Thursday, November 20, 2008

BUSINESS NEWS

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Editor's Note: We are on our Monday, Thursday publication schedule for November and December.
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Wimbledon and British LTA Make Historic Agreement

Just as Wimbledon has seen the need to move with the times, bringing in equal prize money last year and now putting the final touches to the retractable roof that will cover Centre Court in times of inclement weather next June and July, the All England Club and the LTA have chosen to rewrite their long standing agreement that has always seen the surplus of profits from the Championships pumped back into British tennis.
The money, given to the LTA because of an agreement dating back nearly a century and amended in 1922 to state 'that the surplus from The Championships would be shared between the All England Club and the LTA after paying the running expenses of the Club and deducting a preferential sum towards the redemption of Debentures' is supposed to be used for the improvement of British tennis.
This week both parties announced that £25,667,000 (($US 38,410,800 according to Wednesday's exchange rate), a £600,000 increase on last year's figure and precisely £25,663,219 more than was banked in 1913.
However on August 1, 2013 , assuming everything is passed through committee stage, the All England Club will acquire from the LTA its 50% share of All England Lawn Tennis Ground, the company that owns the Wimbledon site and its facilities, amounting to £55 million in capital to be paid in agreed increments and invested in the sport's infrastructure. For its part, the All England will then become sole owner of the venue in SW19, in return for which 90% of the annual surplus from the championships will be guaranteed to the LTA every year until 2053.
Complicated stuff but the upshot is British tennis, not short of financial backing but horrendously weak in terms of strength in depth on the playing front for the last 30 years, is set for another cash windfall.
And those involved are more than happy. Tim Phillips, chairman of the All England Club said: "I see this as only good for British tennis and good for the Championships, because a division means we will be able to concentrate on delivering the best event we can and the LTA can concentrate on propagating tennis throughout the country.
"Our central task is to maintain the championships as the premier tennis event in the world, with facilities to match, and we can continue that by securing 10 per cent of the surplus, which helps fund our long-term plans."
Similarly satisfied is Stuart Smith, whose three-year term as LTA president expires next month, said: "The long-term stability of this agreement provides a foundation for us to continue in our efforts to boost income from other sources, necessary to grow the sport, increase success and build facilities across the country."
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ATP Loses A Candidate for Top Job

Soccer's gain looks likely to be tennis loss as Andy Anson, one of the most creditable in-house ATP candidates to succeed Etienne de Villiers as executive president, is about to be named chief executive of England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.
Anson is well respected in the soccer world after a successful spell as Commercial Director of Manchester United, one of the most marketable sporting concerns in the world.
The 44 year-old is a former Disney Corporation employee, having spent three and a half years working in Los Angeles before joining Manchester United. Many were surprised when he left the current UEFA Champions League title holders two years ago after setting up the British record sponsorship deal with US financial services giant AIG.
As the ATP's ceo of Europe he has been largely based in Monte Carlo and insiders viewed him as a sensible successor to De Villiers both for his professional acumen and the simple fact he was a European with the player power base of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic holding sway.
However the presence of David Gill, currently Manchester United's chief executive on the FA 2018 board, saw Anson as the perfect candidate once Liverpool's chief executive Rick Parry turned the job down.
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Pro Charity Events Attract Non-Tennis Sponsors
By Liza Horan

The key to success in business, as in life, is developing emotional connections with other people, says crack consultant Keith Ferrazzi, who travels the talk circuit advocating the idea that treating clients like friends can win deals.
Surely that helps, but tennis charity event organizers have better advice: Make more of your personal relationships business.

That's how The Baltimore Sun became and has remained a sponsor of the 23-year-old PNC Tennis Classic [TennisChallenge.org], founded by Baltimore native Pam Shriver.
"It started with a personal relationship, and they've always put us at the forefront. As this event has grown, they've grown with us," says Marc Kantrowitz of Friday night's exhibition match between Elena Dementieva and Serena Williams at 1st Mariner Arena. The event has raised more than $4 million for local charities over the years based on community support for the local heroine.
And how did financial services company Raymond James come to sponsor the Dec. 6 pro-am at Bardmoor Golf & Tennis Club in Largo, Fla.?
CEO Tom James is a longtime member, tennis supporter and "personal friend" of club tennis director Maria Cercone. "He loves junior tennis, supports team events and is an avid player," says Cercone, who also serves on the board of the Florida Tennis Foundation. "I taught his kids tennis. They've got kids of their own now."
The Dec. 6 pro-am—featuring current stars John Isner and Jesse Levine, plus ESPN commentator and former pro MaliVai Washington and USTA Elite Player Development coach Jay Berger—benefits the Climb for Cancer Foundation and Florida Tennis Foundation (FTF). Cercone, an FTF board member, was able to coordinate the timing of the event with USTA Florida annual meeting to increase attendance.

Raymond James also sponsored the Chris Evert pro-celebrity event earlier this month in Delray Beach, Fla. [ChrisEvert.org]. Her event attracts stars from the sport and beyond, including such participants as former President George H.W. Bush and musician Gavin Rossdale. Since 1999 the event has raised more than $16.8 million for drug abuse treatment and abused children.
Interestingly, tennis charity events have the ability to pull in sponsors that larger tournaments do not: The local angle offers great visibility within a specific distinct and familiar market; companies want to support the community; and the personal access to decision-makers is unrivaled.
Pulling in local sponsors has helped the annual Swingtime pro-celebrity/pro-am raise money for the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation [CHEvents.com]. While JetBlue and Nike are among the dozen or so sponsors of this weekend's event, the fancy Saturday night party--attracting Mardy Fish, Sebastian Grosjean, and Xavier Malisse along with other celebrities—will be presented by another sponsor: The Law Offices of Andy M. Custer, which serves Palm Beach County.
Tennis sponsorships on the televised pro circuit may be endangered in this economy, leaving local charity events in a precarious position. "It's a really tough economy out there," says Kantrowitz, noting that a couple of sponsors have dropped out this year.
There is good news: Business leaders interviewed for the 2008 IBM Global CEO Study said they will increase philanthropic spending 25 percent over the next three years.
That finding is a reflection of consumers' growing interest in socially-minded products, services and suppliers, and means that there will be more funding available for charity-related endeavors.
The challenge will be finding out which of your friends is a tennis-minded ceo. Perhaps a conversation in the locker room can lead to a decision in the board room.
***
Jankovic, Ivanovic and Williams Sisters to Play in New York in March

Four of the world’s top women tennis players, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic will face off in a one-night only single elimination event  Monday, March 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Limited front row VIP tickets priced at $1,000.00 and additional tickets listed at $325.00, $175.00, $125.00, $75.00, and $50.00 are now on sale.
The $1.2 million “BNP Paribas Showdown for the Billie Jean King Cup”, the featured component of the national “Tennis Night in America” promotion, is produced by StarGames in association with Madison Square Garden. The event will benefit the Dream Vaccines Foundation and Women's Sports Foundation. 
***
Roddick Hires Stefanki as Coach
By Charles Bricker

Larry Stefanki, who has coached three No. 1 ranked players and who has just completed a three-year deal with Fernando Gonzalez, will be hired by Andy Roddick for 2009.
Stefanki, 51, of La Quinta, Calif., is one of the most highly regarded as well as one of the most gregarious coaches in the United States. He has previously coached No. 1s John McEnroe, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marcelo Rios, and had coached Britain's Tim Henman's in his final years on tour.
For Roddick, it will be his seventh professional coach. In order: Tarik Benhabiles, Dean Goldfine, Brad Gilbert, brother John Roddick, Jimmy Connors and Patrick McEnroe, the U.S. Davis Cup captain who helped Roddick through this year.
It hasn't been a great year for Gonzalez, who started the year at No. 7 and is now at No. 15, but with Stefanki he reached a career best of No. 5 in 2007 after Stefanki redesigned his game, moving him from a big-hitting, short-point player to someone who could blend his massive forehand ground stroking with patience and stamina.
Gonzalez had his greatest success under Stefanki, reaching the final of the 2007 Australian Open.
In Stefanki, Roddick is getting one of the best coaches in tennis. Quick-witted and highly intelligent, he was educated and played, as did his two brothers, at the University of California in Berkeley. He also has a deliciously droll sense of humor, which he enjoys visiting upon reporters. There seems little doubt about his adaptability to different personalities. In Kafelnikov and Rios he worked with two of tennis' moodiest characters.
While it's difficult to predict how or if Stefanki will alter Roddick's basic game, his challenge with Roddick might not be too different than his work with Gonzalez. Stefanki favors tactics over brute power, but he also knows how to incorporate the two.
***
Federer Has One More Exhibition Date in Macao Then Relax for a While

The Roger Federer-Bjorn Borg roadshow moves onto Macao for a final date as the Swiss prepares to finally end his tennis campaign for a week or two before getting back to off-season training in Dubai.
Federer, James Blake, Borg and John McEnroe entertained fans in Kuala Lumpur with a brief exhibition with Federer's weak back unable to prevent him from beating Blake in a one-set exho in the Malaysian capital.
Borg and McEnroe also met in an "old boys" match followed by a concluding set of doubles from the Europeans versus the Americans.
Federer insisted that he's not concerned as Masters Cup champion Novak Djokovic climbed to within ten points of his own No. 2 status.
"I can still sleep well because he is not going to pass me anytime soon," said former No. 1.
"Honestly, to be ranked two, three, four, five, 25, it doesn't really matter a whole lot. It's either No. 1 or being in the main draw," added Federer who said in Shanghai that the idea of hearing himself introduced as No. 2 does not sit well in his mind.
"I'm glad we are at the end of the season and I will take it easy for a few weeks." The Macao night will follow the same format as the date in Malaysia.
***
Bryan Twins Had Their Best Year Ever
By Charles Bricker

Despite his sons not finishing No. 1 in ATP doubles for the first time since 2004, Wayne Bryan is calling this season "the best ever" for his twins after they led the tour with 64 wins and finished runner-up at the Masters Cup with Bob Bryan less than 100 percent with a shoulder injury.
The injury still needs rest and the Bryans, who appeared in eight off-season celebrity charity events in 2007, will thus cut back to four this year.
They've returned to the family home in Camarillo, Calif., for the Thanksgiving holiday, but will be back in Florida for a Dec. 6 Cystic Fibrosis benefit on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Fort Lauderdale and, a day later, at Andy Roddick's annual benefit event in Boca Raton on Sunday.
They're also playing an exhibition in Atlanta on Dec. 13 and later in the month in Maui before beginning the 2009 season at Chennai, India, and Sydney, before the Australian Open.
"They were disappointed to take second at the Masters Cup, but, all in all, with their intense schedule this year and almost no time off with the Olympics and Davis Cup, it was their best year," said Wayne Bryan.
The twins reached 12 finals, tied with Masters Cup winner Nenad Zimonjic and Daniel Nestor with 5 titles and won the U.S. Open for their sixth Grand Slam championship.
With 49 doubles titles with each other, they need eight to tie John McEnroe/Peter Fleming and Bob Hewitt/Frew McMillen for second place and 13 to surpass Mark Woodforde/Todd Woodbridge.
***
March Event in New York to be More Than Just a Tennis Exhibition
By Charles Bricker

The blockbuster exhibition to be played at Madison Square Garden next March with the Williams sisters, Ana Ivanovic and current No. 1 Jelena Jankovic is going to be more than merely an on-court event.
Promoters are planning to make the evening of Monday, March 2 Tennis Night in America by pumping the HBO TV feed of the matches, at no cost, into as many as a thousand public and private tennis and recreation clubs, and using the nationwide connection with fans to celebrate tennis and bring more children into the game.
After the financial success of the Pete Sampras-Roger Federer exhibition at Madison Square Garden last March, said promoter Jerry Solomon, "We decided to come back with something very different. We felt it was important to not just do an event that stood on its own but integrated itself into the world of tennis.
"We're inviting everyone in the tennis community to be part of something that would be a really big deal for tennis -- the concept of Tennis Night in America. This one night each year we would draw attention to the sport at all levels. Just stop the clock and have all players celebrate the sport.
"We're focusing on marrying pro tennis, grassroots tennis, the promotion of kids playing tennis and just the celebration of people playing the game," Solomon said.
The four-woman tournament, competing for the Billie Jean King Cup, is being supported by a joint venture of the Tennis Channel, HBO, the USTA and Madison Square Garden.
It was Kurt Kamperman, chief executive of community tennis for the USTA, who devised the idea of broadening the event by signing up young people to get involved in the game.
Clubs across the U.S. can contact Kamperman at the USTA if interested in bringing the HBO feed to their facility and turning the Madison Square Garden tournament into a sort of tennis tailgating party.
"We think this special night has so many elements to attract new players and bring back players to the game," Kamperman said. "And the first Monday in March is such an ideal date. That's when most park and recreation programs are signing up players for spring and summer programs."
In addition to all that, there will be a contest to find "America's best tennis town." Nominations will be collected by the USTA and the winner announced during the 2009 U.S. Open, in September. "Five months after this event, some town is going to get a check for $100,000 for growing tennis," said Kamperman.
***
Tennis Channel’s Founder Launches Ski Channel

Steve Bellamy, chairman and ceo of The Ski Channel announced that the network will launch on December 25th, Christmas Day, to over 15 Million digital US households. The network has additionally signed multi-year distribution agreements with DIRECTV and Verizon FiOS TV.
This is the same Bellamy who launched the Tennis Channel in 2003. He left Tennis Channel two years ago, and moved into a new sport with significant success.
The Ski Channel www.theskichannel.com is an original ad supported network delivered via VOD, web, wireless, and other distribution. It is the only national television network devoted to the wide variety of year-round mountain activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, backpacking, climbing, etc., along with many off-slope activities. The Ski Channel’s content will inspire and inform its audience with magazine shows, movies, events, news, weather, and programs that focus on destination travel, equipment, instruction and real estate.
***
Celebrity Pro Am Held This Week End

Tennis people are becoming quite active and giving back to the sport that has brought them fame and fortune.
This week end has scheduled the 10th annual Swingtime -- A Pro-Celebrity Pro-Am Tennis & Golf Tournament  -- Benefiting the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation, Swingtime’s Tennis Pro-Am, Exhibition and Dinner Gala will take place at The Players Club & Spa at Lely Resort with the Golf Pro-Am Tournament returning to Olde Cypress, Naples, Florida on November 22-23, 2008.
***
ATP Masters Cup Prize Money Payout

Novak Djokovic left Shanghai last week with the biggest paycheck; $1,240,000. Pay for the other participants were;

Nikolay Davydenko

$615,000

Andy Murray

400,000

Gilles Simon

300,000

Roger Federer

200,000

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga

200,000

Juan Martin Del Potro

200,000

Radek Stepanek

75,000

Andy Roddick

50,000

Doubles Team payouts were;

Nestor-Zimonjic

$220,000

Bryan-Bryan

105,000

Cuevas-Horna

80,000

Fystenbert-Matrowski

80,000

Bhupathi-Knowles

65,000

Coetzee-Moodie

65,000

Bjorkman-Ullyett

65,000

Dlouhy-Paes

50,000

***
Carole Graebner Passes Away

Carole Graebner, top tennis player in the 1960s, passed away earlier this week. After leaving the tour she became an active volunteer for the USTA serving as Fed Cup Chairman for a number of years. Recently, she was a vice president of Tennis Week where she was in charge of advertising sales.

**

We Hear—
--that Tennis News will announce on Monday its 2008 Tennis Person of the Year.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Finals in Argentina
WOMEN
Nothing
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
Wednesday’s Stock Prices

Stock

Last

Change

Adidas

13.65

-.65

Amer Sports

4.05

0.00

Head

2.10

0.00

K-Swiss

11.41

-.73

Nike

43.84

-2.78

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $75.05
* 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 2008. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Monday, November 17, 2008

BUSINESS NEWS

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Editor's Note: We have begun our Monday, Thursday publication schedule for November and December.
***
Showy Tennis Exhibition Set for Tuesday

After suffering continued back problems and a temporary upset stomach throughout the Tennis Masters Cup, Roger Federer could have been excused for pulling out of tomorrow's Showdown of Champions alongside John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg and James Blake.
But sensing his obligations and making the most of three days rest since losing to Andy Murray on Friday, the US Open champion and former world no.1 will be at the Putra Stadium in Kuala Lumpur., the Malaysian capital.
"There is no miracle cure but the short break means I will be back to my best for the event," said Federer who played an exhibition as part of an Asian tour against Pete Sampras last year.
"I'm looking forward to my trip to Kuala Lumpur as I enjoyed my time here last year. Obviously, it is going to be different this time as then the focus was on Pete and myself. This time, there are two legends, John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg in the picture, as well as James Blake. I have never played against McEnroe before and I am certainly looking forward to it."
KL organizers said that Federer will meet with fans for half an hour while Blake will conduct a coaching clinic involving a group of young players.
Federer, who won the Olympic gold in the men's doubles, said: "I used to play doubles when I was younger but the focus has been on singles and the Grand Slams events."
***
Wilson is Industry Leader with #1 Racket Brand and #1 Hot New Racket

According to industry figures Wilson leads the industry in unit share and dollar share. Sports Marketing Survey’s third quarter 2008 results, just released show Wilson holds the #1 ranking for “Hot New Racket” for 2008 with the [K] Blade 98.
Wilson has five of the top 10 sellers in the market.
The data are based on the Third Quarter 2008 Sports Marketing Surveys/TIA audit of retail sales at tennis specialty stores. According to the SMS Report third quarter sell-thru results, Wilson has 5 of the top 10 “Best Selling” rackets (in YTD dollars): [K] Blade 98, [K] Six.One 95, [K] Six.One Tour 90, [K] Six.One Team 95, and [K] Blade Tour.
Wilson holds 4 of the top 5 “Hot New Rackets” with the #1 “Hot New Racket” spot held by the [K] Blade 98. Sports Marketing Survey measures “Hot New Rackets” as the top selling rackets that were release within a rolling 12 month period. [K] Blade 98 is the #1 “Hot New Racket and the [K] Blade Tour, [K] Pro Open and [K] Tour are also in the Top 5.
***
It Looks Djokovic Family will Get an ATP Tournament in May for Belgrade

It's looking like all systems go for the new Belgrade tournament to be run by the family of Novak Djokovic. After the ATP board gave its tentative blessing during meetings this week in Shanghai, Serbian tennis authorities are set to follow suit.
The event on clay will be the first for the nation which currently dominates on both the ATP and WTA, with Djokovic third in the world and compatriot Jelena Jankovic the women's No. 1. French Open champion Ana Ivanovic is also in the elite mix for the nation.
Reports say the ATP is working to slot the tournament into the calendar and determine prize money, but that final approval is a formality before the end of the year. Serbian media report the tournament will be played in May for a modest prize packet of $326,000.
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Murray Ready to Launch into 2009 Prep Work

Rest and recuperation doesn't appear top of Andy Murray's priorities even though the world no.4 seemed physically spent as he lost out to Nikolay Davydenko in the semi-finals of the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.
Murray had less than 24 hours to recover from his three hour plus epic with Roger Federer while eventual runner-up Davydenko was enjoying the luxury of two days respite between his concluding round-robin group match – a scheduling issue that the organizers of the Barclays ATP World Tour Championships which succeed the Masters Cup at London's 02 Arena next year are certain to bear in mind.
But Murray and his back-up team will make only the briefest stop back in Britain before heading for Florida to prepare for next year. The team will again base themselves in the Miami area where Murray has bought an apartment but a playing date has already been penciled in for Saturday, December 13.
The 21 year-old Scot will face Mardy Fish in charity exhibition match at The Boulevard Village and Tennis Club in Vero Beach, Florida. The funds will benefit the Mardy Fish foundation, set up in 2006, and will be part of Mardy's Tennis & Jake's Music Fest is a two-day event consisting of a unique combination of tennis, music, golf and a dinner party, at venues around Vero Beach. 
Fish is a lifelong friend of country artist Jake Owen and the two-day event will be a unique combination of tennis, music, golf and a dinner party. It will support numerous good causes around the Vero Beach area in support of low income families and after- school programs for students.
Murray will not have much time to join in the off-court festivities. His coach Miles Maclagan, physical conditioner Matt Little, strength and endurance coach Jez Green and physiotherapist Andy Ireland are all planning a month of intensive work before the player begins 2009 on January 1 in the exclusive company of hopefully Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Davydenko, Andy Roddick and James Blake at the Capitala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
Maclagan reported the work will be 'torture' and said: "The big focus is going to be physical, because this is the guy's chance to fill up the tanks in terms of strength and endurance. Game-wise, I look on it a bit differently. You are working on stuff throughout the year.
"I don't think there are any problem areas. Obviously every good player would like to make more first serves and do a bit more on the return, but I don't see any problem areas in his game. It's just a question of taking everything to maybe half a level or a level better.
"He's found his game style. I think he's pretty clear on that. It was partly me learning how he should play - and him. There were a few matches early on when he didn't come off feeling that great, but ever since Hamburg he's really built a lot of momentum. After every single match, whether he's won or lost, he's come off the court and we've said: 'We're going forward.'"
***
Simon Hopes to Stay in Top 10

Gilles Simon will be living a dream on the brief off-season after rising to French No. 1 and making the year-end field at the Masters Cup. The breakout player was returning from Shanghai with new status after reaching the semi-finals, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
Simon almost cannot believe what he has achieved in a burst of form which he hopes to carry into 2009. "I didn't think I would be No. 7 at the end of the year," confessed the 23-year-old.
"I was in the top 30 in January, and I really wanted to be in the top 15.  But there is a big difference being 15 or 7 at the end of the year.  That's good for me."
Simon has overhauled more fancied compatriots including Richard Gasquet and has Shanghai participant Jo-Wilfried Tsonga trailing in his winning wake. "I think that people were waiting for other players, they didn't focus on my tennis. But I showed to everybody that I was a good player. This gives me confidence for next year.
"My goal is to stay in the top 10 and to play better in the Slams, because I lost every time in the third round this year."
***
Bjorkman Officially Retires from the Tour But Eyes the Senior Circuit

Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman has ended his storied career at age 36 after claiming all four major doubles titles and 15 Masters titles among his 54 career doubles trophies.
The Monte Carlo-based father of two who retired after a loss at the Masters Cup, also cited his Davis Cup titles with Sweden in 1997 and 1998 as highlight moments of a standout career. "Winning the Davis Cup was something that was huge to be part of, I was very proud to be representing my country."
The Swede said that departing the game is bittersweet. "I still think it's great to end my career in the biggest event of the year, even if I would have liked to have gone further. I've been mentally prepared for this because I'm mentally very ready to retire. I've been very fortunate to be able to play for so long.
Bjorkman joked that he is now ready at his age to step onto the senior circuit. "I'm going to take advantage that I've been playing so long that I can go straight into seniors. That puts a lot of pressure on the guys."
***
California Desert Teaching Pro Injured in Automobile Mishap

Tory Fretz, popular teaching pro in the Palm Springs, California area suffered a serious injury on Halloween night. Earlier in the day, she and Billie Jean King had hosted a tennis clinic for World TeamTennis youngsters at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. They were planning to see a show in the desert that evening. Fretz, having parked her car, was on her way to meet King. While in the crosswalk at the site, she was struck by a valet-driven vehicle.
It seems the car’s mirror hit her head, damaging her left eye. (It will be four to six weeks before doctors know if it can be saved.) The former Occidental College and pro standout also suffered a broken eye socket and nose, along with head trauma.
Known as the 'Pied Piper' because of her teaching skill with youngsters, her friends held a fundraiser at the Palm Desert Resort Country Club, on Sunday.
***
Murray Compares Himself with Tour #1 and 2

Andy Murray made his breakthrough in 2008, but the Scot still knows where he stands as he faces the tennis wall of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
"I don't see a whole lot of weaknesses," the world No 4 said of the top pair in the game. "Federer is, I'm sure, going to want to try to get his No. 1 back, and I'm sure he's going to want to try and regain his Wimbledon trophy.
"Nadal, now that he's won Wimbledon, the French, I'm sure he's gonna give it his best effort to get ready for Australia and US Open are going to be huge for him.
"They're definitely going to be top five next year.  Probably 1 and 2 again. They're playing that well and that consistently all the time."
Meanwhile the British No. 1 has his own plans for improvement. "This year as a whole has been awesome, I would have signed up for this year.
"At the end of last year, if someone would have told me I was going to be fourth in the world, won the matches I had done, be to my first Grand Slam final, you know, beating Federer three times, I would have taken that."
***
Even in Shanghai Defeat Federer Feels Proud About Overall Performance

Even in defeat, Roger Federer remains proud of how he almost overcame the odds against back pain before falling from the Masters Cup for the first time ever prior to the semifinal stage.
"I'm pretty happy I don't have a match tomorrow, to be honest,"
said the Swiss, who saved seven match points and took three on-court treatments on the back which has bothered him for a fortnight. "It wouldn't have been a whole lot of fun to go out there.
"I would have played Davydenko, that wouldn't have been a whole lot of fun.  Against him, you have to defend and run.
The Swiss admitted: "Of course I'm disappointed, I wish I could have played the matches I played here this week under better circumstances.
"But I almost made a miracle happen. I can't believe how close I got, to be honest.  So I'm actually very happy."
The three-hour struggle might have taken something from Murray for his match against Novak Djokovic. But Federer, the master planner, is already plotting post-holiday strategy.
"I mean, it was a good season, I was happy I could win the US Open for the fifth straight time," said the Swiss, whose 15 losses were his most since the 17 of 2003.
"I'm looking forward to next year, to go for six.  It was an incredible match at Wimbledon (against Rafael Nadal). To be part that was good, as well."

***

We Hear—
--that Randy Master, the publisher of Tennis Week, is leaving to rejoin Tennis Channel in its New York Office as an advertising executive.
--that plans are in place to increase the seating capacity of Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena by 6,000 to a new capacity of 21,000 seats after the 2010 Australian Open…but this could involve the temporary removal of the revolutionary sliding roof that made the year's opening Grand Slam a trendsetter 20 years ago. 
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
Friday’s Stock Prices

Stock

Last

Change

Adidas

15.33

-1.34

Amer Sports

4.05

0.00

Head

2.10

0.00

K-Swiss

12.44

-.26

Nike

46.53

-2.33

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $80.45
* 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 2008. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

 

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Bob Larson's
TENNIS CELEBS

© Copyright 2008.  No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

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IN THIS WEEK'S ISSUE...

News
Tennis Shorts
WTA Scheduled To Play
Covers
Sightings
Appearing Soon
Money Mountain
He Said... She Said
Happy Birthday

NEWS

Federer Feels Insulted When Introduced as World Number 2

Roger Federer confesses that he's irked by court announcers who insist on presenting him as world No. 2. And the longtime top-ranked player who lost his title in August to Rafael Nadal is prepared to take steps to change that.
"I don't like the ring of it," said the 13-time Grand Slam champion, who topped the table for four and a half years. "When I'm being introduced on center court, it just sounds wrong to me, a bit awkward. ”I've been up there for so long that it sounds unfamiliar."
Federer, who opened play in the Red "group of death" losing to Frenchman Gilles Simon, said he had his own preferences: "It just sounds wrong. I'm number one or a Grand Slam champion - but not number two. "
"It's a challenge to get back to where I was. Next year will be a good chance. I'll do all I can and starting here."
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Ivanovic Honored by WTA

World No. 4 Ana Ivanovic from Serbia has claimed the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ACES Award for the first time in her career by virtue of an impressive final run of off court promotional activities at the end of the season-long ACES Race.   The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ACES Award is given to the player who consistently goes above and beyond to promote the sport of women’s tennis to fans, media, in the community and beyond. 
"I'm very happy to win this fun competition,” said Ivanovic.  “Being a professional tennis player is about a lot more than just hitting tennis balls and winning matches. The off-court side of things is also very important, and it's essential that we as athletes do what we can to promote the sport.  There have been a lot of enjoyable ACES activities this year. I always enjoy meeting fans, sponsors and other guests when I'm at tournaments.
The ACES award was first introduced in 1995, in memory of former Tour CEO Jerry Diamond.  Since then eight players have won the award including Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Gabriela Sabatini, Amanda Coetzer, Lindsay Davenport, Martina Hingis, Anastasia Myskina and Svetlana Kuznetsova.
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Seles Ready to Officially Retire
By Charles Bricker

For years Monica Seles resisted submitting to the sort of public farewell that was put on for Pete Sampras at the 2003 U.S. Open, but she now sounds as if she's ready for it.
"For a long time I just wanted to make sure I was really retiring. So maybe now . . .maybe I'm ready for it. But that's up to the USTA," she said Saturday night in an interview before appearing as one of the honored guests at a dinner party in Sarasota, Fla. celebrating Nick Bollettieri's 30 years in coaching.
For years, those close to her have urged her to make herself available for a public farewell, but she has declined.
It was on a warm night in New York that Sampras, appearing with his wife and holding his son in his arms, was honored before the start of the night session on the Arthur Ashe stadium court. Few had seen Sampras as choked up as he was that evening.
Like Seles, it was not Sampras' nature to seek an official "farewell ceremony." He had to be coaxed away from home in Los Angeles and he was glad he attended. Now, it could be Seles' turn, if the USTA chooses to put on a similar night for the nine-time major winner who, though she was not born in the United States, became a citizen and goes down as one of the greatest of American tennis champions.
"Now that I know I'm definitely retired, it would be a lot easier to do something like that," said Seles, 35. "Before, I had those doubts."
Seles had won back to back U.S. Open titles in 1991-92 before being stabbed by a deranged fan in Hamburg, Germany, in the spring of 1993. She came back to tennis two years later, but won only one more major (1996 Australian Open). Her final match was a first round loss at the 2003 French Open.
Once very reclusive, she has broken out of her shell by appearing on Dancing With the Stars TV show, doing radio and TV shows, and writing for Self magazine.
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What do the Stars Who Play in the Evening do During the Day?

When you’re a top player you often find yourself playing late in the evening, because that’s when the crowds are in. But that leaves a long day to fill, trying to keep fresh and alert for the match. So how does Jelena Jankovic deal with it?
"I sleep a lot. I sleep a lot. All I do is sleep. I eat, I sleep, and I play a little bit of tennis just to feel the ball. It's so hard to train and in a proper way (in Doha), because the wind is all over the place, especially playing in the outside courts. The balls are going all over the place. It's very hard to get your rhythm, to work on certain shots, because you just cannot get your timing and you cannot form this kind of automatism. Or how do you call it? To hit many balls like a machine. What can I do? I try my best."
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Bollettieri Celebrates 30 Years as Academy Operator
By Charles Bricker

The setting couldn't have been classier Saturday night -- the grand ballroom at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in upscale Sarasota, Fl., and the speakers did a fine job of not only roasting Nick Bollettieri, but also properly celebrating his 30 years of teaching tennis.
Well known basketball analyst Dick Vitale, one of the keynote speakers at the 30th anniversary celebration of Nick Bollettieri's 30 years in coaching, got off the best line of the evening at a Saturday night banquet at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota, Fl.
"When I arrived here Nick asked me, 'Dick, do you believe in the Constitution of the United States?' I said of course I do. Then he asked me, 'Dick, do you believe in free speech?' And I said absolutely. And then Nick told me, 'That's good, Dick, because you're going to give a free speech tonight. You're not going to be paid.' "
The only thing missing was more of the big names that have matriculated from the Bollettieri Academy in nearby Bradenton, Fl.
Andre Agassi was home in Las Vegas, but sent a four-minute videotape, praising Bollettieri for not only coaching him in tennis but in life as well.
Jim Courier wasn't there because he was with his Outback Tour senior series in Arizona. Jelena Jankovic was at the WTA Championships in Doha and Maria Sharapova was in Arizona, continuing therapy on her injured shoulder so that she might be able to play as early as January.
But Monica Seles, one of several former Bollettieri students who rose to No. 1 in the rankings, was there and so was David Wheaton, who was part of that great collection of juniors Bollettieri had in the 1980s, which included Agassi, Courier and Martin Blackman, who also attended.
So was former top 10 Brian Gottfried, who was Bollettieri's first student at the Bradenton academy.
Mary Pierce was in attendance. No more target dates for a comeback, says Pierce, the two-time major winner who hasn't played a match in just over two years.
"This time I'm just going to wait until my knee is recovered," said Pierce, who turns 34 years old on Jan. 15. She's had a long period of recovery from knee surgery and, though she insists she is working toward a return to competitive tennis, there are those who believe her career is over.
As for Bollettieri, it was one of his rare public appearances in a suit and tie, and no sunglasses. He was in a reflective mood as he talked about his 30 years -- how he moved from a smaller camp on Longboat Key, the wealthy island community between Sarasota and Bradenton, and built his academy from scratch, using what he has often referred to as "tough love" to instill discipline into his students.
"When I think of Nick I think of his passion for the game," said Agassi. "He has a true commitment to every person he took under his wing. I just want to thank you, Nick. You've taught me things on and off the court that continue to serve me every day."
But Bollettieri didn't escape a barb from Agassi, who pointed out that "Nick is so committed to marriage he's tried it eight times, twice to the same woman." Bollettieri roared.
Courier also sent a videotape, recounting not only how Bollettieri pushed him to his limits, but how the security guards at the academy got a little too aggressive when Courier played his drums too loudly in his dorm room.

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Navratilova to Participate in Reality TV Jungle Series

Martina Navratilova, 52 years old and most famously described by Billie Jean King as 'the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived' is about to take on a startling new challenge. She is one of ten contestants heading for the most dense and most remote Australian jungle to take part in the prime-time top-ranked British reality television show 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!'
Navratilova, who currently lives near Sarasota, Florida and finally retired from competitive tennis just two years ago after winning the US Open mixed doubles titles just a few weeks short of her 50^th birthday, will join a former Metropolitan Police commander, a Startrek actor, an outspoken talk show host, a topless model and the girl friend of an England football international in the jungle.
The contestants live in jungle conditions near Murwillumbah, New South Wales with few creature comforts. Critics have called the show trashy TV, consisting of has-been or never-were celebrities trying to revive their careers. They earn luxuries such as food by completing Bushtucker Trials which often involve excruciating ordeals such as putting their head in a tank full of maggots, locusts or spiders and sleeping in rat infested camps.
Normally a string of B list contestants agree to appear on the show in a bid to jump-charge their flagging earning power and recent contestants include Jimmy Osmond, David Gest (the ex-husband of Liza Minnelli), model Janice Dickinson and ex Sex Pistol John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
The celebrities themselves are also paid a fee (reported to be £25,000 for UK competitors) to compensate them for possible loss of earnings while they are in the jungle. However Martina would not appear to need the money after amassing a career prize fund in excess of $21 million.
Transmissions begin Sunday and more than 50% of the total British viewing public is  expected to tune in.
***

Stepanek Had Difficulty Getting His Gear into Shanghai

Substitute Radek Stepanek has fallen victim to Chinese customs authorities this week after a shipment of rackets held in quarantine forced him to play a Masters Cup match using borrowed gear.
Even a pair of contact lenses have yet to make it through, with the Czech who lost a Red group match to Roger Federer forced to go shopping for a spare pair in Shanghai.
Stepanek also lost to Federer wearing socks borrowed from Andy Murray and using the rackets of Novak Djokovic.
He got the call to court after Andy Roddick pulled out after rolling an ankle. "I came here straight from Thailand where I was on my vacation," said Stepanek. "I didn't take any tennis stuff on my vacation, they sent it to me from home."
But Stepanek said that even with all the inconvenience, he was happy to have been summoned to China along with the second alternate, Nicolas Kiefer.
"For me it was always a dream to play in the Masters Cup because you're in the Elite 8 best players in the world. This tournament is just special in all ways, starting with the way they are treating us here," he said, well-aware to the base-rate $50,000 fee he will earn, with another $25,000 to come after he plays his second and final match on Friday.
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Tsonga Has Trouble Getting His Towel When he Wants It

Shanghai debutant Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is ready to throw in the towel after his first match, complaining that ballboys and girls have not got a clue about how to work on court.
The Frenchman who claimed the last place in the season-wrap-up field said that he was robbed of energy in a Gold group defeat against Nikolay Davydenko by occasionally having to chase up his own towel after points.
"You are here and you want your towel," said Tsonga. "You say one time, two times, three times, and then you ask the other guy. The other guy looks around, so you have to say one time, two times, three times, and the towel comes.
"When I ask my towel, my towel didn't come - when I ask for a ball, the ball didn't come.  Sometimes you are tired and you play a long point and you say you want your towel and the guy look, I don't know, somewhere around."
Tsonga said the extra effort probably made his walk an extra kilometer (half-mile) during the match.
***

Israeli Obziler Getting Active in Real Politics

Politics is all about ups and downs and such has been the case for Israeli tennis player turned politician Tzipi Obziler in the last few weeks.
Just a few weeks ago in Shrewsbury, England 35 year-old Obziler suffered the ignominy of losing to an opponent 21 years her junior – the much heralded British 14 year-old and Wimbledon junior champion Laura Robson.
But Obziler clearly had other things on her mind. A committed member of the Green Givatayim party, she decided to stand as a candidate in the local elections that took place earlier this week. And she was duly elected to the Givatayim municipal council after her party won two mandates.
One of women's tennis unquestioned veterans - she made her competitive debut on the satellite circuit nearly 20 years ago – 176^th ranked Obziler insists she is not contemplating retirement although her position may force her to cut back on a playing schedule that this year alone has seen her contest 25 events including all four Grand Slams and the Olympic Games as well as representing Israel in Fed Cup.
Obziler was not the only sportsperson to figure in the Israeli elections. Arkadi Gaydamak, who owns British Premier League soccer club Portsmouth, failed in his attempt to be elected Mayor of Jerusalem. However Judoka Yoel Rozvozov, a European Championship medalist at judo, was elected to the Netanya city council.
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Federer Guides Young Men in Their “First Shave”

Roger Federer has again set a manly example on behalf of his multinational razor sponsor, guiding a group of Chinese 18-year-olds through their (ceremonial) "first shave" during a promotion for the Masters Cup.
Federer held a microphone in one hand and a Gillette razor in the other as the Swiss paused during training for the eight-man season-ending event which begins round-robin play at the weekend.
Federer is seeking to complete a hat-trick of Shanghai title success as the tournament is held for the last time in China's commercial capital before morphing into a regular-season Masters 1000 tournament in October, 2009.
A year after showing off his shaving skills before a group of 1,000 Chinese teenagers, Federer's 2008 audience was a hand-picked group of 18-year-olds, all celebrating their maturity with the world No. 2.
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Serena Williams to Make Good Will Trip

Once her week on Doha is over, Serena Williams is heading to Africa to hand out free computers to schools in South Africa and Kenya.
"Yeah, I'm going to Africa Monday morning. I'm going to a couple different schools. One in South Africa, it's a good-will trip again. Like I’ve said, I love getting involved in philanthropy, and I'm going with one of my sponsors, HP and we're going to donate computers to the school in Africa, in South Africa. And then we're going to go to Kenya and donate some computers to a school there.
"It will be good for these kids to have an opportunity to learn to use a computer, especially one like an HP computer, and get in touch kind of with the rest of the world. Kind of see how everything else is going in the world. So regardless to what happens here, I'm excited about going to Africa. I just can't wait for that trip, and to get a chance to help children over there."

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TENNIS SHORTS

Mission Hills Country Club to Honor Mark Woodforde

Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California, will pay tribute to tennis legend Mark Woodforde on Friday, November 14, 2008, during the dedication of three grass tennis courts for Davis Cup ties. The dedication is being held as part of Mission Hills Country Club’s “Welcome Back” weekend of events.
An Opening Party Dinner for approximately 300 Members and Guests will be held at 7:30 p.m. to honor Mark Woodforde and welcome Mission Hills Members back for the season. At this Dinner, Mission Hills’ Tennis Staff and several Tennis Legends will speak and reflect on Mark Woodforde’s career and a plaque will be presented to Woodforde. 

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Billie Jean King Named Global Mentor for Gender Equality

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour announced today the naming of Billie Jean King as “Global Mentor for Gender Equality”, along with the funding of the Women’s Sports Foundation newly created Billie Jean King Leadership Internship program. 
As Global Mentor for Gender Equality, Billie Jean King joins Venus Williams, the partnership’s global Promoter for Gender Equality, and Tatiana Golovin of France and Zheng Jie of China, regional Promoters of Gender Equality, as core supporters and the player face of the UNESCO-Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Partnership.
The Billie Jean King Leadership Internship program to be funded by the UNESCO/Sony Ericsson WTA Tour partnership is the sixth such program to be launched, joining projects in Cameroon, Liberia, Jordan, China and Dominican Republic announced in November 2007. 
The new program will be run by the Women’s Sports Foundation, and will annually provide an opportunity for one young woman to gain experience in the sports industry through an internship at the Women’s Sports Foundation.
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Life is Grand When You’re Number One

Jelena Jankovic is on top of the tennis world, and life couldn’t be any better.
"I love being on this position," she said after qualifying for the semi-finals in Doha. "This is something that I worked for since I was a young girl. It was a dream of mine. Being on the No. 1, having that No. 1 ranking is something that nobody can take away from you, and you can just enjoy it. You have nothing to lose.
When you retire you can always say you've been No. 1., and it's something that not many girls in the history of tennis have done. I'm healthy. I have the No. 1 ranking. I'm enjoying my tennis. I've made a lot of money. What else can I ask in this world?"

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Top Four Women to Appear in New York’s Madison Square Garden

Impresario Jerry Solomon is bringing back a tennis blockbuster to New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2009 when he has arranged for Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and Venus Williams to play a night of competitive tennis.
Billed as Tennis Night in America, the four will play for the Billie Jean King Cup. After two one-set semifinal matches the winners will play a best of three-set final.
J. Wayne Richmond is Event Director of the BNP Paribas Showdown.

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WTA SCHEDULED TO PLAY

Upcoming schedules as of November 13, 2008
No events held

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COVERS

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A Reminder to Our Readers

We wish to remind our readers that our all-day tennis newswire is available to all tennis fans.
Just go to www.tennisnews.com anytime throughout the day for the latest tennis news. We surf the internet all day and post links to stories in newspapers and electronic media around the world. “We surf the net so you don’t have to."

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SIGHTINGS

Send your player sightings to: cort@tennisnews.com

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APPEARING SOON

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MONEY MOUNTAIN

2008 Prize Money Earnings

MEN (November 3)

1 Nadal, Rafael

$6,773,773

2 Federer, Roger

4,936,879

3 Djokovic, Novak

3,949,077

4 Murray, Andy

3,055,648

5 Davydenko, Nikolay

1,702,082

6 Tsonga, Jo-Wilfried

1,495,138

7 Roddick, Andy

1,287,888

8 Ferrer, David

1,170,008

9 Simon, Gilles

1,125,489

10 Del Potro, Juan Martin

1,122,497

WOMEN (November 10)

1

Williams, Serena

$3,852,173

2

Williams, Venus

3,747,565

3

Jankovic, Jelena

3,064,465

4

Ivanovic, Ana

2,838,390

5

Safina, Dinara

2,515,020

6

Sharapova, Maria

1,937,879

7

Dementieva, Elena

1,920,679

8

Zvonareva, Vera

1,773,175

9

Kuznetsova, Svetlana

1,452,369

10

Radwanska, Agnieszka

1,164,072

11

Black, Cara

919,940

12

Srebotnik, Katarina

895,145

13

Petrova, Nadia

893,295

14

Huber, Liezel

892,737

15

Medina Garrigues, Anabel

803,525

16

Zheng, Jie

771,469

17

Azarenka, Victoria

752,189

18

Pennetta, Flavia

723,059

19

Sugiyama, Ai

722,201

20

Schnyder, Patty

720,474

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HE SAID... SHE SAID...

"I don't like the ring of it. When I'm being introduced on center court, it just sounds wrong to me, a bit awkward. I've been up there for so long that it sounds unfamiliar." - Roger Federer commenting on being introduced as world No. 2 in Shanghai.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

November

Fernando Verdasco
15
1983

Sania Mirza
15
1986

Zina Garrison-Jackson
16
1963

Jeff Tarango
20
2968

Billie Jean King
22
1943

Boris Becker
22
1967

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Bob Larson - Publisher
Cort Larson - Editor
Bob Larson's Tennis Celebs is published weekly. 
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E-mail address bob@tennisnews.com
Visit our website at: www.tennisnews.com

Thursday, November 13, 2008

BUSINESS NEWS

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Editor's Note: We have begun our Monday, Thursday publication schedule for November and December. This week and next, we will be publishing some Special Tour Championships Editions that will cover the players and events surrounding the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha and the ATP Masters Cup in Shanghai.  Our Classifieds and College News will continue to stay on the Monday Thursday schedule.
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WTA Taking Action on Non-Medical Medical Time Outs

Mindful that strategic medical time outs are being used as tools to stall proceedings and promote additional on court recovery time, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is contemplating a radical new 'user pays' system for 2009.
The intention is to cap the number of occasions players are permitted to call a trainer on court for an extended consultation and issue bills for any excess. "It's just about helping players understand it's 'the show'," said Peter Johnston, the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's senior vice-president of operations. "It all gets into that basket of how we present a tighter, crisper, sharper product."
However the proposed penalties are unlikely to inflict excessive pain for some of the multi-millionaires who repeatedly resort to on-court treatment. The proposed fees range from $US100 at Tier 4 events to $500 at the WTA Tour's new big four: Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid and Beijing
In addition the four Grand Slam events, administered by the International Tennis Federation, would be exempt from the cap, expected to be set at six or seven for the year.
Johnson said the charges were designed to minimize the number of unwarranted time-outs, with the revenue to be reinvested in its sports science services.
"We understand that medical time-outs can be legitimate but we want to make sure that players are conscious of how many they're using up throughout the year, so we're looking to find a system of capping them during the season," said the former Australian Open deputy tournament director.
"It would trigger what we'd call a service fee. It's a sports science and health issue, so it's almost like a pay-per-view. You can keep using them, but you pay for them, and the amount would depend on the level of the event. It's not about us revenue-raising, it's more just a mindset — like, 'Hey, checkpoint, you've triggered this. Are they all legitimate?' It discourages the practice of, 'I'm feeling a bit weary, I might take a medical time-out'."
***
Israeli Obziler Getting Active in Real Politics

Politics is all about ups and downs and such has been the case for Israeli tennis player turned politician Tzipi Obziler in the last few weeks.
Just a few weeks ago in Shrewsbury, England 35 year-old Obziler suffered the ignominy of losing to an opponent 21 years her junior – the much heralded British 14 year-old and Wimbledon junior champion Laura Robson.
But Obziler clearly had other things on her mind. A committed member of the Green Givatayim party, she decided to stand as a candidate in the local elections that took place earlier this week. And she was duly elected to the Givatayim municipal council after her party won two mandates.
One of women's tennis unquestioned veterans - she made her competitive debut on the satellite circuit nearly 20 years ago – 176^th ranked Obziler insists she is not contemplating retirement although her position may force her to cut back on a playing schedule that this year alone has seen her contest 25 events including all four Grand Slams and the Olympic Games as well as representing Israel in Fed Cup.
Obziler was not the only sportsperson to figure in the Israeli elections. Arkadi Gaydamak, who owns British Premier League soccer club Portsmouth, failed in his attempt to be elected Mayor of Jerusalem. However Judoka Yoel Rozvozov, a European Championship medalist at judo, was elected to the Netanya city council.
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Obama Presidency Could Mean a Boost for Tennis
By Liza Horan

There's a lot of politics inside tennis. And, there's a lot of tennis inside politics.
Shelley Capito of West Virginia, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Norm Dicks of Washington, Bob Goodlatte of Virginia, and Charles Rangel of New York are just some of the people sitting in Congress who have put their signatures on legislation in the sport's interests.
The tennis lobby is led by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA.com), whose members include Nike, Wilson, Prince and the Tennis Industry Association. Whether it's trade tariffs, consumer safety guidelines, physical education in schools or public parks funding, the SGMA is tracking issues and building support year-round inside the beltway. Past wins include securing $75 million for PEP, which provides the only federal funding for physical education in schools.
Since the SGMA has to work with both sides of the aisle and whichever party gets the top spot, there was no endorsement of either Barack Obama or John McCain.
So, will tennis fare better or worse under an Obama administration that the current one?
"It's just really too early to tell," says SGMA chief Tom Cove, who will be joined by industry leaders and pro athletes on March 4 for a full day of lobbying called "National Health-through-Fitness Day." "With every new administration we come in with high hopes because we're talking about some of the key issues of the day. We're pretty confident we're working on things that are important to the country."
Two hot topics on Obama's agenda--healthcare and education--are directly connected to tennis. Simply put, he advocates Americans taking personal responsibility for their health through an active lifestyle. Prevention is a key component and figures directly in access to exercise through schools and public facilities.
"The healthcare issues are huge and getting bigger. That's a darn good thing for us," says Cove. "It's a much more welcoming environment than it was 10 years ago."
With existing efforts--like Cardio Tennis for fun fitness, QuickStart Tennis for kids, and the USTA's Aces for Kids, which provides tennis grants to communities that often have high rates of obesity--already in place, tennis has much to offer.
"These are very attractive to policy-makers," says Cove, adding that while the health benefits of tennis seem obvious and the Cleveland Clinic has done great work to showcase tennis as heart healthy, the industry needs to be proactive. "The biggest question we face is being able to prove tennis can help people's health. We need to get the data in front of them."
The USPTA (USPTA.org) is very active on this angle with its "Tennis for the Health of It" campaign.
So, if physical activity as a means of disease prevention and, ultimately, lowered healthcare costs, is promoted by the new administration in 2009, tennis is in a great position to grow.
The other two hot topics concerning tennis businesses over the next four years are trade and taxes. Specifically, quotas on apparel imports from China and import duties are top-line issues for manufacturers.
"We face some of the highest tariffs," Nike's Brad Figel said last week during an SGMA conference call to discuss Obama's potential impact on the sporting goods industry. "Trade is very contentious and divisive. There is a lack of momentum (to move on issues) because the lack of consensus is going to carry over into the next session (of Congress)." Figel said the SGMA will have to "play offense and defense" on these matters.
"We're going to push hard to reduce tariffs on racquets," Cove says. Lower import duties can mean bigger margins and lower prices for consumers.
Tennis is full of small businesses and the impact of tax reform and other legislation is tough to predict. Obama's proposed increase in personal income tax for the $250,000+ set has been rumored to be adjusted down to $125,000--making many small business owners nervous. But Cove is skeptical: "The political ramifications of doing that would be enormous. It would be a death knell for the Obama administration."
While the effect on tennis of policies under the Obama administration is undecided, Cove is sure about one thing: The rapidly changing economic situation is going to determine much of what's to come, and that would apply to whichever party won the election.
There is good news, though: Consumers said they'd be more hopeful and be more willing to spend during the holiday season if Obama won the election.
In a survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs, eight percent of consumers said they are likely to increase holiday spending if Obama won the election, compared to five percent if McCain won. And 34 percent of likely voters said their confidence in the economy would increase with a victory by Obama, compared to 28 percent with a McCain win, based on a study by Big Research.
If consumers' behavior follows their opinions, retailers will be in a little better position under Obama than under McCain.
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Bollettieri Celebrates 30 Years as Academy Operator
By Charles Bricker

The setting couldn't have been classier Saturday night -- the grand ballroom at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in upscale Sarasota, Fl., and the speakers did a fine job of not only roasting Nick Bollettieri, but also properly celebrating his 30 years of teaching tennis.
Well known basketball analyst Dick Vitale, one of the keynote speakers at the 30th anniversary celebration of Nick Bollettieri's 30 years in coaching, got off the best line of the evening at a Saturday night banquet at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Sarasota, Fl.
"When I arrived here Nick asked me, 'Dick, do you believe in the Constitution of the United States?' I said of course I do. Then he asked me, 'Dick, do you believe in free speech?' And I said absolutely. And then Nick told me, 'That's good, Dick, because you're going to give a free speech tonight. You're not going to be paid.' "
The only thing missing was more of the big names that have matriculated from the Bollettieri Academy in nearby Bradenton, Fl.
Andre Agassi was home in Las Vegas, but sent a four-minute videotape, praising Bollettieri for not only coaching him in tennis but in life as well.
Jim Courier wasn't there because he was with his Outback Tour senior series in Arizona. Jelena Jankovic was at the WTA Championships in Doha and Maria Sharapova was in Arizona, continuing therapy on her injured shoulder so that she might be able to play as early as January.
But Monica Seles, one of several former Bollettieri students who rose to No. 1 in the rankings, was there and so was David Wheaton, who was part of that great collection of juniors Bollettieri had in the 1980s, which included Agassi, Courier and Martin Blackman, who also attended.
So was former top 10 Brian Gottfried, who was Bollettieri's first student at the Bradenton academy.
Mary Pierce was in attendance. No more target dates for a comeback, says Pierce, the two-time major winner who hasn't played a match in just over two years.
"This time I'm just going to wait until my knee is recovered," said Pierce, who turns 34 years old on Jan. 15. She's had a long period of recovery from knee surgery and, though she insists she is working toward a return to competitive tennis, there are those who believe her career is over.
As for Bollettieri, it was one of his rare public appearances in a suit and tie, and no sunglasses. He was in a reflective mood as he talked about his 30 years -- how he moved from a smaller camp on Longboat Key, the wealthy island community between Sarasota and Bradenton, and built his academy from scratch, using what he has often referred to as "tough love" to instill discipline into his students.
"When I think of Nick I think of his passion for the game," said Agassi. "He has a true commitment to every person he took under his wing. I just want to thank you, Nick. You've taught me things on and off the court that continue to serve me every day."
But Bollettieri didn't escape a barb from Agassi, who pointed out that "Nick is so committed to marriage he's tried it eight times, twice to the same woman." Bollettieri roared.
Courier also sent a videotape, recounting not only how Bollettieri pushed him to his limits, but how the security guards at the academy got a little too aggressive when Courier played his drums too loudly in his dorm room.

***
Etcheberry’s Advice to Injured Players—Back Off
By Charles Bricker

One day after Andy Roddick became the second injury pullout from the prestigious ATP Masters Cup, trainer-to-the-stars Pat Etcheberry had this valuable piece of advice to players in general:
If you’re injured, back off.
There’s no evidence that Roddick’s twisted ankle is related to too much play. In fact, Roddick’s 67 matches are his fewest since his first full year on tour in 2001, though he’s had multiple injuries this year and still crammed 67 matches into his schedule.
Meanwhile, there seems little doubt that Rafael Nadal, the No. 1 player and the other absentee from this Masters Cup, is a victim of over-playing. The tendonitis in his knee is serious enough to keep him out of not only the Cup, but the Davis Cup final next week vs. Argentina.
Nadal has played 93 singles matches this year and he doesn’t play many short points. There has been a strong feeling for some time that he was flirting with serious injury problems because of how hard he drives himself. Instead of resting a week after winning the French Open, for example, he went immediately to London to play Queens in preparation for Wimbledon.
And then there is No. 2 Roger Federer, who is playing this week, and is now 1-1 in his group after defeating Roddick’s fill-in, Radek Stepanek, but who may not be fully recovered from a bad back.
He, too, may have over-played this year, says Etcheberry. “What he had early in the season (a reported virus) probably has affected him all season and maybe he should have taken more time off. But I think he felt he had to keep up with Nadal.”
That need to “keep up” is a well known reason for continuing injuries among lower-ranked players. “They want to play every week possible,” said Etcheberry. “I hear them tell me, ‘I need to improve my ranking.’ I tell them to step back, train, rehab.
“There are certain times of the year when you have to be able to put the racket away, but it’s very difficult with the men because the season is so long (10½ months).”
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has shortened its season with the final tournament (Quebec) beginning the week of Oct. 26 in 2009, an event in which few top 20 players compete. The last tournament on the men’s tour next year is the Paris Masters Series the week of Nov. 9.
Moreover, the ATP Finals (Barclay’s World Tour finals) aren’t until the week of Nov. 22. When that’s over, the top men players – the drawing cards of the ATP – will have less than four weeks off before the start of the 2010 season.
Is it really surprising this year’s Masters Cup, and perhaps succeeding ATP finals, has been damaged by the loss of top players because of injury?
***
Top Four Women to Appear in New York’s Madison Square Garden

Impresario Jerry Solomon is bringing back a tennis blockbuster to New York’s Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2009 when he has arranged for Jelena Jankovic, Ana Ivanovic, Serena Williams and Venus Williams to play a night of competitive tennis.
Billed as Tennis Night in America, the four will play for the Billie Jean King Cup. After two one-set semifinal matches the winners will play a best of three-set final.
J. Wayne Richmond is Event Director of the BNP Paribas Showdown.

***
Navratilova to Participate in Reality TV Jungle Series

Martina Navratilova, 52 years old and most famously described by Billie Jean King as 'the greatest singles, doubles and mixed doubles player who's ever lived' is about to take on a startling new challenge. She is one of ten contestants heading for the most dense and most remote Australian jungle to take part in the prime-time top-ranked British reality television show 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!'
Navratilova, who currently lives near Sarasota, Florida and finally retired from competitive tennis just two years ago after winning the US Open mixed doubles titles just a few weeks short of her 50^th birthday, will join a former Metropolitan Police commander, a Startrek actor, an outspoken talk show host, a topless model and the girl friend of an England football international in the jungle.
The contestants live in jungle conditions near Murwillumbah, New South Wales with few creature comforts. Critics have called the show trashy TV, consisting of has-been or never-were celebrities trying to revive their careers. They earn luxuries such as food by completing Bushtucker Trials which often involve excruciating ordeals such as putting their head in a tank full of maggots, locusts or spiders and sleeping in rat infested camps.
Normally a string of B list contestants agree to appear on the show in a bid to jump-charge their flagging earning power and recent contestants include Jimmy Osmond, David Gest (the ex-husband of Liza Minnelli), model Janice Dickinson and ex Sex Pistol John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
The celebrities themselves are also paid a fee (reported to be £25,000 for UK competitors) to compensate them for possible loss of earnings while they are in the jungle. However Martina would not appear to need the money after amassing a career prize fund in excess of $21 million.
Transmissions begin Sunday and more than 50% of the total British viewing public is  expected to tune in.
***
Mission Hills Country Club to Honor Mark Woodforde

Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California, will pay tribute to tennis legend Mark Woodforde on Friday, November 14, 2008, during the dedication of three grass tennis courts for Davis Cup ties. The dedication is being held as part of Mission Hills Country Club’s “Welcome Back” weekend of events.
An Opening Party Dinner for approximately 300 Members and Guests will be held at 7:30 p.m. to honor Mark Woodforde and welcome Mission Hills Members back for the season. At this Dinner, Mission Hills’ Tennis Staff and several Tennis Legends will speak and reflect on Mark Woodforde’s career and a plaque will be presented to Woodforde. 

***
USTA’s Harmon Not Sure Exactly Why He Was Fired
By Charles Bricker

Rodney Harmon still doesn’t understand exactly why he was fired a month ago as USTA director of coaching, but he says he’s not going to spend a lot of time reliving the trauma.
"They just told me, ‘You’ve done a great job and had a great year, but we’re going in a different direction.’ I feel I did the best job I could. So, if that’s what you want to do, I’ve had 20 good years at the USTA and it’s been a great experience," Harmon said.
He was replaced by Jose Higueras, who built a track record of coaching success with several top players, including, most recently, Roger Federer.
Harmon’s termination was part of a shakedown of personnel by Patrick McEnroe, who earlier this year was named general manager of Elite Player Development, the latest name conjured up by the USTA in its continuing redesign of junior development.
Jay Berger was named director of men’s tennis and Ola Malmqvist director of women’s.
Harmon was named director of men’s tennis for the USTA’s professional development program in 1992, the only black man in the hierarchy of an organization that has undergone constant change.
"I’ve had a couple of offers, both in and outside of tennis," Harmon said. He said two players, whom he declined to identify but who are top-50, have asked him to be their traveling coach.
But, he added, "I could see myself doing some travel, but not extensive. My twin daughters are four years old. I don’t want to be gone 30 weeks a year. Fifteen weeks would be about right."
Nick Bollettieri said he’s "had conversations" with Harmon about bringing him to his well known academy in Bradenton, Fl., and Harmon confirmed there’s possible future employment there.
"I’ve known Nick since I was a kid. I came through that academy," said Harmon. "I’m trying to take my time. I went to Australia, the French Open, Beijing and the U.S. Open this year. It’s been a long year.
Though it wasn’t in his portfolio, Harmon spent some time working with the USTA’s multi-cultural programs and he said he’s gotten phone calls from people involved in that aspect of the USTA who were "kind of outraged, kind of upset" by his firing.
Harmon, 47, was a top college player and, during a short professional career, reached the quarterfinals of the 1982 U.S. Open and reached a career best No. 56 in the rankings in 1983.
***
Stepanek Had Difficulty Getting His Gear into Shanghai

Substitute Radek Stepanek has fallen victim to Chinese customs authorities this week after a shipment of rackets held in quarantine forced him to play a Masters Cup match using borrowed gear.
Even a pair of contact lenses have yet to make it through, with the Czech who lost a Red group match to Roger Federer forced to go shopping for a spare pair in Shanghai.
Stepanek also lost to Federer wearing socks borrowed from Andy Murray and using the rackets of Novak Djokovic.
He got the call to court after Andy Roddick pulled out after rolling an ankle. "I came here straight from Thailand where I was on my vacation," said Stepanek. "I didn't take any tennis stuff on my vacation, they sent it to me from home."
But Stepanek said that even with all the inconvenience, he was happy to have been summoned to China along with the second alternate, Nicolas Kiefer.
"For me it was always a dream to play in the Masters Cup because you're in the Elite 8 best players in the world. This tournament is just special in all ways, starting with the way they are treating us here," he said, well-aware to the base-rate $50,000 fee he will earn, with another $25,000 to come after he plays his second and final match on Friday.
***
It is All in Federer’s Hands Now

Roger Federer's fate at the Masters Cup is exactly where the Swiss likes it - in his own hands - as he plays for a weekend place in the season-wrap-up event against Andy Murray.
The re-run of the US Open final - won by Federer - and the Madrid semis - won by the Scot - will determine if Federer joins Murray in qualifying into the final four in Shanghai.
"It's a tough situation," admitted Federer of the round-robin format. "Usually, there's all to play for in any match during the year. All of a sudden you come to the Masters Cup play and one's sometimes through and the other guy's not.
"Sometimes both are through or both are out. It does change your approach a little bit. But over all the years I've taken part in Masters Cups, I've seen the best of efforts all the way through.  I think that's what counts."
Federer said he expects the grudge battle to be "full-on."
"There's a lot of prestige to play for. I don't think Andy wants to go into the semifinals with a loss, you know, and that's why it's going to be a good matchup for me."

***

We Hear—
--that Tom Gorman will be named Director of Tennis at the La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, California.
--that Andres Pedroso has been hired by the USTA to be a coach at the USTA Florida Training Facility.
--that Paradorn Srichaphan will return to tennis when Thailand hosts Australia in a Davis Cup zonal tie in March.
***
THIS WEEK
MEN
Tour Championships in Shanghai
WOMEN
Nothing
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Finals Mar del Plata
WOMEN
Nothing
***
Bob Larson’s Stock Report
Wednesday’s Stock Prices

Stock

Last

Change

Adidas

15.45

-.55

Amer Sports

4.05

0.00

Head

2.10

0.00

K-Swiss

11.52

-.57

Nike

44.37

-1.30

Bob Larson Tennis Stock Index $77.49
* 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 
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(c)  Copyright 2008. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

BUSINESS NEWS - Special Tour Championship Edition

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Editor's Note: We have begun our Monday, Thursday publication schedule for November and December. This week and next, we will be publishing some Special Tour Championships Editions that will cover the players and events surrounding the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha and the ATP Masters Cup in Shanghai.  Our Classifieds and College News will continue to stay on the Monday Thursday schedule.
***
Forbes to Replace Passarell on ATP Board

Gavin Forbes, the well-respected IMG executive and son of the former player and Handful of Summers author Gordon, has been elected to the ATP Board of Directors as a replacement for Indian Wells tournament chairman Charlie Passarell who stands down at the end of the year.
The Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Tennis has been involved in the sport for most of his working life and his recruitment is the latest in a number of changes at board level.
In May, Perry Rogers, Andre Agassi's long-time best friend, manager and business partner, was voted off by the players and replaced by Justin Gimelstob. Then The Tennis Channel's David Egdes was elected to replace former ATP staffer Iggy Jovanovic.
Outgoing executive chairman Etienne de Villiers welcomed his fellow South African native when he said: "Gavin brings a wealth of tennis experience that will be invaluable as the sport continues to evolve and grow.
"In Charlie Pasarell, Gavin replaces one of the sport's most respected and admired men. Charlie has dedicated himself for over four decades to the growth of the men's professional game. His selfless role in the development of the ATP Tour and his subsequent leadership of our sport can never be over stated.
"Tennis owes him a great debt and I know that everyone connected to our sport joins me in thanking Charlie and in wishing him well for the future."
***
Injury Forces Roddick Out of Shanghai

A right ankle injury forced Andy Roddick to quit just hours before his Shanghai Masters Cup Red group date against Roger Federer, leaving the American to be replaced in the field by alternate Radek Stepanek.
Roddick explained that he rolled the ankle during training on Tuesday and was unable to get fit in time to play. He flies off for his off-season break expecting a week or recovery time and standing 3-5 in career Shanghai appearances.
"I can't really stop and start very quickly.  It's anything when I go kind of over on the outside it hurts. I do a lot of that a lot on my serve.
"It's definitely a tough prospect trying to beat Roger with no serve and not being able to move much. It's unfortunate for this event, but I don't think we're looking at anything more than a week or so," Roddick said.
"I came out here and tried to warm 45 minutes or so ago, and it was pretty apparent that my movement was probably 30 or 40 percent. Unfortunately that's just not good enough to get it done at a tournament like this."
***
Murray Becomes the Favorite to Win Shanghai

Andy Murray has become the player of choice for punters taking a chance on the Masters Cup, with the Scot storming to 7-/4 victory odds to lift the trophy on Sunday.
"Murray has been in fine form all year and deserves the favorite’s tag," said a spokesman for Ladbroke's of London. Murray's run of form in the second half of the season - a US Open final and titles in Madrid and St Petersburg - give him the momentum according to gambling houses.
But four-time Masters Cup champion Roger Federer remains a serious contender on 3/1 but must back up his form after losing an opening match to French year-end rookie Gilles Simon. American Andy Roddick is well out of the mix on 33/1.

***
Masters Cup is Different This Year for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has turned around his rotten luck in Shanghai, qualifying for the semifinals by winning his first two group matches. And the chance in fortune could not have come quickly enough for the world No. 3.
The contrast between one year and the next is startling - and pleasing to the young Serb, "Last year wasn't that much fun for me, I didn't win a single set," Djokovic said after handing a loss to Nikolay Davydenko in the Red group.
"But I gained from that experience. It's different this year. I'm coming here as a Grand Slam winner and more mature player, stronger mentally and physically on the court."
Djokovic is prowling for a final run of form as the season wraps up after winning his last title six months ago in Rome. Victory in last group match before going into the championships weekend would leave Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga winless in his own season-wrap-up debut.

***

THIS WEEK
MEN
Tour Championships in Shanghai
WOMEN
Nothing
***
NEXT WEEK
MEN
Davis Cup Finals Mar del Plata
WOMEN
Nothing
***
Bob Larson’s Stoc