tennis circuit

JIM COURIER BLOGS HIS FRENCH OPEN PREDICTIONS ON CHAMPIONSSERIESTENNIS.COM

May 21, 2010 by WTM

Jim Courier says that whenever he hears the words Roland Garros a warm feeling comes over his body. The Hall of Famer had some of his finest moments during his tennis career at the site of the French Championships in Paris, where he won his first major singles title in 1991 and repeated as champion again the following year.

In his blog on www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com, the official website of the Champions Series international tennis circuit for players age 30-and-over, Courier previews the 2010 French Open that begins Sunday in Paris and offers up his picks for who will win the mens and womens singles titles. Courier, who last attended the French Open in 2001 when he handed Gustavo Kuerten the Coupe des Mousquetaires as the mens singles champion, says that the injured Juan Martin del Potro is the player he expects to eventually challenge Rafael Nadal the most on clay in the future when he becomes healthy and returns to full-time play.

Couriers blog can be read in full here: http://www.championsseriestennis.com/player_blog.php?id=6

The Champions Series is the United States-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. To be eligible to compete, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with the tournament champion earning $60,000 and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Each tournament champion earns 800 ranking points. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin.

Former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe earlier this month to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston and take over the No. 1 Champions Series ranking. Former French Open semifinalist Fernando Meligeni of Brazil was the surprise winner of the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series, winning the title in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil by defeating Philippoussis in the final.

The Champions Series circuit will resume September 30 October 3 at The Breezeplay Championships in Charlotte, N.C., where Courier will look to win the title for a third straight year and a fourth time overall. In the 2009 final, Courier upset Pete Sampras 3-6, 6-4, 10-8 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

PHILIPPOUSSIS BEATS McENROE TO WIN FIRST CHAMPIONS SERIES TITLE IN BOSTON

May 2, 2010 by WTM

BOSTON, May 2, 2010 – Mark Philippoussis staved off John McEnroe 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 (Champions Tie-breaker) Sunday to win the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup for his first career title on the Champions Series circuit, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Phillippoussis, 33, earned $60,000 for the title as well as 800 ranking points to become the new Champions Series points leader for 2010.

Philippoussis cruised to a 5-0 lead out of the gate before McEnroe was able to get on the scoreboard. After McEnroe threatened to make the first set competitive by winning three games in a row, Philippoussis served out the set on his second opportunity. McEnroe jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second set, showing the spirit and fire that carried him into his fifth decade of competitive tennis. Philippoussis hung tough and connected on some blazing groundstroke winners mixed with a few untimely McEnroe unforced errors to break back in the seventh game of the second set. After each player then held their serve, McEnroe broke Philippoussis to win the second set 6-4, punctuated with a forehand volley winner, followed by a forceful fist-pump and scream of approval.

In the Champions Tie-breaker a first-to-10-point tie-breaker played in lieu of a third set Philippoussis proved to be too strong for the man 17 years his senior, hitting four aces, three groundstroke winners and winning six of the last seven points to close out the title.

I knew I had to play some good tennis today, said Philippoussis, who lost to Roger Federer in the 2003 Wimbledon final. I wanted to play good tennis for myself more than anything. I came out good with an early break and things started to go my way. At 5-0, I had some set points and at 5-2, he started coming back and playing better and better. I think once he got into the match it got dangerous for me.

Philippoussis, who was two years old when McEnroe won his first Grand Slam singles title at the 1979 U.S. Open, has been struggling with knee injuries over the last few years. He has undergone six knee surgeries – three on the right knee and three on the left and is finally beginning to feel at full strength.

This is about going out there and having fun and building strength on my body and my knee, said Philippoussis. This is about getting matches and getting on the court and doing what I love doing.

McEnroe was appearing in the Boston final for a fourth time in the fifth year of the event. The 51-year-old, who won his only Boston title in 2008, said he felt extra motivated after being down 0-5 and proving that he could come back and make it a match.

I was getting blown out, said McEnroe. I wanted to show that I have been playing well and hopefully if I could get it going. I felt that I had a chance at the end.

The turning point, he said, was the fumbled half-volley he dribbled into the net at 4-4 in Champions Tie-breaker.

I had one bad point at four all, said McEnroe. I hesitated a little bit and the next thing you know its 8-4. I felt like I played well and it wasnt like I was playing badly.

In Sundays third-place match, Jim Courier and Bjorn Borg competed against each for the first time ever, Courier winning 6-4, 7-6 (4).

It was great to see Bjorn on the other side of the court and see how graceful he is, said the 39-year-old Courier, who earned $25,000 for finishing in third place. It was a privilege to play him.

The Staples Champions Cup marked the first time that Borg had played in the United States in 10 years. Following his last match of the week Sunday, Borg, 53, thanked the Boston fans for their warm welcome and said he would be interested in playing additional events in the United States in the future.

I love playing in the States, said Borg. Its one of my favorite places. If it works with our schedule and our life in Stockholm with the kids, I am more than happy to come back and play.

The Staples Champions Cup is part of the global Champions Series tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. To be eligible to compete, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with the tournament champion earning $60,000 and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Each tournament champion earns 800 ranking points. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the series, followed by Sampras and Martin.

Former French Open semifinalist Fernando Meligeni of Brazil was the surprise winner of the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series, winning the title in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Philippoussis in the final.

McENROE BEATS WILANDER TO SET UP SEMIFINAL SHOWDOWN WITH BORG IN BOSTON

May 1, 2010 by WTM

BOSTON, Mass., April 30, 2010 - John McEnroe defeated Mats Wilander 6-3, 6-4 Friday in the quarterfinals of the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup and advance into a semifinal confrontation with his legendary rival Bjorn Borg. The two Hall of Famers will meet in the Saturday evening session, 30 years after their epic singles finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1980.

Jim Courier and Mark Philippoussis will compete in the other semifinal match, to be played in Saturdays day session. Courier advanced into the semifinals Friday by defeating Jimmy Arias 6-3, 6-3.

The Staples Champions Cup is the second event on the 2010 Champions Series circuit, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. The event is being played for a fifth straight year and for the fourth time at the Agganis Arena at Boston University.

McEnroe was extra motivated to beat Wilander and set up the semifinal with Borg. He executed his serve-and-volley game to near perfection, losing very few points on serve and controlling play early and often.

I am excited to play Bjorn, said McEnroe. Anytime I play him is an extra special feeling. I had to get through the first matches, but not that we are here, I am up for it. I am going to be aggressive and try to take it early. We have seen each other enough that we know what our tendencies are. Hopefully there will be some real energy with the crowd and will fire us up. I liked having a match under my belt to get ready for this.

McEnroe and Borg played 14 times during their ATP Tour careers, each player winning seven times. Their 1980 Wimbledon final is regarded by some observers as the greatest match of all-time. Borg was able to win his fifth-straight title at the All England Club and stave off McEnroe, playing in his first Wimbledon final, by a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (16-18), 8-6 margin, highlighted by the famous 18-16 fourth-set tie-breaker. McEnroe avenged his loss to Borg later that summer in a five-set U.S. Open final. In 1981, McEnroe beat Borg in both the Wimbledon and U.S. Open finals.

McEnroe said that his favorite tennis memory was actually losing the 1980 Wimbledon final to Borg.

As time has gone by that is the match people always talk to me about, he said. Its one of those cases where I felt like I came out with a higher stature even though I lost and that doesnt happen that often. That you can come out and you can gain. I learned something from him. I learned what a great champion does they find another gear. I didnt think he had it. He found it and it was unbelievable.

Borgs appearance at the Staples Champions Cup marks his debut on the five-year-old Champions Series. Since he played his final official match on the ATP World Tour in 1993, he has competed in other various events around the world, but not in the United States since a tournament in New York City in June of 2000. Borg dropped of the pro tour full-time in 1981, playing his last Grand Slam tournament at the 1981 U.S. Open, where he lost to McEnroe in the final. He made a sporadic comeback to the ATP Tour from 1991 to 1993. A 1987 inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Borg is best known for his five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980 and his six French Open titles won from 1974 to 1981. He won 64 ATP singles titles and ranked No. 1 in the world for 109 weeks.

McEnroe has enjoyed some of his best success on the Champions Series circuit in Boston. He was a singles finalist in Boston in 2009, losing to Pete Sampras 7-6 (10), 6-4, one day before his 50th birthday. He won the title in 2008, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final, and was a finalist in the inaugural event in 2006, losing to Todd Martin.

Courier outslugged Arias in the first quarterfinal match Friday night.

I thought early on that Jimmy was really dictating play with his forehand and I needed to step up my offense, said Courier. Early in the match I was trying to feel my way into it. Once I got that first set in my pocket, I felt better.

Said Courier of the McEnroe vs. Borg semifinal, I am playing an afternoon match, but I can guarantee that I will be front row and center for John and Borg. Ive never seen them play live and I dont know if I will get many more chances. Im excited to see them play. We are watching history.

The remaining schedule of the event is as follows;

Saturday, May 1
Starting at 2 pm
Doubles Exhibition
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Mark Philippoussis

Starting at 7 pm
Doubles exhibition
Followed by
Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe

Sunday, May 2
Starting at 2 pm
Third-Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

CHAMPIONS SERIES VIDEO FOOTAGE

The Champions Series video page features exclusive behind the scenes footage of events and candid player chats. Videos can be seen at http://www.championsseriestennis.com/video.php

BECOME A FAN OF THE CHAMPIONS SERIES ON FACEBOOK & FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

facebook.com/championsseriestennis | twitter.com/cs_tennis

CHAMPIONS SERIES WEBSITE: http://www.championsseriestennis.com

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series tennis circuit, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events, corporate outings and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2009, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

BORG EDGES PERNFORS TO OPEN STAPLES CHAMPIONS CUP IN BOSTON

April 30, 2010 by WTM

BOSTON, Mass., April 29, 2010 – Bjorn Borg, playing in an event in the United States for the first time in 10 years, defeated fellow Swede Mikael Pernfors 6-2, 2-6, 10-8 (Champion Tie-Breaker) Thursday in the opening match of the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup at the Agganis Arena at Boston University.

The 53-year-old five-time Wimbledon champion advances into the events semifinals, where he will play the winner of Friday nights match between John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Also advancing in the event Thursday was Mark Philippoussis, who beat Wayne Ferreira 6-3, 6-2.

Borgs old school flair was present early against Pernfors as he used penetrating and consistent groundstrokes to control play. In the second set, Pernfors switched his strategy, resorting to trickery and using effective slice backhands and drop shots to keep Borg off balance and on the run. In the Champions Tie-Breaker, a first to 10-point tie-breaker played in lieu of a third set, Borg jumped out to an 8-4 lead with consistent backhand returns and aggressive baseline play and held on for the 10-8 victory.

It was a good match and we had a lot of good points, said Borg. We know each others game really well. I think it was a good match and I was really pleased.

Pernfors, 46, was impressed with the form and fitness of the elder statesman of Swedish tennis.

It was a little bit surprising how well he played, said Pernfors. I didnt think he would be moving as well as he did. I dont think I was aggressive enough from the start. It felt like he was out there feeling good and he definitely played a much better tie-breaker than I did. I havent played him in 15 years and I havent seen him in ages. So you go and think that he is not going to be able to play. He mixes up the pace so much. With 75 percent of the shots, there is no pace whatsoever. You have to create the pace yourself and that is really difficult. He disguises his shots so well. He lures you into taking the pace off.

I love to play in the States, said Borg. Its always been one of my favorite places to play. Its just a matter of scheduling and getting everything together with my kids. It worked out very well and I am happy to play in this event.

The first time I played in Boston was 1974 and I won Longwood (U.S. Pro Championships) three years in a row – 1974 was my first really big year when I won the Italian Open, French Open and I came to play Longwood in August. I have really good memories of Boston.

A 1987 inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Borg is best known for his five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976 to 1980 and his six French Open titles won from 1974 to 1981. He won 64 ATP singles titles and ranked No. 1 in the world for 109 weeks.

In 2010, tennis fans will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his epic duels with McEnroe in the finals of Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, the Wimbledon final being regarded by some observers as the greatest match of all-time. Borg was able to win his fifth-straight title at the All England Club and stave off McEnroe, playing in his first Wimbledon final, by a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-7 (16-18), 8-6 margin, highlighted by the famous 18-16 fourth-set tie-breaker. Should McEnroe defeat Wilander on Friday night, the two rivals would meet again Saturday night in the semifinals.

Said Borg of a possible match with McEnroe on Saturday evening, Playing John is always something special. It would be nice to see Johns face on the other side of the court.

The remaining schedule of the event is as follows;

Friday, April 30
Starting at 7 pm
Jim Courier vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
John McEnroe vs. Mats Wilander

Saturday, May 1
Starting at 2 pm
Doubles Exhibition
Followed by
Jim Courier or Jimmy Arias vs. Mark Philippoussis

Starting at 7 pm
Doubles exhibition
Followed by
Bjorn Borg vs. John McEnroe or Mats Wilander

Sunday, May 2
Starting at 2 pm
Third-Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

McEnroe was a singles finalist in Boston in 2009, losing to Pete Sampras 7-6 (10), 6-4 one day before his 50th birthday. He won the title in 2008, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final, and was a finalist in the inaugural event in 2006, losing to Todd Martin. Sampras also won the title in 2007, defeating Martin in the final.

CHAMPIONS SERIES VIDEO FOOTAGE

The Champions Series video page features exclusive behind the scenes footage of events and candid player chats. Videos can be seen at http://www.championsseriestennis.com/video.php

BECOME A FAN OF THE CHAMPIONS SERIES ON FACEBOOK & FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

facebook.com/championsseriestennis | twitter.com/cs_tennis

CHAMPIONS SERIES WEBSITE: http://www.championsseriestennis.com/

COURIER AND PHILIPPOUSSIS TRY THEIR HANDS AT CURLING

April 14, 2010 by WTM

Jim Courier and Mark Philippoussis can maneuver quite well around a tennis court.

But can they slide on a curling sheet?

While in Toronto, Canada recently during a charity outing, the two standout players on the Champions Series tennis circuit decided to try their hands at curling, a sport that achieved cult status during the recent Winter Olympic Games.

This video on the official Champions Series website, linked here: http://www.championsseriestennis.com/video.php documents the entertaining curling exhibition. The website frequently features many behind-the-scenes Champions Series videos from players competing on the U.S.-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Courier and Philippoussis will join Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander, Mikael Pernfors, Wayne Ferreira and Jimmy Arias at the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup, to be played April 29-May 2 at the Agganis Arena in Boston, Mass.

MELIGENI IS SURPRISE CHAMPIONS SERIES WINNER IN RIO DE JANEIRO

March 14, 2010 by WTM

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, March 14 - Fernando Meligeni, spurred by a boisterous and supportive home Brazilian crowd, was the surprise winner at the $150,000 Banco Cruzerio do Sul Rio Champions Cup Sunday, defeating Mark Philippoussis of Australia 6-2, 4-6, 10-8 (Champions Tie-Breaker) in the singles final.

Meligeni earned $60,000 for winning the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series tennis circuit, the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. His debut Champions Series title also earned him 800 ranking points on the year-long race to determine to circuits No. 1 player.

The match featured world-class shot-making from both players with Philippousiss turning the match around in the second set after Meligeni began play with scintillating tennis in the opening set. In the Champions Tie-Breaker, the first-to-ten-point tie-breaker played in lieu of a third set, Meligeni jumped to an 8-2 lead, but Philippoussis clawed his way back to 9-8. Meligeni then clinched the title by slapping a running forehand passing shot after a long rally to seal the victory.

It was so much fun to be here with these guys and to play and win, said Meligeni, best known for a fourth-place finish at the 1996 Olympic Games and a semifinal showing at the 1999 French Open. I couldnt imagine that I would be here lifting the trophy today. Before the event started, I felt like a stranger among so many great champions. I was the only one that hadnt reached the top 10 and here I am with this trophy. I hung in there, fought until the last ball, as I used to do in my days in the pro tour, and am really enjoying this moment.

The Brazilian left-hander gave an emotional speech to the crowd in the post-match awards ceremony, saying how special it was for his six-month-old son, Gael, to be present at one of his tennis matches for the first time.

He is my motivation, he said of his infant son.

Meligeni, who will turn 39 on April 12, is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and was a local wild card entrant into the event. He lost to Leander Paes in the bronze medal match at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and had a run to the semifinals at the French Open in 1999, where he lost to Andrei Medvedev. He ended his ATP World Tour career at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where he beat Marcelo Rios in the gold medal match. His only previous event on the Champions Series circuit came last year in Rio where he finished with a 1-2 round-robin record.

He claimed the title this week on the fast courts of the Maracanãzinho Stadium by winning all three of his matches in Champions Tie-Breakers. In Fridays quarterfinals, he defeated Mikael Pernfors of Sweden 3-6, 6-2, 10-7 (Champions Tie-Breaker) while he beat Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 7-5, 2-6, 10-2 (Champions Tie-Breaker) in Saturdays semifinals.

A tennis player has to be able to adapt himself, said Meligeni. The court here was very fast and I knew playing Mark was going to be very tough, especially with his serve. But, as I said after the first match, I felt like I got another chance at the tournament, because I started playing poorly and turned the match around. Today, all I could feel is that I was flying on the court and not slow as on the first day.

Philippoussis, 33, said he was happy with his play and results in Rio, but he was most pleased with the way that his body held up after three years of battling injuries.

It was a very good week for me, said Philippoussis. I served well in the last two matches, but today wasnt the same. But I am happy with myself. I dont mean to be repetitive but I feel I am in the right way. My body is good and I am feeling better everyday.

Philippoussis first joined the Champions Series circuit in 2007 after recovering from right knee surgery early in the year that curtailed his comeback on to the ATP World Tour. He was unable to play competitive tennis in 2008, due to continued knee problems, but returned to the Champions Series in 2009, with a third-place finish in Grand Cayman being his best result prior to his runner-up showing this week. His best ATP World Tour results came in finishing as the runner-up at the U.S. Open in 1998, losing to Patrick Rafter, and losing to Roger Federer in the 2003 Wimbledon final.

In Sundays third-place match, Ferreira defeated Mats Wilander of Sweden 2-6, 6-2, 10-7 (Champions Tie-Breaker) to earn $25,000. Philippoussis earned $30,000 for his runner-up showing, while Wilander pocketed $15,000 for finishing fourth.

Philippoussis, Ferreira and Wilander will also be in the field for the next Champions Series event, the Staples Champions Cup, to be held April 29-May 2 in Boston, Mass. The event will also feature Bjorn Borg playing in his first tournament in the United States in 10 years. Other competitors include John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Jimmy Arias and Pernfors.

Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. McEnroe won the inaugural Rio Champions Cup in 2009, defeating Courier 6-2, 6-3 in the final.

CHAMPIONS SERIES ON VIDEO

The Champions Series video page features exclusive behind the scenes footage of events and candid player interviews. Videos can be seen at http://m1e.net/c?97079246-9eEJZui4rmVhg%405124593-A0h2GtEJhmHqE

PHILIPPOUSSIS, MELIGENI EACH ADVANCE TO FIRST CHAMPIONS SERIES FINAL

March 14, 2010 by WTM

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, March 13 – Mark Philippoussis of Australia and Fernando Meligeni of Brazil each advanced into their first career Champions Series tournament final Saturday with semifinal victories at the $150,000 Banco Cruzerio do Sul Rio Champions Cup. Philippoussis defeated former world No. 1 Mats Wilander of Sweden 6-3, 6-4, while Meligeni defeated Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 7-5, 2-6, 10-2 (Champions Tie-Breaker). The Banco Cruzeiro do Sul Rio Champions Cup is the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series tennis circuit, the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Sundays final, with a $60,000 first prize check on the line as well as 800 Champions Series ranking points, will be a rematch of a round-robin match from last years event in Rio, won by Philippoussis 6-4, 3-6, 11-9 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

I expect a fun match against Meligeni, said Philippoussis. It is going to be a great atmosphere, playing against him here in Brazil. I know what he is going to do. He is going to try to make me run all around the court, to both sides and I know I wont be doing it. I will play my way.

Philippoussis, 33, first joined the Champions Series circuit in 2007 after tearing the lateral meniscus in his right knee while attempting to return to the ATP World Tour earlier in the year at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia. He was unable to play competitive tennis in 2008, due to continued knee problems, but returned to the Champions Series in 2009, with a third-place finish in Grand Cayman being his best result to date. During his ATP World Tour career, he was a singles finalist at Wimbledon in 2003, losing to Roger Federer, marking Federers first career major tournament victory. He was also a finalist at the U.S. Open in 1998, losing to countryman Patrick Rafter.

This is my first final in the Champions Series and I havent had these many matches in a long time, so the more I play, the better it is for me, but it feels really good to win, said Philippoussis, who has been enjoying time surfing off the beaches of Rio when not competing this week. My body is feeling good and that is what matters for me and that I am having fun on the court.

Meligeni, who will turn 39 on April 12, is from Sao Paulo, Brazil and is a local wild card into the event. He reached the semifinals of the French Open in 1999 and finished in fourth place at the 1996 Olympic Games, falling to Leander Paes in the bronze medal match. He did pick up a medal seven years later, in the final match of his career defeating Marcelo Rios in the gold medal match at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Against Ferreira, Meligeni rode the wave of the highly energetic and partisan home crowd to win the hard-fought nail-bitter on the fast indoor court at the Maracanãzinho Stadium.

When I got here I felt like an outsider, among so many great champions, number ones, top 10s and now I am in the final, said the left-handed Brazilian. In tennis sometimes, when you dont lose in the first round and you dont have a great day, you have the chance to come back the next day and turn things around. That is what I did today. I played good tennis, had fun on the court and I knew that if I could win the first set, I would have a better chance, because Wayne is in better physical condition than I am.

In his quarterfinal match early Friday against Mikael Pernfors, Meligeni said after losing the first set, that quitting competitive tennis entered his mind, before surging back to win the match in a first-to-ten-points Champions Tie-Breaker, played in lieu of a third set.

Said Meligeni after his win Friday over Pernfors, It wasnt a usual performance for me, as I am used to being much more relaxed on court and having more fun with the crowd, but this is very, very competitive and we both wanted to win and I had to find a way to be the winner. You could tell that Pernfors wasnt very happy when he left the court.

Tickets for the event can still be purchased by calling 5521-3005-4023 or on www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com Sundays schedule begins at 11 am with the third-place match between Wilander and Ferreira, followed by the singles final between Philippoussis and Meligeni.

Jim Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. John McEnroe won the inaugural Rio Champions Cup in 2009, defeating Courier 6-2, 6-3 in the final. The full 2010 Champions Series schedule of tournaments will be announced in the near future. The first tournament in the United States the Staples Champions Cup – will be held April 29-May 2 in Boston, Mass., and will feature Bjorn Borg playing in his first tournament in the U.S. in 10 years.

CHAMPIONS SERIES ON VIDEO

The Champions Series video page features exclusive behind the scenes footage of events and candid player interviews. Videos can be seen at http://www.championsseriestennis.com/video.php

SAFIN STUNNED BY FERREIRA IN CHAMPIONS SERIES DEBUT IN RIO

March 13, 2010 by WTM

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, March 12 – Marat Safin was stunned in his debut match on the Champions Series tennis circuit Friday, losing 7-6 (4), 6-4 to Wayne Ferreira in the quarterfinals of the Banco Cruzerio do Sul Rio Champions Cup.

Playing only 17 weeks after playing his last match on the ATP World Tour, Safin said he was out of sorts physically and struggled on the fast indoor courts of the Maracanãzinho Stadium.

After 20 minutes of play I was dead, said Safin, who turned 30 years old on January 27. I felt yesterday after hitting that I had pain in my elbow, in my knee. I had blisters. It is tough not to play for four months and then try to play. I have to get used again to play at least a couple of times a week. This is new for me.

Ferreira, 38, last played a full season on the ATP World Tour in 2004, but has experienced great success on the Champions Series, winning three titles and reaching two other finals since 2006. In 2009, he finished the Champions Series with a No. 9 ranking. The South Africans win over Safin was his first over the Russian after losing all three previous meetings during their ATP careers.

I knew it was going to be a tough match, said Ferreira. Marat has just left the tour. Marats game is based on the physical power and as he is not in a competitive shape. It gave me an edge.

Ferreira was not the only player to register an upset Friday in the opening Champions Series event of 2010 as Mats Wilander upset Jim Courier 6-4, 6-4 in the last quarterfinal match of the evening. Courier was fresh off finishing the 2009 Champions Series with the circuits No. 1 ranking. The win marked Wilanders first win over Courier in five previous Champions Series appearances. Wilander entered the match having lost eight of his last nine Champions Series matches.

Wilander took advantage of the exceptionally fast court surface by frequently sneaking to the net to keep Courier off balance throughout the match.

It was a very close match and playing Jim is always tough, said Wilander, the winner of seven major singles titles. I guess I was serving better and that gave me a bit of an advantage. Also, it was pretty close and I won the important points.

Joining Ferreira and Wilander in Saturdays semifinals are Mark Philippoussis of Australia and Fernando Meligeni of Brazil. Philippoussis earned a semifinal meeting with Wilander by defeating Cedric Pioline 7-5, 6-3. Meligeni advanced to face Ferreira by defeating Mikael Pernfors 3-6, 6-2, 10-7 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

Despite the loss, Safin said he was happy to be playing on the Champions Series circuit and visit Rio de Janeiro for the first time.

For me it is great to be here, he said. I lost but I am taking a lot from these days in Rio. Just spending time with these great champions and people that are here, practicing, in the events, appearances, clinics, having a drink here and there it is great. We spent a lot of time competing against each other, so many years on the tour, and now after some years that I dont see them. It is great to be here, get together and have the feeling of closeness that we had on our days on the tour, and this is tennis that gave me.

The Banco Cruzeiro do Sul Rio Champions Cup is the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series tennis circuit, the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. Each Champions Series event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1.

Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 5521-3005-4023 or on www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com The full schedule of play for the rest of the is as follows;

Saturday 13th March: Starting at 6 pm
Men’s Doubles Match
Semifinal #1 Wayne Ferreira vs. Fernando Meligini
Semifinal #2 – Mark Philippoussis vs. Mats Wilander

Sunday 14th March: Starting at 11 am
3rd Place Match
Championship Final

Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. John McEnroe won the inaugural Rio Champions Cup in 2009, defeating Courier 6-2, 6-3 in the final.

The full 2010 Champions Series schedule of tournaments will be announced in the near future. The first tournament in the United States the Staples Champions Cup – will be held April 29-May 2 in Boston, Mass., and will feature Bjorn Borg playing in his first tournament in the U.S. in 10 years.

SAFIN SEES THE SIGHTS OF RIO IN ADVANCE OF CHAMPIONS SERIES DEBUT

March 12, 2010 by WTM

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, March 11 - Marat Safin provided for press conference laughs, visited Rios famous Corcovado and played a little soccer Thursday upon arrival in the 2016 Olympic city in preparation for his debut tournament on the Champions Series tennis circuit.

Safin, the former world No. 1 who retired from the ATP World Tour last fall, will make his Champions Series debut at the Banco Cruzerio do Sul Rio Champions Cup that starts Friday. Safin, the champion at the 2000 U.S. Open and the 2005 Australian Open, will play Wayne Ferreira in Fridays quarterfinals. The Banco Cruzeiro do Sul Rio Champions Cup is the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series tennis circuit, the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

After arriving in Rio, the 30-year-old Safin joined Cedric Pioline and Mark Philippoussis and visited the citys most iconic site – the Corcovado and enjoyed the view of the city from the famed statue of Christ. Following his tourist jaunt, Safin then stole the show in the tournaments kick-off press conference, showing off his humor and charisma that earned him many fans around the world.

It is almost a comedy that I am back in such a short time, said Safin of so quickly jumping from the ATP World Tour on the Champions Series circuit. It is an honor to be playing with these legends.

Asked if it is true or not that he enjoyed the night life and women so much that it affected his tennis, he answered without hesitation. I am gonna answer with another question to you, he said. If I drink, go out and do all the other things you said about the women, how would I have managed to be who I am? After listening to fellow competitor Jim Courier whisper in his ear the word talent, he continued. I would either be too talented or too organized.

When asked by the media if he planned to hit the party scene in Rio, Safin said, As some of the players are here with their wives, they will definitely be out of my team.

Courier then said that he would probably spend his time having the national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha. Safin then replied that he came here to play and to work and that he intends to spend a lot of his time on court and with the kids and the sponsors.

At the end of the 2000 season, Safin and Brazils superstar Gustavo Kuerten battled for the year-end No. 1 ATP World Tour ranking until the waning days of the season at the year-end championships in Lisbon, Portugal. Said Safin, I will never forgive Guga because he stole the number one ranking from me in 2000, but we had great matches, he has a great personality, was very important for tennis in Brazil and I think he was the first one that played fast and aggressive tennis on clay.

Safins trip to Rio marks his first trip to South America and he explained to the media why he never cared to play the ATP South American tournaments. I am going to explain to you, he said. Early on the tour, I learned that it wasnt interesting for me to play in South America, because here it is too much work and not a lot of money. The tournaments here are ATP 250 and if I come, I play (Fernando) Meligeni in the first round, (Juan Ignacio) Chela or (Gaston) Gaudio in the second, maybe Kuerten and then I would have spent four or five hours to win each match, would maybe lose in the semis and get a prize money of approximately US$10,000. With the taxes and air fares, I would win nothing. That is why I always played in Europe and in the States, on the hard courts that I like better.

To end the meeting with the media, Safin said that he doesnt intend to be a tennis coach and that being a coach is much different than being a player. I am not ready to be a coach and I am definitely not going to follow this career, he said.

Following the press conference, to continue a tradition that started last year at the inaugural Rio Champions Cup, all of the competing players went to the famed soccer field, the Maracana Stadium, where they were greeted by the stadiums most famous player, Zico. Having scored 333 goals during his career at Maracana, Zico waited for the players inside the field, autographed and gave each of them a national team t-shirt and kicked the ball around with the men who are more talented handling balls with racquets than feet.

It is an honor for me to meet Zico at the Maracana Stadium, said Safin. I would have liked to be at the Stadium when it could host 200,000 people. Now it is only half, but it still big. It is very nice that the event did it for us and we had a lot of fun playing with him.

Also competing in the eight-player, single-knock out event are Courier, Pioline, Philippoussis, Meligeni, Mats Wilander and Mikael Pernfors. The event will feature $150,000 in total prize money, with the singles champion earning $60,000. Tickets can be purchased by calling 5521-3005-4023. Ticket information as well as behind the scenes video footage from the event shot by Courier can also be found at www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com. The full schedule of play at the event is as follows;

Friday 12th March: Starting at 6 pm
Quarterfinal #1 Fernando Meligeni vs. Mikael Pernfors
Quarterfinal #2 – Mark Philippoussis vs. Cedric Pioline
Quarterfinal #3 – Marat Safin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Quarterfinal #4 – Jim Courier vs. Mats Wilander

Saturday 13th March: Starting at 6 pm
Mens Doubles Match
Semifinal #1 – Winner of Safin/Ferreira vs. Meligini/Pernfors
Semifinal #2 – Winner of Philippoussis/Pioline vs. Courier/Wilander

Sunday 14th March: Starting at 11 am
3rd Place Match
Championship Final

Safin became the first Russian to win the U.S. Open in 2000 when he shocked Pete Sampras 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 in the mens singles final. Safin rode the momentum of winning his first major singles title to earn the No. 1 ranking later that year and rank in the top spot for a total of nine weeks during his career. He reached the final of the Australian Open in 2002 and again in 2004, losing to Thomas Johansson and Roger Federer, respectively, but broke through to win his second major title in Australia in 2005, defeating Lleyton Hewitt in the final. Safin, who also reached the semifinals of the French Open in 2002 and at Wimbledon in 2008, won 15 career singles titles and guided Russia to Davis Cup titles in 2002 and 2006. Safin turned 30 years old on January 27 and concluded his ATP World Tour career last fall.

The Rio Champions Cup is part of the global Champions Series tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. To be eligible to compete, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with the tournament champion earning $60,000 and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Each tournament champion earns 800 ranking points.

Photos courtesy of Champions Series Tennis

[nggallery id=10]

SAFIN TO OPEN CHAMPIONS SERIES TENNIS CAREER AGAINST FERREIRA IN RIO DE JANEIRO

March 8, 2010 by WTM

NEW YORK, March 8, 2010 - Marat Safin, the charismatic winner of two major singles titles and one of 24 men to rank No. 1 in the world, will open up play in his debut Champions Series tennis event Friday against Wayne Ferreira at the Banco Cruzeiro do Sul Rio Champions in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

The Banco Cruzeiro do Sul Rio Champions Cup, held March 12-14 at the Maracanãzinho Stadium in Rio, is the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series tennis circuit, the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Also competing in the eight-player, single-knock out event are Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, Mark Philippoussis, Cedric Pioline, Mikael Pernfors and Fernando Meligeni. The event will feature $150,000 in total prize money, with the singles champion earning $60,000. Tickets can be purchased by calling 5521-3005-4023 or by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com

The full schedule of play at the event is as follows;

Friday 12th March: Starting at 6 pm
Quarterfinal #1 Fernando Meligeni vs. Mikael Pernfors
Quarterfinal #2 – Mark Philippoussis vs. Cedric Pioline
Quarterfinal #3 – Marat Safin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Quarterfinal #4 – Jim Courier vs. Mats Wilander

Saturday 13th March: Starting at 6 pm
Mens Doubles Match
Semifinal #1 – Winner of Safin/Ferreira vs. Meligini/Pernfors
Semifinal #2 – Winner of Philippoussis/Pioline vs. Courier/Wilander

Sunday 14th March: Starting at 11 am
3rd Place Match
Championship Final

With Safin and Borgs commitment to play in 2010, the five-year old Champions Series features 10 former world No. 1 players competing on the circuit, joining Courier, McEnroe, Wilander, Sampras, Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, Thomas Muster and Patrick Rafter.

SAFIN TO MAKE CHAMPIONS SERIES DEBUT IN RIO DE JANEIRO

February 10, 2010 by WTM

NEW YORK, February 10, 2010 – Marat Safin, the charismatic winner of two major singles titles and one of 24 men to rank No. 1 in the world, will make his debut on the Champions Series tennis circuit at the 2010 Rio Champions Cup to be played March 12-14 at the Maracanãzinho Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Safin will become the ninth former world No. 1 player to compete on the U.S.-based international tennis circuit for champion tennis players.

Safin will be joined in the e

ight-player, single-knock out event by Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, Mark Philippoussis, Cedric Pioline, Wayne Ferreira, Mikael Pernfors and Fernando Meligeni. The Rio Champions Cup will be the opening event on the 2010 Champions Series circuit and will feature $150,000 in total prize money, with the singles champion earning $60,000. Tickets can be purchased by calling 5521-3005-4023 or by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com

It is going to be a lot of fun to play in Brazil for the first time at the Rio Champions Cup and join some of the great legends in tennis, said Safin, who turned 30 on January 27. It will be an interesting change to be one of the young guys on the tour again and I look forward to playing in front of the Brazilian tennis fans.

With Safin and Borgs commitment to play in 2010, the five-year old Champions Series features 10 former world No. 1 players competing on the circuit, joining Courier, McEnroe, Wilander, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Stefan Edberg, Thomas Muster and Patrick Rafter.

AGASSI, RAFTER DEBUTS; COURIER CONSISTENCY; McENROE AND SAMPRAS TITLES HIGHLIGHT 2009 OUTBACK CHAMPIONS SERIES

December 19, 2009 by WTM

The Outback Champions Series

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 18, 2009 – Debuts by Andre Agassi and Patrick Rafter, the consistent performances of Jim Courier, and titles won by Pete Sampras and John McEnroe highlighted play on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

The Outback Champions Series completed its fourth full season this fall and Courier emerged as the year-end No. 1 player, finishing with 3,000 ranking points, 900 better than second-place finisher Sampras. Courier won two tournament titles and reached the final at two other events during the seven-tournament schedule. He won the singles title at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships in the Cayman Islands in April, defeating Jimmy Arias 6-3, 6-2 in the final. He also claimed the title at the Breezeplay Championships at the Palisades in Charlotte, N.C. in September, defeating Sampras 3-6, 6-4, 10-8 (Champions tie-breaker) in the final in the only head-to-head meeting between the top two players in 2009. The victory also was Courier’s first over Sampras since the first round of the 1997 Italian Open in Rome and his first on a hard court over the 14-time major singles champion since the quarterfinals of the 1991 US Open. Courier posted runner-up
showings in Rio de Janiero, Brazil in March, falling to McEnroe 6-2, 6-3, and in Newport, R.I. in August, losing to Pat Cash 6-3, 6-4. The Outback Champions Series Rankings are based on a players best five results during the year.

Sampras claimed two titles in 2009, defeating McEnroe 7-6 (10), 6-4 in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February, and beating debutant Rafter 7-6 (6), 6-4 in the final of the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Agassi made his Series debut in Surprise, Ariz., in October, reaching the final before losing to Todd Martin 6-3, 7-5. Agassi and Rafter join Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander and Thomas Muster as the eight former world No. 1 players to play on the Outback Champions Series since the first event in 2005.

“I really enjoyed being here this week, with a lot of peers and familiar faces and the crowds were great,” said Agassi after losing to Martin in Arizona. “Three days in a row is a lot of tennis for me now. Hopefully I can improve next time.”

En route to the final, Agassi defeated Mikael Pernfors of Sweden 6-2, 7-5 in the quarterfinals and Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals. Said Agassi of his experience in Surprise, “This week exceeded my expectations. It was a lot of fun. This is a competitive tour and these guys take care of themselves. Youve got to come ready to play.

Another highlight of the year included McEnroe, weeks after turning 50 years old, winning his third career Outback Champions Series title in Rio de Janiero, defeating Courier 6-2, 6-3 in the final. Just one day before turning 50, McEnroe gave Sampras a run in the final of the Champions Cup Boston on February 15.

They talk about the age, but nowadays in the U.S., 50 is the new 40, said McEnroe of his half-century status after beating Courier in the Rio final. We find ways to be in better physical shape and I was feeling good today. I saw the other guys who are younger and how they were with their backs, calves, knees hurt and here I am, happy that I am standing. I know that if I were doing what I was doing today, when I was playing the pro tour, being serious about my physical conditioning, I could have won many more titles in my career.

Said Courier of McEnroe, 12 years his senior, The tennis ball doesnt see the age. Its zen. I dont think I have ever seen anyone over 50 play like John.

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each Outback Champions Series event features $150,000 in prize money with the tournament champion earning $60,000 and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Each tournament champion earns 800 ranking points.

The final 2009 Outback Champions Series rankings are as follows

1) Jim Courier (3000 points)
2) Pete Sampras (2100 points)
3) Todd Martin (2000 points)
4) Pat Cash (1800 points)
5) Jimmy Arias (1450 points)
6) John McEnroe (1300 points)
7) Mark Philippoussis (1100 points)
7) Mikael Pernfors (900 points)
9) Mats Wilander (700 points)
9) Wayne Ferreira (700 points)
11) Aaron Krickstein (600 points)
12) Andre Agassi (500 points)
12) Patrick Rafter (500 points)
13) Karel Novacek (200 points)

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events, corporate outings and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.