vondrasek, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty & Partnership Marketing. “Our enhanced presence at the US Open illustrates how SPG strives to continue to deliver unique moments for our members tapping into their passion for sports.” “Extending our US Open agreement with Westin Hotels and the Starwood Preferred Guest program is indicative of the USTA’s strong track record of building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our partners,” said Lew Sherr, Chief Revenue Officer, USTA. “Through our aligned brands, we look forward to continue working with Starwood on enhancing the experience provided to our fans.” The 2012 US Open will be held Monday, August 27 through Sunday, September 9. Last year’s US Open drew more than 650,000 fans, including a record attendance of more than 186,000 during Labor Day Weekend.

Oriflame’s WTA Tour Partnership Goes Global

According to a press release, Oriflame, one of Europe’s leading beauty brands, recently announced that its successful partnership with the WTA Tour is now to be global. The sponsorship, which previously covered Europe, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and Africa is now expanded to include the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Oriflame has been the official cosmetics partner of the WTA since 2011 and the new agreement extends the partnership through to the end of 2014. Like Oriflame, the WTA performs on a multi-cultural stage, with players coming from 96 nations. Oriflame will again sponsor the season ending WTA Championships in Istanbul, with prominent on court and tournament branding; including traditional signage as well as a significant presence in the digital space. In order to reinforce Oriflame’s partnership, there will be significant WTA branding used throughout Oriflame’s catalogues and social media channels. Oriflame will also have a strong presence via WTA’s digital assets, including multi-language websites and social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Tennis is the leading global professional sport for women and Oriflame’s approximately 3.6 million consultants have expressed a strong affiliation with the WTA through this partnership. Recent research shows that the level of awareness, perceived fit and pride amongst Oriflame consultants around the partnership is very strong. Oriflame’s sponsorship has also introduced the brand to potential new consumers, with almost 400,000 global fans joining the WTA Oriflame Facebook fan page to date. Michael Cervell, Senior VP Global Brand & Communications and Strategic Business Development, Oriflame, said: “We at Oriflame are excited to continue our successful partnership with the WTA, an organization which, like us, focuses on providing women with an opportunity to be successful, beautiful and confident, along with a platform to pursue their dreams.”

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Lineup Announced

On Tuesday, the USTA announced the lineup for 17th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Presented by Hess, which includes special performances by pop-vocal sensation The Wanted, chart-topping singer Carly Rae Jepsen, special guest performer Owl City and from Nickelodeon’s How to Rock, Cymphonique Miller and Max Schneider. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y., from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. Touring professional expected to participate in on the court tennis activities include defending US Open Champion Novak Djokovic, top-ranked American John Isner, three-time US Open Champion Kim Clijsters and Top 15 player Mardy Fish of Los Angeles. Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day Presented by Hess is hosted by AAKD alumnus Jordin Sparks and TV personality Quddu and will feature interactive games, musical entertainment and tennis activities for children and adults. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Presented by Hess will kick off the 2012 US Open, which runs from August 27 – September 9. Stadium show tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (866) OPEN-TIX, usopen.org and at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center box office. American Express is the official card of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. General admission promenade tickets cost $10 and loge tickets are $20. Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day will be broadcast nationally by CBS on Sunday, August 26, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. (EST). Kids 12-and-under with stadium show tickets will receive a free Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day hat from the USTA and Hess on a first-come, first-served basis. “We are thrilled to kick off the 2012 US Open with the 17th annual Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess featuring the most popular names in sports and entertainment today,” said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. “The event holds a long-standing history of providing a day of fun-filled family activities as attendees celebrate the life of Arthur Ashe and his mission to empower children of all ages through tennis.”

Western & Southern Open, Lindner Family Tennis Center Receive Awards

According to the Western & Southern Open official website, the prestigious tournament held in mid-August will be receiving two awards from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security. The Lindner Family Tennis Center, home of the Western and Southern Open, will be receiving the National Sport Safety and Security Facility of Merit Award. The United States Tennis Association nominated the Lindner Family Tennis Center because it has performed above and beyond normal operations, and has demonstrated an innovative approach to enhancing safety and security. In addition, Dick Clark, Director of Facilities for the Western & Southern Open, will be receiving the National Sport Safety and Security Professional of the Year Award. Clark is being honored for demonstrating outstanding leadership in addressing safety and security issues. “The safety of our fans, players and volunteers is very important at a tournament of this size,” said Western & Southern Open Tournament Director and COO, Vince Cicero. “Dick is a leader in his field and his team does an outstanding job every year. On behalf of everyone at the Western & Southern Open I congratulate Dick and the Lindner Family Tennis Center for receiving this award.” The Lindner Family Tennis Center is located in Mason, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati, and features 16 courts, with a Center Court seating capacity of 11,400. Originally built in 1979, is currently completing a three year phase expansion that included a new player center, six new courts, and a new food court opening in 2012. This is the first year the USTA has nominated any facility for the award. Past winners of the award include Ohio Stadium, Joe Louis Arena, New Meadowland Stadium and Daytona International Speedway. Among the other recipients of the award in 2012 is EverBank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The awards ceremony will take place on August 1 during the 2012 National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.

TennisLadders.net Finding Much Success in the World of Competitive Amateur Tennis

Tennis players of all ages and levels now have a free online tool, TennisLadders.net, to connect with other players in their area and play more tennis! Tennis enthusiast and technology professional Paul Ferguson launched the service in 2011 because he loves to play the game of tennis. “I wanted a place where I could record my wins, my losses and find competitive matches while expanding my tennis network,” Ferguson said. “With my busy schedule, it’s hard to find players at my own level and TennisLadders.net is a great tool to meet new competition and play more tennis.” Here is how it works: You challenge someone to match, then the winner gets 20 points, or a point for every game won if they lose. If you beat a higher-ranked player, you get his or her number of points plus the 20 you receive for winning – allowing you to leap-frog your foe in the rankings. More than 45 players joined the Santa Monica ladder since Ferguson launched the service last year. Ferguson, who holds an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University in Malibu, recently set up a corporate ladder for Gannett-USA Today publishing at the Marion Indoor Tennis Club near Boston. According to Ferguson, Gannett-USA Today has six different ladders based on age and gender. As the social tennis momentum accelerates, Ferguson continues to improve the experience. The first TennisLadders.net tournament is already under way and plans are in the works to create local leagues with weekly match-ups and prizes for top performers and frequent participants. Eventually, TennisLadders.net will be offered in other languages and countries. To start a ladder in your community, head to TennisLadders.net and register today.

Kei Nishikori Endorses Tag Heuer Watches

World No. 19 Kei Nishikori of Japan, who reached the quarterfinals at this year’s Australian Open before falling to Andy Murray, currently endorses Tag Heuer watches. His new campaign was captured in these two pictures posted on his Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151952950620271&set=a.337025190270.345795.331199495270&type=1&relevant_count=1 and http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151952950420271&set=a.337025190270.345795.331199495270&type=1&relevant_count=1. Nishikori, who trains at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, can be seen wearing his Tag Heuer watch throughout the summer at tournaments such as the London Olympics, Rogers Cup in Toronto, Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, before competing in the final Grand Slam of the year at the US Open in New York.

Venus Williams Awarded Main Draw Wild Card for Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati

Venus Williams, a former World No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has accepted a main draw wild card at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, which will be played from August 11-19. Williams joins sister Serena in the deep field as well as 37 of 39 players ranked in the Top 40. World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka is the only notable player missing from this year’s field. Last year, Williams was expected to compete in Cincinnati, but withdrew due to illness before the start of the tournament. The remaining main draw wild cards will before announced in the upcoming weeks.

James Blake Accepts Winston-Salem Open Main Draw Wild Card

James Blake, a former World No. 4 and Harvard standout, has been granted a main draw wild card for the Winston-Salem Open, which will be played at Wake Forest University from August 18-25. Throughout his memorable career, Blake has won 10 singles and six doubles titles. He is currently ranked No. 110 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. Blake has yet to win an ATP-level main draw match in 2012, falling in the first round at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Players expected to join Blake in the main draw include Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, Andy Roddick, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Feliciano Lopez, Jurgen Melzer, Marcos Baghdatis, Jarkko Nieminen, Robin Haase and Donald Young.

Jack Sock Hires Swede Joakim Nystrom as New Coach

Former Top 10 player Joakim Nystrom of Sweden has been hired to coach American teenager Jack Sock, according to TENNIS.com. The Swede, who previously coached Thomas Enqvist and Jurgen Melzer, will begin coaching the Nebraska native next week at the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles. The 2011 US Open Mixed Doubles Champion is currently ranked No. 326.

Former ATP Player Jeff Salzenstein will show you how to serve like World No. 1 Roger Federer

Roger Federer used his blistering and effective serve to win his seventh Wimbledon title this month. Jeff Salzenstein, the former top 100 ATP Tour singles and doubles player and noted tennis instructor, is committed to teaching YOU how to hit a Federer-like serve. The former two-time All-American from Stanford University has launched a free four-part video series on how to add speed, spin and consistency to your serve, available for instant access by clicking here http://m1e.net/c?96018505-8/9I26/eAAetI%407684483-XIdAG.t3LH.TI. “Roger Federer has an almost perfect serve combining all the correct elements to have a great delivery,” said Salzenstein. “The serve secrets featured in my free video series helped me break the top 100 on the ATP Tour for the first time at the age of 30 and helped me hit a 136 mile per hour serve at the BNP Paribas Open at age 32. It has also helped me transform and improve the serves of hundreds of players over the last few years.” Salzenstein’s first video lesson teaches players how to focus on the start of the serve including the proper Federer stance, to get the serve moving in the right direction. In the second video lesson, Salzenstein reveals one of his most powerful drills called the “dirty diaper” which will help you discover the proper swing to generate more topspin and kick on your serves. The third serve lesson completely breaks down “the trophy position” that all good servers need to have to have a dominating serve, while the fourth lesson features more valuable information on Salzenstein’s serve secrets along with a special bonus announcement. A USTA-certified High Performance tennis coach and a certified nutritional therapy practitioner, Salzenstein is regarded as one of the best coaches in the world. Jeff has always been an intense student of the game and coaches players of all levels in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. He played in the main draw of all four Grand Slam tournaments, extending world No. 2 Michael Chang to 6-4 in the fourth-set in a wildly entertaining second-round night match at the US Open in 1997. His professional career extended from 1996 until 2007, earning a top 100 ranking that included practicing with and playing matches against the likes of Federer, Chang, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick, Patrick Rafter, James Blake, Mardy Fish, David Nalbandian, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga among many others. Salzenstein was known for his unwavering determination, perseverance and intelligence in maximizing his abilities and talents as a player and now brings his passion for tennis into the world of coaching. After enjoying a successful USTA national junior tennis career where he finished 1992 ranked No. 2 in the boys’ 18 singles rankings, he played No. 1 singles for Stanford University and helped his team to a pair of NCAA team titles in 1995 and 1996. He also enjoyed tremendous success on the USTA Pro Circuit, winning numerous singles and doubles titles on the at the Challenger level. He sat out most of the 1998 and 1999 seasons with knee, back and ankle injuries, but became the first American to break into the top 100 of the ATP Tour rankings after the age of 30 in 2004.His best ATP Tour result came in reaching the semifinals of Delray Beach, Fla., in 2004, beating Greg Rusedski en route. Since leaving the pro circuit, Salzenstein founded JRS Sports, LLC, an organization focused on helping tennis players all over the world improve their tennis through online tennis instruction in the areas of technique, footwork, nutrition, injury prevention, motivation, and athletic development. His www.JeffSalzensteinTennis.com website has become a vibrant online tennis instructional portal that is setting a new standard in online tennis instruction. Salzenstein has 6,000 free subscribers to his online video tutorial website. He has over 120 instructional tennis lessons on YouTube with almost 1.5 million views in the last 18 months alone. Salzenstein also has a successful membership site called “The Total Tennis Training Inner Circle” that has over 400 members from more than 25 countries. Salzenstein launched his first online tennis course, “The Tennis Forehand Solution,” in 2011 which has gained an impressive following around the world with more than 1,000 subscribers.