(Macao, July 13, 2009) Grand Slam Champions have been on the lips of tennis fans as the Wimbledon Championships drew near. First Andre Agassi opened the new roof at Wimbledon, then Pete Sampras gained the spotlight after Roger Federer won the French Open and put Pete’s record at risk. History was duly made on the weekend of July 5th 2009 as Federer claimed a new Grand Slam record.
Whilst the focus is on Roger, former champions Sampras and Agassi are making headlines of their own for those less fortunate than themselves. Smaller headlines maybe but just as important for the recipients who will benefit from their help. Champions of the caliber of Pete, Andre and Roger have qualities in their locker that transcend the lines of the tennis court. The two former rivals Sampras and Agassi renew their rivalry in The Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown in October this year.
The Macao event has built an enviable tradition as one of the fun cities for the players to visit. Amongst its strengths is the tournament’s recognition of the respective Charities and Foundations supported by the Players, the “Andre Agassi Foundation” and Pete Sampras’ “Aces for Charity” program. The event also supports the “Make-a-Wish Foundation Hong Kong-Macao” and its mission to grant wishes to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses. In the first event in 2007, the Showdown raised almost US$200,000 in an online charity auction. A similar auction will be launched this year and Organisers announced today a long list of items to be won by successful bidders. Twenty nine personally signed items or memorabilia are to be auctioned, all of which have nostalgic or historic value. Prizes include autographed Sampras and Agassi shirts, shoes and rackets, and three priceless coin toss experiences for the three matches. Fans also have the rare opportunity to hit exclusively with Ryan Harrison and/or Yuki Bhambri in two twenty minute sessions. A bonus for each winner will be the chance to invite a guest to join them. The online auction can be found at www.venetiantennisshowdown.com.
Up and coming young Ryan Harrison, a 17 year old Texan, recently won his first professional event in Chico, California, sweeping all before him as an unseeded entry, without the loss of a set. Harrison was also nominated as hitting partner to the U.S Davis Cup, captained by Patrick McEnroe, in the recent tie against Croatia. In Macao, Harrison will square off against Indian star Yuki Bhambri to add further luster to what is already a mouth watering exhibition. Bhambri won his third professional event on Sunday July 5th as he continues his meteoric rise. He currently ranks as the No. 1 Junior in the world, having already won the Orange Bowl in 2008 and the Australian Open title earlier this year.
The Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown 2009 is the third in the line of stellar events held in the former Portuguese enclave. The first in 2007 featured two of the best players in history, Roger Federer versus Pete Sampras, and the second in 2008 featured McEnroe, Borg, Federer and James Blake. Agassi vs. Sampras in 2009 continues the tradition.
The Venetian Macao and IMG organize the online charity auction every year on the sidelines of The Venetian Macao Tennis Showdown thus inspiring the other parties associated with the event, such as tennis players, tennis lovers and fans alike to join hands for the good cause.
Tickets for the Showdown are on sale and can be bought online at www.cotaiticketing.com , by phone at +853 28828818 (Macao) and +852 6333 6660 (Hong Kong), or in person at Sands Macao Lobby and CotaiArena™ Box Office.
More than half of the 15,000-seat stadium has already sold out. Senior Vice President, Head of Tennis, IMG Asia, Nick Freyer said “The interest is this event is terrific, and given we are only in early July demand for tickets is high. We very much hope fans join in the spirit of the tennis auction, it will bring joy to the winners, but more joy to the deserving recipients of the auction.”
About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is one of the largest hotels in Asia and represents Macao’s first truly integrated resort, featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons in Venice, Italy and also a recreation of the famous Venetian® Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. It features 3,000 all-suite rooms, 1.2 million square feet of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat CotaiArena™ which is suitable for world-class sporting events and entertainment of all kinds. There is also a 1,800-seat ZA?A™ Theater, over 30 fine dining restaurants, spa and wellness center, and 1 million square feet of retail space at The Grand Canal Shoppes with its three canals. The outdoor recreation facilities include swimming pools and cabanas, mini golf course and gondola ride at the outdoor lagoon.
About IMG Tennis
IMG is the leading management company in tennis. IMG represents some of the world’s top male and female tennis players. The company’s roster of top tennis clients includes many of today’s superstars: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and James Blake. In addition, IMG owns, manages or represents many of the world’s leading tournaments including the Sony Ericsson Open, Australian Open, the Chennai Open, the Malaysian Open, and Wimbledon amongst many others.
About IMG Sports & Entertainment
Operating in 30 countries, IMG Sports & Entertainment’s diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic and action sports. IMG Academies are the world’s largest, multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year. For more information please visit: www.imgworld.com.
