© Natasha Peterson/Corleve
(October 20, 2010) Doubles partners and Davis Cup teammates Sam Querrey and John Isner will play tennis for a charitable cause in December. Isner and Querrey are joining forces for the inaugural Charity Challenge set for Sunday, December 5th at the Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach, CA and you can share the court with both of them.
The format will consist of a pro am, three exhibition matches and an evening party that includes surprise musical guests and a charity auction. Proceeds will go to the players’ respective charities. Querrey has chosen a cause close to his heart, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, while Isner will donate his share to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where his mother successfully won her battle against the disease.
The pro am event will see amateur participants test their skills against some of the greatest names in past, present and future tennis. A pair of former World No. 1 Grand Slam champions — Lindsay Davenport and Tracy Austin — and young American standouts Denis Kudla and Sloane Stephens are all scheduled to participate.
The fan-friendly exhibition matches will feature celebrity umpires, live giveaways and commentary from the players, who will wear microphones. The first match will feature top juniors Stephens and Kudla, followed by mixed doubles featuring Isner, Querrey, Davenport and Austin. The exhibitions will culminate in a pro set shoot out between Isner and Querrey.
"The field we have for the pro am and exhibitions are so exciting. Thanks to my fellow pros for their support," said Southern California native Querrey. "The event has all the makings of an awesome day and to benefit such good causes in my back yard is great and means a lot to me and my family. Being on tour so much, this kind of opportunity is rare and John and I want to make the most of it."
Isner said he has long wanted to give something back to the hospital that treated his mother’s cancer said.
"These are great causes and I hope we can count on the support of the Manhattan Beach and greater LA community," Isner said. "I haven’t played Sam since May, so I’m looking forward to a one set showdown! Although we’re great friends off the court, the on-court battle can get intense. Mixed doubles with the ladies will be a lot of fun too."
Pro a m spots cost $3,500 and include a VIP box for the exhibition matches plus a table at the evening dinner/auction/party for participants and their five guests. Only sixteen places are available in this once in a lifetime opportunity so interested players are encouraged to apply promptly.
Exhibition matches will begin at 3 pm, but ticket holders are also invited to come early and enjoy the pro am action, which begins at 10 am. Courtside tickets are $100 apiece and on sale now.
To buy tickets, please visit www.ticketalternative.com and to secure a pro am spot, please contact Stuart Duguid at [email protected] or phone (202) 721-9571.