WORLD NO. 7 GILLES SIMON AND WORLD NO. 9 CAROLINE WOZNIACKI LEAD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FULL FIELDS AT THE PILOT PEN

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:44:08 PST

Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, Taylor Dent, Nikolay Davydenko, Tommy Robredo, David Ferrer, Igor Andreev, Dudi Sela, Ivan Ljubicic And Jeremy Chardy Also Headline Men’s Field

Dominika Cibulkova, Agnieska Radwanska, Alize Cornet, Amelie Mauresmo, Marion Bartoli, Samantha Stosur, Anna Chakvetadze And Gisela Dulko Also Lead Women’s Field

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 15, 2009 – World No. 7 Gilles Simon and World No. 9 and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, along with a host of international stars from 22 different countries, headline the men’s and women’s fields of Pilot Pen Tennis, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, to be held August 21-29 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

In addition to Simon, a trio of Americans; two-time Pilot Pen finalist Mardy Fish, rising American star Sam Querrey, and wildcard recipient Taylor Dent, will be playing at the Pilot Pen. Fish, who will be making his fifth trip to the Pilot Pen, notched the third singles title of his career earlier this season at Delray Beach. Querrey, 22, continues his ascent in the rankings, and just last week reached the finals of Newport, his second tournament final appearance this season (Auckland was the other). Dent, who is making a comeback from multiple back surgeries, reached the fourth round at Miami earlier this year before falling to World No. 1 Roger Federer.

Also leading a talented men’s field in New Haven will be 2006 Pilot Pen champion and World No. 11 Nikolay Davydenko, World No. 17 and French Open quarterfinalist Tommy Robredo, 2008 US Open semifinalist David Ferrer, Davis Cup stalwarts Igor Andreev (Russia) and Dudi Sela (Israel), veteran and former World No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic and up-and-coming French star Jeremy Chardy.

On the women’s side, nine of the top 20 players in the world will be in the main draw, featuring a quartet of young rising stars. Wozniacki, 19, returns to defend her title and build on an already successful year that has seen her reach a career-high ranking, capture two titles (Ponte Vedra Beach and Eastbourne) and reach the finals of four other events (Memphis, Charleston, Madrid and Bastad). World No. 12 Dominika Cibulkova, 20, reached the semifinals of the French Open this year and will be making her third trip the Pilot Pen. World No. 14 Agnieska Radwanska, 20, won three tour titles last year and just a few weeks ago reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, 19, won the first tournament of her career last year in Budapest and was a semifinalist in New Haven last summer.

In addition, veterans and fan favorites in the field include former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo, 2007 Wimbledon finalist and World No. 13 Marion Bartoli, 2009 Wimbledon semifinalist Samantha Stosur, 2008 Pilot Pen finalist and seven-time winner on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Anna Chakvetadze and Argentine Gisela Dulko, who upset former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova just a few weeks ago at Wimbledon.

“We are thrilled to have nine of the top 20 women’s players in the world, a number of up-and-coming stars, a trio of outstanding Americans on the men’s side and a host of other phenomenal players entered in the Pilot Pen field,” said Worcester. “Wozniacki, Cibulkova, Mauresmo, Simon, Fish, Querrey, Dent, and more make for a great mix of rising stars and veterans that are guaranteed to deliver quality entertainment for our fans.”

For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

RISING AMERICAN STAR MELANIE OUDIN, PILOT PEN TENNIS, CITY OF NEW HAVEN AND UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCE MAJOR COMMUNITY TENNIS PROJECT

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:41:50 PST

Oudin To Participate In Pilot Pen Tennis Qualifying Draw

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 13, 2009 – Rising American tennis star Melanie Oudin today announced that Pilot Pen Tennis, City of New Haven and USTA New England will embark on a major refurbishing of the Edgewood and East Shore Parks tennis courts, which will ensure that New Haven residents of all ages have access to facilities in good condition to play tennis.

Oudin, who just last week became the youngest American woman to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon since Jennifer Capriati in 1993, will play in the qualifying draw at this year’s Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 21-29, 2009 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale.

Since 2004, a partnership among New Haven Parks & Rec, USTA New England and Pilot Pen Tennis has helped more than 3,000 youth through affordable Parks & Rec tennis programs and lessons offered throughout the year. Numerous kids have gone on to participate competitively in programs such as USTA Team Tennis, USTA-sanctioned Junior Tournaments, High School Tennis Teams and the State Tennis Championships. As interest in tennis in New Haven has burgeoned, the courts at East Shore and Edgewood Parks, where the bulk of local tennis programs take place and where local high school teams play, have started to show significant wear (more than a half mile of linear cracks).

With this in mind, the City of New Haven recently made a historic decision to spend $155,000 towards court repairs at these two parks. In addition to significant engineering and logistical expertise, the USTA has also committed a minimum of $25,000 to augment what the City is investing. The project will be completed later this year and is another example of how the Pilot Pen, City of New Haven and USTA New England are working together to leverage the excitement of professional tennis to build participation at the community level.

“Each year we have built upon the partnership among the City of New Haven, Pilot Pen Tennis and the USTA, and this year we are taking a quantum leap,” said New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. “I believe that the next great tennis star will be found on New Haven’s public courts, and that is why we are supporting this project.”

“Having three dynamic organizations committed to the future of tennis in New Haven is extremely exciting,” said Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament Director Anne Worcester. “And having young American Melanie Oudin here today is another way of connecting the rising stars of professional tennis to community tennis and to the kids in New Haven – the next generation of American tennis players.”

-more- (see full story)

DEFENDING CHAMPION AND WORLD NO. 9 CAROLINE WOZNIACKI COMMITS TO PILOT PEN TENNIS

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:25:03 PST

World No. 11 Marion Bartoli Also Joins Field

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 29, 2009 – Defending champion, World No. 9 and rising star Caroline Wozniacki has committed to Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 21-29, 2009 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

Along with Wozniacki, World No. 11 Marion Bartoli has also entered the field and joins former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo, and two up-and-coming stars on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Dominika Cibulkova and Alize Cornet, as the female players entered in the tournament thus far. In addition, Americans Mardy Fish and Taylor Dent, and French Open quarterfinalist Tommy Robredo are entered in the event on the men’s side.

Wozniacki, who just over a week ago won the fifth singles title of her career at Eastbourne, had a breakthrough season in 2008 winning titles in Stockholm, Tokyo, and at the Pilot Pen, where as an unseeded player she defeated four of the top eight seeds en route to the title. She has continued her winning ways this year capturing two titles (Ponte Vedra Beach), reaching the finals of three other events (Memphis, Charleston and Madrid) and climbing to a career-high ranking of No. 9 in the world.

“I am thrilled to be coming back to defend my title at the Pilot Pen,” said Wozniacki. “I loved the atmosphere at the tournament last year and the terrific fan support helped me to the title. I hope that I have just as much success again this year in New Haven.”

Bartoli, who will be making her sixth trip to the Pilot Pen, has had a strong 2009 campaign winning her fourth career title at Monterrey, reaching the finals of Brisbane, the semifinals of Charleston and Eastbourne, and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. She is well-known for her upset of former World No. 1 Justine Henin en route to the Wimbledon finals in 2007 and for having Pierce Brosnan cheer for her from the Royal Box.

“Adding two of the top stars in the women’s game is fantastic for the Pilot Pen,” said Worcester. “Caroline Wozniacki’s win last year is a perfect example of how fans can discover the stars of tomorrow at the Pilot Pen and in an up close and intimate atmosphere. Last year she was unseeded, and this year she is one of the best players on the Tour. That speaks volumes about the value our fans get for their tickets.”
For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the Tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

Call for WTT Rec League Captains

Sat, 09 May 2009 09:00:53 PST

CTC is making a call for Captains to contact CTC NOW to declare a team for our 10th annual Recreational World Team Tennis league played this June and July.

The CTC WTT Rec league features coed team tennis using the exciting WTT format with divisions at 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5.

Captains make the league possible. No Captain, No team, No play...

What Captains must do:

1. Contact CTC a.s.a.p. at wttleague@tenniscircuit.com ASAP to declare what level team you will captain. Don’t wait! Due to schedule restrictions, CTC may limit to first 4 teams each level.

2. Secure home courts for 3 home matches. Either 2 outdoor courts for 2 hours, or 1 outdoor court for 3 hours (using a modified format).

3. Work with CTC to plan the schedule: 3 home matches and 3 away matches in a four team division throughout June and July. Maximum one match per week: either 6PM Fridays (for local matches) or 5PM Saturdays (for teams with more than 30 miles travel). This allows teams from all over the state to compete in the league.

4. Select players for your team: Captains may select players from the large CTC/WTT draft pool of players looking for teams or recruit separately. Recommended roster is 3 to 4 men plus 3 to 4 women. Minimum for at team match is 2 men, 2 women. Roster limit is 10 players.

5. Submit $150 team fee to CTC by 5/31 to secure team entry: Captains seek reimbursement by their teammates.

TEAM ENTRY DEADLINE: Sunday May 31, 2009. Don’t wait! CTC may limit to the first 4 teams at each level.

What Captains get:
Choice of team roster
Choice of home court locale
No cost to captains, teammates subsidize expenses
CTC T-shirt or cap
WTT tickets - good for Boston Lobsters or NY Sport Times WTT matches
New!: Pair of Pilot Pen tickets to captains of top 2 teams each division!

E-mail wttleague@tenniscircuit.com for additional details.

CTC Ready To Play Outdoors

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:55:27 PST

The Connecticut Tennis Circuit is accepting online and mail-in entries for our 2009 CT Tennis Challenge for Singles and Doubles play. - Now in our 19th season!

Register online at: http://tenniscircuit.com/ctc.html
OR
Mail-in your entry form: http://tenniscircuit.com/ctc_reg_flyer_2009.pdf

Player entry is allowed through June 30.

The regular season runs through August 23.

Play an entire outdoor season of competitive tennis at all club levels - novice through advanced (2.5 to 5.0 NTRP).

Setup challenge matches with CTC players in the following areas: Fairfield County, Shoreline/New London (Thames Valley), Waterbury, New Haven and Hartford counties.

Get complete league info, report scores and track rankings at http://tenniscircuit.com/ctc.html.

Win activity prizes during regular season play:
Prizes like Pilot Pen tickets, US Open tickets, tennis T-shirts, caps, bags and pro shop gift certificates - just for playing!

Compete in CTC playoffs August 24 - September 27.

State Championships will be played October 3-4 at a site TBD.

CTC WTT Rec Leagues Organizing

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:03:04 PST

CTC and captains are beginning to organize teams for our 10th annual Recreational World Team Tennis league - coed team tennis with divisions at 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5.

Play begins in June.

The CTC WTT Rec league plays within the World Team Tennis organization using the exciting WTT format.

There is room for new teams and players at all levels.

E-mail wttleague@tenniscircuit.com for more info.

Newington Tennis Center Open House - Sunday Sep 14

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:54:59 PST

The Newington Tennis Center, 60 Prospect St, Newington, CT is holding an Open House - Sunday September 14.

The club will be holding free clinics and junior assessments

JUNIORS: All ages 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
ADULTS: All levels 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Drawings for prizes; snacks, ect.

Club manager Mickey Slesinger invites everyone to come down to meet the tennis staff; play and have fun!

Call the Newington Tennis Center at 860-667-2261 to sign up.

Congratulations: Most Points July-Aug 24

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:27:02 PST

Congratulations to our CT Tennis Challenge league's most active players July 1 - August 24:

Each as won a pair of US OPEN tickets!:

Pawel Zarow, Hartford Conference
John Gregorio, Waterbury and New Haven Conferences
Brian Skinner, Fairfield Conference
Lei Zhang, Shoreline-East Conference

Bob Wright, CTC

CTC Regular Season Ends, Playoffs Begin

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:21:02 PST

Our 2008 CT Tennis Challenge league regular season has ended.

It has been a fun-filled summer of tennis. Thank you to all who participated.

We now begin our post-season play.

Conference Playoffs:

Conference playoffs begin Tuesday August 26. In general, we plan one week per round. Singles and Doubles draws with specific dates for rounds will be on the CTC site. Scores should be reported in the usual manner for singles and doubles.

***

Who Qualifies?:

All CTC players who played singles or doubles matches during our regular season are asked to check playoff draws online at http://tenniscircuit.com/ctc.html on Tuesday Aug 26.

The following players qualify and will automatically be placed in draws:

In divisions with more than 32 players, the top 32 with 10 points or more.
In smaller divisions, players with 5 points or more.

***

Qualifying Petitions - players with less than 5 points:

Players with less than 5 points during the regular season who were injured or had extenuating circumstances, may petition CTC via e-mail ctc@tenniscircuit.com to request inclusion into the playoff draws.

If I do not hear from players with less than 5 points by 9PM Monday August 25, they will not be included in our Conference playoff draws.

***

Scheduling, Rainouts, rescheduling, court costs, balls:

Both players are responsible for contacting each other to schedule their assigned playoff round. Defaults will be assessed by CTC if players cannot play by the designated dates for each playoff round.

In case of rain, indoor backup must be secured by players who have issues rescheduling before the final deadline for each round. As always, both players are expected to share any court costs and bring an unopened can of balls. The winner gets the unopened can at the end of play.

***

CTC Prizes: see http://tenniscircuit.com/ctc_reg_flyer_2008.pdf

Remaining Regular Season Prizes:

Final batches of regular season prizes (including T-shirts and pro-shop vouchers) will be sent the week of 8/25.

CTC water bottles (10 pt prize) may be picked up at Racquet Koop in West Hartford or New Haven and True Tension Racquet Sports on the Post Road in Westport. No need to have a voucher. Just stop-in at these pro-shops.

Conference Playoff Prizes: Pro-shop gift certificates ($25 to $50):

To encourage participation by top players in our State Championships, Conference Championship prizes and CTC Hoodies (125pts) will ONLY be available for pickup at our CTC State Championships on Saturday October 4. If Conference winners or finalists who absolutely cannot play must arrange for someone to claim their conference prizes at the State Championship Tournament check-in.

***

CTC State Championship Tournament - Weekend of October 4-5:

Prizes: Pro-shop gift certificates ($25 - $100, CTC Hoodie for champs)

Automatic bids go to semifinalists in each conference playoff. Wild Cards thereafter up to a max of 16 in each draw. Wild Card petitions must be requested via email to ctc@tenniscircuit.com. Decisions will be made based on regular season results and petitions by the players.

Where, fees?:

We are still negotiating and deciding between Yale and a couple of sites in the New Haven area, Beacon Falls or Newington. Entry fees will vary depending on final costs of the facility but our goal is to keep costs down to $30-$40 per player/team.

Let us know if you have any questions on any of the above - especially our Conference Playoffs and State Championships details.

See you on the Circuit!

Robert A. Wright - Director
Connecticut Tennis Circuit
ctc@tenniscircuit.com

WORLD NO. 8 ANNA CHAKVETADZE COMMITS TO PILOT PEN TENNIS

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:20:00 PST

Seven-Time Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Champion Is Top-Ranked Player Entered In The Tournament

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 22, 2008 – World No. 8 Anna Chakvetadze, a seven-time champion on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, has become the top-ranked player to commit to Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 15-23, 2008 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

She joins former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, Agnes Szavay (No. 14), Marion Bartoli (No. 15), Maria Kirilenko (No. 18) and Alize Cornet (No. 20) as women committed to the tournament thus far. In addition, men already slated to participate are Fernando Verdasco (No. 11), who just last week won in Umag; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (No. 17), who was a surprise finalist at the Australian Open earlier this year; rising star Juan Martin Del Potro (No. 25), who has captured two titles in a row (Stuttgart and Kitzbuhel) and catapulted 40 places in the rankings; and veterans Mardy Fish and Ivan Ljubicic.

Chakvetadze had an incredible season last year winning four titles at Hobart, s-Hertogenbosch, Cincinnati and Stanford; reaching the semifinals of five events including the US Open and the season-ending Tour Championships; reaching the quarterfinals of six events including the Australian Open and French Open; and reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon. In addition, she helped Russia’s Fed Cup team win its third title in the last four years and reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the world.

“We are delighted to have Anna Chakvetadze, yet another young star representing the future of women’s tennis, enter the Pilot Pen,” said Worcester. “She has recently overcome personal trauma in her life to stay at the top of the very competitive women’s game. As the No. 8 ranked player in the world at only 21 years-old, she is most definitely a player to watch on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.”

This year, Chakvetadze has continued her success by winning at Paris, reaching the semifinals of Rome, and reaching the quarterfinals of Dubai, s-Hertogenbosch and Stanford. This will be her third trip to New Haven, with her best results coming in 2005 when she reached the semifinals.

Although she has not received direct entry into the tournament, due to her late commitment, she is first on the alternate list. Players on the alternate list can move into the main draw three ways: by receiving a wildcard, by qualifying or by moving into the main draw should there be any withdrawals.

For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

FORMER WORLD NO. 1 AMELIE MAURESMO AND SIX OF THE TOP 20 PLAYERS IN THE WORLD LEAD WOMEN’S FULL FIELD AT THE PILOT PEN

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:15:48 PST

Top 20 Teenagers Agnieszka Radwanska, Agnes Szavay, Victoria Azarenka And Alize Cornet Entered

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 10, 2008 – Former World No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo (No. 36), along with six of the top 20 players in the world, including Agnieszka Radwanska (No. 10), Agnes Szavay (No. 14), Marion Bartoli (No. 15), Victoria Azarenka (No. 16), Maria Kirilenko (No. 18) and Alize Cornet (No. 20) will lead the 2008 women’s field of Pilot Pen Tennis, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, to be held August 15-23 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

Mauresmo, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, will be making her eighth trip to the Pilot Pen where she has had tremendous success reaching the quarterfinals five times (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006), the semifinal (2003) and the final (2005). This year she has reached the quarterfinals of Gold Coast, Paris, Dubai and Amelia Island.

Radwanska, a personable 19-year old enjoying a magical season that has propelled her to a career-high ranking, reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon last week. It was her second appearance this year in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam, with the first coming at the Australian Open. In addition, this year she has won as much as anyone on the WTA Tour adding three titles to her resume, at Pattaya City, Istanbul and Eastbourne.

Szavay, another 19-year old who had a strong run at Wimbledon to the fourth round, had an amazing run to the finals at Pilot Pen Tennis last year that included grinding her way through the qualifying draw, playing nine matches in eight days and battling a back injury all week that would eventually force her to retire in the finals, even thought she was leading 6-4, 0-3, against then world No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova. This year she has continued her ascent in the rankings and has impressive results including reaching the finals of Paris and the quarterfinals of Amelia Island, Charleston and Berlin.

Azarenka and Cornet, both 18-year old sensations that just reached career-high rankings, have had terrific campaigns on the circuit this year. Azarenka reached two finals at Gold Coast and Prague and the semifinals of Berlin, while Cornet has reached the finals of Acapulco and Rome and the semifinals of Amelia Island and Charleston.

Bartoli, who cemented her position as one of the game’s elite players last year by reaching the 2007 Wimbledon finals by defeating World No. 1 Justine Henin, has so far had a successful 2008 reaching the semifinals of Paris and Eastbourne. Maria Kirilenko, another player peaking this year, doubled her trophy collection this year at Estoril and Barcelona, matching the two titles she added last year at Kolkata and Dubai.

Two other veterans enjoying terrific seasons are Flavia Pennetta (No. 21) and Anabel Medina Garrigues (No. 31). Both of them have already won this season with Pennetta capturing titles at Vina del Mar and Acapulco and Garrigues at Strasbourg. In addition, Katarina Srebotnik (No. 26) has done well this year reaching the finals at Strasbourg, the semifinals at Prague and the quarterfinals at Auckland, Sydney and s-Hertogenbosch.

Samantha Stosur (No. 36), who enters the event with a protected ranking due to a severe viral illness that kept her off the circuit for approximately one year, has rebounded exceptionally well and just last week reached the finals of Wimbledon in doubles. Formerly the No. 1 doubles player in the world, she was steadily climbing the singles ranking at the beginning of 2007, and had broke into the top 30, before her illness hit. This will be her fifth trip to New Haven, with her best result coming in 2006 when she reached the semifinals.

Dinara Safina (No. 9), who had previously committed to the event, has withdrawn from the field due to scheduling reasons as she has just been added to the Olympics singles competition in addition to the doubles competition.

The “cut off” for the direct entries into the women’s main draw is No. 43, reflecting an exceptionally competitive field. Three players that will be looking to receive the three wild cards which have not yet been assigned are Americans Bethanie Mattek, Ashley Harkleroad and Jill Craybas. Players on the alternate list can move into the main draw three ways: by receiving a wildcard, by qualifying or moving into the main draw should there be any withdrawals.

“Having six of the top 20 players in the world commit early, in an Olympic year, is a very positive position for the Pilot Pen to be in at this point,” said Worcester. “What’s even more exciting is that these players are all young, rising stars that will be the face of the tour for many years to come. It’s a great opportunity for fans to see veterans like Amelie Mauresmo compete against rising stars like Radwanska and Szavay for the coveted Pilot Pen Tennis title.”

For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

PILOT PEN TENNIS AND RISING AMERICAN STAR DONALD YOUNG TO HOLD VIRTUAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT AT NEW HAVEN’S UNION STATION

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:20:15 PST

On Wednesday, July 9th, Donald Young, the youngest player ranked in the top 100, will hold a virtual tennis tournament for fans, commuters and kids at New Haven’s Union Station.

From 10:00am-12:00 Noon, come to Union Station (50 Union Ave., New Haven, CT 06519) to compete in a Nintendo Wii tennis tournament against the 18-year old phenom. Those that beat him will win tickets to the Pilot Pen where he will be playing later this summer. Young is part of a growing list of talented players already committed to the event including World No. 11 Agnieska Radwanska, World No. 15 and 2007 Pilot Pen finalist Agnes Szavay, Americans Mardy Fish and John Isner, and international stars Marion Bartoli and Ivan Ljubicic.

WORLD NO. 13 FERNANDO VERDASCO AND AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINALIST JO-WILFRIED TSONGA HEADLINE MEN’S FULL FIELD AT THE PILOT PEN

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:41:24 PST

International Stars Juan Monaco, Andreas Seppi, Igor Andreev, Ivan Ljubicic, Janko Tipsarevic, Juan Ignacio Chela And Arnaud Clement; Americans Mardy Fish, John Isner And Donald Young; And Rising Stars Marian Cilic, Simone Bolelli, And Juan Martin Del Potro Also Part Of Field

NEW HAVEN, Conn., July 8, 2008 – World No. 13 Fernando Verdasco and World No. 19 and Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, along with a host of international stars, headline the men’s field of Pilot Pen Tennis, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, to be held August 15-23 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

Verdasco, who is currently at a career-high ranking, reached the finals of Nottingham just a few weeks ago and followed that with a fourth round appearance at Wimbledon. In addition, earlier this year he reached the quarterfinals of Valencia and the Masters Series event in Hamburg. Tsonga, who is having a career year, advanced to his first Grand Slam final earlier this year at the Australian Open before falling to World No. 3 Novak Djokovic. En route to the finals, he convincingly defeated World No. 2 and newly crowned Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal, and his all-court game, charisma and raw talent tantalized the crowds in Melbourne. This year he also reached the semifinals of Adelaide and Casablanca.

In addition to these two players, international stars Juan Monaco, Andreas Seppi, Igor Andreev, Ivan Ljubicic, Janko Tipsarevic, Juan Ignacio Chela and Arnaud Clement will also add depth to the field. Monaco, who is currently ranked No. 20 in the world, has continued his success this season from last year when he won three tournaments at Buenos Aires, Poertschach and Kitzbuhel. This year he has reached the finals of Vina del Mar and Poertschach, the semifinals of Auckland and Warsaw, and the quarterfinals of Valencia. Seppi, who is also at a career-high ranking at No. 27, has had a terrific year reaching the semifinals at the Masters Series event at Hamburg and the quarterfinals of Rotterdam, Poertschach and Nottingham. Andreev, a quarterfinalist at the Pilot Pen in 2005 and member of the Russian Davis Cup team, has four quarterfinal appearances this year including at Buenos Aires, Dubai, and the Masters Series events at Miami and Monte Carlo.

Ljubicic, an ATP veteran and former Davis Cup champion, has produced strong results this year as well including reaching the finals at Zagreb and the semifinals of Doha and Poertschach. The hard-serving Croatian was once ranked No. 3 in the world, and was in the top ten for approximately a year and a half. Tipsarevic, a rising Serbian star, has had an impressive season with quarterfinal appearances at the Masters Series event in Miami and in Zagreb, and just a few weeks ago knocked World No. 6 Andy Roddick out of Wimbledon. He also took Federer to five sets at the Australian Open before falling 10-8 in the final set. Chela, a two-time quarterfinalist at the Pilot Pen, reached the semifinals at Buenos Aires and the quarterfinals of Barcelona earlier this year. Clement, a former Grand Slam finalist, just last week reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.

“We are delighted that so many international stars, like Verdasco and Tsonga, will again deliver the best tennis the world has to offer to the fans at the Pilot Pen,” said Worcester. “Once again, fans can expect terrific action on the court from veterans like Ljubicic and Clement and rising stars such as Marian Cilic and Juan Martin Del Potro at Connecticut’s sports entertainment event.”

Joining these players is a trio of Americans including Mardy Fish, John Isner, and Donald Young. Fish had one of the biggest wins of his career earlier this year when he upset World No. 1 Roger Federer at the Masters Series event in Indian Wells, California, before falling in the finals to Djokovic. Isner burst onto the ATP circuit last summer after completing an All-American career at the University of Georgia. He took a wildcard into his second ATP event, Washington, D.C., promptly reached the finals. Young, the youngest player in the top 100 at age 18, collected his first ATP win at New Haven last summer, and continued his strong play by reaching the third round of the US Open the following week. While Isner and Young did not receive direct entry into the event at this time (they are among the first alternates). Should they need them, they are highly likely wildcard candidates. The “cut off” for the direct entries into the men’s main draw is No. 84.

A few of the up and coming stars that further strengthen the field are 19-year old Marian Cilic of Croatia, who this year has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, the semifinals of Chennai and Nottingham and the quarterfinals of Munich; Simone Bolelli of Italy, who this year reached the finals of Munich and the semifinals of Zagreb; and Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina, who this year reached the semifinals of s-Hertogenbosch and the quarterfinals of Munich.

For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

CT Tennis Challenge Most Active Winners May-June

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:06:51 PST

Congratulations to the most active CT Tennis Challenge players in each Conference May 1 through June 30:

Fairfield Conference: Brian Sknner, 31 pts
Hartford Conference: Pawel Zarow 106 pts
New Haven Conference: Ben Citrin, 28 pts
Shoreline-East (Thames): Thomas Bouchard, 19 pts
Waterbury Conference: John Gregorio, 63 pts

Each has won a pair of box seats to the 2008 Pilot Pen Tournament (Aug 17- 23).

Most active in each Conference July 1 - Aug 24 win US Open Tickets.

See you on the Circuit ...

Robert A. Wright - Director
Connecticut Tennis Circuit

Tennis with Luke Jenson at Glenbrooke Swim & Tennis - East Hartford

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:04:57 PST

Glenbrooke Swim & Tennis
In Association with
JENSEN BROTHERS ENTERTAINMENT
Proudly Presents
“A Day of Tennis with Luke Jensen!”

Event Date:   Sunday, July 13, 2008
Featuring
French Open Doubles Champ & ESPN Tennis Analyst
Luke Jensen

        Cost:         $25.00 Members, $30 Non-members (includes lunch)
                  Location:        Glenbrooke Swim & Tennis Club, 429 Oak St., East Hartford CT

Drill Rotation directed by Luke Jensen

TIME       AGES   ACTIVITIES

12:00-1:00    Beginner Clinic   4-8   Fundamentals & Fun
1:00-2:30     Juniors Clinic   9-13   Fundamentals & Fun
2:30-4:00   Players Clinic   14-17   Drills, Point Play & Fitness

4:00-4:30 Break with Luke

4:30-6:00    Adult Clinic    18+ Drills, Point Play & Strategy

6:00-7:00    Tennis Exhibition*

*Featuring Luke Jensen against our Pros. followed by “Challenge the Jensen” where the members take the court with Luke in match play format

Note: Every clinic will have the “Return the Jensen’s Serve” and the world famous
“Bump the Chump” contests. Question and Answer, Autograph and Photo session
will be at the end of every clinic.

Reserve a spot! Contact Lynne Parr at (860) 295-6407.
Or mail registration form to 6 Kimberley Way, Marlborough, CT 06447

Visit us at www.glenbrooke.info

FIRST-EVER NEW HAVEN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL TO LAUNCH DURING PILOT PEN

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:02:44 PST

World-Renowned Chef Jacques Pepin Headlines List Of Talented Chefs To Attend

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 19, 2008 – The first-ever New Haven Food & Wine Festival featuring Wolf Blass wines will be held Wednesday, August 20 at Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 15-23, 2008 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

The Festival, which will feature 19 of New Haven’s finest restaurants, will serve up a showcase of the city’s international and eclectic cuisine and also offer a wine tasting with wine professionals from Australia’s award-winning Wolf Blass wines. In addition, world-renowned chef, cookbook author and teacher Jacques Pepin will be on hand at the event.

"This is a terrific opportunity for Pilot Pen Tennis to showcase that New Haven is a foodie destination,” said Worcester. "Fans will be able to experience New Haven’s extraordinary and international cuisine while also enjoying some of the best tennis the world has to offer.”

Participating in the festival are some of New Haven’s finest establishments including Barcelona (Spanish), Basta Trattoria (Southern Italian), Bentara (Spicy Malaysian), Bespoke (Modern American), Caffe Adulis (Eritrean), Caseus (Fromagerie/Bistro), Central Steakhouse (Steak/Seafood), Chow (Dim Sum), Claire’s Corner Copia (Vegetarian), Foster’s (Modern American), Geronimo (Southwestern), Ibiza (Spanish), Miso (Contemporary Japanese), Pacifico (Nuevo Latino), Sabor (Nuevo Latino), Thali (Regional Indian), Thali Too (Indian/Vegetarian Cuisine), Union League Café (Parisian Brasserie) and Zinc (Modern American).

“What a marvelous idea to bring together, in one place, all of the top food of this truly dynamic city,” said Pepin. “The restaurants in New Haven are remarkable and this is a fantastic way for them to showcase the fact that they produce some of the best food anywhere in the world. I cannot wait to attend this event!”

Tickets for the event, which will run from 5:00-8:00 p.m., are only $105 and include food, wine, Evian® Natural Spring Water, Michelob ULTRA beer, a box seat for the evening session matches, a Riedel wine glass and a bottle stopper from Lux Bond & Green.

In addition to the New Haven Food & Wine Festival, two other “Special Access” off-court events fans can also purchase tickets to are the Vineyard Vines Ladies Day Luncheon & Fashion Show hosted by Island Time and jewelry provided by Lux Bond & Green on Wednesday, August 20, which will include lunch and a fashion show in a private hospitality area, a box seat to the afternoon matches, gift bags and door prizes; and JoBella Spa Day of Beauty sponsored by Evian® Natural Spring Water on Thursday, August 21, which will allow patrons to choose from one of the spa services including a chair massage, express manicure and makeup touch-ups, and offer a Penny Preville Trunk Show sponsored by Lux Bond & Green, a spa lunch and a box seat for the day session.

For tickets, how to become a volunteer or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

THREE ADDITIONAL INTERNATIONAL STARS COMMIT TO PILOT PEN TENNIS

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:47:15 PST

Daily Tickets On Sale Today; Special Events Headline Off-Court Activities

NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 2, 2008 – Three international stars, Dinara Safina, Agnieszka Radwanska and Ivan Ljubicic, have committed to Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 15-23, 2008 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.

This group joins a growing list of talented players already committed to the event including 2007 Pilot Pen finalists Agnes Szavay and Mardy Fish, American rising stars Donald Young and John Isner, and 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli. As the tournament continues to add highly ranked players, fans will want to get the best seats before they are gone. Daily Individual Box Seat and Middle Tier tickets, which go on sale today, range in price from $8 to $80.

Dinara Safina (No. 14), who is also well-known as Grand Slam champion Marat Safin’s little sister, is having a fantastic year. Just last month she defeated former World No. 1 Justine Henin and World No. 5 Serena Williams en route to her sixth career title at Berlin, and earlier this year she reached the quarterfinals at Gold Coast and Miami. This will be her third trip to New Haven with her best result coming last year when she reached the quarterfinals.

Right behind her in the rankings is 19-year old Polish sensation Agnieszka Radwanska (No. 15) who is also having a magical season. She has added two titles to her resume, at Pattaya City and just over a week ago at Istanbul, and reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and Indian Wells. This will be her second trip to the Pilot Pen.

Ivan Ljubicic (No. 30), an ATP veteran and former Davis Cup champion, has produced strong results this year as well including reaching the finals at Zagreb and the semifinals of Doha and Poertschach. The hard-serving Croatian and former No. 3 ranked player in the world will be making his first trip to the Pilot Pen.

"We are pleased with the quantity and the quality of the player commitments thus far," said Worcester. "By continuing to add strong players like Safina, Radwanska and Ljubicic, fans are guaranteed competitive and entertaining tennis throughout the week on all match courts.”

In addition to the action on the court, fans can also purchase tickets to exclusive “Special Access” off-court events including the first-ever New Haven Food & Wine Festival featuring Wolf Blass wines on Wednesday, August 20, which will showcase 18 of New Haven’s international and eclectic restaurants and one of America’s best known chefs Jacques Pepin. Two other events that are not to be missed are the Vineyard Vines Ladies Day Luncheon & Fashion Show hosted by Island Time on Wednesday, August 20, which will include lunch and a fashion show in a private hospitality area, a box seat to the afternoon matches, gift bags and door prizes; and JoBella Spa Day of Beauty sponsored by Evian Natural Spring Water on Thursday, August 21, which will allow patrons to choose from one of the spa services including a chair massage, express manicure and makeup touch-ups, and offer a Penny Preville Trunk Show sponsored by Lux Bond & Green, a spa lunch and a box seat for the day session.

For tickets, how to become a volunteer or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.

CTC Sponsors Wallingford YMCA Filipek Sr. Memorial Tournament

Tue, 27 May 2008 21:10:35 PST

The Connecticut Tennis Circuit is participating as a Gold Medal Sponsor of the Wallingford YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament.

The tournament is June 14 - 22, 2008 at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford.

Register online or obtain more info at http://www.ymcafilipektennis.com

Wint Jr says: “THIS IS NOT YOUR ORDINARY TENNIS TOURNAMENT!!!”

The event is vying to become "the biggest and premier community tennis tournament in New England".

Over 400 entries in 17 divisions are expected:

Men’s Singles A, B, C
Women’s Singles A, B
High School Boys, High School Girls
Junior Boys (13 & under), Junior Girls (13 & under)
Men’s Doubles A, Men’s Doubles B
Women’s Doubles A, Women’s Doubles B
Mixed Doubles A, Mixed Doubles B
Wint Sr. Division "A" Doubles (Men 60-70)
Wint Sr. Division "B" Doubles (Men 71+)

Entry Fees: $20 Singles/$30 Doubles

ALL players receive a tournament T-shirt, gift bag, player's handbook, tennis balls & drinks.

Free Clinic & Fun Day for Kids - over 110 signed up already - ALL ages including High School players - ALL kids receive a Free T-shirts, lunch courtesy of McDonald's, Praline's Ice Cream & more - NO CHARGE!

Register online or obtain more info at http://www.ymcafilipektennis.com

Contact: Wint Filipek Jr. at wrfilipek@hotmail.com or 860-621-5655.

I encourage all CTC players to play the Wallingford YMCA/Wint Filipek Sr. Memorial Tennis Tournament.

See you on the Circuit ...

Robert A. Wright - Director
Connecticut Tennis Circuit
ctc@tenniscircuit.com

CTC Announces New Fairfield Conference Sponsor: True Tension Racquet Sports of Westport

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:00:00 PST

CTC is proud to announce that True Tension Racquet Sports is now the official pro shop sponsor of the CT Tennis Challenge Fairfield Conference.

Tim Trombley, owner and Master Racquet Technician would like to invite all CTC players to come in to check out his new shop at 177 Post Rd in Westport (at the former Carimbo Sports) and drop off racquets for restringing. Telephone 203-226-3361 or e-mail: timmy10s@hotmail.com.

Tim is a Certified Master Racquet Technician and current USRSA member with more than 10 years stringing and pro shop experience including management of 2 other tennis stores. Tim has strung for pros such as Thomas Johansson, Pete Sampras, Mark Phillippousis, Mardy Fish, Tommy Rebredo and John Isner at the Pilot Pen and Hall of Fame tournaments.

Tim played division 2 college tennis at Bentley and currently teaches tennis at Norwalk Fitness & Tennis.

Tim will hand out free CTC water bottles (10pt prize) to the first 100 current or new CTC players who visit the shop and will offer tennis apparel and equip specials for all CTC players who drop in.

In addition to being a pickup point for CTC water bottles and the 25pt CTC T-shirt (due by mid June), True Tension is also sponsoring the following CTC prizes for Fairfield Conference players:

50pt prize - $25 gift voucher, e-mailed by CTC
100pt prize - $50 gift voucher, e-mailed by CTC
Fairfield Conference Finalist and Champions prizes
State Championship Finalist and Champions prizes won by Fairfield Conference players

Drop in to give Tim best wishes for his new shop, thanks for sponsoring our league and business as loyal customers in gratitude for supporting the growth of CTC and tennis in Fairfield County.

World No. 11 Marion Bartoli Commits to Pilot Pen Tennis!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:42:48 PST

World No. 11 Marion Bartoli, a finalist at Wimbledon last year, has become the third player to commit to the Pilot Pen.

Bartoli, who joins 2007 Pilot Pen finalists Agnes Szavay and Mardy Fish as players committed early to the event, began to leave her mark on the Tour in 2006 when she collected three titles at Auckland, Tokyo and Quebec City. She cemented her position as one of the game's elite players last year by defeating World No. 1 Justine Henin en route to the Wimbledon finals, reaching the finals of Prague and the semifinals of five other tournaments, and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 9 in the world.