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Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova To Join Andre Agassi, John McEnroe For Pickleball Slam 2

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Tennis icons John McEnroe and Andre Agassi return for the Pickleball Slam, and will be joined by Stefanie Graf and Maria Sharapova, two of the greatest female tennis players of all time. The four legends will compete in SLAM 2 for a total prize purse of $1 million. Created and produced by Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) and InsideOut Sports & Entertainment (ISE), SLAM 2 will be televised live in primetime, exclusively on ESPN on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 at 8:30 p.m. (EST) from Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. 

Tickets for SLAM 2 go on sale today, July 18, at noon and start at $46. Tickets are available at myhrl.com and Ticketmaster. All seats are reserved. Doors open one hour before the event. Additional fees may apply. 

SLAM 2 will be highlighted by an electrifying doubles match featuring the duo of McEnroe and Sharapova, who have a total of 12 Grand Slam singles titles between them, facing off against Agassi and Graf, who earned a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles during their respective careers.   

The inaugural Pickleball Slam showcased McEnroe, Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Michael Chang competing for a $1 million purse, the largest tournament purse in pickleball history. The event was broadcast live on Sunday, April 2, 2023 on ESPN before a record-breaking capacity crowd at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. A first-of-its-kind event, the afternoon telecast was the highest-rated competition in pickleball history. 

“Following the success of the inaugural Pickleball Slam, we’re excited to once again partner with and return to the Hard Rock and present SLAM 2 in primetime on ESPN, an ideal timeslot coming out of the network’s coverage of the NFL Pro Bowl and a NBA regular season game,” said David Levy, Co-CEO of HS&E. “It’s great to have both John and Andre return for SLAM 2. In pairing them up with Stefanie and Maria, two of the greatest and most competitive players in the history of tennis, there’s sure to be no shortage of incredible action and entertaining moments on the court.” 

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Horizon Sports & Entertainment and InsideOut Sports again for the return of the Pickleball Slam to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. “The inaugural event last April was a resounding success, with Hard Rock’s desire to be entertainment first-movers paying massive dividends. This time around, we’ll build on our initial success with John McEnroe and Andre Agassi, by also adding Steffi Graf and Maria Sharapova to the lineup – arguably two of the best players of all time in racquet sports.  To have all this in The Guitar Hotel live in primetime on ESPN; it’s going be a special evening of pickleball.”  

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“After Andy and I took home the hardware at the first Pickleball Slam, I said I would be playing pickleball as long as I can walk – that’s how much I enjoy this game. Naturally, I am so excited to share this experience with one of the best tennis players, my wife,” said Agassi. 

“When I watched the inaugural Pickleball Slam in April and stepped onto the court, I was hooked. Andre and I can’t wait to get back out on the court together to face off against Maria and John,” said Graf. 

AMATEUR SLAM CHALLENGE RETURNS 

The weekend will once again feature the Amateur Slam Challenge on Friday, Feb. 2 and Saturday, Feb 3, 2024. The amateur tournament will include doubles teams competing for a cash prize and the opportunity to play against the tennis legends. 

For more information and to register for the Amateur Slam Challenge, visit www.thepickleballslam.com.   

PLAYER INFORMATION 

Andre Agassi is one of the most successful and recognized players in the history of tennis, capturing eight Grand Slam titles during his Hall of Fame career, including the career Grand Slam for winning each of the four major professional tennis tournaments – Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the French Open and the U.S. Open at least once.  He also captured the gold medal at 1996 Atlanta Olympics. 

In 1988, Stefanie Graf earned tennis immortality when she became the first player to win all four major singles titles and the gold medal during the Summer Olympics.  Widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, she won 22 major singles titles during her Hall of Fame career and was ranked the number one women’s singles player in the world for a record of 377 weeks. 

Recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of professional tennis, John McEnroe won 17 Grand Slam titles, including four singles titles at the U.S. Open and three Wimbledon titles.  He captured a remarkable 77 single titles, as well as 77 doubles titles, and is the only male player in tennis history to simultaneously hold the world number one ranking in both singles and doubles.  During his illustrious Hall of Fame career, he also contributed to five Davis Cup titles for the U.S. and was a team captain.

Considered one of the best competitors of her generation, Maria Sharapova is one of only 10 women to achieve the career Grand Slam. During her stellar career, she also won a silver medal in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics. 

ABOUT HORIZON SPORTS & EXPERIENCES (HS&E) 

Horizon Sports & Experiences (HS&E) is an affiliate of Horizon Media, the largest U.S. media agency according to AdAge Data Center 2022, and provides a unique and complementary combination of sports, experiential marketing, and media capabilities. HS&E has a core focus on IP creation and monetization, strategic advisory and consulting, media rights, sponsorship, sales, and experiential, Metaverse, and Web3.0 strategy and activation. HS&E is led by co-CEOs David Levy and Chris Weil. 

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT (ISE) 

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment (ISE) is a Los Angeles based independent event producer founded in 2004 by former world No.1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. InsideOut owns and operates numerous proprietary events and promotions including Champions Series Tennis, the Legendary Night Series, The World Series of Beach Volleyball, Major League Pickleball and numerous customized private and public outings. To date, InsideOut has produced over 300 events in 44 states and 12 countries and is committed to a strong charity tie-in with every public event it owns or produces.  Since inception, InsideOut events have contributed over $5 million to various charitable causes. 

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About Hard Rock Live 

Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is South Florida’s premier entertainment venue. An investment of more than $125 million, the 7,000-person capacity indoor venue features clamshell-style seating, offering guests an intimate experience. In 2023, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood won an Academy of Country Music Award in the Casino of the Year – Theater Category. Hard Rock Live also ranked No. 5 worldwide in 2022 gross revenue for both Pollstar Magazine and Billboard in its respective categories. Designed by Scéno Plus, the 225,000-square-foot facility is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house sound and lighting, large HD viewing screens and mobile-stage technology. With its advanced capabilities, Hard Rock Live can support some of the entertainment industry’s biggest performers, as well as nationally and internationally televised awards shows, sporting events and more. A-list entertainers to perform at Hard Rock Live include The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Maroon 5, Billy Joel, and Dave Chappelle, among others.  

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guestrooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,700 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 5 worldwide in 2022 gross revenue for both Pollstar Magazine and Billboard in its respective categories, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com call (800) 937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.  

“I Had To Grow Up!” Carlos Alcaraz On Wimbledon Win Over Djokovic After Roland Garros Disaster

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By Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

Entering the 2023 Wimbledon men’s final, many observers were worried about whether Carlos Alcaraz would be stricken with the same nerves that caused him to cramp and capitulate against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of Roland Garros. A final on Centre Court at Wimbledon is an intimidating place and scenario, more so than a semifinal in Paris, especially against a seven-time at the event like Djokovic.

However, under the guidance of coach and former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz learned from his disappointing showing in Paris and prepared better mentally, including, reportedly, avoiding his mobile phone altogether.

“Well, I grew up a lot since that moment in French Open,” Alcaraz said to ESPN’s Chris McKendry moments after leaving Centre Court after his five-set win over Djokovic for his first Wimbledon title and second major title. “I knew that I had to be there. It’s the final of Wimbledon. It’s no time to give up, to get it down. I knew I was going to have my chances, but obviously in the tie-break it’s not easy knowing that Novak won the last 15 tie-breaks. It’s not easy to come and play a tie-break against him, but really, really happy with the level that I play in that moment, ending with such a great thought, winning that tie-break. Obviously, great confidence in the third set as well. And after all, increase my level, increase my confidence, physically increased as well. So it was an amazing end.”

Alcaraz then expanded on the difference between his Roland Garros and Wimbledon performances with the on-site media during his post-match press conference.

“I am totally different player than French Open. I grew up a lot since that moment,” he said. “I learned a lot from that moment. As I said before the final, I took lesson from that match. I did something different before the match. I prepared a little bit different mentally before the match. I could deal with the pressure, the nerves, better than I did in French Open. Obviously on grass is different than on clay. But I’m really happy to be able to stay there. Didn’t get down, didn’t give up. I fought until the last ball. Every ball, I think we made great rallies, great points. It was long, long match, long sets. I think was the mental part that allow me to stay there during the five sets.”

Said John McEnroe on ESPN of the final and the Alcaraz retribution, “This was one of the all time great matches that I’ve had the pleasure of being able to sit here to watch and call and also especially, I’ve got to add, after what happened at the French Open, where he just froze up and cramped up, to see him sort of come right back and rebound the way he did was absolutely awesome.”

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz Gave Tennis A Day It Will Never Forget

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BY JAMES BECK

What could be better?

Nineteen years old and a Grand Slam tournament champion?

How about 20 years old and a Wimbledon champion, too? And not even to mention, a winner over  career Grand Slam record holder Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final.

This will be the one young Carlos Alcaraz never forgets, even if one day in his future the amazing Spaniard catches up to Djokovic’s Grand Slam numbers.

That would be a long way to go, of course, since Djokovic still owns 23 Grand Slam titles.

But two Grand Slams is a good start, especially for a 20-year-old.

NOVAK REALLY WANTED THIS ONE

This was a title Djokovic wanted so badly to win. A win would have put the Serbian great two Grand Slam titles ahead of Rafa Nadal, leaving the door open for the injured Nadal to possibly catch Novak. Of course, that’s a long, long shot now considering Nadal’s physical condition.

And now, there’s Alcaraz standing alongside Djokovic at the top of a mountain in the eyes of the tennis world.

Yes, Carlos Alcaraz is a special tennis player. Few, if any, of his rivals or his predecessors could stand up to the Alcaraz test of talent and athleticism.

The Spanish sensation put it all on display in a 1-6, 7-6 (6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 triumph for a supportive Centre Court crowd on Sunday.

ALCARAZ SHOWS HIS MENTAL TOUGHNESS

After  looking out of sorts in a one-sided first set that simply got away from him, Alcaraz demonstrated his mental strength and toughness. The flamboyant Spanish superstar took the second set in a  14-point tiebreaker, and then survived a 26-minute and 56-second fifth game of the third set on his way to a 6-1 win and a two sets to one advantage over Djokovic.

The tiebreaker and then the seemingly never-ending game obviously took some of the wind out of Djokovic’s confidence and probably made him realize even more how quickly the professional tennis landscape can change.

CARLOS’ SERENE VIEW OF A CHAMPIONSHIP

Alcaraz really demonstrated his will to win even further in the fourth set by holding service for a 5-3 lead, then while serving for the match at 5-4, winning it at 40-30 in typical Alcaraz fashion with a well-placed forehand out wide.

Moving toward the service line as Djokovic netted an  attempted forehand return, Alcaraz’s view became a serene one. The Spanish wonder threw his body on the turf in celebration as a Wimbledon champion.

They hugged at the net, both smiling. An epic day at Wimbledon was history.

NOVAK DEMONSTATES HIS CLASS

“I did not win today, but I lost to a better player and I have to congratulate him and move on,” Novak told the crowd.

He was all smiles until he saw his young son and daughter smiling in the stands. Novak then became just a dad.

The Serbian star broke down for a few seconds. “I love you and I’ll give you a big hug when we can all love each other.”

Another day in tennis history. It was a good one, even if someone had to lose.

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James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.

Carlos Alcaraz and Kate Middleton

Jabeur’s Day Spoiled By Ons And Marketa

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BY JAMES BECK

Poor Ons Jabeur.

I don’t think it was as much Marketa Vondrousova winning Wimbledon’s women’s title as it was  Jabeur losing Wimbledon’s final.

Jabeur can hit some of the prettiest shots you’ll ever see on the grand stage of Wimbledon.  All of her fans back home in Tunisia must have been celebrating Saturday morning when she took a 4-2 lead in the first set.

But so quickly, she was facing three break points. Five straight games went much that way, and Ons was down 6-4, 1-0.

The second set was much like the first as Jabeur practically gave away the match by again losing the last three games of a Wimbledon final with an avalanche of errors.

NO GREAT DAY FOR ONS FANS

Saturday would be Ons’ day, her fans thought, wiping out memories of her previous two appearances in Grand Slam finals. Or so, as her fans probably crossed their fingers.

An hour or so later, Jabeur would be crying at the awards celebration as she told her audience it was the most painful loss of her career. It was a 6-4, 6-4 loss to a Czech left-hander who looked far taller than 5-8 on this day.

Yes, Vondrousova stood tall on this day.

JUST ANOTHER RELATIVE UNKNOWN TO STEAL THE GLORY

It was just a repeat of Jabeur’s loss to Elena Rybakina in the 2022 Wimbledon final. But this one was even more hurting than that loss. Jabeur will always be known as the other player on Wimbledon’s famed Centre Court when Vondrousova became the first unseeded player ever to win a Wimbledon women’s singles championship.

The 5-6, 146-pound Jabeur is an amazing player, with a full bag of tricks, until she plays in a Grand Slam final.

After this one, her fans might now not expect as much from Jabeur.

BIG QUESTION? WHO TAKES OVER THE GAME

Here it is now that no one really knows what to expect next on the women’s tour.

All of a sudden, still world’s No. 1 Iga Swiatek, No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina and new star Vondrousova all look capable of taking over the women’s game, with Jabeur looking in from the sideline.

This wasn’t a great or exciting final in terms of caliber of play.

But wait until New York when the green grass turns into a hard surface.

— James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com

Wimbledon Men’s Final Pick – Will Carlos Alcaraz Wreck The Novak Djokovic Grand Slam Dream?

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Novak Djokovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz

It’s a battle of the world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz vs. the best player in the world Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. Because of Djokovic not being allowed to play in certain countries over the last year due to his COVID vaccine status, he was not able to pile up the points that Alcaraz has, thus the reason why Alcaraz is seeded No. 1 and here Djokovic is eight matches away from being only the third man to win a Grand Slam. The thought that we had was that in their last meeting at Roland Garros, Alcaraz wilted due to tension-related nerves from playing Djokovic in the semifinals. He feels nerves in that scenario, how is he going to feel walking on Centre Court playing Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final? He probably has worked out this kink and, unlike at Roland Garros, Alcaraz is not expected to beat Djokovic at Wimbledon, so he may be a lot more loose. Djokovic is likely to persist here and it’s hard to bet against him, but Alcaraz is going to give him a run and look for this to go five sets.

Wimbledon Women’s Final Pick – Will Ons Jabeur Take The Title?

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Ons Jabeur vs. Marketa Vondrousova

This feels like it’s a bit of a destiny run for Ons Jabeur. The trailblazing Arab woman was one set away from history last year in the Wimbledon final against Elena Rybakina. Armed with new confidence and the increased influence of her sports psychologist, Jabeur is the solid favorite against the unseeded Czech Marketa Vondrousova. While Czech lefty doesn’t have a number by her name on the draw, she is certainly accomplished and it’s not a fluke she is in the final, after playing the finals previously at the Olympics and Roland Garros. Czech lefties have fared very well in Wimbledon finals. Just ask Martina Navratilova and Petra Kvitova as well as a Czech named Jaroslav Drobny, who, ironically when he won the Wimbledon men’s title in 1954 was the only player representing an African nation (Egypt) to win a Wimbledon singles title. Vondrousova played incredibly well to beat Elina Svitolina in the semifinals, but nerves and a cooler hand will play a part in this final and Jabeur will win in two tight sets to raise the Venus Rosewater dish.

Wimbledon Day 12 Picks – Will Jannik Sinner Gain Revenge Over Novak Djokovic?

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Our record so far this Wimbledon fortnight is 25-7…not bad.

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Daniil Medvedev

Daniil Medvedev might be a bit lucky to be in the semifinals after surviving against Chris Eubanks in the quarterfinals after trailing two sets to one. While Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at times en route to the semifinals, he has persisted and shown his competitive fire. We just don’t see Alcaraz losing this match. It might go four sets, but Alcaraz will meet his destiny to at least reach the Wimbledon final.

Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner might be the biggest threat to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2023. They played in the quarterfinals in 2022 with Djokovic escaping after leading two-set-to-love. There’s no doubt that Sinner will look to make amends for this and now has former Andre Agassi coach Darren Cahill in his camp, which could push him over the edge. A Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz final would, to many, further symbolize the next generation of tennis stars are ready to take the mantle, but this is still the era of Djokovic and we are picking him to win this in four sets.

Wimbledon Day 11 Picks – Will It Be A Ukraine vs. Belarus Wimbledon Final With Elina Svitolina Against Aryna Sabalenka?

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Elina Svitolina vs. Marketa Vondrousova

Elina Svitolna is playing for her nation Ukraine with every swing of her racquet. She is as determined as the soldiers are fighting for their freedom on the front lines and while Marketa Vondrousova is crafty with a major final and an Olympic silver medal on her resume, she will not be able to break through against Svitolina here. The Ukrainian will provide for one of the great storylines in tennis and sports history as she also looks to join an elite group of mothers to win a major title.

Ons Jabeur vs. Aryna Sabalenka

One has the feeling that Jabeur has some unfinished destiny at Wimbledon after her final-round loss to Elena Rybakina in the 2022 final. She exacted revenge on Rybakina with a quarterfinal win, withstanding a hiccup after serving for the first set to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-1. This came after a straights-set destruction of two-time champion Petra Kvitova in the fourth round. Sabalenka has also been on quite a run, losing only 15 games in her last three matches. We are leaning Jabeur here to return to the final with a tough three-set victory.

Elina Svitolina

Wimbledon Day 10 Picks – Does Chris Eubanks Upset Daniil Medvedev?

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Ons Jabeur vs. Elena Rybakina

This is a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon final where Elena Rybakina lost the first set but prevailed in three sets against Ons Jabeur. The pressure of the defending champion has to be getting to Rybakina and in her mind that she beat Jabeur last year and that she has to do it again. Jabeur destroyed Petra Kvitova in the previous round and is showing to be healthy and sharp and we are picking her to avenge last year’s defeat and reach the semifinals.

Daniil Medvedev vs. Chris Eubanks

Chris Eubanks is THE story in American tennis right now as he has streaked into this quarterfinal match after an inspiring win over Stefanos Tsitsipas the previous round. Eubanks is having fun, playing great, humble and appreciative of everything and is swinging for the fences with no pressure. He’s better on grass than Medvedev and we are taking Eubanks to take it at least one more round with the upset of the Russian.

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Holger Rune

Have you seen the video of these two playing doubles together as 13-year-olds on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3gyVfDiWz4 This could be the rivalry of the next generation and we are taking Alcaraz to advance past Rune here but it was be very hard fought.

Wimbledon Day Nine Picks – Will A Novak Djokovic vs. Jannik Sinner Semifinal Happen?

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We are excited that our win-loss record is 20-4 through the first eight days, with three of the four losses being five-set matches and the other being affected by a player’s injury. Here’s our picks for Day nine!

Jessica Pegula vs. Marketa Vondrousova

This will be a fascinating match with Pegula’s compact strokes against the loopy, wing-span-ish style of Vondrousova. The Czech is definitely a hard out and has an Olympic silver medal and a Roland Garros runner-up on her resume, but Pegula will persist to reach her long-awaited for major semifinal. Pegula is still alive in the doubles with Coco Gauff, which is keeping her sharp.

Jannik Sinner vs. Roman Safiulin

This is an easy pick. It’s like taking Secretariat to show at the Belmont Stakes. Jannik Sinner is on a collision course with Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, which will be a corker.

Novak Djokovic vs. Andrey Rublev

There is no stopping the Novak Djokovic train. Rublev could sneak a set, but bank on Djokovic to face Sinner in the semifinals.