<![CDATA[Industry Insider - A Tennis Now Blog]]> <![CDATA[50 Most Marketable Athlete List released without Federer or Serena?]]> ]]>
British sports magazine SportsPro Media released its list of the 50 most marketable athletes in the world on Monday with some staggering results.

Apparently focusing on potential rather than resume, the magazine selected American phenom Sloane Stephens as No. 9 on its list, making her the most marketable female athlete in the world.

The magazine lists its central criteria as "money, age, home market, charisma, willingness to be marketed and crossover appeal."

Eight tennis players make the list - Novak Djokovic at No. 6, Stephens at No. 9, Victoria Azarenka at No. 15, Maria Sharapova at No. 16, Andy Murray at No. 18, Caroline Wozniacki at No. 23, Rafael Nadal at No. 25 and Laura Robson at No. 40.

That's not a typo nor an omission - neither Roger Federer nor Serena Williams made the list, perhaps because both are over 30, but honestly, how is that even possible, particularly when Forbes recently named Federer the no. 2 most valuable brand in the sports world behind only Tiger Woods.

Williams not being included on the list makes only a fraction more sense. She's over 30 as well and has had a few blowups over the years, but is any woman in sports more recognizable?





]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 11:07:39 GMT <![CDATA[US Open moving to ESPN?]]> ]]>
Sources close to the issue are reporting that ESPN is close to acquiring the television broadcast rights to the US Open, which has been a staple on CBS since the Open Era began in 1968.

It is a somewhat surprising move given ESPN's hardcore commitment to college football and baseball during the timeframe (late August, early September) when the US Open takes place.

According to sources, ESPN would show earlier rounds on its various networks as well as streaming them live online. However, the deal would include all four singles semifinals and two singles finals on ESPN's main network.

The move could have both positive and negative effects for the event. Although they are an ever-dwindling minority, as of 2012, 37% of all Americans did not have cable television service. Although some of that 37% likely uses an Internet connection to watch television programming, that is still more than one-third of the potential audience which, come 2015, will not be able to turn on its television set and watch the final matches of the US Open.

This is the same sort of gamble that ESPN took when it bought the rights to Monday Night Football, which had been a traditional ABC program. Although both ESPN and ABC are owned by the same parent company - Disney - ratings for the event have dropped significantly since it moved off broadcast TV.

Although Monday Night Football remains the most-watched show on television, its ratings dipped to a four-year low in 2012.]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 11:05:23 GMT <![CDATA[Bryan Brothers, Wozniacki team up with EFactor]]> ]]>
Wozniacki and the Bryan Brothers announced their plan to endorse EFactor Corp., a social network for entrepreneurs on Monday. The trio were officially introduced as EFactor VIPs.

"These Tennis stars have some very intriguing things in common with the average entrepreneur," said EFactor CEO Adrie Reinders. "Both Caroline Wozniacki and the Bryan Brothers are stand-alone businesses. Caroline, and Bob & Mike are the respective CEOs of their personal brands. The success they have achieved on the court has allowed them to create a sustainable business off the court."
Wozniacki has accrued an army of endorsers since her ascension to No. 1 in 2010,including Adidas, Turkish Airlines, Proactiv, Yonex and Rolex.

Mike and Bob Bryan - the most-decorated doubles tandem in Open Era history - also play in a band and have various endorsements of their own.]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 10:41:40 GMT <![CDATA[Agassi Returns to Nike]]> ]]>
BACK HOME.


A simple Facebook post from Andre Agassi to announce his return to Nike.

"As a philanthropist and campaigner, he continues to share Nike's commitment to inspire the young generation with his Just Do It spirit," Nike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight said. "We are honored to welcome him back."

Back in 2005, the Los Angeles Times reported that one of the reasons Agassi left Nike was the "willingness of Adidas to also support Agassi's charitable foundation and other initiatives." Additionally (and maybe more importantly), Agassi's wife, Steffi Graf, wore Adidas throughout her career.

]]> Tue, 14 May 2013 10:50:50 GMT <![CDATA[Texas-Based Retailer Creates Tennis Wonderland]]> ]]>Tennis Express has expanded to better serve tennis enthusiasts everywhere. ]]>By Alice Johnson

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and it seems that the folks at Tennis Express, one of the largest specialty tennis retailers in the world, have proven the old adage with a recent store move.
 
The company, which has been around since 2000, has relocated to a much larger facility to accommodate the burgeoning Texas tennis market, as well as provide a greater range of products to all tennis enthusiasts.
 
Though the company specializes in the gear and garments of our favorite sport, their offerings include a wide range of products, including training equipment, running apparel and shoes, watches, sunglasses – even nutritional items. And then, of course, there’s the tennis stuff – racquets from almost every brand imaginable line the 30-foot high walls, dozens of shoe styles are displayed at the back, and a brand new indoor tennis court provides a place for demoing all your gear before you buy. Plus, an enormous clearance center promises guests will not run out of places to explore. Specialists in shoes, racquets, and string are on hand to create a personalized buying experience. And, the 22,000 square foot warehouse offers another sizable update, ensuring Tennis Express has everything in stock for their ever-growing customer base.
 
Tennis Now is always happy to hear that tennis is growing as a sport, and any time a store has giant-sized posters of the Maestro on its front, we think it’s a good thing. The new store is located at 10770 Westheimer in Houston, Texas. Call 713.781.4848, or check out the Tennis Express blog for more information.]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 17:19:42 GMT <![CDATA[ATP President Brad Drewett Dead at 54 from Lou Gehrig's Disease]]> ]]> By Nick Georgandis

Brad Drewett, the ATP's president and executive chairman, and a former tour player, died at age 54 on Friday after a fight with Motor Neurone Disease, known more commonly as Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS)..
Drewett was 54.
The Australian-born Drewett first informed the general public of his condition in January.  In 2012, he was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Sports Business by the Sports Business Journal, the first time an ATP executive had ever made the list.
Drewett was involved with the ATP for more than 35 years, first as a player, than as an ATP Player Council member, ATP Player Board member, CEO of the International Region, Tournament Director of the Barclays and then Executive Chairman and President.
There was a huge flood of emotion and sympathy for Drewett and his family from members of the tour, first and foremost Roger Federer, who released the following statement: 
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of our dear friend and leader, Brad Drewett. He was a great player, a tremendous ATP CEO and most importantly and amazing friend to all of us. In his short time running the ATP, he achieved a lot and his dynamic personality and steadfast loyalty to the entire global tennis family was so evident. We loved this man and send our condolences to his wife, Jo and their 4 children. The sport of tennis has lost a great figure today, but we will ensure his legacy and contributions to our sport remain part of the ATP's fabric for years to come.
Other top pros expressed their thanks to Drewett's efforts via Twitter, including Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro. 
As a player, Drewett reached No. 34 in the world in singles and No. 18 in doubles. He won seven doubles titles and two singles.
ALS - amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a perplexing and incurable condition characterized by inexplicable muscle atrophy which ultimately results in difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing.
]]> Fri, 03 May 2013 22:29:04 GMT <![CDATA[Tennis Economy Up 3%, Says New TIA State of the Industry Report]]> ]]>HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C., (April 24, 2013) — Tennis in the U.S. is a $5.57 billion business, according to the latest edition of the State of the Industry report, just released by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). That represents a 3% increase in the total tennis economy from 2011.

The third edition of the TIA State of the Industry report compiles data from 2012 that the TIA collects through its more than 70 annual surveys and research studies. The State of the Industry report takes a top-level view of a variety of trends and segments in the industry to tell a comprehensive "story of the tennis industry," says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer.

The report presents important TIA data, trends and analysis so that tennis businesses of all types can benefit by seeing where this industry has been, where it is now, and where it's going. Important for the industry is the 10% growth in the number of "frequent" tennis players, those who play at least 21 times a year, to 5.31 million in 2012. Frequent players account for more than 70% of all expenditures in tennis, including buying equipment, paying for lessons and court time, and playing league tennis and more.

Other highlights from this year's report include:
  • A 4% increase in overall tennis participation, to 28 million players, and the highest participation level since 2009.
  • Positive growth in youth tennis equipment wholesale in 2012, with 38% growth in red, orange, and green tennis ball shipments (important for youth tennis play) and 5% growth in youth racquet shipments.
  • An increase in the TIA's new "Tennis Equipment Index," which was up 3 points over the 2011 valuation. The index is derived from taking the wholesale dollar value of racquets, balls, and strings shipped into the U.S. tennis market.
  • 2% growth in racquet unit sales for pro/specialty tennis retailers.
  • Increased business for both teaching pros and court contractors in 2012.
  • 3% growth in total hours of tennis TV coverage and 14% growth in unique TV viewers of tennis in 2012, driven by viewership of the 2012 London Olympics.
"The tennis industry moved in a positive direction in 2012," says TIA President Greg Mason. "Like many other industries, we still have challenges, but the TIA, together with our industry partners and the U.S. Tennis Association, is focused on strengthening this industry and the business of tennis. The extensive research that the TIA does is unique among sports, and it's an important part of our support of this industry. By continuing to narrow our focus and developing meaningful initiatives and delivery systems, we will best serve the TIA members to grow the business of tennis both short term and long term."

The 16-page State of the Industry report also details the growth in youth tennis participation; tells the reasons why people played more or less tennis in 2012; presents dealer, teaching pro, and court builder expectations; and much more.

The report is organized in four sections:
  • The Economy and Tennis - Including comparing trends in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Consumer Confidence Index to overall trends in the tennis economy.
  • Demand - Highlighting participation trends as well as playing habits of the industry's key revenue driver, frequent players. The section also includes frequent player spending on tennis equipment and goals for industry growth.
  • Supply - Manufacturers, Retailers, Facilities, Court Contractors, Teaching Pros, Media, and Organizations comprise the supply/service side of the tennis industry. The State of the Industry highlights trends in wholesale shipments for manufacturers, trends affecting the tennis retail market, tennis facility performance data, business trends from court contractors, and the current state of the tennis industry from the perspective of teaching professionals.
  • Competitive Tennis - This section highlights competitive tennis at the recreational, collegiate, and professional levels, including participation, attendance, prize money and sponsorship trends.
The TIA's State of the Industry report is an annual release made available to Industry Level members of the TIA and above. If you would like more information on how to obtain a copy of the report, contact the TIA at research@tennisindustry.org or 866- 686-3036.]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:41:55 GMT <![CDATA[French Open Increases Prize Money for 2013]]> ]]> ]]>
In keeping with recent increases from the other Grand Slam tournaments, organizers of the French Open (Roland Garros)  announced a similar increase in prize money for this year.

The total prize money purse for 2013 will rise to 22 million euros, an increase of over three million euros from last year. Winners of the men's and women's singles titles will each receive 1.5 million euros, up from $250,000 last year.

Organizers said their plan is also part of a larger goal to increase the prize money purse to 32 million euros by 2016.

The increase at the French Open does not quite match the prize money targets announced by organizers of the U.S. Open and Australian Open earlier this year. Those increases were due partially to increased pressure from ATP players who advocated for a larger percentage of tournament earnings.

By comparison, the U.S. Open will award prize money of over $33.6 million this year while the Australian Open earlier in January gave out A$30 million in prize money with more increases due in the future.

The French Open will take place this year from May 26th through June 9th.
]]> Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:19:19 GMT <![CDATA[Stuttgart Switching to Grass in 2015]]> ]]>
The ATP Board of Directors has approved the request of the MercedesCup in Stuttgart to switch to a grass court event starting in 2015. The tournament, now played on clay, hopes to take advantage of the upcoming shift in the overall ATP Tour schedule in two years that will add an extra week between Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Stuttgart will now join Queen's Club in London, Halle, Eastbourne and ‘s-Hertogenbosch as part of a group of grass court events leading up to Wimbledon.

“The ATP is pleased to confirm that the request by the MercedesCup in Stuttgart to move to a grass court event in the week after Roland Garros from 2015 has been approved by the ATP Board of Directors. The MercedesCup in Stuttgart presented an extremely thorough application and we have full confidence that they will deliver a high-level ATP grass court event in the lead up to Wimbledon," said Brad Drewitt, ATP Executive Chairman and President.

Richard Lewis, Chief Executive of the All England Club, said:  “The three-week gap will create a longer grass court season between the French Open and Wimbledon, allowing the players more time to recover from the demands of playing at Roland Garros and then to prepare for The Championships. We are delighted to welcome the MercedesCup as a very important first step in building this exciting new extension to the grass court game."

The Stuttgart tournament began in 1898 with Mercedes-Benz becoming a title sponsor in 1979. Janko Tipsarevic won last year's event.
]]> Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:20:21 GMT <![CDATA[Miami Plans New Show Courts, Upgrades by 2015]]> ]]>
Sony Open Tennis event organizers announced plans beginning in 2014 for expanding the facilities at Crandon Park where the tournament is held each year in Dade County, Florida. The $50 million improvement project will create three new show courts including a 6,000 seat Grandstand, a 4,000 seat Court 1 and a 3,000 seat Court 2. Additional improvements are planned for the current main stadium, player facilities and broadcast media center.

Improvements will also be added to the grounds of Crandon Park for year-round use include new green spaces and a central water feature.

The expansion follows a recent county-wide election where voters approved allowing the event to build permanent structures along with extending its lease. The bulk of the funding will come from IMG, the event's owner, in addition to tournament generated revenues and cost savings.

“The Sony Open’s evolution into a top-tier global tournament has mirrored Miami’s rise as a global city, broadcasting the city’s brand around the world and attracting visitors from overseas,” said Tournament Director Adam Barrett. “What began as a regional event has grown to become one of the premier stops on the professional tour, and we believe the Sony Open deserves first-rate facilities. Our investment in upgrading the Crandon Park Tennis Center will insure international tennis remains in Miami for the long-term.”

Speaking on behalf of the event, former player and tennis analyst Mary Joe Fernandez said, "The 50 weeks that the tournament is not here, the residents, the visitors, are really going to enjoy what this great park is going to have to offer. I think it will be fantastic."

Construction on the new facilities and event upgrades is expected to start at the end of the tournament in 2014 and be completed by 2015.
]]> Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:30:29 GMT <![CDATA[Andy Murray, Laura Robson at center of international bidding war]]> ]]>
Laura Robson and Andy Murray saw their lights shine as brightly as any British tennis stars in living memory in 2012.
Now they're so famous that the pair is the center of a bidding war for their services.
Murray, the 2012 US Open champion and gold medal singles champion, and Robson, who at age 19 leapt into the Top 50 and combined with Murray to win the silver medal in mixed doubles in London, have gotten a ton of media attention lately as they are courted by various firms seeking to represent them.
The biggest player involved is XIX Entertainment, owned by entertainment mogul Simon Fuller, creator of the "Pop Idol" and "American Idol" franchises, as well as being the driving force behind the Spice Girls.
XIX Entertainment previously represented Murray, who racked up more than $16 million in prize money and endorsements in 2012, but that contract ended at the end of last year. The firm has continued to informally represent the No. 3 player in the world without a contract. 
However, mega-firm IMG has come calling for Murray's services of late, a particularly interesting note given that the firm lost Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, along with golf rock star Tiger Woods in the two years.
Robson is near the end of a deal with Octagon, which has represented her for the past eight years. She is already the fourth-richest female athlete in the UK after making 285,000 pounds (about $431,000) in 2012. Murray could not crack the top 5 of male athletes in the UK in terms of earning, currently dominated by football and Formula One stars.
Murray is the first British man to win a Grand Slam title in 76 years when he defeated Novak Djokovic at the US Open last fall. 
Robson, who only turned 19 in January, made the fourth round at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
 
]]> Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:17:07 GMT <![CDATA[Nike Training App Workout Features Serena]]> ]]>The CorePower Workout featuring Serena Williams is now available on the Nike Training Club App. The CorePower Workout features the 31-year old Tennis phenom walking you through various exercises involving resistance bands and a stability ball. Serena understands it’s hard for some to make it to the gym every day, so this App is made not to replace your gym regimen, but provide a great substitute. The Nike Training Club app is available now, so click here to learn more from Nike and download the application. You can also shop Serena's look on the app as well.]]> Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:54:39 GMT <![CDATA[LTA Chief Executive Roger Draper to step down in September]]> ]]>  
2012 saw great success for Britain’s junior and senior players, including Grand Slam titles and Olympic and Paralympic medals. There was also significant growth in the number of people playing tennis, including an 18% rise in the number of adults playing weekly in England. More than a million spectators watched a live tennis event in the UK last year.
 
Roger said: "It has been a huge honour to serve the sport that I love so much and to play my part in leading British tennis.  I have been very lucky to work with fantastic people both at the LTA and across the wider tennis community, and I would like to thank them all for their passion, commitment and hard work.
 
“As a result, the sport is entering a very exciting phase, and now is the right time for me to hand over the baton to a new leader who can build on what has been achieved in recent years, and take British tennis to new levels.”
 
During his time as CEO, Roger has overseen the introduction of the Blueprint for British tennis, a long term strategy to grow the sport.
 
This had led to the creation of new talent identification and performance programmes, and a ground-breaking Lead Partner commercial model which has increased commercial revenue from £1.75m in 2006 to £9m last year.
 
He has also led the LTA’s work to help more people play tennis, including the development of a mini tennis programme which is now played by more than 100,000 children, and has been adopted internationally.
 
David Gregson, Chairman of the LTA Board, said:  “Roger has made a significant contribution to the development of British tennis, and Peter Bretherton (LTA President) and I would like to thank him for all his hard work in driving these changes.  His passion and enthusiasm for the sport will be much missed. Roger will be staying on as CEO until the end of September, and we shall now start the process to appoint his successor”.
]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:50:46 GMT <![CDATA[Mylan World Team Tennis 2013 Schedule]]> ]]>
The season begins on Sunday, July 7 with six of the eight teams in action.  But the focus will be on Monday, July 8, when the back-to-back champion Washington Kastles host their rivals, the New York Sportimes at Kastles Stadium at the Wharf in Washington, D.C.

The Kastles have not lost a match during the past two seasons, winning the 2011 and 2012 Mylan WTT titles.  Washington edged Sacramento in the 2012 Finals to complete their second consecutive undefeated season and hoisted the King Trophy for the third time in franchise history.  Heading into the 2013 Mylan WTT season, the Kastles have won 32 consecutive matches, including two championship finals.

Their streak ranks among sports' best and is the second longest in major pro sports league history.  The Kastles are one win shy of tying the mark of 33 consecutive wins, held by the NBA's 1971-72 Lakers.  If the Kastles can win their home opener, they will have the opportunity to set a new record on their home court on July 9 when 2012 Finals MVP Venus Williams joins the lineup.

Williams and the Kastles will also visit the League's newest team, the Irving, Texas-based Texas Wild, on July 10.  The Wild are led by the world's top ranked doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan who will make their home debut on July 20.

Several of tennis' biggest names are playing Mylan World TeamTennis this summer.  Andy Roddick will play five matches for the Springfield Lasers, while rising American star Sloane Stephens joins the Philadelphia Freedoms for home matches on July 16 and 17, and road matches on July 15 and 20.

Mardy Fish returns to Mylan WTT action, playing home matches for the Sacramento Capitals on July 10, 12 and 13.

Other top names set for Mylan WTT action this summer include Mark Philippoussis of the Boston Lobsters and Sam Querrey of the Sacramento Capitals.  Philippoussis will play on the road in Texas on July 13 and several home matches still to be determined.  Querrey helps the Capitals close out the regular season with matches on July 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Each of the eight teams will play 14 matches - seven home, seven away.  Eastern Conference teams are the Boston Lobsters, New York Sportimes, Philadelphia Freedoms and Washington Kastles.  Western Conference teams are Orange County Breakers, Sacramento Capitals, Springfield Lasers and Texas Wild.  The top two teams from both the Western and Eastern Conference advance to their respective Conference Championships on July 25.  The Mylan WTT Finals presented by GEICO, will be contested on July 28 on the home court of the Eastern Conference Champion.

Team lineups will be finalized next week in Indian Wells at the Mylan WTT Roster Draft on Tuesday, March 12 at Noon EST on WTT.com.  Marquee players typically play a limited schedule while roster players play the full 3-week season.
For a full schedule and list of marquee player dates, visit www.WTT.com.

2013 SCHEDULE - Mylan World TeamTennis presented by GEICO
including Marquee matches in parentheses - subject to change (as of March 6, 2013)

Sunday, July 7
New York Sportimes @ Boston Lobsters           
Philadelphia Freedoms @ Orange County Breakers
Texas Wild @ Sacramento Capitals               

Monday, July 8
New York Sportimes @ Washington Kastles        
Boston Lobsters @ Springfield Lasers           
Texas Wild @ Orange County Breakers            
Philadelphia Freedoms @ Sacramento Capitals

Tuesday, July 9
Springfield Lasers (Andy Roddick - SPR) @ New York Sportimes#   #in Albany
Boston Lobsters @ Washington Kastles (Venus Williams - WAS)

Wednesday, July 10
New York Sportimes @ Boston Lobsters
Springfield Lasers (Andy Roddick - SPR) @ Philadelphia Freedoms
Washington Kastles (Venus Williams - WAS) @ Texas Wild
Orange County Breakers @ Sacramento Capitals (Mardy Fish - SAC)

Thursday, July 11
Springfield Lasers (Andy Roddick - SPR) @ Washington Kastles   
Orange County Breakers @ Texas Wild

Friday, July 12
Philadelphia Freedoms @ New York Sportimes#             #in Albany     
Orange County Breakers @ Springfield Lasers (Andy Roddick - SPR)
Boston Lobsters @ Sacramento Capitals (Mardy Fish - SAC)

Saturday, July 13
Boston Lobsters (Mark Philippoussis - BOS) @ Texas Wild
Springfield Lasers (Andy Roddick - SPR) @ Orange County Breakers       
Washington Kastles @ Sacramento Capitals (Mardy Fish - SAC)

Sunday, July 14
Philadelphia Freedoms @ Boston Lobsters
Sacramento Capitals @ Texas Wild

Monday, July 15
Washington Kastles @ Boston Lobsters
Philadelphia Freedoms (Sloane Stephens - PHL) @ New York Sportimes#     #in Albany
Texas Wild @ Springfield Lasers        
Sacramento Capitals @ Orange County Breakers

Tuesday, July 16
Boston Lobsters @ New York Sportimes#   #in Albany
Washington Kastles @ Philadelphia Freedoms (Sloane Stephens - PHL)
Texas Wild (Bob & Mike Bryan - TEX) @ Orange County Breakers

Wednesday, July 17
New York Sportimes @ Philadelphia Freedoms (Sloane Stephens - PHL)
Springfield Lasers @ Washington Kastles
Texas Wild (Bob & Mike Bryan - TEX) @ Sacramento Capitals

Thursday, July 18
Orange County Breakers @ New York Sportimes#    #in Albany
Sacramento Capitals @ Springfield Lasers

Friday, July 19
Sacramento Capitals @ Boston Lobsters
Orange County Breakers @ Philadelphia Freedoms 
Washington Kastles @ Texas Wild

Saturday, July 20
New York Sportimes @ Washington Kastles
Philadelphia Freedoms (Sloane Stephens - PHL) @ Springfield Lasers     
Orange County Breakers @ Texas Wild (Bob & Mike Bryan - TEX)

Sunday, July 21
Washington Kastles @ Boston Lobsters
Texas Wild (Bob & Mike Bryan - TEX) @ Philadelphia Freedoms    
New York Sportimes @ Springfield Lasers
Sacramento Capitals (Sam Querrey - SAC) @ Orange County Breakers

Monday, July 22
Springfield Lasers @ Boston Lobsters
Texas Wild @ New York Sportimes*                *at Randall's Island
Philadelphia Freedoms @ Washington Kastles
Orange County Breakers @ Sacramento Capitals (Sam Querrey - SAC)

Tuesday, July 23
Washington Kastles @ New York Sportimes* *at Randall's Island
Boston Lobsters @ Philadelphia Freedoms
Sacramento Capitals (Sam Querrey - SAC) @ Springfield Lasers

Wednesday, July 24
New York Sportimes @ Philadelphia Freedoms     
Boston Lobsters @ Washington Kastles
Sacramento Capitals (Sam Querrey - SAC) @ Texas Wild
Springfield Lasers @ Orange County Breakers

POST-SEASON:
Thursday, July 25
Mylan WTT Western Conference Championship  presented by GEICO - #1 vs. #2 Western Conference teams, location TBD
Mylan WTT Eastern Conference Championship  presented by GEICO - #1 vs. #2 Eastern Conference teams, location TBD

Sunday, July 28
Mylan WTT Finals presented by GEICO - at home court of Eastern Conference Champion
Mylan World TeamTennis - TEAM VENUES
TEAM            Match Venue / Match Start Time

WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Orange County Breakers  Bren Events Center at UC Irvine Campus, Irvine, Calif.  / 7:00pm PT
Sacramento Capitals     Sunrise Marketplace Outdoor Pavilion, Citrus Heights, Calif. / 7:35pm PT
Texas Wild      Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Irving, Texas / 7:35pm CT
Springfield Lasers      Mediacom Stadium at Cooper Tennis Complex, Springfield, Mo. / 7:05pm CT

EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Boston Lobsters The Joan Norton Tennis Center at Manchester Athletic Club, Manchester, Mass. // 7:00pm ET
New York Sportimes      *Sportime Stadium at Randall's Island, New York, N.Y. and #SEFCU Arena, Albany, N.Y. / 7:30pm ET
Philadelphia Freedoms   The Pavilion at Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. / 7:00pm ET
Washington Kastles      Kastles Stadium at the Wharf, Washington, D.C.  / 7:10pm ET
               
Mylan World TeamTennis
Ph:  (817) 684-0366
Cell: (817) 691-5424]]> Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:08:51 GMT <![CDATA[New Report Shows Tennis Players Make Better Grades]]> ]]>Statistics show 48% of high school tennis players have an “A” average and 81% aspire to attend college.
 
Tennis participation positively influences the lives of U.S. youth across all socioeconomic levels.
 
USTA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the United States Tennis Association, today announced the results of the USTA Serves Special Report, More Than a Sport: Tennis, Education and Health. The study, conducted among high school students, is the first nationwide study to analyze the educational, behavioral and health benefits to adolescents who participate in tennis. Results from the study show that, when compared to non-athletes and participants in many other sports, young people who participate in tennis get better grades, devote more hours to studying, think more about their future, aspire to attend and graduate from college, and have lower suspension and expulsion rates.
 
Key findings from the report include:
  • Tennis is a unique catalyst for educational advantage.
Tennis players spent more time doing homework, and were more likely to report receiving “A” grades. A full 48% of students in the report have an “A” average and 81% say they will attend college.
  • Tennis players had significantly lower rates of suspension from school and other disciplinary measures than participants in other sports and non-athletes.
In fact, 73% have never been sent to the principal’s office.
  • Educational advantages among tennis players occurred across all socioeconomic levels.
  • Adolescent tennis players are well-rounded.
Participation rates within extracurricular activities and community involvement were higher among adolescent tennis players. Indeed, 82% volunteer in their communities.
  • Tennis contributes to adolescent health.
Tennis players reported lower rates of unhealthy behavior such as drinking and smoking, and are less likely to be overweight or become obese. 
  • Adolescent participation in tennis varies by race/ethnicity and gender, as well as across geographic regions.
Among all adolescent tennis players in the U.S., whites constituted 77%, Hispanics 14%, and African-Americans 9%.
 
“While most people may not be surprised to learn that the majority of adolescent tennis players score better than most other athletes (and all non-athletes) on education and social behavior, what is less known is that those benefits also cross all socioeconomics levels in varying degrees,” said Deborah Slaner Larkin, Executive Director of USTA Serves.  “Hopefully, this evidence-based research will encourage more educators, health policy makers and parents to promote tennis in physical education classes as well as in school and community-based sports programs so that students across the country will reap these important education and health benefits.”
 
"The evidence shows that tennis participation is clearly linked with educational achievement, health, and social involvement among U.S. adolescents," said Don Sabo, Ph.D., principal investigator. “USTA Serves is commended for its use of evidence-based research to evaluate the contributions that tennis makes in the lives of U.S. adolescents”.
 
The results confirm USTA Serves’ belief in tennis as a sport of opportunity and validate its mission to support programs that enhance the lives of children and families through the integration of tennis, health and education. To date, USTA Serves has awarded more than $15 million in grants and scholarships to people and programs throughout the country in order to provide at-risk and underserved youth with greater opportunities to realize success.
 
The report used data from Monitoring the Future (MTF), a federally-funded survey, in order to compare the education and health profiles of tennis players with other high school athletes, as well as with high school students who do not participate in sports. 
 
For the full executive summary and report, please visit www.ustaserves.com.]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:56:48 GMT <![CDATA[The Rich get Richer: Indian Wells Boosts Prize Money]]> ]]>
The old song lyric by the Oak Ridge Boys would have you believe that all the gold in California is "In a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills in somebody else's name.  The promoters of the BNP Paribas Open beg to differ, and have put their money where their mouth is, announcing an increase in 2013 prize money for the event, topping out at $5,030,402.  This is a cool $860,000 above the ATP men's minimum prize money. The women's pirize money elevates by a similar amount.

Indian Wells didn't stop there, also convincing the ATP to allow it to yield 82% of its prize money to the singles fiel, as opposed to the ATP standard of 80%. What's more, Indian Wells will award players more money as they advance deeper into each tournament. 

“We have worked with tournament organizers over a number of weeks in order to get as close to the ATP prize money distribution rules as possible,” said ATP CEO Brad Drewett said. “We’re pleased to have reached a decision for 2013. The investment that [owner and billionaire] Larry Ellison has made in the BNP Paribas Open in recent years has been tremendous for the sport. For the long-term benefit of both our players and tournaments, it’s important to establish a rule that can provide suitable parameters for similar requests to be processed in years ahead."

Indian Wells is one of the chief tournaments to try and bill itself as the "fifth major" and falls in longest time lag between any two Grand Slam (the Australian Open in late January, the French Open in early May). Of the 1,000-point ATP tournaments, its prize money is easily the most, followed by Madrid's $4,491,020 and Shanghai's $3,849,445.
]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:16:07 GMT <![CDATA[Volkl Launches New Website]]> ]]>Volkl announces their new and improved tennis website.]]>The fantastic new site has a fresh, new and improved modern look.  It is specifically optimized for search engines, and will drive more traffic to our site, creating a great buzz on new products and help initiate the "Volkl Experience." 
 
Explore the site here: New Volkl Tennis Site]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:55:49 GMT <![CDATA[Todd Martin Aims to Grow His Business with TGA Premier Youth Tennis]]> ]]>Former ATP World Tour pro Todd Martin recently purchased a TGA Premier Youth Tennis Franchise based in Jacksonville, FL. ]]>Former ATP World Tour pro Todd Martin recently purchased a TGA Premier Youth Tennis Franchise based in Jacksonville, FL. Todd also owns Todd Martin Tennis (TMT), located at Sawgrass Country Club. The addition of the TGA Franchise will give Todd the ability to increase traffic at the facility while adding a new revenue stream for his company.

"TGA really appealed to me because in order for tennis to be a viable competitor in U.S. sports, it needs to be in the schools with other sports," Martin explains. "The comprehensive curriculum, developed with the USTA, is also very exciting and proven to be effective. The innovative TGA model stands to help 10 and Under Tennis establish itself as the best pathway for children to get through the early stages of tennis development."

TGA's school based model aligns perfectly with the TIA's mission to grow the game and offer opportunities for tennis providers to expand their businesses and profitability. By making tennis accessible to kids right at their schools, TGA gives customers an easy solution to get their child involved in the sport. Jeff and Dale Moulton recognized this when they purchased a TGA Youth Tennis Franchise in Indianapolis, IN to add to their facility Off the Wall Sports.

"We are very optimistic about adding TGA to our facility and working with the youth of Hamilton and Boone County," said Jeff Moulton. "The TGA franchise fits perfectly with our business model, allowing us to branch out in our community through the schools. It also enables us to get involved with kids by helping to enhance their lives through sports. It keeps them active and fit, and they learn life skills."

For more information on how investing in a TGA Franchise can help grow your business, please email Steve Tanner at steve@playtga.com or visit www.franchisetga.com. For additional program information, please visit www.PlayTGA.com or follow TGA Premier Youth Tennis on Twitter @tgayouthtennis and Like our Facebook Page, Facebook.com/TGAtennis.

Todd recently spoke to Tennis Now about five set matches, Novak Djokovic, doping and more. See the full interview here.
]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:31:19 GMT <![CDATA[Tech Talk: Nadal's Tennis Academy App]]> ]]>Just in time for Rafael Nadal's return to tennis this week at the Vina Del Mar event in Chile, a new teaching app is available for those who want to play just like the 11-time Major champion. Or at least learn how. ]]>Just in time for Rafael Nadal's return to tennis this week at the Vina Del Mar event in Chile, a new teaching app is available for those who want to play just like the 11-time Major champion. Or at least learn how.

Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy powered by Vistrator is the new app that allows you to watch multiple tutorials on Nadal's shots as demonstrated by the man himself. The software also allows one to upload their own videos and then compare their technique to Nadal's.

An example of this can be found in this demonstration video of Jaime Murray hitting a serve at Wimbledon and it being compared side-by-side to Nadal's own serve. The video analysis tool allows one to pinpoint specific differences in the way you hit a shot versus the way Nadal does with the goal of making you a better player.



The app also allows users the opportunity to share their videos with other users through Facebook and Twitter as well as listen to Nadal discuss his thoughts on being a professional tennis player.

Though diehard Nadal fans will probably download the app right away, those who are looking to seriously improve their game might want to use the app in conjunction with whatever training methods they are currently using, whether through lessons and/or working with an instructor. No two players are alike and though intermediate players can certainly learn something valuable from the Spanish star, this app shouldn't be the only method used to transform one's shots from average to impressive. Still, it's a cool and fun app that is worth checking out.

The cost of the app is $4.99 and a Spanish language version is also available. Currently only iPhone users can download the program.

For more information about the app, visit http://www.vstrator.com/rafanadal

(Photo Credit: Vistrator.com)]]> Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:37:55 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA Mourns the Death of Former CEO Tim Heckler ]]> ]]>Tim Heckler, former chief executive officer of the United States Professional Tennis Association, passed away this morning in Houston after suffering a heart attack.]]>HOUSTON – Tim Heckler, former chief executive officer of the United States Professional Tennis Association, passed away this morning in Houston after suffering a heart attack. He was 71 years old.

“We are shocked and saddened by this loss,” said Tom Daglis, USPTA President. “He will be sorely missed in the industry as the single largest contributor to the USPTA in its entire history. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Renee, his children, and the rest of his family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Heckler retired from his position as chief executive officer of the USPTA in December 2012, after 30 years in the position. When Heckler was tapped as USPTA CEO in 1982, the organization had approximately 2,400 members and an annual budget of $700,000. He grew the association to the world’s oldest and largest organization of its kind, serving more than 15,000 members in 66 countries, and operating on an annual budget of $6.5 million.

Heckler, who began playing tennis at age 3, started his tennis-teaching career in 1970, the same year he joined USPTA. He was elected president of the USPTA Texas Division in 1974 and served as national president of the organization from 1980 to 1982. With Heckler’s guidance, USPTA became one of the first tennis organizations to embrace technology, first through the computerization of the business itself as early as 1982, and then later through its use of the Internet and email-based communications and education.

USPTA introduced its first website in 1995. The USPTA honored Heckler in 2000 by naming him a grand inductee in the Association’s Hall of Fame. He also received the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis Educational Merit Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005.

In 2008 he received the highest honor awarded by the United States Professional Tennis Association, the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award. He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, on a tennis scholarship and played on the international circuit, including Wimbledon in 1959 and 1961, and the U.S. Open in 1960.


UPDATE:
Visitiation and Vigil Service
Friday, February 8, 6-8pm
Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home
6700 Ferris St.
Bellaire, TX 77401

Funeral Service
Saturday, February 9 at Noon
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
6800 Buffalo Speedway
Houston, TX 77025]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:45:56 GMT <![CDATA[WTA Narrows FIeld for 2014 YEC Host Cities]]> ]]>
This week Allaster is scheduled to make an official site visit to Monterrey, Mexico, on January 30 and 31. Monterrey has been accepted as a candidate city, replacing Mexico City as the official Mexican candidate. Allaster is also scheduled to make official visits to Singapore, the week of February 25, followed by Tianjin, China, the week of March 4.

"The WTA Championships provide cities around the world a stage on which their cities can be showcased. I am very pleased with the amount of international interest the Championships bidding process has received," said Allaster. "I look forward to meeting with each finalist city and having the opportunity to review, in-person, the details of each bid."

After receiving more than 40 initial expressions of interest for the 2014 WTA Championships, the field was narrowed to four (4) cities in November 2012 -- Kazan, Russia; Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore; and Tianjin, China.

]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:23:52 GMT <![CDATA[World TeamTennis Team Moves to Irving, Texas]]> ]]>
The name of the new team will be determined through fan voting at www.WTT.com/Texas. Fans can vote immediately on several choices or add their own write-in candidates until Thursday, January 31.

"We are excited to bring Mylan World TeamTennis to Irving and become part of the great sports community in North Texas," said Mylan WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss. "Fans can look forward to some of the best players in the world coming to Irving each summer. The team competition will be intense."

"This deal is a win-win for the Irving residents and hotels and businesses that will benefit from the tourism generated by having the only professional tennis team in Texas," stated Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne.

Team co-owner and general manager Jeff Launius will retain the rights to his 2012 team lineup which includes the world's top doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan, and Aisam Qureshi, No. 14 in the ATP doubles rankings.

Launius will begin to put together his 2013 squad at the Marquee Player Draft on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The team plans to bring back the Bryan Brothers and will announce other marquee matches following the Draft. The team roster will be finalized at the Mylan WTT Roster Player Draft on Tuesday, March 12.]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:26:22 GMT <![CDATA[Update On ATP Executive Chairman and President Brad Drewett]]> ]]>Brad Drewett will enter a transition period as ATP Executive Chairman and President due to illness, the ATP announced today.

Drewett, who took over as ATP Executive Chairman and President on 1 January 2012, has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease). He will continue in his current role on an interim basis as the ATP Board of Directors begins the search process for his successor in the near future.

"It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Chairman and President of the ATP, an organization that I’ve been a part of for more than 35 years since I became a professional tennis player,” said Drewett. “I hold the ATP very close to my heart, and it’s with sadness that I make the decision to enter this transition period due to my ill-health."

Roger Federer, President of the ATP Player Council, said: “Brad has become a good friend of mine over the years and this is very sad news for all of us at the ATP and the entire tennis community. He is well liked and respected by everyone and has done a tremendous job in leading the ATP over the past 12 months, overseeing some major initiatives and a record-breaking year in 2012. His dedication and service to the sport over the years has been truly admirable and he has been a central figure in helping to grow the ATP product across the globe. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time."

The WTA released a statement regarding the news. "The thoughts and prayers of the WTA family are with Brad, his family and the entire ATP community at this very difficult time," said Stacey Allaster, WTA Chairman & CEO. "We know he will fight this terrible disease every step of the way, and have our full support for whatever he needs."

"Tennis Channel stands with our tennis family in keeping Brad and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers," said Ken Solomon, chairman and CEO, Tennis Channel. "He and the ATP have our full support during this challenging time."

The ITF's President, Francesco Ricci Bitti, released this statement: "Everyone in the ITF family is saddened to learn that Brad Drewett will step down from his position as ATP Chairman following his diagnosis with ALS. Some of us at the ITF have known Brad since he was a player; many others have known him in his various roles at the ATP and all of us like and respect him. We were very happy to support him when he worked through the ATP International Group and then the Tennis Masters Cup to help to open the great country of China to our sport which will always be noted as one of his outstanding achievements. For the ITF and for me personally, he is more than a colleague, he is a friend, and I want Brad to know we are available to do whatever is needed to help support him and his family. We send our thoughts and good wishes to Brad and his family and to everyone at the ATP during this difficult time."

Tennis Australia's Steve Healy (President) and Steve Wood (CEO) also expressed their sympathies: "It is with great sadness that we receive the news about Brad Drewett's illness. Brad's incredible contribution to the game in Australia and worldwide is obvious to all. For more than three decades he has been a much loved member of the Australian tennis family. All of our thoughts are very much with Brad and his family at this time."

And Bill Babcock, Director of the Grand Slam Committee, also sent a release: "The Grand Slam tournaments are saddened to learn of Brad’s condition and everyone sends their prayers and any support needed to him and his family during this difficult period. Brad’s longstanding commitment to the Sport marks him as a true member of our tennis family and we wish him well in the fight ahead."

Drewett has been part of the ATP for more than 35 years, as a player, ATP Player Council member, ATP Player Board member, as CEO of the International Region, Tournament Director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and most recently as the ATP Executive Chairman and President for the last 12 months.]]> Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:21:48 GMT <![CDATA[New Balance + Milos Raonic: Official Announcement]]> ]]>New Balance and CAA Sports announced today the signing of Milos Raonic to a multi-year contract. New Balance will be Raonic’s exclusive tennis and training footwear and apparel provider. With the addition of Milos Raonic to the New Balance athlete roster the brand looks to expand its global tennis footwear business and launch a directional apparel line inspired by Milos and the brand's rich history.

On January 3, 2013 Milos debuted his New Balance footwear and apparel at the Brisbane International. New Balance will work with Milos to launch a new tennis-focused collection of footwear and apparel in August 2013 just before the US Open.

"I am very excited to partner with New Balance Tennis,” said Raonic. “They have given me a great opportunity to have input in the design process and their dedication to making great tennis shoes gives me the confidence to excel on the court. They are a strong family-owned company that I am honored to represent."

“Milos is a talented, young athlete and a fine young man who consistently shows confidence, passion and a drive to improve both on and off the court,” says Bruce Schilling, General Manager of Tennis at New Balance. “New Balance is one of the fastest growing athletic brands in the world and we are proud to have Milos, a rising star in the tennis world, join our family and help New Balance to continue to deliver innovative high-performance products.”

As a global brand ambassador and face of New Balance Tennis, Raonic will appear in New Balance’s marketing and communications campaigns including print, online and in-store advertisements. New Balance shares Milos’ desire to give back to the community and will support The Milos Raonic Foundation, a charitable organization launched by Milos in November 2012 to benefit disadvantaged children.

Raonic is represented by CAA Sports, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA).]]> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:46:34 GMT <![CDATA[ATP Enters New Partnership WIth Rolex]]> ]]>
Rolex has a long-standing relationship with tennis, sponsoring the sport’s leading tournaments, and is proud to count Roger Federer among its family of Testimonees. The new partnership sees Rolex become an Official Gold Partner of the ATP World Tour.

Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Rolex, such a prestigious brand with an exceptional sporting heritage. This new partnership underlines the global appeal of our game to both fans and sponsors alike – it’s a very exciting time to be involved in men’s professional tennis."]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:07:43 GMT <![CDATA[Australian Open Secures New Five-Year Deal with Kia Motors]]> ]]> Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:53:22 GMT <![CDATA[UVA and Florida Top ITA Tennis Rankings for 2013]]> ]]>ITA website.

2013 ITA Division 1 Men's Team Rankings 2013 ITA Division 1 Women's Team Rankings
1. University of Virginia 1. University of Florida
2. University of Southern California 2. UCLA
3. UCLA 3. Duke
4. Ohio State University 4. USC
5. Duke 5. Stanford
6. University of Georgia 6. University of Georgia
7. Pepperdine 7. UC Berkeley
8. University of Oklahoma 8. UNC
9. University of Kentucky 9. University of Miami
10. Stanford 10. University of Alabama

]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:27:05 GMT <![CDATA[Raonic Leaves Lacoste for New Balance]]> ]]>Milos Raonic has switched clothing sponsors and will wear New Balance beginning in 2013. He was previously with Lacoste.

Raonic's first tournament of the year was this past week at the Brisbane International in Australia, won by Andy Murray. Raonic. the second seed, was upset by Grigor Dimitrov in the second round.

(via Footwear Business Update)]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:39:24 GMT <![CDATA[HEAD Posts Best Ever Full Year Sales Results]]> ]]>
In addition, a year end retailer survey placed HEAD and Penn at the top of the industry for sales force and speed of shipment as well as very high marks in all marketing and operations categories.

“We are thrilled with our year-end results. We outpaced the market throughout the year as a result of very hard work from our internal team combined with incredible results from our athletes like Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova, and Andy Murray,” said Greg Mason, Vice President Sales and Marketing Racquet Sports US. “The combination of the two made for the best year in our history.”

HEAD’s new marketing campaigns have been player centric and have focused on digital and social media marketing tactics. Some of the world’s best tennis athletes, have helped take HEAD to the next level. HEAD was able to combine players and marketing to maximize the impact. HEAD is now the racquet sports leader in Facebook fans which is another indication of the brand momentum.

“While it’s great to share fantastic 2012 results, we are poised for further growth in 2013 with aggressive marketing around Novak and Maria throughout the first half. With the #1 male player in the world in Novak and Maria as the most marketable female player in the world we are positioned for another great year,” said Mason.

]]> Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:45:12 GMT <![CDATA[Asics Takes On Allison+Partners As Agency of Record]]> ]]>Asics America has selected Allison+Partners as its public relations partner to promote the company’s product launches, events and sponsorships, cause marketing initiatives and its legacy-inspired Onitsuka Tiger collection of shoes and apparel. The agency will implement a national campaign incorporating athletic, business and consumer-focused media relations, awards and road tests, in addition to celebrity and influencer relations tied to numerous sponsorship opportunities including the New York City and Los Angeles Marathons. Onitsuka Tiger initiatives will focus on new product launches and activations at high-profile events including South by Southwest and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, among others.

Asics sponsors Australian tennis star Sam Stosur and American upstart Steve Johnson.

(via Footwear Business Update)]]> Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:13:51 GMT <![CDATA[USTA Eastern Announces 2012 Annual Award Winners]]> ]]> The section will recognize 38 individuals and organization who have helped grow tennis in 2012.
 
]]>
At the luncheon, eight juniors will be recognized for the outstanding sportsmanship they showed in USTA-sanctioned tournaments in 2012. The section will also give out awards for parent sportsmanship, tournament director of the year, and present the Henry Benisch Award, a scholarship given to a top junior player who has exemplified good sportsmanship.

The adults and organizations at the annual dinner will be recognized for the range of ways they helped grow tennis in the section: from developing and coaching teams at local schools to organizing programs for children with special needs.

“We are very proud of all the annual award winners,” said Jill Fonte, Executive Director of USTA Eastern. “Their commitment, both on and off the court, has helped grow tennis among players of all ages and abilities across the section.”

To register for the dinner, or place an advertisement in this year’s dinner journal, visit the USTA Eastern website.

USTA EASTERN 2012 JUNIOR AWARDS

Richard D. Lynch II Boys' 12 Sportsmanship Award: Karl Poling (West Point, NY)

Richard D. Lynch II Girls' 12 Sportsmanship Award: Mackenzie Clark (Bernardsville, NJ)

E. Hawley Van Wyck, Jr. Boys' 14 Sportsmanship Award: Gokul Murugesan (Edison, NJ)

Edith Martin Girls' 14 Sportsmanship Award: Brianna Williams (Brooklyn, NY)

Lawrence A. Miller Boys' 16 Sportsmanship Award: Felipe Osses-Konig (Rego Park, NY)

Lawrence A. Miller Girls' 16 Sportsmanship Award: Sabrina Xiong (Fresh Meadows, NY)

Lt. Frederick M. Scribner, Jr. Boys' 18 Sportsmanship Award: Michael Chen (West Harrison, NY)

Edith Martin Girls' 18 Sportsmanship Award: Stephanie Rubin (Purchase, NY)

Henry Benisch Scholarship Award: Vanessa Pavia (Thornwood, NY)

Ron Smyth Parent Sportsmanship Award: Darius Yaraghi (Mill Neck, NY)

Tournament Director of the Year: Andy Schechter (Latham, NY)

USTA EASTERN SECTION 2012 ADULT AWARDS

Tennis Woman of the Year: Deborah Antoine (Englewood, NJ)

Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man of the Year: Ed Wolfarth (Freeport, NY)

Family of the Year: Spigner Family (New York, NY)

Louise Cilla Award: Isabel Fernandez (Briarcliff, NY)

George Seewagen Award: Ron Dyson (Fairport, NY)

Umpire Service Award: David Hanzes (Binghamton, NY)

Landis High School Coach of the Year: Michael Pavlides (Massapequa Park, NY)

Press Service Award: Jacki Binder (Merrick, NY)

Member Organization of the Year: 15 Love (Albany, NY)

Corporate Service Award: Sargent & Collins, LLP (Williamsville, NY)

Club Service Award: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (Queens, NY)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (Long Island): Melanie Rubin (Merrick, NY)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (Metro): Greg Jackson (Brooklyn, NY)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (New Jersey): Tzu Lin Toner (New Providence, NJ)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (Northern): Geoff Leggieri (Burnt Hills, NY)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (Southern): Phyllis Murray (Scarsdale, NY)

Regional Volunteer of the Year (Western): Rebecca Jackson (Camillus, NY)

Special Service Award: Lori D’Antonio (Merrick, NY)

Multicultural Participation Leadership Award: Marsha Huard (Buffalo, NY)

Service to People with Disabilities Award: Toni Funke (Batavia, NY)

USTA League Award: Deborah Rose-Andrews (Jamaica, NY)

JTT Area League Coordinator of the Year: Michelle Byrne (Bloomfield, NJ)

Collegiate Award: Ramapo College of New Jersey (Mahwah, NJ)

Clinician of the Year Award: Sunny Fishkind (Bethpage, NY)

USTA Community Service Award: Shannon Ross (Ossining, NY)

USTA Starfish Award: Lillian Eoyang (Eastchester, NY)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Ryland (New York, NY)
]]> Fri, 04 Jan 2013 09:33:49 GMT <![CDATA[RSI Names 2012 'Champions of Tennis']]> ]]>RSI's 12th annual “Champions of Tennis Awards,” which honors people, businesses and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis.]]>Susan DiBiase, the U.S. director of marketing for Babolat, has been named “Person of the Year” for 2012 by RSI in the pub’s January 2013 issue. DiBiase led off the magazine’s 12th annual “Champions of Tennis Awards,” which honors people, businesses and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis.
 
DiBiase, a former tennis teacher, joined Babolat in 2007, after stints with the Schwinn bicycle company and Nautilus fitness.
 
“In the last six years, Babolat has seen a remarkable increase in market share,” says Peter Francesconi, the editorial director for Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine, the world’s largest trade magazine devoted to tennis and other racquet sports (www.racquetsportsindustry.com). “While DiBiase downplays her hand in this, the fact is she has had a major leadership role in orchestrating Babolat’s surge.”
 
RSI also named winners in 18 other categories for its 2012 Champions of Tennis Awards (visit www.racquetsportsindustry.com for more on these winners):
 
* Private Facility of the Year: Life Time Fitness, multiple locations
* Stringer of the Year: John Gugel, Orlando, Fla.
* Builder/Contractor of the Year: Baseline Sports Construction, Knoxville, Tenn.
* Tennis Sales Rep of the Year: Joe Habenschuss, South Florida
* Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year: Tennis town, Pittsburgh
* Tennis Advocate of the Year: Nancy McGinley, Charleston, S.C.
* Junior Tennis Champion of the Year: Todd Dissly, Northern California
* Grassroots Tennis Champion of the Year: Danice Brown, Portland, Ore.
* Municipal Facility of the Year: Southlake Tennis Center, Southlake, Texas
* Park & Recreation Agency of the Year: Reston Association, Reston, Va.
* Wheelchair Tennis Champions of the Year: Curt & Lynn Bender, Grand Rapids, Mich.
* 10 & Under Tennis Facility Developer of the Year: Top-A-Court Tennis, Hatfield, Pa.
* Public Park of the Year: Kiest Park, Dallas
* Community Tennis Association of the Year: Tri-County CTA, Jackson, Miss.
* PTR Member of the Year: Roy Barth, Kiawah Island, S.C.
* USPTA Member of the Year: David Porter, Laie, Hawaii
* High School Coach of the Year: Terry Valdez, Wenatchee, Wash.
* USTA Section of the Year: USTA Northern California
]]> Wed, 02 Jan 2013 13:26:28 GMT <![CDATA[ATP Unveils "Beat This" Campaign]]> ]]>Chennai, Doha and Brisbane. The campaign, which uses the tagline "BEAT THIS", showcases the world-class entertainment and drama produced by the world’s finest athletes on the greatest stages across the ATP World Tour.

The multi-million dollar campaign features established global stars such as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, as well as the next generation, including the likes of Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori.

Created as a flexible and adaptable central resource that can be utilised by all 62 ATP World Tour tournaments, the campaign will feature more than 70 players and iconic backdrops from the host cities on the Tour.

"We firmly believe that the entertainment product showcased on the ATP World Tour is sport at its very finest. The combination of skill, athleticism, and mental and physical strength that our athletes are displaying week in week out is quite simply phenomenal," said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President. "This new campaign is a reflection of that, showcasing our global platform and the incredible venues that host ATP World Tour events, as well as featuring all the world’s best players who have taken our game to new heights."

The campaign features bespoke photography as each player engages directly with fans by staring intensely at the viewer. Featuring a range of above and below-the-line executions, including a 30-second television spot, player vignettes, print ads, posters, billboards, and web and mobile treatments (and Novak's belly button), the campaign will be implemented at events throughout the 2013 ATP World Tour season.

The campaign was developed with The Big Shot agency in London. ]]> Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:00:52 GMT <![CDATA[2013 TIA President and Board of Directors Named]]> ]]> Greg Mason, the vice president of sales and marketing for Head Penn, will be the president of the Tennis Industry Association for 2013-2014. He succeeds Wilson Racquet Sports General Manager Jon Muir, who was president for the last four years and remains on the TIA’s Executive Committee.

“I’m excited to assume this role and continue to build on the momentum this industry and the TIA has built over the past few years," says Mason. "Our focus will remain on growing the base of frequent players and improving the economic vitality of this industry.”

Mason has spent more than 25 years in the sporting goods industry in a variety of senior management roles, including the last 12 years at Head Penn Racquet Sports, where he is responsible for all marketing and promotions for the Head and Penn brands in the U.S. and directs the U.S. sales force and sales management team. His prior experience includes management roles in the outdoor industry while a vice president at Eastpak backpacks. He has also held sales management positions at Reebok USA and Puma North America. “We've had a great TIA President and tennis industry ambassador in Jon Muir over the past four years," says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. "I'm looking forward to working alongside Greg as the TIA continues to focus our efforts as the trade association for the sport.”

In addition to Mason, the following have been named to the 2013-2014 TIA Board of Directors:

David Malinowski - Adidas
Fred Stringfellow - ASBA
Linda Clark - ATP World Tour
Eric Babolat - Babolat
Kai Nitsche - Dunlop
Meredith Poppler - IHRSA
Kevin Callanan - IMG
Dave Miley - ITF
Mark Stenning - Int'l. Tennis Hall of Fame
Chris Circo - Prince Americas
Dan Santorum - PTR
Tom Cove - SFIA (formerly SGMA)
David Egdes - Tennis Channel
Jeff Williams - Tennis Magazine
John Embree - USPTA
Dave Bone - USRSA
Kurt Kamperman - USTA
Jon Muir - Wilson Sporting Goods
Ilana Kloss - World TeamTennis
Stacey Allaster - WTA Tour

(via) ]]> Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:35:47 GMT <![CDATA[Prince Appoints Miguel Rosa for Latin American Post]]> ]]> (December 26, 2012) -- Prince Global Sports announced today that Miguel Rosa has joined the Prince brand as Business Development Manager Latin America. Rosa, a native of Brazil, joins Prince with a wealth of experience in the sports industry. Rosa spent the last seven years at IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he was instrumental in managing and growing the Bollettieri Tennis Program.

"I am excited to start a new challenge with Prince Global Sports and look forward to spending a lot of time in the market with our customers and partners across Latin America," said Rosa. "I have always admired the long-term authenticity that Prince brings to the tennis business and I am honored to have been given the opportunity to deliver success and market leadership in Latin America."

In 2013, Prince will be redoubling its focus on the Latin America market – a core tennis environment which has produced several top 10 players over recent years. Within his new role, Rosa will be tasked to identify the optimum business model for Prince across the Latin America region where he will work closely with Prince partners as well as with local tennis and squash federations within each individual market.

Rosa joins the current Prince Latin America team of Cynthia Mujica (Business Services), Maxi Salvi (Player Development Manager), Daniel Arahao, and John Jaramillo (Promotional Representatives) and will report to Mike Ballardie, Executive Vice President Brands. "Latin America represents a significant growth opportunity for Prince across both its Tennis and Squash sub-brands," remarked Ballardie.

In Miguel we have appointed a talented business leader whom through his knowledge and understanding of both the Latin American culture and racquet sports environment, will work with our business partners in the region to deliver sales and market share growth that will define our success." ]]> Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:25:59 GMT <![CDATA[ATP and Emirates Announce New Global Partnership]]> ]]>(December 27, 2012) -- The ATP and Emirates announced today a new global partnership in which Emirates will become the Official Airline of the ATP World Tour, as well as the new title sponsor of the ATP Rankings, as of January 1, 2013.

As part of the five-year agreement, Emirates becomes an Official Platinum Partner of the ATP World Tour, as well as the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through 2017. Benefiting from global promotional rights together with an on-site presence at tournaments throughout the season, the partnership will enable Emirates to engage with viewers across a number of different mainstream and digital platforms.

South African Airways had previously been the Tour's official airline, an agreement that began in 2006 and renewed in 2008.

“We’re delighted to welcome Emirates as the Official Airline of the ATP World Tour. It’s fantastic news for men's professional tennis that a brand of Emirates' global stature has pledged their support to the ATP World Tour for the next five years,” said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman and President. “This long-term commitment from Emirates is a testament to the world-class entertainment that is enjoyed by millions of fans across the world on the ATP World Tour."

"This tie up with the ATP World Tour and Rankings is a perfect addition to our existing portfolio of global sports sponsorships. It will allow us to share in the sporting passions of our customers and bring them closer to the players," said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group. "We see it as a natural extension of our current presence at high profile tennis events including sponsorship of several ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events, the Emirates Airline US Open Series and being an official partner of the US Open. Through our global network and carefully selected sports sponsorships, Emirates successfully unites and engages fans and we look forward to working with the ATP to maximise on the consumer experiential and digital media opportunities this sponsorship presents to us."

With a heavy focus on activation around the ATP Rankings, Emirates will also become the presenting sponsor of the ATP World Tour No. 1 trophy ceremonies and the ATP Newcomer of the Year award, presented annually at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

In addition to global marketing activation, Emirates will be integrated into programming on ATPWorldTour.com and ATP World Tour Uncovered presented by Rio, the Tour’s weekly magazine-style television show broadcast in more than 150 countries worldwide.

]]> Thu, 27 Dec 2012 11:37:32 GMT <![CDATA[Djokovic Signs with IMG]]> ]]>(December 21, 2012) -- World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has signed with IMG Worldwide for exclusive worldwide management and representation.

Under the terms of the exclusive multi-year agreement, IMG will represent Djokovic in developing a brand building strategy through marketing, endorsements, appearances and licensing along with select global business initiatives.

Djokovic ended his relationship with CAA, citing a lack of success in finding endorsement and sponsorship deals off-court.

"I'm very happy with how my career has been advancing these past few years," Novak said via a press release. "Working with IMG will continue to build off of that momentum.IMG's expansive global footprint will offer me a truly unique set of resources to explore business opportunities that simply do not exist anywhere else in the industry."

Fernando Soler, Head of IMG's Global Tennis division, commented, "We are very pleased to have a great champion such as Novak, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, choose IMG to work with during this momentous time in his career."

Many other top tennis players are represented by IMG, including Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova. In shocking news this year, Tony Godsick, agent of Roger Federer, severed his ties with IMG, taking the Swiss legend with him.

]]> Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:40:27 GMT <![CDATA[Chelsea Piers CT Expands Adult Classes]]> ]]>(December 20, 2012) – Chelsea Piers Connecticut announced that additional adult sports classes are being launched in 2013.  These sports fitness classes were developed to complement the core sports offered at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. Classes take place in their respective sports venues and have member and non-member pricing options.
 
“At Chelsea Piers, we believe in using an athlete’s passion for sports to maintain health and fitness,” commented Mollie Marcoux, Executive Director of Chelsea Piers Connecticut. “If you’re a tennis player, then take cardio tennis.  If ice hockey is your thing, come play a pick-up game at lunch. We want people to achieve their fitness goals by doing what they love. If you played a sport in high school or college or want to learn something new, Chelsea Piers Connecticut provides multiple outlets to continue playing both recreationally and competitively.”
 
Sports classes for adults include:

TENNIS
- Cardio Tennis - Classes combine skill aspects of tennis with cardiovascular exercise to deliver a high energy, full body workout.  The class is open to all ability levels, and is a great introduction to the sport for those who are new to the game.
- Learn-to-Play – The Learn-to-Play program offers six weeks of instructional tennis. Basic fundamentals are covered including strokes, technique, footwork, grips, scoring/rules, proper etiquette and more. 

FIELD HOUSE
- Boot Camp -  Participants enjoy innovative, heart-pounding fitness training as they tackle obstacle courses and execute a variety of exercises including squat thrusts, lunges, burpees and more on the 100 yard air-conditioned turf field. 
- Zumba – Zumba is a Latin inspired, dance-fitness class that integrates various forms of dance to create a dynamic, exciting and effective dance workout.  The class incorporates both fast and slow rhythms to achieve a uniquely blended balance of cardio and muscle-toning benefits.
- League Play – Keep reliving those high school and college glory days by joining one or more of the adult leagues with friends or co-workers. Sports offered include basketball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey and lacrosse.

AQUATICS
- Aqua Abs – Aqua Abs is an ab focussed workout that utilizes many of the traditional land-based ab exercises, but uses water as the key resistance tool.
- Aqua Jog - This program recreates the cardio component of running without the impact of traditional running.  The water also adds resistance to tone muscles and build strength, stamina and flexibility.
- Masters Swimming – Every practice is overseen by an experienced and knowledgeable coach.  All four competitive strokes are taught, as well as starts and turns and a fitness/technical component.  Optional competitons are also offered.
- Full Throttle Triathlon Training – Several levels and times are offered for triathlon training.  A five-day/week racing team and three-day/week intro program both meet in the morning before work.  A mid-morning two times/ week will be introduced in January. (Fee based.)

SQUASH CLUB
- Squash Fit (Squash/Club Members only) - Squash Fit combines skill aspects of squash with the proven fat burning benefits of short bursts of cardio that make the competitive game so rigorous. Plyometrics, core strength training and stretching are also incorporated for an effective and fun squash workout.
- Women’s Adult Clinic (Members / Non-members) – Squash is a great social sport, in addition to a good workout.  These two-hour clinics help participants learn to play, polish up weak spots in their game, get one-on-one and small group coaching, and enjoy traditional game play. 

ICE RINKS
- Lunch Time Hockey – Pick-up hockey games for adults are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for those who want to sweat it out on the ice but don’t want the weekly commitment of a team and league play.  Tuesday is “Ladies’ Day.”
- League Play – Players can register as individuals or as a team.  Divisions are structured to accommodate players of all abilities and experience levels.

 GYMNASTICS/JUMP ZONE – Ten-pack class cards available at Member and Non-member rates
- Trampoline Fitness - Classes begin with a warm-up in the 26-trampoline arena followed by a cardio workout incorporating several different types of jumps and stretches.
- Rock Climbing - Beginner and intermediate climbers learn the basic techniques of rock climbing on CPCT’s 20' wall.  This great total body workout prepares climbers to head outdoors in the spring.
- Adult Gymnastics – Requiring no prior gymnastics experience, Adult Gymnastics begins with a group warm-up/stretch, then proceeds with basic tumbling skills on the floor.  Students learn handstands, rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, handsprings and saltos.
- Adult Parkour – This exciting class combines aspects of Parkour and Free Running.  Students learn to overcome obstacles through running, jumping, climbing and other acrobatic movements. The class begins with a warm-up, conditioning and core strength work, followed by the fundamental movements of Parkour (vaults, precisions, strides, rolls and more). The class ends with a complete Parkour obstacle course.

CPCT FITNESS CENTER
- Personal Training -  Experienced and certified training staff work with members in the 5,000 sq. ft. fitness facility to achieve optimal health and performance goals. The training staff designs programs that are focused on getting the results members want utilizing the state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment including Precor, Free-Motion circuit and a large functional training area.
- Fitness On Request – The first installation in the area, Fitness on Request is a comprehensive group fitness program of pre-recorded classes delivered on an 11-foot screen. Classes are offered both on a "scheduled" and "on demand" basis. Eight major genres including over 50 unique multi-level classes in varying time lengths are presented by top instructors in the industry.
 
Additionally, Flywheel Stadium Cycling, which is located on the Chelsea Piers Campus, opened its doors in December. Flywheel is open to the public, offering class cards and a wide range of classes.  Preferred pricing is available for CPCT Members.
 
More info: Chelsea Piers website, www.chelseapiersCT.com.
]]> Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:16:02 GMT <![CDATA[GAMMA Releases Three New Racquets in 2013]]> ]]>GAMMA releases three racquets -- the RZR 95, RZR 105 adult racquets, and the RZR 100 Junior 25 racquet -- completing the RZR racquet line for 2013.]]>GAMMA introduces three new racquets -- the RZR 95 and RZR 105 adult racquets, and the RZR 100 Junior 25 racquet -- as additions to the RZR racquet line. The three sticks will go on sale in February 2013.

GAMMA RZR 95: Developed for the all court player, the RZR 95 offers tremendous potential for spin on ground strokes and serves. High maneuverability and touch at the net, as well as pop from the baseline prove why this racquet is an excellent choice for all court players.

GAMMA RZR 105: The RZR 105 is an excellent racquet for a wide variety of players, offering exceptional feel without sacrificing control. This is a great all around racquet, with easy access to spin and pace for players of every level.

GAMMA RZR 100 Junior 25: The RZR 100 Junior 25 is a 25” version of the popular RZR 100 adult frame. The frame is constructed of MCARBON, our exclusive carbon fiber matrix that increases strength throughout the RZR frame resulting in maximum power transfer on all shots. This racquet is ideal for the kids competing in 10 & Under tournament play.

More info: GAMMA Sports

(Photo Credit: Courtesy of GAMMA)]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:09:09 GMT <![CDATA[GAMMA's New Strings For 2013]]> ]]>GAMMA announced the release of new strings for 2013.

GAMMA Moto: Moto is a new heptagonal shaped string developed for the high performance player. This seven-sided construction allows for greater ball bite so a player can generate massive amounts of spin on ground strokes and serves. The co-poly material is very responsive and provides greater feedback and excellent tension maintenance.

GAMMA iO: iO offers exceptional power, access to spin and pinpoint control. It’s unique co-poly material takes ball pocketing to a higher level, which is excellent for generating max spin. Ideal for players seeking penetrating and punishing ground strokes from anywhere on the court.

GAMMA Poly-Z:
Poly-Z is an excellent polyester string that provides a firm responsive string bed for greater control and spin, while maintaining tension and providing greater durability. It is ideal for players with full, fast swing speeds.

GAMMA RZR Rx:
RZR Rx is a co-extruded monofilament constructed with a proprietary Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) material that is engineered to stretch more upon impact for enhanced control and comfort.

The unique oval shape provides for a more aerodynamic string bed, which generates greater racquet head speed and reduces the contact pressure at the string intersections. This allows the strings to glide more freely over one another and maximize spin potential.

The strings will be available February 1, 2013. More info at gammasports.com.

(Photo Credit: images courtesy of GAMMA)
]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 20:04:07 GMT <![CDATA[USTA Restructuring League Play]]> ]]>The 2013 league season for the USTA will include new changes in age groups. The idea is to give players the ability to play with peers of the same skill level (especially for orlder players), thus improving the quality of competition and play. Interesting stuff, and good to see the USTA responding to feedback.

Read up: More info here, via USTA Midwest.]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:11:03 GMT <![CDATA[At the ITA Meeting, a USTA Town Hall]]> ]]> ]]>The USTA checked in with coaches at the ITA Coaches' Convention over the weekend in order to clarify the new guidelines governing junior competition in the States. Colette Lewis of ZooTennis gives her recap of the town hall meeting and her insight into the changes, which will end up giving aspiring pros two different routes in getting to major competitions in the sport.

Bone up: Read Colette's blog post here.
]]> Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:01:42 GMT <![CDATA[TIA's Status Update, by Jon Muir]]> ]]>TIA's President, Jon Muir, on the state of tennis as we wind down 2012 -- he touches on, among other things, the growth of the sport, issues of communication and advocacy, industry research, and what the plans are going forward.

Here's the section on communications:

"The TIA continues to expand our advocacy and awareness efforts for the sport and opportunities for our industry to network and deeper engagement in key areas. In late August, the TIA held its first-ever Tennis Show at the Grand Hyatt New York, in conjunction with the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference. Forty tennis companies participated with nearly 400 attendees overall. This included our 5th Annual TIA Tennis Forum and the induction of Nick Bollettieri into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame. Plans are under way to increase the scale of the Tennis Show for 2013, providing a broader opportunity to showcase this great sport and industry.

"The TIA continues to improve our own website, TennisIndustry.org, and will be expanding our communication efforts within the industry (to reach every facility, every tennis provider, every retailer) directly going into 2013. In addition to our regular updates in RSI magazine, we want to continue to build a stronger network for our monthly and quarterly e-news updates so that we can further align on key messages and efforts. We encourage everyone to go to TennisIndustry.org and sign up for our email updates, you can also find basic industry information and news that we have continued to improve and make more easily available.

"In 2012, the TIA reconstructed our bylaws to ensure our own (non-profit) governance has a clearer structure and greater transparency. We also utilized this opportunity to allow for legal expansion of the TIA to form our new TIA Retail Division. This is a great step forward for the TIA to more formally increase engagement with tennis retailers and provide stronger tools and awareness to support the business of tennis retail. In addition to allowing for the formation of other "divisions" of the TIA, the new bylaws structure allows the association to consider its opportunities for international expansion and revenue growth.

"In mid-October, the TIA held its first-ever Tennis Facility Owners and Managers Conference on Hilton Head Island, SC, bringing key tennis facility personnel together with industry experts for a weekend of business learning and networking opportunities.

Read: See the entire message here.

(Photo Credit: Image by TIA)
]]> Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:45:06 GMT <![CDATA[Nike Donates $125 Million to OHSU Cancer Institute]]> ]]>Giving Back: The OHSU Cancer Institute announced that it received a gift from Nike co-founder Phil Knight in the amount of $125 million. The money will be used for for advancements in heart and cardiovascular health research.

(via Footwear Business Update)]]> Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:19:02 GMT <![CDATA[Delray Beach Goes "Court Cards"]]> ]]>Spreading the (Plastic) Love: The Delray Beach ITC is also now selling "Court Cards" -- that's pre-paid cards that are good for purchasing tickets, merchandise, food, and drinks (including alcohol) at the 2013 edition of the Florida tournament, which'll happen February 22 - March 3, 2013.

More: Info on the Court Cards (available in various denominations) here.

(Photo Credit: Delray Beach ITC)
]]> Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:06:14 GMT <![CDATA[LTA Appoints Gregson as Chairman]]> ]]>The LTA, the national governing body for British tennis, has appointed David Gregson as independent Chairman of the LTA Board. The appointment was approved at a special meeting of the LTA Council on December 12.
 
Gregson is the Chairman of Precise Media Group, and of CRI, a leading UK health and social care charity.  He is also a Director of the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is transforming the Olympic Park following the 2012 Games, and a member of the Advisory Board for the Sutton Trust, promoting social mobility through education. 

“David brings a wealth of experience as a leader in the fields of business, the voluntary sector, sport, and government," said Peter Bretherton, LTA President, of Gregson's new position. "His appointment as independent Chairman of the LTA Board is another significant step in the modernization of governance of British tennis."
 
Gregson's role will take effect in January 2013. As chairman, Gregson is reponsible for ensuring that the vision and strategy of the LTA Board is being applied and implemented. The LTA President will continue to lead the LTA Council and act as the public ambassador for the LTA and British Tennis.]]> Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:18:34 GMT <![CDATA[To The 2012 Victor Goes All The Soured Milk]]> ]]>Leave it to Novak Djokovic to come up with the best attention-grabbing headline of the off-season thus far: the man has purchased all of pule -- that's a Serbian donkey cheese -- in his home country for a line of restaurants he's opening next year.

Meanwhile, Roger's whining about Brazilian tennis arenas in Sao Paolo. Zzzzz.

(Photo Credit: Marco Raaphorst/Flickr)]]> Mon, 10 Dec 2012 20:08:53 GMT <![CDATA[Myanmar to Stage Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Festival in 2013]]> ]]>(December 7, 2012) -- The ITF announced today that it has appointed the Tennis Federation of Myanmar as host of the 2013 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia/Oceania Zone Group III and IV events. The two events will be held in consecutive weeks at the Thein Byu Tennis Stadium, the national tennis centre in Yangon, between April 2 and May 5.

The fact that the events are being staged in back-to-back weeks at the same venue means that there will be a two-week tennis festival at the ten-court facility with a total of 19 nations set to take part.

The first week will see eight nations, Cambodia, Hong Kong China, Iran, Malaysia, Oman, Pacific Oceania, UAE and Vietnam, contest Asia/Oceania Zone Group III, with Cambodia looking to build on its historic Davis Cup debut in 2012 when it won promotion from the Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV event staged in Doha in April.

The following week sees 11 teams take part in Asia/Oceania Zone IV, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkmenistan and Yemen.

The staging of Davis Cup is part of a series of projects undertaken by the Tennis Federation of Myanmar (TFM) to build a strong base of new tennis teachers and players. The TFM took the first step towards widespread improvements at the end of 2011 when it hired Robert Davis as head coach and technical expert, and the federation is now focusing on coach education, talent identification and development, officiating and attracting international tournaments to Myanmar.

This week the TFM is hosting the Myanmar International Tennis Project at Thein Byu Tennis Centre, which previously hosted the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group IV event in 2005 and 2007. The national tennis centre has received support from both the ITF and the Grand Slam Development Fund.

“The Davis Cup is a very prestigious event and for the nation of Myanmar we are extremely proud of this honour to be host nation," said U Aung Maw Thein, President of the Tennis Federation of Myanmar. “Myanmar tennis just took a giant step forward. Because of the Davis Cup this will be a catalyst for developing the tennis at all levels throughout the country. New courts have to be built, teachers and referees educated and our players trained. The Tennis Federation of Myanmar is most grateful to the ITF for giving us this responsibility."]]> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:22:50 GMT <![CDATA[Puma Can't Pounce]]> ]]>PPR CEO François-Henri Pinault revealed in a speech this week that Puma, at its current position in the market, "not at all where [their] ambition is for the brand." Though without a pro-level presence (we miss some of those outfits they put on Serena!), the sports outfitter still carries the iconic Vilas shoe, named after Guillermo Vilas as part of its lifestyle collection.

(via)]]> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:45:00 GMT <![CDATA[Maria Sanchez Participates in USTA's AO WC Play-offs]]> ]]>Rising American tennis pro (and former USC standout) Maria Sanchez will appear on Netcast Studio's The Tech of Sports, Wednesday night at 7pm ET as a guest talking tennis. Fans are encouraged to watch live and participate in the chatroom. Maria will be playing for a wildcard in next week's USTA Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs in Atlanta. She is currently ranked No. 127 in the world and has jumped 548 places in the WTA rankings in the last 12 months to reach her current position, the most of any player now in the Top 200. She won USTA Pro Circuit title this year in Sacramento and Albuquerque. 

Show: "The Tech of Sports"
Network: Netcast Studio Network (www.netcaststudio.com)
Watch: ncslive.tv
Host: Atlanta-based writer Rick Limpert, who covers tennis and sports technology for Yahoo!, Examiner.com, CBS Atlanta. In the last year, Limpert has interviewed the likes of Billie Jean King, Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, and Serena Williams; for tech, he has interviewed Sprint's Dan Hesse (CEO), CrowdOptic's Jim Kovach, and the NCAA's Ronnie Ramos.

(Photo Credit: Jonathan Wong/Daily Trojan)
]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:38:15 GMT <![CDATA[Reebok Cuts Jobs]]> ]]>Reebok International Ltd. has announced the planned eliminates of approximately 150 jobs throughout its operation, with the goal of focusing more of its global business management from the company's Canton, Mass., headquarters.

Reebok sponsors Nicolas Almagro and Shahar Peer, among others in the tennis tours.

(via Footwear Business Update)]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:32:19 GMT <![CDATA[Cincy Masters's "Court Card" Promo on Cyber Monday]]> ]]>We were so intrigued by this card sale put on by the folks at the Western & Southern Open so we're checking in about how they did.

Fans purchased $40,750 worth of tournament "Court Cards" from 12:01am to 11:59pm on November 26, 2012.

The one-day promotion offered tournament Court Cards at a 10% discount. A Court Card is redeemable for tickets at the tournament box office, and food, beverage and merchandise at the Lindner Family Tennis Center during the event.

Some bits about the sale, as released by the Cincy organizers:
- An order was placed an average of every 8.5 minutes
- 320 total Court Cards were purchased
- The most popular denomination of gift card ordered was $100
- An average of $1,698 of card value was ordered every hour
- Cards were ordered from 19 different states

The event will have another sale; beginning on December 12, 2012 (12/12/12), the event will offer exclusively through Ticketmaster a limited pre-release of tickets for the 2013 event. The sale runs for 12 days and fans can select their exact seats and print the tickets at home for last-minute holiday gifts.]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:44:01 GMT <![CDATA[Roger's $30-million Toast + Exhibition Sched]]> ]]>Roger Federer's recently announced title as brand ambassador for Moët & Chandon will give the Swiss player $30 million more in dough, adding to his deals with Lindt, Nike, Mercedes-Benz, etc. He replaces Scarlett Johansson as the face of the champagne maker.

Southern Swing: And this week will be the start of Fed's South American exhibition run -- his first -- which will include a four-night (!) stop in Sao Paolo, two in Buenos Aires, and one night in Bogota.

Bonus: Video of Roger discussing the new M&C partnership, tennis as a sexy sport, his family, his temper, and other bits.

(Photo Credit: courtesy of Moet & Chandon)]]> Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:32:43 GMT <![CDATA[World of Tennis Presented by BNP Paribas Returns Dec. 5]]> ]]>(November 29, 2012) -- StarGames and MSG Sports have announced that the third season of World of Tennis Presented by BNP Paribas will debut next week. The first of seven episodes of the bi-weekly series will premiere on Tennis Channel at 7:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 5. 
 
The 30-minute show will feature “Holding Court,” a profile segment hosted by Justin Gimelstob that this year will include interviews with tennis legends Jimmy Connors and Boris Becker as well as Olympic gold medal skier and tennis fan Lindsay Vonn. In the first two years of the show, Gimelstob’s guests included Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, and “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson. The hot topics of tennis will also be covered on each episode during a round table discussion with Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Jon Wertheim and the editorial staff at Tennis.com. 
 
Tennis Channel will debut a new episode of the magazine show every other Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. EST, until February 27. Each show will then re-air on Tennis Channel.
 
"We're happy to have the new season of World of Tennis back on Tennis Channel again," said David Scott, vice president, programming, Tennis Channel.  "Since its inception the series has allowed our viewers to get an insider's look at some of the most exciting players and pressing issues in the sport today."
 
The season finale on February 27 will be a preview of World Tennis Day, which includes BNP Paribas Showdown events in New York City and Hong Kong on March 4. The sixth annual event in New York at Madison Square Garden is part of Tennis Night in America (TNIA) and will feature Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Juan Martin del Potro, and Rafael Nadal. TNIA is an annual celebration of the sport in the United States which encourages 10-and-under tennis.
 
The BNP Paribas Showdown at AsiaWorld-Arena will mark the event’s first year in Hong Kong and will feature Li Na, Caroline Wozniacki, Ivan Lendl, and John McEnroe.
 
“There is a lot of tennis on television, but I think ‘World of Tennis’ separates itself as a unique look at the personalities and stories in the game,” said Jerry Solomon, executive producer and president of StarGames. “It is only possible to present this show with the help of our partners at MSG and BNP Paribas. Collectively, we want to present tennis to the widest possible audience, and this show is a chance to not only showcase tennis but also to give fans a real inside look at the stories and personalities that make the game so compelling.”
 
Long-time tennis producer Jennie Silverstein will produce “World of Tennis Presented by BNP Paribas” for StarGames and MSG Sports.  BNP Paribas, a leader in banking and financial services and the world No. 1 tennis partner, will be presenting sponsor, with additional support being provided by Tennis Magazine, Wilson, Getty Images, USTA, Tennis Night in America and the BNP Paribas Showdown.
Video highlights and uncut versions of the interviews from “World of Tennis Presented by BNP Paribas” are found on www.stargamesinc.com. 
 
More information on the BNP Paribas Showdown events in New York and Hong Kong can be found on www.worldtennisday.com.

(Photo Credit: screen image via LI Tennis Mag)
]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:00:22 GMT <![CDATA[Acura Named Title Sponsor of PowerShares Series Event in Anaheim]]> ]]>(November 29, 2012) -- Acura, a leading global luxury automotive maker, announced today it has signed a deal to become the title sponsor of the PowerShares Series event in Anaheim, CA. The Acura Champions Cup, which will be held at the Honda Center on Friday, Nov. 30, will serve as the final event of the 2012 PowerShares Series tennis season.

“Acura is excited to become the title sponsor of the Acura Champions Cup and to be a part of the PowerShares Series event at the Honda Center”, said Tom Peyton, AVP, Advertising & Marketing, American Honda. “We feel the Acura brand is a perfect fit and we are looking forward to the event”.

Featuring many of the all-time great tennis talents and personalities, including Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, and Jim Courier, the PowerShares Series plays 12 one-night events with the players competing for a prize pool totaling $1 million, to be shared by the top three finishers of the tour at the conclusion of the season. The winner takes home $500,000, 2nd place receives $350,000 and 3rd place secures $150,000. 

“We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like Acura,” said Jon Venison, Founding Partner of InsideOut Sports + Entertainment, which operates the business side of the PowerShares Series. “As title partner of the event, Acura is continuing the great tradition of bringing world-class tennis and entertainment to Southern California and we are thrilled to be working with them on the season finale this week in Anaheim."

Heading into the final weekend, Courier holds the top ranking with a total of 1500 points, while McEnroe is in the second position with 1200. Agassi -- the recent winner in San Jose and Las Vegas -- currently sits in fourth place with 900 total points and can overtake Courier and McEnroe with wins in Denver and Anaheim. 

Tickets and unique interactive VIP fan experiences for the Acura Champions Cup are on sale now.  For ticket information, visit http://www.PowerSharesSeries.com/.
]]> Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:34:33 GMT <![CDATA[Nike Sells Cole Haan to Apax Partners]]> ]]>(November 16, 2012) -- It's been announced that Nike will sell Cole Haan to Apax Partners for $570 million. Nike announced back in the spring of 2012 that it would divest itself of Umbro and Cole Haan in order to tighten up its operations. As of that following month, Maria Sharapova had no plans to alter her business deal with Cole Haan because of this business development.

(via SportsOneSource; photo via TSF of Maria at a Cole Haan party in 2010) ]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:00:30 GMT <![CDATA[Tick Tock: Rolex Continue to Sponsor Davis Cup]]> ]]>(November 16, 2012) -- The ITF announced today that Rolex will continue as an international sponsor of Davis Cup by BNP Paribas in a multi-year deal starting in 2013. Rolex first joined the Davis Cup family of sponsors in 2007 and is the Official Timekeeper of Davis Cup.
 
“We are delighted that Rolex is extending its association with Davis Cup and look forward to working with them over the coming years,” said ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti via a press release. “The company’s commitment to tennis is good for the sport as a whole and we thank them for that. We think that the Davis Cup is an excellent fit because of its prestigious history that, for over a century, has asked each player and each team to strive for the very best.”

Davis Cup Final: The first rubber for the 100th final -- between host Czech Republic and defending champion Spain -- is currently under way, with David Ferrer taking the first set over Radek Stepanek. (Keep updated: TN's Live Scores Page)

]]> Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:02:17 GMT <![CDATA[Necker Cup: McEnroe and Haas Sign On]]> ]]> Seven-time Grand Slam Champion John McEnroe and Haas added to pro-am field joining Novak Djokovic, Sir Richard Branson, and Bryan Brothers in Dec. 9-13 event. ]]> (November 15, 2012) -- Seven-time Grand Slam Champion and tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe has agreed to play in the first annual Necker Cup, joining world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, the Bryan Brothers, and other current and past ATP players in the Premier Tennis Travel  hosted pro-am on Sir Richard Branson’s private island, Necker Island, in the British Virgin Islands.
 
The 53-year-old McEnroe is currently leading the standings of the PowerShares Champions Tour with wins over Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jim Courier and Michael Chang.
 
Additionally, Necker Cup organizers at Premier Tennis Travel have announced that current ATP veteran, former World No. 2 and 2012 Comeback Player of the Year Tommy Haas has signed on to play in what is being billed as the world’s most exclusive pro-am. A former Australian Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, Haas has won 14 career ATP singles and doubles titles, as well as a silver medal in the 2000 Olympic Games.

Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, the Jensen Brothers and noted tennis coach, author and father to the world’s No. 1 doubles team, Wayne Bryan.
 
The Necker Cup is also pleased to announce the naming of official Necker Cup artist Stephen Gamson, a world-renowned American artist known for his unique style that is easily recognized for its bold iconic symbols and mass appeal. In 2010, Gamson was named the official Birthday Artist for the City of Miami and his work has been featured at the ATP Sony Ericsson Open tennis event. He was commissioned by Prince Albert II for the 67th Monaco Grand Prix and his art has been featured on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
 
Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an “End of the World” awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars.
 
Auction bidders can win a hitting session with Andre Agassi, tickets to the finals of the Australian Open that includes a VIP tour and meeting Roy Emerson, presidential box seats at The French Open that includes a hitting session with Cedric Pioline, tickets to the final rounds of The Masters Golf Tournament, lunch with film director Oliver Stone, an African Safari and much more.  Anyone can bid in The Necker Cup auction by visiting ibidmobile.net/vu.  One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.
 
In addition to the tennis, Necker Cup participants will get to learn from some of the world’s most successful business leaders at the Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat with Sir Richard Branson. He will be joined by former Costa Rican President Jose Maria Figueres and Sylvia Alice Earle, named the first recipient of the Time Magazine Hero for the Planet. The oceanographer, explorer, author and lecturer is also an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society.  Sir Richard and his guests will discuss the role of Mother Nature and how business can play a role in protecting and valuing our planet.
 
For more information on the Necker Cup call 800.376.0975 or visit the website at: www.neckercup.com. Check the following sites for more information on Premier Tennis Travel (www.Premiertennistravel.com), Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) or Necker Island (www.neckerisland.com). 
]]> Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:49 GMT <![CDATA[Eric Butorac Talks to High School Students]]> ]]> ]]>(November 13, 2012) -- More than 100 high school student-athletes from across USTA Eastern showed off their talent and learned about a wide range of opportunities to play collegiate tennis on November 11 at USTA Eastern’s 26th Annual College Showcase Day.
 
The event, which was held at Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco, NY, featured more than 60 college tennis coaches, including Eric Butorac, a doubles specialist who has won 13 pro titles and serves as an assistant coach of the Harvard University Men’s tennis team.
 
Butorac, who last month teamed up with Philip Petzschner to defeat Bob and Mike Bryan at the Shanghai Rolex Masters, told students that playing tennis at a top school is not as important as getting a chance to play. Before going pro, Butorac played tennis for a year and half at Ball State University, a Division I school, before transferring to Gustavus Adolphus College, a Division III school, where his game flourished with the attention of the coach.
 
“There’s plenty of ways a good coach and a good program can push you to get better, plus you’ll benefit so much from playing the top players at all these other schools,” Butorac said. “You’ll get extra attention.”
 
At the event, high school juniors played matches, attended special seminars, and learned about college tennis programs from across the Northeast. High school seniors also attended a seminar, played in a round robin tournament, and met with college coaches.
 
During the seminars, the students heard from Charlie Adams, an author, sportscaster, and speaker with NCSA Athletic Recruiting, the leading collegiate recruiting source for more than 500,000 student-athletes and 42,000 college coaches across the country. Adams stressed the importance of being proactive throughout the college recruiting process.
 
“Market your abilities. Get your name out there. Develop a good video and let the coaches know why you want to go their particular school,” said Adams. “Then you’ll have more success in recruiting.”
 
All of the coaches who attended the event will receive profiles of the students with information on their athletic experience, their academic records and interests, and their contact information. Jackson Claudio, a senior at Montclair High School in Montclair, NJ, said he hoped the coaches noticed his strong footwork.
 
“My speed’s my biggest asset,” said Claudio, 18. “I want them to see that I can get to any ball and that I’m going to put in 100 percent effort every time.”
 
More Info: USTA Player Development - Collegiate Tennis

(Photo Credit: courtesy of USTA Eastern)

]]> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:07:49 GMT <![CDATA[Lendl Academy Names Rob Castorri Exec Director]]> ]]>]]>(November 13, 2012) -- The Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy (Ivan Lendl IJTA), led by the former No.1 player in the world and coach to Olympic Gold Medalist Andy Murray, has named Rob Castorri Executive Director.

A native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Castorri has been involved in tennis for over 30 years as a professional player, coach, club manager and event promoter. He turned pro in 1978 and won 18 national team and doubles championships, and achieved a No.1 ranking in Florida’s Men’s Open Division. Castorri has notable victories over players such as Boris Becker, Pat Dupre, and Harold Solomon.

“It is an honor to be selected for this position and I look forward to using my industry experiences to help juniors fulfill their dream of playing at the next level,” says Castorri. “Ivan Lendl IJTA has global reach and incredible growth potential with enrollment quadrupling after one year.”

As Executive Director, Castorri will oversee program development, instruction and operations for Ivan Lendl IJTA. He previously served as President of the Georgia Professional Tennis Association and has managed tennis clubs across the U.S. At the Wimbledon Championships, Castorri has organized the annual media tennis event for the last 16 years.
 
“Rob’s knowledge and contacts in the industry will have an immediate impact on cultivating a challenging but enjoyable training environment for players of all abilities,” says Peter Orrell, President and CEO of Junior Sports Corporation, owner and operator of Ivan Lendl IJTA. “After a national search, it was evident Rob embraced the Academy’s mission to train juniors for competition and life.”
 
Ivan Lendl IJTA is based on philosophies Lendl followed to become one of the greatest players in tennis history, a career highlighted by eight Grand Slams. The Academy focuses daily instruction on classic fundamentals, leading-edge biomechanics, strength training / fitness and mental preparation. 
 
Lendl and his staff subscribe to a hands-on approach with juniors, instilling dedication, focus, hard work, motivation and overall preparation.
 
Students attend Heritage Academy, a progressive and diverse academic institution for adolescents pursuing extra-curricular passions. Classes average eight students -- with a maximum of 15 -- to promote individual attention. Optional English as a Second Language, College Preparatory and Honors courses are also available.
 
For more information about Ivan Lendl IJTA: www.LendlTennis.com, 888-963-6647 (888-9-TENNIS), 843-686-1500. 

(image via Ivan Lendl IJTA)]]> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:14:14 GMT <![CDATA[Ratings, Etc: 2012 ATP World Tour Finals Sets New Records]]> ]]>(November 13, 2012) --  The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London set a new attendance record in 2012, as well as attracting record audiences on television & online. The tournament welcomed 263,229 fans across 8 days of action, shattering the previous attendance record of 256,830, set in the tournament’s first year in London in 2009. 

The event, which will be played in London through 2015, has now welcomed more than a million fans through the gates of The O2 in its first four years in London.

The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals also drew record audiences on TV and online. An estimated global cumulative audience of 100.7 million viewers tuned into the event. Live match streaming on TennisTV.com, the ATP’s official live streaming site, received more than approximately 3.75 million total streams, an increase of 25% on 2011, whilst ATPWorldTour.com attracted a record 3.4 million unique users for the week.

Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President, said: “The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals once again provided a spectacular ending to an incredible season on the ATP World Tour, with The O2 providing a wonderful stage for our athletes to shine. The tournament continues its impressive growth and, on behalf of the ATP, we are extremely grateful for the support that the event receives from fans all over the world.” 

Novak Djokovic captured his second career season-ending title with a thrilling 7-6(6), 7-5 victory over defending champion Roger Federer in the final. The Serb’s victory capped off a remarkable season in which he finished as ATP World Tour No. 1 for a second consecutive season.

ON TV
•    An estimated global cumulative audience of 100.7 million viewers tuned into the event. 
•    Televised by 56 broadcasters in 193 territories, a total of 5,580 hours were broadcast across the eight days of the tournament, a 27% increase on 2011. 
•    In the UK, more than 60 hours of coverage was featured live on Sky Sports and 20 hours on terrestrial television on BBC.

ONLINE
•    ATPWorldTour.com attracted 3.4 million unique visitors throughout the tournament, a 10% increase on 2011. 
•    Live match streaming on TennisTV.com, the ATP’s official live streaming site, received more than 3.75 million total streams, an increase of 25% on 2011.
•    ATP World Tour content posted to Facebook exceeded 40 million impressions (222% increase on 2011) and conversations on Twitter grew 93% from last year.
•    ATP's official YouTube channel drove 727,800 views and nearly 1 million minutes watched during the week (45% increase in views on 2011).
•    ATP Official Live Scoring Flash and Mobile Applications recorded more than 23 million page impressions and total user sessions in excess of 3.1 million for the week.

BY THE NUMBERS
•    1,760,000 – prize money won ($) by undefeated champion Novak Djokovic
•    1,023,438 – number of fans that have attended the tournament in the past four years at The O2
•    440,005 – number of people to pass through The O2 site in 2012, including the non-ticketed Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Fan Zone, restaurants and bars, during the eight days of the tournament
•    407,000 – amount of money raised (£) at this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Gala supported by Moët & Chandon at the Royal Courts of Justice, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity
•    263,229 – total attendance at the 2012 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
•    288 – number of aces (singles & doubles) throughout the tournament, with the LTA & Tennis Foundation donating £200 worth of tennis equipment per ace to primary schools across London
•    242 – number of racquets strung throughout the tournament
•    200 – litres of paint required to paint the centre court inside The O2 
•    28 – number of hours required to lay down the centre court inside The O2

(photo via)]]> Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:37:29 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA Leads Effort to Help Teaching Pros Affected by Sandy]]> ]]>(November 12, 2012) -- The USPTA is launching a national campaign to assist its member tennis-teaching professionals and their families who were displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Many are dealing with damage to/loss of their facilities and homes. USPTA is asking for donations to assist these members as they recover from the recent disaster caused by the hurricane and in the following divisions: New England, Eastern, Middle States and Mid-Atlantic.  Donations may be made on USPTA’s website at www.uspta.com or by clicking here.
 
Donations of cash or assistance with temporary or permanent jobs will be accepted and recorded by the USPTA World Headquarters and distributed by USPTA’s New England, Eastern, Middle States and Mid-Atlantic divisions and districts. As specific requirements are clearly defined, the divisions will work with individual USPTA members in the affected areas to distribute 100 percent of the donations received. Donations may be used to help members obtain temporary housing, food, water and other essentials.
 
USPTA also is asking people to provide displaced tennis teachers with jobs if they have openings for a few weeks, months or longer.
 
If you are in need of assistance or know of someone who is in need of assistance at this time, please contact the appropriate person in your division below:
 
Bill Mecca, USPTA Eastern Division, at allstartennis@optonline.net
Jerri DiCamillo, USPTA New England Division, at jerridicamillo@cox.net
Tim Irwin, USPTA Middle States Division, at usptaexdirms@comcast.net
John Cleary, USPTA Mid-Atlantic Division, at john.cleary@lakewoodcc.org
]]> Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:36:02 GMT <![CDATA[ITF Relaunches Tennis 'Play+Stay' Website]]> ]]>Tennis Play and Stay. The makeover is part of the ITF’s overall strategy to redesign its whole family of websites, following on from the relaunch of the official ITF website, and the sites for Davis Cup and Fed Cup.]]>(November 9, 2012) -- The ITF announced that it has relaunched the official website of its global participation campaign Tennis Play and Stay. The new look website is part of the ITF’s overall strategy to redesign its whole family of websites, following on from the relaunch of the official ITF website, and Davis Cup and Fed Cup competition websites.

The aims of the new-look Tennis Play and Stay site are to provide additional online resources for national associations, players and coaches; generate greater interest in the campaign; and improve the ease of navigation for visitors who want to start playing tennis.
 
Tennis Play and Stay is the ITF’s global initiative launched in 2007 aimed at increasing tennis participation worldwide.Tennis Play and Stay centres around the slogan of ‘Serve, Rally and Score’ and seeks to promote tennis as an easy, fun and healthy sport. Fundamental to the campaign is the use of slower balls by coaches working with starter players, ensuring that their first experience of tennis is a positive one by serving, rallying and scoring from the first lesson.
 
The new Tennis Play and Stay website provides greater access to information on the campaign and each of its supporting programmes, starting with the Tennis10s initiative that promotes the use of slower and lower bouncing balls, shorter and lighter rackets, and smaller courts to make it easier for children aged 10-and-under to take up the game.
 
The three types of slower balls are intended to be used at different stages of a player’s tennis development. The ‘Red’ ball, made of foam or felt, is 75 per cent slower than a regular yellow ball, and aimed at children aged five to eight on a court sized 12 x 6m. The ‘Orange’ ball is 50 per cent slower and aimed at eight-to-ten-year-olds on a court sized 18 x 6.5m. The ‘Green’ ball is 25 per cent slower and aimed at more advanced nine-to-ten-year-olds on a full sized court. (Compare: USTA's 10-and-under program)
 
The ITF has also introduced a new National Associations area that will allow each federation to showcase and share information relating to their specific development programmes, bringing all programmes under one website for the first time.
 
There are also sections on competition formats, including supporting resources and embedded videos; health and tennis, including research studies on the physical benefits of tennis; and starter tennis equipment, in which manufacturers can share product information and contact details.
 
The website will further evolve over the coming months, with expanded content, increased functionality and the launch of the new starter adult program.
]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:13:16 GMT <![CDATA[ATP and HEAD Extend Partnership Through 2017]]> ]]>By Tennis Now Staff

(November 9, 2012) -- The ATP today announced the extension of their partnership with HEAD for a further five years. Under the agreement, HEAD will continue to be the official tennis ball of the ATP World Tour, as well as the official ball of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, through 2017. 
 
The agreement marks an extension to a partnership which began back in 1994, one which will celebrate its 20-year anniversary on 1 January 2013, making HEAD the longest-standing partner of the ATP.
 
All matches at this week’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London are being played with the HEAD ATP ball, which also served as official ball at the Shanghai Rolex Masters and BNP Paribas Masters in Paris this season.
 
“HEAD is one of the most established brands in our sport and has been a great partner for the ATP for many years,” said Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman & President. “We’re delighted to extend our partnership a further five years and look forward to continuing to build on our successful relationship.” 
 
“The continuation of our long-term partnership with the ATP strengthens our position as a leading brand on the ATP World Tour,” added Ottmar Barbian, Vice President and Division Manager HEAD Racquet Sports. “We are proud to not only provide the racquets for several outstanding players in the Top 10, but also to be trusted as official ball supplier to the Tour on an ongoing basis.”
 
“It’s the best ball in tennis,” said 2012 ATP World Tour No.1 Novak Djokovic. “Whenever I can, I definitely choose that ball!” Alongside Djokovic, HEAD players Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych are once again among the eight contenders battling for the title at this year’s Barclays ATP World Tour Finals at The O2 in London this week.

In London: At this week's event, the men are concluding their round-robin play as the weekend begins. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are locked in, each still undefeated. (Djokovic just beat Berdych 6-2, 7-6(6) to put him at 3-0 in round-robin play.) See all the updated scores here.

(Photo Credit: Red Photographic)
]]> Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:28:22 GMT <![CDATA[Business: Adidas Lowers Forecasts on Reebok Weakness ]]> ]]>(November 8, 2012) -- Adidas AG reported a 14 percent rise in third quarter earnings but lowered its full year revenue forecast due to declines of its Reebok brand and the National Hockey League lockout in North America. It had previously forecast a full year rise of around 10 percent but now expects revenues to increase high single digits.

Adidas Group currency-neutral sales grow 4 percent in the third quarter of 2012

In the third quarter of 2012, Group revenues grew 4 percent on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit sales increases in Retail. Currency-neutral revenues in Western Europe increased 1 percent, supported by sustained momentum at Adidas. In European Emerging Markets, currency-neutral sales grew 19 percent as a result of strong increases at both Adidas and Reebok. Group sales in North America were down 5 percent on a currency-neutral basis, as double-digit increases at Adidas and TaylorMade-Adidas Golf were more than offset by strong revenue declines at Reebok. In Greater China, Group sales were up 11 percent on a currency-neutral basis, driven by double-digit increases at Adidas as well as growth at Reebok. Currency-neutral revenues in Other Asian Markets increased 1 percent as growth at Adidas was partly offset by a strong sales decline at Reebok. In Latin America, currency-neutral sales grew 16 percent, driven by double-digit growth at Adidas, TaylorMade-Adidas Golf and Rockport. From a brand perspective, third quarter sales at Adidas increased 10 percent currency-neutral. Sales in the TaylorMade-Adidas Golf segment grew 4 percent on a currency-neutral basis. Reebok sales declined 25 percent on a currency-neutral basis, largely as a result of the non-recurrence of prior-year licence sales as well as negative impacts from Reebok India Company. Currency translation effects had a positive impact on sales in euro terms. Group revenues grew 11 percent to €4.173 billion in the third quarter of 2012 from €3.744 billion in 2011.

More: Read at Footwear Business Update
]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:19:50 GMT <![CDATA[ITF Launches Davis Cup Commitment Award]]> ]]>(November 8, 2012) -- The ITF today announced the launch of the Davis Cup Commitment Award at the 100th Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Czech Republic and Spain at the O2 Arena in Prague on 16-18 November.
 
This new award has been conceived as part of the ITF’s 2013 Centenary celebrations, and will be presented by the ITF to Davis Cup players who have shown long-standing dedication to representing their country in this prestigious competition. Each award recipient will have competed in a minimum of 20-home-and-away ties or 50 ties at any level of the competition (including zone group events) over their career.
 
The ITF will be presenting the first eight trophies to players in an on-court presentation at the Davis Cup Final on Saturday 17 November. These include Tomas Berdych, who will compete for Czech Republic in the Final, and his compatriots Jan Kodes and Tomas Smid, members of Czechoslovakia’s 1980 Davis Cup winning team.
                                                                                                                     
Manolo Santana, who played a record 46 ties for Spain, will receive a trophy alongside compatriots Juan Gisbertand Feliciano Lopez. Awards will also be presented to Italy’s Nicola Pietrangeli, who holds the overall record of 66 home-and-away ties; and Domenico Vicini of San Marino, who is the record holder for number of ties at all levels with 87.
 
A total of 299 players have already qualified to receive the award, of whom 252 are still alive. The ITF through its National Associations will make presentations to award winners at Davis Cup home ties throughout 2013 as part of the ITF Centenary celebrations.
 
The Commitment Award trophies are based on the design of the current Davis Cup trophy. All recipients will also be recognised on an honours board at the ITF headquarters in London and in a dedicated section on the official Davis Cup website. A full list of award winners can be viewed here
 
Over 5,000 players in history have taken part in Davis Cup, which began in 1900 as a competition between USA and Great Britain at the Longwood Cricket Club in Boston. The event has grown to become the largest annual international team competition in sport with 122 nations taking part in 2012. Over 500 players contest Davis Cup every year.
 
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “The launch of the Davis Cup Commitment Award reflects the dedication by players for more than a century to represent their country in this prestigious competition. These players have continued to rise to the unique challenge of competing in a team environment in front of their home fans, and we believe that it is fitting to recognise their efforts in our centenary year.”
]]> Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:07:05 GMT <![CDATA[Head Helps Sandy Relief]]> ]]>Across the east coast of the United States this week, we have seen and heard of the devastation due to Hurricane Sandy. Serious damage has occurred in our nation once again due to natural causes, and we know that this presents a number of challenges to those impacted. While we see that there has been a quick response and clean up from the communities and emergency units, we know that the cities affected will not be restored in an hour, a day, or a week.

For that reason, in an effort to help retailers in the areas impacted most significantly, HEAD Penn is going to extend an additional 30 days dating on open invoices for all retailers current in their billing to help cash flow during this difficult time. Retailers in states from Delaware north to Massachusetts (including eastern Pennsylvania) will be included.

Greg Mason, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for HEAD Penn, said, “It’s a gesture to show support for our retailers and friends impacted so much by the storm. We just want to make it a little easier during a very rough time. They are dealing with something much more pressing at this moment and it is the right thing to do for our partners in the industry.”
 
]]> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:04:00 GMT <![CDATA[Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi Releases Tennis Memoir]]> ]]>(November 7, 2012) -- Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, Pakistan’s greatest tennis champion and highly regarded world humanitarian, announced today that his book Stop War, Start Tennis: Lessons of Life and Understanding From a Pakistani Tennis Player is now available for sale as an e-book electronically on Kindle at Amazon.com

Stop War, (available for $4.99 in the United States) details inspiring stories of the life and tennis career of Qureshi, Pakistan’s most celebrated tennis player, with the hopes of inspiring people to learn from both defeats and triumphs in sports or other endeavors.

“I am excited to make my story available to a wider global audience and hope that it can inspire people in their daily lives,” said Qureshi. "I have been blessed to have many experiences – good and bad – in my lifetime that have taught me many great lessons about life and understanding and I am pleased to share them with people around the world.”

The hard-cover version of the book was originally launched in Pakistan earlier this year under the title Lessons Learnt From The Tennis Tour. The book was co-written with Qureshi’s coach Robert Davis, also a contributor to such outlets as the ATP World Tour’s Deuce magazine, Tennis.com, Tennis Magazine Australia, the Bangkok Post, the Jakarta Post, among others.

Qureshi and his current doubles partner Jean-Julien Rojer of The Netherlands are among eight of the world’s best doubles team competing this week in the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London. Qureshi and Rojer were semifinalists this year at the US Open and the French Open and won titles in Halle, Germany and Estoril, Portugal.

Qureshi gained international recognition when as a Muslim from Pakistan, he partnered with Amir Hadad, a Jew from Israel, at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2002. Their partnership received much international media attention and their photo appeared as the lead, above-the-fold image on the front page of The New York Times during the US Open, where they reached the third round. He was also placed in the spotlight in 2010 when he partnered and reached the US Open doubles final with Rohan Bopanna, a leading player from India, a nation with political differences with that of Qureshi’s Pakistan. Shortly after his US Open success (he also reached the mixed doubles final) Qureshi founded his non-profit foundation (www.StopWarStartTennis.org), created with the purpose of bringing hope through tennis to all those affected by war, sectarian conflict and landmines/unexploded ordinance.

Said Qureshi of his foundation, “Whether it be wheelchair tennis projects in Sri Lanka and Cambodia or amputee centers in Iraq, to displaced peoples in Sierra Leone and Rwanda, I truly believe that our great sport of tennis can bring some joy and happiness into the lives of the young and old.”

Qureshi is a two-time winner of the ATP World Tour’s Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year award (in 2002 with Hadad and 2010 with Bopanna) and in 2010 he was named a goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Development Program. In 2010, he was awarded the “Sitara-i-Imtiaz” (Star of Excellence) by the Government of Pakistan and also was given the Pakistan President’s Award for Performance in 2002, the Salam Pakistan Youth Award by the President of Pakistan in 2007 and, in 2003, he was a finalist for the Anne Frank Award For Moral Courage presented by the Anne Frank Trust.

Said the 12-time major doubles champion doubles team and 2012 Olympic gold medalists Bob and Mike Bryan of Qureshi in a mutual statement, “Aisam is not only a very talented player but we also have great respect for him as a human being. What he is doing on and off the court is helping and inspiring people around the world. Aisam has already created a great legacy that will be remembered for years.”

(image courtesy of TennisGrandstand)

]]> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 13:15:01 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA on 10-and-Under Tennis]]> ]]>The latest episode of the USPTA's show on Tennis Channel, called “On Court with USPTA” will air an episode next week showcasing 10-and-Under Tennis.

The episode, entitled "10 and Under Tennis: Developing Players on the Orange Court,” will have USPTA Director of Youth Play and Competition, Craig Jones, showing viewers how to teach physical and technical skills to kids 10 and under on the regulation 10-and-Under court for 9 and 10 year-olds (that's 60-feet) with the game's standard issue orange ball.

The episode will run on November 11 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

10-and-Under Tennis has revolutionized the sport of tennis by giving kids the right equipment, courts, and competition so they can learn to play the game faster than ever before. In this episode Jones covers several aspects, including the differences between the orange court and the full court, and focuses on developing the complete game for kids. With the right courts, equipment and competition, kids can develop an all-around game before they ever move to the full-size court.
 
Jones, who is the owner of the Petersburg Racquet Club in Martinez, Ga., is considered an industry leader in the QuickStart Tennis Play Format. He has received numerous awards for his work with QuickStart, including the 2007 USTA/USPTA Community Service Award and the 2007 RSI Magazine Junior Champion of the Year.
 
The USPTA became the first tennis-teaching organization ever to produce and air an educational television series on playing and teaching tennis on the Tennis Channel in 2003. Since then, more than 82 shows have been produced that provide instruction about technique, strategy and other facets of the game. All production is done in-house, which includes everything from planning and scripting, to shooting and editing, to graphics and DVD duplication. All episodes of “On Court” are now in high-definition.

Buy: All episodes of "On Court with USPTA" and more than 100 other USPTA-produced DVD titles are available for purchase online at www.usprotennisshop.com.
]]> Tue, 06 Nov 2012 13:33:06 GMT <![CDATA[Lori McNeil Joins Zina Garrison Academy]]> ]]> By Tennis Now Staff

(October 29, 2012) --  American tennis legend Lori McNeil has joined Houston's Zina Garrison Academy as Director of Tennis. In this capacity, McNeil will coach, mentor, and inspire young tennis players attending the Academy.
 
"We address every area of development," McNeil explains. "We want to nurture the complete individual, both on and off the court. That's the beauty of sports -- you learn life skills, discipline, and self-worth. It's not just forehands and backhands."
 
After learning tennis alongside her close friend Zina Garrison under the tutelage of American Tennis Association champion John Wilkerson, McNeil went on to an impressive collegiate and professional career. She won three Big Eight Championship titles as an All-American player while attending Oklahoma State University. As a professional, McNeil won 14 WTA tour singles titles and 23 career doubles titles, including the mixed doubles championship at the French Open.
 
Following her retirement in 2002 after a 17-year professional career, McNeil served as the Assistant Coach of the U.S. Olympic Women's Tennis Team in 2004 and 2008. She also worked as a High Performance Coach for the USTA from 2004 through 2012. McNeil was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2000.
 
"Ideally, I wanted to come home to Houston and work with John Wilkerson, but I had to get experience on my own first," McNeil says.
 
In conjunction with McNeil's arrival at the Zina Garrison Academy, the Board of Directors has commissioned a set of three silver coins featuring the images of Zina Garrison, Lori McNeil, and John Wilkerson. Each coin will bear the likeness of one of these athletes / coaches on one side and the logo of the Zina Garrison Academy on the other. The coins, designed and manufactured by noted Houston silversmith Max Lang, are fashioned from solid 925 silver and appointed with an antique finish. The first edition of these coins will be offered as an auction item at the Zina Garrison Academy's upcoming gala luncheon at the Houstonian Hotel on Monday, November 19, 2012.
]]> Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:54:59 GMT <![CDATA[Remember When the Year-End Finals Were at the Staples Center?]]> ]]> (October 29, 2012) --  The 42nd edition of the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships was a record setting event both on and off the court. For the second consecutive year, attendance at the Sinan Erdem Arena exceeded 70,000 fans, with attendance reaching 73,072, the highest since 2000, in addition to record crowds for both the semifinals and finals (16,410). The Championships broadcast coverage reached 167 countries and the overall hours produced increased 25-percent, which includes live matches, match replays, and highlights. Nearly 42 million fans were able to follow the on court and behind-the-scenes action from the Championships via WTA social media and digital platforms, leading to a record-setting week for the Official WTA Website (www.wtatennis.com) with approximately 4.8 million page impressions and nearly 500,000 unique visitors during the week.
 
The battle for the year-end title brought the Top 8 singles players in the world to Istanbul, for the first time, each representing a different nation. The competition was intense on the court, with record-setting matches for length of match (time), most games played (best-of-3 match) and longest tie-break in tournament history. With their on-court success throughout the 2012 campaign both year-end No.1 Victoria Azarenka and WTA Championships title-winner Serena Williams surpassed the $7 million prize money mark, the first time in the history of the sport that two players earned more than $7 million in a single season.
 
"The TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships bring our amazing 2012 to an appropriately thrilling final chapter, with a truly unique tennis atmosphere. The best-of-the-best competed intensely on the court, breaking records along the way, with the Championships success demonstrating the global reach and strength of women's tennis. The Sinan Erdem Arena packed with enthusiastic tennis fans for six straight days is a testament to the Ministry of Sport and Turkish Tennis Federation’s efforts in executing, promoting and organizing this world class event,” said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA.
 
Total Championships attendance reached 73,072, with the average session visited by 12,179 fans. The final two days of the event proved to be the highest attended sessions in Istanbul as both the semifinals and finals sessions were sold out, averaging more than 15,954 fans.
 
The TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships broadcast more than 500 hours of coverage in 167 countries through 22 international TV broadcasters, the widest reach of a WTA Championships to date. In 2012, broadcast hours increased close to 25-percent, which includes live matches, match replays, and highlights.
 
The Championships is an opportunity for the WTA to engage with fans around the world. This year, the fan engagement on Twitter and Facebook increased by 300-percent as the official WTA Facebook page approaches one million likes and for the first time fans around the world were able to log on and view Chairman and CEO of the WTA, Stacey Allaster's State of the WTA Address via the WTA Google+ page.
 
"Istanbul is a great host of the Championships and fans have been tremendously supportive of the tournament," WTA world No.3 and 15-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams said. "The crowds were amazing and gave us such strong support from day one. I had an unbelievable time in my first trip to Istanbul and I hope this tournament continues to get more people, especially kids, involved in tennis."
]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:42:20 GMT <![CDATA[State of the WTA: Changes for 2013]]> ]]> By Erik Gudris
 
(October 28, 2012) -- WTA CEO Stacey Allaster hosted a "State of the WTA" presentation just before the start of the finals of the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships held this week in Istanbul, Turkey. 
 
Allaster began by praising the Istanbul fans for their continuing support of the event's three-year stay in Turkey's largest city that has seen record turnouts for a second year. Allastar then commented on the fact that ten players, including alternates, in the singles event represented ten different countries, a first for the event.
 
Four cities among 43 interested sites were announced as the finalists for the opportunity to host the year-end finals after the event concludes its stay at Istanbul next year. They include Kazan, Russia; Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore; and Tianjin, China. A final decision will be announced early in spring 2013.
 
“The WTA Championships is today recognized as one of a handful of truly blue chip international events, currently delivering over $140 million of economic and media value to the host city,” said Allaster, “Our plans for developing additional interactive events including a three-day fan festival will ensure the benefits to our next host city partner are even greater. We were delighted with the 43 initial expressions of interest we received and in finalizing our candidate cities, we now believe we have an outstanding shortlist from which we will find the next host for the world’s premier sporting event for women.”
 
One significant format change that will occur in 2014 will be the expansion of the doubles event that will include the top eight teams who qualify for the season ending championships.
 
Allaster announced that the tour has renewed its sponsorship partnerships with Oriflame cosmetics and Dubai Duty Free. But the presentation also confirmed the ending of several long-term deals including with tour sponsor Sony Ericsson and media partner Eurosport television.
 
Taking the place of Eurosport will be a new four-year deal with Perform that will provide multiple platforms for fans to watch WTA matches starting in 2013. Part of the new deal will allow several Premier tournaments to have coverage of matches on two courts. TennisTV.com is also expected to have increased on-court and off-court coverage.
 
Allaster finally emphasized the increased focus on China and Asia to help expand exposure and interest in the tour including the new WTA 125 events starting next week in Taipei.
 
“A trip to the WTA Championships, and the right to battle for such a prestigious title and possibly the world No. 1 ranking is the goal of every single player,” said four-time Grand Slam Champion Maria Sharapova. “Having only the best of the best together always makes for an incredibly exciting finale to each WTA season.  And having the chance to bring our best event to new cities is always exciting for the players and fans.”
]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2012 14:28:28 GMT <![CDATA[WTA Continues to Support the USANA True Health Foundation]]> ]]>(October 24, 2012) -- The WTA has made a donation in the amount of $25,000 to the USANA True Health Foundation, a not-for-profit charity whose mission is to provide the most critical human necessities to those suffering or in need. 
 
In March 2012, USANA Health Sciences (NYSE: USNA), a global nutritional supplements company and one of the WTA's longstanding and loyal partners for seven years, created the USANA True Health Foundation to rapidly and effectively help deserving populations worldwide in times of need, and to help improve both their health and living conditions. This includes, but is not limited to providing, nutrition, clothing, shelter, medical assistance and health education. The foundation was created by Dr. Myron Wentz, USANA's founder, and USANA CEO Dave Wentz, to help expand and enhance the company’s on-going charitably efforts.   
 
"The WTA applauds USANA's humanitarian efforts through the establishment of the USANA True Health Foundation.  We are honored to play a role in helping USANA fight suffering worldwide and support this worthwhile cause," said Stacey Allaster, Chairman and CEO of the WTA.
 
“We are thrilled and grateful that the WTA has chosen to support the USANA True Health Foundation and help theUSANA family change the lives of those in need,” said Dave Wentz. “Our goal is to one day create a world free of suffering and disease, and by partnering with an organization that values philanthropy the way the WTA does, we can help change the world for the better.”
 
"USANA has always produced products that keep me healthy and performing at an optimum level," said USANA Ambassador and WTA world No.9, Samantha Stosur.  "The USANA True Health Foundation is another example of how the company is making a difference in people's lives. The fact that 100 percent of every dollar donated to the organization directly benefits those in need is a testament to what a great company USANA is and one that I am proud to be associated with." 
 
USANA is one of the WTA's leading partners and serves as its Official Health Supplement Supplier. Since 2006, the company has provided high-quality nutritional supplements and meal replacement products to over 160 WTA players, including USANA Ambassadors, Kim Clijsters, Samantha Stosur, Zheng Jie, Aleksandra Wozniak, Melanie Oudin, and Liezel Huber. 

(Photo: WTA CEO Stacey Allaster with Samantha Stosur; Credit: Getty Images; courtesy of the WTA)

]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:40:57 GMT <![CDATA[Prince Extends Partnership with Ferrer]]> ]]>The multi-million dollar partnership with David Ferrer, the current World No. 5, will have the Spaniard continuing to play with the EXO3 Tour 100 racquet.]]>(October 23, 2012) -- Prince Global Sports, a leading tennis equipment and footwear company, announced today it has renewed a partnership with the second-highest ranked Spanish player, David Ferrer. Ferrer will continue to use Prince’s EXO3 Tour 100 racquet, which propelled him to reach at least the quarterfinals in all four Grand Slams in 2012.

“David has been with Prince for many years, and we are proud to have him on our team. He is one of the most respected players on tour and his work ethic and style of play mirrors what it takes to get to the next level,” said Ken Merritt, Director of Player Development for Prince Global Sports. “Since he started playing with the EXO3 racquet, David has been consistently ranked in the top 5 on the tour. Our goal is to work closely with him to find equipment that can take his game into the top 3.”

Regarded by many as the fittest player on the ATP Tour, Ferrer claimed five ATP World Tour Titles in 2012. “I try to do my best on every point, and win as many matches as possible,” said Ferru, his commonly used nickname. “It is important that I use the best frame for my game – and that has always been Prince. They support me with the best racquets to raise my game.”

Ferrer plays his hometown event, the Valencia Open 500, through the end of the month. The tournament will be extra special for him as he says farewell to his fellow countrymen, and longtime Prince Team member, Juan Carlos Ferrero. A former World Number 1, Juan Carlos has won over 15 career titles, including the 2003 French Open Men’s Singles title. Ferrero announced that he will retire after his last match in Valencia.

Prince Global Sports is committed to continually delivering top-quality tennis products in all categories – outfitting athletes around the world with the very best in racquets, footwear, strings, balls and accessories. The partnership formed with Ferrer and Prince is a natural fit.

(Photo Courtesy of Prince)]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:09:22 GMT <![CDATA[Djokovic and Bryan Bros to Play in Branson's Event]]> ]]>Novak Djokovic and the Bryan Brothers will play in the Necker Cup Pro-Am with Sir Richard Branson in the British Virgin Islands December 9-13, 2012. ]]>By Tennis Now Staff

(October 11, 2012) -- UNICEF ambassador for Serbia, five-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has entered the 2012 Necker Cup, the world’s most exclusive Pro-Am, to be held on Sir Richard Branson’s private island Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 9-13.
 
Event Manager Premier Tennis Travel has also announced that Djokovic will be joined by the world’s greatest doubles team the Bryan Brothers and Mark Philippoussis, among others. “To have Novak and so many other great players participating in the Necker Cup is very exciting,” said Trevor Short, President of Premier Tennis Travel. “They’re all great ambassadors for the game on and off the court.”
 
Amateurs can book a space in the Necker Cup Pro-Am by calling (001) 800.376.0975 or visiting www.neckercup.com. You can also win a place directly into the Necker Cup by winning the Life Time Necker Cup Challenge, to be run in eight markets across the US. In addition, you can register to play in the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Legends Tennis Camp at www.neckercup.com/legends, which will take place at the same time nearby at the world-renowned resort at Virgin Gorda and will be hosted by Grand Slam doubles winners, the Jensen Brothers.
 
“Everything is shaping up to be an unforgettable week on Necker Island,” said Michael Richards, Director of Tennis at Necker and Co-Founder of the Necker Cup. “With the current players and now with Novak signing we are confident others will follow. We are sure to have an incredible collection of current and former tennis legends playing in the first Necker Cup.”
 
Each evening will end with a unique cocktail and dinner experience concluding with an “End of the World” awards dinner, party and auction on Dec. 12 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay where the Legends Tennis Camp participants will have a chance to meet with Sir Richard and mingle with the past and current tennis stars. One hundred percent of all donations from the auction will directly benefit the local BVI community, Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, Novak Djokovic Foundation and other ATP and WTA player charities.
 
In addition to the tennis, Sir Richard will kick off a Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat where Necker Cup participants will get to learn from one of the world’s most successful business leaders, as well as other social, sports and business icons. 
 
The Life Time Necker Cup Challenge registration continues with the first two of eight U.S. events scheduled for Tempe, AZ, and Minneapolis, MN, Oct. 12-14. Players can enter the Necker Cup Challenge for a chance to win a spot in the Necker Cup. Events will also take place in Colorado Springs, CO, Boca Raton, FL, Norcross, GA, Rochester Hills, MI, White Bear Lake, MN, Colleyville, TX, and Houston. All winners of each of the eight events advance to the Life Time Necker Cup Challenge finals Nov. 17-19 in Colorado Springs. Learn more or register at http://www.neckercup.com/home/how-can-i-attend/life-time-fitness-necker-cup-challenge/
 
For more information on the Necker Cup call 800.376.0975 or visit the website at: www.neckercup.com. Check the following sites for more information on Premier Tennis Travel (www.Premiertennistravel.com), Life Time Fitness (www.lifetimefitness.com) or Necker Island (www.neckerisland.com). 
 
About Necker Cup 2012
Sir Richard Branson in conjunction with Premier Tennis Travel will host a five-day world-class Pro-Am tennis event on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands Dec. 9-13. Sir Richard will join eight current and former ATP and WTA legends to pair up with eight amateur teams of all levels. A handicapped scoring format will be used making it competitive tennis for all tennis levels. Teams consist of one pro and up to two amateurs. Teams compete to win their bracket and earn a chance to play in the Necker Cup Final.
 
Sir Richard will also join players and participants in a Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat at Temple House on Necker Island. As well as the tennis, participants can engage in typical Necker Island activities including paddle boarding, Pilates, sailing, kite boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, massage therapy, parties and more. On the final night, an End of the World party will take place and will include an exhibition involving the top pros, an awards ceremony, and an auction. A portion of event profits and 100 percent of all auction proceeds will go to Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation, and other leading ATP and WTA player 501(c) (3) charities. Please visit www.neckercup.com for more information.
 
About Necker Island
Necker Island is Sir Richard Branson's home and favourite hideaway situated in the British Virgin Islands, a stunning and unspoilt area of the Caribbean. At 74 acres, Necker sits in turquoise waters surrounded by coral reefs and fringed with beautiful white sandy beaches. The island can be hired exclusively or if you're not looking to hire it exclusively, you can still enjoy the Necker experience during Celebration Weeks when individual rooms can be booked by singles or couples to enjoy our fabulous island paradise ’house party’ style. Necker Island is part of the award-winning luxury retreat portfolio - Virgin Limited Edition. www.neckerisland.com
 
About Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite is the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group. We unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to reinvent how we live and work in the world to help make people’s lives better.   Our aim is to help revolutionize the way businesses, government and the social sector work together – driving business as a force for good.  This is based on the belief that this is the only way we can tackle the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the world today.  We also incubate new, independent approaches to global leadership including the Elders, the Carbon War Room, and the Branson Centres of Entrepreneurship.
 
Virgin Unite’s overheads are covered by Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of additional donations received go direct to the frontline where they are needed most.
 
For more information, please visit http://www.virginunite.com/, follow us on Twitter @virginunite and join the movement on facebook.com/VirginUnite.
 
About National Tennis Foundation
The National Tennis Foundation (NTF) is a nationally recognized 501(c) (3) charitable organization that has become a leading advocate for exceptional student athletes regardless of race or economic means. The NTF strives to provide scholarships to student athletes who seek annual, full, or part-time training programs that foster excellence in tennis and academics. For more information, visit http://www.nationaltennisfoundation.org/.
 
About Premier Tennis Travel
Premier Tennis Travel has more than 50 years in combined experience in tennis travel, camps and events. We offer international travelers’ best-in-class ticket and travel packages to the world's top tennis tournaments, including the Australian Open, BNP Paribas, Sony Ericsson Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. For more information, visit www.Premiertennistravel.com.  For questions, please email info@premiertennistravel.com or call 800.376.0975.
 
About Life Time Fitness, Inc.
As The Healthy Way of Life Company, Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM) helps organizations, communities and individuals achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of interest – or discovering new passions – both inside and outside of Life Time’s distinctive and large sports, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations, most of which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Company’s Healthy Way of Life approach enables customers to achieve this by providing the best programs, people and places of uncompromising quality and value. As of July 30, 2012, the Company operated 105 centers under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC(SM) brands in the United States and Canada. Additional information about Life Time centers, programs and services is available at www.lifetimefitness.com.
 
About Novak Djokovic Foundation
Novak Djokovic Foundation is internationally recognized charitable organization, founded in 2007, by Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. The foundation is the advocate for childhood development and inclusive preschool education that enables children from disadvantaged communities, especially in Novak's native Serbia, to grow up, play and develop in stimulative, creative and safe settings. For more information on foundation, please visit: www.novakdjokovicfoundation.org
]]> Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:11:29 GMT <![CDATA[The 2012 PowerShares Series Kicks off This Saturday in AZ]]> ]]>McEnroe, Agassi, Sampras, and more to play in 12 U.S. Cities as part of this exhibition.]]>By Tennis Now Staff

(October 10, 2012) -- Tennis legends John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, and Todd Martin will kick off the 2012 PowerShares Series this Saturday, October 13, when they compete at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships, Presented by Sanderson Ford and Lincoln in Surprise, Arizona.
 
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.
 
In addition to McEnroe, Courier, Chang and Martin, the tour features fellow Grand Slam champions Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander and Pat Rafter competing for a prize pool totaling $1 million, to be shared by the top three finishers at the conclusion of the season. 
 
"I’m very excited about playing again, and I'm going to do everything I can to win the title this year," said McEnroe. "Pete (Sampras) is still the big favorite coming off his championship last season, but I will be ready. When you're a competitor at heart like me, winning is first and foremost." McEnroe captured the 2011 season-ending HSBC Tennis Cup in Buffalo, with an 8-5 triumph over Martin in the final. The 7-time Grand Slam champion is slated to play in all 12 PowerShares Series events this season, the only player that will do so. 
 
"I can’t wait to get back out there to defend my #1 position on the PowerShares Series," said Sampras. "I know the guys will be gunning for me this year, but I'll be ready for the challenge." Sampras earned $500,000 by finishing the 2011 season as the top-ranked player, after winning five of the seven events he competed in. Sampras is slated to take part in five events this year: Chicago, Detroit, Boston, Philadelphia and New York.
 
"I'll be pushing hard to try to take the #1 spot this year," said Courier. "Last year, Pete edged me out with some key wins early in the schedule, but I've been putting in the extra work to try to get back on top in 2012." Courier earned $350,000 by finishing as the second ranked player last year, and will compete in 11 of the 12 events on the 2012 schedule, the only exception being the November 5 event at Madison Square Garden.
 
Andre Agassi collected $150,000 last year by finishing as the 3rd-ranked player, and will return to compete in five events this season: New York, San Jose, Las Vegas, Denver, and Los Angeles.

"I love the fast-paced shootout format of these events, which are tailor-made for fan entertainment," said Agassi.  "The crowds were great in 2011 and I hope they are ready to enjoy an even better time in 2012."
 
Michael Chang has six PowerShares appearances on his 2012 schedule, while Ivan Lendl will make four appearances. Mats Wilander and newcomer Patrick Rafter will each play in two events.  
 
Tickets and unique interactive VIP fan experiences for the 2012 PowerShares Series are on sale now.  For complete tour and ticket information, visit http://www.PowerSharesSeries.com/.
 
2012 PowerShares Series Tour Schedule
 
October 13 – Surprise, AZ – Surprise Tennis Stadium – McEnroe, Chang, Martin, Courier
October 17 – Chicago, IL – United Center – Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Lendl
October 18 – Detroit, MI – The Palace of Auburn Hills – Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Lendl
October 19 – Boston, MA – TD Garden – Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Lendl
November 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center – McEnroe, Sampras, Courier, Rafter
November 5 –New York, NY – Madison Square Garden – McEnroe, Agassi, Sampras, Rafter
November 9 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Bay Times Forum – Chang, McEnroe, Wilander, Courier
November 10 – Atlanta, GA – Gwinnett Center – Chang, McEnroe, Wilander, Courier
November 16 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion – Agassi, McEnroe, Lendl, Courier
November 17 – Las Vegas, NV – Mandalay Bay Hotel – Agassi, Chang, McEnroe, Courier
November 29 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center – Agassi, Chang, McEnroe, Courier
November 30 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center – Agassi, Chang, McEnroe, Courier
]]> Thu, 11 Oct 2012 15:26:39 GMT <![CDATA[Player Charity Events - Pros Give Back]]> ]]> By Blair Henley

As the tennis offseason approaches, some players are looking forward to a couple months of much needed rest, while others are throwing themselves into their own personal charity work. Here’s a roundup highlighting the current philanthropic efforts of your favorite tennis stars.
Andy Roddick
Andy Roddick was still a teenager when he decided to start his own foundation to benefit underprivileged children. Eleven years later, Roddick’s foundation is one of the most successful in the tennis industry. His 2012 gala came just weeks after his surprise retirement at the U.S. Open, and drew intense media coverage as a result. The event featuring John Legend, Matthew McConaughey, and Brooklyn Decker (Roddick’s model/actress wife) raised over $1 million. The Andy Roddick Foundation plans on using a portion of the funds to open a “sports and learning center” in East Austin.
https://arfoundation.org/

Bryan Brothers
On September 28th, Bob and Mike Bryan hosted the Cool Planet Tennis Benefit in Camarillo, Calif., with the goal of raising funds for the Bryan Brothers Foundation. No doubt the combination of music, food, tennis, and wine tasting put patrons in the mood to support the twins’ efforts to benefit children in their home state of California. The event came after a history-making summer for the brothers as they captured their first Olympic gold medals and claimed a record-breaking 12th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.  
http://www.bryanbros.com/about-the-foundation.html
 
Ryan Harrison
At just 20 years old, Ryan Harrison is learning from the examples set by great American tennis philanthropists like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and James Blake. Harrison has organized his own tennis invitational and fundraising event in his home state of Louisiana benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. The event, scheduled for November 17th-18th, will feature tour pros Ryan Sweeting, Scott Lipsky, and the Bryan Brothers among others.  
http://www.atlastennis.net/ryan-harrison-invitational/
 
Chris Evert
Chris Evert’s playing days may be over, but each year the former No. 1 uses her star power to draw some of the biggest celebrities to her South Florida charity event. In addition to a celebrity tennis exhibition, the two-day extravaganza features a pro-am, cocktail party, and gala. Since Evert began her efforts to benefit at-risk mothers and children in 1989, the Chris Evert Foundation has raised over $20 million dollars for organizations throughout Florida. This year’s event begins on Friday, October 26th!
http://www.chrisevert.org/
]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:57:41 GMT <![CDATA[Voting opens for final Fed Cup Heart Award]]> ]]>The ITF today announced that Petra Kvitova (CZE), Lucie Safarova (CZE), Ana Ivanovic (SRB) and Jelena Jankovic (SRB) have been shortlisted for the last Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award of 2012.]]> By Tennis Now Staff

(October 8, 2012) -- The ITF today announced that Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova and Lucie Safarova, and Serbia's Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic have been shortlisted for the last Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award of 2012. All four players competed in the World Group semifinals in April and helped their nation reach the Final, which will see Czech Republic defend its title against Serbia at the O2 Arena in Prague on November 3-4, 2012.
 
The players were shortlisted by the Heart Award judging panel, consisting of ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti and a mixture of former players and members of the international media. A public vote, running on October 8-26, is being held on FedCup.com and FedCup.com/es to decide the winner, who will receive a cheque for $10,000 to be donated to her chosen charity. The winner will be announced in Prague during the lead-up to the Final.
 
The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award is a joint initiative between BNP Paribas and the ITF. It aims to recognise players who have represented their country with distinction, shown exceptional courage on court and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their team. A total of five Heart Awards are being presented in 2012. Earlier in the year, Daniela Hantuchova, Sofia Arvidsson, Catalina Castano, and Li Na were all recognized.
 
Kvitova and Jankovic are both bidding to become the first player to win two Heart Awards, having received the honour in 2011 and 2010 respectively.
 
ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said: “All four players have shown great commitment to their countries in recent years, and deserve their place in the 2012 Fed Cup Final. Their passion and dedication embodies the spirit of the competition, and I would like to congratulate all of them for being nominated for this Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Heart Award.”
 
To cast your vote, visit the Fed Cup website.
]]> Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:56:06 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA Raises Over $7,500 During 'Lessons for Life' Silent Auction ]]> ]]>The USPTA raised $7,582 from its silent auction held at the USPTA’s Tennis Buying Show during the World Conference on Tennis from Sept. 16-21, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. ]]> The USPTA raised $7,582 from its silent auction held at the USPTA’s Tennis Buying Show during the World Conference on Tennis from Sept. 16-21, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. 
 
During the silent auction, attendees had an opportunity to bid on a variety of items, including:
 
- Maria Sharapova–autographed racquet, courtesy of HEAD/Penn
- 6-ft by 10-ft. Tuffy windscreen panel with a 3-ft by 3-ft one-color logo, courtesy of Aer-Flo
- Dartfish Connect 6.0, courtesy of Dartfish
- Two tickets to the 2013 U.S. Open, courtesy of USTA
- Nike shoes for a year, one per quarter, courtesy of Fromuth
- Two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey, Calif., courtesy of Hyatt Regency Monterey

The auction benefits the USPTA foundation Lessons for Life, 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.
]]> Fri, 05 Oct 2012 15:50:03 GMT <![CDATA[TC's Cari Champion moves to ESPN2's 'First Take']]> ]]>Cari Champion leaves Tennis Channel and her 'Court Reports' for the greener pastures of ESPN2's "First Take."]]>Cari Champion, one of the three TV personalities over at Tennis Channel (along with Arlene Santana and  Angela Sun), has started a new gig at ESPN2's "First Take" this week, with a spot between pundits Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith. The show debates the hottest issues in sports.

More info: First Take on ESPN2

(img)]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2012 11:41:54 GMT <![CDATA[World Team Cup Event Ends After 35 Years]]> One of the rare team events outside of Davis Cup, the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf is coming to an end after 35 years to make way for a new tournament.]]>One of the rare team events outside of Davis Cup, the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf is coming to an end after 35 years to make way for a new tournament.

By Erik Gudris

(October 4, 2012) -- After 35 years, the World Team Cup competition will be discontinued to make way for a new ATP 250 event in Dusseldorf.

As reported by Sports Business Daily, the event's license was allegedly sold to Ion Tiriac, owner of the current combined event in Madrid, for a reported $2.1 million dollars. But per an existing clause in the event's contract, Rochusclub Dusseldorf, site of the annual event, will be allowed to maintain ownership and host an ATP 250 tournament instead. Power Horse energy drink, the sponsor of the World Team Cup, will likely stay on as a title sponsor.

The World Team Cup, started in 1978, was a unique event on the tennis calendar as teams comprised of players from around the world would compete against each other in a week-long format before the start of Roland Garros each year, in May. Serbia, led by Janko Tipsarevic, won this year's event over the Czech Republic. Germany won the event five times, the most ever for one country, while the United States won four times with its last title coming in 1993.

No confirmation was given whether the new ATP event will stay in its current spot on the tour calendar.
]]> Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:43:36 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Davis Cup Final in Prague's O2 Arena]]> The ITF announced today that the 100th Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final will be staged at the O2 Arena in Prague on November 16-18, 2012. The 2012 final between Czech Republic and Spain will be played indoors in front of over 13,000 spectators, and marks the start of the ITF’s 2013 centenary celebrations.
 
Prague’s O2 Arena will also host the 2012 Fed Cup Final between Czech Republic and Serbia on November 3-4, 2012, becoming the first stadium to stage both finals in the same year. Czech Republic has also made history by becoming the first country to host both finals since the introduction of the Fed Cup World Group in 1995.
 
Spain is bidding for its fourth title in five years, having defeated Argentina in the 2011 Final in Seville. Czech Republic is looking for its first title since Ivan Lendl led Czechoslovakia to victory over Italy in the 1980 final in Prague at the Sportnovi Hala. Spain leads Czech Republic 4-2 in head-to-head meetings, and won their most recent encounter 5-0 at the 2009 Davis Cup Final in Barcelona.
 
Prague’s O2 Arena was built in time to stage the World Ice Hockey Championships in 2004 and has since held major sporting events for ice hockey, basketball and floorball. The venue has also welcomed some of the world’s biggest music acts, including Elton John, Coldplay and Lady Gaga.
]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:24:29 GMT <![CDATA[Martina Navratilova added to WTT exhibition]]> ]]>Navratilova joins Roddick, Graf and Agassi for Oct. 16 charity event co-hosted by Billie Jean King and Sir Elton John
]]>(October 1, 2012) --- Martina Navratilova, one of tennis’ greatest champions, has been added to the all-star field for Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO, the annual charity event co-hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King. 

Navratilova, a 59-time Grand Slam champion in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, was one of the participants in the first Smash Hits event in 1993 and will be making her 10th appearance. 

Former doubles world No. 1 Mark Knowles and WTT veteran Jan-Michael Gambill will also join Navratilova, Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Christina McHale, No. 1 ranked junior Taylor Townsend and 2012 US Open junior girls singles champion Samantha Crawford in the event, set for Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tickets are currently available for Mylan WTT Smash Hits through www.wttsmashhits.com or ticketmaster.com.  Corner reserved seats are $40; premium reserved seats are $75; and courtside seats are $125.  For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call 412-924-8270.

This year's event marks the 20th anniversary for Smash Hits, which has raised more than $10.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993.  Mylan WTT Smash Hits will benefit EJAF and the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, and will also include a pre-match VIP Reception and Auction hosted by Allegheny Sports Medicine. 

Captained by King and John, the players will form two teams and play five sets of World TeamTennis (WTT) – one set each of men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.  The music legend is expected to participate in a celebrity doubles match to open the event. 

Tickets for the VIP Reception and Auction are sold out. John, King and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction, which will include an Elton John signed piano bench and King’s Wimbledon tickets among other items. 

For more information on WTT Smash Hits, visit www.wttsmashhits.com.
]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:30:15 GMT <![CDATA[Bryan Brothers Fundraiser: September 28]]> ]]>Camarillo’s Mike and Bob Bryan will host the Cool Planet Tennis Fest benefitting their own Bryan Bros. Foundation on Friday, Sept. 28, beginning at 4 p.m. at the beautiful Spanish Hills Country Club in their hometown of Camarillo.]]>By Tennis Now Staff

(September 27, 2012) -- Mike and Bob Bryan will host the Cool Planet Tennis Fest benefitting their own Bryan Bros. Foundation on Friday, Sept. 28, beginning at 4 p.m. at the beautiful Spanish Hills Country Club in their hometown of Camarillo, Calif.
 
The twins, who won their first Olympic gold medals at the London Summer Games, have spent more than 200 weeks in their career as the world’s No. 1-ranked doubles team. They won Grand Slam No. 12 last month at the US Open.
 
Both the Ventura County Junior Tennis Association and the Santa Barbara Tennis Patrons are the major beneficiaries of the event, as well as other local causes and regional charities supported by the Bryan Bros. Foundation.
 
The day will consist of a Pro-Am with spots currently being filled, according to Spanish Hills Director of Tennis Dave McKinney. One the of most enjoyable aspects is the delicious foods, wines and beverages that can tasted from top area restaurants and wineries that all the fans and spectators have the chance to enjoy in a fun, entertaining atmosphere. The day will conclude with a concert performed by the Bryan Bros. Band.
 
Past participants include Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, Lindsay Davenport, Sloane Stephens, Rick Leach, Ken Flach, Derrick Rostagno, Jim Grabb, Hank Pfister, Steve Johnson, among other pros.
 
Tickets, VIP tables and spots in the Pro-Am can be purchased through the website at www.bbtennisfest.com or by contacting Spanish Hills at (805) 388-5000, ext. 362.
]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:08:08 GMT <![CDATA[Fed Cup Final Sells Out in Six Hours]]> ]]>The ITF announced that tickets for the 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Czech Republic and Serbia in Prague sold out in six hours on Monday. The Final will be played indoors at the O2 Arena on November 3-4, 2012, with a seating capacity of 13,000 each day.]]>The ITF announced that tickets for the 2012 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Final between Czech Republic and Serbia in Prague sold out in six hours on Monday. The Final will be played indoors at the O2 Arena on November 3-4, 2012, with a seating capacity of 13,000 each day.
 
Tickets were put on sale by the Czech Tennis Association at 10:00 on Monday September 24, 2012, with all available tickets sold by 16:00 the same day.
 
The Czech team will be led by former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who will be bidding to lead her team to its second successive Fed Cup title, having defeated Russia 3-2 in the 2011 Final in Moscow. Kvitova said: “My wish was to play in a sold-out arena, but I did not expect that it would sell out in one day. It’s like when the NHL hockey star Jaromir Jagr plays in Prague. I’m looking forward to hearing all our fans. My father ordered more than 100 tickets himself.“
 
Serbia will be led by former world No. 1 stars Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic as they attempt to follow in the footsteps of their male counterparts, who captured the 2010 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas title. It is the first meeting between the two teams as independent nations.
 
This will be the first ever Fed Cup tie to be played at the O2 Arena, although the multi-purpose venue has hosted Davis Cup ties, including the 2012 quarterfinal between the same two nations in April.
 
The O2 Arena was built in time to stage the World Ice Hockey Championships in 2004 and has since held major sporting events for ice hockey, basketball and floorball. The venue has also welcomed some of the world’s biggest music acts, including Elton John, Coldplay and Lady Gaga.
]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2012 18:17:45 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA's William Phillips Receives Education Honor]]> ]]>The USPTA recognized those members who make education a priority. The Association honored William Phillips from Lafayette, La., as the top credit earner in USPTA’s Career Development Program.]]>(September 24, 2012) -- During its annual awards breakfast, Sept. 19 at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis held at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif., the USPTA recognized those members who make education a priority. The Association honored William Phillips from Lafayette, La., as the top credit earner in USPTA’s Career Development Program.
Phillips, a USPTA-certified P-1 and member since 1986, earned the most continuing education credits in the 2011 program with 88 education credits.

Education has always been one of the most important benefits of USPTA membership. Today, USPTA offers more opportunities than ever before for teaching professionals to gain more knowledge about tennis and specialized areas within the sport. Members earning top education honors have shown a commitment to continuing education in the USPTA through attendance at seminars and specialty courses and through distance learning opportunities. Those members honored at the annual awards breakfast have logged the most education hours and credits in the Association. Below are some of those who have clearly taken advantage of this benefit.
 
Top education participants for 2011 include:
 
Jeff Rothstein
Feisal Hassan
Ken DeHart
Alan Cutler
Craig Wells
Bill Mecca
Andrew Minnelli
Andrea Barnes
Zwelo Khupe
Kevin Jackson
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:56:05 GMT <![CDATA[Draws: 2012 Junior Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals]]> ]]>Tuesday’s draw from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>(September 24, 2012) -- Tuesday’s draw from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.
 
On Tuesday the first and second team in each group will play each other, and the third and fourth teams.
 
BOYS GROUP A
 
USA [1]
BRAZIL
JAPAN
RUSSIA [7]
 
BOYS GROUP B
 
AUSTRALIA [3]
MOROCCO
SPAIN
ARGENTINA [6]
 
BOYS GROUP C
 
FRANCE [4]
MEXICO
PERU
KOREA [5]
 
BOYS GROUP D
 
ITALY [2]
EGYPT
CHINA
SWEDEN [8]
 
GIRLS GROUP A
 
USA [1]
SPAIN
KOREA
EGYPT [7]
 
GIRLS GROUP B
 
BRAZIL [3]
JAPAN
BELARUS
ITALY [5]
 
GIRLS GROUP C
 
LATVIA [4]
MEXICO
PARAGUAY
AUSTRALIA [6]
 
GIRLS GROUP D
 
RUSSIA [2]
GERMANY
SOUTH AFRICA
CHINA [8]
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Jr. Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals (Sept 30, 2012)]]> ]]>Sunday’s results from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 25-30 September. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.

RESULTS -- SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
 
BOYS FINAL:
 
ITALY [2] defeated AUSTRALIA [3] 2-1:
Harry Bourchier (AUS) d. Filippo Baldi (ITA) 46 76(2) 10-8
Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 16 60 63
Filippo Baldi/ Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Harry Bourchier/Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) 60 36 62
 
BOYS THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF:
 
USA [1] defeated FRANCE [4] 2-0:
Stefan Kozlov (USA) d. Quentin Halys (FRA) 67(4) 64 64
Noah Rubin (USA) d. Johan Sebastien Tatlot (FRA) 64 63
Doubles not played
 
BOYS PLAY-OFF 5-8
 
SWEDEN [8] defeated RUSSIA [7] 2-0 :
Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 62 57 62
Elias Ymer (SWE) d. Karen Khachanov (RUS)  63 76 (4)
Doubles not played
 
KOREA [5] defeated ARGENTINA [6]  2-0 :
Seong Chan Hong (KOR) d. Franco Egea (ARG) 75 60
Hyeon Chung (KOR) d. Francisco Bahamonde (ARG) 62 1-0 ret.
 
BOYS PLAY-OFF 9-12
 
JAPAN defeated PERU 3-0
Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN)  d. Petr Iamachkine (PER) 64 26 63
Ken Onishi (JPN) d. Nicolas Alvarez (PER) 62 62
Naoki Nakagawa/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. Wilder Pimentel/Petr Iamachkine (PER) 63 62
 
SPAIN defeated CHINA 2-0:
Jaume Antoni Munar (ESP) d. Su-Hao Zhong (CHN)  64 64
Ferran Calvo (ESP) d. Zhe Zhou (CHN) 64 64
Doubles not played
 
BOYS PLAY-OFF 13-16
 
BRAZIL defeated MEXICO 2-0:
Marcelo Tebet Filho (BRA) d. Andres Illescas (MEX) 61 63
Marcelo Zormann Da Silva(BRA) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) 60 60
Doubles not played
 
MOROCCO defeated EGYPT 2-0:
Mehdi Laalej (MAR) d. Omar Argoun (EGY) 62 61
Amine Zahoud (MAR) d. Youssef Sherif (EGY) 61 75
Doubles were not played
 
GIRLS FINAL:
 
USA [1] defeated RUSSIA [2] 3-0:
Louisa Chirico (USA) d. Alina Silich (RUS) 64 63
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) 26 63 61
Taylor Townsend/Gabrielle Andrews (USA) d. Daria Kasatkina/Alina Silich (RUS) 63 64
 
GIRLS THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF:
 
BRAZIL [3]  defeated AUSTRALIA [6] 2-1:
Zoe Hives (AUS) d. Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) 26 64 61
Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA)  d. Isabelle Wallace (AUS) 46 61 86
Beatriz Haddad Maia/Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) d. Naiktha Bains/Isabelle Wallace (AUS) 46 63 62
 
GIRLS PLAY-OFF 5-8
 
SPAIN  defeated GERMANY 2-1:
Katharina Gerlach (GER) d. Maria Jose Luque (ESP) 61 57 61
Sara Sorribes (ESP)  d. Antonia Lottner (GER) 63 63
Sara Sorribes/Maria Jose Luque (ESP) d. Antonia Lottner/Katharina Gerlach (GER) 63 62
 
ITALY [5] defeated PARAGUAY 2-1:
Sara Gimenez (PAR) d. Deborah Chiesa (ITA) 62 64
Giulia Pairone (ITA) d. Camila Giangreco (PAR) 61 64
Georgia Brescia/Deborah Chiesa (ITA) d. Sara Gimenez/Gabriela Ferreira (PAR) 26 63 75
 
GIRLS PLAY-OFF  9-12
 
EGYPT [7]  defeated SOUTH AFRICA 2-0:
Sandra Samir (EGY) d. Theresa Van Zyl (RSA) 64 62
Mayar Sherif (EGY) d. Ilze Hattingh (RSA) 64 36 62
Doubles not played
 
LATVIA [4]  defeated JAPAN 2-1:
Natsuho Arakawa (JPN) d. Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) 57 62 61
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) d. Mami Adachi (JPN)  76(3) 62
Jelena Ostapenko/Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) d. Mami Adachi/Nozomi Ohya (JPN) 64 64
 
GIRLS PLAY-OFF  13-16
 
MEXICO defeated KOREA 2-1:
Ah Song (KOR) d. Antonella Bramato (MEX) 26 75 61
Renata Zarazua (MEX) d. Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 76(1) 76(2)
Renata Zarazua/Constanza Gorches (MEX) d. Dahye Kim/Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 76(2) 62
 
BELARUS defeated CHINA [8] 2-0:
Palina Dubavets (BLR) d. Chan Zhang (CHN) 62 60
Iryna Shymenovich (BLR) d. Jia-Qi Kang (CHN)  60 64
Doubles not played
 
Final Standings Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas
 
1st – Italy
2nd – Australia
3rd – USA
4th – France
5th – Sweden
6th – Russia
7th –  Korea
8th –  Argentina
9th – Japan
10th – Peru
11th – Spain
12th – China
13th –  Brazil
14th – Mexico
15th –  Morocco
16th – Egypt
 
Final Standings Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas
 
1st – USA
2nd – Russia
3rd – Brazil
4th –  Australia
5th – Spain
6th– Germany
7th– Italy
8th – Paraguay
9th – Egypt
10th – South Africa
11th – Latvia
12th – Japan
13th –  Mexico
14th- Korea
15th – Belarus
16th – China
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Jr. Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals (Sept 25, 2012)]]> ]]>Tuesday’s results from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 25-30 September. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.

RESULTS -- TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

BOYS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated BRAZIL 2-1:
Stefan Kozlov (USA) d. Marcelo Zormann Da Silva (BRA) 67(7) 60 62
Noah Rubin (USA) d. Rafael Fabris De Matos (BRA) 62 63
Rafael Fabris De Matos/Marcelo Tebet Filho (BRA) d. Noah Rubin/Jared Donaldson (USA) 62 67(7) 61
 
RUSSIA [7] defeated JAPAN 2-1:
Andrey Rublev (RUS) d. Naoki Nakagawa (JPN) 26 75 63
Karen Khachanov (RUS) d. Ken Onishi (JPN) 61 63
Naoki Nakagawa/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. Karen Kachanov/Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 64 63
 
BOYS GROUP B
 
AUSTRALIA [3] defeated MOROCCO 3-0
Blake Mott (AUS) d. Mehdi Laalej (MAR) 67(2) 64 64
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) d. Amine Zahoud (MAR) 60 61
Blake Mott/Harry Bourchier (AUS) d. Amine Zahoud/Thami Benboubker (MAR) 62 64
 
ARGENTINA [6] defeated SPAIN 3-0
Lautaro Pane (ARG) d. Jaume Antoni Munar (ESP) 64 76(4)
Francisco Bahamonde (ARG) d. Alberto Barroso (ESP) 61 36 61
Franco Egea/Lautaro Pane (ARG) d. Jaume Antoni Munar/Alberto Barroso (ESP) 64 64
 
BOYS GROUP C
 
FRANCE [4] defeated MEXICO 3-0
Quentin Halys (FRA) d. Nigel Jimenez (MEX) 61 62
Johan Sebastien Tatlot (FRA) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) 63 63
Johan Sebastien Tatlot/Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) d. Andres Illescas/Nigel Jimenez (MEX) 63 61
 
KOREA [5] defeated PERU 3-0
Ku Keon Kang (KOR) d. Petr Iamachkine (PER) 61 63
Hyeon Chung (KOR) d. Nicolas Alvarez (PER) 61 62
Hyeon Chung/Ku Keon Kang (KOR) d. Nicolas Alvarez/Petr Iamachkine (PER) 64 62
 
BOYS GROUP D
 
ITALY [2] defeated EGYPT 3-0
Filippo Baldi (ITA) d. Youssef Sherif (EGY) 61 61
Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Omar Gamal El Din (EGY) 60 61
Gianluigi Quinzi/Filippo Baldi (ITA) d. Youssef Sherif/Omar Argoun (EGY) 62 61
 
SWEDEN [7] defeated CHINA 3-0
Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) 64 63
Elias Ymer (SWE) d. Zhe Zhou (CHN) 64 60
Philip Moebius/Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Zhe Zhou/Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) 60 62
 
GIRLS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated SPAIN 3-0
Louisa Chirico (USA) d. Maria Jose Luque (ESP) 62 64
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Sara Sorribes (ESP) 46 62 63
Taylor Townsend/Gabrielle Andrews (USA) d. Maria Jose Luque/Paula Badosa (ESP) 61 61
 
EGYPT [7] defeated KOREA 3-0
Sandra Samir (EGY) d. Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 46 62 75
Mayar Sherif (EGY) d. Dahye Kim (KOR) 63 62
Mayar Sherif/Sandra Samir (EGY) d. Ah Song/Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 61 64
 
GIRLS GROUP B
 
BRAZIL (3) defeated JAPAN 3-0
Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) d. Natsuho Arakawa (JPN) 61 60
Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) d. Mami Adachi (JPN) 62 61
Beatriz Haddad Maia/Ingrid Gamarra Martins (BRA) d. Mami Adachi/Nozomi Ohya (JPN) 61 61
 
ITALY [5] defeated BELARUS 3-0
Deborah Chiesa (ITA) d. Palina Dubavets (BLR) 61 64
Giulia Pairone (ITA) d. Iryna Shymanovich (BLR) 63 57 75
Deborah Chiesa/Georgia Brescia (ITA) d. Sadafmoh Tolibova/Palina Dubavets (BLR) 61 60
 
GIRLS GROUP C
 
LATVIA [4] defeated MEXICO 3-0
Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) d. Antonella Bramato (MEX) 36 75 64
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) d. Renata Zarazua (MEX) 46 63 63
Jelena Ostapenko/Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) d. Renata Zarazua/Constanza Gorches (MEX) 36 63 64
 
AUSTRALIA [6] defeated PARAGUAY 2-1
Zoe Hives (AUS) d. Sara Gimenez (PAR) 63 62
Camila Giangreco (PAR) d. Naiktha Bains (AUS) 64 61
Naiktha Bains/Isabelle Wallace (AUS) d. Camila Giangreco/Sara Gimenez (PAR) 76(4) 46 63
 
GIRLS GROUP D
 
RUSSIA [2] defeated GERMANY 3-0
Alina Silich (RUS) d. Katharina Gerlach (GER) 62 63
Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) d. Antonia Lottner (GER) 76(6) 64
Elizaveta Kulichkova/Daria Kasatkina (RUS) d. Antonia Lottner/Lea Gasparovic (GER) 62 62
 
SOUTH AFRICA defeated CHINA [8] 3-0
Theresa Van Zyl (RSA) d. Chan Zhang (CHN) 61 60
Ilze Hattingh (RSA) d. Ying Zhang (CHN) 60 61
Ilze Hattingh/Janet Koch (RSA) d. Jia-Qi Kang/Chan Zhang (CHN) 61 61 ]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Jr. Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals (Sept 26, 2012)]]> ]]>Wednesday’s results from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 25-30 September. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.

RESULTS -- WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
 
BOYS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated JAPAN 3-0:
Stefan Kozlov (USA) d. Naoki Nakagawa (JPN) 76(4) 63
Noah Rubin (USA) d. Ken Onishi (JPN) 46 76(6) 62
Stefan Kozlov/Jared Donaldson (USA) d. Naoki Nakagawa/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) 36 61 62
 
RUSSIA [7] defeated BRAZIL 3-0:
Daniil Medvedev (RUS) d. Marcelo Tebet Filho 46 76(5) 52 ret.
Karen Khachanov (RUS) d. Marcelo Zormann da Silva 76(5) 63
Karen Khachanov/Andrey Rublev (RUS) d. Rafael Fabris de Matos/Marcelo Zormann da Silva (BRA) 60 76(5)
 
BOYS GROUP B
 
AUSTRALIA [3] defeated SPAIN 2-1:
Jaume Antoni Munar (ESP) d. Harry Bourchier (AUS) 64 64
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) d. Alberto Barroso (ESP) 61 61
Thanasi Kokkinakis/Harry Bourchier (AUS) d. Alberto Barroso/Ferran Calvo (ESP) 61 64
 
ARGENTINA [6] defeated MOROCCO 3-0 :
Lautaro Pane (ARG) d. Mehdi Laalej (MAR) 60 62
Francisco Bahamonde (ARG) d. Amine Zahoud (MAR) 61 63
Francisco Bahamonde/Franco Egea (ARG) d. Mehdi Laalej/Thami Benboubker (MAR) 64 63
 
BOYS GROUP C
 
FRANCE [4] defeated PERU 3-0:
Quentin Halys (FRA) d. Wilder Pimentel (PER) 75 63
Johan Sebastien Tatlot (FRA) d. Nicolas Alvarez (PER) 63 62
Benjamin Bonzi/Quentin Halys (FRA) d. Nicolas Alvarez/Petr Iamachkine (PER) 61 62
 
KOREA [5] defeated MEXICO 3-0:
Ku Keon Kang (KOR) d. Nigel Jimenez (MEX) 64 63
Hyeon Chung (KOR) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) 60 62
Hyeon Chung/Seongchan Hong (KOR) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter/Nigel Jimenez (MEX) 60 62  
 
BOYS GROUP D
 
ITALY [2] defeated CHINA 3-0:
Filippo Baldi (ITA) d. Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) 61 64
Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Zhe Zhou (CHN) 62 62
Gianluigi Quinzi/Domenico Mirko Cutuli (ITA) d. Zhe Zhou/Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) 61 62
 
SWEDEN [8] defeated EGYPT 3-0:
Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Omar Argoun (EGY) 60 64
Elias Ymer (SWE) d. Youssef Sherif (EGY) 61 62
Elias Ymer/Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Youssef Sherif/Omar Argoun (EGY) 61 75
 
GIRLS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated KOREA 3-0:
Louisa Chirico (USA) d. Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 64 64
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Dahye Kim (KOR) 64 76(4)
Taylor Townsend/Gabrielle Andrews (USA) d. Dahye Kim/Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 63 61
  
SPAIN defeated EGYPT [7] 2-1:
Sandra Samir (EGY) d. Maria Jose Luque (ESP) 62 63
Sara Sorribes (ESP) d. Mayar Sherif (EGY) 76(5) 62
Sara Sorribes/Maria Jose Luque (ESP) d. Mayar Sherif/Sandra Samir (EGY) 75 63
 
GIRLS GROUP B
 
BELARUS defeated BRAZIL [3] 2-1:
Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) d. Palina Dubavets (BLR) 63 64
Iryna Shymenovich (BLR) d. Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) 61 64
Iryna Shymenovich/Palina Dubavets (BLR) d. Beatriz Haddad Maia/Ingrid Gamarra Martins (BRA) d. 62 36 62
 
ITALY [5] defeated JAPAN 2-1:
Georgia Brescia  (ITA) d. Natsuho Arakawa (JPN) 63 67(3) 63
Mami Adachi (JPN) d. Giulia Pairone (ITA) 62 63
Deborah Chiesa/Georgia Brescia (ITA) d. Mami Adachi/Nozomi Ohya (JPN) 76(1) 75
 
GIRLS GROUP C
 
MEXICO defeated AUSTRALIA [6] 2-1:
Zoe Hives (AUS) d. Antonella Bramato (MEX) 62 76(7)
Renata Zarazua (MEX) d. Naiktha Bains (AUS) 63 75
Constanza Gorches/Renata Zarazua (MEX) d. Naiktha Bains/Isabelle Wallace (AUS) 67(2) 63 64
 
PARAGUAY defeated LATVIA [4] 2-1:
Sara Gimenez (PAR) d. Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) 62 62
Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) d. Camila Giangreco (PAR) 26 76(4) 63
Camila Giangreco/Sara Gimenez (PAR) d. Jelena Ostapenko/Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) 63 61
 
GIRLS GROUP D
 
RUSSIA [2] defeated CHINA [8] 3-0:
Daria Kasatkina (RUS) d. Chan Zhang (CHN) 60 60
Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) d. Jia-Qi Kang (CHN) 60 63
Daria Kasatkina/Alina Silich (RUS) d. Ying Zhang/Chan Zhang (CHN) 62 61
 
GERMANY defeated SOUTH AFRICA 2-1:
Theresa Van Zyl (RSA) d. Lea Gasparovic (RUS) 76(1) 26 63
Antonia Lottner (GER) d. Ilze Hattingh (RSA) 62 36 64
Antonia Lottner/Katharina Gerlach (GER) d. Ilze Hattingh/Janet Koch (RSA) 61 63
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Jr. Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals (Sept 27, 2012)]]> ]]>Thursday’s results from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 25-30 September. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.

RESULTS -- THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
 
BOYS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated RUSSIA [7] 2-1:
Stefan Kozlov (USA) d. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 75 62
Noah Rubin (USA) d. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 75 63
Jared Donaldson/Stefan Kozlov (USA) d. Andrey Rublev/Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 36 63 64
 
JAPAN defeated BRAZIL 2-1:
Marcelo Zormann da Silva (BRA) d. Naoki Nakagawa (JPN) 62 62
Ken Onishi (JPN) d. Rafael Fabris de Matos (BRA) 63 60
Naoki Nakagawa/Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. Rafael Fabris de Matos/Marcelo Tebet Filho (BRA) 63 62
 
BOYS GROUP B
 
AUSTRALIA [3] defeated ARGENTINA [6]  3-0:
Harry Bourchier (AUS) d. Lautaro Pane (ARG) 57 76(6) 63
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) d. Francisco Bahamonde (ARG) 62 63
Thanasi Kokkinakis/Blake Mott (AUS) d. Franco Egea/Lautaro Pane (ARG) 62 75
 
SPAIN defeated MOROCCO 3-0:
Jaume Antoni Munar (ESP) d. Mehdi Laalej (MAR)  64 62
Alberto Barroso (ESP) d. Amine Zahoud (MAR) 76(8) 61
Ferran Calvo/Alberto Barroso (ESP) d. Amine Zahoud/Thami Benboubker (MAR) 60 61
 
BOYS GROUP C
 
FRANCE [4] defeated KOREA [5]  2-1:
Quentin Halys (FRA) d. Seong Chan Hong 60 75
Hyeon Chung (KOR) d. Johan Sebastien Tatlot (FRA)  62 61
Quentin Halys/Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) d. Hyeon Chung/Seong Chan Hong (KOR) 64 76(5)
 
PERU defeated MEXICO 2-1:
Nigel Jimenez (MEX) d. Wilder Pimentel (PER) 63 63
Nicolas Alvarez (PER) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) 61 63
Nicolas Alvarez/Petr Iamachkine (PER) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter/Nigel Jimenez (MEX) 62 76(8)
 
BOYS GROUP D
 
ITALY [2] defeated SWEDEN [5]  2-1:
Filippo Baldi (ITA) d. Daniel Windahl (SWE) 61 64
Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Elias Ymer (SWE) 60 62
Daniel Windahl/Philip Moebius (SWE) d. Domenico Mirko Cutuli/Filippo Baldi (ITA) 46 61 76(5)
 
CHINA defeated EGYPT 2-1:
Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) d. Youssef Sherif (EGY) 63 75
Omar Gamal el Din (EGY) d. Zhe Zhou (CHN) 64 61
Zhe Zhou/Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) d. Omar Gamal el Din/Youssef Sherif (EGY) 67(3) 63 64
 
GIRLS GROUP A
 
USA [1] defeated EGYPT [7] 3-0:
Louisa Chirico (USA) d. Sandra Samir (EGY) 64 62
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Mayar Sherif (EGY) 64 63
Taylor Townsend/Gabrielle Andrews (USA) d. Sandra Samir/Dona Abo Habaga (EGY) 60 60
 
SPAIN defeated KOREA 2-1:
Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) d. Paula Badosa (ESP) 63 61
Sara Sorribes (ESP) d. Dahye Kim (KOR) 64 63
Sara Sorribes/Maria Jose Luque (ESP) d. Dahye Kim/Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) 62 62
 
GIRLS GROUP B
 
BRAZIL [3] defeated ITALY [5]  2-1:
Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) d. Deborah Chiesa (ITA) 64 61
Giulia Pairone (ITA) d. Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) 64 64
Beatriz Haddad Maia/Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) d. Giulia Pairone/Georgia Brescia (ITA) 62 61
 
JAPAN defeated BELARUS 2-1:
Sadafmoh Tolibova (BLR) d. Natsuho Arakawa (JPN) 63 62
Mami Adachi (JPN) d. Iryna Shymenovich (BLR)  63 46 64
Mami Adachi/Nozomi Ohya (JPN) d. Irina Shymenovich/Palina Dubavets (BLR) 62 61
 
GIRLS GROUP C
 
AUSTRALIA [6] defeated LATVIA [4] 2-1:
Zoe Hives (AUS) d. Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT)  61 63
Isabelle Wallace (AUS) d. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 63 64
Jelena Ostapenko/Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) d. Naiktha Bains/Isabelle Wallace (AUS) 57 61 62
 
PARAGUAY defeated MEXICO 3-0:
Sara Gimenez (PAR) d. Constanza Gorches (MEX) 57 75 62
Camila Giangreco (PAR) d. Renata Zarazua (MEX) 63 64
Camila Giangreco/Sara Gimenez (PAR) d. Renata Zarazua/Constanza Gorches (MEX) 64 61
 
GIRLS GROUP D
 
RUSSIA [2] defeated SOUTH AFRICA 3-0:
Daria Kasatkina (RUS) d. Theresa Van Zyl (RSA) 61 60
Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) d. Ilze Hattingh (RSA) 60 64
Elizaveta Kulichkova/Alina Silich (RUS) d. Thereza Van Zyl/Janet Koch (RSA) 63 26 61
 
GERMANY defeated CHINA 3-0:
Katharina Gerlach (GER) d. Jia-Qi Kang (CHN) 16 63 61
Antonia Lottner (GER) d. Ying Zhang (CHN) 63 60
Lea Gasparovic/Katharina Gerlach (GER) d. Jia-Qi Kang/Chan Zhang (CHN) 75 64
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[2012 Jr. Davis Cup & Fed Cup Finals (Sept 28, 2012)]]> ]]>Friday’s results from the 2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on September 25-30, 2012.]]>2012 Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas Finals taking place in Barcelona, Spain on 25-30 September. Sixteen boys and 16 girls teams are taking part in the finals of the ITF’s world junior team competition for players aged 16-and-under. A total of 183 teams from 97 countries have taken part in this year’s event. Thirty-two teams from 21 countries are contesting the Finals.

RESULTS -- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012
 
BOYS MAIN DRAW PLAY-OFF 1-4
 
AUSTRALIA [3] defeated USA [1] 2-0:
Harry Bourchier (AUS) d. Stefan Kozlov (USA) 16 63 75
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) d. Noah Rubin (USA) 63 62
Doubles not played
 
ITALY [2]  defeated FRANCE [4] 2-0:
Filippo Baldi (ITA) d. Quentin Halys (FRA) 62 64
Gianluigi Quinzi (ITA) d. Johan Sebastien Tatlot (FRA) 36 63 61
Doubles not played
 
BOYS PLAY OFF 5-8
 
SWEDEN [8] defeated KOREA [5] 2-1:
Seong Chan Hong (KOR) d. Daniel Windahl (SWE) 76(4) 64
Elias Ymer (SWE) d. Hyeon Chung (KOR) 76(2) 64
Elias Ymer/Daniel Windahl (SWE) d. Hyeon Chung/Seong Chan Hong (KOR) 76(1) 64
 
RUSSIA [7] defeated ARGENTINA [6] 2-0:
Andrey Rublev (RUS) d. Lautaro Pane (ARG) 75 10 ret.
Karen Khachanov (RUS) d. Francisco Bahamonde (ARG) 60 26 61
Doubles not played
 
BOYS PLAY OFF 9-12
 
JAPAN defeated SPAIN 2-0:
Jumpei Yamasaki (JPN) d. Ferran Calvo (ESP) 76(5) 76(4)
Ken Onishi (JPN) d. Alberto Barroso (ESP) 76(4) 46 62
Doubles not played.
 
PERU defeated CHINA 2-0:
Wilder Pimentel (PER) d. Su-Hao Zhong (CHN) 63 46 60
Nicolas Alvarez (PER) d. Zhe Zhou (CHN) 62 64
Doubles not played.
 
BOYS PLAY OFF 13-16
 
BRAZIL defeated MOROCCO 2-0:
Marcelo Tebet Filho (BRA) d. Mehdi Laalej (MAR) 26 61 60
Marcelo Zormann da Silva (BRA) d. Amine Zahoud (MAR) 63 60
Doubles not played.
 
MEXICO defeated EGYPT 2-1:
Nigel Jimenez (MEX) d Youssef Sherif (EGY) 46 64 75
Omar Gamal El Din (EGY) d. Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) 62 60
Nigel Jimenez/Kevin Jack Carpenter (MEX) d. Youssef Sherif/Omar Gamal El Din (EGY)64 63
 
GIRLS MAIN DRAW PLAY-OFF 1-4
 
USA [1] defeated BRAZIL [3] 2-0:
Louisa Chirico (USA) d. Carolina Meligeni Alves (BRA) 63 60
Taylor Townsend (USA) d. Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA) 67(5) 76(5) 61
Doubles not played
 
RUSSIA [2] defeated AUSTRALIA [6] 2-0:
Daria Kasatkina (RUS) d. Zoe Hives (AUS) 62 75
Elizaveta Kulichkova (RUS) d. Isabelle Wallace (AUS) 61 63
Doubles not played
 
GIRLS PLAY-OFF 5-8
 
SPAIN defeated ITALY [5] 2-1:
Georgia Brescia (ITA) d. Paula Badosa (ESP) 57 60 76(3)
Sara Sorribes (ESP) d. Giulia Pairone (ITA) 61 61
Sara Sorribes/Maria Jose Luque (ESP) d. Deborah Chiesa/Georgia Brescia (ITA) 16 62 75
 
GERMANY defeated PARAGUAY 2-0:
Katharina Gerlach (GER) d. Sara Gimenez (PAR) 75 62
Antonia Lottner (GER) d. Camila Giangreco (PAR) 63 67(6) 75
Doubles not played
 
GIRLS PLAY OFF 9-12
 
EGYPT [7] defeated JAPAN 2-0:
Sandra Samir (EGY) d. Natsuho Arakawa (JPN) 64 36 64
Mayar Sherif (EGY) d. Mami Adachi (JPN)  67(9) 76(4) 64
Doubles not played
 
SOUTH AFRICA defeated LATVIA [4] 2-1:
Janet Koch (RSA) d. Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) 64 63
Ilze Hattingh (RSA) d. Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 46 76(5) 64
Jelena Ostapenko/Darte Elizabete Emulina (LAT) d. Theresa Van Zyl/Janet Koch (RSA) 75 75
 
GIRLS PLAY OFF 13-16
 
KOREA defeated BELARUS 2-0:
Yeongwon Jeong (KOR) d. Sadafmoh Tolibova (BLR) 64 62
Dahye Kim (KOR) d. Iryna Shymenovich (BLR) 64 75
Doubles not played
 
MEXICO defeated CHINA [8] 2-0:
Antonella Bramato (MEX) d. Jia-Qi Kang (CHN) 64 62
Renata Zarazua (MEX) d. Ying Zhang (CHN) 75 62
Doubles not played
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:14:11 GMT <![CDATA[Hawaii’s Porter named USPTA Pro of the Year]]> ]]>David T. Porter, Ed. D., of Laie, Hawaii, who has been involved in teaching tennis for more than 35 years and has been a USPTA member for more than 25 years, received the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Alex Gordon Award for the Professional of the Year.]]>(September 24, 2012) -- David T. Porter, Ed. D., of Laie, Hawaii, who has been involved in teaching tennis for more than 35 years and has been a USPTA member for more than 25 years, received the United States Professional Tennis Association’s Alex Gordon Award for the Professional of the Year.
Porter was recognized during the USPTA’s annual awards breakfast at its World Conference on Tennis. The USPTA, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals, hosted its annual World Conference Sept. 16-21 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif.

The professional of the year is judged in seven areas, including: contributions to USPTA and USTA; as a teaching professional, player and coach; education, research and publications; organizational affiliations; and contributions to the community.

Porter, who is a USPTA Master Professional, played collegiate tennis for Brigham Young University, a top 20 Division I program. Porter graduated with Ed. D., M.S. and B.S. degrees before beginning his tennis-teaching career.

He has been very committed to the USPTA. He has been a Head Tester since 1988 and has served on the National Board from 1994-2007. This included serving as the national president from 2003-2005.  In addition, he has served as the chairman of the education committee and the chairman of the testing and certification committee. He has also been a speaker at numerous USPTA divisional conventions and national conferences.

He is currently the head tennis coach at Brigham Young University – Hawaii. Porter has an impressive record of 1,193 wins and 145 losses over his college coaching career, and he has never lost a conference match in women’s tennis during his entire career.  His BYU – Hawaii women’s team is the three-time Pacific West Conference champions (2010, 2011, 2012). He has also taught/worked with several nationally ranked players, including Zheng Jie, ranked No. 15 in the WTA, Yan Zi, ranked in the top 100 in the WTA and Li Na, ranked top 10 in the WTA.

Porter has written several articles for China Tennis Club Magazine and ADDvantage Magazine. Also, as the chairman of the USPTA Player Development Advisory Council, he consulted and edited “The Six General Performance Components of Tennis.”
 
He is currently on the HEAD Penn Racquet Sports Advisory Committee and Nike China Advisory Committee. His previous accolades include Hawaii Division Pro of the Year (2004, 1995), USPTA College Coach of the Year (2003, 2002), Hawaii Division Tester of the Year (1997, 1994), and Hawaii Division Hall of Fame Inductee (1985).
]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2012 19:57:41 GMT <![CDATA[Georgia's Pasha Wins Audi Napa Valley Classic ]]> ]]>Nathan Pasha beats Texas' Soren Hess-Olesen in the finals of the PlayBrave Shootout to win the 12th Annual Audi Napa Valley Classic at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, Calif.]]>By Steve Pratt
 
(Sept. 23, 2012) -- Playing the big points loose -- including two championship points against him -- Georgia sophomore Nathan Pasha captured the 12th Annual Audi Napa Classic at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena, Calif., on Sunday, beating Texas sophomore Soren Hess-Olesen in the finals of the PlayBrave Shootout, 16-14.
 
Down 11-10 on the first match point, the 20-year-old Pasha hit a net cord and rushed to the net giving Hess-Olesen just a bit too much time to think about it as he couldn’t convert the forehand hitting it wide.
 
Hess-Olesen survived four match points against him in the final, much to the delight of the Meadowood fans, extending the match in the tournament’s most exciting final to date.
 
“I just wanted to play the points loose and not tighten up,” said Pasha, who went 3-0 in pool play and won three 10-point tiebreakers on Sunday. “It’s weird because when you’re down in a tiebreaker it’s almost like a nothing-to-lose mentality and you just go for it. On his match point I ended up coming in somehow and fortunately I ended up winning it.
 
“It was on my match points where I was playing it tentative and he ended up playing aggressive. I was finally able to just pull it out when that final match point came.”
 
With the win in the unique USTA Player Development / collegiate event hosted by Meadowood’s Doug King and 20th-year Cal Coach Peter Wright, Pasha will be awarded a USTA Pro Circuit wild card to a future event. He also was named the Norma Miner Most Outstanding Player winning his three pool-play matches while dropping just five games in each of his two-out-three set wins.
 
“The whole tournament I wasn’t thinking about the wild card... until the tiebreakers,” Pasha said. “I guess that’ll do it to do you every time. I did a good job of just managing my thoughts and managing my emotions where I could compete under that type of pressure.”
 
The 2010 USTA Boys’ 18s National Hardcourt champion in doubles at Kalamazoo, Mich., had nothing but praise for the USTA’s eight juniors, who won four of seven matches contested in the final round on Sunday.
 
“The USTA kids are good,” said Pasha, from Atlanta, whose only lost over the weekend came in doubles to the USTA’s Deiton Baughman and T.J. Pura, 8-4. “I knew they were going to be good. I was a USTA kid from 15 to 18 so I know what it’s like for them. And I know a lot of the guys and what they’re capable of. They’re all battlers and the USTA does a good job with them.”
 
Hess-Olesen, 21, from Aarhus, Denmark, had never played in a format like the Audi Napa Classic. “It was fun, he said. “It’s such a fun format staying on the court from the quarters to the semis and then the final. You really have to be there from the first point.”
 
Hess-Olesen, who has an identical twin brother, Esben, who is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina, added: “There were a lot of good players here. I think it’s a great tournament for the juniors to see where their games are at and if they’re going to college or go pro.”
 
Pasha, who made the All-SEC Freshman team last year, hung on to beat USTA junior Joseph DiGiulio in the semifinals, 10-8.
 
It was the second straight year the USTA team had a player advance to the semifinals of the Shootout as Alexios Haleiban and Connor Farren lost in the final-four round last year.
 
Earlier in the day, DiGiulio beat Stanford’s Alex Steinroeder, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 7-5, to finish 3-0 and win his pool. He then beat Cal’s Chris Konigstedt in the first quarterfinal tiebreaker, 10-7.
 
“The tiebreakers were just a couple of points here and there,” said DiGiulio, 17. “I felt good in each of them because I knew how much pressure was on them compared to me. So I liked that part of it. But to lose to such a great player like Nathan who wins the whole tournament is fine.”
 
DiGiulio, from Lakewood, Calif., just south of Los Angeles, has received a main-draw wild card into this week’s USTA Pro Circuit Futures in Irvine starting Tuesday.
 
“Joe really battled and made a ton of balls today and just kept pushing the other guy,” said USTA coach Nick Fustar of the USTA Regional Training Center Eagle Fustar Tennis Academy in Santa Clara. “Pasha just played a great tiebreaker. In these tiebreakers once you get down early it’s tough to come back.”
 
Fustar said he was happy with the way the juniors improved each day. “We really did play better each day,” he said. “Even though some of the guys knew they weren’t going to play in the Shootout I think they came out and still performed great and were able to get us a couple of wins.”
 
Also getting wins for the USTA on Sunday were Baughman, Pura, and Jack Murray.
 
Stanford head coach John Whitlinger and his Cardinal team played the event for the first time. “What a fabulous weekend and experience,” Whitlinger said. “We just loved playing it. I was really impressed with the way the USTA guys competed, fought hard and battled. And they were all very respectful. It was good to see the juniors and where they are. We look forward to coming back. It’s really just a win-win for everyone.”

(Photo Credit: Jonathan Herre/ For the USTA)

12th ANNUAL AUDI NAPA VALLEY CLASSIC

Sunday’s Singles Scores
Soren Hess-Olesen (Texas) def. Ben McLachlan (Cal), 6-4, 6-3
            Olesen wins Group 1 with 2-1 record advancing with best percentage sets won.
Deiton Baughman (USTA) def. Denis Nguyen (Harvard), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3                    
Nathan Pasha (Georgia) def. Matt Kandath (Stanford), 6-3, 6-2
            Pasha wins Group 2 with 3-0 record              
John Morrissey (Stanford) def. Daniel Whitehead (Texas), 6-3, 6-3             
Chris Konigsfeldt (Cal) def. Gage Brymer (USTA), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
            Konigsfeldt wins Group 3 with 3-0 record      
Ben Wagland (Georgia) def. Shaun Chaudhuri (Harvard), 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 
            Wagland wins Group 4 with 3-0 record          
Joseph DiGiulio (USTA) def. Alex Steinroeder (Harvard), 7-6 (4), 2-6, 7-5
            DiGiulio wins Group 5 with 3-0 record
Mads Engsted (Cal) def. Eric Diaz (Georgia), 6-2, 6-1
            Engsted wins Group 6 with 3-0 record                                   
Lloyd Glasspool (Texas) def. Daniel Ho (Stanford), 6-0, 6-2
            Glasspool wins Group 7 with 3-0 record
Riki McLachlan (Cal) def. Casey MacMaster (Harvard), walkover (inj.)
            McLachlan wins Group 8 with 3-0 record                                          
Stephen Hoh (Illinois)  def. Robert Bellamy (USTA), 6-4, 6-1                        
T.J. Pura (USTA) def. Robert Stineman (Stanford), 3-6, 6-2, 6-4                                         
Sudawa Sitaram (Texas) def.  Tim Kopinski (Illinois), 6-4, 4-6, 6-1              
Garrett Brasseaux (Georgia) def. Konrad Zieba (USTA), 4-6, 6-4, 1-0 (8)               
Jack Murray (USTA) def. Brian Page (Illinois), 7-6 (3), 6-4   
Henry Craig (USTA) def. Farris Gosea (Illinois), walkover
 
PlayBrave Shootout Quarterfinals
Hess-Olesen (Texas) def. R. McLachlan (Cal), 10-4
Wagland (Georgia) def. Engstedt (Cal), 10-4
DiGiulio (USTA) def. Konigstedt (Cal), 10-7
Pasha (Georgia) def. Glasspool (Texas), 10-8
 
PlayBrave Shootout Semifinals
Hess-Olesen (Texas) def. Wagland (Georgia), 10-8
Pasha (Georgia) def. DiGiulio (USTA), 10-8
 
PlayBrave Shootout Final
Pasha (Georgia) def. Hess-Olesen (Texas), 16-14
 
2011 Final Results
Nick Andrews (Cal) def. Ben McLachlan (Cal), 10-7

2010 Final Results
Alexandre Lacroix (Florida) def. Eric Quigley (Kentucky), 10-7
]]> Sun, 23 Sep 2012 21:12:33 GMT <![CDATA[McEnroe Returns to Delray Beach 'ATP Champs' Event]]> Mats Wilander, Carlos Moya, and Mark Philippoussis also playing in newly formatted exhibition tour.]]>(September 22, 2012) -- John McEnroe is returning to Delray Beach to play in the newly-formatted ATP Champions Tour event that features six stars playing a round-robin event over three days.

The iconic McEnroe will be joined by Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Carlos Moya, Mark Philippoussis, and Aaron Krickstein in the 'legends' field at the 2013 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC)  held February 22 - March 3, 2012.

A Moya vs. Krickstein and McEnroe vs. Cash doubleheader on Friday, February 22 will kick off the 21st annual ITC, which features the only ATP Champions Tour event in the US and the only one in the world to be played alongside an ATP World Tour event. 

"Our fans never tire of seeing Johnny Mac," says tournament director Mark Baron. "He is a magician with a tennis racket in his hands. The amazing skills that you see in him and players like Mats and Pat are the reason people of all ages keep coming back."

McEnroe and Wilander, each winners of seven Grand Slam singles titles and members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, are both returning to Delray Beach after playing in the ITC's first two ATP Champions Tour events. McEnroe was the runner-up to Patrick Rafter in the  inaugural tournament in 2009.

Moya (2012) and Philippoussis (2011) won the last two Delray Beach ITC events and are the top two players on a Tour where players are ranked based on points compiled across a global schedule. Moya, the 1998 French Open champion, joined the Tour last year and at one point won seven straight events. 

Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion, and Krickstein have played in all three ATP Champions Tour events that have been held in Delray Beach. Krickstein, the director of tennis at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, reached the final in 2011.  

Under the new format, the Delray Beach ATP Champions Tour event now includes include eight matches;there are six round-robin matches played in two player groups that lead to a 3rd/4th playoff match and a championship match, both scheduled for Sunday, February 24.

The Saturday (Feb. 23) lineup will include the ATP Champions Tour's current top-ranked players, Moya vs Philippoussis, and a featured match-up between Hall of Famers McEnroe and Wilander. The legends are forever linked by their 1982 Davis Cup quarterfinal -- the longest Davis Cup match in history -- in which McEnroe outlasted Wilander in five sets over six hours and 32 minutes.

"The players are really excited about the new format," says Baron, who moved the ITC to Delray Beach 15 years ago. "It helps them give our fans a peak performance every time they take the court."

The ITC's ATP World Tour event, which holds its qualifying tournament during the ATP Champions Tour event, has early commitments from world No. 11 John Isner and No. 23 Mardy Fish in its singles draw and the world No. 1 Bryan Brothers as its top-seeded doubles team. 

To celebrate these champions coming to Delray Beach, tournament officials have extended their US Open promotion. From Sunday, Sept. 23, 8:00 am - Monday, Oct. 8, 11:59 pm, ITC tickets will continue to be available for up to 50% off. To purchase tickets call 561-330-6000, order online at www.YellowTennisBall.com or in-person at Walmart's Ticketmaster outlets or the Delray Beach ITC box office (open Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, 561-330-6000, 30 NW 1st Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444). Complete tournament information is available on the Delray Beach ITC website.  
]]> Sat, 22 Sep 2012 13:46:40 GMT <![CDATA[Redfoo's Tourney is Really Happening]]> ]]>Theme nights and schedule unveiled for next week's Party Rock Open, a women's $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event sponsored by Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO.]]>(September 22, 2012) -- The Party Rock Open and Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO will debut with weekly night matches at Darling Tennis Center to complement a full schedule of events, kicking off with Cox Kids’ Day on Sunday, Sept. 23 from noon to 3 p.m.

The Party Rock Open is a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event. A full Party Rock atmosphere will be in effect all week with deejay sets taking place Wednesday through Friday prior to the featured 6 p.m., night matches on the 3,000 capacity stadium court.

Italy’s Romina Oprandi, currently ranked No. 59 in the WTA world rankings, captured the title in 2011, while top 25 player and U.S. Olympian Varvara Lepchenko was the 2010 champion.

The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.

The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, and Perrier water.

The tournament has announced the following “theme” nights and schedule of events. (Note: Subject to change.)

Sunday, Sept. 23

Qualifying singles matches: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cox Kids Day: Noon-3 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 24

Qualifying singles matches: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 25

Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and Opening Night Main Draw Kickoff Celebration at 6:00 p.m.
Final round of qualifying, main draw singles and doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
Tournament Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and tournament pros: 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 26

American Cancer Society Awareness Night. By entering the code ACS on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Las Vegas American Cancer Society chapter throughout the entire tournament.
Main-draw singles and doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 27

The Party Rock Open honors those serving at nearby Nellis Air Force Base with Military Appreciation Night. Any former or active military members can present ID and gain free admission into the tournament.
Second Round Singles and Doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 28

Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas Night. By entering the code BGC on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas throughout the entire tournament. Singles Quarterfinals: Doubles Semifinals 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m. Deejay set: Beginning at 5 p.m. Semifinal Saturday, Sept. 29 USTA Appreciation Night. Las Vegas USTA league teams and junior and senior competitors will be recognized.
Singles Semifinals: 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.
USTA League Day
Championship Sunday, Sept. 30

Doubles Final: 11 a.m.
Singles Final: 1 p.m.
Trophy Presentation/Closing Ceremonies
]]> Sat, 22 Sep 2012 12:30:19 GMT <![CDATA[Two Earn USPTA 'Master Professional' Distinction]]> Mark Centrella and Gary Trost were recognized for achieving Master Professional status in the association, the highest professional rating within the tennis profession.]]>By Tennis Now Staff

(September 21, 2012) -- Two members of the United States Professional Tennis Association were recognized for achieving Master Professional status in the association, the highest professional rating within the tennis profession:
 
Mark Centrella, Wilmington, Del.
Gary Trost, Nichols Hills, Okla.
 
The two honorees were recognized during the USPTA’s annual awards breakfast on Sept. 19 at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. They join an elite group as only about 1 percent of USPTA’s more than 15,000 members worldwide have achieved the Master Professional designation.

Members must hold USPTA’s highest certification rating (Professional 1) for more than 10 years before becoming eligible for the Master Professional designation. Then, each must fulfill a broad spectrum of requirements, including making significant achievements in areas such as tennis teaching and coaching, business, education and volunteer work.
Mark Centrella, Wilmington, Del. – Master Pro
Mark Centrella is the director of racquet sports at Greenville Country Club in Wilmington, Del. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 18 years. He served as president of USPTA Middle States from 2003-2008 and has served on the division Board since 1994. In addition, he has also been the USPTA Middle States Head Tester since 2009. He was honored in 2004 as USPTA Middle States Pro of the Year and in 2007 and 2011 as USPTA Middle States Tester of the Year.
 
Gary Trost, Nichols Hills, Okla. – Master Pro
Gary Trost is the director of tennis at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, in Nichols Hills, Okla. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 25 years. He has served as a USPTA Missouri Valley Board member since 1997, including USPTA Missouri Valley President from 2006-2010. He has been the USPTA National Vice President since 2011. In 2006 he was honored as the George Bacso National Tester of the Year and is a five-time Missouri Valley Pro of the Year.
]]> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:29:09 GMT <![CDATA[USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis]]> The USPTA honored those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers.]]>

By Tennis Now Staff

USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis(September 19, 2012) -- The USPTA honored those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers during its annual national awards breakfast today at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis. 

USPTA, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals, is hosting its annual World Conference Sept. 16-21 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif. 

Doris Hart of Coral Gables, Fla., became part of an elite group as a grand inductee into the USPTA’s Hall of Fame. Hart, who won 35 Grand Slam titles during her career and is only one of three players to have a "boxed set," has been a tennis-teaching professional and a USPTA member since she retired from the tour in 1955.

Pancho Segura of Carlsbad, Calif., also became part of an elite group as a grand inductee into the USPTA’s Hall of Fame. Segura, who was a former leading tennis player of the 1940s and 1950s, both as an amateur and a professional and in 1950 and 1952 was the World Co-No. 1 player, became a tennis-teaching professional for many years and joined the USPTA in 1946. He was widely credited with helping develop the young Jimmy Connors.

David Porter of Laie, Hawaii, received the association’s top annual member award, the Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year. Porter has been involved in teaching tennis for 35 years and a USPTA member for more than 25 years.

Geoff Griffin of San Diego, Calif., is the recipient of the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award.  He has been a USPTA member for 27 years and has continued to give to his community through tennis. He has been the director of tennis at Balboa Tennis Club since 1989.

Ken Sumrow of Plano, Texas, is the director of tennis at High Point Park Tennis Center and has had a tremendous impact on the growth of tennis participation by focusing on offering a comprehensive program of instructional programs and play programs that provide a pathway for all players to fully enjoy the game. The numbers for the instructional and play programs soared from July 2011 to June 2012. His work with the Plano tennis community and High Point Park Tennis Center is what earned him the USPTA Industry Excellence Award, recognizing business acumen and a charitable attitude. The award is sponsored by the Tennis Industry Association and supported by Tennis Tutor ball machines.

The USPTA Star, recognizing teaching professionals who make an indelible mark on their communities through the sport of tennis, was awarded to Catherine Thomas, of Mason, Ohio. Thomas, who is the director of tennis at Lindner Family Tennis Center, has made significant contributions to tennis in both Ohio and Arizona by creating, organizing and teaching afterschool tennis programs for private and public schools in both states.

Kyle Kaneshiro of Honolulu, Hawaii, received the Lessons for Life Individual Award for his all his efforts in the tennis community as director of tennis at Moanalua High School, including raising $200,000 for the Moanalua High School Tennis Lights Project.

Dave Neuhart of Madison, Ga., received the Lessons for Life Individual Award for his charity events at the Reynolds Plantation/PBI, including the Columbus Celebrity Classic, which is held in support of the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus.

Jackie Roe of Greenville, Del., received the Tennis Across America Individual Award for her efforts in hosting Tennis in the Streets, a free tennis event for 800 children.

Angel Lopez of San Diego, Calif., received the USPTA Diversity Award for all he has done to bring tennis to those in San Diego who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try the sport, including sponsoring programs at several predominately low income high schools in the San Diego area.

Dee Henry of Norwalk, Calif., received the Manager of the Year Award – Small Facility. Henry is the tennis director at Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.

Trent Schiek of Tyler, Texas, received the Manager of the Year Award – Large Facility. Schiek is the former general manager of Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas.

Other honorees are:
Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Touring Coach of the Year
Ron Albers, Vincennes, Ind. – College Coach of the Year
William Wickenheisser, Whippany, N.J. – High School Coach of the Year
Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, Va. – George Bacso Tester of the Year

The following have been named Player of the Year in their respective divisions:
James Daly, Tyler, Texas – Men’s Open
Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Men’s 35-and-over
Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla. – Men’s 45-and-over
Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas – Men’s 55-and-over
Agata Cioroch, Atlanta, Ga. – Women’s Open
Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla. – Women’s 35-and-over
Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas – Women’s 45-and-over

USPTA divisions receiving awards are:
USPTA Texas Division – Large Division of the Year
USPTA Southwest Division – Small Division of the Year
USPTA Southern Division – Most Improved Division of the Year
USPTA Southern Division – Newsletter of the Year

The USPTA National Awards program is conducted annually. Nominations are submitted by the 17 divisions and by individuals. Recipients in each awards category are decided by the USPTA’s awards committee.

#####

Biographies of the award recipients follow.

Doris Hart, Coral Gables, Fla. - USPTA Hall of Fame inductee
Doris Hart was born June 20, 1925, in St. Louis, Mo. She won 35 Grand Slam titles during her career. Six of her titles were in women's singles, 14 in women's doubles, and 15 in mixed doubles.

Hart is one of three players, all women, to have a "boxed set" of Grand Slam titles – every possible title (singles, same-sex doubles, and mixed doubles) from all four Grand Slam events. The others are Margaret Court and Martina Navratilova. Hart won nine consecutive Grand Slam women’s doubles titles from 1951 through 1953, with her streak of 43 consecutive match wins in Grand Slam women's doubles tournaments finally ending in the 1954 Wimbledon final.

Hart retired from the tour in 1955 – the same year she joined USPTA – to become a tennis-teaching professional. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1969. She is the first woman inducted into USPTA’s Hall of Fame. She lives in Coral Gables, Fla.

Pancho Segura, Carlsbad, Calif. - USPTA Hall of Fame inductee
Pancho Segura, born on June 20, 1921, is a former leading tennis<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis> player of the 1940s and 1950s, both as an amateur and a professional. In 1950 and 1952, he was the World Co-No. 1 player. He was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, but moved to the United States in the late 1930s. He is the only player to have won the U.S. Pro Tennis Championship title on three different surfaces (which he did consecutively from 1950-1952).

After retiring from the tour, Segura became a teaching professional for many years in Southern California. He joined USPTA in 1946, and was widely credited with helping develop the young Jimmy Connors. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984.

In 1993, USPTA’s Executive Committee, in acknowledgment of his positive impact on the sport of tennis, and his previous 47 years of devoted service as a P-1 member, voted to award Segura the distinction of honorary membership in USPTA. He lives in Carlsbad, Calif.

David T. Porter, Laie, Hawaii – Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year
David Porter has been a tennis-teaching professional for 35 years and a USPTA member for more than 25 years. Porter, who is a USPTA Master Professional, played collegiate tennis for Brigham Young University, a top 20 Division I program. Porter graduated with Ed. D., M.S. and B.S. degrees before beginning his tennis-teaching career.

He has been very committed to the USPTA. He has been a Head Tester since 1988 and has served on the National Board from 1994-2007. This included serving as the national president from 2003-2005.  In addition, he has served as the chairman of the education committee and the chairman of the testing and certification committee. He has also been a speaker at numerous USPTA divisional conventions and national conferences.

He is currently the head tennis coach at Brigham Young University – Hawaii. Porter has an impressive record of 1,193 wins and 145 losses over his college coaching career, and he has never lost a conference match in women’s tennis during his entire career.  His BYU – Hawaii women’s team is the three-time Pacific West Conference champions (2010, 2011, 2012). He has also taught/worked with several nationally ranked players, including Zheng Jie, ranked No. 15 in the WTA, Yan Zi, ranked in the top 100 in the WTA and Li Na, ranked top 10 in the WTA.

Porter has written several articles for China Tennis Club Magazine and ADDvantage Magazine. Also, as the chairman of the USPTA Player Development Advisory Council, he consulted and edited “The Six General Performance Components of Tennis.”

He is currently on the HEAD Penn Racquet Sports Advisory Committee and Nike China Advisory Committee. His previous accolades include Hawaii Division Pro of the Year (2004, 1995), USPTA College Coach of the Year (2003, 2002), Hawaii Division Tester of the Year (1997, 1994), and Hawaii Division Hall of Fame Inductee (1985).

Ken Sumrow, Plano, Texas – USPTA Industry Excellence Award
Ken Sumrow, who is the director of tennis at High Point Park Tennis Center in Plano, Texas, has had a tremendous impact on the growth of tennis participation by focusing on offering a comprehensive program of instructional programs and play programs that provide a pathway for all players to fully enjoy the game. A major portion of the overall program is the instructional program which is designed to meet the needs of players of all ages and ability levels. In fact from July 2011 to June 2012, his programming ideas helped a huge surge/high level of participation in the instructional programs. The second major portion of the overall program is the play programs, which are designed to complement the instructional programs, and the numbers for the play program also soared from July 2011 to June 2012 with more than 3,600 players participating. High Point’s intra-facility adult leagues participation grew about seven percent from 2011 to 2012.  Overall sales at High Point for the period of July 2011 through May 2012 were up 2.5 percent.

Catherine Thomas, Mason, Ohio – USPTA Star Award
Catherine Thomas, who is the director of tennis at Lindner Family Tennis Center, has made significant contributions to tennis in both Ohio and Arizona. She has created, organized and taught afterschool tennis programs for private and public schools in Arizona and Ohio. She created and operated afterschool programs in Arizona with four campuses and 20 students/program. In Cincinnati she operated an afterschool program in Mason for nine years, with at least 60 participants each year. She also specifically works to increase awareness of Special Olympics through tennis clinics and fundraising events and generate funds for the Special Olympics Hamilton County, Ohio. At the center, she volunteers during the Western and Southern tournaments. In addition, she is in the process of organizing and providing afterschool programs and junior camps, and adult programs at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Geoff Griffin, San Diego, Calif. – USTA/USPTA Community Service Award
Geoff Griffin has been a USPTA member for 27 years and has continued to give to his community through tennis. He is past president of the USPTA San Diego Division and has been a 20-year board member of the San Diego District Tennis Association, and is in his fourth year as a board member of the Southern California Tennis Association. In 1999 he founded the Tennis Fest with more than 1,000 participants. For the last four years, he has been offering tennis clinics to the wounded warriors at the Balboa Naval Hospital and in fact, was honored in 2011 with the Channel 10 Leadership Award for his efforts to bring tennis to wounded warriors around the country. In addition, he is a 10-and-under Tennis enthusiast (with four painted teaching courts). Griffin is a past USPTA San Diego Division Pro of the Year. He has been the director of tennis at Balboa Tennis Club since 1989.

Kyle Kaneshiro, Honolulu, Hawaii – Lessons for Life Individual Award
Kyle Kaneshiro has been the director of tennis at Moanalua High School for 13 years and has done much for the tennis community during that time. He raised $200,000 for the Moanalua High School Tennis Lights Project. The courts have been without lights since 2009 after they were removed due to safety issues because of corrosion, and as a result the facility was forced to discontinue a majority of its tennis programs. With the help of family, friends, students and parents, Kaneshiro was able to raise the $200,000 within two years by hosting golf and tennis tournaments, through grants and donations and tennis clinics. The project was finally completed in November 2011. He continues to use the courts to give back to the community. He has hosted events supporting the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation and he has hosted free clinics for kids in the Free Judiciary Juvenile Drug Court Clinic and at Moanalua Elementary School.

Dave Neuhart, Madison, Ga. – Lessons for Life Individual Award
Dave Neuhart is the director of tennis at Reynolds Plantation/PBI, and one of the biggest events he hosts is the Columbus Celebrity Classic in Columbus, Ga. He has been involved with this event and organizing the tennis pros for the past 13 years. The two-day event includes a celebrity headliner (this year it was Todd Martin). The event which caters to adults and kids includes intensive clinics in the morning, catered lunch with special
speakers, and prizes. This is followed up with round robins, doubles drill sessions, a pro exhibition, and trip and award giveaways. This all benefits the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Columbus. Over the years this event has helped to pay off the Ronald McDonald House and help start/support a new wing at the Children’s Oncology Unit at Columbus Regional Medical Center, in addition to being a major sponsor for the John B. Amos Cancer Center. This year another record total of $271,000 was raised to support the cancer center.

Jackie Roe, Greenville, Del. – Tennis Across America Individual Award
Jackie Roe hosted Tennis in the Streets, a free tennis event for 800 children, with 12 USPTA pros who volunteered their time. It offers inner city children an opportunity to learn the basics of tennis. This year, the event included additional support through a partnership with the Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Association, an organization that provides special academic and tennis opportunities to children from the City of Wilmington. Tennis in the Streets is a public event that is offered to children in elementary and middle schools. It is held in Downtown Wilmington, Del., and the city closes off a major street and sets up mini nets.

Angel Lopez, San Diego, Calif. – USPTA Diversity Award
Angel Lopez is the director of tennis/head tennis professional at San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club and has done much to bring tennis to those in San Diego who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try the sport. He has sponsored programs at several predominately Hispanic and low income high schools throughout San Diego and surrounding areas, including Calexico High School, Montgomery High School, Lincoln High School, and San Ysidro High School. He has also sponsored programs at San Diego City Community College and Las Palmas Elementary School.  In addition to serving as chair on the USTA/San Diego District Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the USPTA National Diversity Committee, he also makes it a point to recruit top instructors from surrounding Hispanic neighborhoods and educate them about USPTA and encourage them to join.

Dee Henry, Norwalk, Calif. – Facility Manager of the Year – Small Facility
Dee Henry is the tennis director at Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. The facility currently has six courts and an equipment room with plans underway for completion of a larger tennis complex. Under her direction, the Biola Tennis Program is committed to intercollegiate competition, high profile events, and supporting youth and disabled athletes of the community. The courts serve well beyond the college, as there is a great blend of college players and members of the community that play at the Biola courts. In addition, the courts have blended lines so they are kid friendly, and all the courts are totally wheelchair accessible. The courts are home to a variety of activities/events during the year, including tennis on campus, weekly wheelchair clinics, regional Special Olympics, campus kids day, NJTL and Tennis Across America.

Trent Schiek, Tyler, Texas – Facility Manager of the Year – Large Facility
Trent Schiek is the former general manager of Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas.  Under his guidance, Hollytree Country Club became well known for its thriving tennis programs and friendly atmosphere. The club, which has more than 1,000 members, a 29,000-square-foot clubhouse, an 18-hole championship golf course, an Olympic size swimming pool and 10 hard courts and two clay courts, requires all tennis pros to be USPTA certified members. In addition, the club also actively supports all USPTA programming and events. The club has also hosted the $10,000 USPTA National Hard Court Championships for the last six years and will be hosting the 2012 $13,000 USPTA National Hard Court Championships. Since 2006, he grew the bottom line by $600,000 and he also managed $3.5 million in capital expenditures including resurfacing all tennis courts in 2007 and erecting a $100,000 tennis patio.

William Wickenheisser, Whippany, N.J. – High School Coach of the Year
The Milburn High School girls’ team went undefeated (28-0), while the boys’ team went 27-2 during the 2011-2012 season under coach William Wickenheisser. In addition, both teams were crowned district, regional and state champions. It was the boys 27th consecutive year as district champions and fourth consecutive year as regional champions. The players also make it a point to give back to their community during the off season by volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark where they teach tennis lessons and tutor academically.

Ron Albers, Vincennes, Ind. – College Coach of the Year
As head men’s tennis coach at Vincennes University, Ron Albers led his team to an impressive 18-1 record for the 2011-2012 season overall. They were crowned the 2011  NJCAA Division I National Champions. It was the first tennis national championship in
school history. He has been coaching at the university for 32 years and has a lifetime coaching record of 681-151.

Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Touring Coach of the Year
Jonas Lundblad is currently the director of tennis at Fishers Island Club. One of his students, 16-year-old, Mackenzie “Mackie” McDonald, is currently ranked No. 12 in junior ITF ranking for 18 & under, with a 13-4 singles record and a 7-4 doubles record for the year. In 2011 he reached the semifinals in singles at the Wichita Falls ITF and the quarterfinals in singles at the Pan American ITF Championships. He also reached the semifinals in the XXV Yucatan Cup in Mexico. He has also worked with Ashley Weinhold, who is currently on the WTA tour.

Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, Va. – Tester of the Year
Feisal Hassan, a USPTA Master Professional, is the general manager/director of tennis at Midlothian Tennis Club in Midlothian, Va.  He has been a tester for the Mid-Atlantic and Middle States Divisions for 15 years. He previously served as the USPTA Head Tester for Middle States.  In his current role as co-chair of the USPTA National Education Committee and USPTA College Curriculum Committee, he is dedicated to educating our network of testers and working on a USPTA certification for 10-and-under Tennis.

James Daly, Tyler, Texas – Men’s Open Player of the Year
James Daly was the men’s open doubles winner and a semifinalists in men’s open singles at the 2011 Hard Court Championships. He also reached the semifinals of the 2011 Grass Court Championships. He was the USPTA’s No. 3-ranked player in men’s open singles and No. 4-ranked player in men’s open doubles in 2011. Daly is an assistant tennis teaching professional at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas.

Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Men’s 35-and-over Player of the Year
Jonas Lundblad was the champion of the men’s 35 doubles and a finalist in men’s open doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was the USPTA’s co-No.1-ranked player in men’s 35 doubles and co-No. 5-ranked player in men’s open doubles in 2011. He is the director of tennis at Fishers Island Club.

Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla. – Men’s 45-and-over Player of the Year
Jeff Cohen was a finalist in the men’s 45 singles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was also the men’s 45 singles champion at the 2012 USPTA Florida Fast Dry-Club Med-Port St. Lucie and a finalist in men’s 40 doubles at the 2012 International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida.  He was USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in men’s 45 singles and the co-No. 5-ranked player in men’s 40 doubles in 2011. Cohen is the director of tennis at Woodfield County Club in Boca Raton, Fla.

Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas – Men’s 55-and-over Player of the Year
Kimm Ketelsen was the winner of the men’s 60 singles and 60 doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. He was the USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in men’s 60 singles and co-No.-1 ranked player in men’s 60 doubles in 2011. Ketelsen is the Apache Men’s Tennis assistant coach and the chair of the professional tennis management program at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.

Agata Cioroch, Atlanta, Ga. – Women’s Open Player of the Year
Agata Cioroch was the winner of women’s open singles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. She was the USPTA’s No. 1-ranked player in women’s open singles and co-No. 1-ranked player in mixed open doubles in 2011. Cioroch is a tennis teaching professional at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, Ga.

Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla. – Women’s 35-and-over Player of the Year
Robin Keener was the winner of the women’s 35 singles and a finalist in the mixed open doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. She was also the winner of the mixed 40 doubles and a finalist in the women’s 45 singles at the 2012 USPTA Clay Court Championships.  She was USPTA’s No.1-ranked player in women’s 35 singles in 2011 and was ranked No. 3 in mixed open doubles in 2011. Keener is the director of tennis at the Swiss Inn Tennis Center in Melbourne, Fla.

Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas – Women’s 45-and-over Player of the Year
Kathy Vick was the winner of the women’s 50 singles and mixed 45 doubles at the 2011 USPTA International Championships. She was also the women’s 45 singles champion at the 2011 USPTA Hard Court Championships. She was USPTA’s co-No. 1-ranked player in women’s 45 singles and No. 1-ranked player in women’s 50 singles in 2011. She was also USPTA’s co-No. 9-ranked player in mixed open doubles and co-No. 1-ranked player in mixed 45 doubles in 2011. Vick is the head tennis professional at Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in Lubbock, Texas.
]]> Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:07:46 GMT <![CDATA[Top Young American Tennis Stars Added to Mylan WTT Smash Hits Lineup]]> ]]>McHale, Townsend, and Crawford will participate in WTT-style fundraising event organized by Elton John and Billie Jean King.]]>(September 20, 2012) -- Three of the United States' top young tennis talents have been added to the all-star field of Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO, the all-star charity event co-hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King.

Top 30 player Christina McHale, No. 1 ranked junior Taylor Townsend, and 2012 US Open junior girls singles champion Samantha Crawford join a field that includes tennis greats Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Stefanie Graf, on October 16 at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Tickets are currently available for Mylan WTT Smash Hits.  Corner reserved seats are $40; premium reserved seats are $75; and courtside seats are $125.  Order tickets through www.wttsmashhits.com or ticketmaster.com.  For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call 412-924-8270.

This year's event marks the 20th anniversary for Smash Hits, which has raised more than $10.5 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and  various local AIDS charities since 1993.  Mylan WTT Smash Hits will benefit EJAF and the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, and will also include a pre-match VIP Reception and Auction hosted by Allegheny Sports Medicine. 

McHale, 20, is the third highest ranked American on the WTA Tour at No. 29.  McHale turned pro in 2010 and won her first ITF singles title in 2011.  She also represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games.  McHale broke into the top 100 in 2011, posting an impressive win over Caroline Wozniacki, who was the world's No. 1 at the time.

The 16-year-old Townsend is the world's top-ranked junior player. She has won four Grand Slam titles this year, starting with the junior singles and doubles titles at the 2012 Australian Open, and she added the  junior doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Crawford, 17, won the 2012 US Open Junior Girls’ Championship  as an unseeded wild card entry earlier this month. She reached the singles and doubles finals at an ITF event in Yakima, Wash., in July where she won her first ITF doubles title.

This future generation of stars will be teamed up with some of the biggest names in tennis -- Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, and Andy Roddick, who recently announced that the 2012 US Open would be his final professional tournament. 

Captained by King and John, the players will form two teams and play five sets of World TeamTennis (WTT) – one set each of men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.  The music legend is expected to participate in a celebrity doubles match to open the event. 

Special VIP ticket packages, including VIP courtside seating and admission to the VIP Reception and Auction, will also be available for $500.  John, King and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction, which will include an Elton John signed piano bench and King’s Wimbledon tickets among other items.  To buy VIP ticket packages or for more information, call 412-924-8270.

Official event sponsors include Mylan, GEICO, Highmark, Allegheny Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mercedes-Benz of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Horizon Properties, Wells Fargo, Buck Consultants. Dick's Sporting Goods, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, The Norton Agency, GA Communication Group, Generic Pharmaceutical Association, Heeter Direct, Mansions on Fifth, 94.5 3WS, KDKA, and Pittsburgh Magazine.

For more information on WTT Smash Hits, visit www.wttsmashhits.com.

Mylan WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO – At A Glance:

WHAT: Charity tennis event co-hosted by longtime friends Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King
BENEFITS: Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force

WHEN: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 - 7 p.m. ET

WHERE: Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.

WHO: Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King will each captain teams that include Andre Agassi, Stefanie Graf, Andy Roddick, Christina McHale, Taylor Townsend, Samantha Crawford and other top tennis stars.

TICKETS: $40-$125.  Order tickets through www.wttsmashhits.com or ticketmaster.com.  For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call412-924-8270.

VIP RECEPTION:  $500.  Special VIP tickets packages, including VIP courtside seating and admission to the Mylan Smash Hits VIP Reception and Auction presented by Allegheny Sports Medicine.  John, King and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction.  To buy VIP ticket packages or for more information, call 412-924-8270.
]]> Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:22:01 GMT <![CDATA[Miami Tournament Continues Push for Expansion]]> ]]>Miami tournament organizers turn to the public, who will need to approve a referendum on Nov. 6, 2012, to allow improvements and expansion to this major stop on the North American spring hardcourt season.]]>Letter from Sony Ericsson Open tournament director Adam Barrett emailed on August 28, 2012 updating fans on the event's interactions with the county to approve the expansion of the tournament.

--
 
Dear Tournament Supporter,

On November 6, 2012, the voters of Miami Dade County will be asked the following question, the answer to which will have a profound impact on the Sony Open:

IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 7 OF THE HOME RULE CHARTER, DO YOU APPROVE?

- ERECTION OF PERMANENT STRUCTURES AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING STRUCTURES AT CRANDON PARK TENNIS CENTER FOR PUBLIC PARK AND TENNIS TOURNAMENT USE, WHICH SHALL BE FUNDED SOLELY BY TENNIS CENTER AND TOURNAMENT REVENUES AND PRIVATE FUNDS; AND MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION OF AGREEMENTS WITH OPERATOR OF SONY OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT OR ITS SUCCESSORS?

YES or NO

As part of our Tournament Family, I wanted you to know why this question is on the ballot, what is at stake and, let you know what you can do to help the voters understand the importance of this matter. And we should not take it lightly as the significance of the Sony Open to South Florida cannot be overstated. It is to South Florida as Wimbledon is to London and as the US Open is to New York.

To cover a great deal of ground quickly, we have prepared answers to the questions that have so far, frequently been asked. 

Q: Why did we ask the County to schedule a public vote in November?
A: The Sony Open would like to make necessary permanent improvement to the Crandon Park Tennis Center and extend its usage agreement with Dade County for 20 years securing Miami as the home of the Sony Open long into the future.  However, under an amendment to the Miami-Dade County Home Rule Charter, no permanent structures can be constructed in Crandon Park nor may a lease of property within the Park modified or extended without  a 2/3 vote of the voters in a public referendum. The Sony Open prides itself as being a leader in global tennis and the existing facilities are at risk of no longer being competitive in the world of professional tennis for either the fans or the players.
  
Q: What is it that the voters are being asked to decide?
A: Voters will be asked to allow the construction of new permanent facilities within the Tennis Center (but conditioned on the absolute requirement that no additional public money would be used to build them).

Q: Where is the money for the facilities upgrades going to come from?
A: Funding for the improvements would come entirely from tournament revenues and cost savings generated by the event. NO TAXPAYER MONEY WILL BE USED.
  
Q: Who will pay for any cost overruns?
A: Any project overruns would be paid for by tournament revenues and cost savings generated by the event. NO TAXPAYER MONEY WILL BE USED. 

Q: What would the economic consequence be to the County if the voters reject the proposal?
A: The Sony Open Tennis Tournament is, by far, one of the most important special events held in South Florida, generating economic benefits that exceed the Super Bowl, NBA playoffs, and the Orange Bowl. In the most recent economic study, the economic impact of the Tournament is in excess of $380 million, which does not include the incalculable value of a world audience seeing Miami in its most positive light.   Last year, the Tournament generated over 7,000 hours of television coverage for our community throughout the world. The economic value of that image of South Florida at its best is simply incalculable.  
   
Q: What is the nature of the physical improvements being proposed?
A: The principal proposed additions are as follows:
 
Three permanent mini- stadiums: 
Three permanent seating structures: Grandstand stadium, Court One and Court Two, in approximately the same size of the temporary structures which would include facilities such as bathrooms, areas for concessions, shade, and storage. 

Covered areas:
A series of open architecture structures (columns and roofs without walls) that would in non-Tournament times enhance the public's use of the park by providing open shaded spaces. During Tournament times these structures would be divided by canvas "walls" and used for concessions and retail outlets. 
  
Additions to the existing Center Court Stadium:
Additions would include:
- Adding needed additional space to the infrastructure of the stadium to address much needed expansion to our player, tour, and media operations. In addition, 
- Enlarge the main stadium concourse to allow the addition of additional stadium food and beverage restaurants / outlets. 
- Construct two hospitality areas that would be attached to the stadium.

Environmentally friendly and ascetically pleasing pedestrian areas:
This would be accomplished by replacing most of the asphalt walkways throughout the Crandon Park grounds with more environmentally friendly and ascetically pleasing materials. 

Lake Cottage:
A small structure on the lake adjacent to the Stadium to be used during the year as a park water element and during the tournament to showcase the bay to the world via player interviews and television reporting.  
          
Horticulture plan using native materials: 
Partner with an entity such as Fairchild Tropical Gardens to manage the fauna and flora of the Tennis Center. Fairchild would plant and maintain the plant materials throughout the Tennis Center to achieve several objectives: utilizing only native materials; concealing the structures from public view; providing ample shade; and establishing an example of South Florida fauna to a world market. 

Q: How would these proposals help or hurt Crandon Park?
A: If this project is approved, the public park will be vastly improved, with bathrooms, shade, water/kayak access and much more. Asphalt will be replaced with stone. The scrub landscaping will, if Fairchild agrees to take it over, become for barrier island horticulture, what Fairchild is for the tropical mainland. In short, the public park will be the greatest beneficiary of this project. 

Q: What is the magnitude and cost of the proposed improvements?
A: The Tournament proposes structures and improvements that will, in the aggregate cost less than $50 million, all of which will be paid for with Tournament revenues and cost savings. NO TAXPAYER MONEY WILL BE USED. 

Q: Is there a legitimate concern that the Tournament might actually leave?
A: The Tournament does not want to leave Miami, but improvements must be made to Crandon Park for the Event to continue as one of the world's premier events. In addition and even more concerning that unless 2/3 voters vote in favor of extending the use of Crandon Park for this purpose, it has to leave.  
 
Q: If the Tournament can do better somewhere else, why offer to spend millions to keep it here?
A: The owners of the Tournament love this event and love this site. Key Biscayne is a jewel. Miami and Miami Beach offer an atmosphere to an international audience that is second to none. 

Q: If the ballot measure does not pass, what happens next?
A: The Tournament has nine years remaining on a contract that requires the County to provide first class facilities. The facilities are at risk of falling below this standard. A negative vote from the community would indicate that the Tournament would have to explore all other opportunities. We recognize that a 2/3 vote on anything is difficult but that is a constraint the voters choose to put on the use of this park and we respect it.

What we hope you will do: 
We need ambassadors, armed with the truth, to help us educate the public about the importance of this issue. What better source for ambassadors than our patrons. In the coming weeks we will be reaching out to you with more specific information about what you can do but, in the meantime, talk to everyone you know about the importance of this vote and the importance of destroying myths before they multiply.

Sincerely,

Adam Barrett
Tournament Director, Sony Open ]]> Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:24:26 GMT