Harrison renews Babolat racquet deal
American Ryan Harrison has renewed his Babolat racquet deal for four years. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Harrison, who splits his time between Texas and Florida, has used Babolat racquets and strings since he was 12 years old. “Ryan’s renewal with Babolat is a vote of confidence in the brand, the equipment and the service he receives from Babolat. Harrison’s charisma, passion and dedication to tennis represent our brand values,” said Seth McKinley, Babolat International Sports Marketing Manager. Currently ranked No. 91, Harrison plays with the Babolat Pure Storm LTD racquet and Pro Hurricane Tour/VS hybrid strings.
Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island triples enrollment
The Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy (Ivan Lendl IJTA) in sunny Hilton Head Island, S.C., recently announced that the spring class has tripled enrollment from its inaugural semester. Led by Ivan Lendl, former ATP world No. 1 and current coach to Andy Murray, the new semester at Ivan Lendl IJTA began January 16, featuring students from Canada, New Zealand, Russia and the United States. “The enrollment influx from fall to spring is a tribute to the elite instruction our coaches provide students each day,” said Peter Orrell, President and CEO of Junior Sports Corporation, Owner/Operator of the Ivan Lendl IJTA. “Ivan Lendl IJTA offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for passionate junior tennis players to reach their ultimate potential.” Ivan Lendl IJTA students (grades five through 12) attend Heritage Academy. It is dedicated to progressive and diverse academic instruction for juniors pursuing extra-curricular passions. Classes average eight students – with a maximum of 15 – to promote individual attention. Optional English as a Second Language, College Preparatory and Honors courses are also available. For more information about Ivan Lendl IJTA, visit www.LendlTennis.com or call (888) 963-6647.
Australian Open to use Plexicushion through 2017
Tennis Australia, California Products’ Plexipave Division and Australian Plexipave Inc. announced an extended designation of Plexicushion Prestige as the official playing surface of the Australian Open in Melbourne through 2017. The Australian Open has been played on Plexicushion since the 2007 tournament. “Since 2008, Tennis Australia has invested more than $12 million building or resurfacing over 1,100 courts and Australian Plexipave has played and enormous role in helping us make this happen,” said Steve Wood, CEO of Tennis Australia.
USTA member discount for Sony Ericsson Open tickets
Tickets are on sale now for the 2012 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, which will be played from March 19-April 1. The tournament will feature all the top players in the game including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki. For a limited time, USTA members can receive a 20 percent discount on 400-level tickets for the Monday, March 26 day session that begins at 11 a.m. A limit of 4 tickets per member can be purchased. To order, call the Sony Ericsson Open Box Office at (305) 442-3367 or visit www.SonyEricssonOpen.com and use promo code USTA2012 to receive your discount.
Kournikova sells Miami Beach mansion for $7.4 million
Former Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova has sold her gated Miami Beach mansion for a reported $7.4 million. Kournikova purchased the seven-bedroom waterfront pad for $5 million in 2000. Coldwell Banker’s “The Jills,” Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, represented both Kournikova and the buyer. Eber declined to identify the buyer but said he or she was from South America. The former Top 10 WTA Tour star and boyfriend Enrique Iglesias are currently building a near $20 million home in South Florida.
Bollettieri not elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri fell short of being elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, according to a report by the Bradenton Herald-Tribune. The 80-year-old Bollettieri, who has coached tennis greats including Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles, Mary Pierce, Maria Sharapova, Tommy Haas, Martina Hingis and Marcelo Rios, was nominated in the contributor category. “I don’t question it. It is just the way it is,” said Bollettieri.
The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa named 2011 Northern California Facility of the Year by USPTA
The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) announced that The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkley Hills, Calif., was named the 2011 Northern California Facility of the Year. Rated as one of the Top 17 tennis facilities in the country, The Claremont offers league play, tournaments and lessons for all ages and skill levels. Additional tennis amenities include a practice wall with ball machines, racquet re-stringing and community socials. The Club also features three swimming pools, a variety of dynamic fitness classes including yoga and spin and access to the Claremont Kids’ Club for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old. The Claremont opened in 1915 and is situated on the beautiful Northern California property that features 279 uniquely designed rooms and suites, a variety of meeting and event spaces, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, an incredible 32 treatment room spa, and an award-winning food and beverage program.
Dunlop announces new leaders
Dunlop industry leaders Steve Hall and Hunter Hines have taken over new roles at the organization. Hall, who has been with Dunlop since 2000, will assume the title of Director of Marketing for Indoor Sports. He will focus mainly on squash, badminton and indoor sports. “Steve has proven he has a knowledge and passion for indoor sports second to none,” said Kai Nitsche, Vice President of Dunlop Racket Sports. Hines, who has been working in the tennis industry for more than 10 years, takes over as the Director of Marketing and Product for Tennis. He will oversee traditional marketing duties such as advertising, public relations and social media. Further, he will have a strong grip on consumer and Tour player product development as well as Tour player singings. “Hunter has an incredible knowledge of the industry, and in particular, the technology behind performance products and how it can benefit players of all levels,” said Nitsche. “He was instrumental in helping the design process of the new Biomimetic 400 series of rackets, and he is aggressively working to help sign some standout players as well. 2012 promises to be a great year for Dunlop Tennis with him at the helm.”