wta tour

WTA Tour Too Quick To Overly Promote Aryna Sabalenka Ascension To World No. 1

September 4, 2023 by Admin

By Randy Walker

@TennsPublisher

Iga Swiatek was knocked off the No. 1 ranking on the WTA Tour computer Sunday night at the U.S. Open when she was defeated by former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the fourth round.

The loss for Swiatek, the defending U.S. Open champion, will vault Australian Open champion Arnya Sabalenka to become the world No. 1 in the September 11, 2023 rankings following the U.S. Open.

Swiatek’s loss to Ostapenko occurred around midnight on Sunday night and the WTA Tour issued a lengthy press release, including graphics, that hit my email inbox at 12:32 am Monday morning promoting Sabalenka’s ascension. The press release was issued before Swiatek, the defending U.S. Open champion, even appeared in the U.S. Open media room to discuss her loss at 12:44 am.

The press release, as you can read below, featured quotes from Sabalenka about becoming No. 1 in the world as well as from WTA CEO Steve Simon. Did the WTA quickly interview Sabalenka at midnight Sunday night about her new status as world No. 1? And, in this hour time period, also get a quote from Simon and have time to write the press release and create the graphic ? It would seem obvious that the press release was pre-written, with the quotes, anticipating that Swiatek would lose the No. 1 ranking, which would seem a bit disrespectful to Swiatek. Issuing the press release so shortly after the Swiatek loss would, to me, not be wrong if it was just a simple news advisory stating that the ranking change would happen. However, including the flowery congratulatory quotes from Sabalenka and Simon at the last minute and so late at night immediately after the Swiatek loss shows that this press release was already in the can waiting to press “send” the second Swiatek loses. It would have been best to save the flowery quotes from Simon and Sabalenka until the day she actually assumes the No. 1 ranking, and out of respect to Swiatek.

The WTA press release can be found below…

Venus Williams Hints At Her Return To The WTA Tour

February 14, 2022 by Admin

Venus Williams looks set to make a sensational return to the court after she recently revealed via social media she plans to head back onto the WTA tour in the near future.

The 41-year-old hasn’t played since the WTA tournament in Chicago back in August 2021 as she’s been struggling with a leg injury. CBS reported that was why she pulled out of playing in the U.S. Open last year; despite that, Williams was offered a wildcard spot for the Australian Open earlier this month, but she didn’t take up the offer citing her lack of fitness as the cause for her latest withdrawal.

However, fans soon forgot any disappointment arising from her not traveling to the Southern Hemisphere when she announced her plans to be back on the court soon. It’s huge news for the tennis world to see the return of the former world number one, who has won seven major singles titles and Olympic gold medals in her career to date.

Williams took to Instagram to speak to fans, and when one of them questioned her about a possible return to play and her fitness, she said: “I’m doing great. More than anything, I am, guess what? Gearing to get back on tour. Can’t wait.”

It’s fantastic for the sport to see her aiming to come back, although as she’s only currently ranked 464 in the world, Williams is unlikely to be amongst the frontrunners in the tennis markets from Ladbrokes for a Grand Slam title this year. Not only because she’s missed a great deal of tennis, but her recent record hasn’t been the most spectacular. In the ten tournaments she played in 2021 before picking up her leg injury, she only won three games and lost nine and was on a six-game losing run before winning her first-round match at Wimbledon in July.

For Venus’ sister, Serena, the last year hasn’t been the best either. The most successful women’s tennis player in the modern era has also slipped down the rankings; at the time of writing, she’s dropped out of the top 200 players in the world. However, like her older sibling, she’s not prepared to hang up her racquet just yet.

Serena has had recent struggles with injury, which meant she also couldn’t feature in Australia, making it the first time that neither of the sisters had played in the tournament since 1997. Although she hasn’t been on the court since withdrawing in the first round at Wimbledon with her ankle injury, Serena is still considered one of the greats by a legend of the game, John McEnroe. The former U.S. Open champion anticipates Serena coming back strong and wouldn’t discount her from being amongst the frontrunners in a Grand Slam this year. It could prove interesting if she does as Serena still aims to surpass the record of 24 Grand Slam wins set by the Australian Margaret Court back in 1973 before she ends her career.

While their current rankings would suggest that neither of the sisters will trouble the current crop of champions, it’s impossible to dismiss the pair who have won 30 titles between them, making 2022 a real year to remember.

USTA raises concerns over possible MLS Stadium in Queens: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

October 10, 2012 by Justin Cohen

By Justin Cohen

Corona Park USTA MLS Stadium Queens — USTA Questions Major League Soccer Plan for Expansion Team in Flushing Meadows

Report: USTA Questions Major League Soccer Plan for Expansion Team in Flushing Meadows

According to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com, Major League Soccer’s intention to put an expansion team in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, near Citi Field, is being met with opposition from some local Queens residents as well as the United States Tennis Association, whose facility could be impacted by a new soccer stadium. The USTA believes a new stadium in the park, which also would stage concerts, would increase noise and traffic, according to a published report. “It raises a lot of concerns for us,” Gordon Smith, executive director of the USTA, told The New York Times. “We ought to be considered in a very different light, because we raise almost none of those complications.” Some neighborhood groups worry the parkland would not be adequately replaced.

Voters to Decide Future of Crandon Park and Sony Open

According to a press release, Miami-Dade County voters casting ballots this fall will have an opportunity to approve tournament-funded upgrades to the Crandon Park Tennis Center that will enhance the park for year-round public use and safeguard the Sony Open’s future in Miami. Voters will be asked to vote yes on #238, a referendum to authorize improvements to the park’s facilities and an extension of the Tournament’s usage agreement beyond the current nine year term. The park improvements would be entirely paid for by Tournament-generated revenues and cost savings, with NO COST TO TAXPAYERS. If approved, the proposed park improvements would be the first major Tennis Center updates since 1994, when Stadium Court opened. Tournament owner IMG estimates the total enhancements would cost approximately $50 million, without a single penny of public money spent. Efforts to educate the public on the measure and galvanize support are being spearheaded by the Park Partnership campaign, a coalition of business and civic leaders from Miami-Dade County and beyond. Members of the Park Partnership steering committee include Chair Adam Barrett, Honorary Chair and retired tennis star Mary Joe Fernandez, Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Key Biscayne Mayor Frank Caplan, Al Dotson, Jr., Maria Alonso, Marcelo Claure, Richard McLeod, Javier Soto, Phillis Oeters, Joy Lundeen, Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, James Champion, William D. Talbert, III, Jeff Bartel, Florencia Tabeni, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Mark Trowbridge and Tico Casamayor, among others. Beyond its standing as one of the world’s most prominent tennis tournaments, the Sony Open is a significant economic engine for Miami-Dade County. In fact, the Tournament is among the largest recurring events to take place in Miami, generating an impact of more than $386 million annually. In addition, the Tournament and Miami receive more than 7,000 hours of global television coverage broadcast throughout 180 countries. The need for a County-wide vote stems from an amendment to the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter which requires that two-thirds of Miami-Dade County voters approve extensions or modifications to leases and construction of any permanent structures in Crandon Park. The Sony Open’s proposed park updates include new green spaces, shaded areas, landscaping with plants and trees native to Key Biscayne, and show courts with comfortable seating. The Tournament’s capacity, terms of use and limitations on height of park structures will remain in place. Miami-Dade County will continue to own and operate the Tennis Center, ensuring the improved facilities are open to the public for 49 weeks of the year. The 2012 Sony Open was the most successful Tournament held to date, drawing more than 326,000 attendees, nearly 20 percent of whom currently reside outside the U.S., and resulting in the booking of more than 15,000 hotel room nights. The election will be held on November 6, 2012, with early voting beginning on October 27, 2012. Learn more about the Park Partnership campaign at www.parkpartnership.com.

International Tennis Federation Unconcerned Over WTA Dispute Over 2016 Rio Qualifications

According to an article written by David Gold of Inside The Games, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) is unconcerned about the fall out with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) over qualification requirements for the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The ITF announced that players hoping to compete in Rio would have to make themselves available for three Federations Cup ties before the Games, compared to the two required for London. That has been met by opposition from the WTA, with women’s world number two, Maria Sharapova of Russia, publicly voicing her disappointment at the decision. One positive change which has been welcomed is that the qualification window began straight after the end of London 2012. According to Tennis.com, ITF spokesperson Kris Dent said that the opposition of the WTA does not change anything. “We haven’t had contractual agreement with ATP for years (over Davis Cup requirements),” he was reported as saying. “Our priority is going from strength to strength and the Fed Cup has done that. The Fed Cup final in Prague sold out in six hours…let’s face it, there is a requirement for players every week that they play on tour.” ITF spokesperson Barbara Travers insists that, contrary to the claims of some of the top women’s players, there is a dialogue with them, and that the issue is simply a case of a disagreement.

David A. Haggerty Nominated as USTA Chairman of the Board and President

The USTA Nominating Committee has announced the nomination of David A. Haggerty as USTA Chairman of the Board and President to serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2013. Haggerty has served on the USTA Board of Directors for six years and is currently completing a two-year term as First Vice President. He is a member of the Budget, International, Major Construction Oversight and Compensation committees and represents the USTA on the Grand Slam Committee and the ITF Women’s Circuit Committee. He also is a member of the Board of Directors for USTA Serves. Prior to his appointment as president, Haggerty served as the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and as a member of the Compensation and Executive committees. Since 2007, he has served as a member of the Budget Committee. Haggerty also served for six years on the Board of Directors of the USTA Middle States Section, including two years as Vice President, and he served nationally as Chair of the USTA Section Marketing and Public Relations Committee in 2005-06 and Strategic Planning in 2009-10. Haggerty served a two-year term as President of the Tennis Industry Association from January 2007 to January 2009 and has served on the TIA’s Executive Committee for more than 20 years. Haggerty is the former Chairman of Head USA, a position he held until his retirement in March 2010. He began his career in tennis in 1980, when he was hired by Prince as Product Manager for accessories. In his 14 years at Prince, Haggerty worked his way up to General Manager before taking a position at Dunlop as President of Racquet Sports. He moved to Head in 1998, where he served as General Manager and President of Head/Penn Racquet Sports before becoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Head’s U.S. businesses. He currently serves as an External Director on the board of directors for Kepner-Tregoe, a global management consulting company that focuses on improving the business performance of clients worldwide using proven management methods. He has been nominated as a Board member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame beginning in 2013. Haggerty was the No. 1 singles player and captain for three of his four years at George Washington University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Haggerty has five children and lives in Pennington, N.J. In addition to the Haggerty nomination, other individuals nominated as new Officers and Directors of the USTA Board include Katrina M. Adams, Donald L. Tisdel, Thomas S. Ho, Patrick J. Galbraith, Alexander Boyd Andrews IV, Joan E. Baker, Raymond Benton, Mark D. Ein, Andrew A. Valdez, Jeff Williams, Todd Martin, Chanda Rubin and Brian Vahaly. Current USTA Chairman of the Board and President Jon Vegosen will remain on the USTA Board of Directors and will serve as Immediate Past President during the 2013-14 term.

Malaysian Open Comes of Age in its Fourth and Most Successful Year

According to an official tournament press release, in its fourth year on Malaysian soil, the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur 2012 enjoyed one of its best ever showcases at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from September 22-30. Attendances had increased greatly from past years, as the final three days saw almost 15,000 people head down for a spectacle of tennis they would not soon forget, while Sunday’s attendance of 5,300 was the best ever seen in KL. The Sunday final saw second seeded Argentine Juan Monaco top Frenchman Julien Benneteau 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. Part of the heightened appeal came from the most internationally diverse field of players the tournament has ever featured – with participants from over 24 countries across five continents arriving – along with several marquee names gracing the courts, such as David Ferrer, Juan Monaco, Kei Nishikori, Feliciano Lopez and Alexandr Dolgopolov. “It has been the most exciting, most attended and most diverse tournament we have had. Tournament staff personally met tourists from Australia, Spain, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Switzerland, Hawaii, China, the Philippines, Egypt, the USA, Singapore, Argentina, Japan, Austria, the UK and Germany, who had come down to watch the Malaysian Open,” said Tournament Director Nick Freyer of IMG, organizers of the event since inception. The tournament was also notable for marking Malaysian history as Si Yew Ming became the first local to win a match in an ATP 250 tournament and the Malaysian wildcard performances indicated significant improvement in local standards. Accordingly, to further boost the appeal of the sport in the young generation, over 2,000 students were introduced to professional tennis via a high impact and highly successful schools visit program. One of the touching stories of the 2012 tournament was two bus-loads of university students who took an overnight road trip from Perlis to visit the event. The tournament was broadcast live and delayed in High Definition to over 350 million people across the world, complete with Malaysian Truly Asia Hawkeye branding, over its final four days. In Malaysia, Astro broadcast over 100 hours of the tournament domestically. “We know because of the length of the final match, it overran on many television stations throughout the world, onto other programming. In the UK, it overran onto live Series A football programming, but ESPN UK choose to continue its live transmission of the Malaysian Open. I think that was a great tribute to the blockbuster quality of the match and the tournament,” said Freyer. The 2013 tournament will be held from September 21-29.

2013 Hyundai Hopman Cup Line-Up Announced

The official line-up for the 2013 Hyundai Hopman Cup has been announced and the 25th edition of the ITF’s mixed team competition will not disappoint. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andrea Petkovic and Fernando Verdasco are just some of the new additions who will join the likes of Novak Djokovic, John Isner, Ana Ivanovic, Bernard Tomic and Venus Williams at the Perth Arena from December 29, 2012-January 5, 2013. The complete teams for the competition are as follows: Tomic and Casey Dellacqua (Australia), Tsonga and Mathilde Johansson (France), Tommy Haas and Petkovic (Germany), Andreas Seppi and Francesca Schiavone (Italy), Djokovic and Ivanovic (Serbia), Kevin Anderson and Chanelle Scheepers (South Africa), Verdasco and Anabel Medina Garrigues (Spain) and Isner and Williams (United States).

Hewitt, Stosur Commit to 2013 Brisbane International

Former Grand Slam champions Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur have both committed to start their 2013 season at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp. It will be the first appearance in Brisbane for Hewitt, a former World No. 1. “I love playing the Australian tournaments and I have heard so many good things about the tournament. I am looking forward to kicking off the New Year there,” said Hewitt. “I am thrilled that Sam and Lleyton have both committed to the Brisbane International for 2013, adding more star power to an already imposing line up,” said Brisbane International Tournament Director, Cameron Pearson.

2012 PowerShares Series Kicks Off This Saturday in Arizona

The 2012 PowerShares Series will kick-off this Saturday, October 13 when tennis legends John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Michael Chang and Todd Martin compete in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships, Presented by Sanderson Ford and Lincoln in Surprise, Ariz. The PowerShares Series will visit 12 U.S. cities during its seven-week season. Each event on the circuit will feature four champions squaring off in a one-night tournament held in one session for all ticket holders. Fans will see two 1-set semifinal matches followed by the championship match featuring the semifinal winners, in each of the shootout style tournaments that take approximately three hours from start to finish. Other players set to compete in the Series this year include Grand Slam Champions Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander and Pat Rafter. The players will compete for a prize pool totaling $1 million, to be shared by the top three finishers at the conclusion of the season. Following the Series stop in Arizona, fans will have the opportunity to attend the matches in Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Tampa, Atlanta, San Jose, Las Vegas, Denver and Anaheim. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.PowerSharesSeries.com.

USPTA Raises More Than $7,500 at World Conference on Tennis in California

The United States Professional Tennis Association raised more than $7,500 during its silent auction at the USPTA’s Tennis Buying Show at the World Conference on Tennis, which was held from September 16-21 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. Auction items included a signed Maria Sharapova racquet, courtesy of HEAD/Penn, two tickets to the 2013 US Open, courtesy of the USTA, Nike shoes for a year, courtesy of Fromuth, and much more. The auction benefits the USPTA foundation, which through grants supports various programs in the community that help to grow tennis and bring the game to those who might not otherwise have the chance to play.

USTA’s One Million Dollar Afternoons

September 8, 2012 by Romana Cvitkovic

By Romi Cvitkovic

Each year, American tennis fans congregate in Flushing Meadows to watch their favorite players, rising stars and living legends compete in the annual U.S. Open.

Ticket prices for single sessions range anywhere from upwards of $1000 for the second week, to $64 for grounds passes the first week. With record-breaking crowds and sold out sessions, fans aren’t afraid to flaunt their money at the USTA, the governing body of the U.S. Open, in order to see their favorite players. But at what cost to the athletes?

A recent topic of debate has been equal prize money between the men’s and women’s tours at Slams. But there is another, and perhaps greater, disparity in prize money and that is between governing tennis associations and the players themselves.

During the first eight days of the U.S. Open, around 16,000 grounds passes are sold daily in addition to the 46,000 tickets for both the day and night sessions in Arthur Ashe stadium, and the 1500 or so additional reserved seats in Louis Armstrong stadium.

Grounds pass holders, with access to all courts except Ashe, filled the Armstrong and Grandstand stadiums to capacity all day Sunday as they watched the likes of defending champion Sam Stosur, 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and 2011 Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova play.

Breaking it down, the two women’s matches last Sunday included three players in the top 11 of world rankings, while the four men’s matches featured five players in the top 20. To see this much great tennis for just $64 for a fan is a steal.

But as grounds passes alone bring in just over $1 million daily to the USTA for those first eight days, there must be some healthy payouts for the players, or rather, losers those eight days as well, right?

Not so fast.

If you were a player that lost on Armstrong or Grandstand in the third round for men or fourth round for women, you would have received $65,000 and $120,000, respectively. That’s a combined $500,000 payout from the $1 million they made for the USTA by just playing. And that’s pretty much the payout cap during days that offer grounds passes, as players who lost in earlier rounds make only $23,000 or $37,000 each.

Not sold on the financial disparity between the USTA and tennis players yet? Consider this.

If we priced the 46,000 Ashe tickets at $150 each – considerably lower than the cost of lower bowl seats but taking into account not all sessions sold out – for the duration of the tournament of roughly 13 days, then the USTA makes about $90 million. Add to that suppliers and sponsors, and broadcasting companies for another $60 million each, and you have the USTA making a mouth-watering $218 million for a two week event – and that’s not even taking into account food, beverage and merchandise sales.

Of the $37 million in prize money available for singles in both the ATP and WTA Tours, players receive a mere 8.6% in revenues from the U.S. Open’s $218 million. Compare that to NFL players receiving 47% of revenue and NBA players receiving 51% of revenue, and we have a real issue on our hands. And this isn’t exclusive to the U.S. Open either, as Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the Australian Open face the same troubles, and weary players threatening to strike.

If the Slams were to decide to increase their prize money, they shouldn’t look to the BNP Paribas Open as an example. In March, owner Larry Ellison twisted the hand of the ATP Tour by feeding in an additional $1.7 million in prize money to the 2012 tournament, but stipulated that $389,000 go into increasing the winner’s paycheck to $1 million while another $700,000 go into the final three rounds only. While the winner received a 64% increase, the first-round losers received only a 8% increase.

As it stands, the 128-player singles draws at the Slams carry a heavy disparity in prize money as the top four finishers receive a combined $3.8 million, or 20% of the prize money. While there is only one male and female winner at the end of the event, fans attend all two weeks to see all the players – not just the championship matches. Rewards to players should reflect that.

Instead of giving players prize money solely based on what round they lost, how about including bonus payouts based on the number of sets won, or some other statistical method that is sure to promote competition and fan interaction?

For a sport with such international reach in terms of fans, players and tournament, prize money disparity should really not be an issue.

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

July 18, 2012 by Justin Cohen

By Justin Cohen

arthur ashe stadium — Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Extends Partnership with USTA

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

Oriflame’s WTA Tour Partnership Goes Global

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

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Lineup Announced

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

Western & Southern Open, Lindner Family Tennis Center Receive Awards

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

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

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

Kei Nishikori Endorses Tag Heuer Watches

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

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

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

James Blake Accepts Winston-Salem Open Main Draw Wild Card

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

Jack Sock Hires Swede Joakim Nystrom as New Coach

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

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

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

All England Club considering later start For Wimbledon: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

June 27, 2012 by Justin Cohen

Wimbledon could move back a week in the future

All England Lawn Tennis Club Chief Executive Richard Lewis told the BBC Radio 5 Live Broadcast that Wimbledon organizers are considering moving back the prestigious grass court Grand Slam event one week to give players extra time to recover after the French Open. Currently, Wimbledon starts just two weeks after the completion of the French Open, which is played on red clay courts. “We are seriously considering it,” Lewis told BBC Radio 5 live. “It’s often been discussed and it would be ideal to have a longer break. It would be three weeks, ideally, between the French Open and Wimbledon. We believe there are really, really good tennis reasons for having a longer break. We think that more time on the softer surface of grass is something that the players will definitely welcome. And they will welcome the rest and recuperation they can get between playing an intense tournament at Roland Garros and coming to Wimbledon. Three weeks gives them much better preparation time.”

Bank of the West continues as Title Sponsor of WTA Bank of the West Classic

Bank of the West has renewed its title sponsorship agreement with the longest running women’s professional tournament, the Bank of the West Classic, which is held every July on the campus of Stanford University in Northern California. The new multi-year agreement continues through 2017, and will mark over 20 years that the bank has sponsored the prestigious WTA Tour tournament. This year’s tournament will take place from July 9-15 and will include players such as 13-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams, 2009 champion Marion Bartoli and 2011 US Open semifinalist Angelique Kerber. This year, the Bank of the West Classic will also host a series of exhibition matches featuring tennis legends Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Michael Chang. “We are extremely pleased that Bank of the West has chosen to renew its title sponsorship of the event through 2017,” said Bank of the West Classic Tournament Director Kim Hall Uliasz. “The bank is a tremendous supporter and we look forward to a collaboration where the Bank of the West Classic continues as the premier tournament for professional women’s tennis.”

WTA Tour signs partnership deals with California Products Corporation and Erke

According to Matt Cutler of SportsBusiness, the WTA Tour has further strengthened its Asian-Pacific commercial ties by agreeing to new partnership deals with California Products Corporation and Chinese clothing brand Erke. The multi-year agreement with California Products, one of the world’s leading court surface providers, will see its DecoTurf and Plexipave brands become the official court surface of the WTA and of the WTA’s Tennis Festivals in the Asia-Pacific region. The deal marks the third sponsor signed by the WTA in the Asia-Pacific region in the past two years, following partnerships with Jetstar and Peak. “The WTA’s success and growth in China and Asia-Pacific over the past years is largely thanks to the partnerships that we have formed with leading global brands like California Products,” said Peter Johnston, WTA managing director, Asia Pacific. “Partnering with California Products will allow us to provide the very best playing surfaces at both a grassroots and professional level, furthering the popularity of the game.” The WTA’s new partnership with Erke will see the company become the official partner and supplier of sports apparel for all on-court officials at the 2012 and 2013 editions of the season-ending TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, Erke will be permitted to develop a premium products line, co-branded with the WTA Championships, specifically for the event which features the world’s top eight singles players and top four doubles teams competing for the coveted title and a share of $4.9 million (US) in prize money.

DIRECTV Offers Interactive Wimbledon Coverage through July 2

On Monday, June 25, DIRECTV continued its bonus coverage of every Grand Slam tennis match with the 2012 Wimbledon Experience, which offers five extra court channels on one screen and interactive features with instant access to scores, draws and schedules. The 2012 Wimbledon Experience on DIRECTV runs from June 25 through July 2. In partnership with ESPN, DIRECTV delivers all the action from Wimbledon with bonus coverage of early-round and outer-court matches not available anywhere else. Fans can watch up to six matches live at the same time on the Wimbledon Mix Channel (Ch. 701) during the first six days of the tournament. They can also tune in to individual matches on the five additional court channels (704-708) along with the ESPN2 (702) and ESPN (703) network feeds – all in HD and only on DIRECTV. Viewers can immerse themselves in Wimbledon action by using DIRECTV’s interactive features, calling up real-time scores, full men’s and women’s draw, and updated schedules – all at the press of a button on the remote. And it’s available at no extra charge to DIRECTV customers.

Agassi, Graf, Roddick headline Mylan World TeamTennis Smash Hits in Pittsburgh

During the first day of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl joined World TeamTennis CEO and Commissioner Ilana Kloss and Mylan CEO Heather Bresch at Pittsburgh City Hall to announce that the 20th annual WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO will be played in Pittsburgh. The event will take place this year on Tuesday, October 16 at the Petersen Events Center. Tennis legends Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and Andy Roddick have already signed on to participate in the annual charity event. Tickets for the one-night event go on sale Monday, July 16 at 10 a.m. EST. Corner reserved seats are $40, while premium seats are $75 and courtside seats are $125. Tickets can be ordered through www.WTTSmashHits.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Smash Hits, an annual charity night hosted by longtime friends Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King, has signed Pittsburgh global pharmaceutical company Mylan as its title sponsor. “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary of Smash Hits, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Mylan, whose leadership work in the AIDS arena has continued to make such a positive difference on a global basis,” said WTT co-founder Billie Jean King. “Together, we will continue to use all our assets to expand awareness and ensure as many people as possible have access to affordable drugs to treat HIV/AIDS.”

Nadal-Djokovic Exhibition Match for Charity to be shown Live on ESPN2 on July 14

A grass court exhibition match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Spain will be shown live on ESPN2 on Saturday, July 14 at 2 p.m. EST. The best-of-three sets match will benefit the RealMadrid Foundation and the Rafa Nadal Foundation. Organizers of the event are hopeful the match will attract more than 80,000 fans, which would make it the largest live audience in tennis history. Currently, the record of 35,681 people is held by an exhibition in Belgium’s historic King Baudouin Stadium between Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams on July 8, 2010. The previous record tennis audience was for the famed “Battle of the Sexes” between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in the Houston Astrodome in September 1973 – 30,472. The exhibition match between the current top two ATP World Tour players will be played just six days after the Wimbledon men’s singles championship match.

Blue Clay not permitted at ATP World Tour events in 2013

According to the ATP World Tour official website, ATP Executive Chairman & President Brad Drewett announced at the recent ATP Board of Directors meeting in London that blue clay courts will not be permitted at ATP World Tour events in 2013. “After careful consideration, I have decided that blue clay courts will not be allowed next year,” said Drewett. “I very much believe in innovation and exploring ways to enhance our sport. While the blue clay may have offered better visibility on television, there were clearly issues with the quality of the courts in Madrid this year, which were not acceptable at an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament, one of our top events worldwide. Regardless of color, we must first ensure that courts are safe and fair for players. “I know that Ion Tiriac was also disappointed with the court quality in Madrid this year. Ion has been a great supporter of the game for many years and I continue to encourage his ideas, including the testing of blue clay at non-ATP World Tour events. At this time, however, it’s clear that further development is required before it can be considered for use at the ATP World Tour level.” In 2011, the ATP allowed the Mutua Madrid Open to use the surface at this year’s event prior to the French Open, which is played on red clay courts.

John McEnroe commits to Statoil Masters Tennis at Royal Albert Hall in London

Tournament officials announced that Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe will return to Royal Albert Hall in London to defend his title at the prestigious Statoil Masters Tennis. The IMG owned event will be played this year from December 5-9. A winner of the inaugural event in 1997, McEnroe will compete against players such as Goran Ivanisevic, Pat Cash, Tim Henman, Mark Philippoussis, Henri Leconte and Fabrice Santoro. “The Royal Albert Hall is an incredible arena for tennis,” said McEnroe. “I really enjoy playing in London, in front of so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable tennis fans, where the competition is very strong with so many top players playing in the tournament. I look forward to giving my very best to win a sixth title.”

ATP World Tour announces new Player Council

As selected by the ATP players, the new ATP World Tour Player Council has been set. The new ATP Player Council includes returning players Roger Federer, Jarkko Nieminen, Eric Butorac and Andre Sa (served 2002-2004), as well as a number of new faces, elected for a two-year term to represent the ATP player membership. Kevin Anderson and Gilles Simon have been added this year, while Robin Haase, Sergiy Stakhovsky, Mahesh Bhupathi and James Cerretani have also been nominated. ATP alumni Brian Gottfried and coach Claudio Pistolesi were also elected by current ATP players. The new ATP Player Council will hold its first meeting in New York City prior to the US Open, where the President and Vice President will be elected.

Di Palermo re-elected to ATP Board of Directors

The ATP Player Council re-elected Giorgio di Palermo as Player Board representative from the European region at its meeting at Wimbledon on Friday, June 22. He will serve another three-year term starting January 1, 2013. Di Palermo was first elected to the ATP Board of Directors in June 2009. Prior to his Board appointment, di Palermo was Director of Player Relations at the ATP, and also worked as a Tour Manager since joining the ATP in 1996. Prior to the ATP, di Palermo worked as assistant tournament director for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Rome, and also with the Italian Tennis Federation at ATP Challenger Tour and Davis Cup events. “It is an enormous privilege to be part of a great team on the ATP Board and to work with the most exciting generation of tennis players ever. I’m grateful to the Player Council for re-electing me and I look forward to continuing to serve the players and the ATP,” said di Palermo.

Caroline Wozniacki to launch own underwear line: this week in tennis business with Justin Cohen

June 6, 2012 by Justin Cohen

By Justin Cohen

Caroline Wozniacki Underwear Line to be Released in September

Current world No. 9 Caroline Wozniacki, a former top-ranked player on the WTA Tour, announced Monday on her website that she is set to release a line of lifestyle and leisure underwear called “This is Me”. The new line will be released in September and includes hipsters, low hipsters, g-strings and bras. The line will be sold in solid colors and different patterns. The pieces will be made in collaboration with the Danish underwear brand JBS and includes both a cotton/lycra and a microfiber line. “A feminine lifestyle/leisure underwear collection for the girl that wants the good looks from fashion, a perfect fit for her body, and a quality that’s hard to beat. JBS was the perfect partner to accomplish that” said Wozniacki in a press release. The deal to launch her own underwear line was negotiated by Lagardère Unlimited Agent John Tobias and Drew LeMesurier, a marketing director. “We are extremely excited about the collaboration between Caroline and JBS. When Caroline attaches her name to something she does so with great consideration. This is a partnership that will hopefully live well beyond Caroline’s tennis career,” said Tobias.

Roger Federer, Agent Tony Godsick split from IMG

Considered the greatest tennis players in the history of the sport, former world No. 1 Roger Federer and his agent Tony Godsick have left IMG Worldwide. According to an article by Scott Soshnick and Danielle Rossingh of Bloomberg, the contracts of both the player and agent ran out. “Our contract with Roger Federer has expired and we no longer represent him,” IMG Spokesman Jim Gallagher told Bloomberg. “Roger is an iconic figure in the world of sports, a gentleman and a great champion, and we hope to work with him again in the future.” According to the SportsBusiness Journal, it is unclear why Godsick left IMG, although SBJ reports that he was unable to come to terms on a new contract. There is speculation that Godsick will start his own agency and add Federer as a client, but Federer would not elaborate. Further, Daniel Kaplan of SBJ tweets that he got word recently that IMG would not rule out resigning Federer in the future. Doug Robson of the USA Today said on Twitter that Godsick told him he wants a change after 19 years at IMG. Robson finished his tweet by saying “A bit cagey on background/circumstances or if there is waiting period.” The 16-time Grand Slam champion makes around $52 million a year from tournament prize money and endorsements. Federer’s rise to fame on the business side of things is chronicled in this WorldTennisMagazine.com article: http://www.worldtennismagazine.com/archives/5801

Tennis Channel earns record ratings during first week of French Open

Los Angeles-based Tennis Channel has seen record ratings during its first week of French Open coverage from Paris. From the period of Sunday, May 27, through Saturday, June 2, the network’s live match coverage averaged a 0.61 rating according to Nielsen Media Research, or 319,738 homes, up 17 percent from 2011’s 0.52 average. The daily premiere of prime-time news, interview and analysis show French Open Tonight also established new highs, exceeding 2011’s performance by 51 percent every day, and is averaging a 0.52 rating vs. last year’s 0.35 for the first seven days, equal to 272,563 homes. A record rating was accomplished during Serena Williams’ first round upset. The match’s 1.02 rating was good for first place among all cable networks in Tennis Channel’s household coverage area and averaged 533,170 homes during the time period. Peaking at a 1.60 rating, the match generated more than one million viewers at its height, and is the highest-rated early round tournament play in network history. The Williams match is not the only pole propping up the network’s ratings canopy, however, as ratings in matches played by Maria Sharapova (0.95), Victoria Azarenka (0.84) and John Isner (0.68 – No. 2 in coverage area), pointed to sustained, weeklong viewer demand. “Before Tennis Channel there were just a few French Open matches on television each day, and now this tournament has coverage around the clock,” said Ken Solomon, chairman and CEO, Tennis Channel. “There’s been a real paradigm shift in how this event is televised, which has since spread to every major. Additionally, we’ve worked with ESPN2 and NBC to build this great integrated distribution chain of networks that promote each other’s schedules and share production needs, equipment, a common vision and, in some cases, great on-air talent members. It’s proof that the more you put tennis on TV, the more viewers will watch.” During this year’s tournament, Tennis Channel is televising close to 60 hours of live matches and more than 140 hours overall.

Nishikori commits to Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships

World No. 18 and top-ranked Japanese star Kei Nishikori has announced his plans to participate in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in Newport, R.I., which will be played from July 9-15 on the historic grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. Nishikori joins an already exciting player field which includes John Isner, Milos Raonic, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Querrey and Bob and Mike Bryan. “We’re really looking forward to a fantastic week of great tennis at Newport this summer,” said Mark Stenning, Tournament Director. “Our player field indicates some exciting matches, and there’s no better place for fans to get close to the action than our facility. Every seat offers a great view, and with these players, there will certainly be a lot to see this summer.” Tickets for the tournament are on sale now and can be purchased at TennisFame.com or by calling (866) 914-3263.

Rowe named Director of Special Events and Assistant Tournament Director in Newport

Brewer Rowe, a graduate of the University of Vermont, has been named by the International Tennis Hall of Fame as the Director of Special Events and Assistant Tournament Director. In his new position, Rowe will oversee all aspects of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the Hall of Fame’s annual men’s professional tennis tournament and the only ATP World Tour event in the Northeast. In his new role, Rowe will be responsible for sponsorship sales and relations, ticket sales, event marketing, and operational management of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Rowe joins the Hall of Fame after more than a decade of experience in marketing and management of large-scale sports events, specifically road races, triathlons and professional golf tournaments. Most recently, Rowe was Executive Vice President of Eident Sports, a Providence, R.I. based event management firm, and prior to that he was Tournament Manager for the CVS/Caremark Charity Classic, a PGA TOUR Challenge Series Event produced by Peter Jacobsen Sports. “We are very pleased to welcome Brewer to the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO & Tournament Director. “His experience in the local market and expertise in sports management will be an asset to our organization and for the growth of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.” He currently resides in Newport with his wife and their two daughters.

Preferred Offers for Citi cardmembers in all World TeamTennis Pro League Matches in 2012

This July, get access to special Preferred Seating offers to all World TeamTennis matches in each of the eight Pro League markets or purchase the opportunity of a lifetime with the “Play Against the Pros” experience. Also, as a Citi cardmember, you can participate in the opportunity of a lifetime with the “Play Against the Pros” experience with legendary tennis champions. Hit against the Bryan Brothers at the Philadelphia Freedoms on July 16; Lindsay Davenport at the Orange County Breakers on July 11; or Martina Hingis at the New York Sportimes on July 19 and attend the WTT match following the hit. For more information or to buy this experience, please call (212) 586-3444 and mention this special offer. Players expected to compete this summer in the Pro League of World TeamTennis include Mardy Fish, John Isner, James Blake, the Bryan Brothers, Serena and Venus Williams, Davenport, Hingis and many more.

Clearwater Mayor receives $2,000 from USTA Florida during Clearwater Family Tennis Festival

On May 26 during the Clearwater Family Tennis Festival, sponsored by USTA Florida and the Suncoast Tennis Foundation, USTA Florida Director of Community Tennis Linda Curtis presented Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos with a $2,000 “Share the Love” grant check for 10 and Under Tennis equipment for the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex and the City of Clearwater Beach. The special day-long event featured various levels of play on different courts, court activities and games, the 10 and Under Tennis format, a short-court game for senior players, Cardio Tennis, face painting, cookie-making, snacks and drinks, and a DJ spinning kid-friendly hits.

Novak Djokovic to sign with UNIQLO; drops apparel sponsor Sergio Tacchini: This week in tennis business with Justin Cohen

May 23, 2012 by Justin Cohen

Djokovic leaves Sergio Tacchini, will sign with Japanese clothing brand UNIQLO

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has ended his clothing sponsor with Sergio Tacchini reports Danielle Rossingh of Bloomberg. Serbian publication TANJUG report that Djokovic will be the new face of UNIQLO, which is a Japanese clothing brand, which also sponsors Japan’s top ranked ATP player Kei Nishikori. A sponsorship deal will be signed in Paris. The reigning Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open champion will wear t-shirts with the UNIQLO logo starting at the 2012 French Open, which is set to begin Sunday. UNIQLO, a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Company, is the strongest brand in Japan, but also a business giant on a global level, whose apparel was worn by Japan’s Olympic athletes in the 1988, 2002 and 2004 Olympic Games. They have 99 stores in Tokyo, 840 throughout Japan and 200 stores around the world. One of their most exclusive stores in the world is located in New York City on Fifth Avenue. Djokovic originally signed a 10-year apparel deal with Sergio Tacchini in 2009.

Tennis Channel to offer over 140 hours of French Open coverage starting May 27

Tennis Channel will offer close to 60 hours of live coverage and more than 140 match hours overall during the upcoming French Open in Paris, running from Sunday May 27 to Sunday, June 10. The network will air almost two dozen hours of encore men’s and women’s singles semifinal and championship telecasts as part of a programming format that will see the channel’s 24-hour schedule almost entirely dedicated to the world’s most prestigious clay-court competition for two weeks. A typical day’s French Open schedule on Tennis Channel this year will feature live matches from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. ET, followed by four hours of encore coverage of the tournament’s best competitions, regardless of whether they first ran on Tennis Channel or broadcast partners NBC or ESPN2. At 7 p.m. ET French Open Tonight, hosted by Bill Macatee, will showcase three hours of interviews, analysis, highlights, encore match segments and special reports, set on a stage above the tournament’s central Musketeer Plaza. In all, Tennis Channel will air 36 first-run hours of the nightly prime-time show (with 114 hours overall). Following two consecutive French Open Tonight encores, at 4 a.m. ET daily tournament highlights of the French Tennis Federation (the governing body of the event) will run for an hour before a new day of coverage runs on ESPN2 from 5 a.m.-10 a.m. This year’s on-air talent includes John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Lindsay Davenport, Mary Carillo, Ted Robinson, Ian Eagle, Brett Haber and Macatee.

WTA Tour Challenger Series to debut in Taiwan

Officials at the WTA Tour announced a brand new series of Challenger tournaments, the WTA Challenger Series, which will provide for emerging markets currently not able to host a Premier or International event to a host a WTA Challenger event and showcase women’s tennis. The WTA Challenger Series will offer some of the WTA’s lower-ranked players who are eager to play more matches and tournaments, and whose seasons end earlier than the WTA’s elite players, an opportunity to play extra tournaments and earn more ranking points. With total prize money of $125,000 and 160 ranking points for the champion, WTA Challengers will be one level above top-tier ITF Women’s Circuit events, which offer $100,000 and 150 ranking points. The first Challenger event scheduled will be The OEC Taipei WTA Ladies Open, which will be played from October 27-November 4 in Taipei, Taiwan. It will be the first WTA Challenger event in the region and is set to take place in 2012 and 2013, held in the 15,000-seat Taipei Arena with 32/16/16 draw sizes. “We are delighted that the first WTA Challenger will be hosted in Taipei, fueling the growth of the sport in the Asia-Pacific territory even further,” said Peter Johnston, WTA’s Managing Director of Asia-Pacific. “There is a growing appetite for women’s tennis throughout the region and we couldn’t have asked for a better city and venue to be hosting our first WTA Challenger with a great stadium, a fantastic promoter and to the enthusiastic fans in Chinese Taipei.” For more information on the WTA Challenger Series, visit www.WTATour.com.

Search launches for next WTA Championships host

According to an article written by Matt Cutler in Sports Business, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has launched an international tender process to select the host city for its showpiece WTA Championships for 2014 and beyond. The end-of-year event features the top eight singles players and leading four doubles partnership competing for a share of the multi-million dollar prize pot before a global television audience of 164 countries. The WTA Championships have previously taken place in New York, Los Angeles, Munich, Madrid and Doha before arriving in Istanbul in 2011 for the first of installment of a three-year run in the Turkish capital. The 2011 Championships registered the highest attendance in 12 years, and set record broadcast and digital audience milestones. The WTA has chosen London-based international sports marketing agency The Sports Consultancy to manage the Championships bid process, which will commence with requests for expression of interest sent to prospective host cities that are required to respond by June 29. A final decision on the new host city is expected to be made in March 2013. “The WTA Championships has gone from strength to strength over the past four decades, and is today recognized as one of a handful of truly blue chip international events on the world sporting calendar,” said Stacey Allaster, chairman and CEO of the WTA. “Based on the significant demand by numerous cities around the world to invest in women’s tennis and host our year-end WTA Championships, we decided to launch an international bidding process to select a host city for 2014 and beyond.” Allaster added: “It’s a chance for some city somewhere to step up on the world stage. We are confident that through this process we will be able to identify the right city to become the next partner for the world’s premier sporting event for women.”

Nintendo partners with the USTA in its SmashZone Mobile Tour

Late last week, the USTA announced that Nintendo has signed on as an official sponsor of the SmashZone Mobile Tour, the interactive tennis fan attraction which introduces children to tennis in a fun and engaging way. As part of the agreement, Nintendo, the worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, will incorporate video game kiosks into the SmashZone experience throughout the duration of the tour. The partnership will launch at the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, Calif., on May 19-20. This year’s SmashZone Mobile Tour will serve as a launching pad for Mario Tennis Open for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system. Mario Tennis Open, a fun, portable tennis game that can be played in 3D without the need for special glasses, is scheduled for release everywhere on May 20, and this partnership provides an opportunity for an integrated fan experience where audiences can demo the new game. SmashZone Mobile includes a 53-foot trailer, which anchors four kid-sized tennis courts for youth play. Courts feature games such as Xerox Rally Courts, Esurance Sweet Spot and Target Challenge. The trailer itself, which is handicap accessible, features interactive activities for visitors, including a TENNIS Magazine Green Screen Cover Shoot and touch screen kiosks. The Nintendo video game kiosks will be located in the game room of the trailer. Additionally, Nintendo brand ambassadors will be on site to provide hands-on demonstrations of Mario Tennis Open on the youth tennis courts. “Video games can serve as a gateway to help get kids interested in real-life sports and activities,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Mario Tennis Open features all their favorite Nintendo characters, and fast-paced tennis action that people will have fun experiencing.” Nintendo will also be an official sponsor of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess, which will take place on August 25 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.

Tennis Industry Association set to release State of the Industry Report

According to a press release, The Tennis Industry Association (TIA) is set to release its second annual “State of the Industry” report, which compiles key research from the trade association’s dozens of in-depth annual research studies and surveys into a top-line document that helps to “narrate the story of the tennis industry” for the past year. Key findings include data on the value of the overall tennis economy, participation and play frequency trends, equipment sales, and pro events. Among the findings is the overall value of the total tennis economy in 2011, estimated to be $5.4 billion, down slightly from $5.6 billion in 2010. Components that help make up the total tennis economy figure include player participation data, equipment sales, facility revenue, lesson revenue, media revenue and TV coverage, and pro tour sponsor and spectator revenue. “Like every other industry, the tennis industry has faced a series of challenges over the past few years due to the overall economy and consumers continuing to evaluate their discretionary spending,” said TIA President Jon Muir. “While these challenges continued through 2011, we are seeing signs that change and growth are ahead. Wholesale tennis equipment shipments increased significantly in the first quarter of 2012 compared to Q1 last year in several categories, combined with positive anecdotal evidence of an increase in frequent play and total play occasions so far in 2012.” “The number of frequent players declined in 2009 and 2010, but in 2011, that slide stopped,” adds Muir. “Frequent players account for more than 70% of tennis expenditures. Our goal as an industry is to increase the number of frequent players to 10 million by 2020, which would add about $3.9 billion to the tennis economy.” In 2010 and 2011, says Muir, the TIA has been very focused on establishing clearer strategic platforms and increasing support and focus in several areas to achieve future growth and to help plug the “leaky bucket” – while the industry brought in nearly 6.9 million new players in 2011, that increase was offset by players leaving the game. A critical building block for the sport is the U.S. Tennis Association’s 10 and Under Tennis initiative, which is hitting consumers in full force in 2012, including through a partnership with the Nickelodeon television network that is reaching millions of kids and their parents. The TIA is playing a key role in helping to drive 10 and Under Tennis opportunities for retailers, facilities and manufacturers. “Last year seemed to mark a turning point in several respects, as key initiatives and goals were rolled out or ramped up,” said TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “Some growth is reflected in our 2011 State of the Industry report, and as we continue to monitor this industry through our comprehensive research and data collection, we look to see more signs of an upturn.” “The State of the Industry report takes a comprehensive view of a variety of trends and segments in the industry and condenses it overall to show how interconnected this industry is,” de Boer continues. The second edition synthesizes the trade association’s more than 70 annual research studies and surveys into a 16-page top-line document. The report presents key tennis industry trends and analysis including in the areas of economy and tennis, demand, supply and media/pro events.

USTA Florida renames USTA Florida Jr. State Closed Championships after Bobby Curtis

Starting this June, the USTA Florida Jr. State Closed Championships will be known as the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships. The tournament is being named after the legendary junior tennis organizer. Curtis helped guide tennis stars from Florida to much success including Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, Brian Gottfried, Jay Berger, Mary Joe Fernandez and Chris Evert as they competed in USTA Florida tournaments. “Bobby Curtis really has been junior tennis in Florida, ever since I’ve been alive,” said the former world No. 1 Courier. “If you’re at a tennis tournament and Bobby’s there, you know you’re in the right place. He really does signify what’s good and true about tennis in Florida. He does it for all the right reasons – he cares about the kids, he cares about the sport, and he’s always ensuring that the whole of junior tennis is successful.” Curtis was the USTA Florida’s first employee, working out of his home. He was one of the initial organizers of the Florida Section’s top junior event, which at that time had no entry fee – participants only had to bring one can of new balls. “In December I learned the (USTA Florida) Junior Council had voted to name the Jr. State Closed singles and doubles after me, and Doug Booth (USTA Florida Executive Director) announced it at the annual meeting, and I almost fell over my feet,” said Curtis. “It was pretty neat, and it’s a real honor for me.” Curtis continues to be involved with the USTA Florida section as a part-time employee. He currently helps organize major junior tennis events across the state, including the 2012 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships. The 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships, to be held June 9-14, 2012, will see the 18-14 age divisions played at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, and the 12-10 divisions played at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.

Djokovic, Kvitova Are 2011 Champions – Mondays With Bob Greene

December 26, 2011 by Bob Greene

STARS

Kristina Mladenovic beat Valeria Savinykh 7-5 5-7 6-1 to win the Ankara Cup in Ankara, Turkey

SAYING

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organization that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career. The ATP World Tour and men’s tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organization on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.” – Brad Drewett, after being named executive chairman and president of the ATP.

“Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years. He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour’s stakeholders. I am confident that Brad’s work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour.” – Roger Federer, president of the ATP Player Council.

“I am thrilled to be back on the ATP Champions Tour after more than a decade and being able to compete in Zurich against some great champions is an exciting prospect. I’m feeling good and ready to compete again and am looking forward to being back on the ATP Champions Tour.” – Jimmy Connors, who will return to the senior tour at the age of 59.

“After seven years partnering with the WTA, we have decided not to renew the partnership. We feel that after seven years our brand has evolved and our business as well.” – Graciela Pineda, Sony Ericsson spokeswoman.

“They have been a great partner and we will miss them.” – The WTA Tour, in a statement, concerning the Sony Ericsson decision.

STEPPING UP

A former player is the new executive chairman and president of the ATP. Brad Drewett will take over the reigns of the men’s tennis organization on January 1. He will be based in the ATP’s London office. The ATP Board of Directors voted unanimously to give the 53-year-old Australian a three-year contract. Drewett won the Australian Open junior boys in both 1975 and 1977 before playing on the tour for 12 years, reaching as high as 34th in the world in singles. He currently serves as CEO of the ATP International Group, where he has overseen operations in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions since 1999. Prior to that, Drewett was elected to the Player Council and was an ATP Player Board Representative from 1993 until 1999. He also has served as tournament director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and formerly the Tennis Masters Cup since 2001. Drewett succeeds Adam S. Helfant, who had headed the men’s tennis organization since 2009.

SPONSORSHIP ENDS

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB will end its sponsorship of the women’s tour when the agreement ends next year. When Sony Ericsson signed a six-year, USD $88 million contract in 2005, it was the largest sponsorship in tennis history and in women’s professional sports. The company dropped the naming rights last year when it signed a two-year extension until December 31, 2012. In a statement emailed to Bloomberg News, the WTA said the Sony Ericsson sponsorship “has over the past seven years taken women’s tennis to new heights of popularity and success, and broadened the audience for the sport across the globe.”

Over the past 18 months, the WTA has signed several major new sponsors in Europe and Asia-Pacific, including BNP Paribas and its Turkish partner TEB as co-sponsors of the WTA’s year-end Championships.

SAY IT LOUD

The WTA has announced a four-year deal with PERFORM, a digital sports specialist that will manage the WTA’s Premier tournament media rights from 2013 through 2016. The deal covers the 22 Premier WTA events, including the season-ending finale. Under the agreement, PERFORM has acquired all media rights to the Premier tournaments and will oversee the overall development and media of the events outside the United States and Canada. The digital sports media company already provides the WTA with a range of web, live streaming and mobile services. It plans to double the current live match production levels and improve the availability of ancillary content packages across all media with a weekly magazine program, e-Player coverage and hourly news output in at least seven languages.

SENIOR SENIOR

Jimmy Connors is back. Ending a 13-year absence, Connors will return to the ATP Champions Tour when he competes in the BNP Paribas Zurich Open in March. The 59-year-old left-hander will join a round-robin group that includes Henri Leconte. Others entered in the eight-player, March 20-24 tournament include defending champion Mark Philippoussis, Tim Henman and Marat Safin. The event also will feature the world’s top juniors, who will play their own round-robin tournament. The youngsters and the legends will join to play doubles.

STAYING HOME

Still recovering from the immune system disease Sjogren’s syndrome, Venus Williams has withdrawn from January’s ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. The 31-year-old Williams has not played a WTA match since pulling out of the US Open with the illness. She has played several exhibition matches recently, but organizers of the New Zealand tournament said the American is not yet ready to return to competitive tennis. Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, played in only four tournaments in 2011 because of injuries.

Venus Williams is still expected to play the Australian Open later in January. Craig Tiley, tournament director of the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, told newspapers that he had been in contact with Williams’ agent. “I wanted to touch base, but there’s no change for her. She’s coming,” Tiley was quoted as saying.

SHARAPOVA OUT

Not fully recovered from an injury to her left ankle, Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from the Brisbane International. Sharapova was hurt in September during the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan. In a statement sent to tournament officials, Sharapova said the injury should not affect her playing the Australian Open, which she won in 2008. The injury forced her to withdraw from the China Open and she was hobbled while losing two matches at the year-ending WTA Championships.

SINGLED OUT

Novak Djokovic, who won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments in 2011, has been named BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year. The 24-year-old Serb won his first 41 matches of the year and replaced Spain’s Rafael Nadal as the ATP’s number one player in the world. Djokovic’s 10 titles in 2011 included the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. He beat out Barcelona and Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi and German Formula 1 race car world champion Sebastian Vettel for the award. It is the sixth time in 11 years that a tennis player has won the award, which is decided by a panel of sports editors from national and regional newspapers and magazines. Other tennis players to receive the award include Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Goran Ivanisevic.

SHE’S THE TOPS

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has been named Czech athlete of the year in a poll of sports journalists. The 21-year-old Kvitova won five other singles titles in 2011, including the season-ending WTA Tour Championships. Rising from 34th in the world to number two, Kvitova was named the WTA’s Player of the Year.

SLUSH FUND

The singles winners at next year’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA, will each pocket USD $1 million. The tournament becomes the first combined ATP World Tour and WTA event to award the two singles champions a million dollars each. Prize money has been increased for all rounds of the tournament, with the singles runner-up earning USD $500,000 and the two losing semifinalists receiving USD $250,000. “The BNP Paribas Open has been raising the bar for the sport over the course of the past four decades, and today’s $1 million winners’ prize money announcement represents yet another historic milestone,” said Stacey Allaster, chairman and CEO of the WTA. “The BNP Paribas Open is one of the cornerstone events in professional tennis exactly because of this attention to players and willingness to innovate and push the boundaries of success.” The 2012 tournament will be played in March.

STRAIGHT IN

Jeremy Chardy and Aravane Rezai have been given wild cards into the Australian Open under a reciprocal agreement between the French Tennis Federation and Tennis Australia. The French federation selected Rezai, who has been ranked as high as 15th in the world, and Chardy, who reached a career-high ranking of 31 in 2009. The Australian Open begins Jan. 16 at Melbourne Park.

SIMPLY MARVELOUS

The women’s singles trophy at the Brisbane International has been named for former Australian star Evonne Goolagong Cawley. “I have won a few trophies in my time, but I have never had a major event name their trophy after me,” said Goolagong Cawley, who won seven Grand Slam tournament singles titles. Cameron Pearson, Brisbane International tournament director, said the trophy was named for Goolagong Cawley because she had “contributed so much to the game during her career and continues to do so with her National Development Camp and work with indigenous youth.” The Brisbane International begins January 1 with US Open champion Samantha Stosur and runner-up Serena Williams in the field. Andy Murray heads the men’s singles field.

SUSPENDED

Lucas Renard of Sweden has been suspended for six months and fined USD $5,000 after admitting he committed an offense under Article D of the 2011 Uniform Tennis Anti-Corruption Program. Four of the six months period of ineligibility will be suspended if the 19-year-old Renard commits no future violation, that he exhibits continuous good conduct and that he attends anti-corruption education training. Because of the sanction, Renard is not eligible to participate in any tournament or competition organized or authorized by the governing bodies of professional tennis. No other details of the case were made public.

SEND MONEY BACK

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) wants Alex Bogomolov Jr. to pay back some of the money it spent on him. Ranked 34th in the world, Bogomolov Jr. will play Davis Cup in 2011 for his native Russia. After his family moved to the United States, the USTA gave Bogomolov Jr. financial and coaching help. The Russians actively recruited the 28-year-old and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) agreed he could play Davis Cup for Russia. “He has received quite a bit of support, it’s an ITF decision and at the USTA we are exploring our options. I’ll leave it at that,” said Patrick McEnroe, who is in charge of player development for the USTA. “I have no issue with Alex personally. From the USTA standpoint, he was born in Russia, he has family there, he should repay the USTA. He’s actually signed something saying that and we’ll see what happens.”

SPORTS CABLE RULING

Tennis Channel has won its dispute with Comcast. Tennis Channel filed a complaint against the cable operator last year, accusing it of discriminating against the network in violation of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules. Tennis Channel argued that Comcast gave preferential treatment to two similar sports cable networks it owned – Versus and Golf Channel – by placing them on more broadly distributed tiers. In its ruling, the FCC fined Comcast USD $375,000 and ordered it to treat Tennis Channel the same as Versus and Golf Channel.

SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

The 2012 tennis season gets underway at Perth, Australia, this coming Saturday when China and France battle in the Hyundai Hopman Cup. The format sees two round-robin pools of four being contested before the winners meet in the final. French Open champion Li Na leads China against Marion Bartoli and France. Bartoli’s teammate is Richard Gasquet, who is ranked 19th in the world. Li’s teammate is Wu Di, who is ranked more than 400 places lower than his French counterpart. Others competing in the exhibition include world number one Caroline Wozniacki, Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and two-time Grand Slam tournament winner Lleyton Hewitt.

SUCCESSFUL SISTERS

Chinese twins Lu Jia-Jing and Lu Jia Xiang continued their winning ways by capturing a USD $25,000 International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournament in Pune, India. In the final, the Lu sisters beat sisters Varatchaya and Varunga Wongteanchai of Thailand 6-1 6-3. It was the third straight tournament title for the Chinese twins. They also won two USD $10,000 ITF events in Pune and Solapur, India.

SELLING SHARES

Spanish star Rafael Nadal and his uncle Miguel Angel Nadal have sold their 10 percent share in Real Mallorca to German businessman Utz Claassen. A Real Madrid fan that lives on the island in the Mediterranean, Nadal had joined a consortium that invested in 2010 in the Real Mallorca soccer team. Claassen purchase now gives him a 20 percent stake in the team.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Ankara: Nina Bratchikova and Darija Jurak beat Janette Husarova and Katalin Marosi 6-4 6-2

SURFING

TOURNAMENTS THIS WEEK

(All money in USD)

WOMEN

$50,000 Siberia Cup, Tyumen, Russia, hard

TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK

MEN

$1,024,000 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Doha, Qatar, hard
$422,000 Brisbane International, Brisbane, Australia, hard
$398,250 Aircel Chennai Open, Chennai, India, hard

WOMEN

$655,000 Brisbane International, Brisbane, Australia, hard
$220,000 ASB Classic, Auckland, New Zealand, hard

EXHIBITION

Hyundai Hopman Cup, Perth, Australia, hard

PowerShares QQQ to be title sponsor of Champions Series beginning in 2012: This Week in Tennis Business with Justin Cohen

October 26, 2011 by Justin Cohen

PowerShares QQQ becomes Title Sponsor of Champions Series starting in 2012

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment recently announced that PowerShares QQQ has signed a multi-year agreement with the Champions Series to become the new title sponsor of the national 12-city tennis circuit starting in 2012. Already a title sponsor on the recently completed PowerShares QQQ Challenge tournament at the United Center in Chicago, PowerShares QQQ will ultimately become the umbrella sponsor of the entire series starting next fall. The Chicago-based organization will join GEICO, ASG Software Solutions, Tennis Magazine, Donnay, Kimpton Hotels, Citation Shares, Izod and the USTA as official patrons of all twelve annual tournaments. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with PowerShares QQQ to include the title sponsorship of the entire Champions Series starting in 2012,” said Jim Courier, Founding Partner of the Champions Series. “The deeping of our partnership with PowerShares QQQ today is a testament to both the effectiveness of the Champions Series format for our corporate partners and the commitment and competiveness of our fantastic group of tennis legends.” During the just completed 2011 Champions Series circuit, Pete Sampras won the ultimate $500,000 bonus check after winning five events. Courier finished second, while Andre Agassi finished third. The Champions Series is a New York-based tennis circuit for tennis legends over the age of 30, created in 2005 by InsideOut Sports + Entertainment, which is co-owned and operated by former SFX Executive Jon Venison and 2005 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Jim Courier.

ESPN signs 6-year multi-platform rights deal with the WTA Tour

courier — Jim Courier for the Champions Series

ESPN and the WTA Tour have signed a six-year multi-platform rights deal through 2016, adding more than 150 hours of live women’s tennis coverage on television per year including at this week’s year-end WTA Championships in Istanbul, Turkey on ESPN2 and ESPN3. The deal also includes live coverage of more than 70 matches from 11 WTA Premier Events on ESPN3. The network already carries all four Grand Slam events as well as all the ATP World Tour 500 and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events on the men’s calendar. “This new agreement with the WTA says a lot about the power of ESPN’s multi-platform scale and its ability to serve passionate tennis fans. We have a long history with professional tennis in our 32 years, and now we are slated to carry all the top-tier tennis events from around the world across our networks,” said Jason Bernstein, Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN.

Allaster set to stay as WTA Tour CEO through 2017

Stacey Allaster will stay on as the Chief Executive Officer of the WTA Tour through 2017 after it was announced on Monday that she received the unanimous backing of the WTA’s board of directors. Allaster, who became the head of the WTA Tour in 2009, is expected to become the second-longest serving CEO in the Association’s history. Since taking over, she has overseen record revenues, broadcast exposure and prize money increases, despite having to maneuver the WTA Tour through very tough economic times. Allaster has also helped bring sponsorship revenues to a 60 percent increase since 2009. Allaster said she was “honored to have the opportunity to continue to lead women’s tennis and work with the world’s best female athletes on continuously improving our fans’ experience.” She added: “Together with our players, tournaments, lead global sponsor Sony Ericsson and our roster of world class partners, my management team and I plan on building on our great momentum to service our fans, sponsors and members.”

US Open could change to Monday finish as early as 2012 tournament

According to USA Today’s Doug Robson, US Open Tournament Director Jim Curley told the Associated Press last week in a telephone interview that the USTA started discussions last month with CBS about possibly having the tournament finish on a Monday, which would allow a day off in between the men’s semifinals and final. Currently, the US Open is the only Grand Slam tournament that plays its semifinals and final matches on consecutive days, Saturday and Sunday. Under the possible consideration which would add a 15th day to the tournament, the men’s final would be moved from Sunday to Monday, and the women’s final from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon. This would also allow the women to rest for a day before their championship match. The USTA is also considering keeping the men’s championship match on Sunday afternoon, but moving the two semifinal matches to Friday. “We’re just getting into this process,” said Curley, “And right now, everything is on the table.”

American Bogomolov Jr. wants to finish career playing Davis Cup for Russia

American Alex Bogomolov Jr. said on Tuesday that he wants to play Davis Cup for Russia starting in February. The 28-year-old was born in Moscow before moving to Mexico with his family when he was 9 and to the United States in 1992, eventually settling down in Florida at age 11. Although he is the fourth-highest ranked American in the current rankings, he has yet to represent the United States in Davis Cup action due to strong play by players like Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick, John Isner and Sam Querrey. “It was my dream (to play for Russia) and I want to finish my career playing for Russia,” Bogomolov Jr. said after winning his first-round match at the St. Petersburg Open. Davis Cup rules state that if a player is eligible to represent more than one country, the national association that wants to select him must apply to the International Tennis Federation six months before the match and await a ruling from the Davis Cup Committee. Bogomolov Jr. has dual citizenship in Russia and the United States. Russia plays Austria in the first round of Davis Cup from February 10-12.

Canadian Rebecca Marino splits with coach Larose after two years

World No. 60 Rebecca Marino has decided to cut ties with her coach of two years, Simon Larose. After reaching the Memphis final in the spring, Marino struggled to put together consistent results. “We decided we should mutually stop. It was going quite well, we had two good years together, and he’s a really good coach, but sometimes things come to an end,” said Marino. “We got to that stage in our relationship where we thought we didn’t want to drag things out and not make things work, so we decided to stop while we were having a good go.”

Clijsters to return in December exhibition match against Wozniacki in Antwerp

Former world No. 1 and 4-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters announced on her official website that she has resumed training and will participate in an exhibition match at the Diamond Games in Antwerp against Caroline Wozniacki in December.

Christine Frost named Chief Development Officer at International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum

On Monday, Christine Frost was named the new Chief Development Officer at the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R.I. Frost brings to the position more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic planning and marketing. Most recently, she served as the Associate Director, Regional Development in the Office of University Advancement at Brown University. For nearly a decade prior, Frost worked in direct marketing at several global marketing agencies, including McCann Relationship Marketing and J. Walter Thompson Direct. In her new role in Newport, Frost will be responsible for developing donor relationships, leading targeted fundraising campaigns, and advancing the organization’s annual fund, planned giving and membership programs. These fundraising programs support the Hall of Fame in the growth and maintenance of an extensive tennis Museum and archives, preservation of the buildings and grounds, which are a National Historic Landmark, and various other programs to support the non-profit’s mission to preserve the history of the tennis, honor the greatest champions of the sport, and inspire future generations. “We are delighted to welcome Christine to the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” said Mark L. Stenning, CEO. “Between the effective skills she has shown in fundraising and development, and her enthusiasm for our mission, we are confident she will play a key role in the organization’s growth.” Frost is a graduate of Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She currently resides in Newport, R.I. with her husband and their two children. She is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Pennfield School in Portsmouth, R.I.

Venus Williams condition can be traced back four years

September 3, 2011 by Charles Bricker

The Williams family has not previously been so open about the sisters’ tennis injuries, but I can inform you that the problem Venus Williams is facing today is traceable to at least four years ago, and probably accounts in large part for the steady decline of her play over that period of time.

This dizziness, now identified as Sjogren’s Syndrome, first became evident at the 2007 U.S. Open, where one hour and 42 minutes into a 7-6 (2), 6-4 loss to No. 1 Justine Henin in the semifinals she did something neither she nor Serena rarely do — she called for a trainer.

Henin had just fought back from love-40 to hold serve and stabilize a 4-3 edge in the second set and Williams looked exhausted. You could see her breathing hard on court. There was a look of consternation on her face, like someone who knew there was something wrong but who couldn’t relate it to some normal tennis injury — like a knee or shoulder.

“I’m OK. I was just feeling dizzy, a little sick to the stomach,” Williams said bravely after the defeat. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me. But, you know, credit to her for playing well.”

After the press briefing, I located mother Oracene in the tunnel leading to the women’s locker room and asked if she was worried enough to urge Venus to get a full workup. “Yes,” she said. “I want her to go to the Mayo Clinic.” Oracene also disclosed that after Wimbledon a few months earlier, Venus had been diagnosed with anemia and had come down with similar dizziness at San Diego a few weeks later, during the start of the U.S. Open Series.

I never found out if Venus went to the Mayo Clinic, but if the best anyone could say is that she was suffering from “anemia,” that wasn’t good enough. Now she knows why she’s anemic. It’s Sjogren’s Syndrome, and she believes it’s treatable and that she’ll be back on the WTA Tour, perhaps this year.

It is a tribute to Williams’ competitiveness that she not only played that match at the Open semifinals four years ago, but finished it.

“Unbelievable courage,” said Henin’s longtime coach, Carlos Rodriguez, who was in rapture not only over his own player but Williams as well. “I’ve never seen Venus play like this in years. I’ve never seen her come to the net so often and so well. With this performance,” Rodriguez declared, “she’s back at the top.”

If only Rodriguez knew that Venus had deeper problems.

After that disturbing experience at Wimbledon, Venus took a month off, possibly to get that complete work-up, then went to the Far East for three small tournaments, winning 12 of 14 matches, though never facing a top-10.

In 2008, she won her last Grand Slam, at Wimbledon, and was 40-11 overall. In 2009 an hend 2010 she won only two tournaments each season — at Dubai and Acapulco. She finished 38-16 in ’09 and 38-7 in ’10.

She was now pushing 30 years of age and her best tennis was behind her, but she was also still fighting flareups of the fatigue that began in 2007. When she pulled out of the U.S. Open this week, it was only her fourth tournament of the year. She is 8-3 for the season without getting past a quarterfinal.

She put on her usual brave face this week at the Open, insisting her career is not over. It may not be, but her championship days are. Between her age and her physical problems, she’s no longer strong enough to win the seven matches required to capture a major.

Flavia Pennetta upsets Maria Sharapova

September 3, 2011 by Bob Greene

NEW YORK – There were a lot of clattering among seeded players at the US Open on Friday – and one big bang.

Gone is former champion Maria Sharapova, the third seed this year and one of the favorites. The Russian beauty bombed on this far-off-Broadway production, falling to Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 6-3 3-6 6-4.

“I just want to enjoy this moment now,” said Pennetta, whose fourth-round opponent will be China’s Peng Shuai.

In day matches, Monica Niculescu of Romania ousted 27^th-seeded Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic to grab a spot in the fourth round, while in men’s second-round play, Donald Young shocked 14^th-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 7-6 (7) 3-6 2-6 6-3 7-6 (1); Russia’s Igor Kunitsyn ousted 17^th-seeded Jurgen Melzer of Austria 3-6 6-3 1-6 6-2 7-6 (5), and Argentina’s David Nalbandian eliminated 30^th-seeded Ivan Ljubicic 6-4 1-6 6-3 6-2.
“I made way too many unforced errors,” said Sharapova, who had 60 unforced errors in the 2-hour, 29-minute battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium court. “I didn’t feel comfortable with most of my game today.”

The hardest-working player in women’s tennis, Pennetta handed Sharapova her first third-set loss of the year. Last year, Pennetta played 137 matches combined in single and doubles, the most of any player on the WTA tour.

The two have split their four career meetings, but it was the Italian’s second straight triumph over the former world number one. Pennetta also beat Sharapova in three sets in Los Angeles two years ago.

“I think she played really smart,” Sharapova said of her conqueror. “That’s her gamer, and she makes you hit a lot of balls. Even when I had balls in the middle of the court I just didn’t do much with them. I thought I could have done a lot more.”

Although seeded third, Sharapova came into the year’s final Grand Slam tournament as one of the favorites to annex the title she first won in 2006. She also had a chance to rise to number two in the WTA rankings.

All that’s gone now.

“It’s disappointing,” Sharapova said. “It’s disappointing to lose in the middle of nowhere. It’s disappointing to lose in New York. Losing isn’t fun for anyone because we work to win. We don’t work to try to lose.

“So when we’re faced with a position where, you know, we can win and we didn’t in the end, it’s tough. But it’s all right.”

Besides Peng, a 6-4 706 (1) winner over 19^th-seeded Julia Goerges of Germany, other women in early matches who gained fourth-round berths included Angelique Kerber of Germany, No. 2 Vera Zvonareva of Russia, No. 22 Sabine Lisicki of Germany.

Young was the world’s top-ranked junior in 2005 when he was just 16 years 5 months old, the youngest boy to gain that honor. And he won the Wimbledon Boys’ title in 2007. But that was before he suffered a long period of first-round losses.

This year, the left-handed American has once again seemingly found his winning game, posting upset victories over Andy Murray, Jurgen Melzer and Marcos Baghdatis in the run-up to the US Open. Now, with his second-round win over Wawrinka, Young has equaled his best Grand Slam tournament result. He reached the third round at the USA Open as a wild card in 2007.

“This year I’ve had the biggest wins of my career and I put together matches in a row,” Young said. “It was quite tough for me to put together two, three (matches) in a row.

“That’s a big thing. I could win one match and not another. When you put matches together in a row against players of this caliber, it gives you confidence and you feel like you belong.”

In the fifth-set tiebreak, Young ripped off the first six points as Wawrinka’s game disintegrated into a slew of unforced errors. Young then slammed a forehand wide before Wawrinka buried a backhand into the net on the second match point.

Argentina’s Juan Martin de Potro has returned to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the first time since he beat Roger Federer in the final two years ago. Last year the Argentine was sidelined following wrist surgery.

For the second straight match del Potro has had an easy time, sailing through in straight sets. His second-round victim was fellow Argentinean Diego Junqueira, 6-2 6-1 7-5. Primarily a clay court player, Junqueira was playing on a hard court for the first time this year.

“I played better than my first round,” said del Potro, referring to a 6-3 6-1 6-1 win over Italy’s Filippo Volandri. “I was more confidence with my forehand, especially in the beginning of the match, and always is important go through.

“So doesn’t matter if you play good or not the first round if you win. Now I’m in the third one, so I need to improve, I need to be more confidence with my serves and forehands.”

wta tour

By Justin Cohen

By Romi Cvitkovic

By Justin Cohen

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Extends Partnership with USTA

Oriflame’s WTA Tour Partnership Goes Global

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Lineup Announced

Western & Southern Open, Lindner Family Tennis Center Receive Awards

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

Kei Nishikori Endorses Tag Heuer Watches

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

James Blake Accepts Winston-Salem Open Main Draw Wild Card

Jack Sock Hires Swede Joakim Nystrom as New Coach

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

Wimbledon could move back a week in the future

Bank of the West continues as Title Sponsor of WTA Bank of the West Classic

WTA Tour signs partnership deals with California Products Corporation and Erke

DIRECTV Offers Interactive Wimbledon Coverage through July 2

Agassi, Graf, Roddick headline Mylan World TeamTennis Smash Hits in Pittsburgh

Nadal-Djokovic Exhibition Match for Charity to be shown Live on ESPN2 on July 14

Blue Clay not permitted at ATP World Tour events in 2013

John McEnroe commits to Statoil Masters Tennis at Royal Albert Hall in London

ATP World Tour announces new Player Council

Di Palermo re-elected to ATP Board of Directors

By Justin Cohen

Caroline Wozniacki Underwear Line to be Released in September

Roger Federer, Agent Tony Godsick split from IMG

Tennis Channel earns record ratings during first week of French Open

Nishikori commits to Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships

Rowe named Director of Special Events and Assistant Tournament Director in Newport

Preferred Offers for Citi cardmembers in all World TeamTennis Pro League Matches in 2012

Clearwater Mayor receives $2,000 from USTA Florida during Clearwater Family Tennis Festival

Djokovic leaves Sergio Tacchini, will sign with Japanese clothing brand UNIQLO

Tennis Channel to offer over 140 hours of French Open coverage starting May 27

WTA Tour Challenger Series to debut in Taiwan

Search launches for next WTA Championships host

Nintendo partners with the USTA in its SmashZone Mobile Tour

Tennis Industry Association set to release State of the Industry Report

USTA Florida renames USTA Florida Jr. State Closed Championships after Bobby Curtis

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EXHIBITION

PowerShares QQQ becomes Title Sponsor of Champions Series starting in 2012

ESPN signs 6-year multi-platform rights deal with the WTA Tour

Allaster set to stay as WTA Tour CEO through 2017

US Open could change to Monday finish as early as 2012 tournament

American Bogomolov Jr. wants to finish career playing Davis Cup for Russia

Canadian Rebecca Marino splits with coach Larose after two years

Clijsters to return in December exhibition match against Wozniacki in Antwerp