Registrations now open for US Open National Playoffs Sectional Qualifying Tournaments
On Tuesday, the USTA announced that registration opened for all 16 US Open National Playoffs Sectional Qualifying Tournaments. Registration for each of the 16 sectional qualifying tournaments is available at www.usta.com/tennislink. The entry fee for each of the sectional qualifying tournaments is $125 for singles and $150 for each mixed doubles team ($75 per player). All players competing must have a current USTA membership valid through August 29, 2011. Players who are at least 14 years old can register for the singles competition and/or the mixed doubles event, which is brand new to the US Open National Playoffs in 2011. The deadline for each event varies by tournament. “The US Open National Playoffs provides a unique opportunity for tennis players to get closer to the US Open,” said Jon Vegosen, USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “Now in its second year, we expect to attract some of the top talent, including junior players, from communities across the country to compete for this one-of-a-kind experience.” Players may only enter one singles sectional qualifying event per year, but can also play one mixed doubles event. Players can opt to play singles and mixed doubles at different locations. The draw size at each sectional qualifying tournament will be a maximum of 256 for each singles event and a maximum of 128 teams for mixed doubles. Participants can be of any playing level, from aspiring novice to seasoned professional, giving everyone an equal opportunity to advance. The 16 men’s, women’s and mixed doubles champions from each sectional qualifying tournament will advance to the US Open National Playoffs – Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles Championship. All three tournaments will be held in conjunction with the New Haven Open at Yale, an Olympus US Open Series event. The US Open National Playoffs – Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles Championship will be held August 18-21. The US Open National Playoffs – Mixed Doubles Championship will be held August 24-27. The US Open National Playoffs mixed doubles champions will receive a main draw wild card into the 2011 US Open. The US Open National Playoffs men’s and women’s singles champions again earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, held the week prior to the US Open. As registration opened up on Tuesday morning, Mike Greenberg of ESPN2 and ESPNRadio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning sports talk show announced live on the air that he would be teaming up with former world No. 1 and 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Chris Evert in the mixed doubles tournament. Evert also won three Grand Slam doubles titles. “I know Mike is a big tennis fan and loves the US Open,” said Evert of her mixed doubles partner. “The US Open was the first tournament that sort of started my career and I have great memories of it and I love to support it. We’ll just go out there and have some fun. That’s the main thing.”
Renée Richards documentary to be featured at Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival
Renée, a documentary exploring the story of Renée Richards, the first transgender tennis player to compete in the women’s draw at the US Open in New York, will be featured at the fifth annual Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival in Lower Manhattan from April 20-May 1. The documentary will feature rare archival footage and interviews with close friends and family members, as well as tennis legends such as Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and John McEnroe.
Ivanovic parts ways with trainer
Former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic announced that she has split from her trainer Marija Lojanica, who is also a childhood friend from Serbia. Ivanovic made the decision within the last couple days while playing at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif. Lojanica has been on site in Indian Wells but was not seen in Ivanovic’s box during her win over Jelena Jankovic on Tuesday. “We are still friends, but it just was a little bit time for me to consider certain things because we had a little bit of different view of my stage and where I should be at,” said Ivanovic. “I just felt like I needed to get a little bit stronger. I was feeling very weak on the court and I had quite a few injuries. I just want to take a little bit different approach, and gain some more muscles, because my game is so powerful. I felt weak, and that caused a lot of stress on my body.” The 23-year-old Serbian, who won the French Open in 2008, is currently traveling to tournaments with just her hitting partner Olivier Morel and her manager.
Vandeweghe hires fitness trainer
American teenager Coco Vandeweghe has hired, Chuck Williams, as her full-time traveling fitness trainer. Williams has worked with several NBA players and was recommended to her by her Uncle Kiki, a former NBA all-star who most recently coached the New Jersey Nets. “A lot of people were telling me I was out of shape and that was tough for me because I’m a young girl and I was working so hard on and off the court,” said Vandeweghe. “When you are putting in four hours on court and then more off court and not getting results it makes you crazy in the mind. But it wasn’t a constant regimen I was getting and I needed it, especially at the tournaments. I wasn’t eating right and now I have a different workout plan. I’m feeling pretty quick and am staying in rallies longer.” Vandeweghe said she has already lost 10 pounds since she started working with Williams.
Miami main draw wildcards announced
Veteran James Blake, as well as 20-year-old Canadian Milos Raonic, Australian Bernard Tomic and American teenagers Ryan Harrison and Jack Sock have received main draw wildcards for the upcoming Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, which will be played at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park from March 21-April 3. Women’s main draw wildcards were awarded to Dinara Safina, Sorana Cirstea, Sabine Lisicki, Heather Watson, Coco Vandeweghe and Madison Keys.
Tennis players to unite next week in Miami to eliminate poverty in Latin America
In an effort to eliminate extreme poverty in Latin America, Un Techo Para Mi País (UTPMP) will host “Break Point: Let’s win the match against poverty”, an event that will help raise funds to help needy families throughout Latin America. The event will feature tennis stars that will be in Miami already playing in the Sony Ericsson Open. The players who are expected to make appearances include Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, David Ferrer, Fernando Verdasco, Feliciano Lopez, David Nalbandian and Juan Martin del Potro. Break Point will be held at the Novecento Brickell on March 22 at 8:30 p.m. UTPMP is a nonprofit Latin American organization that started in Chile over a decade ago by a group of university students moved by the need to eradicate the extreme poverty conditions that affect millions of people in Latin America. They decided to take action by carrying out social inclusion plans and building transitional housing. Since then, UTPMP’s noble mission has reached many corners of Latin America. Today, UTPMP operates in 19 countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haití, Honduras, México, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Uruguay, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela. UTPMP has built over 70,000 transitional houses in 19 Latin American countries. The organization has over 300,000 mobilized young volunteers, who work shoulder to shoulder each year to transform the sad face of poverty.
Federer to play for Switzerland in Davis Cup tie against Portugal in July
World No. 2 Roger Federer announced on his official website that he plans to play for Switzerland against Portugal in his home country in Davis Cup in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I second round from July 8-10. The 16-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1 made his Swiss Davis Cup debut in 1999 and has since compiled a 37-11 record over 18 ties.
Roddick returning to Queen’s Club this summer with hopes of winning record fifth singles title
American Andy Roddick announced that he will return to Queen’s Club in London from June 6-12 to participate in the AEGON Championships, hoping to win a record fifth singles title at the famed tennis complex. Roddick, who won the singles title at Queen’s Club in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, could potentially face Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic en route to the title, both of whom have already committed to the tournament. “Over the years I’ve had a lot of success at The Queen’s Club, it has real tradition and I love the whole month in London,” said Roddick. “Queen’s has the best grass courts in the world, they play perfectly and so the AEGON Championships is a great way to prepare for Wimbledon.”
Fish to return to Newport in July to defend title
World No. 15 Mardy Fish announced that he will return to Newport, R.I., to defend his title at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships from July 4-10, which is played on the famous grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. Fish will be making his ninth appearance in Newport. “Newport was a great week for me last year. It was good to see all the work I’d put into training pay off with a title,” said Fish. “The Hall of Fame is a special place to compete and I look forward to returning to the tournament this summer.” In previous appearances in Newport, Fish reached the quarterfinals in 2000, 2002 and 2006, while capturing the doubles title in 2008 with John Isner. “Mardy has clearly worked very hard over the past year, and it’s been great to see his success continue following his Newport victory. He’s always been a strong competitor in Newport and we look forward to welcoming him back to defend his title this summer,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Gonzalez to return to ATP World Tour at Belgrade event
Fernando Gonzalez, who has been sidelined from the ATP World Tour since injuring his hip at the 2010 US Open, will return to competition at the end of April at the ATP event in Belgrade. The Chilean and his new coach, Horacio Matta, will begin on-court training in the United States in March.
Kuerten honored during famous Rio de Janeiro carnival
Brazilian tennis legend Gustavo Kuerten, a former world No. 1 and three-time French Open singles champion, was recently honored at the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival to celebrate the ten year anniversary of his final Grand Slam title in Paris. As a part of the celebration in front of 75,000 people, Kuerten crossed Sapucaí Avenue on a float designed as the French Open trophy and hit several tennis balls into the crowd.
Nalbandian undergoes surgery for hernia problem and torn adductor muscle
Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian underwent surgery last Thursday for a hernia problem and torn adductor muscle and will be sidelined for two months, according to a member of his team. The current world No. 19 re-injured himself during Argentina’s Davis Cup tie last weekend against Romania. Nalbandian is expected to return to the ATP World Tour in time to participate in the Masters 1000 event in Madrid or Rome followed by the French Open in Paris.
Völkl Tennis launches Organix Racquet Technology
Epic Sports International, Inc., a global sports brand management firm and worldwide licensee for Völkl Tennis and Boris Becker Tennis recently announced the launch of their Organix Racquet Technology, a revolutionary product line featuring combinations of high technology carbon nano tubes and organic materials and a cutting edge handle system, designed to enhance power and feel for all players. The Organix product line by Völkl, debuted on March 8th in specialty stores and pro shops worldwide with a suggested retail price between $230 – $250. “Organix is the next generation technology platform which gives Völkl customers a comprehensive, highly technical and superior performing racquet to fully connect the players’ mind, body and racquet,” said Brian Dillman, Vice President and General Manager of Epic Sports International. “We look forward to another year of fast growth and high-level consumer visibility with Völkl on track to be the fastest-growing tennis brand worldwide,” said Dillman.
Gamma Sports adds two new co-polyester strings
Gamma Sports (GAMMA) announced that they have released two new co-polyester strings, Zo Verve and Zo Black Ice, which are designed with a combination of materials that maintain tension and play more consistent than mono-polyester strings. GAMMA Zo Verve has a unique two-part construction consisting of a red high-energy co-polyester core and three diamond-shaped black filaments of high molecular weight polyester providing maximum spin and durability. The result is a string for hard-hitting players who want maximum power, greater spin and deeper more penetrating shots. GAMMA Zo Black Ice is a co-polyester string that offers tremendous ball bite for hard-hitting players looking for consistency, more spin and greater accuracy. “Zo Verve is a blend of stiff and soft materials so it strings tight, maintains tension and plays like a poly but gives the player more power, exceptional spin and control for deeper shots,” said Chuck Vietmeier, Product Manager.
Hawk-Eye to be used at Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties starting this year
The Hawk-Eye system will be used during the Davis Cup quarterfinal matches, as well as the Fed Cup semifinals starting this year according to the International Tennis Federation. The Hawk-Eye technology, which was first used for Davis Cup matches during the Russia vs. Argentina final in 2006, will only be used on hard courts and grass court matches. “The increased use of electronic review at ties reflects the importance of these competitions, and creates added interest and entertainment for spectators,” said Ricci Bitti, President of the International Tennis Federation.
Kazakhstan Davis Cup team robbed in Czech Republic
Despite winning their Davis Cup tie against the Czech Republic 3-2 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, the Kazakhstan team was robbed at their hotel by unknown thieves and had their laptops, cash and other items with a value of $25,000 stolen. The tennis players were not the only ones who were robbed, according to CTK news agency. Czech Tennis Federation officials were also victims to the thieves according to the news agency. Hotel management believes a foreign guest was responsible for the thefts.