Jim Courier

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s Roland Garros Classic – Jim Courier, Patrick & John McEnroe, Sam Querrey Discuss On TNT

June 9, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

The Carlos Alcaraz victory over Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller was one of the greatest tennis matches of all time and capped the first of 10 years of coverage of Roland Garros to American audiences by TNT Sports. Read about some of the specifics and the history that was made here: https://worldtennismagazine.com/heres-the-history-carlos-alcaraz-and-jannik-sinner-made-in-their-epic-roland-garros-final/25069

The following is the commentary that TNT host Adam Lefkoe had immediately after the final, then followed by the post-match panel comments from John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Patrick McEnroe and Sam Querrey on the instant classic.

Adam Lefkoe

An absolute marathon thriller. Gladiators in the Cathedral of Clay. The longest championship match in the history of Roland-Garros. Every shot, the greatest you’ve seen until the next one. White-knuckle exhaustion while maintaining hall of Fame skill. An epic first final between the two brightest stars in tennis. He was down two sets. A deficit he has never overcome. Three championship points. The defending champion didn’t just survive, he ascended. Carlos Alcaraz retains his crown as the king of the Roland-Garros play. His fifth major title final at just 22 years old. If this is a sign of what’s to come, we are blessed beyond belief.

John McEnroe

I can’t think of a better Roland Garros final than what we just witnessed. And you’re after all the talk over the course of the last couple years. Where’s tennis going to go from here? Because we’re losing Federer, we lost Nadal and Djokovic. What’s going to happen with him? It seems like we’re in pretty good hands with these two guys. So many things happen. We always talk about the French Open being a roller coaster, but I mean in two sets of break early in the third you’re like, okay, it’s like it’s going to be Sinner’s days going to win in three. He doesn’t capitalize. He goes to a four set. You’re thinking, okay, he hasn’t played a four or five set match since Australia and he didn’t play too many long ones there either five-three-forty Love or three-five Love forty on serve. You’re like, okay, you know this is a reality is set in somehow. I mean, he tightens up a little bit, but nonetheless, he forces,- And then Jannik he gets to serve for it after he lost that.

Adam Lefkoe

What we were marveling at here was they were so tired, yet the level of their play never decreased. Not once.

Jim Courier

I mean that level from Carlos in that tiebreaker was as close to heavenly tennis as I can possibly imagine. I cannot, still cannot rack my head around the shots that he was able to come up with at that moment. The pressure, the moment, the fatigue, all of it, and Jannik, I mean, to come back from all of that disappointment and nearly two hours later he’s still fighting and grinding and scraping. He’s down the entire fifth set and somehow gets back and into a tiebreaker. It was just an absolute pleasure to be able to see this in any way, shape or form. And I got to tell you, people talk about the future to us. The future is already happening people we just may not have realized it. This is a sixth straight major one by one of these two guys. This is their, we’re living in their time right now. It happened a year and a half ago. It started. The clock is already moving forward, but they’re so young. We might have another decade if we’re lucky of all these guys. I mean, this is the very first time they’ve met in the major final. And it did not disappoint quite the contrary.

Adam Lefkoe

Jim, before the match, you urge us to enjoy the present because you don’t know how many of these you’re going to get. If it is an appetizer I can’t wait for the meal. If it’s the meal, feed me dessert. But at five hours and twenty-nine minutes, it is the second-longest slam that we’ve ever seen. And every single second is action packed.

Sam Querrey

I mean, I don’t know how you watch that match and not think to yourself, tennis isn’t the hardest sport in the world. There’s no end cost for you to know that the end is coming up. There’s no, there’s no timeouts. There’s no substitution. And these guys just played for five hours and twenty-nine minutes. And as Jim just said, the fifth set tiebreaker from Alcaraz was borderline perfect and credit to Jannik Sinner as well. Looked like he was down and out in the fifth set. He found a second gear and brought it back. It was just such a pleasure.

John McEnroe

You know what’s also nice that they didn’t leave the court and they stayed on the entire time. In like five and a half hours. Maybe these bathroom breaks are a bit overrated. What do you think, Bro?

Patrick McEnroe:

No medical time timeouts, no physios visited the court. This is an old-fashioned street fight, but played with incredible sportsmanship from both players. Incredible grace from Jannik Sinner and his comments on court after the match and the only match in major in the open era, and the major final that has been longer was the Australian Open final when Djokovic beat Nadal when both guys were cramping during the ceremony, and you see he’s not cramping, I don’t think, but he’s pretty exhausted. But it was, I said it was going to be an epic five set of win for Alcaraz. I didn’t realize it was going to be this epic.

Saddlebrook Resort, Once The Training Ground For Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Undergoing $92 Million Transformation

May 7, 2025 by Randy Walker Leave a Comment

An exciting new chapter is underway at Saddlebrook Resort, the iconic 480-acre Tampa Bay-area destination known for world-class golf, tennis, leisure and group getaways. The sweeping $92 million transformation now in motion is reimagining the 451-room resort from the ground up – positioning it among the nation’s premier leisure and sports resorts.

The renovations – led by acclaimed architecture and design firm EoA Group – touch nearly every facet of the guest experience, from the lobby, accommodations, and restaurants to the event spaces, outdoor areas, and multiple swimming pools. Renowned golf course architect Rees Jones will undertake a redesign of Saddlebrook’s courses, an integral piece of the resort’s expansive sports offerings that already include a digital golf learning studio, indoor hitting bay, BalanceLab and SAM PuttLab for advanced golf play analysis, 43 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts, a fitness center for cardio and strength training, a spa, plus a planned multi-court Padel area, and more. Saddlebrook is also home to the famed Saddlebrook Golf Academy, Hopman Tennis Program, and Saddlebrook Prep, long time training grounds for international sports legends.

“This renovation represents more than just an investment in Saddlebrook—it’s a commitment to restoring and elevating a legacy destination that has long been recognized as a premier setting for group travel, athletic training, and leisure,” said Camilo Miguel Jr., Founder & CEO of Mast Capital, the real estate and investment firm that owns Saddlebrook Resort in partnership with Amzak Capital. “Our goal was to thoughtfully enhance the resort’s offerings, blending tradition with innovation to create a destination where golf, tennis and relaxation thrive.”

“Our partnership with Mast Capital is rooted in a shared commitment to preserving Saddlebrook’s unique heritage while reinvigorating its role as a dynamic destination,” said Michael Kazma, President of Amzak Capital Management. “This renovation reflects our long-term vision to modernize the property and enhance its value for guests, the local community, and the broader Wesley Chapel area.”

Guided by a vision that honors Saddlebrook’s more than 40-year legacy while embracing the future, the resort is evolving into a vibrant retreat for today’s travelers, athletes, and groups. Guests can experience this new iteration of Saddlebrook as early as summer 2025, with the golf course renovations debuting in fall 2025.

“Our renovation is enhancing the guest experience with a blend of modern comfort and rich history,” said Raj Mohan, Managing Director of Saddlebrook Resort. “From updated guest rooms and dining options to revamped event spaces and recreational areas, every detail has been designed for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether guests are looking to lounge by the pool, spend a day on the green or courts, or host a productive corporate retreat, we’re creating an inviting environment that offers something for everyone.”

Saddlebrook’s Storied History in Sports & Hospitality

Since 1981, Saddlebrook has been a leading destination for hospitality, golf, and tennis. Originally designed for conferences and conventions, the resort quickly recognized the growing demand for recreational activities that guests could enjoy with family and friends year-round. Golf and tennis were the natural sports of choice, and Saddlebrook set out to create world-class facilities to enhance the resort’s already established reputation for top-tier conferences and conventions.

The original owners of the resort acquired the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy in 1986 and moved it to Saddlebrook, which has been its home ever since. Champions like Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, James Blake and John Isner are counted among alumni, and today’s #2 ATP tour player, Alex Zverev, has trained at Saddlebrook since the age of 12.

Saddlebrook’s renowned golf courses, originally designed by Arnold Palmer, further cemented Saddlebrook’s reputation as a destination for the who’s-who in sports. Over the years, pro players like Keegan Bradley, K.J. Choi, Akshay Bhatia and Karl Vilips have honed their skills at Saddlebrook’s on-site academy and facility.

The launch of Saddlebrook Preparatory School in 1993, combined with the resort’s impressive sports facilities, attracted student-athletes from around the world, blending elite training with academics.

In 2024, the Professional Tennis Registry and Professional Pickleball Registry relocated their international headquarters to Saddlebrook, reinforcing the resort’s reputation as a world-class training and sports destination.

The Arrival Experience

From the moment guests arrive, the resort’s transformation will be evident. A refreshed porte-cochère will feature a new outdoor entrance, lighting, and refined landscaping to create an inviting first impression. The redesigned lobby will feature thoughtful enhancements, including a memorabilia area paying tribute to the resort’s rich heritage and Saddlebrook Academy’s legendary sports alumni. Guests will be able to explore a curated display of trophies, mementos, and historic relics, offering a deeper connection to the resort’s history. A new coffee shop concept will be introduced just off the lobby, where guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and a selection of grab-and-go items.

Redesigned & Modernized Guest Rooms and Suites

Guest rooms and suites will be entirely reimagined—seamlessly blending contemporary sophistication with the warmth and ease of residential living. The refreshed accommodations will include a range of standard guest rooms to three-bedroom suites perfect for families and groups who want more room to spread out. Every detail has been considered to create a space that feels fresh, functional and inviting. New furniture will give the rooms a modern feel – marked by sleek wood-accented dressers, plush seating, and thoughtfully designed dining areas. A calming palette of soft neutrals and deep blues will set the tone, complemented by warm lighting and hand-selected artwork. In the suites, updated kitchens will feature white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and rich navy accents. Grouped in peaceful residential clusters, Saddlebrook’s rooms and suites are a central component of the resort’s innovative walking village layout.

A New Era of Dining

The resort’s dining experiences are being revitalized, with multiple concepts and venues opening in the coming months. Once complete, Saddlebrook will feature four experiences for food and drink, including the lobby’s coffee shop, a new poolside restaurant and bar, a sports bar and all-day dining destination.

A New Pool Experience
Setting the stage for leisurely afternoons, guests will lounge around Saddlebrook’s 500,000 gallon “Super Pool” – named in honor of the 1984 Super Bowl hosted in Tampa, the same year the pool originally opened. Inspired by a playful ‘60s aesthetic, the Super Pool’s new aesthetic will reflect a palette of vibrant pinks and lush greens that infuse the space with vintage charm and modern-day appeal.

Upgraded, State-of-the-Art Golf Courses
Saddlebrook’s revered golf courses will be comprehensively reimagined to heighten playability and elevate the player experience at every level. The two existing 18-hole courses will be redesigned into a challenging 27-hole layout made up of three interchangeable nine-hole courses. These can be combined in various ways to create three distinct 18-hole championship courses. Greens will be reconstructed using the USGA method for improved performance, fairway bunkers will be invigorated with upgraded drainage and crisp sand, and tee surfaces will be rebuilt and laser-leveled for consistency. Additionally, a state-of-the-art irrigation system will be introduced to optimize course conditions and ensure pristine fairways and greens year-round.

These upgrades build upon the December 2024 opening of Saddlebrook’s new 13-acre driving range that features a double-sided range, two TifEagle™ bermudagrass putting greens, and three short-game areas with greenside bunkers.

Elevated & Unique Places to Meet and Celebrate
Saddlebrook’s revamped ballrooms were unveiled this February. More than 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting and event spaces have been completely transformed with new chandeliers and patterned carpets throughout. Two signature ballrooms, including the 12,500-square-foot Royal Palm Ballroom and the 8,000-square-foot Pegasus Ballroom, can be segmented into nearly two dozen separate rooms. Upgraded technology, including high-speed internet and digital wayfinding displays, gives advanced connectivity and convenience.

For those seeking an open-air setting, Saddlebrook offers more than 175,000 square feet of outdoor space perfect for breakout sessions or unique outdoor meeting space – including the Sports Village, Fountain Courtyard, and the pool deck – each delivering dynamic backdrops for team-building activities, wedding receptions, and al fresco gatherings. Among the resort’s most unique venues is its 60-yard football field, expertly constructed by the same team behind select pro sports fields.

Saddlebrook offers a total of more than 200,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.

Wesley Chapel: A Growing Destination Near Tampa
Saddlebrook Resort is located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and the area’s most popular attractions, offering an immersive retreat set amidst the natural beauty of Wesley Chapel – one of the Tampa Bay area’s fastest growing enclaves. Surrounded by retail, dining, and outdoor adventure, Saddlebrook is ideally positioned as both a peaceful escape and a gateway to the region’s vibrant cultural scene. In recent years, Wesley Chapel has emerged as a destination in its own right, boasting premier shopping at The Shops at Wiregrass, exciting entertainment at KRATE at The Grove, and access to outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking in nearby nature preserves.

In 2022, Mast Capital and Amzak Capital Management acquired the resort with a long-term commitment to its revitalization. In addition to the $92 million renovation with financing from Beach Point Capital, the property’s evolution includes a forthcoming town center with 465 luxury apartments, 25 townhomes, 75,000 square feet of retail and office space, and a pedestrian-friendly promenade. Adjacent development will also introduce a 120-unit townhome community and 25,000 square feet of commercial offerings—further enhancing Saddlebrook’s role as a dynamic hub of resort living, sport, and lifestyle.

Saddlebrook is part of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of independent resorts and hotels operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality.

For more information, please visit www.saddlebrookresort.com or follow along on social media at @saddlebrookresort.

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About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels is a curated collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a leading management company. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program. Learn more at benchmarkresortsandhotels.com and connect on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Pyramid Global Hospitality
Pyramid Global Hospitality is a leading third-party hospitality management company known for delivering innovative solutions to some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts. Formed by the 2021 merger of three prominent hotel management companies, Pyramid now manages a portfolio of over 240 properties across the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe, with offices in Boston, The Woodlands, Texas, Cincinnati, and London. For more information, visit www.pyramidglobal.com.

About Mast Capital

Founded in 2006, Mast Capital is a leading, vertically integrated real estate investment and development firm, driven by a global vision to transform communities and reshape the real estate landscape. By seamlessly blending innovative investment strategies with visionary design, Mast Capital has cultivated a diverse portfolio exceeding $4 billion in total project capitalization. As one of Florida’s most dynamic development firms, Mast Capital currently manages twelve active developments with a substantial future pipeline, spanning residential condominiums, multifamily developments, luxury hotels, commercial properties, operating businesses, and land designated for development. In nearly two decades, Mast Capital’s profound expertise and value-driven approach has uniquely positioned the firm to adeptly navigate market complexities and identify untapped investment opportunities. The firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence and crafting timeless icons, has solidified its reputation as an industry pioneer, devoted to maximizing investment returns and ensuring the long-term success of each venture. For more information on Mast Capital’s portfolio, visit www.MastCapital.com.

About Amzak Capital Management
Founded in 1979, Amzak Capital Management is the private investment firm of the Kazma family, bringing over four decades of operational and investment expertise. Specializing in four major areas—real estate, fixed income, industrials, and healthcare—the firm strategically invests across the capital structure, including development financing, preferred equity, high yield debt, and equity. With a focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation, Amzak serves as a trusted partner to real estate developers, investment firms, private equity sponsors, and operators.

Legendary coach Nick Bollettieri passed away at 91

December 5, 2022 by tennisbloggers Leave a Comment

Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri has passed away at the age of 91. Bollettieri worked with many tennis players, some of who would become Grand Slam champions. Names like Jim Courier and Maria Sharapova but most notably Andre Agassi.

Bollettieri was known for his almost Spartan way of training and coaching players in Bradenton, Florida, his tennis academy was founded in the late 1970s.

Nick Bollettieri was merciless

Born in New York and of Italian descendence, Bollettieri was merciless, feared no one, and was the sport’s best motivator. Players like Mary Pierce, Boris Becker, Marcelo Rios, and Anna Kournikova all asked for his help at some point in their careers.

The only thing that mattered was performance. His dedication was his power but sometimes he didn’t seem to understand that he was working with vulnerable people, said Richard Krajicek in November 2017 in an interview with a Dutch media outlet after the documentary “Love Means Zero” about his turbulent relationship with pupil Andre Agassi.

“I wanted to be a winner and work with winners”, said Bollettieri about himself in the documentary.

Bollettieri recruited children for his tennis academy in Floriday. He prepared them to be top tennis players one day. It was groundbreaking back in the day. “I broke the rules. I brought them to the academy, and I was the first to do so in the world”, said Bollettieri.

Said Richard Krajicek, winner of Wimbledon 1996: “Train as much as possible with as many kids as possible. That was his philosophy.”

Remarkably enough, Bollettieri didn’t know much about the technical part of the tennis sport but what he lacked in that regard, he made up with discipline and hard work.

Bollettieri as coach of Andre Agassi

Nick Bollettieri became a household name in the late 1980s by having his pupils Jim Courier and Andre Agassi to the world top of tennis. Especially with Agassi, The Vegas Kid, he enjoyed many successes.

Agassi was the more talented one of the two and Bollettieri went all in. He did more often. If you were not good enough you wouldn’t be coached by him anymore. He was tough like that.

Bollettieri named Agassi’s Wimbledon title in 1992 as the masterpiece of his career. The two of them split a year later after a dispute over money. Bollettieri regretted that, he said afterward.

Bollettieri was 91.

Oracle Makes Major Investment In Grass Roots American Pro Tennis, Partners With InsideOut Sports & Entertainment

September 4, 2019 by tennisbloggers

Oracle announced today the creation of the Oracle Pro Series, a schedule of more than 25 new ATP, WTA and ITF World Tennis Tour professional tournaments to be held across the United States over the course of 2019 and 2020. The Oracle Pro Series will create more than 40 percent new playing opportunities in the United States for tennis professionals.

Nearly all the tournaments will be combined men’s and women’s events with equal prize money ranging from $25,000 to $108,000 per tournament. The six combined tournaments scheduled for the fall of 2019 offer equal prize money of $25,000 and will be played in California, Texas and Florida. The 2019 Oracle Pro Series schedule is as follows:

October 6 – 13 – The Claremont Club – Los Angeles, Calif.
October 13 – 20 – Baylor University – Waco, Texas
October 20 – 27 – Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, Texas (ATP)
October 20 – 27 – Southern Methodist University – Dallas, Texas (WTA)
November 4 – 10 – Pepperdine University – Malibu, Calif.
November 11 – 17 – USTA National Campus – Orlando, Fla.
November 17 – 24 – Sanchez-Casal Academy – Naples, Fla.

The final schedule for 2020 will include more than 20 tournaments, most of which will be combined events. Locations will be announced later this year.

“At Oracle, we’re looking at this holistically,” said Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. “We want more exposure for tennis at all levels in the United States. All of our efforts, from awards to tournament series to collegiate sponsorships and strategic partnerships, are pieces of an overall plan to raise the quality of American tennis.”

In addition to more playing opportunities in the U.S., the Oracle Pro Series will expand the pathway for the next generation of aspiring champions from college tennis up to the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour. The Oracle Pro Series will reward success with immediate access to higher level tournaments by connecting all Oracle events into one merit-based path to the highest levels of international professional tennis.

Oracle is partnering with InsideOut Sports & Entertainment, led by former World No. 1 and Hall of Famer Jim Courier and his business partner Jon Venison, to manage the Oracle Pro Series. InsideOut brings more than 15 years of experience producing live and televised events.

“The Oracle Pro Series is an unprecedented expansion in the number of U.S. professional tournaments and reinforces Oracle’s commitment to advancing the sport,” said Courier. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Oracle to give up-and-coming players more opportunities to compete for prize money, improve their rankings and launch their careers. Together, we will play a big part influencing the future of tennis in the U.S.”

Oracle also supports collegiate tennis through sponsorship of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). This includes hosting several marquee ITA championship events throughout the year such as the Oracle ITA Masters and the Oracle ITA Fall Championships. At the grassroots level, Oracle supports tennis through its strategic partnership with Universal Tennis Rating (UTR). UTR leverages Oracle’s industry leading cloud technology to power its algorithm-based, big-data rating system and digital platform.

Tennis Associations Endorse Oracle Pro Series
“This series of events has been created to provide an unprecedented level of opportunities for aspiring young players to compete and earn the valuable WTA ranking points needed to earn a ranking that will provide them the ability to realize their dreams of playing at the highest levels of the sport.” ~ Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO

“The ATP continues to focus on enhancing and strengthening the ATP Challenger Tour, and we welcome Oracle’s growing involvement at this level of the sport. The Oracle Pro Series will provide increased opportunities for players competing on the pathway to the ATP Tour, and we look forward to seeing the series come to life.” ~ Ross Hutchins, ATP Chief Player Officer

“We are incredibly excited that Oracle is providing even more opportunities for American players to compete throughout the year, as well as more opportunities for fans to attend professional tennis events throughout the country. These events help develop American talent and serve as a stepping stone for players to reach the highest levels of the game, while at the same time inspire kids across the nation to pick up a racket and play this sport.” ~ Stacey Allaster, USTA Chief Executive, Professional Tennis

About Oracle Tennis
Oracle is committed to supporting American tennis for all players across the collegiate and professional levels. Through sponsorship of tournaments, players, ranking, organizations and more, Oracle has infused the sport with vital resources and increased opportunities for players to further their careers.

About Oracle
The Oracle Cloud offers a complete suite of integrated applications for Sales, Service, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, Supply Chain and Manufacturing, plus Highly Automated and Secure Generation 2 Infrastructure featuring the Oracle Autonomous Database. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.

Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Lleyton Hewitt Wins Invesco Series QQQ Title In Charleston

April 7, 2019 by tennisbloggers

It’s been two events and two victories for Lleyton Hewitt in his Invesco Series QQQ career. The former world No. 1, Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion and still part-time doubles specialist on the ATP Tour won his second career title on the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30 Saturday night defeating Andy Roddick 6-2 in the one-set title match to win the Invesco Legends Charleston, played in conjunction with the WTA Tour’s Volvo Car Open.

Hewitt, 38, made his Invesco Series QQQ debut last July in Newport, R.I. on the grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame defeating James Blake in the semifinals and Tommy Haas in the final. Saturday night on clay in Charleston, Hewitt remained undefeated on the Series by dominating with his grinding baseline game that earned him 30 career ATP singles titles.

Hewitt and Roddick played 14 times during their ATP Tour career, each player winning seven matches and Hewitt was able to move ahead in the bragging rights department with his victory in their first Invesco Series meeting. Roddick joked that he was not looking forward to playing Hewitt in the final saying “I know Lleyton plays like 40 weeks a year” and remembering their hard-fought slug-fest matches from their ATP days, including a memorable five-set quarterfinal night match in 2001, won by Hewitt en route to winning his first major title. Hewitt played his last career ATP singles match at the 2016 Australian Open, losing in the second round to David Ferrer. He played nine doubles events in 2018, along with his one Invesco Series appearance, and so far in 2019 he has played four events. While serving as Australia’s Davis Cup captain, he has managed to earn an ATP doubles ranking of No. 228.

Roddick is playing his sixth season on the Invesco Series after retiring from the ATP Tour in 2012 and was seeking his 18th career title on Series and his first since beating James Blake in the title match in Los Angeles in October of 2017. Saturday marked the second straight year that Roddick lost in the Charleston final. In 2018, he was defeated by Tommy Haas 6-1 in the title match.

En route to the final, Hewitt beat 54-year-old Mats Wilander 6-3 while Roddick beat 48-year-old Jim Courier 6-4. Hewitt said he grew up idolizing Wilander, who won his first major title at the French Open at 17 years old in 1982 when Hewitt was one year old. “This was the first time we ever hit balls together so it was a lot of fun,” said Hewitt. Roddick’s win over Courier moved him to a perfect 7-0 against the two-time French and Australian Open champion on the Invesco Series. Quipped Roddick of the win, “I got a little lucky. I’m just not that good anymore.”

The Invesco Series QQQ circuit continues Sunday, May 5 in Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort at the Hawaii Champions Cup with John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Tommy Haas and Michael Chang in the field Earlier this season, Tommy Haas kicked off the 2019 Invesco Series QQQ circuit in January by defeating Roddick 7-6 (2) in the title match at the Oracle Champions Cup in Newport Beach, California. James Blake won the second event of the season on Thursday at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Fla., defeating Courier 6-3 in the final. Through three events so far in 2019, there is a four-way tie for the top spot in the year-long Invesco Series QQQ points rankings with Haas, Blake, Hewitt and Roddick all having 400 points.

The remaining 2019 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

Maui, HI – May 5 (Royal Lahaina Resort): John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Tommy Haas, Michael Chang

Newport, RI – July 21 (International Tennis Hall of Fame): Todd Martin, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander

Boston, MA – September 7 (Venue and Players TBA)

Toronto, ON – September 26 (Mattamy Athletic Centre): Players TBA

Orlando, FL – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Los Angeles, CA – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA

Austin, TX – November 15: Venue and Players TBA

In 2018, Blake won his first Invesco Series QQQ year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

In 2017, the year-long points championship was decided in the final match of the season when Andy Roddick defeated James Blake in the Los Angeles final at the Sherwood Country Club. Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and world No. 1, won four Invesco Series QQQ titles in all in 2017, winning in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Lincoln, Neb., and Los Angeles. Blake, the former world No. 4 and former U.S. Davis Cup star, won series titles in Charleston, S.C., Winston-Salem, N.C. and in Lynchburg, Va.

In 2015, Roddick won the Series points title in his second year of competing on the series with 1,600 points. Roddick won a record eight events Los Angeles, Lincoln, Chicago, Austin, Little Rock, Dallas, Richmond and Minneapolis. Blake finished second in the points rankings with 1,200 points, winning events in Boston and Cincinnati. Philippoussis finished in third with 1,100 points, winning titles in Salt Lake City and Vancouver. The year before in 2014, McEnroe won the points title for the first time in the nine-year history of Invesco Series QQQ tennis by winning events in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville and Charlotte.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT
InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions 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. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $5 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA
Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost, 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek, and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age and as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100 year history of the 4As, the marketing industry’s leading trade association. The company’s mission is “To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere.” By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $5.3 billion and over 1,200 employees. The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, pleasevisithorizonmedia.com.

ABOUT INVESCO
Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; Invesco.com, Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd. and is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.”

2019 Invesco Series QQQ Schedule Announced

March 4, 2019 by tennisbloggers

The Invesco Series QQQ, the North American tennis circuit for champion players over the age of 30, announced its full remaining 2019 circuit of events, featuring 10 total events, concluding in Austin, Texas. The 2019 Invesco Series QQQ circuit will also again partner alongside ATP and WTA events in Charleston, S.C., and Newport, R.I. The series of one-night tournaments, featuring two one-set semifinal matches and a one-set final-round match played between tennis legends, will feature for a fifth straight year players making their own line-calls with the assistance of electronic line-calling.

The 2019 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

Newport Beach, CA – January 26 (Newport Beach Country Club): Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 7-6 (2)
Tampa, FL – April 4 (Innisbrook Resort): John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, James Blake
Charleston, SC – April 6 (Volvo Car Open): Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander
Maui, HI – May 5 (Royal Lahaina Resort): John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Tommy Haas, Michael Chang
Newport, RI – July 21 (International Tennis Hall of Fame): Players TBA
Boston, MA – September 7: Venue and Players TBA
Toronto, ON – September 26 (Mattamy Athletic Centre): Players TBA
Orlando, FL – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA
Los Angeles, CA – Date and Venue TBA: Players TBA
Austin, TX – November 15: Venue and Players TBA

The 2019 schedule already kicked off in January in Newport Beach, California at the Oracle Champions Cup with Tommy Haas defeating Andy Roddick 7-6 (2) in the one-set championship match.

Each Invesco Series QQQ event also features special VIP experiences, including hit-with-the-pros opportunities and special back-stage access. All ticket, experience and event information can be found at www.InvescoSeries.com
In 2018, Blake won his first Invesco Series QQQ year-long points championship by winning titles in Winston-Salem, New Haven and Houston, while also finishing as runner-up in Los Angeles and Orlando.

In 2017, the year-long points championship was decided in the final match of the season when Andy Roddick defeated James Blake in the Los Angeles final at the Sherwood Country Club. Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open champion and world No. 1, won four PowerShares Series titles in all in 2017, winning in Birmingham, Ala., Chicago, Lincoln, Neb., and Los Angeles. Blake, the former world No. 4 and former U.S. Davis Cup star, won series titles in Charleston, S.C., Winston-Salem, N.C. and in Lynchburg, Va.

In 2016, Mark Philippoussis won the Series points title with 1600 points and tournament titles in Memphis, Tulsa, Newport, Winston-Salem and New Haven. Roddick finished in second place, also earning 1600 points but losing the head-to-head tiebreaker with Philippoussis 5-2, while winning titles in Charleston, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Orlando. Blake finished in third place with 1100 points and tournament titles in Chicago, Portland and Brooklyn.
In 2015, Roddick won the Series points title in his second year of competing on the series with 1,600 points. Roddick won a record eight events Los Angeles, Lincoln, Chicago, Austin, Little Rock, Dallas, Richmond and Minneapolis. Blake finished second in the points rankings with 1,200 points, winning events in Boston and Cincinnati. Philippoussis finished in third with 1,100 points, winning titles in Salt Lake City and Vancouver. The year before in 2014, McEnroe won the points title for the first time in the nine-year history of Champions Series tennis by winning events in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville and Charlotte.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT
InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions 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. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT INVESCO
Invesco Ltd. is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. NYSE: IVZ; invesco.com. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd. and is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

Mark Philippoussis Beat Jim Courier For Invesco Series QQQ Title In St. Louis

October 5, 2018 by tennisbloggers

Mark Philippoussis blitzed Jim Courier 6-1 Thursday night in the one-set singles final of the True Champions Classic at the Chaifetz Arena, the seventh of 10 events on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ “champions” tennis circuit.

The win was the second this season for Philippoussis on the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30. In May, Philippoussis won the RPIA Championships in Toronto defeating John McEnroe in the final. The win was the 12th career Invesco Series QQQ title for Philippoussis, the 41-year-old former Wimbledon and U.S. Open runner-up.

Courier, who last week announced his resignation as U.S. Davis Cup captain after eight years, was appearing in his first Invesco Series QQQ final in 21 months. He won his 100th career match on the Invesco Series QQQ in the semifinals, winning the last seven points of the tie-breaker with McEnroe to defeat the 59-year-old four-time U.S. Open champion 7-6(3). The win was Courier’s first on the Invesco Series since beating McEnroe in the semifinals of Orlando in January of 2017, snapping a seven-match losing streak. In the other semifinal Thursday, Philippoussis beat Andy Roddick 6-3.

With the tournament win, Philippoussis earned 400 Invesco Series QQQ ranking points to move into third place in the circuit rankings with 900 points. Tommy Haas leads the Invesco Series QQQ rankings with 1100 points, followed by James Blake with 1000 points in second place. McEnroe is in fourth place with 700 points followed by Andy Roddick and Jim Courier with 500 points and Lleyton Hewitt with 400 points.

Philippoussis won the Invesco Series QQQ year-long points title in 2016, winning five tournaments throughout the year. Last year, he finished in fifth place, 1000 points behind Roddick, the points winner.

The Invesco Series QQQ continues Friday in Houston at Rice University featuring McEnroe, Roddick, Courier and James Blake. The remaining schedule, with player fields, is as follows

The remaining 2018 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:

October 5: Houston, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Jim Courier
October 21: Los Angeles, CA (Sherwood Country Club) – Andy Roddick, James Blake, Tommy Haas, and Mardy Fish
December 6: Orlando, FL (USTA National Campus) – Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, James Blake and Mardy Fish

2018 Invesco Series QQQ Results

April 7: Charleston, SC (Family Circle Tennis Center) F: Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 6-1; SF: Tommy Haas def. Michael Chang 6-2; Andy Roddick def. Mark Philippoussis 6-3

May 5, 6: Kohala Coast, HI (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows) F: Tommy Haas def. John McEnroe 7-5 SF: Tommy Haas def. Mardy Fish 6-3, John McEnroe def.Jim Courier 6-3

May 17: Toronto, ON (Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre) F: Mark Philippoussis d. John McEnroe 7-5, SF: Mark Philippoussis d. James Blake 7-6 (5); John McEnroe d. Jim Courier 6-2.

July 22: Newport, RI (International Tennis Hall of Fame) F: Lleyton Hewitt d. Tommy Haas 7-6(2) SF: Lleyton Hewitt d. James Blake 6-3; Tommy Haas d. Jim Courier 6-3

August 19: Winston-Salem, NC (Wake Forest University) F: James Blake d. Andy Roddick 6-1 SF: Andy Roddick d. Robby Ginepri 7-6 (4); James Blake d. Michael Chang 6-3

August 23/24: New Haven, CT (Yale University) F: James Blake d. John McEnroe 6-4 SF: John McEnroe d. Todd Martin 6-3, James Blake d. Tommy Haas 6-4

October 4: St. Louis, MO (Chaifetz Arena) F: Mark Philippoussis d. Jim Courier 6-1; SF: Jim Courier d. John McEnroe 7-6(3), Mark Philippoussis d. Andy Roddick 6-3

Each Invesco Series QQQ event features special VIP experiences, including hit-with-the-pros opportunities and special back-stage access. All ticket, experience and event information can be found at www.InvescoSeries.com

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT
InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions 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. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.comor follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Jim Courier Resigns As U.S. Davis Cup Captain

September 27, 2018 by tennisbloggers

The USTA today announced that Jim Courier is stepping down as Captain of the U.S. Davis Cup Team after eight years in the position. Courier informed the USTA of his decision following the U.S. vs. Croatia Davis Cup Semifinal that took place in Croatia.

“We thank Jim for his commitment to excellence and to the Davis Cup team,” said USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams. “I have been proud to travel the world with Jim and watch first hand as he delivered the highest level of integrity and devotion to success.”

Courier was appointed in October 2010 as the 40th captain in Team USA’s storied history, and he concludes a successful eight-year run with a 10-8 record in World Group play, including four shutout victories. The former world No. 1 singles player led the team to two World Group Semifinal appearances, in 2012 and 2018, and reached the World Group Quarterfinals six times, maintaining the team’s position in the World Group throughout his reign.

“Following the matches with Croatia, I let the players and staff know this was my final year as captain of the U.S. Davis Cup Team,” said Courier. “It’s been my honor and privilege to represent the USTA and USA as a player and captain. I look forward to cheering the team on as they pursue the cup in its new format next year and beyond.”

Making his debut in March 2011 in Chile, Courier selected Andy Roddick, John Isner, and Bob and Mike Bryan to compete in his first tie as captain, a 4-1 World Group First Round victory. A total of 11 Americans played for the four-time Grand Slam champion, a list that also includes Mardy Fish, Ryan Harrison, Sam Querrey, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Four of those men were handed their Davis Cup debuts by Courier –Young (2014), Sock (2015), Johnson (2015) and Tiafoe (2018). Isner proved to be Courier’s most reliable charge, compiling a 14-7 record under his leadership, including 10 wins in live rubbers. All eight of the men who played in more than three matches under Courier produced winning records.

As a player, Courier lifted the Davis Cup trophy twice, in 1992 and 1995, and held a 17-10 overall record. The U.S. team was 13-1 in ties in which Courier played, and he clinched victory by winning a decisive fifth rubber on three occasions.

Captain Courier leaves Team USA in good stead, having earned automatic qualification into the new-format 2019 Davis Cup championship rounds by virtue of this year’s World Group Semifinal appearance. The 2019 Davis Cup will take place next November.

“I’ve known Jim for almost forty years, enjoying his friendship, and admiring the steel will and unrelenting work ethic that made him a great champion and a great leader as Davis Captain,” said USTA Player Development General Manager Martin Blackman. “The role of Davis Cup Captain requires an individual that embodies the character qualities of a Team USA Champion and one who is willing to put the work in, to get the job done. Captain Courier fulfilled both roles and American tennis is all the better for it.”

Founded in 1900, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas is the World Cup of Tennis and is the largest annual international team competition in sport, with approximately 135 nations competing each year. The U.S. leads all nations with 32 Davis Cup titles. The U.S. holds a 219-72 all-time Davis Cup record, and owns the longest uninterrupted run in the World Group, dating back to 1989. For more information, including access to player and historical Davis Cup records, please go to www.usta.com/daviscup or www.daviscup.com.

Courier, Roddick, Blake And Fish To Play New Invesco Series Event at USTA National Campus

June 21, 2018 by tennisbloggers

ORLANDO – The USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. will become the new host of the 10th and final event on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ tennis circuit on December 6, featuring a celebration of American tennis legends.

The one-night tournament will feature four American champion players – former world No. 1 and two –time French and Australian Open champion Jim Courier, 2003 U.S. Open champion and former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, former U.S. Davis Cup star and former world No. 4 James Blake and former U.S. Davis Cup star and 2004 Olympic silver medalist Mardy Fish.

The event will be played on the hard court stadium at the USTA National Campus and will start at 7 pm. Tickets will be available at InvescoSeries.com starting September 15. The event will feature two one-set semifinal matches followed by a one-set championship match in one session. The Orlando event takes the place of the previously announced Denver event.

“We are excited to partner with the USTA to showcase icons of American tennis at this incredible facility. The USTA has supported Champions Tennis since we started the tour 14 years ago. We appreciate their continued support and look forward to many years of world class tennis in Orlando”, said Jim Courier, co-founding partner of InsideOut Sports and Entertainment.

“The USTA National Campus has allowed Orlando to become the home of American tennis, welcoming athletes and their families to our community year round. We’re thrilled that this incredible facility will host an event on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ circuit and look forward to celebrating American tennis and some of its legends here in December,” said Buddy Dyer, Orlando Mayor.

“The USTA National Campus is thrilled to serve as the host of the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ culminating event,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, USTA National Campus. “It will be a truly unique experience for the Central Florida community to watch this historic group of American tennis legends play underneath the lights of our world-class facility.”

The Invesco Series QQQ is the North American tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30 and features other tennis legends including John McEnroe, Tommy Haas, Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis.

So far in 2018, Haas, playing his first year on the circuit, has won titles in Charleston, S.C. and at Kohala Coast, Hawaii, while Philippoussis has won the only other event played so far in Toronto, Canada.

The remaining 2018 Invesco Series QQQ schedule is as follows:
• July 22: Newport, R.I. (International Tennis Hall of Fame) – Lleyton Hewitt, Jim Courier, Tommy Haas and James Blake
• August 19: Winston-Salem, N.C. (Wake Forest University) – Andy Roddick, James Blake, Michael Chang, and Mark Philippoussis
• August 23, 24: New Haven, CT (Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale) – John McEnroe, Tommy Haas, James Blake and Todd Martin
• October 4: St. Louis, MO (Chaifetz Arena) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, and Mark Philippoussis
• October 6: Houston, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Jim Courier
• October 21: Los Angeles, CA (Sherwood Country Club) – Andy Roddick, James Blake, Tommy Haas, and Mardy Fish
• December 6: Orlando, FL (USTA National Campus) – Jim Courier, Andy Roddick, James Blake and Mardy Fish

Results so far on the 2018 Invesco Series QQQ are as follows:
• April 7: Charleston, SC (Family Circle Tennis Center) F: Tommy Haas def. Andy Roddick 6-1; SF: Tommy Haas def. Michael Chang 6-2; Andy Roddick def. Mark Philippoussis 6-3
• May 5, 6: Kohala Coast, HI (Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows) F: Tommy Haas def. John McEnroe 7-5 SF: Tommy Haas def. Mardy Fish 6-3, John McEnroe def. Jim Courier 6-3
• May 17: Toronto, ON (Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre) F: Mark Philippoussis d. John McEnroe 7-5, SF: Mark Philippoussis d. James Blake 7-6 (5); John McEnroe d. Jim Courier 6-2.

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT
InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions 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. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or InvescoSeries.comor follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

PowerShares Series 2017 Schedule Announced

February 7, 2017 by tennisbloggers

PowerShares Series Tennis, the circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30, announced its full 2017 circuit of events starting March 30 in Toronto, Canada.

The 2017 PowerShares Series will also again partner alongside ATP and WTA events in Charleston, S.C., Newport, R.I., Winston-Salem, N.C., and New Haven, Conn. The series of one-night tournaments, featuring two one-set semifinal matches and a one-set final-round match played between tennis legends, will feature for a third straight year players making their own line-calls with the assistance of electronic line-calling.

The full 2017 PowerShares Series schedule, with player fields, is as follows:

* March 30: Toronto, ON (Ricoh Coliseum) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, Mark Philippoussis

* April 1: Charleston, S.C. (Family Circle Tennis Center) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis

* April 28: Birmingham, AL (Legacy Arena At The BJCC) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish

* May 17: Chicago, IL (UIC Pavilion) – John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, Mark Philippoussis

* July 23 Newport, R.I. (International Tennis Hall of Fame) – Andy Roddick, Jim Courier, James Blake, Mardy Fish

* August 20 Winston-Salem, N.C. (Wake Forest University) – Andy Roddick, James Blake, Michael Chang, Mardy Fish

* August 24, 25 New Haven, CT (Yale University) – John McEnroe, Michael Chang, James Blake, Mark Philippoussis

* Lincoln, NE (Pinnacle Bank Arena) – to be announced

* Los Angeles, CA (Sherwood Country Club) – to be announced

* Nashville, TN (Bridgestone Arena) – to be announced

Each PowerShares Series event also features special VIP experiences, including hit-with-the-pros opportunities and special back-stage access. All ticket, experience and event information can be found at www.PowerSharesSeries.com.

Mark Philippoussis won the 2016 PowerShares Series season championship with tournament victories in Memphis, Tulsa, Newport, Winston-Salem and New Haven. Andy Roddick won four events during the 2016 season in St. Louis, Charleston, Los Angeles and Orlando, followed in third place by James Blake, who won titles in Chicago, Portland and Brooklyn. In 2015, Roddick won the PowerShares Series points title in his second year of competing on the series winning a record eight events in Los Angeles, Lincoln, Chicago, Austin, Little Rock, Dallas, Richmond and Minneapolis. The year before in 2014, McEnroe won the points title for the first time in the history of Champions Series tennis by winning events in Kansas City, Indianapolis, Nashville and Charlotte

ABOUT INSIDEOUT SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a Los Angeles based producer of proprietary events and promotions 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. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Champions Series, a collection of tournaments featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, The World Series of Beach Volleyball and numerous corporate outings. Since inception, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment has raised over $4 million for charity. In 2014, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment merged with Horizon Media, the largest privately held media services agency in the world. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.powersharesseries.com or follow on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

ABOUT HORIZON MEDIA

Horizon Media, Inc. is the largest and fastest growing privately held media services agency in the world. The company was founded in 1989, is headquartered in New York and has offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chicago. Horizon Media was chosen as 2011 Independent Media Agency of the Year by Mediapost, 2010 U.S. Media Agency of the Year by Adweek, Brandweek, and Mediaweek as well as by Ad Age and as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company in 2011. In 2012, Bill Koenigsberg, President, CEO and Founder, was honored by Advertising Age as Industry Executive of the Year. Most recently, in 2014, Bill Koenigsberg was named 4As Chair of the Board and is the first person from a media agency to hold this prestigious position in the 100 year history of the 4As, the marketing industry’s leading trade association. The company’s mission is “To create the most meaningful brand connections within the lives of people everywhere.” By delivering on this mission through a holistic approach to brand marketing, Horizon Media has become one of the largest and fastest-growing media agencies in the industry, with estimated billings of over $5.3 billion and over 1,200 employees. The company is also a founding member of Columbus Media International, a multi-national partnership of independent media agencies. For more information, please visit horizonmedia.com.

About PowerShares by Invesco

PowerShares by Invesco is leading the Intelligent ETF Revolution® through its family of more than 140 domestic and international PowerShares exchange-traded funds (ETFs). PowerShares is the provider of PowerShares QQQ, one of the earliest and largest ETFs in the industry. QQQ trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market where innovation and technology expertise have created a world-recognized marketplace for the world’s biggest and best technology companies. PowerShares ETFs seek to outperform traditional benchmark indexes while providing advisors and investors access to an innovative array of focused investment opportunities. PowerShares has US franchise assets exceeding $110 billion as of December 30, 2016. For more information, please visit us at powershares.com or follow us on Twitter @PowerShares.