(WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., August 8, 2007) The USTA today announced the 2008 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships will move to the River Oaks Country Club, keeping the second longest-running USTA National Championship in Houston. Only the US Open has a longer history. The event has been held for the last seven years at the Westside Tennis Club in Houston where it attracted record attendance and strong fields.
The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships, an ATP International Series event, was first contested in 1910 and held every year since, with the exception of 1928. Former champions at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships consist of many of the all-time greats in tennis. Bill Tilden won a record seven singles titles from 1918 to 1927. Other past winners include Bobby Riggs, Tony Trabert, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi, and Andy Roddick.
“We’re thrilled that the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships has found a new home in the River Oaks Country Club and will remain in Houston,” said Jim Curley, Managing Director, Tournament Operations, USTA. “Jim and Linda (McIngvale) have done a wonderful job with the event the past seven years and we expect Houston tennis fans will enjoy the same world-class tennis at River Oaks.”
One of the oldest tennis clubs in the country, River Oaks Country Club has hosted the prestigious River Oaks International since 1931 on red clay, making it the oldest event in North America still played at its original location on its original surface. The club has a permanent stadium that seats up to 3,400.
This year, the club featured a special exhibition where Martina Navratilova played against Monica Seles. Last year, Pete Sampras played his first match since winning the 2002 US Open at River Oaks in an exhibition against Robby Ginepri that was streamed live on the internet on USTA.com. The club also hosted a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s event in 2005 and 2006.
No comments:
Post a Comment