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Home , Denis Kudla, Gabrielle Andrews, Knoxville Challenger, Lexington Challenger, Maret Ani, Mary Carillo

DECEMBER 2012 CAATCHTCH A RISING STAR...TODAY!STTAR...TODAAR...TODAY! www.procircuit.usta.comwww.procircuit.usta.com

USTA PRO CIRCUIT DELIVERS IN 2012

L to R: Tournament Director Brad Bigando, Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean, Tournament Director Marianella Padron and USTA Pro Circuit Director Brian Earley celebrate the return of to Joplin, Mo.; Redfoo awards the winner's check to 2012 champion Lauren Davis.

The USTA Pro Circuit continued to shine in the second half of 2012, delivering world-class INSIDE: tennis to communities across the country. For the first time, the USTA Pro Circuit sent two players directly into the main draw of the US Open. In collaboration with USTA Player Development, the final US Open men’s and “COOL FEATURES” A BIG PART women’s wild cards were determined through players’ results on the USTA Pro Circuit, OF THE USTA PRO CIRCUIT with college stars Mallory Burdette and nabbing the honors. Both would As USTA Pro Circuit events seek to improve the player and fan experience, they have use their wild cards to good effect, with each player advancing to the third round in introduced a series of new and fun features Flushing Meadows. at their tournaments. In all, the USTA Pro Circuit was well-represented at the US Open. Three USTA Pro Circuit COMMUNITY OUTREACH A BIG players advanced to the main draw after receiving wild cards into qualifying: Samantha PART OF THE USTA PRO CIRCUIT Crawford, and , with Klahn becoming the first qualifying wild Giving back to the community is a hallmark card ever to win a round in the men’s singles draw and Crawford following her showing in of the USTA Pro Circuit. In 2012, examples qualifying by going on to win the junior girls’ singles title. The USTA Pro Circuit also made a included the $10,000 Futures event in splash at the 2012 , with Pro Circuit graduates taking home armfuls of Edwardsville, Ill., and the Fifth Third Bank medals, including all six in the inaugural mixed doubles competition. Tennis Championships in Lexington, Ky. On the women’s USTA Pro Circuit, Las Vegas had a rockin’ 2012, thanks to new presenting GOLDWATER TENNIS CLASSIC sponsor Redfoo of the hit band LMFAO, and Redding, Calif., and Troy, Ala., joined the PARTNERS WITH MENTORING growing list of events that have spent 10 years or more on the USTA Pro Circuit. PROGRAM In 2012, the Goldwater Tennis Classic Among the men’s events, Joplin, Mo., made a triumphant return to the USTA Pro Circuit affiliated with the nonprofit Elevate Phoenix, following a one-year absence as a result of the devastating 2011 tornado, and the Challenger a mentoring program for inner-city youth. in Aptos, Calif., celebrated a quarter-century on the USTA Pro Circuit calendar. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 2 FIRST SERVES

“Cool Features” a Big Part of the USTA Pro Circuit

As USTA Pro Circuit events seek to improve the player and fan experience, they have introduced a series of new and fun features at their tournaments. Here are just a few that were seen this year:

• This summer, the Odlum Brown VanOpen at the Hollyburn Country Club in Vancouver, Canada, which features a $100,000 men’s Challenger and a $100,000 women’s event, used a speed gun so fans could see how fast players were serving. • Also in June, the Beer Company Pro Tennis Tournament, a $10,000 Futures event, used digital signage to post the daily order of play at the Kiwi Tennis Club in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. • The $50,000 women’s tournament in Yakima, Wash., Vancouver, hand-painted the USTA logo on the door to the Canada Bronx, N.Y. clubhouse of the Yakima Tennis Club. • Prior to the US Open, the EmblemHealth Bronx Open, the $50,000 event in the Bronx, N.Y., hosted the Bronx Honor Guard. • There was a flash mob at the Rock Party Open in September, the $50,000 women’s event in Las Vegas hosted by Redfoo of the hit band LMFAO. • A tournament flag bearing the event's logo was created for the Futures of Mansfield Men’s $15K at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield, Texas, and waved proudly below the American flag during Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. the October event. • At the $15,000 Chico Futures event, which was played in June at the Chico Racquet Club & Resort in Chico, Calif., the tournament’s merchandising included a stainless steel tumbler with the USTA Pro Circuit logo.

Yakima, Wash.

Mansfield, Texas

Chico, Calif. Las Vegas

With approximately 90 tournaments hosted annually throughout the country and prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the USTA Pro Circuit is the pathway to the US Open and tour-level competition for aspiring tennis players and a frequent battleground for established professionals. The USTA launched its Pro Circuit 33 years ago to provide players with the opportunity to gain professional ranking points, and it has since grown to become the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world, offering nearly $3 million in prize money. Last year, more than 1,000 men and women from more than 70 countries com - peted in cities nationwide. , , , Caroline Wozniacki, , Li Na and Andy Murray are among today’s top stars who began their careers on the USTA Pro Circuit. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 3 FIRST SERVES

Live Streaming Provides Increased New Addition Skip Gilbert Ex posure for U STA Pro Circu it Visits Pro Circuit Events

Thanks to a new deal that provides free, live streaming of matches, USTA During the second half of 2012, Skip Gilbert, the new Pro Circuit men’s Challenger events now have a worldwide audience— USTA Managing Director, Professional Tournament along with increased visibility and exposure. Operations and US Open Tournament Manager , visited several men’s and women’s tournaments to The USTA licensed the inter - learn more about the USTA Pro Circuit. national digital rights for streaming, which began with Among his stops in October were the $25,000 Rock nine Challengers in 2012 and Hill Rocks Open at the Rock Hill Tennis Center in which will continue through - Rock Hill, S.C., the $75,000 Goldwater Classic in out 2013. With matches now Phoenix and the $100,000 in available on a global plat - Tiburon, Calif. form, relatives, coaches and fans have access to watch Also in October, Gilbert attended his first Player their favorite players from Development-Pro Circuit Calendar Planning anywhere in the world. Meeting, held annually in Boca Raton, Fla., with the USTA coaching staff. The free, live streaming, which is available at procircuit.usta.com, made its debut at the $50,000 LG&T Tennis Challenger in Binghamton, N.Y., this past July and continued through the JSM Challenger in Champaign, Ill., in November.

Coverage of main draw matches on the tournament’s main courts includes three camera angles, an on-site commentator and scoreboard graphics. Select matches on a second court use a fixed camera and a score feed.

Left to right: Tedi Doncheva, Skip Gilbert and Rock Hill Tournament Director Kim Ozmon

Pro Circuit Challengers to Try Out “No Let” Rule

Coming in January, the men’s Challenger events on the USTA Pro Circuit will be part of the ATP’s trial of the “No Let” rule, an alternative method of play ap - proved by the Rules of Tennis. The “No Let” rule— which states that a serve that touches the net, strap or band is in play—will be in effect on a trial basis at all Challenger events for the first three months of 2013.

During the trial period, the ATP will provide survey sheets to players competing at each Challenger to solicit their feedback. (All players were advised to practice without the let during the offseason.) The Legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri poses with USTA Pro Circuit national staffers Brian Earley, Scott Hausthor and Danielle Gooding at the site of his tennis academy, IMG trial will be reviewed in March and a decision will Academy. IMG Academy hosted the final event of the 2012 USTA Pro Circuit season, a then be made whether to continue the trial period. men’s $10,000 Futures, and is exploring hosting a women’s event in 2013. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 4

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—MEN

JOPLIN MAKES INSPIRING RETURN

After a one-year absence, the $10,000 USTA Pro Circuit men’s Futures tournament made an inspiring return to Joplin, Mo., in July. The event was canceled last year due to the damaging effects of the devastating tornado that hit the area in May 2011.

To kick off the event, the USTA Pro Circuit worked in coordination with USTA Missouri Valley to host a press conference announcing the return of the tournament. Among those invited to attend was the mayor of Joplin, Melodee Colbert-Kean, who used the press conference to announce that the week of the 2012 tournament would also double as “Tennis Week” in Joplin.

In turn, the USTA invited Colbert-Kean and one of the tournament’s ball kids to attend the 2012 US Open, where they conducted the coin toss at the beginning of the Night Session and afterward joined USTA President Jon Vegosen for dinner in the President’s Box.

As professional tennis was welcomed back, the USTA was happy to be part of Joplin’s recovery. Net proceeds from the event were donated to the Children’s Miracle Network to assist local Joplin children, and a “Community Day” featuring 10 and Under Tennis, tennis drills, games and prizes also took place during the tournament.

“For 12 years, the Millennium Club and the people of Joplin have supported the USTA Pro Circuit’s efforts to grow the next generation of tennis stars,” says Brian Earley, Director, USTA Pro Circuit. “We congratulate them for their incredible recovery from last year’s devastation and also for their commitment to rebuilding the important partnerships that have been so important to the growth of this tournament and to tennis in Joplin.”

Among those collaborating with the USTA Pro Circuit and USTA Missouri Valley to welcome back Joplin were USTA departments such as Corporate Communications and Advanced Media, as well as Community Development, the US Open Tournament Director, US Open Entertainment and the President’s Office.

Left: Brian Earley with Brad Bigando and Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean. Below: Earley speaks at the press conference announcing Joplin’s return. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 5

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—MEN

COMMUNITY OUTREACH A BIG WINNETKA, TIBURON GIVE BACK

PART OF THE USTA PRO CIRCUIT In early July, Aus - tralian qualifier John Two great examples of community outreach on the USTA Patrick Smith edged Pro Circuit could be seen at the $10,000 Futures event in Ricardas Berankis of Edwardsville, Ill. and the Fifth Third Bank Tennis Champi - Lithuania in a thrilling onships in Lexington, Ky. singles final, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) to win The Edwardsville Futures hosted a special Mitch ’n Friends the USTA Nielsen Tennis Clinic for kids who face unique challenges and have $50,000 Challenger had difficulty participating in athletic events. Mitch McGinnis, 17, an Edwardsville High School seven-time varsity letter Men’s Pro Tennis winner, and his friends took part in the clinic. Championship in Winnetka, Ill., but The Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex at the University Tennis Smith wasn’t the only Complex was the site of the first Kids winner that week. Day. In conjunction with USTA Kentucky and Smart Shots, a Net proceeds from nonprofit youth program, several hundred children had the the Winnetka Chal - opportunity to play and watch tennis and ask questions of lenger, the only men’s American tennis pro . professional tennis Winnetka, Ill. tournament in the And they were not alone. The Futures in Austin, Texas, Chicago area, went to support the North Suburban Special staged a visit to a local school; the Futures in Mansfield, Texas, remembered its local veterans; and so many other Recreation Association (NSSRA), an intergovernmental partner - events on the USTA Pro Circuit made giving back to the ship of 10 park districts, two cities and one village in the northern local community a central part of their events. suburban area of Chicago.

The NSSRA provides and facilitates year-round recreation n o s

s programs and services for children and adults with disabilities k i r E

s r who live in the partner communities. This was the fourth e d n A consecutive year NSSRA was the tournament’s charitable recipient.

Contributions to this year’s $100,000 First Republic Bank Tiburon Challenger in Tiburon, Calif., went to the Mentor Foundation, which was founded in 1998 to provide a unified, collective voice for California’s youth mentoring programs. The foundation donated the proceeds to the Foundation For Reed Schools to benefit physical education programs. Austin, Texas t s a h t

Tiburon, Calif. t o P

t t o c S g n i d o o G

Mansfield, Texas AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 6

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—MEN

SPECIAL OLYMPICS PARTNERS WITH CHARLOTTESVILLE CHALLENGER

Special Olympics was one of the major partners for this year’s USTA Charlottesville Pro Challenger held at the Boar’s Head Sports Club in Charlottesville, Va., inspiring the players and providing a tie between the event and the local community.

“The partnership between the Boars Head Sports Club and Special Olympics Virginia represents a continuation of our growing bond and friendship,” says David Thomason, Vice President of Advancement, Special Olympics Virginia. “This partnership continues each January when the BHSC hosts the ‘Xperience’ tennis tournament, which brings together the very best Special Olympic tennis players from around the globe. There is no organization closer to my heart than Special Olympics … [and] we are honored to be included in this generous opportunity for USTA’s world-class athletes to benefit Special Olympics’ world-class athletes.”

APTOS CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY NEW LOGOS FOR

A historic milestone took place at the Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, Calif., this MEN’S EVENTS past August as the $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger, the longest-running Challenger on the USTA Pro Circuit, celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Challenger tournament in Charlottesville, Va., and the Futures events in Bradenton, Fla., In 1988, Brad Pearce defeated fellow American Tim Pawsat, 6-3, 6-2, to win the and Niceville, Fla., all unveiled new tournament inaugural Aptos Challenger. Since then, generations logos for their events. Here’s a look: of tennis stars, including Michael Chang, Patrick Rafter, , Wayne Ferreira, James Blake, Robby Ginepri, Andy Murray, , Milos Raonic and the Bryan brothers, have helped put this notable USTA Pro Circuit event on the map.

Through the years, the Comerica Bank Challenger has provided tennis fans with many memorable moments—and this year was no exception. Ameri - can Steve Johnson, the two-time NCAA singles champion, won his first career USTA Pro Circuit Challenger title, defeating his former teammate at USC, Robert Farah, 6-3, 6-3, in the singles final. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 7

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—WOMEN

REDFOO, OPEN A SMASHING SUCCESS

A new title sponsor and a festive atmosphere greeted a strong women’s field at the inaugural Party Rock Open, a $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit tournament, which was Redfoo with fans hosted by Stefan “Redfoo” Gordy of the hit music group LMFAO at the Amanda & Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Sept. 23-30.

After learning about the event in Las Vegas, the LMFAO singer, whose hits include “” and “,” agreed to help promote the women’s tennis event and brand it after his Party Rock line of clothing.

Redfoo, the son of Records founder Jr., is a tennis enthusiast who grew up playing junior competition in Southern California and briefly at the Pro Circuit level. He was a guest in ’s box at this year’s US Open women’s singles final.

During the tournament, which featured a Party Rock theme with regular DJ sets, Redfoo participated in the kids’ day 10 and Under Tennis activities attended by 300 children, signed autographs and held a Party Rock shuffle contest. He also hosted the official player party and teamed up with Ayaka Okuno from Japan in a special doubles Pro-Am.

American Lauren Davis captured the Party Rock Open singles title, while Australia’s teamed with her sister, of Russia, to win the doubles championship.

USTA PRO CIRCUIT WELCOMES THREE NEW SUMMER EVENTS

The USTA Pro Circuit welcomed three new women’s events during the second New Orleans half of 2012.

Yakima, Wash.: In early July, the Yakima Tennis Club hosted the $50,000 event in Yakima, Wash. Tournament Director Stephen Welt and his wife, former touring pro Jana Nejedly Welt, worked to bring the event to Yakima. In an all-American singles final, defeated , 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-4.

New Orleans: The inaugural New Orleans Women’s International Tennis Classic was played in late July at the University of New Orleans Tennis Center. It was the only professional tennis tournament in Louisiana this year and the first women’s professional tournament in New Orleans since 1978. The tournament director is Abrie du Plooy, who previously hosted the women’s $25,000 Event in Hammond, La. A 10 and Under clinic was held at the tournament and attended by 70 children. A newly designed “Pro Circuit supports 10 and Under Tennis” banner made its debut in New Orleans.

Fort Worth, Texas: Thanks to Dave Borelli, head women’s tennis coach at Texas Christian University, the Bayard Friedman Tennis Center at TCU returned as host site of this summer’s $10,000 Pro Tennis Classic in Fort Worth. The $10,000 event was last held at the site in 2008. Linda Cappel served as tournament director, having previously served as a volunteer during its last run. A happy group of ballpersons are shown with a new Fiat, the tournament sponsor.

Yakima, Wash.

Fort Worth, Texas AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 8

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—WOMEN

REDDING, TROY CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARIES

Redding, Calif.

The USTA Pro Circuit tournaments in Redding, Calif., and Troy, Ala., each celebrated 10th anniversaries in 2012.

The $25,000 USTA Oak Rehab Challenger women’s event in Redding celebrated its anniversary in September, with USTA Pro Circuit Director Brian Earley presenting Tournament Director Julie Garcia with an Award of Excellence. Earley thanked Garcia for her vision in bringing the USTA Pro Circuit women’s event to Sun Oaks Tennis & Fitness. He also thanked the sponsors for their commitment and the Redding community for their tremendous support over the last 10 years.

Past Redding singles champions include: Jana Nejedly, Jamie Hampton and Julie Boserup. Chelsey Gullickson won this year’s singles title, defeating fellow American Allie Will, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2, in the final.

The celebration for the $25,000 USTA Tennis Classic of Troy, which is played at the Lunsford Tennis Center at Troy University in Alabama, followed one month later. To mark the occasion, Earley presented an Award of Excellence to Tournament Director Eric Hayes, who serves as men’s and women’s head tennis coach at Troy University.

Past tournament winners in Troy include Kristina Brandi, Maret Ani, and Romina Oprandi. Canadian Stephanie Dubois won this year’s singles title, defeating compatriot , 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, in the final.

NYPD – FDNY EXHIBITION WOMEN’S EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS BRONX OPEN UNVEIL NEW LOGOS

A special tradition continued this year During the second half of 2012, at the EmblemHealth Bronx Open, the several USTA Pro Circuit women’s events women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit showed how creative they could be as they Challenger which is played in August unveiled new, colorful tournament logos. at Crotona Park, Bronx, N.Y.: The Here they are: annual New York Police Department versus New York Fire Department took place prior to the start of women’s qualifying.

The NYPD Color Guard and the FDNY Bagpipers performed at the official opening of the NYPD vs. FDNY tour - nament. Both teams brought their best players and had a great time in the spirit of friendly competition and good sportsmanship.

EmblemHealth, which has sponsored the Bronx Open for more than 10 years, made a contribution to NYPD and FDNY education scholarship funds. This was the seventh year the NYPD and FDNY played in conjunction with the EmblemHealth Bronx Open. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 9

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS—WOM EN

GOLDWATER TENNIS CLASSIC PARTNERS WITH MENTORING PROGRAM

In 2012, the Goldwater Tennis Classic affiliated with the nonprofit Elevate Phoenix, a mentoring program for inner-city youth. The Phoenix Country Club, located in downtown Phoenix, was a natural to partner with Elevate Phoenix, whose program is incorporated into the Phoenix City school curriculum.

Support through Elevate Phoenix ranges from after-school initiatives to character-building and life skills. In the program, high school students who have graduated from Elevate Phoenix return to mentor elementary school students from second grade and up. Having common life and academic experiences, the mentors are able to connect with their younger counterparts. Both mentors and mentees are supported by professionally trained teachers and counselors who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Professional golfer Tom Lehman, a sitting member of the board of directors of Elevate Phoenix, introduced the not-for-profit to Phoenix Country Club, where he is a member. Goldwater Tennis Classic Tournament Director Sara Stablein subsequently became involved, using the tournament as a platform to draw interest and attention to the program. In addition, Lehman brought in fellow board member Ann Meyers Drysdale, a basketball Hall of Famer and former general manager of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and Drysdale brought in longtime friend Mary Carillo, the former tennis pro, TV broadcaster and president of USTA Serves .

On the first day of qualifying, 400 children from Elevate Phoenix enjoyed a kids’ day and 10 and Under Tennis clinics.A kick-off fundraising reception prior to the tournament raised $275,000, which went directly to Elevate Phoenix. In addition, all proceeds from the tourna - ment will also go directly to the program; proceeds were still being processed as of this printing. The program is modeled after Uplift Colorado, which has a 90 percent success rate of high school seniors graduating and continuing their education. Similar programs also exist in Florida and the Bronx.

10 and Under Tennis clinic Ann Meyers Drysdale, Tom Lehman and Mary Carillo

ALBUQUERQUE EVENT BENEFITS NEW MEXICO YOUTH TENNIS

The ColemanVision Tennis Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2012, was once again promoted and organized by the New Mexico Youth Tennis Foundation (NMYTF), the beneficiary of all tournament proceeds. The NMYTF provides educational opportunities to New Mexico’s youth through grants and scholarships and supports after-school tennis programs.

This year’s event continued to feature youth clinics and kids’ days held on-site—providing area children and young adults with the opportunity to learn from and interact with the rising stars of the USTA Pro Circuit. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 10 USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYER NEWS

JOHNSON, BURDETTE EARN USTA PRO CIRCUIT WILD CARDS INTO US OPEN

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Steve Johnson

Americans Steve Johnson and Mallory Burdette used strong performances in USTA Pro Circuit events this summer to earn wild cards into the singles main draw of the US Open. The USTA used a tournament-based format to award the wild cards.

The men’s wild card was given to the American who earned the most ATP World Tour ranking points at two of the following four hard-court USTA Pro Circuit Challengers: Binghamton, N.Y.; Lexington, Ky.; Vancouver, B.C.; and Aptos, Calif. The women’s wild card went to the American who earned the most WTA ranking points in two of the following three hard-court USTA Pro Circuit events, all at the $50,000-level or above: Yakima, Wash.; Lexington, Ky.; and Vancouver, B.C.

Johnson, a two-time NCAA singles champion, earned the men’s wild card after winning his first career Challenger title in Aptos, Calif., earning 100 points. He reached the third round at the US Open before losing to No. 13 seed .

After winning the singles title in Vancouver and reaching the second round in Lexington, Burdette earned the women’s wild card by finishing with 158 points. A two-time NCAA doubles champion, Burdette advanced to the third round at the US Open, where she fell to eventual semifinalist Maria Sharapova.

USTA PRO CIRCUIT STANDOUTS SELECTED AS PRACTICE PARTNERS e l g n A

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USTA Pro Circuit players Steve Johnson, and served R as U.S. Davis Cup practice partners for the World Group semifinal tie against the Spanish Davis Cup team on clay in Gijon, Spain.

Johnson won his first USTA Pro Circuit Challenger title this summer at the $100,000 Challenger in Aptos, Calif. The two-time NCAA singles champion previously served as a practice partner for the U.S. Davis Cup team’s 2011 quarterfinal tie against Spain in Austin, Texas.

Krajicek, who won the singles title at the $15,000 Futures event in Austin, Texas, this past October, was also a Davis Cup practice partner for the World Group quarterfinal tie versus France earlier this year and for the 2008 World Group L to R: Captain Jim Courier with practice partners Denis Kudla Semifinal tie against Spain in Madrid. and Austin Krajicek

Kudla, winner of USTA Challenger titles in Lexington, Ky., and Charlottesville, Va., this year, served as a practice partner at U.S. Davis Cup ties in France this year and, in 2010, for the World Group first-round tie against Serbia in Belgrade. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 11

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYER NEWS

AMERICAN WOMEN GAIN

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

American women gained valuable experience during the second half of the year on the USTA Pro Circuit. In July, ($50,000 Denver), Shelby Rogers ($50,000 Yakima, Wash.), Mallory Burdette ($10,000 Evansville, Ind.), Julia Elbaba ($10,000 New Orleans, La.) and Elizabeth Ferris ($10,000 Forth Worth, Texas) all captured singles titles. Shelby Rogers Burdette, who won her first career professional title in Evansville, followed up her performance by winning the $100,000 Odlum Brown VanOpen in Vancouver, Canada. Burdette’s victories on the USTA Pro Circuit proved to be a springboard as she reached the third round at the US Open.

In September, Chelsey Gullickson ($25,000 Redding, Calif.), Maria Sanchez ($75,000 Albuquerque, N.M.), Lauren Davis ($50,000 Las Vegas) and ($10,000 Amelia Island, Fla.) took home singles championships.

Former US Open quarterfinalist also got back on the Madison Keys winning track in late October as she won the title at the $50,000 event in New Braunfels, Texas. In early November, it was Madison Keys defeating Sanchez in the singles final to win the $75,000 tournament in Phoenix.

Jack Sock (center) TRIO OF YOUNG AMERICANS AMONG SECOND-HALF STANDOUTS

The second half of the men’s USTA Pro Circuit was highlighted by a group of young Americans who made career breakthroughs and a couple of veterans who showed they still have what it takes to win titles more than 10 years after beginning their careers on the Circuit.

In July, Denis Kudla won the $50,000 Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships in Lexington, Ky., and Steve Johnson captured the $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger in Aptos, Calif., in August. Later in October, it was winning the $100,000 First Republic Bank Tiburon Challenger in Tiburon, Calif. Each victory represented the first career USTA Pro Circuit Challenger title for the three rising tennis stars, all 22 or younger. Later in October, Kudla followed up his title run in Lexington by winning the $75,000 Charlottesville Men’s Pro Challenger.

In early October, 32-year-old James Blake won the $100,000 RelyAid Natomas Challenger in Sacramento, Calif. The victory marked his 12th career USTA Pro Circuit singles title. Another tour veteran made headlines in November as 34-year-old won the $50,000 . It was Russell’s USTA Pro Circuit-record 23rd career singles title.

The most consistent USTA Pro Circuit player in the second half of the year, however, was Devin Britton. The 2009 NCAA singles champion won a $15,000 Denis Kudla Futures singles title and, overall in 2012, an amazing five of seven USTA Pro Circuit doubles finals. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 12

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYER NEWS

QUERREY, BAKER CONSIDERED FOR COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Americans and s a

Brian Baker, winners of USTA m o h T

Pro Circuit Challenger events m i J in April this year, were in the running for ATP World Tour Comeback Player of the Year.

Querrey, who won the $100,000 on clay, came back from right elbow surgery last year. After ending 2011 ranked No. 93 in the world, the U.S. Davis Cupper captured the ATP World Tour title in Los Ange - les this past summer and will finish the year in the Top 25.

It was also quite a year for Baker, winner of the and the Futures Sam Querrey events in Weston, Fla., and Costa Mesa, Calif., as he returned to professional tennis after five surgeries and six years off the tour. Baker earned a wild card, reached his first ATP World Tour final in Nice, France, and advanced to the fourth round at Wimbledon.

However, it was , a former USTA Pro Circuit competitor, who was voted Comeback Player of the Year. The 34-year-old German, who underwent hip surgery in early 2010 and did not play on the tour for 14 months, started the year outside the Top 200 and played his way into the Top 25. Haas was a finalist at two USTA Pro Circuit events—in Daytona, Fla., in 2006 and in Birmingham, Ala., in 1997.

SANCHEZ, KUDLA Denis Kudla r s a e h g e a B

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LEAD 2012 USTA t h e t G n PRO CIRCUIT IN A POINTS EARNED Maria Sanchez Maria Sanchez and Denis Kudla led all American players on the USTA Pro Circuit in WTA and ATP points earned, respectively, during the 2012 season. Sanchez earned 407 WTA points on the USTA Pro Circuit, with wins at the $75,000 event in Albuquerque, N.M., and the $50,000 event in Sacramento, Calif. Meanwhile, Kudla collected 259 ATP points by reaching the quarterfinals or better at six USTA Pro Circuit events in 2012, with two tournament titles to his credit.

Sanchez was followed in the standings by Lauren Davis (345 points), (320) and Madison Keys (246). Kudla, meantime, finished ahead of (234 points), Jack Sock (211 points) and (172). AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 13

USTA PRO CIRCUIT & THE US OPEN s e

AMERICAN MEN SHINE AT THE 2012 US OPEN g Rhyne Williams a m I

y t t e

American men currently playing on the USTA Pro Circuit had a strong showing at this G year’s US Open. Bradley Klahn, Tim Smyczek, and Rhyne Williams got through a tough qualifying draw to advance to the US Open men’s singles main draw. Klahn advanced to the second round.

In addition, wild-card entrants r a h e Jack Sock and Steve Johnson B y n o

h advanced to the third round, t n A where they were joined by USTA Pro Circuit veterans Sam Querrey Bradley Klahn and James Blake. All four men won singles titles on the USTA Pro Circuit in 2012.

This year’s US Open also marked the final event for former USTA Pro Circuit champion Andy Roddick, who retired following his fourth-round loss to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro.

Past and present USTA Pro Circuit players made big news in the US Open men’s doubles as Bob and captured their fourth career US Open doubles championship—and their 12th tournament doubles title, an Open-Era record. The doubles wild card team of Johnson and Sock also made headlines as they bounced top-seeded Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor in the first round, and teamed with younger brother Christian to advance to the doubles quarterfinals.

UP-AND-COMERS LEAD THE WAY AS AMERICAN WOMEN POST STRONG RESULTS

It was a memorable US Open for Florida resident Samantha Crawford. A singles finalist at the $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Yakima, Wash., this past July, the 17-year-old won three qualifying matches to reach the US Open women’s singles main draw. Samantha Crawford then fought through a tough junior field to Crawford capture the US Open girls’ singles championship as a wild card, defeating of in the final. In doing so, Crawford became the third American—and third USTA Pro Circuit player—to win the US Open girls’ singles title in the last five years, joining Grace Min (2011) and CoCo Vandeweghe (2008).

Sloane Stephens and , both USTA Pro Circuit graduates, advanced to the third round of the US Open women’s singles main draw, as did Mallory Burdette, who won USTA Pro Circuit events in Evansville, Ind., and Vancouver, Canada, in July. s e

To round out the successes, USTA Pro Circuit players g a m I

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Taylor Townsend and Gabrielle Andrews completed t e G

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the American sweep of the girls’ titles by teaming to s o t o win the US Open girls’ doubles crown. h P AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 14

USTA PRO CIRCUIT & THE OLYMPIC GAMES s e g a m

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John Isner Andy Roddick

USTA PRO CIRCUIT GRADS DOMINATE THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

This year’s Summer Olympic Games in London featured the top players in the world, and many former USTA Pro Circuit competitors made their presence known at this year’s Olympic tennis venue—Wimbledon, home of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Among the Olympic medal winners who played on the USTA Pro Circuit are:

• Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) – Women’s Singles Bronze Medal, Mixed Doubles Gold Medal • Julien Benneteau (France) – Men’s Doubles Bronze Medal • () – Men’s Doubles Gold Medal Christina • Mike Bryan (United States) – Men’s Doubles Gold Medal, Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal McHale • Andrea Hlavackova (Czech Republic) – Women’s Doubles Silver Medal • Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) – Women’s Doubles Silver Medal • Maria Kirilenko (Russia) – Women’s Doubles Bronze Medal • Max Mirnyi (Belarus) – Mixed Doubles Gold Medal • Andy Murray (Great Britain) – Men’s Singles Gold Medal, Mixed Doubles Silver Medal • (Great Britain) – Mixed Doubles Silver Medal • (United States) – Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal Maria • Maria Sharapova (Russia) – Women’s Singles Silver Medal Sharapova • Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France) – Men’s Doubles Silver Medal

In addition to Raymond and the Bryan brothers, USTA Pro Circuit alums Ryan Harrison, , John Isner, Varvara Lepchenko, Christina McHale, Andy Roddick and all represented the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

Bob and Mike Bryan

Left to right: Lara Robson, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Max Mirnyi, Mike Bryan and Lisa Raymond.