SURPRISE, Ariz., November 9 – John McEnroe finally broke his final-round hex against Todd Martin, saving three match points and winning a windy and wild final at the $150,000 Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise Sunday at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex in suburban Phoenix. After losing to Martin in three previous finals on the Outback Champions Series circuit, the 49-year-old McEnroe broke through to beat Martin 3-6, 7-6 (3), 11-9 (Champions Tie-breaker) to win $50,000 in prize money and his second career title on the New York-based global tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30.
Playing in severe desert wind gusts of up to 35 mph that knocked over courtside umbrellas and chairs, McEnroe faced triple match point with Martin serving for the match leading 6-3, 6-5, 40-0. McEnroe, however, clawed his way back to break Martin’s serve and force a second-set tie-breaker. With the second-set tie-breaker tied at 3-3, McEnroe won the final four points, benefitting from a Martin double-fault on the final point, to force the decisive Champions Tie-breaker, a 10-point tie-breaker played in lieu of a third-set. McEnroe took an early 5-1 lead in the Champions Tie-breaker and held on to reach double-match point at 9-7. McEnroe then committed two errors for 9-9, before Martin’s missed forehand gave McEnroe his third match point at 10-9. McEnroe then closed out the match with an ace, using his signature left-handed slice serve out wide on the ad-court to finish the epic match in style.
McEnroe said the gusty conditions were possibly “the windiest conditions I have ever played in” and credited the supportive and spirited Arizona crowd with giving him inspiration to win the title.
“I thought this may have been the best I played all year and I think a lot of that had to do with the crowds,” said McEnroe. “I was able to feed off of their energy all week. I think one of the keys was that I was able to shrug things off today. The older you get, it gets harder to do that but I really did a good job with that today.”
Martin, who earned $30,000 for the runner-up showing, was seeking his fourth career Outback Champions Series title, having won titles previously in Boston in 2006, Newport, R.I. in 2007 and Naples, Fla., earlier this year – all at the expense of McEnroe, his final-round victim in all three events.
“There were some totally bizarre points out there today given the conditions,” said the 38-year-old Martin of the windy conditions. “John has an advantage in those conditions because of the off pace ball that he hits. I’m 50-50 in those conditions and his tendencies give him an advantage. John just controls the ball so well and in those conditions you need to. If I played him in a tight-confined space, he may win every time.”
McEnroe started the match by breaking Martin in the opening game of the match and held for a 2-0 lead. Martin, however, rolled through the next five games to take a 5-2 lead before holding on to win the set 6-3. Martin broke McEnroe to lead 3-2 in the second set, only to have McEnroe break immediately back for 3-3. After holding serve, McEnroe broke Martin again to lead 5-3, but was unable to serve out the set. Martin then held serve to even the second set at 5-5. He then broke McEnroe to serve for the match at 6-5, where McEnroe began his spirited comeback.
McEnroe won his only previous title on the Outback Champions Series earlier this year in Boston, where he defeated Aaron Krickstein in the final.
In the third-place playoff Sunday, Magnus Larsson defeated Anders Jarryd 6-1, 7-6 (0) in an all-Swedish affair.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, November 5
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-1
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jim Courier, United States, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Round Robin Results from Thursday, November 6
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 7-6 (9), 6-2
John McEnroe, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-2
Round Robin Results from Friday, November 7
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2
Todd Martin, United States, def. Magnus Larsson, Sweden, 7-6 (2), 6-3
John McEnroe, United States, def. Anders Jarryd, Sweden, 6-0, 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-3, 6-4
Round Robin Results from Saturday, November 8
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-4, 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. John McEnroe, United States, 7-6 (7), 4-6, 10-8
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-1
Todd Martin, United States, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 3-7, 7-6 (4), 10-8 (Champions Tie-breaker)
Sunday, November 9
Third-Place Match
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Anders Jarryd, Sweden, 6-1, 7-6 (0)
Championship Match
John McEnroe, United States, vs. Todd Martin, United States, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 11-9 (Champions Tie-Breaker)
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 3-0
Magnus Larsson 2-1
Wayne Ferreira 1-2
Karel Novacek 0-3
Group B
John McEnroe 2-1
Anders Jarryd 2-1
Jim Courier 2-1
Jimmy Arias 0-3
Karel Novacek
McEnroe and Martin To Duel For Surprise Title
SURPRISE, Ariz., November 8 – John McEnroe will seek his second career singles title on the Outback Champions Series Sunday when he takes on Todd Martin in the final of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex in suburban Phoenix. Both McEnroe and Martin advanced into the final Saturday by virtue of winning their respective round-robin divisions.
McEnroe advanced into the title match despite losing his final round-robin match Saturday afternoon with Jim Courier 7-6 (7), 4-6, 10-8 (Champions Tie-breaker), but advanced into the championship match as the winner of Round Robin Group B in a three-way tie-breaker. McEnroe, Courier and Anders Jarryd of Sweden (a 6-4, 6-4 winner over Jimmy Arias earlier on Saturday) all finished round-robin play with 2-1 records. McEnroe, however, moved into the final having won five sets over three matches played during the week, while Jarryd and Courier only won four sets. Jarryd, a head-to-head winner over Courier on Wednesday night, will play in Sunday’s third-place match against fellow Swede Magnus Larsson.
Martin edged Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 3-6, 7-6 (4), 10-8 (Champions Tie-breaker) in the final match played Saturday evening to finish play in Round Robin Group A with a 3-0 record. After losing the first set on two service breaks, Martin rolled to a 5-2, two-service-break lead in the second set. Ferreira, however, fought back to square the set at 5-5 and eventually forced a tie-breaker. Martin jumped to a 4-1 lead and held on to win the tie-breaker 7-4. In the decisive Champions Tie-breaker – a 10-point tie-breaker played in lieu of a third set – both players split the first 12 points, before Martin reeled off three straight points to lead 9-6. After Ferreira won two straight points to close the gap to 9-8, Martin hit an unreturnable serve to close out the victory.
Martin will be seeking his fourth Outback Champions Series title having won titles in Boston in 2006, Newport, R.I. in 2007 and Naples, Fla., in 2008. Ironically, all three titles came at the expense of McEnroe in the championship match. McEnroe won his only previous title on the Outback Champions Series earlier this year in Boston, where he defeated Aaron Krickstein in the final.
After splitting the first two sets against McEnroe, Courier jumped out to a 6-3 lead in the Champions Tie-breaker. McEnroe, however, fought back to 8-8, benefitting from a Courier double fault at 8-7. Courier then fired an ace to reach his first match point at 9-8 and won the match on the next point when McEnroe committed an unforced error off of Courier’s return of serve.
Said McEnroe of reaching the final, “It is nice to have made the final to have a chance to win another tournament this year and finish on a high note.”
Larsson finished round-robin play with a 2-1 record by defeating Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-1 Saturday.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for the event is as follows (all times local);
Sunday, November 9
Noon
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, vs. Magnus Larsson, Sweden – Third Place Match
Followed By
John McEnroe, United States, vs. Todd Martin, United States – Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, November 5
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-1
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jim Courier, United States, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Round Robin Results from Thursday, November 6
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 7-6 (9), 6-2
John McEnroe, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-2
Round Robin Results from Friday, November 7
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2
Todd Martin, United States, def. Magnus Larsson, Sweden, 7-6 (2), 6-3
John McEnroe, United States, def. Anders Jarryd, Sweden, 6-0, 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-3, 6-4
Round Robin Results from Saturday, November 8
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-4, 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. John McEnroe, United States, 7-6 (7), 4-6, 10-8
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-1
Todd Martin, United States, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 3-7, 7-6 (4), 10-8 (Champions Tie-breaker)
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 3-0
Magnus Larsson 2-1
Wayne Ferreira 1-2
Karel Novacek 0-3
Group B
John McEnroe 2-1
Anders Jarryd 2-1
Jim Courier 2-1
Jimmy Arias 0-3
McEnroe and Martin Stay Unbeaten In Surprise
SURPRISE, Ariz., November 7 – John McEnroe and Todd Martin both notched wins Friday to stay undefeated in round-robin play at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. McEnroe won the first eight games of the match in beating Anders Jarryd of Sweden 6-0, 6-4, while Martin gutted out a 7-6 (2), 6-3 win over another Swede, Magnus Larsson. Also registering wins Friday in round-robin play were Wayne Ferreira and Jim Courier – Ferreira beating Karel Novacek 6-1, 6-2 and Courier besting Jimmy Arias 6-3, 6-4. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise is the seventh of eight events on the Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for tennis players over the age of 30.
With wins in Saturday’s final round-robin matches, both McEnroe and Martin will advance into the Sunday final in the suburbs of Phoenix. Martin will take on Ferreira in the second match of the 5 pm evening session Saturday, while McEnroe will face Courier in the second match of the 2 pm afternoon session. McEnroe and Martin faced off in the final of The Olivier Group Champions Cup in Naples, Fla., the first event on the 2008 Outback Champions Series, earlier this year in February with Martin winning 6-3, 6-1.
Against Jarryd, McEnroe swept through the first set in just over 30 minutes in front of a second consecutive sell-out crowd, breaking his Swedish opponent in the first, third and fifth games of the match. After serving out the first set 6-0, McEnroe opened the second set with another service break and a service hold before Jarryd finally got on the scoreboard in the third game of the second set. Jarryd got back into the match briefly by breaking McEnroe’s serve to tie the score at 3-3 in the second set, but McEnroe broke Jarryd back in the ninth game of the second set, and calmly served out the match the next game.
Playing in his first Outback Champions Series event since the International Tennis Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport, R.I. in August, McEnroe called his win over Jarryd “one of the best matches I have played” on the Outback Champions Series.
“My game plan going in was quite simple – I just wanted to be ready and sharp and I came out really moving well,” said McEnroe. “He wasn’t getting a lot of serves in early and I was really consistent with my serve, especially in the first set.”
McEnroe, a keen observer and evaluator of the sport better known nowadays as a TV commentator than as a player, praised the tennis fans of Arizona, the city of Surprise and its new public tennis facility following his win.
“The crowds here are great,” he said. “I’m really glad to hear this is a public facility. It makes me happy to hear we have a facility like this where it is affordable for people to learn the game. I think that’s been the problem with tennis recently – it isn’t affordable for everyone. To have a public facility with so many courts – and it’s reasonable – is really good to hear.”
Jarryd entered the match with McEnroe having upset Courier, the top ranked player on the Outback Champions Series, in Wednesday’s session.
“I had a lot of trouble finding my rhythm today,” said Jarryd. “I kept digging deeper and deeper and just couldn’t find my rhythm. John played really well.”
Martin was relieved after finishing off Larsson, a player whom he struggled against through the years. Entering their match Friday, the series between the two players stood even at 5-5, including a split of their two previous Outback Champions Series meetings. Martin beat Larsson 4-6, 7-5, 10-4 (Champions Tiebreaker) on a lightning fast outdoor hard court in Athens, Greece in 2007, while Larsson beat Martin 6-3, 6-4 indoors in Memphis in 2006. In their ATP tour careers, the players split their eight meetings – Larsson winning the first four matches in 1994 and 1995, including the fifth and decisive match in the United States vs. Sweden Davis Cup semifinal in 1994. Martin won the last four ATP meetings from 1996 to 2001.
“Today it was difficult to play. I’m so glad its over,” said Martin Friday. “He had good groundstrokes on both sides and is so gifted with two hands. It’s incredible. Today I felt this was the best I have played against him. Today I felt in control with him and I served very well. I served and volleyed a lot with Magnus today which I normally do not do. It was a difficult match and Magnus played really well.”
Ferreira and Courier both evened their round-robin records at 1-1 with their victories Friday. Ferreira controlled play from wire to wire against Novacek, using strong first serves and heavy forehands to force numerous errors from Novacek.
“I thought I played well yesterday (against Larsson) but today I was really hitting the ball well,” said Ferreira. “I am feeling very confident. I was also serving and volleying a little bit more today.”
Courier subdued Arias with his blistering serves and crushing forehands in a high-spirited, entertaining match that delighted fans.
“This was a good match for me,” said Courier. “It built my confidence and now I feel very confident going into my next match tomorrow against John. It’s great to play in front of large crowds here in Surprise.”
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for the event is as follows (all times local);
Saturday, November 8
Noon
Anders Jarryd vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. John McEnroe
5:00 pm
Magnus Larsson vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Sunday, November 9
Noon
Third Place Match
Followed By
Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, November 5
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-1
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jim Courier, United States, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Round Robin Results from Thursday, November 6
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 7-6 (9), 6-2
John McEnroe, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-2
Round Robin Results from Friday, November 7
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-2
Todd Martin, United States, def. Magnus Larsson, Sweden, 7-6 (2), 6-3
John McEnroe, United States, def. Anders Jarryd, Sweden, 6-0, 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-3, 6-4
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 2-0
Magnus Larsson 1-1
Wayne Ferreira 1-1
Karel Novacek 0-2
Group B
John McEnroe 2-0
Jim Courier 1-1
Anders Jarryd 1-1
Jimmy Arias 0-2
McEnroe Opens With Win Over Arias In Surprise
SURPRISE, Ariz., November 6 – John McEnroe returned to play on the Outback Champions Series tennis circuit Thursday defeating fellow American Jimmy Arias 6-2, 6-2 in front of a sold-out crowd in his opening round-robin match at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. Magnus Larsson of Sweden also won his opening round-robin match at the event Thursday defeating Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 7-6 (9), 6-2. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise is a first-year-event on the Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for tennis players over the age of 30.
Playing in his first Outback Champions Series event since the International Tennis Hall of Fame Champions Cup in Newport, R.I. in August, McEnroe had little trouble with Arias, playing a near flawless match. McEnroe broke his former Davis Cup teammate twice in each set and displayed pinpoint serving and deft touch that kept Arias off balance for most of the evening. In their last meeting, Arias chalked up his lone career victory over McEnroe in any capacity, registering one of the biggest upsets in Outback Champions Series history in defeating the three-time Wimbledon champion 7-5, 6-2 in round-robin play in the Cayman Islands in April. Quipped Arias of his win over McEnroe at the time, “I’ve lost to him 735 times. I don’t know the exact count but it’s many times that I’ve lost.”
Larsson’s win over Ferreira can be considered a mild upset as Ferreira has been in top form this year on the Outback Champions Series, earning the No. 2 spot behind Jim Courier in the Stanford Champions Rankings. Larsson, however, has won three of four previous Outback Champions Series meetings with Ferreira, including the final in Memphis in 2006 and in the third-place match in Athens, Greece in 2007. Larsson also won four of six meetings over Ferreira on the ATP tour, including a round of 16 match-up at the 1997 U.S. Open.
Both players held serve throughout the first set to force the tie-breaker, where Ferreira held three set points – leading 6-4 and 8-7. Larsson, however, clinched the set on his third set point when Ferreira barely missed a forehand down-the-line passing shot.
Said Ferreira of the missed passing shot, “I didn’t see it because the board in the net was in the way, so I didn’t have a clue at all. It felt like it was close at least. It’s hard to say.”
Larsson then broke Ferreira to go up 2-1 and again to go up 4-1 in the second set before serving out the match in the seventh game.
Friday’s schedule is highlighted by Larsson taking on Todd Martin in the second match of the 2 pm afternoon session in a battle of players with 1-0 round-robin records. In another match featuring two 1-0 players, McEnroe will face Anders Jarryd in the first match of the 7 pm evening session. The McEnroe-Jarryd match will be played 28 years to the week of perhaps their most famous confrontation at the semifinals of the 1984 Stockholm Open, where on November 4, 1984, McEnroe conducted one of his most famous on-court tirades of his career – highlighted by him saying his oft-mimicked and imitated line to the chair umpire “Answer my question – the question, jerk” – in his 1-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory that featured him losing 15 points in a row at one stretch in the first set and overcoming a point and game penalty in the second set.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for the event is as follows (all times local);
Friday, November 7
2:00 pm
Wayne Ferreira vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Magnus Larsson
7:00 pm
John McEnroe vs. Anders Jarryd
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Jimmy Arias
Saturday, November 8
Noon
Anders Jarryd vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. John McEnroe
5:00 pm
Magnus Larsson vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Sunday, November 9
Noon
Third Place Match
Followed By
Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, November 5
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-1
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jim Courier, United States, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Round Robin Results from Thursday, November 6, 2008
Magnus Larsson, Sweden, def. Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, 7-6 (9), 6-2
John McEnroe, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-2
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 1-0
Magnus Larsson 1-0
Wayne Ferreira 0-1
Karel Novacek 0-1
Group B
Anders Jarryd 1-0
John McEnroe 1-0
Jimmy Arias 0-1
Jim Courier 0-1
A Surprise In Surprise – Jarryd Upsets Courier In Arizona
SURPRISE, Ariz., November 5 – Anders Jarryd of Sweden registered a major “surprise” at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, upsetting two-time French and Australian Open champion Jim Courier 6-3, 7-6 (2) Wednesday on the opening night of play. Also on Wednesday, Todd Martin needed less than an hour – and surrendered only two games – in defeating Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-1. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise is a first-year-event on the Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for tennis players over the age of 30.
Jarryd, playing in only his second Outback Champions Series event on the year, was the steadier and more consistent player in the cold, blustery conditions to register his first career win against Courier, the clear-cut No. 1 ranked player this year in the Stanford Champions rankings that determine the year-end No. 1 player on the Outback Champions Series. Jarryd, ranked No. 5 in the world in 1985, broke Courier’s serve in the sixth game of the first set to go up 4-2 and held serve twice to close out the first set 6-3. Jarryd then broke in the ninth game of the second set and served for the match at 5-4 before Courier cracked four forehand returns to break serve to even the set at 5-5. After both players held serve, Jarryd then ran out the tie-breaker 7-2 as Courier double-faulted on the final point to lose the match.
“At the beginning, he had some chances but he just kept holding serve,” said Jarryd, who had been training in Arizona since Saturday. “For me, not making errors and the break at 4-2 in the first set was big. He was having trouble with the wind at 2-3. I’m usually a lousy wind player. The extra days I have been here have especially helped adjust with the time difference.”
In their two previous meetings on the Outback Champions Series, Courier beat Jarryd 6-2, 7-5 earlier this year on clay in Naples, Fla., and by a 6-4, 6-3 margin also on clay in Houston in 2006. During their ATP careers, Courier won all three meetings.
Novacek was not able to get into any sort of rhythm against Martin, making numerous unforced errors while enduring Martin’s strong service game. The Czech standout, a U.S. Open semifinalist in 1994, was so frustrated with his game that he was given two code violations for racquet abuse in the second set.
Four-time U.S. Open champion John McEnroe will play his opening match at the event Thursday night against fellow American Jimmy Arias. McEnroe is competing in his first Outback Champions Series event since he last competed in Newport, R.I. in August. Also on Thursday’s schedule will be Wayne Ferreira of South Africa taking on Magnus Larsson of Sweden. Jarryd and Martin will attempt to increase their round-robin records to 2-0 on Friday with matches against Magnus Larsson and McEnroe, respectively.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for the event is as follows;
Thursday, November 6
6:30 pm
Magnus Larsson vs. Wayne Ferreira
Followed by
John McEnroe vs. Jimmy Arias
Friday, November 7
2:00 pm
Wayne Ferreira vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Magnus Larsson
7:00 pm
John McEnroe vs. Anders Jarryd
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Jimmy Arias
Saturday, November 8
Noon
Anders Jarryd vs. Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. John McEnroe
5:00 pm
Magnus Larsson vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Sunday, November 9
Noon
Third Place Match
Followed By
Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, November 5
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-1, 6-1
Anders Jarryd, Sweden, def. Jim Courier, United States, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 1-0
Wayne Ferreira 0-0
Magnus Larsson 0-0
Karel Novacek 0-1
Group B
Anders Jarryd 1-0
John McEnroe 0-0
Jimmy Arias 0-0
Jim Courier 0-1
Outback Champions Series Continues This Week In Surprise, Arizona
NEW YORK, November 4 – The Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players over the age of 30, will continue this week when the seventh of eight events on the 2008 schedule is held in Surprise, Ariz., at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise starting Wednesday at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. The field for the first-year event is highlighted by John McEnroe, who is competing in his first Outback Champions Series event since Newport, R.I., in August, and Jim Courier, currently the No. 1 ranked player in the Stanford Champions Rankings, used to determine the top player for the year on the Outback Champions Series.
McEnroe and Courier are both paired in the event’s round-robin Group B alongside fellow American Jimmy Arias and Anders Jarryd of Sweden. Todd Martin of the United States and Wayne Ferreira of South Africa headline Group A, along with Magnus Larsson of Sweden and Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic. Larsson is a replacement in the field for Mark Philippoussis of Australia, who still has not recovered from knee surgery from earlier this year, while Novacek is playing in place of Mikael Pernfors of Sweden, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury. The event runs through Sunday and will be contested on a hard court.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Aaron Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second and third titles of the season in September in Charlotte and in October in Dallas, defeating Martin and Thomas Enqvist in the final, respectively. The final event in 2008 will be held in Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-22.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant. More information on the Outback Champions Series can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
Krickstein and Courier Win Stanford Openers In Dallas
DALLAS, October 22 – Aaron Krickstein and Jim Courier both registered opening night round-robin wins Wednesday at the 2008 Stanford Championships in Dallas at the Turpin Tennis Center on the campus of Southern Methodist University. Krickstein kicked off play with a 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over Todd Martin, while Courier defeated Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic 6-3, 6-1. The Stanford Championships are the sixth of eight events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.
Krickstein’s win marked his second straight win over Martin in Outback Champions Series play, having beaten the 1994 Australian Open and 1999 US Open finalist earlier in the year in Naples, Fla. The two have played five times in all on the Outback Champions Series, Martin winning the first three meetings in 2006 and 2007 to lead the series 3-2. The two played three times during their ATP careers, Martin winning two of the three matches.
“I was taking what the match was giving,” said Krickstein of his win Wednesday. “Todd hits a bigger ball. I play a little steadier than Todd. He’s going to hit more winners. He’s gonna make more errors. That’s the way we’ve both always played. I felt like I had to serve well tonight to at least hold my serve and hang in there with his serve. I thought I did that.”
Martin struggled with his consistency during the match and said the cold and blustery conditions affected him more than usual after being low on match practice after suffering from a nagging back injury for most of the year.
“Aaron is really smart,” said Martin. “He’s a tighter player in the first place. He does a real good job of playing within himself — maybe too much at times, playing within himself. I can only last so long to play a well-constructed point. I got worse. I felt all right at the beginning – first time on hard court in a few weeks. It felt like 50 degrees, windy. I haven’t been on the court a whole lot lately because of my health. I just didn’t feel great. I made a concerted effort to play a couple of longer points, to see if I can’t get him to give me something. But he’s a stingy guy. He just doesn’t give many free points away.”
Krickstein, the former U.S. Davis Cup standout best known as the youngest man to win an ATP singles title at age 16 in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1983, continued his steady results of late on the Outback Champions Series. He reached his first Outback Champion Series final in Naples, Fla., in 2007, losing to Wayne Ferreira, while he reached his second career final earlier this year in Boston, losing to John McEnroe. He also finished in fourth place last month in Charlotte. His results so far this year as earned him a No. 5 ranking in the Stanford Champions Rankings that determine the year-end champion on the Outback Champions Series and the winner of a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial. Courier leads the rankings after five events with 3000 points, followed by John McEnroe with 1800 points, Wayne Ferreira with 1450 points, Martin with 1400 points and Krickstein with 1250 points.
Courier, a two-time French and Australian Open champion, had little difficulty with Novacek Wednesday, dictating play for most of the evening. Courier was the runner-up in Dallas last year, losing to Ferreira in the championship match.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule, with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second event of the season in September in Charlotte, defeating Martin in the final. The next three events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series calendar are Dallas, Surprise, Ariz., and Dubai, U.A.E. More information can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for The Stanford Championships is as follows;
Thursday, October 23
6:30pm
Thomas Enqvist vs. Jimmy Arias
Wayne Ferreira vs. Justin Gimelstob
Friday, October 24
1:30pm
Wayne Ferreira vs. Karel Novacek
Todd Martin vs. Jimmy Arias
6:30pm
Thomas Enqvist vs. Aaron Krickstein
Jim Courier vs. Justin Gimelstob
Saturday, October 25
1:30pm
Aaron Krickstein vs. Jimmy Arias
Mixed doubles featuring Anna Kournikova
Jim Courier vs. Wayne Ferreira
6:30pm
Thomas Enqvist vs. Todd Martin
Mixed doubles featuring Anna Kournikova
Justin Gimelstob vs. Karel Novacek
Sunday, October 26
1:30 pm
3rd place match
Championship match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, October 22
Aaron Krickstein, United States, def. Todd Martin, United States, 7-6 (4), 6-4
Jim Courier, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-1
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Jim Courier 1-0
Wayne Ferreira 0-0
Justin Gimelstob 0-0
Karel Novacek 0-1
Group B
Aaron Krickstein 1-0
Thomas Enqvist 0-0
Jimmy Arias 0-0
Todd Martin 0-1
Enqvist and Novacek Replace Injured Philippoussis and Pernfors in Dallas
NEW YORK, N.Y., October 15, 2008 – InsideOut Sports & Entertainment today announced that Thomas Enqvist of Sweden and Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic will be added to the field at The Stanford Championships, to be played October 22-26 on the campus of SMU in Dallas. Enqvist and Novacek will replace Australia’s Mark Philippoussis and Sweden’s Mikael Pernfors, who are both injured and unable to compete in the eight-player Outback Champions Series event. Philippoussis is still not recovered sufficiently from knee surgery, while Pernfors is still recovering from an Achilles injury.
Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker leads the field in Dallas, competing in his first tournament in the United States since he played in the Lipton Championships in Key Biscayne, Fla., in 1999. Becker will play fellow former No. 1 player in the world Jim Courier, defending Stanford Championships winner Wayne Ferreira and Novacek in Group A of the round robin portion of the event. Todd Martin, the 1999 US Open finalist, will be joined by Enqvist and Americans Aaron Krickstein and Jimmy Arias in Group B. Anna Kournikova, the former top 10 star of the WTA Tour and former No. 1 doubles player in the world, will also compete in mixed doubles exhibition matches scheduled for Saturday. The full schedule of play for the event can be found below.
Tickets for the event are available now and can be purchased by calling 877-332-TIXX (8499). Ticket prices start at $12. Full ticket and event information can be found at www.ChampionSeriesTennis.com.
Enqvist, 34, achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 1999, the same year he reached the final at the Australian Open, where he lost to Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia. Enqvist won 19 career ATP singles titles and contributed to Sweden winning Davis Cup titles in 1997 and 1998.
Novacek, 43, achieved a career high ranking of No. 8 in the world and posted the most significant results of his career at the US Open, where he reached the singles semifinals in 1994, losing to Michael Stich, and reaching the doubles final in 1993 with Martin Damm, losing to Ken Flach and Robert Seguso. He won 13 career ATP singles titles.
Philippoussis, a former Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist, was hoping to launch his comeback to professional tennis in Dallas, but due to a delay in his recovery from knee surgery, he will not be able to compete. He is, however, hopeful to still compete later this fall at The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships at Surprise, November 5-9, 2008 in Surprise, Arizona.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Courier and many others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule, with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series. Through the first five events in 2008, Courier holds the No. 1 ranking with 3000 points. McEnroe holds the No. 2 ranking with 1800 points while Ferreira is in third position with 1450 points.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final, while Courier won his second event of the season in September in Charlotte, defeating Martin in the final. The next three events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series calendar are Dallas, Surprise, Ariz., and Dubai, U.A.E. More information can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
Schedule of play:
The Stanford Championships
October 22 – 26, 2008
Group A:
Jim Courier
Boris Becker
Wayne Ferreira
Karel Novacek
Group B:
Todd Martin
Thomas Enqvist
Aaron Krickstein
Jimmy Arias
Wednesday, October 22
6:30pm
Martin v. Krickstein
Courier v. Novacek
Thursday, October 23
6:30pm
Enqvist v. Arias
Becker v. Ferreira
Friday, October 24
1:30pm
Ferreira v. Novacek
Martin v. Arias
6:30pm
Enqvist v. Krickstein
Courier v. Becker
Saturday, October 25
1:30pm
Krickstein v. Arias
Mixed doubles featuring Anna Kournikova
Courier v. Ferreira
6:30pm
Enqvist v. Martin
Mixed doubles featuring Anna Kournikova
Becker v. Novacek
Sunday, October 26
1:30 pm
3rd place match
Championship match
Courier and Ferreira Remain Undefeated In Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. September 26 – Jim Courier and Wayne Ferreira each registered victories Friday at the $150,000 Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades to post 2-0 round-robin records, leaving both players one match victory from advancing into the event’s championship match. In the first match played in the afternoon, Ferreira defeated Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-1, while Courier, in the final match of the day, defeated fellow American Aaron Krickstein 6-2, 6-3. The continuous rains in Charlotte led to the cancellation of the Friday afternoon and evening sessions at The Palisades. In order to keep the tournament on track for a Sunday finish, all of Friday’s matches were played indoors. The other two matches played Friday where both decided in Champions Tie-Breakers – 10-point tie-breakers played in lieu of a third set. Thomas Enqvist of Sweden defeated Todd Martin 6-4, 5-7, 10-8 (Champions Tie-Breaker), while Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia defeated Jimmy
Arias 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 (Champions Tie-Breaker). The Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades is the fifth of eight events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.
Courier, the two-time French and Australian Open champion, played near flawless tennis against Krickstein, committing very few unforced errors and dominating play with his forehand and a high percentage of first serves.
“I felt good serving,” said Courier, who won the inaugural title in Charlotte in 2006. “I don’t think I missed many serves, and when my serve is “on”, then I’m good to go. I think I had about 16 aces.”
“I didn’t play as well as I should have against Jim,” said Krickstein. “Jim is really tough to beat. I had a couple of opportunities being up an Ad, but I ended up losing them, and that hurt me – especially being down 4-1. Jim just served better than me today, I was out-served. Jim took the ball early and hit with a lot of power today.”
Courier, the No. 1 ranked player on the ATP Tour for the 1992 season, is currently the No. 1 player in the Stanford Champions Rankings, the official rankings for the Outback Champions Series. His best results on the season came when he won the title in Grand Cayman in April, and was the runner-up in Newport, R.I. in August. If he is able to defeat Ivanisevic on Saturday night and finish with a 3-0 record in round robin group A, he will advance into his eighth career Outback Champions Series final.
Said Courier of playing Ivanisevic, “I need to serve well again because Goran has one of the biggest serves in the tournament. Goran is extremely talented but he plays up and down, hot and cold, so I need to stay level against him.”
Ferreira, the South African whom Courier beat to win the title in Grand Cayman earlier this year, had little trouble with Novacek, taking advantage of the fast indoor conditions.
“I’m very pleased with how I played,” said Ferreira. “I had a good serve, especially my first serve. I had quite a few doubles (double faults) though.”
Said Novacek, “Wayne was much more aggressive and more precise with his shots than I was.”
Enqvist, playing in his first Outback Champions Series event, avenged his loss to Martin in the match-clinching rubber of the USA vs. Sweden Davis Cup semifinal in Las Vegas and may have prevented Martin from advancing to the Charlotte final for a third year in a row. Martin lost the 2006 Charlotte final to Courier, while last year, he fell in the championship match to Pete Sampras. Martin, who beat Novacek in his opening round-robin match, will have to beat Ferreira Saturday in order to advance into the championship match at The Palisades for a third straight year.
“I know I have to win tomorrow to make it to the finals,” said Martin. “I played well (against Enqvist), but I hit some tough patches, and tried to work through them, but just couldn’t.”
Said Enqvist, “We played a very close match, and I served very well. I was very pleased with my serve. At one point, I think I had four aces in a row. I was lucky to get through this one. It feels good have a win.”
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule, with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series. Through the first four events in 2008, Courier holds the No. 1 ranking with 2200 points. John McEnroe holds the No. 2 ranking with 1800 points while Ferreira is in third position with 1050 points.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final. After Charlotte, the next three events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series calendar are stops in Dallas, Texas, Surprise, Ariz., and Dubai, U.A.E. More information can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. . Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant.
InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for The Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades is as follows;
Saturday, September 27
Beginning at 1:30 pm
Thomas Enqvist vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Anna Kournikova and Tim Wilkison vs. Chanda Rubin and Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Beginning at 6:30 pm
Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Anna Kournikova and Karel Novacek vs. Chanda Rubin and Tim Wilkison
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Goran Ivanisevic
Sunday, September 28
Beginning at 2:30 pm
Third-Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, September 24
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-2
Aaron Krickstein, United States, def. Goran Ivanisevic, Croatia, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 10-7 (Champions Tie-Break)
Round-Robin Results from Thursday, September 25
Jim Courier, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-1
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Thomas Enqvist, Sweden, 6-4, 6-3
Round-Robin Results from Friday, September 26
Jim Courier, United States, def. Aaron Krickstein, United States, 6-2, 6-3
Thomas Enqvist, Sweden, def. Todd Martin, United States, 6-4, 5-7, 10-8 (Champions Tie-Breaker)
Goran Ivanisevic, Croatia, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 (Champions Tie-Breaker)
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-1
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Wayne Ferreira 2-0
Thomas Enqvist 1-1
Todd Martin 1-1
Karel Novacek 0-2
Group B
Jim Courier 2-0
Aaron Krickstein 1-1
Goran Ivanisevic 1-1
Jimmy Arias 0-2
Courier Wastes No Time In Beating Arias In Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. September 25 – Jim Courier wasted no time in winning his opening round-robin match at the $150,000 Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades Thursday night, needing less than an hour – after a 30-minute rain delay – in defeating fellow American Jimmy Arias 6-2, 6-1. In Thursday’s other match, Wayne Ferreira of South Africa defeated Thomas Enqvist of Sweden 6-4, 6-3. The Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades is the fifth of eight events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.
Courier, the 2006 champion in Charlotte, used his famed inside-out forehand to dictate play against Arias in the heavy, sometimes misty, conditions on the hard court at the Tim Wilkison Signature Tennis and Sports Complex.
“It became tricky once the mist started,” said Courier. “It was ok for me because I have more power behind me. The number one rule is safety and luckily neither of us got hurt on the wet court.”
Said Arias, “This was a bad combo of wind and rain. It made it very difficult for me to hit aggressively but for some reason Jim didn’t seem bothered by it at all. If anything, it may have even helped him. I didn’t have my speed or my footing and he had so much power. I just couldn’t run and he was controlling the point the whole time.”
In the second match of the evening, Ferreira spoiled the Outback Champions Series debut of Enqvist, the 1999 Australian Open finalist and a late replacement for the injured Mark Philippoussis in the Charlotte field. Enqvist opened the match by breaking Ferreira’s serve, but the South African pieced together back-to-back breaks in the eighth and 10th games to win the opening set. Both players exchanged crushing ground strokes in the windy, heavy conditions in the second set before Ferreira registered the only service break of the set in the eighth game before serving out the match.
“For me, playing against Wayne, I needed to not make a lot of unforced errors,” said Enqvist. “He was just too good for me tonight and he moved really well.”
Said Ferreira, “I feel really good and I’m playing really, really good tennis. I’ve been practicing hard because I haven’t played well in the last few tournaments so I’m pleased with how I played.”
Ferreira, who won 15 ATP singles titles during his career, has enjoyed considerable success on the Outback Champions Series in the last three years, reaching five career finals and winning titles in Houston in 2006 and in Naples, Fla., and Dallas in 2007. However, it hasn’t been all work and no play for Ferreira as the 1992 Olympic silver medalist has found time to enjoy some off-court activities while in Charlotte..
“It’s nice being back in Charlotte,” he said. “I enjoy it here. We have a nice hotel and nice tennis facility and both are sort of isolated which I enjoy. We got to play some golf today and I liked that (since) I played well. We also went out to Lowe’s Motor Speedway and ride in a helicopter and it was really fun. I got to meet Jimmie Johnson, Landon Cassill and Jeff Gordon which was very cool.”
Friday’s schedule of play is highlighted by Courier taking on Aaron Krickstein, a surprise winner Thursday over Goran Ivanisevic, in Friday night’s second scheduled match. Ferreira opens the day session at 1:30 pm, playing Karel Novacek of the Czech Republic. Tickets for the event can be purchased by calling 877-332-TIXX (8499) or visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2008 schedule, with each event featuring an eight-man round-robin match format. The winner of each four-player division meets in the title match while second place finishers in each division play in the third-place match. Each event features $150,000 in prize money with an undefeated winner taking home $54,000 as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end Stanford Champions Rankings No. 1. Beginning in 2008, the year-end champion will receive a $100,000 bonus courtesy of Stanford Financial Group, the official rankings sponsor of the Outback Champions Series. Through the first four events in 2008, Courier holds the No. 1 ranking with 2200 points. John McEnroe holds the No. 2 ranking with 1800 points while Ferreira is in third position with 1050 points.
The 2008 Outback Champions Series kicked off March 12-16 in Naples, Fla., at The Oliver Group Champions Cup where Martin defeated McEnroe in the final. Courier won the second event of the season at The Residences at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman Legends Championships April 16-20, defeating Ferreira in the final, while McEnroe won his first career Outback Champions Series even in Boston April 30- May 4, defeating Krickstein in the final. Pat Cash won his first Outback Champions Series title in Newport, R.I., in August, defeating Courier in the final. After Charlotte, the next three events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series calendar are stops in Dallas, Texas, Surprise, Ariz., and Dubai, U.A.E. More information can be obtained by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. . Each event also has the right to choose a “wild card” entrant.
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InsideOut Sports & Entertainment is a New York City-based independent 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 Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including one-night “Legendary Night” exhibitions as well as charity events and tennis fantasy camps, including the annual Ultimate Fantasy Camp. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com
The remaining schedule for The Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades is as follows;
Friday, September 26
Beginning at 1:30 pm
Wayne Ferreira vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Goran Ivanisevic vs. Jimmy Arias
Beginning at 6:30 pm
Todd Martin vs. Thomas Enqvist
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Aaron Krickstein
Saturday, September 27
Beginning at 1:30 pm
Thomas Enqvist vs. Karel Novacek
Followed by
Anna Kournikova and Tim Wilkison vs. Chanda Rubin and Jimmy Arias
Followed by
Todd Martin vs. Wayne Ferreira
Beginning at 6:30 pm
Jimmy Arias vs. Aaron Krickstein
Followed by
Anna Kournikova and Karel Novacek vs. Chanda Rubin and Tim Wilkison
Followed by
Jim Courier vs. Goran Ivanisevic
Sunday, September 28
Beginning at 2:30 pm
Third-Place Match
Followed by
Championship Match
Round-Robin Results from Wednesday, September 24
Todd Martin, United States, def. Karel Novacek, Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-2
Aaron Krickstein, United States, def. Goran Ivanisevic, Croatia, 7-5, 6-7 (5), 10-7 (Champions Tie-Break)
Round-Robin Results from Thursday, September 25
Jim Courier, United States, def. Jimmy Arias, United States, 6-2, 6-1
Wayne Ferreira, South Africa, def. Thomas Enqvist, Sweden, 6-4, 6-3
Round-Robin Group Standings
Group A
Todd Martin 1-0
Wayne Ferreira 1-0
Karel Novacek 0-1
Thomas Enqvist 0-1
Group B
Jim Courier 1-0
Aaron Krickstein 1-0
Goran Ivanisevic 0-1
Jimmy Arias 0-1