For More Information:

Vicki Blanchfield:  407/297-1573 or 407/592-1198

Luke Wickham:  407/997-5155

USTA’S STAR ISLAND TENNIS CLASSIC

SLATED FOR JAN. 16-25, 2004

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2003) – Players from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America will compete for $10,000 in USTA men’s singles and doubles prize monies at the Star Island Tennis Classic, Jan. 16-25, 2004.   Meanwhile, legendary coaches Nick Bollettieri and Vic Braden will present free public tennis clinics at the “Futures” satellite tour event, announced Luke Wickham, tournament director.

“Last year’s inaugural event was one of the most well organized and successful tournaments I’ve ever been associated with at this level of play,” said Peter Kasavage, veteran USTA tournament supervisor.  “It was extremely popular with the players despite unseasonably cold weather, so we’re expecting an even stronger field this year.”

            Wickham added:  “I think last year’s spectators were surprised that the quality of our matches was so similar to what they’re accustomed to seeing at ATP tournaments.”

The pro circuit tournament’s singles qualifying rounds begin Jan. 16 for 128 entrants; the 32-man “Futures” main draw and 16-team doubles draw start play on Tuesday, Jan. 20.  Players with ATP Tour rankings of 188 and higher are expected to participate, according to Wickham.

            Matias Boeker (USA), unseeded at last year’s event due to a severe hamstring injury layoff, won the 2003 Star Island title.  The former University of Georgia and two-time NCAA champion is expected to defend his crown at the 2004 event, Wickham said.

Tennis enthusiasts are invited to get in on the action themselves during a free evening tennis clinic this year hosted by Braden.  Meanwhile, Bollettieri, who was popular with fans at last year’s event, returns for another daytime session.          

“These celebrity appearances are the resort’s and USTA’s way of showing continued support for community tennis,” Wickham said.

The “Futures” play level is typically the proving ground for top-ranked juniors, college players, pros at the beginning of their careers or ATP veterans seeking comebacks after injury or layoffs.  Circuit players battle for ranking points which entitle them to ATP eligibility.   “Futures” tour alumni include 2003 U.S. Open Champion Andy Roddick, superstar Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Tim Henman, Patrick Rafter and James Blake.

Star Island Resort & club is located four miles east of I-4 on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee, near mile marker 11.  The 346-unit vacation ownership property is home to The Vic Braden Tennis College, where group clinics, private and semi-private lessons are conducted at the facility’s 11 courts. 

For more information, call 407/997-5155.