Wednesday, September 30, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Economic Situation Forces Major Sponsor to Pull Out of Warm-Up to Australian Open

One of the major Australian Open warm-up exhibition events has been struck a major blow after the main sponsor of the Women’s Champions Challenge in Hong Kong, the JB Group, walked away as a result of the current economic turndown.
The withdrawal of the company, which has interests in mining, property, diamond and other jewelry, oil and gas, consulting and food and beverage, has left a gaping $700,000 hole, which organizers are hoping will be filled by the Hong Kong government from a new so-called Mega Events Fund, according to the South China Sea Post.
The event, which is slated to take place between January 6 and 10, 2010, this year took the form of a global groups team format, with players such as Venus Williams and Gisela Dulko representing Team America, Vera Zvonareva and Anna Chakvetadze playing for Team Russia, Sania Mirza and Zheng Jie as part of Team Asia Pacific, and Jelena Jankovic and Agnes Szavay included in Team Europe. In previous years the event has also attracted high-profile players such Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams.
***
Lagardère Had a Stellar Month in Signing Tennis Talent

Lagardère Unlimited, the tennis division of the giant French conglomerate is about to end a stellar month for attracting top flight competitive talent under its umbrella. With Justine Henin about to resume her playing career as a Lagardère player, Tommy Haas and Paul Henri Mathieu have also signed representation deals.
Although the headquarters of Lagardère are in Paris, the tennis division is run out of Miami with former BEST (Blue Entertainment SportsTelevision) executive Ken Meyerson in charge.  The current roster is highlighted by such names as world no.6 Andy Roddick, no.12 Fernando Gonzalez, former top tenner and Olympic gold medalist Nicolas Massu as well as French players such as Richard Gasquet, Gael Monfils, Jeremy Chardy and Josselin Ouanna.
The signing of Strasbourg-born Mathieu, aged 27 and currently ranked 27 in the world with a career best of 12 follows the trend. He has been a member of the French Davis Cup Team since 2002 and the winner of four ATP titles. Currently he is coached by Amelie Mauresmo’s former mentor Loic Courteau.  
But the snatching of Haas from IMG is a great coup. The Florida-based German, now aged 30 will be managed by an international team of experienced agents, including Ken Meyerson, to maximize his revenues.
Arnaud Lagardère commented, “I met Tommy several years ago. I recently spent some time with him this summer, and we are thrilled to be representing such a wonderful athlete and contributor to the sport of tennis.”
Meyerson amplified the sentiments saying: ‘’I have been a huge fan of Tommy’s for a long long time. With my own personal history in terms of management representing Michael Stich, we are extremely comfortable in Germany, and with our sports assets in that market, feel that we can deliver.’’
Haas, who currently resides in the IMG stronghold of Bradenton, Florida, concluded: “I have been impressed with what Lagardère Unlimited has done with some of the other clients they represent, and I am eager to get started as although I live in the States, I am from Germany and feel that their strong presence in my home country was definitely a major part of my decision to be represented by them.”
The player spent the first half of 2009 recovering from a right-shoulder injury he suffered at the end of 2008 and started the season at Roland-Garros where he advanced to the Round of 16 and led Roger Federer by two sets before falling in a five-set thriller. He then moved onto grass and won the Gerry Webber Open in Halle, Germany, where he defeated current ATP World Tour #3 Singles Player Novak Djokovic in the final, and continued on at the Wimbledon Championships defeating world #15 singles player Marin Cilic 10-8 in the fifth set tiebreak in the Round of 32 and third seed Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals before falling to eventual Champion Roger Federer in his debut semi-final appearance.
***
Fila Becomes Sponsor of WTA Tour Championships

Fila has won the contract to provide official clothing and footwear for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championships to be staged in Doha, Qatar from October 27 to November 1.
As official shoe and apparel partner Fila has created a bespoke range concentrating on the event’s color scheme of purple and green for the six day calendar closer that this year boasts a prize fund of $4.55 million. The designs are based on vintage pieces from the Fila archive and will be worn by court officials, ball crew and tournament staff.
Fila is the official footwear licensee of the Wimbledon Championships and is a major sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Campbells Hall of Fame Championships in Newport.
Rajiv Batra, Group CEO of Fila said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Sony Ericsson Championships. Fila continues to invest heavily tennis and we are very proud to be associated with one of the highlights of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.”
***
Krumm Plans to Continue Playing After Her Korean Success

Kimiko Date Krumm, who defeated opponents such as Daniela Hantuchova and Anabel Medina Garrigues on her way to winning the Korea Open last weekend, has admitted that she has been shocked at the success of her comeback to tennis after an absence of 13 years. She announced her retirement in September 1996 while still ranked eight in the world, unhappy at the new player commitment rules that had been introduced.
"I didn't know how far I could go. Then I started to get a hunger for winning again so I put my housewife duties on hold as tennis was my biggest priority," said the former Wimbledon and US Open semifinalist who on Sunday became the second-oldest player ever to win a WTA Tour title. The next day she turned 39. "When I came back, at first I just wanted to have fun, and I also wanted to give a boost to Japanese players."
"My husband understands. He said 'Why don't you continue to play tennis? You're already fit. You have nothing to lose. You already had a career. And even if you lost first round every time, nobody cares. You don't care. So just enjoy playing tennis’. "He'd never seen me before when I played, and he wanted to see me when I'm playing a serious match. So he pushed me very hard. Until that time, I never thought about coming back."
She found it hard going, losing in the first round of eight WTA events before she turned things around in spectacular fashion in Seoul. Despite her eight first round defeats she did qualify for the Australian Open and Los Angeles and she did reasonably well in some Challenger events, but she did admit to wondering if the task was going to be too challenging.
"I knew it would be tough, but perhaps not quite this tough." she said. "Playing well and winning are totally different things. I did struggle with the thought I'd reached my limit, but it's not like I was losing matches 6-0, 6-0.
I don't know where I get the energy. Recovery is so important at my age. Young players don't need to worry so much but I have to make sure I eat, drink and sleep correctly."
Encouraged by her hard-earned success, Date Krumm intends to keep going for another two or three years.
***
Srichaphan Appeared on Court and He Liked It

He came up short, losing in the first round of doubles at the Thailand Open. But at least Paradorn Srichaphan was back on court for the first time since he retired in an opening round match in Miami two and a half years ago.
"I would have loved to have come back in singles, but I knew physically I was not ready. I've only been able to train with the racket for the past two weeks," he said after teaming with fellow-Thai Danai Udomchoke and losing 2-6 6-1 10-6 to Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Peya.
"I need to train for more days from now on, but I don't want to do a lot of traveling. I have a wife now and tennis is not everything. At the end of the year I should know a lot more about my future, but I hope to play from January, maybe in Chennai, India."
***
Ivanovic is Looking to 2010

With a bad finish of this season, there is nothing better for Ana Ivanovic but to look forward to the next. She found inspiration in big matches that await both Serbian national teams in 2010.
"It's so exciting for Belgrade: we have two huge home matches: Russia in the Fed Cup and the USA in the Davis Cup. I didn't think it was possible for tennis to become any more popular in Serbia than it already is, but these two ties are really going to capture the imagination, I'm sure. We've got a lot to look forward to next year!"
Ana follows events in Davis Cup, and she was delighted when she heard that US will play her compatriots and friends. "It's a very exciting draw. America is obviously one of the strongest nations in tennis, and so it's going to be tough for us, but with a full arena and a full-strength team, I think we can do it."
Unfortunately, there is no excitement in Ana’s recent play. With a loss in opening round in Tokyo, she is winless in her last three matches. She is scheduled to play only in next week China Open in Beijing and then she will decide if she is going to ask for some wild cards or start the longest holiday in her life of being a top tennis professional.

***

We Hear---
--that Andy Murray, still suffering from tendonitis of the left wrist, has informed the organizers of next week’s Rakuten Japan Tennis Championships in Tokyo that he will be unable to play. The world no.3’s participation in the Shanghai ATP Masters 1000 the following week remains uncertain.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Bangkok
WOMEN
Tokyo
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Beijing
Tokyo
WOMEN
Beijing
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
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60.09

+1.09

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $100.29
* The index is based on the total value of one share of each stock we report daily.
***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
P.O. Box 24256
Edina, MN  55424 USA
952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

The International Tennis Federation Announced the Official Calendar for 2010

Davis Cup by BNP Paribas
World Group First Round: March 5-7
World Group Quarterfinals: July 9-11.
World Group Semifinals: September 17-19.
World Group Final: December 3-5.
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas
World Group First Round: February 6-7.
World Group Semifinals: April 24-25.
World Group Final: November 6-7.
Hyundai Hopman Cup
Perth, Australia: January 2-8
Grand Slam Tournaments
Australian Open: January 18-31.
Roland Garros:  May 23–June 6.
Wimbledon:  June 21– July 4.
US Open:  August 30– September 12.
ITF Seniors World Team Championships.
San Luis Potosi, Mexico: March 29 –April 3
ITF Seniors World Individual Championships.
San Luis Potosi, Mexico: April 4-11.
ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships.
Antalya, Turkey: May 3-9
ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships:
Antalya, Turkey:  October 11-16
ITF Super-Seniors World Individual Champs:
Antalya, Turkey:  October 17-24
ITF World Champions Dinner.
Paris, France: June 1.
World Junior Tennis Final (14 and under)
Prostejov, Czech Republic: August 2-7.
Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup by BNP Paribas finals (16 and under)
San Luis Potosi, Mexico: September 28-October 3.
ITF Annual General Meeting.
Washington, DC, USA: August 23-25.
NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters:
Amsterdam, Netherlands: November 17-21 (tbc)
***
Tennis Gives Final Salute to Jack Kramer

International Tennis Hall of Famer Jack Kramer was remembered on Saturday during a memorial service in Straus Stadium at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the UCLA campus.
Several hundred spectators filled the stadium seats, just as they had throughout Kramer’s career as a tennis player and later as a promoter of the sport.
Kramer passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 12 after a battle with cancer. The 88-year-old is survived by five children and eight grandchildren. His wife, Gloria, passed away in 2008.
“It was a fabulous and glorious end, but he got a bad call late in the fifth set,” Kramer’s son Bob said at the outset of the ceremony. “He didn’t argue it. “
Bill Dwyre of the Los Angeles Times and ESPN’s Pam Shriver, an International Tennis Hall of Famer, served as the hosts of the ceremony. Dwyre recounted speaking with Hall of Fame tennis writer Bud Collins upon hearing of Kramer’s death. “He’s the most important man in the history of tennis,” Collins told Dwyre.
Hundreds of letters and emails have been received since Jack’s passing. A few were read during the memorial, including those from David Budge (son of Don), Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Roger Federer, Rod Laver, Frank Sedgman and Stan Smith.
Each presenter took time recounting their personal experiences with Jack as well as his influence on their life and the game of tennis. “The best promoter the game of tennis ever has had, and ever will have,” said Barry MacKay, himself a promoter and former player.
USTA Southern California Section President Bill Kellogg also credited Kramer’s impact on the sport. “Jack was all about celebrating life, and he was truly a champion of the game,” Kellogg said.
US Open Tournament Director Jim Curley called Kramer a pioneer. “Every one of us who makes our living in professional tennis owes a debt of gratitude to Jack,” Curley said.
Eddie Merrins, the long-time PGA teaching pro at Bel Air Country Club, compared Kramer to legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden for their contributions to the sport. “We in golf like to claim Jack Kramer just like you in tennis do,” Merrins said.
Tracy Austin, also an International Tennis Hall of Famer, remembered being a kid at the Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills, Calif., which she called her home away from home. “He was a risk taker, but a smart risk taker,” Austin said. “Jack was always moving forward.”
International Hall of Famer Donald Dell, also a former player and tennis promoter, spoke about Kramer’s role in the creation of the modern professional game. But like many of the presenters, he also paid tribute to Jack’s personal life as well. “Of all Jack’s achievements, he and Gloria, were proudest of these five sons,” Dell said. “It’s quite a family.”
Charlie Pasarell, another promoter and former player, concluded the presentations. He spoke about idolizing Kramer. “In the world of tennis, Jack Kramer was a giant. Nothing less,” Pasarell said. “More importantly, Jack was a good man, a champion in life.”
The Kramer sons closed the ceremony. “He was a champion not because he came in No. 1,” the eldest son David said. “His life was a gift to us, and we accept in all gratitude.”
***
Querrey Suffers Freak Accident

California’s Sam Querrey, ranked 25^th in the world after reaching four ATP World Tour finals, is unlikely to play again this year after seriously lacerating his right forearm in a freak accident before playing in the PTT Thailand Open in Bangkok.
Querrey reportedly sat on a glass table in the locker room at the Impact Arena that subsequently collapsed under his 200 lbs. weight. As the glass shattered, a shard slashed the 21 year-old’s arm and he underwent surgery to close the wound.
John Tobias, president of the tennis division for Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST), who represents Querrey, said:" Sam was just bending over to tie his shoes and the table shattered. A piece of glass slashed his right forearm. He'll most likely be shut down for the rest of the season but this is an injury that will heal. He was lucky."
Querrey, champion in Los Angeles and finalist in Newport, Indianapolis and New Haven before making a disappointing third round exit at the US Open, was seeded third in his  first tournament since losing to Robin Soderling in New York. On his Twitter feed he simply said: "Worst day ever."
The player from Thousand Oaks’ place in the draw has been filled by lucky loser Donald Young while Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci and Marcos Daniel take over from Querrey and John Isner in the doubles.
***
China’s Top Woman Signs With IMG

Li Na, the highest ranked Chinese player in tennis history, has signed a deal to be represented by IMG and will share the same agent as Maria Sharapova.
Max Eisenbud, IMG Senior Vice President, will fill the managerial role and said: "We are very pleased to have Li Na as an IMG client. She has been one of the most successful players in China's history and in 2009 became Asia and China's No.1 player with a world ranking of No. 16. She has been largely hailed as being instrumental in advancing the sport within China."
Curiously Li beat Sharapova on the Russian’s favored surface of grass at Birmingham in England this June. Aged 27, she established many firsts for Chinese players such as breaking into the world’s top 20 and reaching a major quarter final. In her home land she gained greatest fame for ousting both Venus Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Earlier this month she reached the quarter finals of the US Open, losing to eventual champion Kim Clijsters, but doing enough to take her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour world ranking back up to a career high 16^th position.
“Li Na is a very talented athlete with tremendous potential and we are thrilled she has chosen IMG to represent her," said Fernando Soler, Head of Global IMG Tennis. "Her signing further demonstrates IMG’s commitment in China and our belief that Asia is maybe one of the dramatic growth areas for the next generation of tennis superstars who will be able to compete for the world’s biggest championships."
***
Great Britain’s Newest Star—Heather Watson
By Charles Bricker

Just as Andy Murray is a Scot first and a Brit second, so does Heather Watson call herself a Sarnian before she acknowledges her Britishness.
Sarnian?
Yes, Sarnia. The Roman name for Guernsey, the largest and, since Watson’s triumph at the U.S. Open juniors, the best known of the Channel Islands even among those who never knew there were any islands in the English Channel.
The 17-year-old with the nimble feet and surprisingly powerful game was probably headed for a U.S. university for a year or two before her life took a hairpin turn with the Open’s junior title. She has since turned pro and will be shortly bundling off for the southwest of England for a $50,000 Challenger tournament in Barnstaple, Devonshire.
She’s excited, even now, two weeks after she became the first Sarnian – oops, make that British – girl to win the U.S. Open juniors and giving the heavily criticized Lawn Tennis Association of Great Britain some of the cheeriest news it’s had in quite awhile.
“It’s really sunk in now,” Watson said after putting in another full Monday at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Fl., where she’s on court or in the weight room from 7 a.m. to 12 before spending the afternoon in a classroom.
“I’ve had so many congratulations.” And if she were to go home to her little island retreat, which is closer to France than England, she’d probably be feted by a parade down the Esplanade in her hometown of St. Peter Port.
It’s probably going to be some time before that happens, however, because Guernsey, with its crazy road system, signature brown cows and incredibly beautiful cliff walks, is now going to see Watson only a few weeks a year. Tennis is a full time job now.
Of all the unlikely places to produce a tennis champion – even a junior one – Guernsey is right up there with the Canary Islands and Mozambique. The island is 25 square miles, which would be five-by-five if it was box shaped.
It’s better known as the last residence of Victor Hugo and for the pill boxes and gun emplacements of the occupying German army during World War II than for its athletes. In fact, Watson at 17 probably now is the best known athlete from the island . . . ever.
She didn’t start playing serious tennis until she was 9 – relatively late for juniors – tagging along after her parents to the only significant sports club on the island and getting to hit for a few minutes with mum and dad.
But by age 12 she had advanced so quickly that her parents began looking for training academies. She was accepted at Bollettieri’s and she remembers being overwhelmed by the sheer size and the level of competition when she got there five years ago.
“The win at the Open has definitely given me a lot of confidence,” she said. “I really believe in myself now. It gives me the confidence to know I can beat top players.”
Well, she hasn’t beat any really top players yet. But her split-set loss to No. 133 Valerie Tetrault at a $50,000 Challenge in Canada last week says she can compete. She got six ranking points at that tournament by winning a couple of qualifying matches, and that goes a long way on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
She moved from No. 736 to 678. “I set goals for myself every six months,” she explained. “And one of my goals for six months from now is to be top 500.” That would seem a modest objective, but give her credit for starting conservatively.
Tennis is a hard sell in Britain, which for the first time since anyone can remember has three women players in the top 100. The LTA is expecting 15-year-old Laura Robson (currently No. 460) to be top 20. And now they’ve got an eye on Watson.
Charles Bricker can be reached at bricker@tennisnews.com
***
US Open Had Very Successful Numbers

Figures are in on the 2009 US Open, and they present a positive picture as the event was experienced by more fans on-site, on television and online than ever before. Event attendance hit an all-time high, website traffic far surpassed last year’s records, and total television viewership was up, with more hours of the US Open broadcast than ever before.
Attendance:
• A new all-time attendance record of 721,059 fans topped last year’s record of 720,227.
• The first week of the tournament set five separate attendance records including top attended Opening Day session, top Opening Day combined sessions (day and night), top single session record, top combined (day and night) record and a record first-week attendance of 423,427.
• The US Open remains the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world.
USOpen.org:
• Unique visitors, from more than 200 countries, exceeded 13.5 million (the exact figure was 13,568,975), a 47% increase over last year’s previous record.
• Total visits to USOpen.org, the official website of the US Open, topped 63 million, far surpassing last year’s record of 39 million visits.
• Total page views increased from 222 million in 2008 to more than 392 million in 2009 (an increase of 76%).
• On-Demand Video, which includes match highlights, press conferences and feature programming, was accessed more than 5.6 million times, a 58% increase over last year.
Live Match Streaming on USOpen.org:
• There were nearly 14 million (13,891,115) activated streams on USOpen.org.
• More than 2.5 million hours of live streaming were viewed (2,531,236 hours).
• 157 matches were streamed live.
• The interactive media console to access live streaming was launched 3.8 million times over the course of the tournament.
• The average length of stay on the media console was two hours and forty-five minutes.
Television:
• With three domestic broadcasters (CBS, ESPN2, Tennis Channel), total television hours of the US Open were the most in history.
• Total viewership of CBS’ US Open broadcasts was 55.8 million, a 24% increase over 2008. 14.6 million viewers watched all or part of the men’s final.
• ESPN2’s first-ever coverage of the US Open was up 20% vs. 2008 US Open coverage on USA Network. ESPN2 posted its two most-watched tennis telecasts in its history on Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10.
• US Open coverage on Tennis Channel on Saturday, September 5, broke all previous ratings records for the network, and the network ranked within the Top 10 on all ad supported cable, including the No. 4 rank during the 8 pm to 9pm hour.
***
USPTA Installs New Officers and Board of Directors

The United States Professional Tennis Association has installed its new national board of directors that will serve the association until September 2011. Officers include a new president, vice presidents and secretary-treasurer. The new board took office during the USPTA World Conference on Tennis, Sept. 21-26, at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa on Marco Island, Fla.
The new USPTA board of directors includes:
President Tom Daglis, director of tennis and fitness operations at the Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Md.
First Vice President Randy Mattingley, director of tennis at The Clubs of Kingwood in Kingwood, Texas
Vice President Jack Groppel, Ph.D., vice chairman and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Fla.
Vice President Mark Fairchilds, director of tennis at Modesto Fitness and Racket Club in Modesto, Calif.
New board member and Vice President Jim Loehr, Ed.D., chairman, CEO and co-founder of the Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Fla.
New board member and Vice President Bunny Bruning, tennis director of Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa and teaching professional at 7 Flags Fitness & Racquet Club in Clive, Iowa
New board member and Secretary-Treasurer Chuck Gill, director of tennis at the Ibis Golf and Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Immediate Past President Harry Gilbert, director of tennis at Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla.

***

We Hear---
--that John Isner and Melanie Oudin have been named the US team in January’s Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Bangkok
WOMEN
Tokyo
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Beijing
Tokyo
WOMEN
Beijing
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
Monday Stock Prices

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+.39

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $99.87
* The index is based on the total value of one share of each stock we report daily.
***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
P.O. Box 24256
Edina, MN  55424 USA
952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Monday, September 28, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Tennis Australia Received Board Nominations

Two nominations have been received for the Tennis Australia presidency which will be decided by a members’ vote at the Annual General Meeting October 26.
Tennis New South Wales has nominated current President Geoff Pollard while Tennis West has nominated former Australian Open Tournament Director Paul McNamee.
There are also three board director positions up for election –two delegate and one independent. Three nominations have been received for the two delegate positions, namely David Stobbart from Victoria, Ashley Cooper from Queensland and Bill Cossey from South Australia.
There are two nominations for the independent director position –Victoria’s Dr Janet Young and Ashley Cooper from Queensland.
***
Srichaphan Returns to The Tour This Week—in Doubles

Nearly three years after making his last appearance on the ATP World Tour, Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan is this week set to become the latest big name to follow the recent vogue of comebacks when he plays the Thailand Open in his hometown of Bangkok.
Srichaphan, once ranked no.9 in the world at singles and winner of five tour singles titles but forced out by a wrist injury that has required two separate operations, intends to take a wild card into the Bangkok doubles event alongside his compatriot Danai Udomchoke.
Now one of the most prominent Thai celebrities after becoming the first Asian player to enter the world’s top ten and married to former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, 30 year-old Srichaphan said: “I wanted to come back by using the Thailand Open as my tournament but I'm not fit enough for the singles."
Rumors have been abundant in Thailand that Srichaphan was about to announce his retirement from tennis and then attempt a competitive career in motorbike racing but he clearly still has aspirations with a racket in his hand. It was his fame that resulted in the Bangkok tournament being set up back in 2003.
Srichaphan has not played on the ATP World Tour since losing to Peru’s Luis Horna in Miami during March 2007 and his last singles win was at the beginning of that year against Italy’s Simone Bolelli in Chennai.
Tournament director Allon Khakshouri was clearly delighted that Srichaphan was willing to boost the event which last week was hit by the withdrawals of both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Srichaphan and Udomchoke have been drawn to face Germany’s Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Peya of Austria, and the national tennis hero said: “It will be good for me and will also give tennis fans the chance to watch Thai players."
Udomchoke will play Robbie Ginepri while wild card Kittipong Wachiramanowong will face another American John Isner in the first round.
***
British Tennis Appears to be Moving in a Positive Direction

The ups and downs of British tennis are back in a positive direction a week after the Lawn Tennis Association chief executive Roger Draper and his Player Director Steve Martens were widely questioned following the Davis Cup relegation to the competition’s third tier.
For the first time in more than a decade Britain now have three female players in the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles top 100 after Elena Baltacha and Katie O’Brien joined the injured Anne Keothavong.
Meanwhile although world no.3 Andy Murray is the only British male singles player inside the world’s top 180, there is now a gang of doubles performers within the top 100.
The British duo of Ken Skupski and Colin Fleming (both not selected for action against the Poles in Liverpool) issued captain John Lloyd a timely reminder by winning their first ATP World Tour 250 title in Metz by defeating the French top seeds and former Wimbledon champions Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra. Meanwhile Jamie Murray and Jamie Delgado won the doubles title at the Ljubljana Challenger in Slovenia and Murray returns to top 100 after a two month absence.
Baltacha overcame O’Brien to win the title in an all British final at the $75,000 Challenger event in Shrewsbury, England. Baltacha subsequently moved to a career high of 93 on the rankings while O’Brien moved up to 98. Keothavong who faces nine months out as she struggles to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury stands at 77.
“We get a lot of help and support thanks to the LTA and AEGON and it's part of the reason why we're able to achieve things like this,” insisted Baltacha. “These are not piddly tournaments, they are very strong. I feel like I've improved so much that now I know what I'm capable of and I know I can be a real danger.”
Scotland’s Fleming, who turned his back on pro tennis for three years to attend Stirling University, has entered the men’s doubles rankings at 79 while his playing partner, Skupski has also attained a career-high ranking moving up to 76. The elder of the two Murray brothers, ranked a career high 27 in January, is back upwardly mobile at 97.
“Winning the first ATP Tour event we've had direct acceptances into the main draw is a great feeling,” enthused Fleming. Skupski added: “Making it into the top 100 is a landmark achievement for the both of us.”
***
Serbia’s Tipsarevic Looks to USA Davis Cup Tie With Confidence

There is not the slightest dilemma for Janko Tipsarevic when surface for the first round 2010 Davis Cup tie between Serbia and US is concerned.
“It would be total madness if we don’t play on clay” said Tipsarevic. Though only 25, he is very experienced in national team competition; his debut in Davis Cup was 10 years ago. He knows that Andy Roddick can be very dangerous every where, but the rest of the visiting team in singles is not that convincing.
“We have to cash in on our home team advantage and choose the best surface. Bryan brothers are very good double and anyone who will play with Zimonjic must be on very high level. But, Americans don’t have a very strong second player on any surface, let alone on clay. I lost to Fish in Madrid but that tournament was played almost indoors and that was my worst match in whole year. Blake is in downfall, Ginepri is not good on clay.”
Analyzing the rest of the ties, Tipsarevic thinks that Spain is not overwhelming favorite against Switzerland.
“Federer can beat Nadal and Wawrinka other Spanish players.” 
Tipsarevic is #55 now. He parted ways with Spanish coach Jose Perlas recently “My younger brother Veljko will be my coach now, “ he explained. His brother is without coaching experience, therefore he will more like companion.
***
The City of Tucson Renames Tennis Center to Honor Jim Reffkin

Tucson’s Randolph Tennis Center has been renamed the Jim Reffkin Tennis Center to honor Jim Reffkin, the director of tennis for the past 34 years. The official dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, September 26^th with Tucson mayor, Parks & Recreation Officials, City Council Members and Gootter Foundation Members were in attendance as the new signage was unveiled.

Some highlights of Reffkin’s career include being named United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) National Pro of the Year, National President of USPTA, president of United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southwest Section, inducted into the USTA Southwest Section Hall of Fame and recipient of the Education Merit Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
.”
Reflecting his creative mind, Reffkin was named the first chairman and has been a long time member of National USTA Tennis Innovation Committee.
Responding to the honor of having the tennis center named after him, Reffkin told Daily Tennis News, “Just think, and I’m still alive!”
***
King Reflects on Life’s Big Moment

Despite winning an incredible 39 major titles, including doubles, Billie Jean King has revealed to London’s Sunday Times that a recent experience stands out most as a highlight of her career.
“I have had several great moments on and off the court,” she said. “However, I would have to say being awarded the Medal of Freedom by the president of the United States, Barack Obama, just a few weeks ago is hard to top. I have such high hopes for America’s future under his leadership, so it didn’t matter to me that he made a few numerical mistakes in his speech about the titles I’d won. To be honest, he wasn’t even in the ball park but I thought it was adorable.”
It is not surprising to learn that her favorite tournament was Wimbledon, and she still makes a point of finding time for some private reflection whenever she returns there.
“I was 17 years old when I first set eyes on the manicured grass in 1961 and it was an overwhelming moment,” she said. “Every year when I return to the All England Club I always take a moment to sit by Centre Court before the crowds pour in and reflect on the sport that I love so much.”
The women’s game is where it is today largely because of the crusading she and others did in the 1970’s. She of course loves the way the game has grown to become the leading women’s international sport, but she does feel that something is missing now compared to those early pioneering days.
“The basic lack of the unity that existed in my playing days. Too many players just seem to think about themselves. Honestly, I wish there were two separate seasons; one for individual competitions and another for players to compete on a team. Today’s players need to get to know each other better and one of the great things about the world of sport is the unity of team spirit.”
***
Ricky's Notes
By Ricky Dimon

Just 16 months after being in intensive care with the rare blood disorder idiopathic thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP), 23-year-old Scot Jamie Baker has won back-to-back Futures titles. After prevailing in Thailand earlier this month, Baker won a title on Sunday in Darwin, Australia. . . Andre Agassi announced last week that he will play in the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships in Surprise, Arizona. Featuring retired tennis pros, the four-day event runs from October 8-11. . . Comedian Dane Cook and musicians Chris Daughtry, Tim McGraw, and Brian McKnight headlined a benefit concert on Saturday night in Las Vegas for the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. Agassi hosted the concert. . . Sergio Roitman will retire from professional tennis at the end of this week's Challenger tournament in Buenos Aires. Roitman, a 30-year-old Argentine, made the announcement at Saturday's draw ceremony. . . After losing in the first round of his final tournament last week in Bucharest, Andrei Pavel played Goran Ivanisevic in a farewell exhibition match later in the week. Pavel led 5-4 when it was stopped in order to save time for a ceremony.
Mardy Fish and Dmitry Tursunov have withdrawn from all upcoming tournaments and neither man is expected to play again this season. Fish has been dealing with a hip injury, while Tursunov underwent successful ankle surgery earlier this month and will be sidelined up to six months. . . Kristof Vliegen, who has not played since mid-July due to a bad back, could be nearing a return. "I will be back on court for training in a few days," Vliegen posted in a blog entry last week. "I need to be careful and patient. I will tell more you in the next days.". . . David Nalbandian will make his first appearance since May hip surgery at an exhibition event in Buenos Aires in December. Nalbandian will be joined by Fernando Gonzalez, Marat Safin, Marcos Baghdatis, Carlos Moya, and Juan Monaco.
Joining Rafael Nadal as directly-entered players who pulled out from this week's Thailand Open were Dudi Sela, Jarkko Nieminen and Julien Benneteau. . . "I'm still very sick," Nieminen wrote in a September 25 blog entry. "I don't remember the last time I've had a virus as hard as this. Just trying to get better now and hoping to be able to play in Tokyo.". . . The withdrawals of Nadal and Sela allowed John Isner to grab the No. 8 seed for what will be his first ATP tournament as a seeded player. . . Tursunov, Vliegen, and Florent Serra were entered in this week's Kuala Lumpur event, but subsequently pulled out. That gave Victor Crivoi, Denis Istomin, and Karol Beck entry into the main draw. . . Oft-injured Swede Joachim Johansson received a wild card into the Kuala Lumpur main draw. The 27-year-old has not played an ATP tournament this entire season and last appeared in a Challenger event back in May.
Roger Federer is undecided on his status for Switzerland's 2010 opening-round Davis Cup tie at Spain. "I truly enjoy playing for my country, but I'll also have to see where I have my priorities for next season," Federer said after the draw was made. "If I want to play Davis Cup all the time, I might have to leave out some Masters 1000 tournaments. Like in the other years, I will see after the Australian Open how I feel and if I play the first round.". . . Greg Rusedski, currently Britain's junior Davis Cup captain, has openly criticized the British team but still appears to be a top candidate to replace John Lloyd as captain. Commentating during Britain's losing tie against Poland, Rusedski said that Dan Evans was disregarding Lloyd's advice at changeovers. . . It was announced last Friday that U.S. Open breakout stars Isner and Melanie Oudin will make up the United States Hopman Cup team in 2010. The event begins on January 2 in Perth, Australia.
Serena Williams withdrew from this week's tournament in Tokyo citing knee and toe injuries. Dominika Cibulkova (rib) and Amelie Mauresmo (stomach) also pulled out. . . Li Na and Alize Cornet played a 20-deuce game in their first-round match in Tokyo on Sunday. Li won the game and the match. . . "Just seen the surgeon who's given me the go ahead to stand on the tennis court next week and hit some balls," said Anne Keothavong via a Twitter post early last week. Keothavong had knee surgery on August 11. . . Dinara Safina on the No. 1 ranking: "If someone steals it from me, I will shake their hand and say 'well done,' but I won't give it up easily. I plan to bring my best tennis again and give 100 percent to keep it.". . . Tatiana Golovin, who has not played for eight months due to a back injury, is not ruling out a comeback. "Tennis is my life and I'm not going to abandon it so quickly," Golovin said in a weekend interview. "I hope to resume training and prepare with confidence for next season."

***

We Hear---
--that Rafael Nadal is back home in Majorca after taking a brief holiday in Monte Carlo,  but his torn abdominal muscle is still far from healed and after withdrawing from this week’s event in Bangkok, his participation in the upcoming Masters 1000 event in Shanghai is extremely doubtful.
***
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Tokyo
***
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Beijing
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***
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Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
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(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Friday, September 25, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Clijsters Plans a Carefully-Selected Schedule for 2010

Kim Clijsters is planning to play all four Grand Slam event in 2010 but only intends committing to 16 tournaments in all on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour but she is making herself available for selection for the Belgian Fed Cup team.
The 26 year-old who took this year’s US Open women’s title earlier this month in only her third tournament since returning to the sport consequently seems to not foster any ambition to recover the top spot  on the world rankings she held for 19 weeks in three separate spells between mid-August 2003 to mid-March 2006.
Clijsters said: "A no.1 ranking is not what I focus on. It would be nice, but looking to next year the Grand Slams are the big thing."
Now back to 17^th spot in the rankings, after her New York triumph and a 5-2 record in her two build up tournaments in Cincinnati and Toronto, Clijsters is currently home in Belgium, playing her favored role of wife to husband Brian and mother to toddler daughter Jada while also spending time with her younger sister Elke who is expecting her own first child in a few weeks.
She admitted the traveling was fun again but domesticity takes prime position in her life. "I try to spread out my trips abroad. The most important thing is that it remains do-able as a family," she said.
"It takes a lot more planning than a few years ago. For a tennis player I don't think it's that busy. I've taken out a lot of tournaments that I used to play when I wasn't a mother.
"It was up to me to say, with Jada, our daughter, how long I want to travel, where I want to travel to and where not. "We have to see how it will work out as a family. Things have to remain fun for Jada."
Clijsters has made her herself available to Belgian Fed Cup captain Sabine Appelmans for next February’s first round tie in Poland. If Justine Henin also stresses a desire to play along with US Open semi-finalist Yanina Wickmayer, Belgium could have a team worthy of winning the competition for the first time after finishing finalists in 2006, losing the final at home in Charleroi to Italy; a match Clijsters missed through injury. 
***
Tennis Traveling Can Increase One’s Language Ability

Journeying week after week to different cities on the tour can get a bit routine for the players, no matter what exotic places they visit. But playing this week in Seoul is of particular interest to Daniela Hantuchova.
"It's very special for me to be here," she said on her blog for the WTA website. "In 1988 I watched Miloslav Mecir win gold at the Seoul Olympics. It was the first time I saw tennis on TV and that match was the reason I started playing. After seeing him win, I asked for my first racquet. It's amazing to be playing in the very same stadium."
Hantuchova, who turned down a place at one of Slovakia’s most prestigious universities to pursue a tennis career, also revealed the number of languages she speaks. It’s a lot!
"My first language is Slovak. I also speak German, which I learnt at school when I was very young (I probably spoke it better back then!) We live close to Austria, so it comes in useful, and whenever I'm in Germany I try to use it. Of course I also speak English. Also Czech, Croatian, Slovenian, but sometimes it's a bit of guessing. . .  I know some Italian. I'd love to learn more in the future."
***
Fish Believes in Paying Back to the Community

American Mardy Fish is one of several professional tennis players who put back into the community, alongside others such as Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick.
His own foundation was established to support youth organizations in Indian River County, Fla., and at the center of its fundraising activities is Mardy’s Tennis and Jake’s Music Fest, to be held this year on December 11 and 12. The weekend event will feature a barbeque luncheon with silent and live auction, a concert with country music star Jake Owen, a Kids' Tennis Clinic and a tennis exhibition with Mardy Fish and other current and/or former touring tennis professionals.
The Foundation has utilized funds from the festival to provide after-school programs in the community, and two years ago the Foundation opened the Pelican Island Elementary School/Mardy Fish Music Club and Health & Fitness Club, which is an after-school program that provides a place for children to go and partake in various activities that will help them better themselves using sports, music, art and dance.
The Mardy Fish Foundation will expand the program this fall with the addition of two more after-school programs in community schools. In addition, the Foundation continues to support other youth organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Vero Beach and the Youth Guidance Foundation, which is dedicated to enriching the lives of children in need in Indian River County through the establishment of positive mentoring relationships with volunteer adults.
***
Hantuchova Will Miss Her Doubles Partner

Daniela Hantuchova has enjoyed a successful doubles relationship with Ai Sugiyama stretching all the way back to 2002 when they reached the final of both San Diego and Los Angeles. They’ve won only a modest three titles in that time, but the pair also reached another eight finals, including the 2009 Australian and 2006 French Opens. So, when her Japanese partner retires this year, Hantuchova is going to miss having her around.
"We're playing our last tournament together in Tokyo," the Slovak responded to a question posed to her on a blog for the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. "It's really sad, but I'm really glad I'll be a part of her last tournament. Ai has given me so many wonderful memories on the court, and we're great friends, so it's going to be tough to see her go.
She's such a great fighter and a great person. The tennis world will miss her, for sure I will. It won't be easy to find another one like her. Next year I may play some doubles here and there but I'm really going to try focusing on my singles. One of the reasons I was playing doubles so much was because Ai was one of my best friends, and we were having so much fun."
***
Dokic is Back in Court

Damir Dokic, the imprisoned father of former top ten player Jelena, currently serving a 15 month jail sentence, is to be retried on the charges that he threatened the Australian ambassador to Serbia.
Dokic’s retrial has been ordered because of a legality; ambassador Claire Birgin was represented by a lawyer at the original Belgrade hearing in late May and early June, and did not testify in person.
Bosiljka Djukic, Dokic's lawyer, said: "We expect justice from the court and that Damir will be a free man.”
Dokic was found guilty of "endangering the security" of the ambassador in Belgrade and unlawful possession of weapons, including a hand grenade, discovered in his home. He maintained he would blow up Birgin's car with a rocket launcher if she didn't stop negative articles about him from being published in Australia.
Jelena had claimed in Australian magazine interviews that her father, a former boxer, had beaten her.  Later he insisted these claims were made in anger but he did admit to physically harming his daughter.
After an impressive return to the top grade by making an emotional path to January’s  Australian Open quarter final, 26 year-old Jelena’s progress has been hampered by a bout of mononucleosis (glandular fever) and various injuries. She lost in the first round of Wimbledon and the US Open while winning  a match at the French Open.
Most recently she played two clay court ITF Challenger events in Italy and Bulgaria, losing in the second round of both and is currently ranked 81^st on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings. 
***
Ivanovic Planning on a Strong 2009 Finish

Looking for luck in Asia, that is the path Ana Ivanovic chose to try to revamp her fading career in this year. The former #1, nowadays ten places lower ranked, plans to play two big events in a row.
The first one is Tokyo next week; the draw is already done and Ana will play Czech Lucie  Safarova whom she has beaten twice, but lost to in their last duel this summer in Toronto. The follows the even bigger tournament in Beijing.
"The field here is very strong so I'm going to have a difficult first round match for sure. I've obviously had a very disappointing season, but these two tournaments in Asia are an opportunity to end it on a high. I'm going to try and enjoy myself on the court here,” Ana said as she hopes for a good season ending.
For the time being, tournaments in Tokyo and Beijing are her final scheduled events of the season. There is a possibility that she will ask for wild card after, but no decision is done.
Ana arrived in Japan on Tuesday because this tournament is one of her favorite events.
"I love visiting Tokyo," said Ivanovic. "Everyone here is so polite and welcoming. It's actually very humbling to visit here. I've done some fun things here over the years, for example visiting a sumo wrestling camp, and then two years ago I learnt about some interesting superstitions, the day before the final.”
***
USPTA Recognizes Standouts in Tennis

The United States Professional Tennis Association honored outstanding tennis coaches, players, managers and volunteers during its annual national awards ceremony at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis on September 24. Some of the honorees include;
Robert Greene Jr., of Rangeley, Maine, received the association’s top annual member award, the Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year. Greene, who has been a USPTA Professional 1 member for more than 30 years, is the director of tennis at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville, N.H.
Tom Fey of Indian Wells, Calif., is highly committed to bringing tennis to his surrounding community of Coachella Valley, especially through camps and clinics. This and his work with Special Olympic athletes is what earned him the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award.
Michael Mahoney of Riverside, Ill., received the Facility Manager of the Year Award. Mahoney is the vice president and general manager of Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago.
Other honorees are:
Adrian Chirici, Roslyn, N.Y. – Touring Coach of the Year Billy Chadwick, Oxford, Miss. – College Coach of the Year Lawrence Eyre, Fairfield, Iowa – High School Coach of the Year
***
World TeamTennis names Leamer as Manager of Advanced Media

World TeamTennis has named Isaac Leamer as Manager of Advanced Media.  Leamer, who has worked with WTT as a consultant since April 2009, will manage the strategic growth and maintenance of WTT's online presence, including WTT.com and its affiliated social networking sites.  Leamer will also oversee IT systems and serve as a technology liaison for the WTT and the Pro League teams. 

***
USTA Names Junior Davis Cup Team to Play in Mexico

The USTA announced that Bjorn Fratangelo (Pittsburgh), Marcos Giron (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) and Hunter Harrington (Spartanburg, S.C.) will represent the United States in the Junior Davis Cup Finals, Sept. 29 - Oct. 4 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.  The event features 16 teams from nations across the world composed of players age 16 and under. 
The U.S. is the reigning Junior Davis Cup champions and will attempt to become the first back-to-back winners since France in 1992 and 1993.  USTA National Coach Mark Merklein will captain the U.S. Junior Davis Cup team.
Fratangelo, 16, is currently the No. 2 player in the USTA Boys’ 16s National Standings and won the USTA Boys’ 16s National Clay Court Championships in July.  Giron, currently No. 5 in the USTA Boys’ 16s National Standings, won the doubles title at the USTA Boys’ 16s National Championships in August and reached the final of the Boys’ 16s Easter Bowl in April.  Harrington, 16, is currently No. 6 in the USTA Boys’ 16s National Standings and won a USTA Boys’ 16s National Open in February. 
Harrington replaces Shane Vinsant, who was forced  to withdraw due to an abdominal injury. 

***

We Hear---
--that Reigning European Junior Champion, 14-year old Bulgarian Viktoriya Tomova, has been signed by IMG.
--that according to the 2009 Tennis Europe Member Nations Survey to be published shortly, Europe has over 40,000 tennis clubs, 35,000 of which are registered with their national federation.
--that after recently signing with adidas, Daniela Hantuchova will be in discussions with the company designers at the end of the season to develop a personal line of clothing.
--that Paul-Henri Mathieu has signed with Lagardere Unlimited for representation.
--that Midland will have a $100,000 purse for its Pro Circuit event.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Bucharest
Metz
WOMEN
Seoul
Tashkent
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Bangkok
WOMEN
Tokyo
***
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58.17

-.13

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $98.95
* The index is based on the total value of one share of each stock we report daily.
***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
P.O. Box 24256
Edina, MN  55424 USA
952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Friday, September 18, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Hewitt is not on Speaking Terms with Junior Star Tomic

US Open junior champion Bernard Tomic just doesn’t seem to be able to avoid controversy. Earlier this year he was suspended by the ITF after, at the order of his father John, he walked off the court during a Futures tournament in Perth, and now Melbourne’s The Age has reported that he incurred the anger of Lleyton Hewitt after refusing to practice with him at Wimbledon.
Hewitt had sent word out that he would like to practice with Tomic before his fourth round match against Radek Stepanek and heard nothing back, but Tomic was at the courts when Hewitt arrived to practice and Hewitt assumed he had received the call and was at the club to practice with him. Not so, according to Hewitt’s manager David Drysdale.
“We turned up and saw the Tomics around and we thought 'Oh, maybe they got our message, and they were there to hit with Lleyton'. But then the agent came in and said, 'No, he's not hitting with Lleyton, Lleyton's not good enough'. They were his words: 'Lleyton's not good enough', and we just about dropped on the spot. We were pretty dumbfounded. Lleyton just could not believe it, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he got about it.”
Instead Tomic, who in January became the youngest ever male tennis player to win a senior match at the Australian Open, wanted to practice with Juan Carlos Ferrero, but the Spaniard turned him down.
“When we told Juan Carlos what had happened, his coach said that if a leading player in Spain asked a junior to practice and the junior said 'no', then he would never get to hit with a senior player again, and they would make sure he had all his funding and support from the national federation cut.”
In response to the controversy, the teenager’s father stated through Tomic’s agent that his son was suffering from Swine flu at the time and didn’t want to play “when so unwell, against someone of Hewitt's stature.”
Drysdale blamed Bernard’s father for the incident, and told The Age that the snub could have long-term consequences for Australia’s most promising player.
“It was Bernard's chance to get to know Lleyton a bit better, and Lleyton's the sort of guy that when he hits with these guys and he gets the opportunity for a wildcard into the doubles somewhere he'd probably ask Bernard to play, but what John Tomic has done is just alienated Bernard from Lleyton. John Tomic needs to be careful how he handles people around Bernard, because it could come back to haunt him one day.”
***
The Czech Davis Cup Team is Concerned About the Condition of the Tie’s Clay Court

Holes in the clay court, that was a major problem for the Czechs before Davis Cup semifinal in Croatia.
“This court is made for Croat Ivo Karlovic; that is the reason for so many holes,” accuses Czech Tomas Berdych.
Goran Prpic, Croatian captain, used to similar objections during other ties, denies any wrong doing. “The court is good, even better then against Americans in quarterfinal. It is normal for a new court to have holes, but it will be OK by the beginning of the tie.”
Americans didn’t like it at all, and Chileans were so angry by quality of the clay that they left the official dinner in protest in the first round.
The Croats think the Czechs are overwhelmed by Karlovic serve, that they worry  too much about how to stop his cannon, how many balls they will be able to return.
Czechs spirit was refreshed with Lukas Dlouhy win of US Open doubles, but even he was surprised by the welcome party.
“It was very cold reception. As a reward, they pushed me into hotel swimming pool,” laughs Dlouhy.
***
Clijsters Will Play in Australia’s Road to the Open

Kim Clijsters, still fondly referred to ‘Down Under’ as “Aussie Kim” after her one-time engagement to Lleyton Hewitt, has announced that she will begin her bid for a second straight major title by competing in the Brisbane International.
The tournament begins on January 3rd, and it is highly likely that the recently crowned US Open champion will then travel to Sydney, where she defeated Jelena Jankovic for the title in her last appearance there in 2007.
“Australia is a home away from home for me and I am thrilled to be coming back in January for the Brisbane International," said Clijsters. "I have heard what a great event Brisbane was last time and I am looking forward to seeing all the new facilities and stadium.”
Andy Roddick will also be making his debut at the pre-Australian Open event.

***
US Open Fines Were Few in Number and Amounts

A remarkably low total of just $31,500 in fines was levied against the players for on-court indiscretions during the 15 days of the US Open.
Exactly one third of that involved Serena Williams, who was fined $10,000 for abusing an official and another $500 for racquet abuse. Roger Federer was slapped with a $1,500 fine for swearing at the umpire during his US Open final loss to Juan Martin Del Potro, Vera Zvonareva was fined the same amount for swearing during her meltdown against Flavia Pennetta and Daniel Nestor was docked $5000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing with spectators who cheered his double faults.

***

***

We Hear---
--that  Rafael Nadal, who withdrew from Spain’s Davis Cup team that is facing Israel in a Davis Cup World Group semifinal this weekend because of injury, has confirmed that he will play in the Thailand Open. He is set to arrive in the country on September 23rd and will vacation in Krabi before moving on to Bangkok.
--that following in the footsteps of big sister Kim, Elke Clijsters is due to give birth within the next few weeks.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Semifinals
WOMEN
Guangzhou
Quebec City
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Bucharest
Metz
WOMEN
Seoul
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***
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5.00

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Head

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-.29

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58.09

+.91

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $100.00
* The index is based on the total value of one share of each stock we report daily.
***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
P.O. Box 24256
Edina, MN  55424 USA
952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Thursday, September 17, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

The Rain in Spain is Delaying Davis Cup Preparations

The rain that so badly affected the final days of the US Open has now followed some of the players to Murcia, where Spain is preparing to take on Israel in a Davis Cup World Group semifinal this weekend. Or trying to prepare.
Both teams have so far been restricted to just one training session as torrential rain swept the region, even resulting in the flooding of the press center at the Polaris World la Torre Golf Resort, Torre Pacheco.

***
Murray is Impressed with Del Potro’s Performance

Andy Murray, until just a few days ago the player widely assumed to be the next Grand Slam champion in waiting and the major threat to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s dominance, insists he is impressed but not inspired by the effort of Juan Martin Del Potro in winning the US Open.
Murray, in Liverpool preparing for Britain’s Davis Cup Euro/African Zone Group One play-off against Poland, has undeniably been moved aside from the spotlight of the world game because of the Argentine’s force and drive in New York. But his belief that he is destined from the top remains undiminished.
"Other players winning slams doesn't necessarily inspire me,” said the 22 year-old Scot whose US Open came to a disappointing end in the fourth round against Marin Cilic. “I think I'm pretty driven with my own goals so I don't let that sort of stuff change the way I feel about my own game.”
Murray quickly linked up with captain John Lloyd and the rest of the British team on his return from New York but has already starting to conduct a Flushing Meadows inquest on what went wrong with his coaching team led by Miles Maclagan. Self assessment will continue once the Davis Cup weekend is over but Murray now knows he is competing in arguably the most competitive and demanding era of men’s tennis.
“It's really, really tough to win the slams now so Del Potro's effort was pretty good," he said. "There's no question that Roger (Federer) and Rafa (Nadal) are two of the best ever. Roger's people say he's the best of all time; that's not really up for debate. And Rafa, providing he stays healthy, I'd expect to get to double figures on slam wins.
"That's better than any two rivals have managed together and then behind them the standard is very high. There are guys like (Andy) Roddick who's only managed to win one slam right at the start of that career and he's a great player."
Murray is still troubled by the tendonitis in the left wrist that caused a distinct problem at the US Open but maintains he is more than ready to play two singles rubbers and the doubles this weekend if required.
Addressing the wrist he said: “I've had it for a few weeks but I don't think it is anything major that will require surgery," said Murray, who again refused to make public the details of the injury.
“I'll try to get through the match, hopefully win my singles matches and see how everything holds up and take a bit of a break after I finish. I think we're capable of winning this match without me playing all three days but if I need to, I'll play three.”
***
Spain Believes They Are the Davis Cup Favorites vs. Israel

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former world no.1 called up by Spain to substitute for Rafael Nadal in this week’s Davis Cup semi-final against Israel admits there are mysteries to him about the opposition he will be facing.
Ferrero and Tommy Robredo will be the second string singles players in Captain Albert Costa’s line-up as the Spaniards step up their bid to retain the cup they won in Argentina last year.
"Truthfully, I don't know too much about the Israeli team," said Ferrero who initially didn’t figure in Costa’s line-up despite playing the role of hero in Spain’s quarter final win over Germany in July. "I know Harel Levy and Noam Okun, and I know that they are playing in the Challenger Tournaments, which is not on our level. So we haven't had the chance to play against them, but the Davis Cup is different and there isn’t always much meaning in the difference in levels.”
With his 30th birthday now less than five months away, Ferrero is going through a renaissance in form and is back up to 21st place on the ATP World Tour rankings this week after standing outside the top 100 in late May. And he is confident going into the World Group tie in Murcia saying: “"We are the favorites in this matchup and we're playing at home, in Spain so it's clear we should beat Israel. Everyone expects us to win and advance to the finals. We cannot disappoint them."
But there is an air of anxiety in the Spanish team who have been fortunate with home draws. “For every home competition, they send us to a different city, so every match takes place in a new stadium for us," Ferrero said. "We don't really have a home court, and each time we have to acclimate ourselves anew. So I don't see any significance from a home court standpoint, since we are not used to it. That is why we got here very early last Sunday."
***
Ivanovic is Preparing to Finish the Season in a Strong Fashion

Between homes on beautiful Spanish island Mallorca and peaceful Swiss city of Basel, Ana Ivanovic chose home town Belgrade to prepare for the  season finish.
After the US Open, a culmination of poor results, former #1, now #11, disappointed with elimination in first round, decided it is no time for fashionable Palma, where she bought a home last year in rich Son Vida outskirts, but for hard work with her coach of junior days and current captain of Serbian Fed Cup team.
There was only one condition, to stay out of reach of the press. “She wants to be in her family circle, she doesn’t need publicity, because peace is an imperative for her,” explained Dejan Vranes, who worked with Ivanovic for her WTA Tour debut. “Ana believes that hard work out of public lights is the only way to the top. She is very emotional and she knows that her every move is followed by many.”
Ivanovic will stay few more days in Belgrade. “There are a couple of tournaments in this season, where she wants to prove that she can be the same again. She is very motivated and steely to succeed. Simply, Ana gives 100 percent on practice and I am convinced that it will be visible on court soon.”
The former French Open champion is scheduled to play Tokyo and Beijing at the end of this month and beginning of next.

***

We Hear---
--that newly-crowned US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro will headline the BA Tennis Trophy in Vienna next month, joining Gael Monfils, John Isner, Radek Stepanek, Tomas Berdych and Michael Kohlschreiber.
--that Larisa Preobrazhenskaya, who coached Anna Kournikova at Spartak Moscow before she moved to the United States, has died at the age of 79. Her death follows that of Yuri Yudkin, who coached a young Maria Sharapova and who died a few days ago at the age of 73.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Semifinals
WOMEN
Guangzhou
Quebec City
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Bucharest
Metz
WOMEN
Seoul
Tashkent
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
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***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
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952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Agents Are Competing to Represent New British Star

Heather Watson, Britain’s new US Open junior champion, has become one of the hottest properties in tennis with management big guns IMG and Octagon both vying to represent the 17 year-old from Guernsey.
For the moment Watson, whose current Sony Ericsson WTA Tour world ranking stands at a career high 741, plays as an amateur because she was seriously considering the possibility of a tennis scholarship at an American university. However the professional ranks now seem to beckon for the girl who is sponsored by the on-line gambling company Sporting.Bet.com.
IMG would appear to be in pole position to sign her to their list of promising youngsters as she is currently in her sixth year at the IMG/Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton, Florida and Olivier Van Lindonk, who manages several young players based at the academy such including Kei Nishikori, is canvassing for Watson’s business.
But in London Octagon’s Abigail Tordoff is also well aware of the situation. However the company need to sort out whether there would be a conflict of interests as they already manage Britain’s other promising female junior Laura Robson who was a semi-finalist in the junior singles at New York.
Watson’s father Ian, the managing director of the Guernsey Electricity Board, guards the business side of his daughter’s career and is known to be seeking the best and most sensible deal.
Meanwhile Nigel Sears, Head of Women’s Tennis at Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association, has compared Watson’s game to that of former world no.1 Martina Hingis. Seeded 11 at Flushing Meadows, she claimed her title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Russia's Yana Buchina after previously beating the reigning ITF World Junior Champion and this summer’s Wimbledon junior singles winner Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand.
“Heather is a well-balanced player who anticipates well, has great footwork and instinct for the game,” enthused Sears. “She's a very complete, all-round player. I'm so pleased for her because she's been a good player for a while.
"This win - and the $10,000 women’s event she won in the summer at Frinton in England will really help her to believe that she has so much more success to come."
Mindful of the fact Hingis had won four full Grand Slam singles titles by the time she was 17, Sears continued: “Heather reminds me of Martina Hingis at that age."
***
Serena Apology? Or Publicity Stunt?

The idea of Serena Williams appearing on Good Morning America after the US Open finally came to an end was supposedly designed to allow her to apologize for her on-court meltdown at a line judge. Instead it just turned out to be a publicity stunt for her newly released autobiography On The Line and Serena admitted she was rapidly penning a new chapter on the notorious incident that ended her semi-final demise against Kim Clijsters.
Serena spent much of her slot telling host Chris Cuomo about her book before finally showing some signs of contrition. She maintained she has received an outpouring of support via e-mail, though the true test of how this affects her image figures to play out over weeks and months, not days.
“I think the whole point of learning from your mistakes is not to do the same thing,” she said. “I definitely would, I think, I have a more professional way of voicing my opinion. I want to get another bad line call, so I can get some more practice and see how I do.”
The matter is far from resolved as far as the Grand Slam Committee is concerned and there will be a concerted study of all available television tapes to ascertain as much evidence as possible on the incident. It is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Serena could be suspended from defending her Australian Open singles title in January.
***
The Third Set of Men’s Finals Was a Key

Even though Roger Federer won third set of US Open final, Franco Davin, Juan Martin Del Potro’s coach, says that was the part of the match when he became convinced that his pupil will win.
“The score was 4-3, Federer was not serving that good any more; his level of game was dropping. He couldn’t harm Delpo that much; Juan grew more and more confident. Juan broke his serve and I thought that he will dominate to the end. But when Roger won that set, thing got more complicated. Winning fourth set was clear sign that Juan will win fast.”
Davin who worked with Gaston Gaudio when he made biggest surprise of this decade winning Roland Garros in 2004, admits that beginning was not that promising.
“Federer started very well, I was afraid that it may be quick final, but Juan drew experience from previous matches against him”, explained the Argentine coach. Though Delpo never beat Federer in six matches, he knew what to do.
“We spoke a lot before final. He told me that he couldn’t sleep a lot after the Nadal win. I explained to him that that was logical; that happens to everyone. I told him that Sampras once said that everybody is nervous before big matches; but the best is he who manages nerves best. Juan will play more finals, but this one was unique.”
***
Bollettieri Offers to Help the British LTA

Britain’s Guardian newspaper has revealed that Nick Bollettieri has offered to help the Lawn Tennis Association in their quest for success.
It has not gone unnoticed - far from it - that several of the decent players that Britain has produced have honed their craft with little help from the LTA. Tim Henman made it outside ‘the system’, and he has been followed by Andy Murray (who moved to Spain), and now Heather Watson, who last weekend became the first British girl to win the junior title at the US Open. She has been learning the game at Bollettieri’s academy in Florida.
"What we're hoping is that Roger Draper (chief executive of the LTA) and Performance England bring some of their coaches and players over to us and learn from where Heather is,” said Bollettieri, who is now planning to give hands-on help to Watson. “We think she can be a role model for your country, and your country could do with some more top girls right now."

***
Molik is Returning to the Tour Slowly

Alicia Molik is re-starting her singles career from scratch at a modest $25,000 event in Darwin this week after an elbow injury forced her into retirement a year ago. But she didn’t think she would be playing again after walking away from the game for a second time.
Her original departure was caused by an inner-ear virus that derailed her at the height of her career, soon after she had climbed to eight in the world, and when she returned from that setback a number of injuries slowed her progress and led to a second retirement. Now, having experienced a couple of doubles outings in the US, she is ready to take to the singles court again.
“Sometimes time-off is a great mender,” she told Melbourne’s The Age. “I stayed fit, played squash instead, just did enough to keep my mind off playing tennis. I never thought I'd pick up a tennis racquet again. At that stage I'd played on the tour 10 years and I probably just thought, 'My time's up', because it's no fun coming back from injury all the time. But from February-March I was doing a bit of coaching and hitting and not feeling pain, and just loving and enjoying playing.”

***
US Open Sets Attendance Record

The 2009 US Open set an attendance record with 721,059 spectators, beating the 720,227 that attended last year, when the tournament also ran over into a 15th day. The event also set a Week 1 attendance record of 423,427, including a single-day high of 61,554 for the combined day and night sessions on the first Friday.

***
Clijsters Qualifies to Play for Billie Jean King Cup

With her win at this year’s US Open, Kim Clijsters has qualified for an invitation to the 2010 BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup. Pending her acceptance, Clijsters will join Serena Williams (Australian Open/Wimbledon) and Svetlana Kuznetsova (French Open), who have already qualified. The fourth player will be named in the next several weeks and will come from a list of former Grand Slam winners or world No. 1 players.
The BNP Paribas Showdown on March 1, which is part of “Tennis Night in America,” will bring together the 2009 Women’s Grand Slam winners or world No. 1 players, vying for $1.2 million in prize money and the Billie Jean King Cup.

***
Daniel Nestor Charity Event Raises over $100,000 for NYGH and Tennis Canada

Daniel Nestor and Rogers Cup Tournament Director Karl Hale collaborated again for another banner charity event in Toronto for the benefit of North York General Hospital and Tennis Canada. The 7th Annual Daniel Nestor Charity Event was held September 12, where 200 guests attended the gala dinner performed by world renowned chef Susur Lee held at the exclusive Donalda Club.
Over the weekend 150 juniors played in the junior tournament, and 300 people attended the exhibition between Daniel Nestor/Karl Hale vs. Fred Niemeyer/Bruno Agostinelli.  Over $100,000 was raised from the event bringing the total raised over the past 7 years to over $700,000.

***

We Hear---
--that moves are afoot among European tournament directors to nominate a new candidate to challenge Monte Carlo’s tournament director Zelko Franulovic for his place as a tournament representative on the ATP World Tour’s board of directors. Franulovic’s three year term comes to an end on January 1 next year.
--that US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro was so weary after following his five set win over Roger Federer with all night partying in the Manhattan nightspot Avenue on the Upper West Side that he admitted: “I don’t want to play for a while. I need the rest.”
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Semifinals
WOMEN
Guangzhou
Quebec City
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Bucharest
Metz
WOMEN
Seoul
Tashkent
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
Tuesday Stock Prices

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Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $94.99
* The index is based on the total value of one share of each stock we report daily.
***
Results
For complete ATP and WTA results, please see our web site at www.tennisnews.com

Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Daily Tennis is published 
Monday through Friday except Holidays           
Monday and Thursday in November and December.
Delivery via e-mail to all countries
Subscription rates are; $97USD a year, 
$57USD for Six months, $37USD for Three months.
Bob Larson Tennis
P.O. Box 24256
Edina, MN  55424 USA
952-920-8947 (voice)  or 952-920-8940 (fax)
E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

(c)  Copyright 2009. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

BUSINESS NEWS

Memorial Service for Jack Kramer Set for Saturday, September 26

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Jack Kramer has been set for Saturday, September 26.
A celebration of life will be a fitting way to help honor an American icon who was much more than a tennis champion, although it is a good place to start. He was one of the leaders who moved big-time tennis from under the table shamateurism to what we know as big-time tennis today that saw Juan Martin Del Potro be presented $1,850,000 Monday night for winning the US Open.
He joined others to create what is now the ATP and became a counselor for those who wanted professional tennis to offer a career to those talented players. His name became synonymous with “tennis racket.”
He will be remembered on Saturday, September 26, at 11:00AM  appropriately on a tennis court, Straus Stadium “Centre Court,” at the Los Angeles Tennis Center – UCLA,
420 Charles E. Young Drive West, Los Angeles, California 90024
Kramer family correspondence may be sent via:
Jack Kramer Family
231 North Glenroy Place
Los Angeles, California 90049
Contact Telephone: 805 / 443 – 4477
In lieu of flowers, etc, 501(c) (3) charitable contributions may be made in honor of Jack Kramer, as follows:
Pacific Southwest Youth Tennis Foundation
Los Angeles Tennis Center
Post Office Box 240015
Los Angeles, California 90024 – 9115
***
Federer Says 2009 Has Been a Great Year, Anyway

He didn’t make it six in a row, but Roger Federer wasn’t about to lock himself away in a dark room. He gave Juan Martin Del Potro full credit for breaking his run and was ready straight away to put his US Open final defeat behind him.
“Five was great, four was great, too. Six would have been a dream, too. Can't have them all,” he said. “(It’s been) Unbelievable. Unbelievable run. Being in all major finals and winning two of those, I'm losing the other two in five sets. Sure, I would have loved to win those two as well. Being so close, I think was two points from the match today. That's the way it goes sometimes.
“But (the) year has been amazing already and it's not over yet. Got married and had kids, don't know how much more I want. Yeah, I mean, this one I think is easy to get over just because I've had the most amazing summer. I tried everything, you know. Didn't work. I missed chances. He played well and in the end it was a tough fifth set. It's acceptable. But life goes on. No problem.
“I hope I can keep it up because I'm playing great tennis right now. I'm confident and I think I'm hitting a good ball. This doesn't take away anything from how much I've achieved this year, so I've had a wonderful season in terms of Grand Slams. Next to that, I also got back to No. 1 in the world. I hope I can defend that until the end of the year and then hopefully win the World Tour final in London. Along the way, I hope I can get some other titles like my home tournament in Basel. We'll see how it goes.”
***
Serena Williams Issues an Apology for Her Saturday Actions

She’s had time to reflect and, after an initial lukewarm statement for her behavior in the semifinals of the US Open, Serena Williams has eaten a huge slice of humble pie and admitted she was wrong to threaten a line judge after being called for a foot-fault that put her two match points down. Williams’ outburst led to a point penalty and her loss to Kim Clijsters.
“I wanted to apologize first to the lineswoman, to the USTA, and my fans most of all, and to Kim Clijsters who ended up having such a wonderful tournament and winning the championship, and what an amazing feat that was,” she said after winning the doubles title with Venus. “But just I - for a major emotional outburst that I had. I think I pretty much covered it. I just really wanted to apologize sincerely, because I'm a very prideful person and I'm a very intense person and a very emotional person. I think it all showed. Most of all, I'm a very sincere person. I wanted to offer my sincere apologies to anyone that I may have offended. I would again like to thank the fans for all the support that I've gotten. I think it's awesome and cool that I've got so much support. I appreciate everything.
“I don't think my foot touched the line in that call. Looking back on it, I think the lady did the best that she could. She was just doing her job. I guess at the time, she probably saw it as what it was. You know, she was just doing her best. I would like to give her a big ole hug and let her know that I'm, just put it all behind us like I have and just move on from it. I mean, I have, and like I said, learn.”
***
Croatia is Confident Before the Davis Cup Tie with The Czechs

With mixed emotions after US Open results, but ready for a fight for second Davis Cup final, Croatians are counting down days to the semifinal against Czechs. 
“I am very satisfied with quarterfinal in New York”, says Marin Cilic, first player of Croatia. “I had lot of matches and I am very well prepared for everything this weekend.”
Cilic beat Andy Murray, but lost to eventual winner Juan Martin Del Potro. “Those were two totally different opponents and matches. I started well against Del Potro, but after first set he prevented me to dictate play. He didn’t miss and all the pressure was on me. Murray is not that physically strong as Del Potro and I needed only to be accurate. I need more matches against top players to get able to keep high level during the whole game. Against Del Potro I played well only in the first half and that is something I must work on.”
Ivo Karlovic left Flushing after only one game. “I expected better results in America, but that is behind me now. I am interested only in Davis Cup now and I am convinced that we will win.”
Croatian captain Goran Prpic is more cautious then his players. “Czechs are better if you look at ATP rankings, but that is only piece of paper. We have chosen clay to weaken their players, Radek Stepanek and Tomas Berdych. We play in Porec, at the same place where we won first two this year ties and we are not afraid to take responsibility.”
***
The Women’s Side of the US Open Was Notable

It’s all over for her for now, but Melanie Oudin drew plenty of attention as she made her way through the US Open draw. Even Roger Federer took notice.
"I think it's nice for a change that sort of somebody's coming up we haven't heard about much before, because it seems like many women now are kind of known," he said. "So if they make a breakthrough, it's not much of a surprise anymore like it used to be. Because before we had 14, 15, 16-year olds making a breakthrough. Every time it was a big story. I think this is very exciting and very much needed on the women's side. I thought she's done very well. I mean, I haven't seen all of her matches, but the quality players she beat, I mean, it's fantastic. I guess just the fighting spirit and being solid off the baseline, having some options in her game. It's something that sometimes you don't see so often, unfortunately."
Another positive for the women’s game has been the return of Kim Clijsters.
"Well, I mean, I think also there again is a beautiful story. I think she's played very well. Right off the bat in Cincinnati when she came back, that was nice to see and gave you an idea of her almost being also one of the favorites for the US Open, which is quite an amazing achievement. But it's like riding a bike: once you know how to ride a bike, you never forget that. That's why I'm not that surprised. But it's nice that she found she hasn't lost the love for the game. Going out, what was it, 23, out of the game, that's for me just shocking. I don't understand how you do that. But, sure, they make the breakthrough earlier. Being a woman, obviously you don't maybe want to wait till you're 35 to have kids. But it's nice to see her back in the game and she played great."
***
Clijsters Sees The New Stars Enjoying Their Success

Caroline Wozniacki, Melanie Oudin, Yanina Wickmayer are all new to big-time tennis, and Kim Clijsters can see the joy on their faces as they savor the success they are having. The pressure, she says, will come later.
"It's all so new and great, you know, so you don't really worry too much about the pressure and the attention that's going on because it's all so new," she said. "It's so much fun for me to just watch on TV and see the emotions that come out of them when they win a match. I get so happy when I just see that. But then again, I think, you know, I'm talking to like my coach and everyone, ‘Wow, she's only 17’. They were like, ‘Yeah, but you were like that’. You don't think like that at the moment. Everything just kind of happens. You don't really think about the age or anything. Unless like now that I'm older, I look back and I'm like, ‘Wow, they're young’.
"You see that, the new face that's still on there. They enjoy everything so much. They look at things in a different way when they get to a Grand Slam, because it's so new. That's something I think in the beginning is really good for them. But I think as they progress and they make a name on tour, I think that that will change. The pressure will gradually start to build in a little bit."
Compared to some of the other players that have making headlines at the US Open, Kim Clijsters is something of a veteran. But she’s not so old, at 26, that she doesn’t remember what it was like when she first came on tour.
"I think when I was 15, 16 coming on, I remember Wimbledon, when I did well there, you know, I really had to stop myself from like asking everybody for autographs in the locker room and everything," she recalled. "I just remember just being so in awe with everything that was happening around me and then playing on the center court and everything. It just overwhelms you a little bit. You kind of just forget what you have to do out there to play good tennis.
"So that has definitely changed. I still have an immense respect for all the Grand Slams and the history that's happened in each and every one of them, but it's easier now to push that aside when you're out there and just focus on your game and not be too worried or too, you know, impressed by everything that's happening around you, how big the stadium is, you know, media attention. Everything has an impact I think when you're younger. I definitely think my game, my face has definitely changed a little bit in that way."
***
Ivanisevic Deserves Credit for Croatia’s Success

Anna Kournikova has been praised by several of her fellow Russians for making tennis popular in her country and attracting sponsorship money. Goran Ivanisevic had the same affect in Croatia, according to Marin Cilic.
"He is the one who brought tennis on a high level in Croatia, and everybody looked at him as a hero. Even from all the other athletes he was one guy who was most likeable with his personality and everything. So for us I think, younger ones, was also big help money wise, and there was much more sponsors coming into the tennis, and also federation. So it was a big help for the young ones to come up. And definitely, I mean, he also played with me when he was finishing his career. He helped me a lot, so he's a really nice guy. I mean, he was in 2002/2003 he was staying in Zagreb and practicing all the time with me when he was there. He connected me with his ex coach, Bob Brett, which I am here with. He was also a great help, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get in a connection with Bob."
***
Oudin is a Modest Young Lady

Melanie Oudin began the US Open as a promising young player, and ended it as a celebrity. Now she is being seen as the savior of American tennis, someone to keep the flag flying when the no-longer-young Venus and Serena eventually are gone. And she has naturally become an inspiration to other American players the same age as her.
"Just the fact that I'm the same age as a lot of them playing the juniors, a lot of my fellow Americans, I think that it's inspiring to them that I'm doing well. It tells them that they can do as well as me if they keep working hard, and, you know, and they want it enough," she said.
And what most stood out to her after her astonishing run to the quarterfinals? "Well, I never thought that I'd play Maria Sharapova on Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open this year. Definitely did not see that coming. So that whole match, just getting to play her and beating her, I've never met her before, so shaking her hand after the match was the first time I met her. It was crazy. The whole thing, though, I loved it."
Now she will be under the spotlight far more than before, but she is keeping her feet firmly on the ground.
"I don't think of myself as a celebrity at all," she said. "Just because it's me, like I've never like thought of myself like that. I just love to play tennis. That's it, you know. Just playing tennis. My love of the game and going out there, I love playing in front of people. I love people watching me and people know who I am, but I don't really ... I guess, people knowing who I am would make me a celebrity and people would want to be like me and they admire me and stuff. I think that's really nice, but I just don't see myself as being that kind of, like, star, you know."
***
Djokovic-Martin Combo Seems to be Working

Novak Djokovic and Todd Martin might seem like the Odd Couple, with the young Novak often playing the role of joker and Todd the role of the serious older figure, always choosing his actions and words carefully. And that’s the way it is, and Djokovic says it works.
"Yeah, I think it's obvious, and people can see that we're quite, quite different," said Djokovic. "You know, I like to speak and fool around, and he likes to take his time whenever he says anything to anybody. He likes to take his time. He's a wiser man than me, absolutely, and more experience and had more intelligent. You know, I think we make a good combination. He's a great, great guy. What I like with him is that he's always looking for positives in anything we talk about, anything we work on.
"He always tries to motivate me and find that confidence and prove to me that I have good quality and that I can improve more on the court. This is the person that I need with his, you know, the facts are that he was top 5 player, played a couple of Grand Slam finals. With that experience, obviously he can add up to, you know, the things that I can learn."
***
Molik to Make a Full-Scale Comeback

Following recent appearances in the doubles events at New Haven and at the US Open, Australia’s two-time major doubles champion, Alicia Molik is to make a full-scale comeback to the game at a series of seven tournaments on the ITF Pro Circuit to be held in Australia over the remainder of 2009.
The 28-year old, a former top 10 player in both singles and doubles, announced her retirement from professional tennis in early September 2008 due to an elbow injury. This marks a ‘third stage’ career for Molik after she previously left the tour for an extended period when she contracted an inner-ear virus that affected her balance. She joins the ITF Pro Circuit for the first time since May 2006 with back-to-back $25,000 tournaments in Darwin starting this week.
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Djokovic Believes New York Likes Him Again

Last year Novak Djokovic left New York under something of a cloud after remarks he made resulted in the crowd turning against him. It was clear that this year he was able to mend any bridges that needed to be mended, and he enjoyed a much better relationship with the spectators.
“Well, it's very important from my standpoint, and I think any professional athlete has to have the good relationship between him and the fans,” he said. “Fans are the ones who are coming to, paying the tickets to come to see you and support you.  They look up to you as a role model, and they appreciate what you do.  They respect you as a successful athlete, so you've got to give them something in return.
“This is a fact.  And the crowd here, you know, they love entertainment, and I have a feeling that I might even got the best relationship with this New York crowd throughout last couple of years of any tournaments. I just feel great, you know.  They have been supporting me.  And when you have crowd behind you, it's a big advantage, you know.  It kind of lifts you up in the bad moments, and it's very important.

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We Hear---
--that DecoTurf will continue to be the surface of the US Open through December 2014. That includes the 12 indoor courts, in addition to all 34 outdoor courts. This agreement started in 1978 when the Open moved from the soft courts at the Westside Tennis Club in Forest Hills.  
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THIS WEEK
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Davis Cup Semifinals
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Guangzhou
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Bucharest
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