World Tennis Magazine

Unique Tennis Perspectives

wayne ferreira

Another Tennis Comeback For China’s Wu Yibing

by

Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

A name appeared in the qualifying field at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston this week that hasn’t been seen in a while.

It’s Wu Yibing.

The standout from China has been one of the most interesting stories on the ATP Tour the last years, starting with his historic win at the Dallas Open last year when he became the first player from China to win an ATP singles title.

He has been sidelined for six months after having surgery for an old injury on his left foot in October and his inactivity caused for his ranking to drop to No. 298 from his career high of No. 54.

“I really enjoyed playing with a healthy body again,” Wu said after defeating Kazakhstan’s Denis Yevseyev in the final round of qualifying in Houston, according to China Daily. “Hopefully, I can keep playing while staying healthy. I expect to have a better clay swing this season than last year, because I specifically tuned up for this surface during my recovery. I am looking forward to working my way back to the top tournaments, where I feel I belong, through solid performances at the lower-level events.”

Also interesting to note is that Wu is working with two high profile coaches, former top 10 star Wayne Ferreira and 2006 Australian Open runner-up Marcos Baghdatis. Ferreira recently parted ways with Frances Tiafoe after guiding the American to the Top 10 of the ATP rankings.

“I am so grateful that Wayne could help me out during the North American swing, while Marcos takes over once I am in Europe,” said Wu, who, according to China Daily, was bedridden for three weeks and had to walk on crutches for a month and a half in the immediate aftermath of his surgery. “We will work on improving my weaknesses such as my serve and unforced errors on my forehand.”

Wu has a history of comebacks and had one of the most dramatic rises seen in tennis, as documented here: https://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/21222 when he went from having ONE ATP ranking point into the U.S. Open main draw in just four months.

“I’ve had a change of mindset because of all the injuries,” Wu said, according to China Daily. “To be able to compete again after being out for six months, I am just so happy I could make it back. “Technically, I am happy that I delivered my level in training. I am not expecting too much at the moment because physically I am still playing with caution while seeing how my body reacts.”

Wu Yibing

Tommy Haas Continues Winning Ways As Champions Series Tennis Resumes Play

by

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Champions Series Tennis returned to action Thursday at the Sherwood Country Club and former world No. 2 Tommy Haas continued his winning ways on the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30.

Haas, 42, won his eighth career Champions Series Tennis title by defeating former world No. 6 Wayne Ferreira 6-2 in the one-set final of the afternoon edition of the SoCal Honda Dealer’s Helpful Cup. The win increased the German’s record to 18-4 since he joined Champions Series Tennis at the start of the 2018 season. However, in the morning edition of this special double-header day at the Sherwood Country Club, Haas had his 11-match tour win streak snapped by former U.S. Davis Cupper Robby Ginepri, who defeated Haas 6-4 in the final of the opening event.

“I’m happy to have played a little better the second time around,” said Haas after his afternoon win over Ferreira. “I’m happy to get another win.”

Haas finished the 2019 Champions Series Tennis season with a perfect 10-0 record, becoming the first player in the 15-year history of the circuit to finish a season without a loss. While Haas did not play in the opening Champions Series Tennis event in Newport Beach, California on February 1 before the start of the global pandemic, he did play in a special exhibition event in July in Berlin, where he beat current world No. 34 Jan-Lennard Struff and had two set points on world No. 3 Dominic Thiem before losing 7-6, 6-3.

“I had a couple weeks to get ready for the Berlin Invitational,” said Haas of his current form and fitness. “That was really, really good tennis. I was really pleased with how I played there. Fitness is also part of my life. I got to try and move around every day, every other day, or otherwise the body goes in the opposite direction. I’m sure a lot of people know what I’m talking about. Coming out here, playing at a high level here on the hard courts. You have to take care of your body, no matter what are you doing, even if I wasn’t playing that much tennis anymore, I would have to find something else to keep moving.”

In the morning event, Haas lost in the final to Ginepri, who claimed his second career Champions Series Tennis title and his second in a row after winning in Newport Beach on February 1.

“It’s great to come back to California,” said Ginepri during the morning event “ I’ve also got a lot memories from back in the day playing a lot of tournaments here. It feels great to be playing on the Champions Series.”

Almost two hours after the morning final, Ginepri and Haas were drawn to play in the semifinals of the afternoon event, where Haas avenged the loss by a 6-4.

“Tommy and I have had a lot of battles through our careers,” said Ginepri, who split two five-set matches with Haas in the third round at the 2005 and 2006 U.S. Opens in New York “You get out here and you remember some of the points on how you we played at back-to-back U.S. Opens and some other events. It’s always been a battle.”

In the morning event, Ginepri beat Ferreira 6-2 to advance to the final while Haas beat U.S. Davis Cup captain Mardy Fish 7-5. In the afternoon semifinals, Ferreira beat former U.S. Davis Cup star James Blake 7-5 before Haas registered his revenge win over Ginepri.

Ferreira, the 48-year-old former two-time Australian Open semifinalist, was playing in his first Champions Series Tennis event since 2009 and played 59 career matches on the circuit from 2006 to 2009, winning three tournament titles.

Champions Series Tennis resumes Friday also at the Sherwood Country Club with the staging of Raymond James Champions Cup featuring Blake, Haas, Ginepri and Fish.

These Champions Series Tennis comeback events are closed to the public but follow strict Covid-19 safety protocol and will be broadcast on Fox Sports Net, Comcast Sports Net and Tennis Channel. Geckos from Champions Series sponsor GEICO are placed in courtside seats in addition to their traditional placement as “virtual linespeople.”

Prior to the global pandemic, Ginepri won the only completed Champions Series Tennis event staged in 2020 winning his first career Champions Series title defeating Andy Roddick and Blake in succession to win the Oracle Champions Cup Presented by RBC Wealth Management in front of a standing room only crowd at the Newport Beach Tennis Club.

Last year, Haas, the former world No. 2, finished with a perfect 10-0 record to win the year-long points championship. He won titles in Newport Beach, CA. Maui, HI, New Haven, CT, Los Angeles, CA and Houston, TX to become the first player in the 15-year history of the Champions Series to be an undefeated year-end points champion.

In 2018, Blake won his first Champions Series year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

In 2017, the year-long points championship was decided in the final match of the season when Andy Roddick defeated James Blake in the Los Angeles final at the Sherwood Country Club. Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and world No. 1, won four Champions Series titles in all in 2017, winning in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Lincoln, Neb., and Los Angeles. Blake, the former world No. 4 and former U.S. Davis Cup star, won series titles in Charleston, S.C., Winston-Salem, N.C. and in Lynchburg, Va.

In 2016, Mark Philippoussis won the Series points title with 1,600 points and tournament titles in Memphis, Tulsa, Newport, Winston-Salem and New Haven. Roddick finished in second place, also earning 1600 points but losing the head-to-head tiebreaker with Philippoussis 5-2, while winning titles in Charleston, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Orlando.

Champions Series tennis began in 2005 and has featured 16 former world No. 1 players including many of the greatest legends in the sport including such as Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based 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, 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, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $5 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA

Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost, 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek, and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age and as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100 year history of the 4As, the marketing industry’s leading trade association. The company’s mission is “To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere.” By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $5.3 billion and over 1,200 employees. The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit horizonmedia.com

Tomm Haas Geico Geckos
Tomm Haas hits a volley in front of no human fans but Geico Geckos in the stands

Roger Federer On The Cusp Of More Tennis History At 2013 U.S. Open With Longevity Streak

by

By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

 

Roger Federer may head into the US Open with his lowest ranking since 2002 at No. 7, but the 17-time major singles champion is once again on the cusp of making more tennis history.

Just by stepping onto the court for his first-round match against Grega Zemlja of Slovenia at the 2013 US Open, the 32-year-old Federer will add another record to his incredible tennis resume. The 2013 US Open will mark Federer’s 56th consecutive appearance in a major tournament, equaling the record men’s mark set by Wayne Ferreira, who played 56 major titles from the 1991 Australian Open to 2004 US Open.

“Still here,” is what Federer said to reporters earlier this year in Australia when asked to discuss approaching Ferreira’s record, bringing up that he had actually ball-boyed for Ferreira, played doubles with him, but neglecting to bring up that he lost to the South Africa two of the three times they played on the ATP Tour.

“Longevity has always been something that’s been important to me,” said Federer in January. “I’ve planned the season accordingly this year again, that I will not miss the majors because of injury. But then again sometimes you get hit with an unlucky injury just shortly before a Slam. There’s obviously nothing you can do about it. The best‑of‑five, the rule in tennis, it takes to get deep in a tournament, there’s no easy ways. I’m excited that I’ve played so many in a row and I hope I can keep the streak alive and see where it stops. We’ll see how it goes.”

Reporters informed Federer that Ferreira was surprised that his record was so soon to be broken and asked Federer for his reaction.

“Yeah, I am, too,” he said. “It’s not something you really plan. You play when you’re ready. If you’re not, you’re not. When I was coming along, guys would not go to Australia. Like (Carlos) Moya wouldn’t play Wimbledon because he just thought, I’d rather take that time to get off and get ready for some more clay after Wimbledon. It was normal. I came through that period of times a well. But I felt my game suited all the service surfaces, so I thought, Might as well go to all the different tournaments. Next thing you know, we’re here talking about it.  It wasn’t something that was planned in any way.”

Ferreira retired shortly after playing his 56th straight major at the 2004 US Open, just days before his 33rd birthday.

“I feel good in the fact that I’ve been healthy through all of them,” said Ferreira in 2004 to reporters of his 56 straight majors. “I’ve had some good runs at it.  My career has been long. I think maybe I would have changed it up a bit and played a little bit less and been more ready for the Grand Slams. I did come in here for a few of them tired and not prepared well enough for them. But, you know, I’ve competed well. I’ve always been in good shape and given my best here. I think, you know, I’ve had some really good chances to win the whole thing, and it hasn’t worked out. But I came in here thinking — every time I came in here thinking I could win the tournament.”

As documented in THE BUD COLLINS HISTORY OF TENNIS book (available here: http://www.newchaptermedia.com/the-bud-collins-history-of-tennis-an-authoritative-encyclopedia-and-record-book/), in women’s tennis, Ai Sugiyama of Japan owns the women’s – and all-time – record for most major singles titles played consecutively with 62 played from 1994 Wimbledon to the 2009 US Open.

Roger Federer
Roger Federer

 

 

Safin Beats Courier; Edberg Beats Arias in Grand Cayman Champions Series

by

Marat Safin knocked off Jim Courier 6-4, 6-4 Saturday in the semifinals of the $120,000 The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships, handing Courier his first-ever loss at the Caribbean island resort. In Sunday’s final, Safin will face Stefan Edberg, a 6-4, 6-2 winner Saturday over Jimmy Arias.

Marat Safin

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Courier, the 2008 and 2009 Grand Cayman champion, was not able to overcome Safin’s shot-making and power on the clay courts and in the windy conditions at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton. All Safin needed was a service break in the first game of the first set and the first game of the second set to move into his first career Champions Series final.

“He’s a great player,” said Courier of Safin. “He’s fresh off the ATP tour. He’s got a lot of game. I needed to play as well as I possibly could and I think I pretty much did. It still wasn’t enough. I just lost my serve early in both sets and I was never really able to get much of a handle on his serve.”

Safin is playing in the second Champions Series event of his career after retiring from the ATP World Tour one year ago after the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. In his Champions Series debut last March in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Safin was defeated in the opening round by Wayne Ferreira.

“I was a little bit nervous but it was a pretty good match,” said Safin, who also said he struggled finding his rhythm against Courier. “I respect Jim very much and have a good history with him. I think it was a pleasant game.”

Courier was seeking to win the title in Grand Cayman for a third straight year after beating Wayne Ferreira in the 2008 final and Arias in the 2009 final.

“I’m definitely disappointed not to be back in the final again,” said Courier, who will face Arias in Sunday’s third-place match. “But I knew I’d have to play at the absolute maximum of my game today and hope that Marat was a little off his. He’s so powerful and so strong and he moves so well. It’s a tough match-up for all of us to play against him. I thought I put up a good fight.”

Edberg executed his famed serve and volley game – mixed in with chips and charges – to overcome Arias and advance into his second career Champions Series final. Arias called Edberg his “nemesis” as he was not able to win a set in their seven previous ATP matches.

“Edberg is the perfect storm for me not to do well because my weakness plays into his strength,” said Arias.

Edberg did not prove Arias wrong. Arias did have three break points at 3-3 in the first set, but after failing to convert, never seriously threatened the rest of the match.

“I think it worked out very well. I’m happy,” said Edberg. “It’s a little tricky conditions — I have to admit that with the wind — but I think it played OK. I think it will be a little bit easier tomorrow when we play the match. Hopefully, the wind calms down a little bit, that would be good.”

Safin and Edberg will play in the championship match after Courier and Arias take the court at 1 pm for the third-place match.

To be eligible to compete on the 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. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. Courier won the 2009 edition of The Residences At the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships beating Arias in the final.

Earlier this year on the Champions Series circuit, former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe in May to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston and take over the No. 1 Champions Series ranking. Philippoussis maintained his ranking by winning the title at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Ariz., in October, defeating Courier in the final. 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 in March.

Why the Swiss Indoors is like a Grand Slam for Roger Federer

by

Roger Federer hits the courts this week in his hometown of Basel, Switzerland for the Swiss Indoor Championships. Roger is a three-time champion at the event, but it was, at one time, an elusive title for him as it was not until 2006 that he won his first “hometown” title. Rene Stauffer, the author of the Federer biography THE ROGER FEDERER STORY: QUEST FOR PERFECTION ($24.95, New Chapter Press, www.RogerFedererBook.com) details Federer’s first playing experience in Basel in 1998 in this exclusive book excerpt.

In recognition for his results in Toulouse, Federer received a wild card entry into the Swiss Indoors, Switzerland’s biggest tournament, from tour­nament director Roger Brennwald. This tournament guaranteed him a prize money paycheck of at least $9,800. The tournament took place at St. Jakobshalle in Basel’s south side, within walking distance of Federer’s home in Münchenstein. This event, played originally in an inflatable dome in 1970, is one of the most important indoor tournaments in the world that almost every great player has played in. When a virtually unknown Czech player named Ivan Lendl defeated the legendary Björn Borg in the Swiss Indoor final in 1980, it garnered major headlines around the world. The 34th and final duel between John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors took place at the Swiss Indoors in 1991.

Roger Federer

Future world No. 1 Jim Courier won his first ATP tourna­ment in Basel in 1989. Stefan Edberg won the Swiss Indoors three times and Ivan Lendl won the title twice. Borg, McEnroe, Boris Becker, Vitas Gerulaitis, Goran Ivanisevic, Yannick Noah, Michael Stich, Pete Sampras and Guillermo Vilas are also champions of the event.

For Roger Federer, the Swiss Indoors is like a Grand Slam tournament. The St. Jakobshalle is the place of his dreams, like Centre Court at Wimbledon. In 1994, he was a ball boy at the event, grabbing balls for such players as Rosset, Edberg and Wayne Ferreira, who won the title back then. Now, four years later, he was a competitor in the event. His first-round match was against none other than Andre Agassi. In his youthful hauteur, Federer boldly stated “I know what I’m up against—as opposed to Agassi who has no idea who I am. I am going to play to win.”

But Agassi, the former No. 1 player ranked No. 8 at the time, was without question a larger caliber opponent than what Federer faced in Toulouse. Agassi allowed the hometown boy only five games in the 6-3, 6-2 defeat and said he was not overly impressed by the Swiss public’s new darling. “He proved his talent and his instinct for the game a few times,” the American said kindly. “But for me it was an ideal first round where I didn’t have to do all that much and where I could get accustomed to the new conditions.”

On October 29, 2006, Federer achieved on his major goals as a professional tennis player winning in Basel after seven attempts. As excerpted from the book ON THIS DAY IN TENNIS HISTORY ($19.95, New Chapter Press, www.TennisHistoryBook.com), Federer hosted a pizza party for ball kids at the Swiss Indoors after he finally won his hometown tournament with a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (3) final-round win over Fernando Gonzalez of Chile.  “It’s a dream to finally win my home tournament,” said Federer, “This is an exciting moment and one of the nicest titles (out of 44) of my career.” In the on-court trophy ceremony, Federer, a former ball boy at the tournament, told ball kids, “Don’t go away, there’s pizza coming for you later, that’s something I remember from here.” Writes Rene Stauffer in QUEST FOR PERFECTION “He did not forget that years before, he too was a ball kid at the event.”

McEnroe vs. Courier; Chang vs. Philippoussis in Saturday Surprise Showdowns

by

John McEnroe will face Jim Courier and Mark Philippoussis will take on Michael Chang in Saturday showdowns at the $150,000 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships – with the winners of both matches advancing into Sunday’s championship match at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex.

All four players increased their round-robin records to 2-0 with straight-set victories Friday. During the afternoon session, Philippoussis started the day by defeating Jimmy Arias 6-3, 6-2, followed by Chang besting Aaron Krickstein 6-3, 6-3. In the evening session, Courier edged Wayne Ferreira 6-4, 6-4, while McEnroe defeated Jeff Tarango 6-4, 6-4.

Chang and Philippoussis will play in the third scheduled match during the noon day session Saturday, while McEnroe and Courier will play in the opening match of the 6 pm night session. The losers of both matches will play in Sunday’s noon third-place play-off which precedes the championship match.

Philippoussis continued his strong play against Arias, dictating play from the baseline with his forehand and connecting on 70 percent of his powerful first serves.

“I felt like I hit the ball a little better today,” said Philippoussis, who defeated Krickstein 6-3, 6-2 in his opening round-robin match on Wednesday night. “[On the] forehand I had some good rhythm, good work on the ball today. I was happy with the way I served as well.”

Arias said he was impressed with the mobility of Philippoussis, who has struggled with his court movement in recent years, recovering from six surgeries for multiple injuries that have plagued the Australian during his career on the ATP World Tour and Champions Series circuit over the last few years.

“I couldn’t believe how fast he has gotten in the last year,” said Arias. “Once I saw him running the way he was running, I realized I was in a bit of trouble.”

Chang was just a bit steadier and a bit more powerful off the ground for Krickstein in their baseline battle, jumping out to 4-1 leads in both sets.

“Our games were so tight, a couple of points here and there just made the difference,” said Chang. “He had chances and I had chances, and I was able to capitalize on a couple more. We both had to move out there and cover a lot of court. If I’m going to have to move, I’m gonna make him move as well.”

In order to beat Philippoussis on Saturday and advance into Sunday’s championship match, Chang said that getting a high number of service returns in play will be the key.

“If you don’t get serves back,” said Chang, “he’s gonna cruise through his own service games and go for his shots.”

Courier and Ferreira played some of the highest level tennis of the week as both players traded piercing ground strokes over two hard-fought sets. Courier was able to notch the first service break of the match in the final game of the first set, capping his breakthrough with a perfectly-placed forehand lob over Ferreira’s head on set point. In the second set, the two-time French and Australian Open champion raced to a 3-1 lead and held on for victory, using powerful serves and forehands to control almost all of the rallies and points.

“I struggled a little bit (with my serve) in the first couple games, but then I got in a better rhythm,” said Courier. “That was important because (Wayne) can really hurt you if you let him start jerking you around with his heavy topspin, so if I can control a point that just gives me lots of opportunities to finish points.”

With only McEnroe in his way of reaching the final for the first time in Surprise, Courier said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“As you get toward the finish line, you tend to focus more,” said Courier. “I expect the intensity to ratchet up even more against McEnroe Saturday night.”

McEnroe was all business against Tarango, consistently hitting his low backhand slice and executing his famed serve-and-volley game to throw off the rhythm of Tarango. The 51-year-old four-time U.S. Open champion and three-time Wimbledon champion will be seeking his second title in Surprise after defeating Todd Martin in the 2008 final.

The schedule of play for the remainder of the tournament is as follows:

Saturday, October 23

Starting at Noon
Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Anna Kournikova/Jeff Tarango vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Wayne Ferreira
Followed by
Michael Chang vs. Mark Philippoussis
Starting at 6 pm
John McEnroe vs. Jim Courier
Followed by
Anna Kournikova/Jimmy Arias vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Wayne Ferreira vs. Jeff Tarango

Sunday, October 24

Starting at Noon
Third Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series tennis circuit, the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

To be eligible to compete on the 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 event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin.

Former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston in May 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.

[nggallery id=33]

McEnroe Returns to Scene of Memorable Surprise Champions Victory

by

NEW YORK, N.Y. – John McEnroe will return to the scene of one of his most memorable tournament victories of his Champions Series tennis career this week at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Ariz.

McEnroe, 51, will be seeking a second title in the suburban Phoenix enclave two years after a dramatic final-round win over Todd Martin. Played in severe desert winds of up to 35 miles per hour that knocked over courtside umbrellas and chairs, McEnroe saved three match points and defeated Martin 3-6, 7-6 (3), 11-9 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

John McEnroe

“We had some incredible winds that day,” said McEnroe of his 2008 final. “Watching the US Open brought back some memories from my final-round match in Surprise in terms of the windy conditions. I have never experienced something or watched something as difficult as it was. It actually helped me, although I am not suggesting that I would want it again. It just goes to show you that you never know what could happen.”

McEnroe will open round-robin play this year on Thursday, October 21 against Wayne Ferreira, followed by a Friday night grudge match against Jeff Tarango on October 22 and a Saturday show-down against former U.S. Davis Cup teammate Jim Courier on October 23. McEnroe was not in the field last year in Surprise as Martin won the title, defeating Andre Agassi in the championship match.

Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion, and Mark Philippoussis, the 2003 Wimbledon finalist, headline the other round-robin grouping this week in Surprise. Philippoussis will open up play at the event on Wednesday October 20 against former top 10 star Aaron Krickstein. Chang will kick off play on Thursday, October 21 against former U.S. Davis Cupper Jimmy Arias.

Former Wimbledon semifinalist Anna Kournikova and former U.S. Fed Cup standout Ashley Harkleroad will also participate in special mixed doubles matches during the tournament. The full schedule of play is as follows:

Wednesday, October 20
Starting at 7 pm
Mark Philippoussis vs. Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Jeff Tarango

Thursday, October 21
Starting at 7 pm
Michael Chang vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
John McEnroe vs. Wayne Ferreira

Friday, October 22
Starting at 2 pm
Mark Philippoussis vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Michael Chang vs. Aaron Krickstein
Starting at 7 pm
Jim Courier vs. Wayne Ferreira
Followed by
John McEnroe vs. Jeff Tarango

Saturday, October 23
Starting at Noon
Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Anna Kournikova/Jeff Tarango vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Wayne Ferreira
Followed by
Michael Chang vs. Mark Philippoussis
Starting at 7 pm
John McEnroe vs. Jim Courier
Followed by
Anna Kournikova/Jimmy Arias vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Wayne Ferreira vs. Jeff Tarango

Sunday, October 24
Starting at Noon
Third Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series tennis circuit, the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

To be eligible to compete on the 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 event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin.

Former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston in May 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.

McEnroe Faces Tough Road to Second Title in Surprise

by

NEW YORK, N.Y. – John McEnroe will have to get by Jim Courier, Wayne Ferreira and Jeff Tarango if he wants to play for a second title at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Ariz., as tournament officials have released the round-robin groupings and schedule of play.

McEnroe, who defeated Todd Martin in 2008 final in Surprise, will open round round-robin play on Thursday, October 21 against Ferreira. On Friday, October 22, he will take on Tarango in a Friday night grudge match, while on Saturday, Oct. 23 he will face against former U.S. Davis Cup teammate Courier.

Michael Chang, the 1989 French Open champion, and Mark Philippoussis, the 2003 Wimbledon finalist, headline the other round-robin grouping in Surprise. Philippoussis will open up play at the event on Wednesday October 20 against former top 10 star Aaron Krickstein. Chang will kick off play on Thursday, October 21 against former U.S. Davis Cupper Jimmy Arias.

Former Wimbledon semifinalist Anna Kournikova and former U.S. Fed Cup standout Ashley Harkleroad will participate in special mixed doubles matches during the tournament. The full schedule of play is as follows:

Wednesday, October 20

Starting at 7 pm

Mark Philippoussis vs. Aaron Krickstein

Followed by

Jim Courier vs. Jeff Tarango

Thursday, October 21

Starting at 7 pm

Michael Chang vs. Jimmy Arias

Followed by

John McEnroe vs. Wayne Ferreira

Friday, October 22

Starting at 2 pm

Mark Philippoussis vs. Jimmy Arias

Followed by

Michael Chang vs. Aaron Krickstein

Starting at 7 pm

Jim Courier vs. Wayne Ferreira

Followed by

John McEnroe vs. Jeff Tarango

Saturday, October 23

Starting at Noon

Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein

Followed by

Anna Kournikova/Jeff Tarango vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Wayne Ferreira

Followed by

Michael Chang vs. Mark Philippoussis

Starting at 7 pm

John McEnroe vs. Jim Courier

Followed by

Anna Kournikova/Jimmy Arias vs. Ashley Harkleroad/Aaron Krickstein

Followed by

Wayne Ferreira vs. Jeff Tarango

Sunday, October 24

Starting at Noon

Third Place Match

Followed by

Championship Match

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series tennis circuit, the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

To be eligible to compete on the 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 event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions Series, followed by Pete Sampras and Todd Martin.

Former U.S. and Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis defeated John McEnroe to win the Staples Champions Cup in Boston in May 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.

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.mailermailer.com/rd?http://www.mailermailer.com/rd?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.mailermailer.com/rd?http://www.mailermailer.com/rd?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.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America®
Founded in 1988, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides a comprehensive, patient-centered treatment model that fully integrates traditional, state-of-the-art medical treatments with scientifically supported complementary therapies such as nutrition, naturopathic medicine, psychological counseling, physical therapy, chiropractic care and spiritual support to meet the special, whole-person needs of advanced stage cancer patients. With a network of cancer treatment hospitals and community oncology programs in Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Washington, CTCA encourages patients and their families to participate in treatment decisions with its Patient Empowerment MedicineSM model. For more information about Cancer Treatment Centers of America, go to cancercenter.com.

NADAL’S WIMBLEDON TITLE PLACES HIM IN “BEST-OF-ALL-TIME” CONVERSATION

by

By Charles Bricker

And so at the precise age of 24 years, 1 month and 1 day, Rafa Nadal won his eighth Grand Slam title, exactly 10 months younger than when his elite contemporary, Roger Federer, won his eighth major back in 2006.

Although statistically this 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 triumph was close to even, it was decisive enough to leave no doubt about Nadal being, at this moment in tennis history, the best player in the game and, more importantly, this victory and Federer’s dismissal in the quarterfinals must rekindle that very good debate about who is the greatest player ever.

Is it, as many have been claiming for some time, Federer? Or is it Nadal. Or Pete Sampras. Or Rod Laver.

The purists might like Laver and there are significant reasons to grant this unofficial title to Sampras. But because these two men — Nadal and Federer — are at the forefront of the game right now, the probability is that any discussion about the greatest ever is going to center on them.

There are strong arguments for both men, but the more Nadal wins the more he looks to have an edge — if not now, then very soon in the future — in being pronounced greatest ever.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Heavily in Federer’s favor is a record 16 Grand Slam singles titles, double Nadal’s current collection. But Federer will turn 29 years old on Aug. 8. Nadal is only just 24 and has, as noted, won his eighth major at an earlier age than did Federer.

Also heavily in Federer’s portfolio is that record run of semifinal finishes at Grand Slams. It is, without question, a prodigious effort. But, despite all the titles and five straight Wimbledon championships, there is one telling statistic that tarnishes Federer’s claim to greatest ever.

Many will argue than head-to-head competition is not important in this debate because some players simply match up well. There was a period when Wayne Ferreira defeated Sampras four times in a row, but Pete eventually figured it out and retired with a 7-6 edge. No one, however, would argue that Ferreira was a greater player.

The Nadal-Federer matchup is different. We’re not talking about merely just another top-20 player (Ferreira) who never came close to winning a major. We’re talking about the two pre-eminent players of their time.

If you’re going to be considered the greatest player ever, it means, almost by definition, that you’re better than every other player. Nadal has not only won 14 of the 21 times he’s played Federer, but he has beaten Federer six of the last seven matches, including the last three times they’ve met in a Grand Slam final, and each of those three times on a different surface — clay (French Open), grass (Wimbledon) and hardcourt (Australian Open).

When you put these two men on the same court and have them match skills against each, that’s a litmus test.

This head-to-head edge speaks more to Federer NOT being the greatest ever than it does to Nadal BEING the greatest ever. At least not yet. He’s going to have a career as long as Federer’s and come close or exceed Federer’s major titles.

Is that going to happen?

Nadal got through Wimbledon with only a minor flareup of the tendonitis in his knees — the same problem that destroyed his 2009 season and led to his early loss at the French Open and his inability to play Wimbledon. Until he puts together a couple years without any major knee problems, there is going to be a lingering suspicion about his durability and, of course, his ability to stay on court long enough to approach 16 (or more) Slam wins.

Federer won his first Grand Slam title (2003 Wimbledon) at the age of 21 years, 11 months and 6 days. Nadal won his first (2005 French Open) at 19 years, 0 months and 2 days.

Federer won his eighth major at 24 years, 11 months and 1 day — 10 months later than Nadal.

But since that time, Federer has won eight of the 16 Slams he’s played. Can Nadal equal or exceed that?

It will be more difficult for him than it was for Federer, who increased his titles at a time when the best young talent in men’s tennis was still evolving — Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and, to some extent, Nadal.

All those players, plus now Juan Martin Del Potro and Tomas Berdych, are greatly improved. None has yet reached their peaks, and that’s going to make winning Slams more difficult.

What does it all mean? Who, then, is the greatest? It’s a question that shouldn’t be answered for another couple years. One thing seems certain. Even those who prematurely proclaimed Federer the greatest ever must be reassessing their views after this Wimbledon.

Charles Bricker can be reached at nflwriterr@aol.com

FORMER FRENCH CHAMPS CHANG AND COURIER AND FRENCH FINALISTS McENROE AND PERNFORS HIGHLIGHT FIELD IN SURPRISE, ARIZONA

by

NEW YORK, May 28, 2010 – Michael Chang and Jim Courier, two of only eight Americans to win the men’s singles title at the French Open, will be in the field for the $150,000 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Ariz., to be played October 20-24 at the Surprise Recreation Campus Tennis and Racquet Complex. Joining Chang and Courier in the field will be 1984 French Open finalist John McEnroe, 1986 French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors, Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Ferreira, Aaron Krickstein and Jimmy Arias.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships is a third-year event on the Champions Series tennis circuit, the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over. For the first time in Surprise this year, mixed doubles matches will be part of the schedule as former world No. 1 doubles player Anna Kournikova and two-time U.S. Open singles champion Tracy Austin will participate in the day and night sessions of the event on Saturday October 23.

Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, May 29 and can be purchased at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, 14469 W. Paradise Lane and also online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Michael Chang
Michael Chang

Chang broke a 34-year drought of American men in Paris when, at the age of 17 years, three months, he defeated Stefan Edberg in a five-set men’s singles final in 1989. Chang’s victory made him the youngest man to win a major singles title. Two years later, Courier defeated fellow American Andre Agassi in a five-set final to win the first major title of his career. He repeated as singles champion in Paris again in 1992, but was denied by Sergi Bruguera from winning three straight French titles, losing a five-set final in 1993.

To be eligible to compete on the 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 event features $150,000 in prize money – with the tournament champion earning $60,000 – and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1. Courier finished the 2009 season as the top-ranked player on the Champions 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 next event on the Champions Series circuit will be 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 Sampras 3-6, 6-4, 10-8 (Champions Tie-Breaker).

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/

BORG EDGES PERNFORS TO OPEN STAPLES CHAMPIONS CUP IN BOSTON

by

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 event’s semifinals, where he will play the winner of Friday night’s match between John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Also advancing in the event Thursday was Mark Philippoussis, who beat Wayne Ferreira 6-3, 6-2.

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.

Borg’s 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 other’s 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.

Bjorn Borg
Bjorn Borg and Mikael Pernfors

“It was a little bit surprising how well he played,” said Pernfors. “I didn’t think he would be moving as well as he did. I don’t 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 haven’t played him in 15 years and I haven’t 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.”

Borg’s 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.

“I love to play in the States,” said Borg. “It’s always been one of my favorite places to play. It’s 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 John’s 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.

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.

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.

BJORN BORG TO PLAY FIRST TENNIS MATCH IN UNITED STATES IN 10 YEARS ON THURSDAY

by

NEW YORK, N.Y. – – Bjorn Borg, the iconic Swedish tennis legend who won five straight Wimbledon men’s singles titles from 1976 to 1980, will play his first tennis match in the United States in 10 years Thursday as he kicks off play at the $150,000 Staples Champions Cup, the fifth-year Champions Series tennis event at the Agganis Arena in Boston.

Borg will face fellow Swede Mikael Pernfors at 7 pm on Thursday, April 29 to begin the opening session of the four-day event. The elite, eight-player, single knock-out tournament also features John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Ferreira and Jimmy Arias. The tournament has been played in Boston since 2006 and is title-sponsored for the first time this year by Staples, the world’s largest office products company based in Framingham, Mass.

Borg last competed in a tournament in the United States in 2000, but has competed in numerous events and exhibitions elsewhere around the world. He is best known for his five consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1976-1980 and his six French Open titles won from 1974 to 1981. 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. The two rivals could meet again Saturday night in the semifinals in Boston if Borg defeats Pernfors and McEnroe defeats Wilander in the quarterfinals.

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.

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.

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.