USTA RHODE ISLAND: International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum presents an exciting chronology of the sport's rich history, from its earliest origins through todays top champions and professional stars.

The Museum's galleries chronicle the complete history of tennis through interactive exhibits, extraordinary videos, and popular memorabilia of historic champions through the stars of today. Originally built in 1880 by the firm of McKim, Mead and White, the exhibits are dramatically set in the original rooms of the Newport Casino, where visitors of all ages delight in Stanford White's architectural detail as well as the state-of-the-art gallery experience. In the Enshrine­e Hall, plaques commemorate the greatest players, coaches, administrators and writers the game of tennis has ever known.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum and grounds are a must-see for every tennis fan, architecture buff or individuals intrigued with the sporting history of Newport. For information on special exhibits, please call (401) 849-3990 or 1-800-457-1144 or send us an email.

HOURS: Daily 9:30am To 5:00pm

THREE FORMER CHAMPIONS HEADLINE FIELD FOR 2009 CAMPBELL’S HALL OF FAME TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS PLAYED FOR THE VAN ALEN CUP

# 3 Ranked American, Mardy Fish, Leads the Field

NEWPORT, RI – Three former champions, including two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro (2007,2008), headline the field for the 2009 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships scheduled for July 6-12 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Santoro, who has never lost a match in Newport, will be joined by fellow former champions Robby Ginepri (2003) and Taylor Dent (2002).

The Newport Tournament, an ATP World Tour event, remains the only professional tournament played on grass in North America. The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships features 32 of the top men in professional tennis competing for the Van Alen Cup and $500,000 in prize money.

Sixteen players of the first 27 singles players entered into the 2009 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships have been accepted in the Wimbledon main draw that begins Monday, June 22. Top Ranked ATP World Tour Pros entered into the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships include:

Mardy Fish, the third highest-ranked American, will be seeded at Wimbledon. Earlier this year, Fish won his third career ATP World Tour title in Delray Beach.  Fish will be making his eighth appearance in Newport, where he reached the quarterfinals three times. He also captured the 2008 Newport doubles title with partner John Isner.

Fabrice Santoro is the two-time defending champion of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and has never lost a single match in Newport. Last year’s victory in Newport gave Santoro his sixth career ATP World Tour title. Santoro is currently the oldest player (36 years and 6 months) ranked in the Top 100. Santoro has said 2009 will be his final year on tour.

Sam Querrey is making his second appearance at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The fourth highest-ranked American turned pro in 2006, and last year won his first ATP title in Las Vegas. Querrey also reached the quarterfinals in Monte Carlo, and the semifinals at both Indianapolis and Delray Beach in 2008. Opening the 2009 season as a finalist in Auckland, he has also reached the quarterfinals in San Jose and Memphis.

Arnaud Clement of France is making his debut at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Clement holds four career singles titles and twelve doubles titles. He reached the doubles final of the 2008 Australian Open with partner and fellow Newport draw member Michael Llodra.

Taylor Dent is making his fifth appearance in Newport. Dent captured his first ATP World Tour title on the Hall of Fame’s legendary grass courts by defeating James Blake in the 2002 final. He now holds four career singles titles and has made great strides in returning to competition in 2009 from back surgery, playing in eight ATP World Tour events this year. One of his best results was qualifying for the Miami tournament and reaching the round of 16 before bowing to Roger Federer.

Robby Ginepri is making his fourth appearance on the grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Ginepri won his first singles title here in Newport in 2003. Last year, he reached the semifinals at Las Vegas, San Jose, and Delray Beach.

Prakash Amritraj is making his fourth appearance in Newport receiving a Wild Card. He followed up a 2007 quarterfinals appearance on the legendary grass courts by reaching the finals in 2008 against Fabrice Santoro. On the 2009 Challenger circuit, Prakash has reached the semifinals at both Rhodes and Dallas. Prakash, whose father Vijay Amritraj is a three-time Newport champion, is the second highest ranked player in India.

American Vincent Spadea is making his eighth appearance on the legendary grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Last year, Vince reached the Newport semifinals, losing to defending champion Fabrice Santoro of France. In 2005, Vince had his best showing in Newport, reaching the final, where he lost to Greg Rusedski of Great Britain.

Benjamin Becker of Germany is making his second appearance in Newport. Becker has been dominating the 2009 Challenger circuit winning four tournaments in Cremona, Rhodes, Baton Rouge, and Heilbronn and finishing as a finalist at Ramat Hasharon. The 2004 NCAA Singles Division I Champion while playing for Baylor, Becker qualified at the 2006 US Open and defeated Andre Agassi in the third round in what was Agassi’s last professional match.

Below is the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships full initial acceptance list and two wild cards for the 2009 Van Alen Cup with their ATP World Tour Rankings from the week of June 15, 2009.

In addition to these 27 players, four will gain entrance to the singles field during a qualifying tournament that will begin on July 4 on the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s legendary grass courts. One wild card is still left to award to a player in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The singles draw will be made on Saturday, July 4 at 4:30 PM on the Horseshoe Piazza at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

In conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 11 (12:30pm). The Class of 2009 is represented by Recent Player Monica Seles; Master Player Andres Gimeno; and Contributors Donald L. Dell; and Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson (posthumously).

To purchase tickets for all tennis sessions and the 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, go to www.tennisfame.com. For additional information call the Tournament Office at 866-914-FAME (3263).

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis and its champions. For more information regarding the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, Tennis Tournaments, Events and Programs, please call 401-849-3990 or visit our website at www.tennisfame.com.

PRAKASH AMRITRAJ OF INDIA RECEIVES WILD CARD INTO 2009 CAMPBELL’S HALL OF FAME TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS PLAYED FOR THE VAN ALEN CUP

NEWPORT, RI  --  The International Tennis Hall of Fame has announced that Prakash Amritraj of India has been awarded a wild card for the 2009 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, played for the Van Alen Cup, to be held July 6-12.

Currently at No. 161 in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings, Amritraj has been playing well on the Challenger circuit, reaching the quarterfinals in Mexico City and Tallahassee and the semifinals at both Rhodes (Greece) and Texas. The 25-year-old receives the second of three wild cards to be given out for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.  Last week, 2002 Hall of Fame champion Taylor Dent was awarded the first wild card for the 2009 tournament.

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships follows the Wimbledon fortnight and is the only ATP World Tour event played on grass in North America. The Newport tournament features 32 of the top men in professional tennis competing for $500,000 in prize money. Current players who will compete in Newport include two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro (champion in 2007, 2008), Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, and Robby Ginepri (champion in 2003).

Prakash Amritraj is the son of former tennis professional Vijay Amritraj, a three-time winner of the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. Prakash will be making his fourth appearance in Newport, having reached the final here in 2008 and the quarterfinals in 2007.

In 2003 Prakash turned pro, and received a wild card into the Newport singles tournament (he suffered a first round loss to eventual champion Robby Ginepri). He is also a five-year member of the Indian Davis Cup team and is currently the second highest ranked player in India.

Tickets are on sale now for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and can be ordered online at www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME (3263). In conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 11 (12:30pm). The Class of 2009 is represented by Recent Player Monica Seles; Master Player Andres Gimeno; and Contributors Donald L. Dell; and Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson (posthumously).

In addition, the Hall of Fame will honor Rod Laver during Hall of Fame Weekend (July 10-12), designating him a Life Trustee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum while also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Laver’s remarkable 1969 Grand Slam triumph. To purchase tickets for all tennis sessions and the 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, go to www.tennisfame.com. For additional information call the Tournament Office at 866-914-FAME (3263).

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis and its champions. For more information regarding the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, Tennis Tournaments, Events and Programs, please call 401-849-3990 or visit our website at www.tennisfame.com.

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME AND INTERNATIONAL TENNIS FEDERATION TO HONOR “PEACHY” KELLMEYER AS 2009 GOLDEN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

NEWPORT, RI – The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum has announced that Fern Lee “Peachy” Kellmeyer, is the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Golden Achievement Award. The Golden Achievement Award is given jointly by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation and presented annually on a worldwide basis to individuals who have made important contributions internationally to tennis in the fields of administration, promotion or education, and have devoted long and outstanding service to the sport. 

Presentation of this year’s Golden Achievement Award will be made Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the ITF Champions Dinner at the Pavillon d'Armenonville in Paris, France in conjunction with Roland Garros (May 24-June 7). Presentation of the Golden Achievement Award will be made by Sir James Harvie-Watt, International Tennis Hall of Fame Executive Committee Member, and Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Also in attendance will be the past two Golden Achievement Award recipients, Juan Maria Tintore (2008) and Nancy Jeffett (2007).

Peachy Kellmeyer has made a tremendous contribution to the sport of tennis during her lifetime as a player, coach, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour executive and tireless pioneer for women’s rights in the sport. She has dedicated her life’s work to the sport of tennis, and has been an influential figure in women’s professional tennis for more than three decades.  She has been instrumental in building the Tour into the global circuit and internationally popular sport that it is today, and has not only led the Tour’s operations, player and tournament relations, but also been at the center of all major Tour and Board policy decisions for the past 35 years.

Kellmeyer has been a senior executive with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour since 1973, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Tour Operations overseeing player commitments, the Tour calendar, overall Tour operations and a $3.5 million bonus pool. Kellmeyer officially retired at the end of 2008 however she continues working with the WTA as Tour Operations Executive Consultant.

Kellmeyer has been a key member in the leadership of women’s professional tennis since taking over as Executive Director of the Virginia Slims circuit in the mid-1970s, and has been part of the WTA Board of Directors in various capacities. It was during her tenure that women’s tennis exploded in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, when prize money, attendance, and worldwide exposure for the game skyrocketed.  She played a pivotal role in the Tour’s successful and historic effort to achieve equal prize money; having brought the first women’s tennis event to Madison Square Garden; and in the development of the Tour’s new Roadmap circuit structure that will result in a shortened and streamlined Tour calendar featuring bigger events with more stars and rivalries beginning in 2009. 

Another of Kellmeyer’s great achievements came while she was the Physical Education Director at Marymount College in Boca Raton, FL. In the fight for athletic scholarships for women, Kellmeyer spearheaded a lawsuit that ultimately led to the dismantling of the rule that prohibited athletic scholarships for female athletes at colleges across the nation. This landmark case paved the way for the historic creation of Title IX, and contributed greatly to the influx of female athletes in intercollegiate athletics in the United States.

Kellmeyer is a native of Charleston, West Virginia and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Miami. She also has a Master’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.  She currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Past recipients of the Golden Achievement Award are: Brian Tobin of Australia (1999); Gil de Kermadec of France (2000); Pablo Llorens Reñaga of Spain (2001); Enrique Morea of Argentina (2002); J. Howard “Bumpy” Frazer of the United States (2003); John Curry of Great Britain (2004); Eiichi Kawatei of Japan (2005); James R. Cochrane of Great Britain (2006); Nancy P. Jeffett of the United States (2007); and Juan Maria Tintore of Spain (2008).

Nominations for the Golden Achievement Award are submitted by tennis federations and individuals from around the world, and then voted on by the Golden Achievement Award Selection Committee. For more information, please email newport@tennisfame.com or visit us online at www.tennisfame.com.

Contacts:

Kat Anderson, International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, kat@tennisfame.com

Barbara Travers, International Tennis Federation, Barbara.Travers@itftennis.com