2009 News Archive
Tennis legends hold court here Nov. 7
Sampras, Martin headline United Way event
9/30/2009
Pete Sampras
One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Pete Sampras, and American legend Todd Martin will headline the LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek.
WSB-TV anchor Monica Pearson will serve as the classic's honorary chair, and Murphy Jensen, host of the Tennis Channel's Open Access, will host the event. In addition to the Sampras and Martin men's singles match, the LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic will also feature local players in an innovative tiebreak shootout format. The format highlights the skills of area juniors, wheelchair athletes and local college players. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.
"We are very excited to have Pete and Todd join the LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic and this celebration of tennis in Atlanta," says Matt Olson, director of USTA Atlanta. "This will be an amazing day of world class tennis and family entertainment. I know that Pete and Todd are excited to come to Atlanta and provide fans with the best in men's tennis."
Sampras captured his final grand slam title with his dramatic U.S. Open victory over longtime rival Andre Agassi in 2002. His resume boasts 14 grand slam titles, including seven Wimbledon titles. He was ranked World No. 1 for six consecutive years from 1993 to 1998. In July 2007, he was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
Martin was a finalist at the 1999 U.S. Open and the 1994 Australian Open. In 1994, he reached the semifinals at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Grand Slam Cup. Every year from 1994 to 2002, Martin played Davis Cup for the United States. He was inducted into the ITA Men's Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in May of 2007.
"I look forward to returning to Atlanta to be part of the inaugural LIVE UNITED Tennis Classic. It is an honor to help support an event that in turn helps so many in Atlanta through United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta programs. I know Todd and I both look forward to a great match at the Atlanta Athletic Club," said Sampras.
Tickets are available online through eTix or by calling 800-514-ETIX (3849). Prices are $28.50, $38.50 and $48.50.
The Atlanta Athletic Club is located at 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek.