World Tennis Day

TIME…PLAY!

TIME … PLAY!

by World Tennis Day Contributor Craig Gabriel (@crosscourt1)

Every so often there is talk that tennis needs to quicken things up. Usually it is television that might tend to bang the drum, and at times they are not wrong. Let me say from the outset I am not in favor of any changes to the scoring system or anything that might go with that and, yes, I do like a good five-setter.

In the majority of cases the gripping nature of such matches can’t be beat in my view. Last year in this column I gave my opinion on five-set matches. Love ‘em! Love ‘em! Love ‘em!

So as you can tell, that’s not where my direction on quickening things will sit. Two areas I feel where there is potential to move things along are on certain end changes and the warmup.

Firstly to do with end changes. Did you know that originally when a player changed ends they did not sit down? They walked to the other side of the court and maybe picked up a towel and a quick drink on the way. Play was continuous. But then with tennis going professional there were dollars to be made with sponsorship of courtside player benches. TV cameras would zoom in on the player sitting there, allowing them to take a proper break between end changes.

The ridiculous issue was seeing players sitting down after the first game of a set. They’d only been going for about five minutes! The rule was eventually changed and players were supposed to just walk to the other side after the first game of a set.

Supposed to.

The players have developed a penchant for stopping, taking drinks, towelling off, etc., and as a result that “continuous” point has fallen by the way. One problem is that chair umpires are not reminding players of the rule. Why is it necessary to stop after the first game? It’s not, but players do it and get away with it. I think the only two players I’ve seen just walk to the other side of the court almost every time are Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

The same goes for the change of ends after six points in a tiebreaker. There should be no stopping at all. The tiebreaker is essentially one game. You don’t stop in the middle of any other game so the same should be applied to the tiebreaker which ends the set.

There is one other aspect that would definitely speed things up with a match and that is no-ad scoring; commonly known as “receiver’s choice.” It was used at the recent BNP Paribas Showdown on World Tennis Day and on the men’s tour it is used in doubles. Adding to that in doubles a match tiebreaker is played at one set all, but I can’t say that I am in favor of that in singles on the regular tour. For that matter, we might as well play pro-sets which should never happen - I don’t want to see the fundamentals of the game altered.

However another legitimate way to get things moving is for players to walk on court and be ready to play at the scheduled time and not five minutes later, or mess around with their bags. As the players of a previous match walk off, the next lot are walking on court. It’s that cliché once again: play is continuous.

Then, regarding the warmup hit -- is it really necessary to have that hit and have it last five minutes to boot? Heck no. On World Tennis Day there were no warmups before some of the matches. A shortened two-minute warmup was only allowed was when each of the two players had not played before that evening or had not played in a long while. A variation of that shortened warmup could be adopted at regular tournaments.

However, as another possible exception, I can understand to some degree having a warm up during a grass court tournament because grass is so unique and at places like Wimbledon the Center Court is not used for practice so it would allow a player to acclimatise with the conditions and surroundings.

Players should walk on court and fans should hear the umpire say “PLAY” and not, as they do, “TIME,” after the five minute warmup. But, if there is a desperate need for the warm up then two minutes needs to suffice, that was how it was done at The Showdown.

Don’t you think the players have had enough time hitting up before the match as they prepare? There is a counter-argument that says it allows a player to also ascertain how an opponent is striking the ball during the warm-up. Err, I somehow don’t believe a player is going to give anything away during a warm-up.

I love what Jimmy Connors used to say: “Hey let’s put up the net and hit some balls.” In other words -- let’s get on with it.

World Team Wins BNPP Showdown

The stars of world tennis were on display at the 10th Anniversary BNP Paribas Showdown on World Tennis Day. Fittingly, the World Team defeated Team Americas by a score of 29-24 in a new and exciting team-based format.

Six tightly contested matches were played at Madison Square Garden with five of them going to a tiebreaker. In the opening match of the evening, Australians Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios topped Americans Andy Roddick and Jack Sock 5-4. The World captain Hewitt then defeated his old rival Roddick in a singles match to increase his team's lead to 10-8.

The World made it 3/3 when Garbine Muguruza and Kei Nishikori topped Juan Martin del Potro and Venus Williams 5-3 in mixed doubles but the Americas got on the board when Williams overcame Muguruza in a see-saw 5-4 affair. Leading 19-16, the World Team pulled away with singles wins from Kyrgios over Sock and Nishikori over Del Potro to capture the team event.

World 29, Americas 24

Hewitt/Kyrgios def. Roddick/Sock 5-4

Hewitt def. Roddick 5-4

Muguruza/Nishikori def. Williams/Del Potro 5-3

Williams def. Muguruza 5-4

Kyrgios def. Sock 5-4

Nishikori def. Del Potro 5-4

2017 BNPP Showdown Preview

By Craig Gabriel - @crosscourt1 (article from We Are Tennis)

On Monday, March 6 it will be World Tennis Day and on that night as part of the celebration it will be the 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown at the iconic and most famous sports and entertainment arena in the world, Madison Square Garden.

The brainchild of promoter Jerry Solomon to return tennis to The Garden, the event has been a monumental success over the last decade with many of the sport’s greatest names brought together on the first Monday night of March each year. It could almost been seen as an official launch of the North American tennis season.

This year is the most ambitious exercise Solomon has put together as eight players take to the center court under that famed domed roof of The Garden – Venus Williams, Garbine Muguruza, Juan Martin del Potro, Kei Nishikori, Nick Kyrgios, Jack Sock, Andy Roddick, and Lleyton Hewitt.

This year’s BNP Paribas Showdown is a look at the past, the present, and the future of world tennis and it is a clash of The Americas versus The World.

“It has been a challenging but extremely exciting and rewarding exercise to bring all these players together,” Jerry Solomon, President of GF Sports said. “We have such an incredible variety of stars on show; Venus and Kei, Nick Kyrgios with Jack Sock, Garbine and Juan Martin and Andy renewing his rivalry with Lleyton.

“It is a night that promises to be fun and entertainment and that’s exactly what tennis should be all about.”

This year four players, Kyrgios, Sock, Nishikori, and Muguruza are making their Showdown debuts which will make it a total of 37 players involved in the event’s history. Of those 37, 33 have been either ranked No.1 and/or have won at least one major or been in the final of at least one major.

Between them they have won twelve majors and reached another 16 finals at the big four tournaments and overall the eight players have won 150 career titles and reached another 95 finals. An incredible achievement.

The USA has had the most players involved with twelve and when Venus plays again this year she will join Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, and Caroline Wozniacki as the only players to have played the event three times. From that illustrious group Lendl is the only one to have participated in the Showdown at all three locations it has been held – New York, Hong Kong, and London.

In addition to the singles matches there will be a men’s doubles and, for the first time in Showdown history, a mixed doubles.

Schedule of Play (starting 7:00 pm EST)

Andy Roddick/Jack Sock vs. Lleyton Hewitt/Nick Kyrgios

Andy Roddick vs. Lleyton Hewitt

Venus Williams/Juan Martin del Potro vs. Garbine Muguruza/Kei Nishikori

Venus Williams vs. Garbine Muguruza

Jack Sock vs. Nick Kyrgios

Juan Martin del Potro vs. Kei Nishikori

Broadcast Schedule

ESPN3 (live)

ESPN2 (tape delay, 3/7)

ESPN Australia

ESPN Latin America

WOWOW (live)

Fox Sports Asia (live)

BNI Bulgaria

ESPN Coverage of BNPP Showdown

10th Annual Tennis BNP Paribas Showdown Live on WatchESPN from MSG on March 6

New Team Format, Americas vs. World, with Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt as Captains of Current Stars
Americas Team Headlined by Americans Venus Williams, Roddick and Jack Sock
Encore Presentation on ESPN2 March 7

WatchESPN will present the 10th annual BNP Paribas Showdown live from Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday, March 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The Showdown will be a team tennis format this year that will feature Americas vs. World where each team is comprised of four players going head-to-head in addition to doubles matches throughout the night. A two hour encore presentation of the event will air on ESPN2 on Tuesday, March 7, at 11 p.m.

The teams are as follows:

Americas:

Two-time Olympic medalist and 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro (ARG)
Former World No.1 and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick (USA)
Only tennis player to earn multiple medals at 2016 Rio Olympics (gold in mixed doubles and bronze in men’s doubles) Jack Sock (USA)
Three-time former World No.1, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic medalist Venus Williams (USA)

World:

Former World No.1 and two-time Grand Slam singles champion Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)
2014 Wimbledon and 2015 Australian Open quarterfinalist Nick Kyrgios (AUS)
2016 French Open champion Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP)
Highest-ranked Asian men’s singles player and Rio Olympics singles bronze medalist Kei Nishikori (JPN)

In addition, ESPN Classic will present past BNP Paribas Showdown events leading into the ESPN2 encore presentation, beginning at 7 a.m. on March 7.

In the new team tennis format, game scoring is no-ad and the event is won by the first team to reach five games. Should a set be tied at 4-4, a 12-point tie-breaker is played. Players will all be sitting courtside throughout the event. ESPN’s Patrick McEnroe and Brad Gilbert will call the action from the booth with Rennae Stubbs courtside for on-court interviews.

The BNP Paribas Showdown from MSG will air live in Spanish internationally on ESPN’s networks in 57 countries throughout Latin America including in Portuguese in Brazil and in English in the Caribbean and Pacific Rim, as well as delayed in Canada. In addition, ESPN’s broadband players in Latin America & the Caribbean (ESPN Play), in Brazil through WatchESPN, and Australia & New Zealand (WatchESPN) will also stream live simulcast coverage of this event.

BNP Paribas Showdown

Tickets for the 2017 BNP Paribas Showdown can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through any Ticketmaster outlet. New York City hosts the BNP Paribas Showdown for the tenth straight year, bringing together some of the greatest names in world tennis to celebrate World Tennis Day. World Tennis Day embraces nations from all over the globe in an effort to encourage people to try the great game of tennis and at the same time grow the sport.

Preview: Del Potro vs Nishikori

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO KEI NISHIKORI

Team Americas TEAM Team World

28 AGE 27

ARGENTINA COUNTRY JAPAN

Tandil, Argentina BORN Shimane, Japan

Tandil, Argentina RESIDES Bradenton, FL

2005 TURNED PRO 2007

4 HIGHEST CAREER RANKING 4

32 CURRENT RANKING# 5

3-1 2017 W-L RECORD 9-3

349-141 CAREER W-L RECORD 310-145

19 CAREER TITLES 11

27 CAREER FINALS 11

1 TITLES AT MAJORS* ---

1 FINALS AT MAJORS* 1

$25,845 2017 PRIZE MONEY# $257,361

$16,318,547 CAREER PRIZE MONEY# $16,391,665

* Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open

# as at 27 February, 2017

HEAD TO HEAD

OVERALL: 4-1 JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO

2016

Basel, Switzerland

Indoor Hard

Kei Nishikori

75 64

2012

London Olympics, Great Britain

Outdoor Hard

Juan Martin del Potro

64 76

Wimbledon, Great Britain

Outdoor Grass

R32

Juan Martin del Potro

63 76 61

2009

San Jose, CA, U.S.A.

Indoor Hard

R16

Juan Martin del Potro

62 62

2008

US Open , NY, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

R16

Juan Martin del Potro

63 64 63

MISCELLANEOUS

DEL POTRO: Helped guide Argentina to its first-ever win in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas in 2016; won bronze medal at 2012 London Olympics and silver at 2016 Rio Olympics; second man from South America to win the US Open in the Open Era

NISHIKORI: First male player from Asia to reach the final of a major (US Open 2014); won bronze medal at 2016 Rio Olympics; has career wins over Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer; has his own app keisapp.com; one of the most revered athletes ever in Japan

Preview: Williams vs Muguruza

VENUS WILLIAMS GARBINE MUGURUZA

Team Americas TEAM Team World

36 AGE 23

USA COUNTRY Spain

Lynwood, CA BORN Caracas, Venezuela

Palm Beach Gardens, FL RESIDES Geneva, Switzerland

1994 TURNED PRO 2011

1 HIGHEST CAREER RANKING 2

13 CURRENT RANKING# 7

7-2 2017 W-L RECORD 9-5

744-210 CAREER W-L RECORD 279-141

49 CAREER TITLES 3

81 CAREER FINALS 6

7 TITLES AT MAJORS* 1

15 FINALS AT MAJORS* 2

$1,364,910 2017 PRIZE MONEY# $379,314

$35,796,658 CAREER PRIZE MONEY# $10,462,479

* Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open

# as at 27 February, 2017

HEAD TO HEAD

OVERALL: 3-0 Venus Williams

2013

Florianopolis, Brazil

R16

HARD

Venus Williams 6-4 2-6 7-5

2014

Auckland, New Zealand

HARD

Venus Williams 6-3 6-3

2015

Wuhan, China

HARD

Venus Williams 6-3 3-0 RET

MISCELLANEOUS

V. WILLIAMS: A legend of women’s tennis she has come through adversity which highlights her great mental strength; recently launched her new clothing collection for EleVen which is partnered with the BNP Paribas Showdown; this year's Australian Open final was her first final at a Major since Wimbledon 2009

MUGURUZA: Began playing tennis at age 3; favorite players growing up were Serena Williams and Pete Sampras; plays an aggressive game with her favorite shot being the serve; made her breakthrough at the majors in 2015 by reaching the Wimbledon final; won the French Open in 2016

BNPP Showdown Schedule

This year's tennis celebration will feature the World TeamTennis format, where every point counts! The winner of each match, will be the first to win 5 games with no ad scoring. Each game counts as one point in the team's cumulative match score.

Schedule of Play:

The Americas vs. The World

Andy Roddick/Jack Sock Lleyton Hewitt/Nick Kyrgios

Andy Roddick Lleyton Hewitt

Venus Williams/Juan Martin del Potro Garbine Muguruza/Kei Nishikori

Venus Williams Garbine Muguruza

Jack Sock Nick Kyrgios

Juan Martin del Potro Kei Nishikori

Preview: Roddick vs Hewitt

ANDY RODDICK LLEYTON HEWITT

Team Americas TEAM Team World

34 AGE 36

USA COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

Omaha, NE BORN Adelaide, Australia

Austin, TX RESIDES Melbourne, Australia

2000 TURNED PRO 1998

1 HIGHEST CAREER RANKING 1

612-213 CAREER W-L RECORD 616-262

32 CAREER TITLES 30

52 CAREER FINALS 46

1 TITLES AT MAJORS* 2

5 FINALS AT MAJORS* 4

$20,640,030 CAREER PRIZE MONEY $20,787,586

* Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open

HEAD TO HEAD

OVERALL: Tied 7-7

2012

Australian Open , Australia

Outdoor Hard

R64

Lleyton Hewitt

36 63 64 RET

2011

Memphis TN, U.S.A.

Indoor Hard

Andy Roddick

46 63 64

2009

Wimbledon, Great Britain

Outdoor Grass

Andy Roddick

63 6710 761 46 64

2009

London / Queen's Club Great Britain

Outdoor Grass

R16

Andy Roddick

762 764

Memphis TN, U.S.A.

Indoor Hard

Andy Roddick

26 764 64

2006

US Open NY, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

Andy Roddick

63 75 64

2005

ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati OH, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

Andy Roddick

64 764

ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells CA, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

Lleyton Hewitt

762 673 764

Australian Open, Australia

Outdoor Hard

Lleyton Hewitt

36 763 764 61

2004

Tennis Masters Cup Houston, TX, USA

Indoor Hard

Lleyton Hewitt

63 62

London / Queen's Club , Great Britain

Outdoor Grass

Andy Roddick

767 63

2001

US Open NY, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

Lleyton Hewitt

675 63 64 36 64

Roland Garros, France

Outdoor Clay

R32

Lleyton Hewitt

676 64 22 RET

ATP Masters 1000 Miami FL, U.S.A.

Outdoor Hard

Lleyton Hewitt

63 62

MISCELLANEOUS

RODDICK: Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017; possessed one of the greatest and most lethal serves the game has seen; incredibly charismatic – on court his game was mesmerising to watch, off court he was one of the sport’s most quotable players; now a family man; hosts a radio show and is a TV commentator

HEWITT: Held the world No.1 ranking for 80 weeks; was one of the most dogged fighters on the court and frequently urged himself on by shouting “C’mon;" possessed great speed about the court and a tremendous return of serve; now a family man; the Australian Davis Cup captain and a tennis commentator on Aussie TV

Preview: Sock vs. Kyrgios

JACK SOCK NICK KYRGIOS

Team Americas TEAM Team World

24 AGE 21

USA COUNTRY AUSTRALIA

Lincoln, NE BORN Canberra, Australia

Kansas City, KE RESIDES Canberra, Australia/Nassau, Bahamas

2011 TURNED PRO 2013

18 HIGHEST CAREER RANKING 13

18 CURRENT RANKING# 17

11-1 2017 W-L RECORD 4-2

126-83 CAREER W-L RECORD 79-47

3 CAREER TITLES 3

7 CAREER FINALS 4

--- TITLES AT MAJORS* ---

--- FINALS AT MAJORS* ---

$268,329 2017 PRIZE MONEY# $93,482

$5,033,534 CAREER PRIZE MONEY# $3,687,984

# as at 27 February, 2017

HEAD TO HEAD

OVERALL: Have Not Met Before at Tour Level

MISCELLANEOUS

SOCK: won a gold medal and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics; in February became the highest-ranked American man in the world for the first time; started playing tennis at the age of 8; favorite tournament is the US Open, right here in New York City

KYRGIOS: If he wasn’t a tennis player he’d want to be a basketball player; favorite team is the Boston Celtics; favorite stars growing up were Roger Federer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kevin Garnett, LeBron James and Michael Jordan

Head Penn Junior Match to Feature Khan & Han

New York, NY (February 23, 2017) – The annual BNP Paribas Showdown has a rich history of junior matches featuring some of the world’s best young tennis talent. This year Zane Khan will take on Nathan Han in an opening match presented by HEAD Penn Racquet Sports at Madison Square Garden on March 6, it was announced today.

The stars of tomorrow hit the court to kick off the 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown featuring tennis icon Venus Williams, world No. 5 Kei Nishikori, rising American Jack Sock, fiery Australian Nick Kyrigos, 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza. The Showdown will also include a legends match with American superstar Andy Roddick squaring off against former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt as part of a team format featuring The Americas vs The World.

Zane Khan, fourteen-years-old from New Braunfels, TX, has won six junior titles dating back to 2013. Most recently Khan won the Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships in of Bradenton, FL and the National Clay Court Championships in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Khan is coached by his uncle, Shariq Khan, a former player at the University of Texas. This past July, Khan and his twin brother, Faris, won the doubles final of the USTA National Clay Court Championships while dropping just one set throughout the tournament.

Nathan Han, fifteen-years-old from Tulsa, OK, has won three USTA tournaments including the USTA National Selection Tournament in Norman, OK, in 2016, the USTA National Championships in San Antonio, TX in 2015, and the USTA National Open in Springfield, MO in 2013. Han is coached by Trent Tucker.

Kahn and Han join a very impressive list of junior tennis stars to appear at the BNP Paribas Showdown including notable players Francis Tiafoe (2015) and Sloane Stephens (2009)

Previous junior matches featured include:

2008: Denis Kudla (15 years old) vs Junior Ore (15)

2009: Sloane Stephens (15) vs Gail Brodsky (17)

2010: Nicole Gibbs (16) vs Sachia Vickery (14)

2014: Francis Tiafoe (16) vs Reilly Opelka (16)

2015: Cori “Coco” Gauff (10) vs Gabriella Price (11)

2016: Tyra Hurricane Black (14) vs Carson Branstine (15)

The 10th anniversary BNP Paribas Showdown is produced by MSG Sports and GF Sports. Tickets start at $35.00 and are currently on-sale. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

There are a limited number of packages available on Ticketmaster that provide a unique opportunity to sit courtside and allow access to the pre-event party attended by the players. Additionally, there is a small number of packages that include participation in a pre-match clinic, the World Tennis Day Gala and courtside seats.

EleVen & Vince Camuto to Partner with Showdown

New York, NY (February 21, 2017) – Coming off her recent Grand Slam singles final appearance – her 15th – Venus Williams and her active wear line, EleVen by Venus Williams, along with Men’s Sportswear Division of Fashion Brand, Vince Camuto, are partnering with the BNP Paribas Showdown to outfit event personnel at Madison Square Garden. The 10th Anniversary edition of the annual tennis event will take place at The Garden on Monday, March 6th, and coincides with World Tennis Day activities.

EleVen by Venus Williams, the performance women’s active wear line, designed by the tennis icon will outfit all female personnel, including ball persons and event staff, with the latest installment of her Spring Summer 2017 line, Intrepid, while legendary men’s fashion brand, Vince Camuto, will dress all of the male personnel.

EleVen by Venus Williams was created to motivate and empower women to feel confident, express their individuality, and enjoy the fitness journey. The Intrepid collection, which launched on February 16th, is bold, smart and resonates with the tennis and fitness customer. “This collection may be one of my favorites since our first watercolor collection in 2013,” said Williams. “I really focus on bringing style to fitness while also ensuring each and every piece is functional both on and off the court.”

Alex Del Cielo, CEO Camuto Group, added: “The Vince Camuto men’s brand is very committed to supporting global activities and key events that are a core part of the customer’s lifestyle, especially within sports. We’re proud to be a part of World Tennis Day to encourage an incredible sport, and celebrate our tennis stars and legends.”

“It is a real tribute to where the event has come for the BNP Paribas Showdown to be associated with clothing companies such as EleVen by Venus Williams and Vince Camuto,” said Showdown creator, Jerry Solomon. “We have always been more than a night of tennis and to have these fashion brands partner with us suggests just that. I am looking forward to seeing our on and off-court staff clothed to make a real statement at The Garden on World Tennis Day.”

In addition to outfitting event staff, both partners will receive exposure on GardenVision, the center-hung scoreboard at Madison Square Garden, placement in the official event program and added exposure through print and digital advertising.

Williams, one of the greatest female players of all-time, will make her third appearance at the annual BNP Paribas Showdown. She is a seven-time Grand Slam champion, five-time Wimbledon Champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and winner of 49 singles titles. She is currently ranked No. 11 and will be taking on 2016 French Open Champion and current World No. 7, Garbiñe Muguruza.

Juan Martin del Potro, Kei Nishikori, Nick Kyrgios, and Jack Sock along with legends Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt will join Williams and Muguruza on March 6 in a unique "The Americas vs. The World" format.

Over the course of its decade at Madison Square Garden, the BNP Paribas Showdown has become a must-see event, from superstar Pete Sampras showing a younger Roger Federe he can still play in the inaugural matchup in 2008, to last year’s electrifying performances by Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils. The event has also hosted a who’s who in the world of tennis, including: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Mike and Bob Bryan, John and Patrick McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown, produced by MSG Sports and GF Sports. Tickets start at $35.00 and are currently on-sale. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

First Volley: Heerrree’s Andy!

By World Tennis Day Contributor - Craig Gabriel (@crosscourt1)

Andy Roddick has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, an honor that is truly well-deserved and that has humbled the man who on-court was brash, charismatic, and funny and who played with his heart on his sleeve.

It is an honor that Roddick was not always sure he would receive and when he was told about it, there was an element of emotion. He told me that he felt he might have been on the borderline.

“I know the standard lines of how honored you are and how much it means to you (but) it's different (and) it's extremely true,” Roddick said. “I'm not Roger, I'm not Serena. I'm not one of these people where it's just a matter of years passing. So I'm incredibly thankful. I knew I was in with a shot, kind of like my playing career, but you didn't know if you were going to get over that hurdle.

“It's certainly appreciated. I've been a fanatic about tennis for so long. Even reading the list of the people that would be on court, I can think of a personal story of when I'm eight and nine, how they affected it. A Christmas present that I was given that related to one of those people somehow. The impact that the Hall of Famers before me had directly on my life, and by virtue of that kind of a trickle-down effect through me to other people around me, is significant in my life. 'Hall of Famer' has a deep meaning to me.”

I have known Andy for a long time and for about five years I even worked for him providing the content for his website. It was not always easy but heck that didn’t matter. To be challenged was part of the experience. Sometimes we would agree on things and other times there would be arguments - real arguments - but there was never any malice. His sports knowledge went over my head but we’d also speak about books. I remember introducing him to the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and he would tell me about James Patterson’s books.

When he was inducted and I did a video interview with him I said: “Sorry about all the grief I gave you.” He laughed and said: “It worked both ways but it was fun.”

Roddick didn’t have the unbridled talent of a Roger Federer but he worked his behind off to maintain his position at the top or near the top of world tennis; his awesome power on the court striking a ball was mesmerising to watch. The fans loved him, especially in New York. He was like one of them when he played and maybe reminded them of Jimmy Connors.

One could not help but respect Roddick regardless of what one might have thought of him. He was and remains up-front and never had someone else do his dirty work for him.

Andy set four goals during his early playing career: win the US Open, win Wimbledon, win the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, and be world No.1. Three were chieved but despite not winning Wimbledon, Roddick still played on one of the most memorable Grand Slam finals ever against Federer there. For Andy there were no regrets.

“Someone wanted to talk about regret,” he revealed. “I don't think not getting a result you want warrants regret. I think being upset with the process you had towards those goals is a regret, and I don't have that. I got up every morning with an intent, with a goal. Some of them worked; some of them were massive failures. But the way I went about the process of it kind of mitigates regret.”

There are other passions in his life led by his young family but he is never far from tennis. He says he will always have access to the “innocent parts of tennis.” He said: “The parts that you fell in love with initially are always there. I don’t know if I need lights or an audience to enjoy it.”

Still, on World Tennis Day, March 6, that is what he will experience at Madison Square Garden for the BNP Paribas Showdown. You know for sure he will enjoy every minute of it and so too will the fans.

When They Were Top of the Mountain

By World Tennis Day Contributor Neil Harman (@Neil_Harman57)

Pete Sampras recalls the climax to the 2001 US Open at Flushing Meadows more than vividly. In his book A Champion’s Mind, Sampras said he was taken aback by the look of his opponent in the final. “He had peach fuzz on his face, with his long blond hair and blue eyes, he looked like a teenage skateboarder or surfing champion. He played with a healthy disdain for etiquette.” Polite Pete.

Lleyton Hewitt was that opponent, a scrawny kid fro Adelaide, South Australia, replete of sinew, resolve, and guttural invective who would go on to lift that Open title, the first of his two grand slams on the way to becoming the top-ranked player in the world two months later, the youngest ever to hold that rarefied position at 20 years and 268 days old. In a remarkable career – probably travelling more miles than anyone else in the game given his country’s geographical isolation - Hewitt would play 878 matches on the ATP tour, winning 30 titles.

When Hewitt steps out for the first time at Madison Square Garden in March for World Tennis Day – that’s right, he’s not been before - it will be in the company of the ‘other’ No.1 who made his mark before the era of Roger Federer seemed to blow every other record out of the water. Andy Roddick is back at the Garden, a place perfectly suited to his character and dynamism. Roddick may have been raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he may live in Austin, Texas, but it was in New York where he first delivered and delivered big.

In the 2003 US Open final in the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Roddick would defeat Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain, sink to his knees and render the press speechless with his words after that triumph: “no more about the future of American tennis, no more!” Roddick had contained the pressure, he had lived off the heat of the New York crowd, he was right at home in the biggest tennis home of all time.

If there already wasn’t enough to marvel at given the talents assembled at the Garden for the annual World Tennis Day festivities that mark a special moment in the tennis calendar, the arrivals of Hewitt and Roddick further bolster the imaginative idea of having re-named the contests on this 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown as a team contest between The Americas and The World.

Is it not interesting, too, that Roddick and Hewitt will be able to witness at extremely close quarters the talents who may have it in them to bestride the tennis floor as they once did, in Jack Sock and Nick Kyrgios? The past and future will be together in one rather neat package.

The feisty Australian and the regular American guy are the final pieces in the MSG jigsaw. They will no doubt have plenty to say about facing each other and their hopes for the relative successes of their two nations on the tennis court that has been dominated since the days their grand slam success came to an end by Europeans – most significantly a Swiss, a Spaniard, a Serb and a Scot.

At their peaks, they were utterly brilliant. Hewitt didn’t have the Roddick serve; Roddick didn’t have the Hewitt footwork; Hewitt didn’t have Roddick’s clubbing force and Roddick didn’t swear and cuss [well not as audibly] like Hewitt. They both had big hearts and enormous determination. And they both believed entirely in themselves, fighting for what they thought was right both on and off the court.

I respected them both, I thought they were brilliant athletes and because they were such forceful individuals. Of course, there were the fall-outs. In his early 20s, when Hewitt was coached by Darren Cahill – who went on to have such an illustrious career coaching Andre Agassi – the pressure in his supporters’ area became too intense and Cahill decided it was time to step away.

I wrote in defense of Cahill; the Hewitt family were enraged and we had a major falling out. A year later, he won the Wimbledon title for the first time and there was a significant rapprochement. We decided to get along. And I’m glad we did for Hewitt would become a hugely significant character on the scene and now, as Australia’s Davis Cup coach, is a standard-bearer and champion for the younger fraternity, not least Kyrgios.

Roddick wanted to follow in his brother John’s tennis-playing footsteps and was intensely focused from an early age, begging his mother to let him have a rebound net in his garage at home in Omaha. “It had springs, you hit the ball and it came right back at you,” he once told me. “I’d spend hours on it, My Mum would ask ‘what did you do today Andy?’ and I said, ‘I beat Lendl, Becker and Edberg.”

Roddick certainly ended up beating a whole host of greats in his time. His nemesis, largely at Wimbledon but on many other courts of the world, was Roger Federer to whom he lost in three grand slam grass-court finals, most crushingly in 2009 when he ought to have led by two sets to love and ended up succumbing 16-14 in the fifth set of a match that lasted over four hours.

He accepted that defeat with defining dignity but could not abide unfairness in the game. I’ll not forget being in Rome in 2011 when he was partnering Mardy Fish in the doubles where they made the final, an unlikely occurrence on clay. But Roddick had a shoulder injury and the pair had to forfeit to fellow Americans, Sam Querrey and John Isner. Andy sent one of the staff to search for me, and told me to follow him through the tunnels of the Foro Italico to the ATP office.

Andy wanted a witness, to make sure someone saw him tear a strip off his own association who had docked him and Fish $31,400 for pulling out of the final just before it had been scheduled, so they could get a flight to Dusseldorf, where organisers were threatening sanctions if they didn’t show up.

“We’re going to have to beg for the money we’ve earned,” Roddick said. “Why should Mardy be punished when I can’t play? Mardy has played the semi-final, he won the match, he earned the money, you can’t take away something he has already done. This is embarrassing for the Tour. The ATP people said they could not make a unilateral decision so I either took a chance with the appeal process or I played with a shoulder that didn’t give us much chance of winning and had a risk for the future.” He won his case.

The sport of tennis is adorned with incredible characters but few have filled the stage with as much desire, drive, and dogged determination as Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt. Their careers sparkled and they made everyone who saw them play move a little bit closer to the edge of their seats. Isn’t that what it’s about?

Roddick & Hewitt Join Showdown

TENNIS LEGENDS ANDY RODDICK AND LLEYTON HEWITT ADDED TO STAR-STUDDED LINE UP FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF BNP PARIBAS SHOWDOWN AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017

New York, NY (January 16, 2017) – Tennis legends Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt will join the star-studded lineup for the 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown on Monday, March 6, it was announced today. Roddick and Hewitt will join Juan Martin Del Potro, Kei Nishikori, Venus Williams, Garbiñe Muguruza, Nick Kyrgios and Jack Sock in the annual tennis showcase at Madison Square Garden, which coincides with “World Tennis Day” activities.

Hewitt, who announced his retirement from the professional tour last January, is back to renew his rivalry with fellow veteran Roddick who retired after the 2012 US Open. The two former World No. 1 players have produced a combined 62 tournament wins which includes Hewitt’s Grand Slam titles at the 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon Championships, as well as Roddick’s Grand Slam victory at the 2002 US Open.

"I played the World Tennis Day event in Hong Kong a few years ago and love the concept of a worldwide celebration of tennis,” said Hewitt. “I am really excited about playing Andy at Madison Square Garden which is one of the great venues for our sport. Should be an exciting night for everyone."

“Playing at Madison Square Garden is a bucket list item for any entertainer, especially for a tennis player … that's normally saved for rock stars and basketball players,” added Roddick. “To play Roger there in 2012, it was such an amazing atmosphere … when I got the invite to come back, I was going to do everything I could to make that a reality.”

The two are tied at seven wins each in head-to-head competition. Hewitt will make his Madison Square Garden debut while Roddick returns to the BNP Paribas Showdown for the second time.

Roddick and Hewitt will square off in an action-packed night that also features Del Potro, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist taking on No. 5 Nishikori, while former world No. 1 Venus Williams squares off against French Open champion, Muguruza. Kyrgios and Sock will provide a glimpse of what the future has in store for tennis fans when they take to the Garden court.

Over the course of its decade at Madison Square Garden, the BNP Paribas Showdown has become a must-see event, from superstar Pete Sampras showing a younger Roger Federer he can still play in the inaugural matchup in 2008, to last year’s electrifying performances by Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils. The event has also hosted a who’s who in the world of tennis, including: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Mike and Bob Bryan, John and Patrick McEnroe, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini.

The BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden will once again headline a full day of nationwide activities as part of “World Tennis Day,” a global tennis participation effort. All events promote tailoring the game to players 10-and-under with smaller racquets, lighter balls and modified scoring.

First Volley: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

By World Tennis Day Contributor Craig Gabriel - (@crosscourt1)

Do you remember those times when you had been on school holidays a long time and when it was time to go back to school there was an element of excitement? Catching up with friends, who you’d be sitting next to, wondering about all that would be going to happen.

The Australian Open, the year's first major is like that -- seeing friends after a long break. Adding to the whole experience is that it’s summer-time in Australia while the Northern Hemisphere is trying to keep Jack Frost from the door. Everyone is all rugged up, snow abounds, and the wind chill factor makes it feel as if Antarctica is in the tropics.

The Australian Open is known as the “Happy Slam.” No surprise. The players love being “down under,” getting away from winter. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and the beauty of the venue, Melbourne Park with the Rod Laver Arena, is its superb positioning. It is the only major right in the middle of the host city and in 2017 it will get even close with the opening of a new bridge.

There was a time when the Australian Open was at risk of losing its major status but it is now ahead of every other major. It has three stadiums with retractable roofs -- no other event comes close to facilities like that -- and the grounds highlight the casual atmosphere and laconic nature of the locals. “G’day mate, how you going?” is heard all the time.

No tennis event in the world has more live entertainment, more activities, and more smiles and in 2017 elements from the other three Grand Slam cities will be featured around Melbourne Park.

The 2017 Australian Open is poised to be the best yet. The expectation is that it will break the all-time attendance record of over 720,300 and the benefit to the local economy will out-strip the 2016 record of $278.1 million.

A total of $50 million in prize money is a new record with the respective singles champions banking $3.7 million each. And the $64 question is: who will those singles champions be?

Angelique Kerber will have the pressure on her, it will be her first time defending a major; Melbourne Park was where she was catapulted into tennis’ stratosphere. Serena Williams wants “her” title back and is returning after a four-month layoff. Andy Murray, or should we say Sir Andy Murray, starts a season as world No.1 for the first time and will be desperate to shake off the five-time bridesmaid tag in Melbourne. With legendary Ivan Lendl back in his corner at the Open for the first time in a couple of years, Murray is certainly the early favorite. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will be doing all he can to break records and win the Norman Brookes Trophy for the seventh time.

And then there are Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios. The return of Federer is probably the most eagerly awaited appearance at the Australian Open in recent times. The GOAT will probably get a standing ovation the first time he walks on court, and he’s made it clear that he can’t wait to get back.

Kyrgios, who will be earnestly watched and urged on by Aussie Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt, a former finalist at the Rod Laver Arena, will be one of the most exciting threats as he tries to end a 41-year Australian drought. Not since 1976 has a local won the year’s first major; that year it was Mark Edmondson who, when presented with the trophy, had to become an instant juggler because he dropped the cup and tried to catch it before it hit the court. In recent weeks, Rafa Nadal has made it clear that Kyrgios is in line to win majors and become No.1 in the world.

The U.S. contingent will do everything possible to be there at the business end. John Isner and Jack Sock will lead the men along with Sam Querrey, Steve Johnson, and the fast-rising Taylor Fritz, while Serena Williams will be joined by sister Venus and Coco Vandeweghe among the notables.

It will be a wonderful fortnight. The Australian Open has tennis as its core but around our amazing sport something spectacular has been built, it’s a party, it’s a festival, it’s a darn good time mate.

USTA Foundation to Serve as Official Charity

USTA FOUNDATION TO SERVE AS THE OFFICIAL CHARITY OF THE 2017 BNP PARIBAS SHOWDOWN 10th ANNIVERSARY AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

Foundation Will Also Host World Tennis Day Reception Benefitting Tennis and Education Programs

Exclusive Packages Currently Available, Including an Opportunity to Meet Venus Williams, Juan Martin del Potro and Other BNP Paribas Showdown Players

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2016 – The USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), today announced that it has been selected as the official charity of the 2017 BNP Paribas Showdown. This marks the fourth consecutive year the USTA Foundation will serve as the event’s official charity.

The Showdown will take place March 6, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in celebration of the fifth annual World Tennis Day. To help kick off the day, the USTA Foundation will host a fundraising reception that evening with the BNP Paribas Showdown players, including seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams and former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro.

The BNP Paribas Showdown, celebrating its 10th anniversary, will also feature 2016 French Open women’s champion Garbiñe Muguruza, 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, world No. 13 Nick Kyrgios and rising American star Jack Sock. All six players, including Williams and del Potro, will participate in the events first-ever legends match to be announced soon.

The USTA Foundation World Tennis Day Reception will raise funds to support the organization’s funding of scholarships and programming grants to under-resourced youth and the tennis and education programs they attend throughout the country. The majority of these programs are associated with the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network.

Supporters can purchase a variety of packages that include a meet-and-greet with the players, player clinics, courtside tickets to attend the 2017 BNP Paribas Showdown and an exclusive opportunity to watch the players practice just before the event.

All packages as well as sponsorship opportunities are available at www.ustafoundation.com/worldtennisday.

“The USTA Foundation is once again proud and honored to be a part of this celebratory event on its extraordinary 10th milestone,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director of the USTA Foundation. “GF Sports and MSG are outstanding partners as well as supporters, allowing us to use one of the grandest stages in sport to carry out our mission. World Tennis Day continues to make a positive impact on kids and families, and we make every effort to do the same. We are excited to collaborate in the spirit of changing lives and creating brighter futures through tennis.”

"We are proud supporters of the USTA Foundation and glad to share this special event with them as we celebrate a decade of spreading the message of the positive outcomes tennis can have on young people throughout the country and the world,” said Jerry Solomon, Executive Producer of the BNP Paribas Showdown and creator of World Tennis Day. “It is our mission to collaborate on a high level so that fans of this great sport have the opportunity to also show their support and witness great competition amongst tennis’ most exciting players.”

The USTA Foundation supports programs nationwide that leverage tennis, education and life skills to prepare under-resourced youth for college and beyond. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $22 million, benefitting thousands of children and adults through tennis, education and health programs and college scholarships.

Tickets for the BNP Paribas Showdown are available at the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through any Ticketmaster outlet.

###

USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the USTA, helps serve up dreams for under-resourced youth; individuals with disabilities; and wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families. The USTA Foundation supports programs nationwide that leverage tennis and education to help those in need, primarily through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, and other efforts to assist military personnel, veterans and individuals with disabilities. To date, it has awarded more than $22 million in grants and scholarships to hundreds of programs, benefitting thousands of children and adults through a tennis, education, and health curricula. For more information on the USTA Foundation, visit www.ustafoundation.com. Or stay connected through Facebook at www.facebook.com/USTAFoundation, and on Twitter at @USTA_Foundation. BNP Paribas Showdown Tickets for the 2017 BNP Paribas Showdown can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office or through any Ticketmaster outlet. New York City hosts the BNP Paribas Showdown for the tenth straight year and once again some of the greatest names in world tennis will sparkle, entertain and captivate an audience that has come to expect the best on this night of nights. World Tennis Day embraces nations from all over the globe in an effort to encourage people to try the great game of tennis and at the same time grow the sport. There are close to 2,000 participating locations in the USA alone; to find a participating location among the 50 states visit www.youthtennis.com. For more information on the various events, including the BNP Paribas Showdown, visit www.WorldTennisDay.com.

About the Madison Square Garden Company

The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment that presents or hosts a broad array of world-class events – including concerts, sporting events, family shows and special events – in an unparalleled mix of celebrated venues that span four of the nation’s largest entertainment markets. Those venues are: New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston. In addition, MSG has a diverse collection of properties that includes some of the most widely-recognized sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBADL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). The Company also features popular original entertainment productions -- the Christmas Spectacular and New York Spectacular – both starring the Radio City Rockettes, and through Boston Calling Events, produces outdoor festivals, including New England’s premier Boston Calling Music Festival. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.

For more information, contact:

Jasmine Sheppard, USTA Corporate Communications, (914) 697-2275; [email protected]
Larry Torres, MSG, (212) 631-5178; [email protected]

Herald Sun: Kyrgios Lands BNP Paribas Showdown Spot

From the Melbourne Herald Sun

By Luke Dennehy

Controversial tennis player Nick Kyrgios has landed a spot in a prestigious exhibition tournament at Madison Square Gardens in March because he is considered box-office gold.

Kyrgios will play rising US star Jack Sock in the annual BNP Paribas Showdown on March 6.

In the past, superstars such as Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Serena and Venus Williams have played at the event.

Despite his suspension from the ATP Tour and his up-and-down year, Kyrgios (pictured) sells tickets. The 21-year-old was a no-show at Monday night’s Newcombe Medal, after not being nominated in a year where he won three events.

Tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley said Kyrgios had incredible talent, but he needed to learn to respect the game.

“I think he is wonderful,” she said. “He is a great player, he has great hands, great height and power. He has got everything on the court, but I think he needs to learn to sit down and talk to some of the elders of tennis, and get that respect back for the game.”

John Newcombe backed up Goolagong Cawley’s comments, and said Kyrgios has to show 100 per cent commitment to the sport.

“The raw talent is there, the explosive power, the imagination,” he said.

“Then you have got to put other things in there: Are you 100 per cent fit, can you last five-set matches?

“You look at (Andy) Murray and (Novak) Djokovic, how fit they are. You have to be able to stay the course with players like that.”

First Volley: Tennis Players are the Strongest

by World Tennis Day Contributor Craig Gabriel - (@crosscourt1)

To be a professional athlete you have to be strong physically and mentally. There are varying degrees as to which aspect is more dominant from one athlete to the next. Some are stronger physically, others have a steel trap for a mind, but in sport you have to have both.

This conversation got me thinking about which athletes from which sport are the strongest. Could it be boxers? Could it be football players? Could it be basketball players? Could it be golfers? Golf? Seriously? Golf is just a frustration; as Mark Twain said: “Golf is a good walk spoiled.” So those of you into tees and fairways, you’re bunkered; golf is disqualified.

Tennis players are the ones who fit the bill as the strongest. Just hear me out.

A tennis player is not only battling an opponent but also themselves and must maintain mental strength. Boris Becker once said, “When it comes to a fifth set it’s not backhands and forehands, it’s the mind.”

Consider the physical differences between players. There is no handicap for someone playing the likes of a John Isner or Ivo Karlovic, the tallest men in tennis who make almost every other player look diminutive. Same as in the women’s game if Simona Halep or Dominika Cibulkova is facing Serena Williams.

Players constantly demonstrate how mentally, tactically, and physically strong they are. Consider the recent final of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and the mental strength Juan Martin Del Potro showed by playing each day. Exhausted, del Potro saved the tie for Argentina in the first reverse singles to beat Croatia’s Marin Cilic, winning from two sets to love down for the first time in his life. And then in the deciding match of the final Federico Delbonis showed he was stronger tactically and mentally by beating Karlovic despite the Croat’s power and mammoth serve. How many athletes of other sports do that?

Almost every other sport works within a time frame. Tennis does not. A match can be 50 minutes or a four-hour grind, but the players have to use their mental and physical strength to rebound the next day and play again. How many other sports have that?

Then there is the continual evolution of equipment standards and players having to deal with it. A couple of years ago, even the great Roger Federer found it frustrating to get a grip (no pun intended) of the new racquet he was using. Working through such matters takes mental strength.

In football and basketball or hockey the make-up of the ball or the puck has not really changed, bin tennis, the ball itself changes for surfaces.

A tennis player criss-crosses the planet almost every week adjustig to time zones and different conditions, environments, food etc. Besides adapting to ball changes, a tennis player has to adapt to the surface itself changing time and again – from hard to clay to hard to clay to grass to clay to hard to indoor; no other athlete endures that.

A tennis player has to be strong physically to strike the ball ferociously and also be clever in a split second to change the momentum of a match. A tennis player has to try and work things out themselves – there are no teammates to huddle with. It’s them against the world. Now that’s strong.

Del Potro Wins Davis Cup

Juan Martin del Potro, a headliner for World Tennis Day 2017, helped lead Argentina to its first Davis Cup title on Nov. 27. Del Potro's 2-set comeback vs. Marin Cilic in the 4th rubber set the stage for countryman Federico Delbonis to clinch the cup for the Argentines.

The Davis Cup capped a resurgent year for del Potro, who returned from multiple injuries to win the silver medal at the Rio Olympics and reach the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open.

Del Potro will be playing the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden on World Tennis Day, March 6.

Nick Kyrgios Will Make It There

By Neil Harman | @Neil_Harman57

Nick Kyrgios has done what he was asked to do. He has gone about the process quietly, no fussing, he has fulfilled his obligations, he has seen the sports psychologist demanded by his trade union and he is ready to play again. Kyrgios is presently at home in Australia, relaxing and re-charging for the exhilarating year ahead. Whether the sessions he spent talking about his game and behavior to a complete stranger – however qualified - will have any effect, we shall have to wait and see.

There is no doubt that armed with the right resources, the right attitude, the right support, and no sudden seizing up of his right arm, Kyrgios will soon be in the mix to be a top ten player – he is currently three short of this exalted group – and London will be hoping to have a sight of him when the 2017 ATP World Tour Finals come around.

Meanwhile the last shreds of the official men’s season were played out to astonishing attendances at the 2016 World Tour Finals. Where else in the world would 15,000 people be lured to a rather remote venue on a Monday afternoon to watch one doubles and one singles match? The top eight singles and 16 doubles players of the year drew Brits into the O2 arena in south London in droves once more. No Federer. No Nadal. No fall-off in ticket sales.

If one can be finicky about the finals it is that the event lacked for touches of spite and spice, albeit Andy Murray claimed an astonishing fifth successive tournament victory to secure the end-of-year No.1 ranking, becoming the first man from his nation to do so. Britain is in raptures.

The tennis, especially that from Murray, was often epic. Novak Djokovic – who ultimately reached the final - got a bit uppity, thumping a ball into the stands in his first match, provoking a spat with a reporter who subsequently received unflattering comments from the Serb’s fan club on social media. Novak lacked focus in the last six months of 2016 but there are no directives for him to seek psychological help.

The ATP decided to come down hard on Kyrgios after his performance – or rather non-performance – in Shanghai against Mischa Zverev in late October. Kyrgios patently didn’t want to play and while in hindsight he should have withdrawn from the Masters and faced the consequences [he had won the Toyko tournament the week before and was clearly shattered]. Having taken on the responsibility of playing in Shanghai, he should at least have displayed a competitive urge. That is what athletes do, whether they are low on energy or not.

Soon after his transgressions, it was concluded by the ATP Tour that he had demonstrated a level of conduct that ran contrary to the integrity of the game. The meant that he received an additional fine of $25,000 [on top of his original $16,000], and was suspended from tournaments for eight weeks, effective through Sunday, Jan 15, 2017. That would have seriously imperiled his chances of competing in his home nation’s Australian Open, which starts in mid-January.

The ATP then said the suspension would be reduced to three weeks, “upon agreement that the player enters a plan of care under the direction of a sports psychologist, or an equivalent plan approved by ATP, meaning Kyrgios could regain eligibility to compete on the ATP World Tour or Challenger Tour from (Monday, Nov 7, 2016).” He has taken the ATP’s words on board, he has done what they asked, and he is now busily preparing for the 2017 season.

Kyrgios is a huge talent, arguably the hugest at the disposal of the men’s game that, by the next 12 months, is likely to have seen the last of Federer and Nadal as title-challenging competitive forces. They are winding down and why shouldn’t they? What these two have achieved for the sport is, perhaps, beyond parallel.

It is understandable that Jerry Solomon, the entrepreneur behind the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden – the centrepiece of World Tennis Day – would have wanted to secure the services of the 21-year-old Australian for the event on Monday, March 6 of next year. Kyrgios and Jack Sock are the young lions on view, the best young player in the world against the best young American player. It stands to reason: they are both box-office and tennis needs box-office.

Given Kyrgios’s recent antics, eyebrows have been raised and doubts expressed as to whether he was all right for the night. Solomon sought to placate one dismayed patron of the Garden who said she would give up the tickets she had regularly taken after hearing Kyrgios was in the field.

The tournament director’s response is one that should be absorbed with respect and admiration before we become too condemnatory about a player who has shown himself to be a real favorite, especially with the younger fans who are vital to retain and engage for tennis to stay relevant in the face of so much competition, both from other sports and other, less recreational pursuits.

Solomon wrote: “The fact is that, while struggling to find a comfort level on the pro tour, Nick has shown himself to be not only a highly talented athlete but a soft spoken, easy going, and respectful young man. While that may be contradictory to some of his behavior and certainly contrary to much of the press, we know that from first hand experience with him at our Atlanta ATP Tour/US Open Series event which he won this past summer and where he made a lot of friends as he took time with the fans, press, and sponsors on his way to victory.

“The point is that we choose not to condemn any of the players and in fact have brought to the Madison Square Garden court several players who over the course of their distinguished careers have done things which may not have been in their own best interests or that of the game. But tennis is a sport of individuals who express themselves in many ways and who we, the fans, ask to grow, mature and learn while we watch, comment and voice our approval or disapproval.

“It is not an easy road for some but it is one that more often than not ends up producing citizens of the world who contribute on many levels in sports and otherwise.”

It was intriguing that, in the aftermath of the Kyrgios meltdown in Shanghai, John McEnroe took a verbal swing at him, while Jimmy Connors extended a helping hand by means of a subliminal offer to take over as his coach, via his Twitter account. Two days after the ATP’s suspension landed, Connors posted: “Kyrgios – you want to be the best - come see me – you will learn to play, excite and to win. It’s your choice – or just be mediocre. Gd (sic) luck”

Neither John nor Jimmy would claim to have been paragons of virtue on the tennis court during their playing careers. They were animalistic in their own distinct ways but they never stopped striving to be the best they could be. For what it’s worth, I believe Connors and Kyrgios would be an exceptional fit. And I suspect the patron who wrote to Jerry Solomon wanting a refund for the tickets she had purchased for next year’s Showdown would have an immediate change of heart should Connors be arriving w/ Kyrgios at Madison Square Garden.

---

Follow the BNP Paribas Showdown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat @worldtennisday

Del Potro Named ATP Comeback Player

Juan Martin del Potro has been named the 2016 ATP World Tour Comeback Player of the Year as voted on by tour players. Del Potro returned from multiple wrist surgeries to finish in the Top 50 of the world. His season was highlighted by a silver medal at the Rio Olympics, a quarterfinal run at the US Open, and the Stockholm Open title.

Del Potro will be playing World Tennis Day at Madison Square Garden on March 6th

First Volley: Age is No Barrier

Craig Gabriel – World Tennis Day Contributor (@crosscourt1)

Age is but a number when you look at what has happened in the tennis world this year. While the very young players have still made inroads, it’s been the more mature-aged players who have actually snatched the headlines.

After she won the US Open, Angelique Kerber, at age 28, became the oldest woman to debut as world No.1. Now, Andy Murray, at age 29, has become the oldest man to debut as world No.1 since John Newcombe in 1974 and the 26th overall.

By reaching the final of (and eventually winning) the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris-Bercy, Murray had gained enough computer ranking points to pass Novak Djokovic by the slimmest of margins when the rankings were released on November 7th.

Earlier in the year Andy’s 30 year-old brother Jamie (a spring chicken in terms of doubles tennis) ascended to the top of the doubles rankings. It’s the first time two brothers have reached the top ranking in singles and doubles in the same year – an incredible achievement for both.

To see players of a more mature age gaining the bulk of attention in tennis is a tremendous positive for sport. There was a time when observers in tennis believed days like that would never return, that the young ones had created a generation gap. But players now on the eve of being 30-somethings, and even those well into their 30’s, have brilliantly proven there is still plenty of life in them.

Serena Williams and Roger Federer, both playing at a high level at age 35, are two perfect examples in the singles game -- and then you have Stan Wawrinka (31) who has really only hit his stride in the last three years.

The constant development of training methods, diets, and focus and hunger has changed all the conventional thinking. These players have still got so much to give and the drive to achieve even more is incredibly fascinating to witness. They are teaching the “upstarts” a thing or two and, adding to the benefit for tennis, providing a gradual baton change rather than something sudden.

Murray’s rise to the top also shows that this is a sport for stayers and not gallopers. We watched so many gallopers in the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s and what happened? They burned out.

Certainly the individual has to produce the goods on court but also what must be recognized is the team around a player. Murray is incredibly comfortable with those around him and what he has now is just what he needs. While every respect is paid to all in the team, the glue that’s sealed it all is coach Ivan Lendl.

Lendl’s experience has been vital, he knows all about winning and being No.1. He’s the one constant who guided Murray to three majors and two Olympic gold medals and now the world No.1 ranking. He always said “get the results and the ranking will take care of itself”.

“Obviously I have nice memories of becoming No.1, it’s a great achievement for Andy and I’m very pleased for him,” Lendl said.

Could Murray’s achievements this year lead to a knighthood? We’ll see, but “Arise Sir Andrew Murray” would be pretty cool.

Follow World Tennis Day on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat!

BNP Paribas Showdown 10th Anniversary Field Announced

CELEBRATION OF TENNIS TO HIGHLIGHT 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF BNP PARIBAS SHOWDOWN AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ON MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017

STAR-STUDDED EVENT TO FEATURE JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO, KEI NISHIKORI, VENUS WILLIAMS, GARBIÑE MUGURUZA, NICK KYRGIOS AND JACK SOCK

TICKETS ON-SALE MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016

New York, NY (October 26, 2016) – The 10th anniversary of the BNP Paribas Showdown will bring past, current and future stars to the Madison Square Garden court for a terrific night of tennis on Monday, March 6, The Madison Square Garden Company and GF Sports announced today. Juan Martin del Potro, Kei Nishikori, Venus Williams, Garbiñe Muguruza, Nick Kyrgios, Jack Sock and a legends matchup to be named later, will square off in the 10th anniversary edition of the annual tennis showcase.

Del Potro, the 2016 Olympic silver medalist will take on world No. 5 Nishikori, while former world No. 1 Venus Williams will square off against reigning French Open champion, Muguruza. Kyrgios and Sock, two exciting young stars on the rise, will provide a glimpse of what the future has in store for tennis fans.

The BNP Paribas Showdown is produced by MSG Sports and GF Sports. Tickets start at $35.00 and will go on-sale Monday, October 31. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. The event will start at 7:00 pm on Monday, March 6.

“Since 2008, playing the Showdown at The Garden has become a ‘must’ amongst the biggest stars in the game, and as we celebrate the 10th Showdown we’re looking forward to another special night of tennis,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, Marquee Events/Operations, The Madison Square Garden Company. “The Showdown has continually entertained thousands of tennis fans and provided many lasting moments. And, how can we forget Ben Stiller, Rory McIllroy and Redfoo taking to the Garden court? You never know what or who you’ll see when tennis comes to The World’s Most Famous Arena.”

"It is incredible to think this will be our 10th Showdown," said Showdown creator, Jerry Solomon. "We have been fortunate to have had just about every tennis superstar of the last 30 years play at Madison Square Garden, and this year will be no different, with our compelling slate of great players spanning eras. And we’ll also be including some twists on the traditional tennis format that will allow fans to see more action than ever before in a more compact schedule. On March 6, the BNP Paribas Showdown and The Garden will once again be the place to be for the most exciting tennis."

Nishikori, currently ranked No. 5 in the world, is the only male Japanese player to ever be ranked in the top 10. He has compiled 11 singles titles and was a finalist in the 2014 US Open, making him the first Asian player to compete in a Grand Slam singles final.

2009 US Open champion del Potro returns to Madison Square Garden for his second appearance at the BNP Paribas Showdown. The 6’-6” Argentine, who is playing strong and blazing the comeback trail after three wrist operations that sidelined his career, is currently ranked No. 42 and just recently captured the Stockholm Open for his first ATP Tour title since 2014.

Williams, arguably one of the greatest female players of all time, is a seven-time Grand Slam champion, five-time Wimbledon Champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, and winner of 49 singles titles. She is currently ranked No. 15 and will be making her third Showdown appearance.

Current world No. 6 Muguruza beat Serena Williams in the finals of the 2016 French Open to capture her first Grand Slam title. She holds 10 career singles titles and was runner up at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships. She will make her Madison Square Garden debut as she tries to beat Venus Williams for the first time in four attempts.

Two rising ATP Tour stars, Sock and Kyrgios, will compete in their first ever match-up at Madison Square Garden. Kyrgios, ranked No. 13, was listed as the No. 1 World Junior in 2013, and has already recorded several top 10 wins, including against world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka at an ATP Masters 1000 tournament earlier this year. He will play Sock, one of the top-ranked American players at world No. 22. Sock is a former junior US Open champion and has been in three finals on the ATP Tour.

The BNP Paribas Showdown will apply several new innovative formats currently being experimented in the world of tennis to help speed up the game. The format enhancements will make the Showdown an even more fast-paced, exciting event for the fans.

The BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden will once again headline a full day of worldwide activities as part of “World Tennis Day,” a global tennis participation effort. All events promote tailoring the game to players 10-and-under with kid-friendly efforts including smaller racquets, lighter balls and modified scoring.

Additional information on the event will be released at a later date.

----------------------------

About The Madison Square Garden Company

About GF Sports

GF Sports is a sports and entertainment content company based in New York, NY and Lynnfield, MA. The company owns and operates several professional tennis and ice skating events, each with a rich tradition and longstanding role in their respective sports. GF Sports events include: · The BNP Paribas Showdown (New York, NY) · The Memphis Open presented by ServiceMaster (Memphis, TN) · The BB&T Atlanta Open (Atlanta, GA) · The Skills Challenge (Orlando, FL) · Nancy Kerrigan's Halloween On Ice Tour. Throughout their storied histories, these events have hosted hundreds of thousands of fans, celebrities, sponsor guests, and some of the most iconic names in sports, all while generating significant exposure through multiple social, digital, and TV platforms. In addition to its current properties, GF Sports is in development on several other exciting and innovative sporting events.

CONTACTS: Dan Schoenberg, MSG (212) 465-6367 – [email protected]

Larry Torres, MSG (212) 631-5178 – [email protected]

Bill Hanousek, MSG (212) 631-6591 – [email protected]

First Volley: The Fifth Degree

Craig Gabriel – World Tennis Day Contributor (@crosscourt1)

Too often in the world of tennis traditions are lost and now there is the chance of another one falling by the way. There has been a chorus of voices suggesting that five-set matches in men’s tennis should be done away with.

If best-of-five set matches are eliminated, one of the fundamentals of the sport will be assigned to the history books and that will be a shame. Future generations of the sport will only be able to read about five-setters, rather like reading about an extinct creature or seeing video footage at a museum.

To be in the presence of a stunning five-setter is to be enveloped in drama, to be ensconced in more thrills and turns and twists than a John Le Carre book. Five set tennis in the majority of cases remain vivid. It is majestic to watch. There is way more chance someone will remember a five-set blockbuster than a best-of-three-set short story.

Years after they’ve been played, five-setters are recounted for emotions that erupt like a spewing volcano, for shot-making skills and their sheer glory -- the most famous of all being from Wimbledon in 2010 in the first round between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. It ended 70-68 in the final set. Sure Isner was drained after that win and he lost in the next round but would anyone have been talking about it if it was a three setter? No!

Five set matches are the agony and ecstasy of tennis and must be left in place. They are like a great symphony building to a crescendo.

The stunning five-set finals Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal played at Wimbledon in particular the 2008 match which is regarded by many as the greatest match of all-time. Pete Sampras against Jim Courier at the 1995 Australian Open. Andre Agassi coming back to beat Andrei Medvedev in the 1999 French Open final. And then this year’s Olympic final between Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Potro which was four sets of glory. Let’s also not forget the Wimbledon duels between McEnroe and Borg in 1980 and ’81 or the stunners played in the early ‘70’s between Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver in the WCT Finals

None of this history would be there if they were best of three. In fact, how many best of three set matches are remembered? Zippo!

It is not as if five-setters are played week in and week out. Certainly there would be an argument against best-of-five if that were the case but fives are only played at the four majors and at Davis Cup and at the US Open and Davis Cup the fifth is a tiebreaker.

Players of the past without the access to today’s sciences were able to play five setters at more events, and while modern technology has made the sport more physical one would expect that to have balanced out due to the extraordinary levels of training.

Tennis has rightly streamlined itself enough but five-setters need to be kept for the game’s integrity and the chance to still witness the magnificence this great sport has been built on.

Follow World Tennis Day on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat!

Tennis Cannot Stand Still - It Must Adapt to Survive

By Neil Harman (@Neil_Harman57)

There are a lot of very good people in tennis, those who possess sharp and imaginative minds, who see the need for progress, who know that to stand still in this day and age of hyper-movement is to congeal and ultimately contract. And there are other good people who prefer the status quo, the way things are, and who throw their hands up in a first line of defense against the progressives. They would keep the sport the way it is because it suits them to remain undisturbed.

In December of this year, Croatia will play Argentina in the final of the 2016 Davis Cup, an annual event that was initially cultivated as an invitation between the United States and the British Isles (as it was in the first throes of the 20th Century), but which has grown into a story that encompasses nations from every corner of the world. Ask anyone who loves tennis if they love the Davis Cup and they will say yes, of course they do. Beautiful event. Team spirit. National pride. Fly the flag. Win it for boys.

In this Olympic year, there was the inevitable priority of the Rio Games which had to be fitted into the calendar because since 1988, when tennis was readmitted to the five-ringed family, the thought of winning gold has brought a glint to the eye. Andy Murray won his second Olympic golden gong this year, defending his title, only a month after he had lifted his second Wimbledon trophy. From Rio, flew to Cincinnati and somehow made the final, travelled on to New York City and was defeated in the quarterfinal of the US Open by Kei Nishikori, staggered on to Glasgow where, by dint of sheer willpower and animal intensity, he somehow played three matches in consecutive days, but it was not quite enough to see his country home. Great Britain lost 3-2 to Argentina, who were spurred by a resurgent Juan Martin del Potro and blessed with an unlikely hero in Leonardo Mayer.

But it was the look on Murray’s ashen features on the last day, rather than what he achieved on the court that resonated more than anything. He was washed up, almost unable to get to his feet to try to rouse his compatriot Dan Evans against Mayer in the concluding rubber (the fancy name for single Davis Cup matches). He was quite simply out on his feet. The calendar had broken him.

It is that look that should haunt tennis. The perennial problem of the calendar and the fact that nobody wants to give ground for fear of losing status and influence remains one that ought to be challenged but tends to go without anyone addressing it with the ultimate ‘the sport should come first’ sentiment. Tennis would thrive from more shortened, energetic bursts. World Tennis Day, centered on the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, is one such innovation which, every first week of March in the past few years, has shone a light on the sport by attempting to grab the world’s attention for a day and uplifting tennis on a global level. But we still need to do a finer job on explaining exactly what it is there for and how it works for the greater good.

The Grand Slams have their place. They are wonderful two-week garlands of tennis, though each of the four, the US Open, Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon are often locked in a ‘we’re better than you’ joust for supremacy that tends to be determined now by how many of their show courts have a roof. The current score is Australia 3, Wimbledon 1 (with one on the way), US Open 1 (with one on the way), French Open nil. So Australia, once the upstart third cousin, is now the developmental leader and, if truth be told, the best of the bunch in many, many ways.

It was from Australia that, seven years ago, came the plans for tennis to stage a World Cup. It was a wonderful idea, full of spirited, adventurous thinking. The numbers added up, the interest in television companies was sought and guaranteed, the players were up for it. Of course, the powers-that-be in the game got together and partially strangled the idea at birth, though I have a feeling there is increasing air in its lungs. We have not seen the last of that plan.

The people behind the World Cup did not want to drive the Davis Cup out of existence, far from it. They felt that a reformation was imperative. A competition that has stood the test of time but has become an unfathomable morass, and which struggles for understanding and true appreciation, ought to be ripe for a change. A World Cup would provide a thrilling alternative.

And so, with exquisite timing, the International Tennis Federation has issued a set of proposals for consultation which could ultimately lead to a revamp of their major competition - the Fed Cup (once the Federation Cup), is the women’s equivalent of the Davis Cup but its format is even more tough to work your way through than the Davis Cup. Here is what the ITF is suggesting, for some four years down the line

A) The launch of an open bid process to assess fixed host cities for the Davis Cup and Fed Cup by finals – a model used by events including the UEFA Champions League Final, Super Bowl and European Rugby Champions Cup; b) a full industry consultation on scheduling alternatives for the 2020 season; c) a review of current match formats, particularly the current best-of-five-sets approach and scheduling requirements during the week; d) an extensive feasibility study, by the newly created Davis & Fed Cup Task Force, of format changes below the World Group to better support and encourage involvement in both events - particularly by developing tennis nations, and to further increase worldwide interest and viewership and e) a full assessment of current staging options for host venues and cities.

The ITF seems to have grasped the nettle. They will still have to vote the changes through, with August 2017 as the allotted date. It is time to have the discussion on the tennis calendar that sensible people have long wanted. It is time to make the sport work for all.

Neil Harman was a long-time tennis correspondent of the London Times and London Daily Mail. He is the ghostwriter of ‘Seven Seven, My Road to Wimbledon Glory’ with Andy Murray.

Follow World Tennis Day on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat @worldtennisday!

First Volley: It Takes Two to Tango

Craig Gabriel – World Tennis Day Contributor (@crosscourt1)

Hands up: how many of you love playing doubles? It’s great fun, right? The rapid fire exchanges at the net or some of the angles you look for during rallies are so exhilarating. And watching the pros play doubles is just as fascinating. So often it’s stand-up-and-cheer stuff. So the question is: why does professional doubles not attract bigger crowds?

Remind yourself of some of the amazing tandems that have played. The list is endless: “The Woodies” (Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde), Flach and Seguso, Martina and Pam, John McEnroe and Peter Fleming -- who once said Mac and anyone is a great combination -- the crazy Jensen brothers, and most recently, the Bryan twins, Bob and Mike.

Doubles deserves more attention, but how does the sport achieve that as it remains part of the professional tour’s fabric? It’s thrilling to watch and when fans get stuck into a match, they come away with smiles on their faces, shaking their heads thinking about some of the angles produced with dinks and deft returns.

The Bryan boys have certainly carried the doubles game with the gazillion titles they have won (112 to be exact) and their domination of the world rankings. They are ‘down to earth’ and easily relatable for fans, but one has to be realistic, the time is approaching for them to hang up their racquets. Who then will grab the baton … okay, racquet?

Here are two suggestions that could have an impact in changing things.

Often these days doubles teams don’t stick together. The aforementioned partnerships were like long-term marriages. Maybe the tours should adopt Bryan Ferry’s song “Let’s Stick Together” as a mantra for doubles (younger readers look up Bryan Ferry on Wikipedia). Teams play a year and break-up; some guys have had more partners than Taylor Swift. Can you imagine the number of break-up songs she could write as a professional doubles player?

The singles guys like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray have done such an amazing job dominating the sport and fans want to see them all the time so what a thrill it would be to have them playing doubles. Fans would get an additional opportunity to see those players in action and with many doubles matches being played off centre court, it allows for a more up-close and personal feeling.

So, can there be an incentive to get the prominent singles guys play doubles to generate more attention? They can use their singles rankings to get into doubles but that’s not really enough. The singles guys generally do like playing doubles, just look at how Nadal reacted winning the Olympic gold medal with his friend Marc Lopez; he said it was one of the highlights of his career.

On the regular tour maybe doubles should be reduced to three match/champions tiebreakers. It would be quick and would allow the singles players to be swayed to play, bringing in more attention. The second thing is dedicated doubles teams need to stay together and build a following -- that is crucial to doubles survival.

For more original content and exciting news from World Tennis Day, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat @worldtennisday.

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams Win Laureus Awards For Third Time

THE GUARDIAN
4/8/16

The world No1 players Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams completed a clean sweep for tennis as they won the Laureus sportsman and sportswoman of the year awards in Berlin on Monday.

In a ceremony in the German capital, hosted by the US actor Bill Murray, Serbia’s Djokovic beat the Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi, sprinter Usain Bolt and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton among others for the top men’s award.

Djokovic and Williams – who fought off her rivals, including the footballer Carli Lloyd and Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – were rewarded for dominating their sport last year, with each winning three of the four grand slams.

Both athletes picked up the top prize for the third time, with Williams having previously won it in 2003 and 2010 while Djokovic was also victorious in 2012 and 2015.

The golfer Jordan Spieth won the breakthrough of the year award after winning his first two majors at the 2015 US Masters and US Open, while New Zealand’s All Blacks won team of the year award following their World Cup victory.

There was some joy for the host nation as well with the triathlete Jan Frodeno grabbing the action sportsperson of the year prize.

The Dutch footballer and coach Johan Cruyff, who died of cancer in March, was posthumously awarded a spirit of sport award. His son Jordi received the award.

Serena Williams handles Caroline Woniacki in exhibition match

NEW YORK -- Serena Williams beat good friend Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-4 in an exhibition at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Williams, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, hasn't played a match since losing the Australian Open final Jan. 30, pulling out of two tournaments because of illness. She is scheduled to return to competition at Indian Wells this week.

"I'm headed out to the desert, and we'll see what happens," Williams said in an on-court-interview.

There were plenty of mistakes for Williams early Tuesday, many punctuated by a shriek, but as she does so often, she somehow managed to get ahead at the end of the set. The game started to look more familiar: the court coverage, the well-rounded repertoire, the big serves to escape trouble. She even tried quite a few drop shots with mixed results.

"I never miss one in practice, ever," she insisted.

Proving she was moving just fine, Williams earned her first set point when she sprinted to the net to run down a drop shot, and then immediately raced back to chase down a lob.

With her dogged defense, Wozniacki forced Williams into some long rallies. But as was the case in 10 of their 11 career meetings, including the 2014 U.S. Open final a few miles away, Williams' offense was too much.

In the first match of the BNP Paribas Showdown, 16th-ranked Gael Monfilsof France beat two-time major champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6 (6), 6-3. Two games midway through the second set were played as mixed doubles -- Williams and Wozniacki came onto the court in their warmups, and Williams teamed with Wawrinka and Wozniacki with Monfils.

The USTA Foundation’s 2016 World Tennis Day Celebration

Vogue.com
by Edward Barsamian

It was a fun-filled night at the Essex House, where sports and philanthropy proved to be perfect doubles partners at the USTA Foundation’s cocktail kickoff for the BNP Paribas Showdown and celebration of World Tennis Day. The star-studded matches take place tonight and pit friends Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki against each other, while gent Gaël Monfils faces off against Stan Wawrinka.

Last night, though, everyone was smiling and beaming for the camera as performance artist David Garibaldi took to the stage to paint a mural-sized canvas featuring the four players. “Thank you for fixing my face,” joked Wawrinka of the oversize portrait before taking to the podium with his fellow players. Of course, the question on everyone’s lips was how can Williams and Wozniacki remain such great friends while also being such fierce competitors. “It’s really cool to have someone to share wins and losses,” explained Williams, sporting a crop top and fitted skirt, adding, “Caroline and I just connected.” That sentiment was shared by Wozniacki, who said, “When you play the best, it brings out the best in you. You don’t have anything to lose.” However, the blonde superstar has faced a few upsets against Williams and admitted, “It was a good match, but she won. I was pretty upset after, and she wrote a note for me that said, ‘I’m sorry, I love you.’ That’s friendship.”

The evening’s main goal was to raise awareness for the USTA Foundation’s work, which helps at-risk kids by providing them with a health-focused outlet in addition to providing grants and scholarships for higher education. First up? Even bigger expansion. “We raised over $22 million for approximately 225,000 children who are part of our programs,” explained USTA Foundation president Thomas Chen. “We want to increase that by another $5 million to $10 million and we’re confident in our ability to do that.” As for tonight’s match, expect Chen to be rooting for Monfils. “[He] is just a fun player to watch, and I love Stan’s backhand.” Joining Chen in that sentiment was Benjamin Doller of Sotheby’s, who serves as the foundation’s secretary. “We just want to keep raising funds to support the programs throughout the country,” said Doller, noting, “So many are going to college for the first time.” And the foundation is serving a huge amount with its sights set on even more. “We want to reach more and more kids out there,” explained Y. David Scharf, vice president of the USTA Foundation. “We’re looking to almost double our reach. We’ve set an incredible goal for ourselves, and we’re really trying to partner with the players who have their own foundations by helping kids at risk and putting tennis rackets in their hands.” And as for whom Doller and everyone else will be eyeing tonight at Madison Square Garden? “We have to root for the American!”

USTA Celebrates World Tennis Day on March 8th by Hosting Nationwide Youth and Family Events

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., March 1, 2016 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced that it will be hosting youth and family tennis events throughout the month of March in celebration of World Tennis Day on March 8. The USTA is partnering with tennis facilities, parks and clubs nationwide to introduce tennis to the youth and family audience, while providing a platform to register for spring and summer programs

World Tennis Day is anchored by the BNP Paribas Showdown at New York’s Madison Square Garden featuring 21-time Grand Slam singles champion and world No. 1 Serena Williams, taking on former world No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki. Also featured will be current No. 4 men’s player Stan Wawrinka squaring off with French star Gael Monfils. As part of the evening’s celebration, a youth tennis exhibition will be held between the evening’s featured matches.

“World Tennis Day is a unique opportunity to promote the accessibility of the sport and inspire kids and families to lead healthy lifestyles,” said Katrina M. Adams, Chairman, CEO and President of the USTA. “This special celebration throughout March is part of USTA’s commitment to create opportunities for families to engage in the sport and increase participation in local programs.”

World Tennis Day annually serves as a kickoff for youth and family events held throughout the month of March. Since 2009, the USTA has leveraged World Tennis Day to launch thousands of youth events that provide a platform for facilities to register children for spring and summer tennis programs. In 2015, more than 50,000 young players participated in the youth events held in March, each designed to showcase how fun and easy it is for families to get into tennis.

The BNP Paribas Showdown is a production of StarGames and Madison Square Garden. Tickets are on sale now at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at thegarden.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

To learn more about how families can get involved, visit youthtennis.com.

Wawrinka Wins Dubai Title In Straight Sets Over Baghadatis

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Stan Wawrinka won the battle of the 30-year-olds by defeating Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-4, 7-6 (13) to win the Dubai Tennis Championships title Saturday.

Wawrinka, the second-seed who came to Dubai as a solo act without his coach, had been two points from defeat in the first round to Sergiy Stakhovsky of Ukraine. "It's an amazing end of week for sure." Wawrinka said. This is the third time that Wawrinka has played in Dubai. In his previous two visits, the Swiss never won a match.

The victory is Wawrinka's second title of the year. He won a third consecutive Chennaititle last month and has won the last nine finals he's played, including the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open. He last lost a final in 2013. "There is no explanation," Wawrinka replied when asked why he wins so many finals. "I know that the more I win matches in the same week, the more confidence I get. I know normally when I get some finals that I play my best tennis."

Baghdatis, who was unseeded, has now lost his last seven finals. Nevertheless, the 2006 Australian Open finalist was encouraged by his showing in Dubai, beating fourth-seed Roberto Bautista Agut, fifth-seed Viktor Troicki and sixth-seed Feliciano Lopez.

"I didn't win the tournament this week but I won a lot more, I won my confidence back," Baghdatis said. "I'm happy I'm back and playing this kind of tennis now."

Wawrinka, who has beaten Baghdatis all six times they've played, broke serve on a fifth set point in the 10th game to close out the first set. Baghdatis double-faulted three times in that game, including the final point.

There were no break points in the 12 games of the second set.

Wawrinka initially led 4-1 in the tiebreaker, and saved four set points to win on his fourth match point on a Bagdhatis backhand error.

Monfils Gets MSG Match of His Dreams

By Marc Berman NY POST

Flamboyant French tennis star Gael Monfils will kill two birds with one racket on March 8 — he will get to be inside Madison Square Garden for the first time in his life and receive an updated Carmelo Anthony jersey for his collection.

Monfils, the acrobatic 18th-ranked player in the world, will face Swiss sensation Stan Wawrinka in the annual Garden tennis exhibition as part of the BNP Paribas card also featuring Serena Williams/Caroline Wozniacki.

In a phone interview from a tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Monfils told The Post his second-favorite passion after tennis is the NBA and his favorite player — honestly — is Carmelo Anthony. Ten years ago, Monfils bought himself Anthony’s Nuggets jersey and got the Knicks superstar to sign it because of their shared Nike affiliation.

As part of Monfils playing at the Garden, he’s been promised by Garden officials a new Anthony Knicks jersey.

“[He’s] just been one of my favorites — like the guy, like the attitude and his spirit,’’ said Monfils, who also knows Knicks center Kevin Seraphin, who is from French Guiana, through a mutual friend.

Monfils, who lost to eventual finalist Milos Raonic in the Australian Open quarterfinals, is one of the tour’s most entertaining players — and has played some marathon matches at the US Open. He picked his four-set Ashe Stadium fourth-round thriller in 2009 against Rafael Nadal as one of his most memorable.

But Monfils said playing at the Garden also will make for a lasting memory.

“It’s like unreal, once in a lifetime to play a historic arena as a tennis player,’’ Monfils said. “I was so happy. I’ve walked by it many times. I’m good friends with Stan, it will be a good match, but it’s also a putting on a show for the sport.’’

Monfils was mum regarding the latest reports from BBC/Buzzfeed News about rampant match-fixing that various tennis federations have largely ignored.

“I really don’t have anything to say about that,’’ he said.

Serena Shuts Down Sharapova For a Semi Final Spot

Matt Wilansky - Tennis Editor ESPN

MELBOURNE, Australia - Although she is perhaps the greatest server of all time, Serena Williams' superior return told the story this time

An ultra-competitive opening set eventually gave way to a landslide as the world No. 1 rolled to a 6-4, 6-1 win over Maria Sharapova on Tuesday to advance to the Australian Open semifinals.

For the 18th straight time, Williams upended her Russian opponent in piling on a winning streak that dates back more than a decade -- 4,088 days to be exact.

"Doesn't matter who I'm playing, I just try to go out there and play the best I can," Williams said. "It's not necessarily anyone in particular."

In a titanic first set, No. 5 Sharapova broke Williams in the opening game and then held. The Russian stood firm on the baseline by taking balls early and keeping her opponent on her heels.

But after falling into a 2-0 hole, Williams reeled off six of the next eight games to take the early advantage. At 4-4, Williams fended off two break points in a grueling game. In the next game, Williams finally put away an open-court volley, her fourth set point, to secure the set.

"Yeah, I just started slow," Williams said. "I missed three or four easy shots. I felt like, 'All right, I didn't make those shots, but if I had made those shots, I probably would have won that game.' I just clung on to that and knew I could play better."

The second set was vintage Williams. The world No. 1, who has won 12 straight matches Down Under, was up 5-0 before Sharapova finally won a game to avoid the bagel. In the Sharapova-Williams rivalry, only twice has Williams won a 6-0 set.

Sharapova, who came into the match with a tour-high 52 aces in this tournament, could muster only three in this encounter. She was broken four times.

"I think if you're serving maybe 180 against somebody else compared to Serena, that's an ace," Sharapova said. "Against Serena, as we all know, the return is one of her great strengths. She's very explosive. She stays quite close to the baseline. She cuts the ball early. She doesn't give you many angles. That's the reason I can't get so many free points against her."

Williams will next play Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Carla Suarez-Navarro6-1, 6-3 in 1 hour, 21 minutes early in the day.

Radwanska committed only 10 errors while frustrating her opponent throughout the encounter to become the first Polish player to reach the final four Down Under.

"Very, very pleased," Radwanska said in her on-court interview. "I knew it was going to be tough. She is a very tough player. I knew everything was going to come back to me. Just tried to be focused."

Radwanska broke Suarez-Navarro three times in a 28-minute opening frame. The second was more competitive, with the No. 10 Spaniard stepping into the court often and maintaining pressure on her opponent. But at 4-3, Radwanska broke Suarez-Navarro, then held on in the next game to prevail.

As hot as she has been, Radwanska is fortunate to still be alive in Melbourne. In the previous round, she pulled off a dramatic 6-7 (6), 6-1, 7-5 win over Anna-Lena Friedsam in a match in which the German blew a third-set lead and suffered from severe cramps.

"Just happy I had a day off between matches," Radwanska said. "You go on court, and you feel good that you could win. The second week of Grand Slams, it doesn't matter who you are playing."

Radwanska, the No. 4 seed from Krakow, Poland, opened this season with a win at the Shenzhen Open for her 18th career title. In her past 25 matches, she has sported a healthy 22-3 record.

It wasn't that long ago that she was all but forgotten. After a largely disappointing 2015, Radwanska ended the past season with the biggest title of her career at the WTA Finals. That she qualified at all was amazing, considering that after the US Open, Radwanska was three spots out of the final spot.

In 2012, Radwanska reached her lone Grand Slam final, in which she fell to Williams in a tense, three-set Wimbledon championship.

"Yeah, and she got the better of me at Hopman Cup," Williams said. "It will be a good match. She's been playing really well towards the end of the year, and already this year she's been very consistent. She presents a completely different game, an extremely exciting game. So I think it will be a long match, and it will be a good match to see where I am."

Last year, Williams won here to kick-start a run to an almost calendar-year Slam. After sweeping through the first three majors, Williams fell in the semifinals of the US Open to end a shot at rare history.

Admittedly fried both mentally and physically, Williams then took four months off. When she returned in Melbourne, Williams retired from her first match at the Hopman Cup, citing knee inflammation, and eventually pulled out of the event.

Through five rounds at the Australian Open, however, Williams has looked very much the No. 1 player she has been for the past 154 weeks. She has yet to drop a set, a welcome sign for a player who found herself in the crucible of three-setters a year ago.

Williams is now two wins away from her 22nd major title, which would tie Steffi Graf for the most in the Open era.

Monfils Cruises to Quarter Finals at Australian Open

ATP World Tour

Gael Monfils left fans on Margaret Court Arena with their jaws on the floor Monday at the Australian Open, flying into the quarter-finals behind his hallmark exuberant display.

The 23rd-seeded Frenchman defeated Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) in two hours and 37 minutes, firing 44 winners and 14 aces. He converted three of seven break chances and covered 2131.8 metres in total, including a few through the air in the second set after laying out for a stunning full-extension dive.

Monfils will make his first quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open in his 11th trip down under. It is the second-most attempts before reaching the last eight in Melbourne for the first time, with countryman Fabrice Santoro having broken through after 14 tries.

"It was tough," Monfils said. "I think I knew he would come and step in, try to play very fast. That's what he did. I was a bit nervous so I could not hit through him for a while. Then suddenly I think I served a bit better and I put more pressure. I grabbed the first set.

"I felt unlucky in the second. I lost the momentum because at this period I thought I had him. It was a bit tough for me to grip my racquet (after the dive). Then it was a bit tougher to play.

"He had a good second set. Then I think I served pretty well, tried to focus on my first shot after the serve. Until the end, I was fighting. I think he gave me a good fight, so I was happy to come through."

After splitting the first and second sets, Monfils grabbed the upper hand in the sixth game of the third, breaking to love for 4-2. He would take the set three games later. Neither player managed a break in the fourth and the Frenchman would slam the door in the eventual tie-break, ripping a cross-court backhand pass for a 4-0 lead. He converted on his first match point to seal the win.

The 29 year old enters his seventh Grand Slam quarter-final overall, having previously advanced as far on four occasions in Roland Garros and twice at the US Open. Monfils extends his FedEx ATP Head2Head edge over Kuznetsov to 3-0 and will face 13th seed Milos Raonic next.

Kuznetsov, meanwhile, was contesting his first Grand Slam fourth round. He was bidding to become the first Russian quarter-finalist at the Australian Open since Nikolay Davydenko in 2010.

Caroline Wozniacki won’t ask Serena about excruciating loss

Caroline Wozniacki took her spot in the Garden’s celebrity row for Friday’s Cavaliers-Knicks match. On March 8, the Garden will stage its annual BNP Paribas tennis exhibition pitting Wozniacki against her best friend on the tour, Serena Williams.

Williams has all but dropped out of the public eye since losing in the U.S. Open semifinals against Roberta Vinci in arguably the biggest upset in tennis history, losing her chance at winning a historic Grand Slam. Williams announced soon after she wouldn’t play the rest of the year, canceling out on the WTA’s season-ending championships in Singapore, claiming she had various injuries.

Wozniacki has talked to Serena and said her spirits are fine and, no, she doesn’t bring up the loss to Vinci. Wozniacki feels the loss has overshadowed her brilliant 2015.

“She’s fine, already training, preparing, getting ready for next year,’’ Wozniacki told The Post. “No matter what, she had an unbelievable year. In my opinion, she’s still the greatest of all time but I never played against Steffi Graf. But it’s amazing what she did. I think people forget she won three Grand Slams this year and that’s unbelievable. You kind of always think Serena’s going to win, but at the end of the day there’s so many factors.’’

They haven’t discussed the Vinci defeat, but have anticipated their Garden night.

“We really don’t talk about that,’’ said Wozniacki, who has a Manhattan pad. “We talk about other stuff. It’s going to be so much fun. It’s an iconic arena, everybody knows about Madison Square Garden because the fans are so amazing. We’re both excited, so happy we got asked to play.’’

Wozniacki, who pulled out of Singapore with back and knee issues, faced Maria Sharapova at MSG four years ago. On the March 8 undercard, Stan Wawrinka will take on Gael Monfils.

Serena-Wozniacki and Wawrinka-Monfils to Headline 9th Annual BNP Paribas Showdown at MSG

Twenty-one-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams will take on close friend and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, while Stan Wawrinka will square off with French star Gael Monfils at the 9th Annual BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 8.

Twenty-one-time Grand Slam Champion Serena Williams will take on close friend and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, while Stan Wawrinka will square off with French star Gael Monfils at the 9th Annual BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 8. The entertaining one- night tennis event, which is being held on World Tennis Day for the fourth straight year has become a staple on the tennis calendar.

"I have been fortunate to play in World Tennis Day events in New York and Hong Kong,” said Wozniacki. “It is a great day to celebrate our sport. This year will be even more special as I return to Madison Square Garden with Serena. It doesn't get much better than that."

The ninth edition of the BNP Paribas Showdown, which consistently attracts the biggest names in tennis, will follow the likes of Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Ivan Lendl, Juan Martin del Potro, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Mike and Bob Bryan, John and Patrick McEnroe, Grigor Dimitrov, Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka, Caroline Wozniacki, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Ana Ivanovic, Monica Seles, Gabriela Sabatini and Jelena Jankovic, all of whom took part in previous Showdowns and provided unforgettable memories for New York tennis fans.

"I have always loved playing for the New York crowd which inspires me very much,” said Monfils. “So coming back to New York with Stan on World Tennis Day will be a great opportunity to play for the fans. We will put on a great show for them."

As in years past, the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden will once again headline a full day of worldwide activities as part of World Tennis Day, a global tennis participation effort. All events promote tailoring the game to players 10-and-under with smaller racquets, lighter balls and modified scoring.

"I am excited that once again the BNP Paribas Showdown will offer fans great tennis and entertaining matchups,” said StarGames President Jerry Solomon. “Moreover, I think Serena has really become the 'people's champion' and we have priced tickets to encourage her fans to be in attendance at Madison Square Garden as we honor her on World Tennis Day. It promises to be another night full of memorable moments that you won't want to miss."

Serena, who will make her third appearance in the annual BNP Paribas Showdown, is currently ranked number one in the world, a ranking she has held on six separate occasions dating back to July 8, 2002. She has a total of 21 Grand Slam singles titles, third-most of any tennis player, male or female of all-time. Serena holds the most major singles, doubles and mixed-doubles titles combined amongst active players and her record of 36 major titles puts her fifth on the all-time list. Additionally, Serena has won four Olympic gold medals, one in women's singles and three in women's doubles. She captured the inaugural “BNP Paribas Showdown” held on March 2, 2009 at Madison Square Garden with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over sister Venus Williams.

Wozniacki is a former world number one, who is currently ranked 11th in the world and will be making her second appearance at Madison Square Garden in the Showdown. She made her professional debut at 15-years-old in 2005 and has since won 23 WTA singles titles. In 2008, she was named WTA Newcomer of the Year award. She took on Maria Sharapova in her MSG debut in 2012.

Wawrinka is currently ranked fourth in the world, has won two Grand Slam titles, including the 2014 Australian Open and 2015 French Open title. Additionally, Wawrinka was a member of the Swiss team that won the Davis Cup in 2014 and also won a Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympics. Stan and doubles partner Marco Chiudinelli played in the longest known doubles match when they faced Tomas Berdych and Lukas Rosol in a match that lasted seven-plus hours.

Monfils is currently ranked 21st in the world. In 2014, he finished in the Top 20 for first time since 2011 and fifth time overall and advanced to the quarterfinals of both the U.S. Open and French Open. He made it to the semifinals of the French Open in 2008 and the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open in 2010.

[page2image36536]

Serena_Crop_01.jpg [1]
Photo credit: Sidney Beal III @ Clique Photography

2016 BNP Paribas Showdown On Sale Dates

Tickets for the 2016 BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden on World Tennis Day, March 8, 2016 begins with USTA Pre-sale on Oct. 27, 2015 12:00 PM EST. Partner/Local Pre-sales begins Oct.27, 2015 as of 02:00 PM EST. General Public Onsale begins Nov. 1, 2015 09:00 AM EST

Follow @TheGarden on Twitter

Fox News Segment: World Tennis Day

Click here to watch the clip!

Stars Shine on World Tennis Day

Gabriela Sabatini d Monica Seles 8-5

Grigor Dimitrov d Roger Federer 6-2, 1-6, 7-5

With the third annual World Tennis Day on March 10, the World Tennis Day Showdown was held in “The World’s Most Famous Arena” for the eighth time ever. The Showdown kicked off with a throwback match between Gabriela Sabatini and Monica Seles. The legends meeting marks the 25th anniversary of their WTA Championships five-set final match. It was Sabatini who overpowered and overcame the nine-time Major champion Seles in a pro set, 8-5.

In the much-anticipated match-up of the night, Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov gave the crowd a little bit of everything. From tweeners to giggles to a joint on-court interview, fans got a true taste of Federer and Dimitrov's friendship. The Bulgarian young gun got off to a fiery start, quickly taking the first set. The vibrant New York City crowd lifted Federer's spirits and with it, his game, in the second to push the match to a third and deciding set. The turning point in the final set came when a young fan made his way on court (with the help of Dimitrov) and won a point off of the former World No.1 to give Grigor a 30-0 lead. It was all Dimitrov from that point on, clinching the win 6-2, 1-6, 7-5.

Countdown to the Showdown

As the Madison Square Garden event staff removes the last remaining vestiges of the legendary Billy Joel’s concert stage, the indoor hardcourt surface is readied to be laid down for the eighth consecutive BNP Paribas Showdown. This year, as in the past, the night of nights event will feature a legends match followed by a match between current stars of the game.

Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini will return to the court to relive the excitement of their record breaking five set, three hours 47 minute match that also took place on the Madison Square Garden center court 25 years ago.

At the conclusion of their historic reunion, sports fans have the opportunity to witness the master and his heir apparent in action as the great Roger Federer takes on the fast-rising young gun Grigor Dimitrov. The comparisons between the two are undeniable and it will be a massive treat for all those at The Garden to watch them in action.

With three legends plying their trade and an up and coming star in his own right, the BNP Paribas Showdown is set to continue its run as the crown jewel of the ever growing World Tennis Day phenomenon.

The BNP Paribas Showdown provides a tennis extravaganza that includes unrivaled player inclusion. All four players will not only grace the court, but will also mingle with many of their fans at numerous on site pre-match VIP parties hosted by title sponsor BNP Paribas, Official Hotel JW Marriott Essex House, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) at Madison Square Garden.

Regardless of the outcome of the matches, one things for sure: the World’s Most Famous Arena will again host a stunning experience that extends beyond the tennis court.

Show Us Your #WorldTennisDay Spirit

March 10 is right around the corner and you know what that means, it's almost time to celebrate World Tennis Day.

In 2014, 90 nations supported World Tennis Day, with 79 countries undertaking specific events to help promote the sport globally. Fans throughout the world shared their celebratory photos socially, ranging from tennis in front of the Egyptian pyramids, on a boat, and even underwater!

This year we again want to see what you fans have in store for us. Show us how you'll be celebrating on March 10 by sharing your pictures with us on Twitter and Instagram by using #WorldTennisDay. Check back on our social platforms throughout the day and you might see your picture featured!

Just two days to go until World Tennis Day, so get ready to go out and play!

Exclusive World Tennis Day Strings For Sale

Commemorate World Tennis Day with an exclusive set of tennis strings made just for the global event, taking place on March 10.

Two Options:

OneStrings Tour

String Type: Co-polyester

Gauge: 16 (1.25)

Details: Made with Thermoplastic Co-Polyester material, this string brings elevated control, while maintaining superior ball velocity and feel for the touch game.

Colors: Black, Yellow, Blue, Red, Purple,

Price: $12.50 plus shipping/handling

OneStrings T-Flex

String Type: Multifilament

Gauge: 16 (1.30)

Details: The TFlex is a multifilament string that offers great playability, power, and control with added comfort.

Color: Neon Yellow, Orange

Price: $12.50 plus shipping/handling

To order please email Christian Coley HERE.

USTA to Host Thousands of Youth Events Nationwide

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced that it will be hosting thousands of youth tennis events throughout the month of March as part of the celebration of World Tennis Day on March 10. These events, part of USTA’s commitment to improve the health and wellness of children by getting active through tennis, serve as an opportunity to encourage families and children of all ages and skill levels to try the sport at local tennis facilities. A complete listing of events can be found on youthtennis.com.

“These events are a tremendous platform embraced by the entire tennis industry to enable children and families to try tennis in their community,” said Katrina Adams, Chairman, CEO and President of the USTA. “It brings a fun environment to kids and introduces them to a sport that they can enjoy throughout their lives.”

The USTA has leveraged World Tennis Day on March 10 as a kick-off for facilities to register children for spring and summer tennis programming. Since 2009, more than 8,000 youth tennis events have been held as part of this initiative.

World Tennis Day celebrates the past seven successful years of the youth tennis initiative. Youth Tennis is focused on ensuring a positive first experience for kids by making the game easier to play and more fun to learn with kid-friendly equipment sized right for children of all ages and abilities. Making the game more inviting has been integral to the success of youth tennis, enabling more kids to experience the social, health, and psychological benefits of the sport.

World Tennis Day also is highlighted by the BNP Paribas Showdown at New York’s Madison Square Garden, this year featuring 17-time Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer taking on rising star Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in one match, and tennis legends Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini squaring off in the other. The USTA Foundation will serve as the official charity of the BNP Paribas Showdown for the second consecutive year, and the event will help support the funding of scholarships and programming grants to under-resourced youth.

The BNP Paribas Showdown is a production of StarGames and MSG Sports. Tickets are on sale now at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.

To find a youth tennis event and information how families can get involved, visit youthtennis.com.

BNP Paribas’ We Are Tennis February 2015 Article

It was 25 years ago that Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini played a historic tennis match. It was the final of the season-ending women’s championship, now the BNP Paribas WTA Finals, and these two legends of the game played a five set final. It was at Madison Square Garden, arguably the most famous sporting arena in the world.

On March 10 these two ladies of the court will be back in action for the BNP Paribas Showdown which will also feature Roger Federer playing Grigor Dimitrov.

It promises to be quite a night as the Showdowns for World Tennis Day have become quite a date on the sporting calendar.

Irrespective how long a tennis player may have been in retirement, the competitive juices never leave and both women have been training for the night and are most definitely looking forward to the match, as well as being able to catch up socially. What better place to do it than in New York City?

Officially Seles and Sabatini met 14 times – the first time was in Miami in 1988 and Gaby won, the last time was in 1996 in Montreal and Monica. Three times they met at the Garden and Seles won each time including that match in 1990.

These days both women taken things a bit easier but that is definitely not to say they are leading a life of leisure. Busy they certainly remain.

Gaby has her line of best-selling perfumes as well as property interests – in fact the recent Fed Cup by BNP Paribas first round tie between Argentina and USA was held at a luxury country club that she has a share-holding in.

Monica meanwhile has property investments and stock holdings and has her own vodka brand called “Pure Wonderseles”. She also owns several restaurants called Fat Seles Burger and has interest in a football team called Novi Sad Angeles. Oh and there is a perfume for young girls named With Love from Monica while her fashion label is named Monica Seles Seduction. She is also engaged to billionaire entrepreneur Tom Golisano.

JW Marriott Essex House Courtside Package

JW Marriott Essex House Courtside Package

10% Discount for overnight accomodations in King Guest Room ($1,139), Junior Suite ($1,279), or Central Park Suite ($1,549) at JW Marriott Essex House

Two (2) Courtside BNP Paribas Showdown tickets ($800 value)

JW Executive Lounge Access

Wireless Internet

Rate range: $1,139 - $1,549

Book by Feb 23, 2015 for stays from March 9 - March 11, 2015.

To reserve this package, email [email protected]

Tennis Panorama.com “On The Call” with Monica Seles

Tennis Panorama.com

“On The Call” with Monica Seles on Upcoming match versus Gabriela Sabatini at Madison Square Garden at the BNP Paribas Showdown
By Karen Pestaina

A pair of Tennis Hall of famers, Monica Seles and Gabriela Sabatini will face off at Madison Square Garden in a 25th anniversary rematch of their 1990 five-set year end WTA Championship final, in the 2015 BNP Paribas Showdown on March 10. The best of three-set match will take place before Roger Federer faces Grigor Dimitrov.
Seles participated in the WTA Championships at Madison Square Garden in 1988-1992, 1995-1998 and 2000.

She’ll be making her eleventh appearance in the world’s most famous arena.

The former world No. 1 and nine-time major winner spoke to the media in a conference call on Thursday about her participation and reflected on the first ever five-set for women.

“I always loved playing three out of five, it’s more of an equalizer if you’re a slow starter, more of a true barometer,” Seles said.

“I think the ladies are definitely fit enough to play best-of-five matches, and I think at Grand Slams it would be a lot of fun in the semis and final.”

Seles regrets that the WTA Championships ever left The Garden.

“For me, one of the saddest days was when the season-ending championships were moved to Germany,” Seles said. “The Garden was the perfect setting. You play at MSG, the stands are really close and you feel the energy. As
a player, you just thrive on that.”

Seles has fond memories of competing against Sabatini, the first time coming when she was a 14-year-old at the Miami event in 1988.

“She was already a star and it was my first night match,” Seles said. “I was absolutely star-struck with her. But she was such a lady on and off the court, if you won against her or lost against her.”

Despite Seles having an 11-3 record against the Argentine, what Seles remembers best about Sabatini was her support after Seles was stabbed in 1993 in a tournament in Hamburg. After Seles returned to the tour, Sabatini was the only top 10 player to support Seles’ ranking being frozen at No. 1.

“She thought about a human being before a dollar amount,” Seles said. “That speaks about a tremendous amount of character.”

Seles was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame back in 2009 while Sabatini was enshrined in 2006.

Seeing the trend of former Grand Slam champions coaching on the tours, Seles said that she personally does not have an interested in coaching.

“Coaching doesn’t appeal to me,” she said. “I just don’t want to travel” I did it for so many years, I just really don’t want that lifestyle.”

“Madison Keys having Lindsay (Davenport) as her coach is a tremendous asset. Not just for the game but from the mental aspect too.

She thinks that Martina Navratilova coaching Agnieszka Radwanska will bring emotion to the Pole’s game.
“(Amelie) Mauresmo (is) breaking the mold in coaching Andy Murray.” Seles credits Ivan Lendl with all of “star” coaching that’s happening now when he coached Andy Murray. She thinks that the “star” coaching brings so much experience to current players. Seles said that in hindsight that she wishes she could have done that. “ I could have hired Navratilova who could have helped me more with my net game and help with my lefty serves and things like that.”

What does she miss the most since she has retired from tennis? The 41-year-old says she misses “the excitement and adrenaline of a big match. There’s nothing like it.”

She’s busy preparing for her match with Sabatini. “I’ve been preparing by playing tennis. It’s been a shock to the body playing singles, I’ve only played doubles so far. I have some good days and I have some bad days.

“It’s very hard for the ego to understand that I can not do the same things that I did ten years ago,” Seles said.

She’s working with a couple of people in Florida on her fitness. “At times it’s been frustrating, but at the same time it’s been a wonderful challenge.”

“Bottom line is I love to play tennis and I love to compete, Seles continued. “This is really like a highlight for me and a great honor to be a part of it and to have someone like Roger Federer follow our match. What a wonderful way to celebrate (World) Tennis Day.

The BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden will again headline a full day of international activities as part of “World Tennis Day,” a global tennis participation effort on March 10.

Thetennisisland.com talking tennis with Monica Seles

Thetennisisland.com

Talking Tennis with Monica Seles

By Victoria Chiesa

They say that those who can’t do, coach…unless you’re a tennis legend in 2015, of course. Then, you do both.

But don’t expect Monica Seles to be joining that short list any time soon.

On Thursday, the former World No. 1 and nine-time Grand Slam champion participated in a conference call to promote this year’s edition of the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden, slated for “World Tennis Day” on March 10. Seles and Sabatini will serve as the first match of the twin bill, which also features Roger Federer and Grigor Dimitrov.

On the call, Seles dished on everything from her “return” to singles play and her relationship with Gabriela Sabatini, to coaching and the present state of tennis.

Seles and fellow Hall-of-Famer Sabatini will lace up their sneakers and take to the court at MSG for the first time together in over two decades. Both Seles and Sabatini competed at the WTA Championships when they were held at the historic New York City arena; the two faced off three times under its roof, with Seles winning all three matches.

This year’s edition of the BNP Paribas Showdown will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seles and Sabatini’s classic five-set final in 1990 – one which Seles won, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. It was, at that time, the only final at the WTA Championships to extend to five sets, a format that the tournament used in its championship from 1984-1998. In total, the championship match went the distance on three occasions.

“I always loved playing three out of five,” Seles said, when prompted to give her opinion on the “three vs. five” debate in the first question of the afternoon. “It’s more of an equalizer if you’re a slow starter…more of a true barometer for the players. I would like that…I think the ladies are definitely fit enough to play three-out-of-five set matches, and that’s kind of a non-issue.

“Tennis is a pretty traditional sport, and change is slow to come…[but] I think at Grand Slams it would be a lot of fun in the semis and final.”

The WTA held its season-ending championships at Madison Square Garden from 1978-2000, an illustrious 23-year run that saw nine different women crowned as champion. Since leaving New York, the WTA Championships underwent a re-branding as the WTA Finals, and has brought elite women’s tennis to cities such as Madrid, Doha, Istanbul and Singapore.

For Seles, however, nothing can compete with the concrete jungle.

“For me, one of the saddest days in my tennis career was when the season-ending championships were moved from Madison Square Garden to Germany,” Seles said, referencing the 2001 edition of the tournament. “I thought it was the perfect setting for the season-ending championships. [The fans] move with you through every single point, and there’s no feeling like it. The fans are really close to you…and you feel their energy. As a player, you thrive on that.”

Although she did not retire officially until 2008, Seles’ last professional match was a loss to Nadia Petrova in the first round of the 2003 French Open. In 2008, she appeared as a contestant on the U.S. edition of Dancing With the Stars, one of the latest in a long line of tennis players to trade sneakers for high heels, and Hard-Tru for ballroom hardwood. A year later, she released her memoir, Getting A Grip: On My Body, My Mind, My Self, which touches on her life on and off the court; her battle depression and food addiction after her 1993 stabbing; her relationship with her father, Karolj, his cancer diagnosis and passing; her reconciliation with the sport and life after retirement.

However, one place you won’t be seeing Seles – for now at least – is in a player’s box.

“Coaching, at this stage in my life, does not appeal to me,” Seles said. “I just don’t want to travel again. I did it for so many years and I just really don’t want that lifestyle. I do, at home, work with a young lady that I enjoy working with her and hopefully in the future, we’ll hear a lot more about her.”

While she doesn’t want to throw her hat into the ring, Seles believes that the recent influx of legendary players-turned-coaches is a positive thing.

“I think Madison Keys having Lindsay [Davenport] as her coach is a tremendous asset. Not just from the game, but also from the mental aspect. Now, [with] Martina Navratilova coaching [Agnieszka] Radwanska, I…will be very excited to see the different dimensions she’ll bring to Radwanska’s game. And Mauresmo, [is] obviously, breaking the mold with coaching Andy Murray.

“It’s just interesting to see these star coaches…I think it’s a great idea. You bring so much experience to current players, and I wish in hindsight, that I would’ve done that when I was playing.”

Seles said that she would’ve hired someone like Navratilova, who “could have helped me with my net game…my lefty serve and things like that.”

Although her match against Sabatini is just a one-night exhibition, Seles has been taking her preparation very seriously. She’s hoping to shake off a few years of rust on the singles court, and is working with fitness trainers to get her in shape to put on a show for the New York crowd that she holds so near to her heart.

“The bottom line is, I love to play tennis and I love to compete,” Seles said. “This is just a highlight for me, and [it’s] a great honor to be a part of it.”

Monica Seles brings energy back to Madison Square Garden

It has been nearly 25 years since Monica Seles outlasted Gabriela Sabatini in an epic WTA final at the Garden — the first five-set tennis match ever for women. The year-end tournament soon left New York for Germany, and the five-set format never caught on. But Seles thinks of both that match and her opponent in the fondest terms.

“I always loved playing three out of five, it’s more of an equalizer if you’re a slow starter, more of a true barometer,” Seles said Thursday, in a conference call. “I think the ladies are definitely fit enough to play best-of-five matches, and I think at Grand Slams it would be a lot of fun in the semis and final.”

Don’t hold your breath for such a radical change. In the meantime, Seles will play a best-of-three exhibition match at the Garden on March 10 against Sabatini, part of the BNP Paribas Showdown before Roger Federer takes on Grigor Dimitrov.

Seles was just 14 years old when she first faced the more established Sabatini at the Miami Masters in 1988.

Seles lost. The occasion was nearly as intimidating as Sabatini’s heavy topspin groundstrokes.

“She was already a star and it was my first night match,” Seles said. “I was absolutely star-struck with her. But she was such a lady on and off the court, if you won against her or lost against her.”

Seles ended up winning 11 of 14 matches against Sabatini, but what she remembers most about the glamorous Argentinian is Sabatini’s support after Seles was stabbed in 1993 by a madman in Hamburg. Upon Seles’ return to tennis two years later, Sabatini was the only top woman player who openly supported Seles’ bid to freeze her No. 1 ranking.

“She thought about a human being before a dollar amount,” Seles said. “That speaks about a tremendous amount of character.”

Seles, 41, said she is looking forward to playing at the Garden again, and would play as competitively as possible.

“For me, one of the saddest days was when the season-ending championships were moved to Germany,” she said. “The Garden was the perfect setting. You play at MSG, the stands are really close and you feel the energy. As a player, you just thrive on that.”

Media

TIME…PLAY!

World Team Wins BNPP Showdown

2017 BNPP Showdown Preview

ESPN Coverage of BNPP Showdown

Preview: Del Potro vs Nishikori

Preview: Williams vs Muguruza

BNPP Showdown Schedule

Preview: Roddick vs Hewitt

Preview: Sock vs. Kyrgios

Head Penn Junior Match to Feature Khan & Han

EleVen & Vince Camuto to Partner with Showdown

First Volley: Heerrree’s Andy!

When They Were Top of the Mountain

Roddick & Hewitt Join Showdown

First Volley: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie

USTA Foundation to Serve as Official Charity

Herald Sun: Kyrgios Lands BNP Paribas Showdown Spot

First Volley: Tennis Players are the Strongest

Del Potro Wins Davis Cup

Nick Kyrgios Will Make It There

Del Potro Named ATP Comeback Player

First Volley: Age is No Barrier

BNP Paribas Showdown 10th Anniversary Field Announced

First Volley: The Fifth Degree

Tennis Cannot Stand Still - It Must Adapt to Survive

First Volley: It Takes Two to Tango

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams Win Laureus Awards For Third Time

Serena Williams handles Caroline Woniacki in exhibition match

The USTA Foundation’s 2016 World Tennis Day Celebration

USTA Celebrates World Tennis Day on March 8th by Hosting Nationwide Youth and Family Events

Wawrinka Wins Dubai Title In Straight Sets Over Baghadatis

Monfils Gets MSG Match of His Dreams

Serena Shuts Down Sharapova For a Semi Final Spot

Monfils Cruises to Quarter Finals at Australian Open

Caroline Wozniacki won’t ask Serena about excruciating loss

Serena-Wozniacki and Wawrinka-Monfils to Headline 9th Annual BNP Paribas Showdown at MSG

2016 BNP Paribas Showdown On Sale Dates

Fox News Segment: World Tennis Day

Stars Shine on World Tennis Day

Countdown to the Showdown

Show Us Your #WorldTennisDay Spirit

Exclusive World Tennis Day Strings For Sale

USTA to Host Thousands of Youth Events Nationwide

BNP Paribas’ We Are Tennis February 2015 Article

JW Marriott Essex House Courtside Package

Tennis Panorama.com “On The Call” with Monica Seles

Thetennisisland.com talking tennis with Monica Seles

Monica Seles brings energy back to Madison Square Garden