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Home , 2013 US Open (tennis), Anna Tatishvili, Dennis Novikov, Dimitar Kutrovsky, Knoxville Challenger, Mandy Minella

DECEMBER 2013 CAATCHTCH A RISING STAR...TODAY!STTAR...TODAAR...TODAY! www.procircuit.usta.comwww.procircuit.usta.com

USTA PRO CIRCUIT CELEBRATES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR

In 2013, (at far right) and (inset) earned the most ranking points by all Americans on the USTA Pro Circuit. Both players also received a wild card into the singles main draw at the 2013 US Open by winning the US Open Wild Card Challenge during the summer swing of USTA Pro Circuit events.

The USTA Pro Circuit closed INSIDE: 2013 with a stellar second half of the year, once again providing American players USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS POST with excellent opportunities STRONG SHOWINGS AT US OPEN to transition to the highest American men and women who have levels of the sport. competed regularly on the USTA Pro Circuit scored victories in the singles As a result of the Wild Card main draws of the 2013 US Open. Challenge—a series of several t

men’s and women’s hard-court s a E

y a LIVE SCORING NOW AVAILABLE AT events held over the summer— R ALL USTA PRO CIRCUIT EVENTS the USTA Pro Circuit was able to send Bradley Klahn and Shelby Rogers, who nearly all of them scored victories at Flushing Allowing fans to follow USTA Pro Circuit earned the most ranking points at these Meadows in the singles main draws. matches from around the world, the events, into the singles main draws of the Live Scoring feature is now being made 2013 US Open. As it turned out, Klahn and On the USTA Pro Circuit, live scoring was available at all USTA Pro Circuit events. Rogers also wound up as the top point made available from every event, making earners among American players on the it possible for fans to keep track of USTA HOLDS ANNUAL PLAYER entire 2013 USTA Pro Circuit. their favorite players via the internet. Live DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS streaming from select events also made it The staff of the USTA Pro Circuit At the US Open, Klahn and Rogers were easier for fans to follow all of the action Department conducted its annual joined by a dozen young American men as the USTA Pro Circuit in 2013 once planning meetings with USTA Player and women who have also competed again delivered world-class tennis to Development in October. regularly on the USTA Pro Circuit—and communities across the country. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 2 FIRST SERVES

USTA Pro Circuit Players USTA Pro Circuit Staff Earn US Open Wild Cards Members Celebrate During the summer, players competing on the USTA Pro Circuit had the Anniversaries opportunity to earn a singles main-draw wild card for the 2013 US Open. For the second straight year, USTA Player Development awarded a wild card to Two USTA Pro Circuit staff members are celebrating an American male and female player who earned the most ATP World Tour notable anniversaries this year. USTA Pro Circuit and WTA ranking points in a series of USTA Pro Circuit hard-court events. Director Brian Earley, who saw the beginning of the USTA Pro Circuit, celebrates 30 years with the The men’s series consisted of the following events: USTA, while USTA Pro Circuit Senior Manager Danielle Gooding is celebrating her 15th-year • $50,000 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger, anniversary with the USTA. Binghamton, N.Y.–July 15 • $50,000 Fifth Third Bank Championships, Lexington, Ky.–July 22 Congratulations to Brian and Danielle. • $100,000 Odlum Brown VanOpen presented by Invesco, Happy Anniversary! Vancouver, Canada–July 29 A T S

• $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger, Aptos, Calif.–August 5 U / d y o l F

e k i

The women’s series consisted of the following events: M

• $50,000 Yakima Regional Hospital Challenger, Yakima, Wash.–July 8 • $50,000 Oregon Challenger in Portland, Ore.–July 15 • $50,000 Fifth Third Bank Championships, Lexington, Ky.–July 22.

Ranking points from two of the four men’s events and from two of the three women’s events were used and combined to calculate the point total to determine the US Open wild-card recipients. If a player competed in more than two events, only his or her two best tournament results were counted in calculating the point total.

Tennis fans followed the race for the US Open wild card as each USTA Pro USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Circuit event was streamed live on www.procircuit.usta.com. Officer Gordon Smith (left) helps Brian Earley celebrate 30 years with the USTA.

Live Scoring Now Available at All USTA Pro Circuit Events

The always-popular Live Scoring feature is now available at all USTA Pro Circuit Events.

In addition to following live scores of USTA Pro Circuit matches from around the world, tennis fans also have access to a variety of features which enhances their ability to follow matches and tennis events on the internet

The Live Scoring feature also includes scores of all completed matches, live draws and match schedules. There are also links to purchase tickets and official tournament websites. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 3 FIRST SERVES

USTA Holds Annual Player Development Meetings in Florida

The USTA annual Player Development Staff Meetings took place in October at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. The opening session on October 7 covered the staff’s vision for Player Development and was kicked off by USTA Chairman, CEO and President Dave Haggerty; Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer Gordon Smith and Player Development General Manager Patrick McEnroe. The strategic planning process for 2014 was discussed during the meetings.

Iron Chef Cook-off Builds Team Spirit

The annual USTA Player Development staff meetings took place at the USTA Training Center—Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., in October. After a full day of meetings with USTA Pro Circuit staff, USTA Player Develop - ment hosted an Iron Chef cook-off at Hugh’s Culinary, with the group divided into teams to work together in an effort to produce a winning meal. The cook-off produced a fun-filled—and very tasty—exercise in team building. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 4 FIRST SERVES

New Web Streaming Commentator Has Ties to USTA Pro Circuit

Mike Cation had worked as a Press Aide for the $50,000 JSM Challenger of Champaign-Urbana, which is played at the Atkins Tennis Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When a position for a tennis commentator with knowledge of the USTA Pro Circuit and the players became available on the web streaming telecasts of USTA Pro Circuit events, Cation was the obvious choice.

A 1998 graduate at the University of Illinois, Cation began his new job in July at the $50,000 Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship at the A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center in Winnetka, Ill.

During this year’s web streaming telecasts of USTA Pro Circuit events, tournaments have utilized commercial time during changeovers to promote sponsors.

USTA Pro Circuit Highlight Show Airs on

The premiere of the USTA Pro Circuit Highlight Show— “Home of Tennis' Future Stars”—airs on Monday, December 30, at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tennis Channel. The program will be hosted by Justin Gimelstob, Tracy Austin and Paul Goldstein. The rebroadcast schedule is still in the process of being finalized, although Tennis Channel will continue to air the show up until the end of January. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 5

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — MEN

FUTURES EVENT SCORES BIG WITH ACES FOR AUTISM

A very special event took place during the $10,000 Revolution Technologies Pro Tennis Classic, held at the Kiwi Tennis Club in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. On June 15, the clay-court tournament hosted the fourth annual “Aces for Autism” Tennis Clinic to support the Scott Center for Autism Treatment’s Social Skills Program at Florida Institute of Technology in , Fla. The free tennis clinic was open to children ages 5-15 who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and their siblings. In addition to the tennis clinic, participants watched the semifinals and enjoyed drinks, snacks and a free T-shirt. In addition, proceeds from the Futures event also benefited the Scott Center for Autism Treatment.

Seventh-seeded Jesse Witten captured the singles championship, as he defeated fellow American Frank Mitchell, 6-1, 6-4, in the final.

AMELIA ISLAND MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN

After a one-year hiatus, the $10,000 Amelia Island Men’s Futures Championships returned on June 15-23 at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Racquet Park in Amelia Island, Fla.

Children played a big part in this year’s clay-court event. A well-attended Wilson Kids’ Day was held on June 15, providing children ages four and older with the opportunity to experience 10 and Under Tennis. During the free two-hour event, children also enjoyed lunch, met tournament players, received autographs and a free T-shirt, and watched matches on Stadium Court. In addition, the tournament benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Nassau County; on the final day, Tournament Director Scott Colebourne presented a $1,500 check to Bill Gower, president of the Boys and Girls Club of Nassau County.

Seventh-seeded cap - tured the singles title as he scored an ex - citing 1-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory over qualifier in an All-American singles final. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 6

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — MEN

APTOS OFFERS NAPA VALLEY STAGES CAL DAY WHEELCHAIR CLINIC During its inaugural tournament, the $50,000 designated Sep - tember 24 as “Cal Day” to honor the University of California at Berkeley men’s tennis The $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger, program and its head coach, Peter Wright. During the day’s festivities, the tournament played at the Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, presented Wright with a $1,000 donation for the men’s tennis program at UC Berkeley. Calif., hosted a Wheelchair Tennis Day on August 11. A wheelchair clinic for players of “Our Napa Valley community has a lot of Cal Berkeley alumni, and it’s important for all ages and abilities took place in the us to support the local tennis programs,” said Napa Valley Challenger Tournament morning. Following the clinic, participants Director Chris Arns. and their guests stayed to watch the singles and doubles final. They saw American Cal alums and Cal fans were invited to attend the tournament, while the team’s Bradley Klahn score a thrilling 3-6, 7-6 (5), number one singles player, Ben McLachlan, a native of New Zealand, received a wild 6-4 victory over Daniel Evans of Great card into the singles main draw. Britain. In the doubles final, the veteran Israeli team of Jonathon Ehrlich and edged ’s and , 6-3, 6-7 (6), 10-2.

The Comerica Bank Challenger, which began in 1988, is the longest-running Challenger on the USTA Pro Circuit.

Ball persons and volunteers join (left to right, starting at fourth from left) Chris Arns, Tournament Director; Peter Brown, Assistant Head Coach, Men's Tennis, UC Berkeley; Peter Wright, Head Coach, Men's Tennis, UC Berkeley; and Kevin Crossland, Tournament Chair.

A PAIR OF EVENTS HIGHLIGHT MANSFIELD FUTURES NICKELODEON WORLDWIDE DAY OF Two special events were held at the $15,000 PLAY AT COSTA MESA Men’s Futures of Mansfield, which took FUTURES place at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Kids had a great time at this year’s $10,000 Mansfield, Texas. A large Costa Mesa Pro Classic, which took place group of children was treated to a “Junior Jam” on at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center in Costa October 13, at which they enjoyed a fun afternoon with Mesa, Calif. In conjunction with the face painting, music and food. They also participated in a Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play, the tennis clinic with tournament player . The tournament held a free “Tennis Play Day” tournament also staged its “Salute to Service” on Octobe r on the afternoon of September 22. A 19. That day’s festivities included a tribute honoring group of more than 50 children attended active and retired military, police and firefighters and a the two-hour event and participated in a Tribute Wall of Honor. A police honor guard presented tennis clinic which featured games and the colors during an on-court ceremony, which featured drills on mini-courts. With the emphasis a procession with bagpipes and drums. Fans attending on fun, all participants had a great time. “Salute to Service” had the opportunity to watch the The 2013 Costa Mesa Pro Classic was won men’s semifinals and a wheelchair tennis exhibition. by unseeded Haythem Abid of Tunisia, who The Futures of Mansfield was the final hard-court Futures defeated American Ernesto Escobedo in event on the 2013 USTA Pro Circuit calendar. the final, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 7

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — MEN

MITCH ’N FRIENDS TRADITION CONTINUES AT EDWARDSVILLE

A special event has become a tradition at the $10,000 Edwardsville Futures, which was played at Edwardsville High School in Edwardsville, Ill. At last year’s tournament, a “Mitch ’n Friends” event was held for the first time to welcome local resident Mitch McGinnis, an Edwardsville High School eight-time varsity tennis letter winner, and his friends, many of whom have autism or face special challenges.

This year, a “Mitch ’n Friends Night” took place on August 5, as more than 15 children attended a tennis clinic for kids who face unique challenges. The clinic proved to be an ideal event for a child who has had difficulty participating in athletic programs due to a physical or mental condition. Following the clinic, the children were treated to pizza and were given a “Mitch ’n Friends” T-shirt. All told, the event has gained the support of local tennis players and coaches, including members of the men’s tennis team at the University of Illinois.

American captured the Edwardsville Futures singles title as he defeated ’s , 6-2, 7-6 (5), in the final.

TENNIS AND WINE PAIR TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS APPEAR ON FOR A WINNING MIX LOCAL TELEVISION

What happens when a USTA Pro Circuit event Steve Pike, tournament director of the is played in one of the premier wine-growing $10,000 Linda Bogdan Memorial Futures regions in the world? The answer is a highly in Rochester, N.Y., and Brooks Lundy, successful inaugural event, as the $50,000 tournament director of Fifth Third Bank Napa Valley Challenger took place at the Tennis Championships in Lexington, Ky., Napa Valley Country Club in Napa, Calif., on promoted their USTA Pro Circuit events September 21-29. on local television earlier this year.

Located in a picturesque setting, the first-year Pike was interviewed at the Tennis Club of tournament offered fans high-caliber men’s Rochester in June by WHEC-TV News 10, professional tennis, a food and wine garden the local NBC affiliate in Rochester. He and a full calendar of special events and activities, spoke about the Futures tournament and how it helped the development of including a 10 & Under exhibition, USTA up-and-coming players, including 2008 Rochester champion League Day, High School Day, USTA Kids’ Day, of India, who competes on the USTA Pro Circuit and ATP World Tour. a men’s and ladies pro-am and a wheelchair tennis exhibition. The tournament’s colorful In July, Lundy spoke at a press conference to promote the Fifth Third Bank circular logo was evident throughout the Tennis Championships. She also appeared on Channel 36 WTVQ, the local ABC venue on signage and on event merchandise. affiliate in Lexington, which sponsored a series of pre-tournament tennis clinics for kids ages 5 to 15. Following American ’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory over of Australia in the singles final, Tournament Director Christopher Arns asked Young, “Red or white?” as he presented the Napa Valley Challenger champion with a unique tournament trophy—an extra-large bottle of Napa Valley wine. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 8

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — MEN

SAVANNAH GARNERS SPORTS EVENT OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Savannah Sports Council in Savannah, Ga., named the $50,000 as the 2013 re - cipient of the Council’s Sports Event of the Year Award. Savannah Challenger Tournament Director Scott Mitchell accepted the award on September 26 during the Sports Council’s Georgia Power Sports Awards Luncheon at the Savannah Golf Club. The award is presented to an organization/local sporting event that has excelled in promoting its sport by having a safe and successful community event.

This year’s Savannah Challenger was played on clay at the Franklin Creek Tennis Center in Savannah, Ga. in late April. Third-seeded of the United States won the singles title with an impressive 6-2, 6-3, victory over unseeded Facundo Arguello of Argentina in the final.

MEN’S EVENTS CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARIES

The $50,000 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger, a men’s event played in July at Recreation Park in Binghamton, N.Y., celebrated its 20th anniversary on the USTA Pro Circuit this past summer. The tournament, filled with tradition and a colorful history, began in 1994 and featured of India as the inaugural singles champion. Other former singles champions include Great Britain’s (2005), Thomas Johansson of Sweden (2007) and Japan’s (2010).

During this year’s event USTA Pro Circuit Directo r Brian Earley made an on-court presentation to Tournament Director Laurie Bowen to recognize USTA Pro Circuit Director Brian Earley presents Tournament Director Laurie the tournament’s anniversary. Bowen with an award in celebration of Binghamton’s 20th anniversary. This year’s Binghamton winner was , who defeated fellow American Bradley Klahn in the singles final.

The Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic, a men’s $10,000 Futures event played in late July/early August at the Fairview Park Tennis Center in Decatur, Ill., celebrated its 15th anniversary. Back in 1999, the tournament’s inaugural sin - gles champion was Germany’s Bjorn Phau, who was once ranked as high as 59 in the world and still competes today on the ATP World Tour.

This year’s Ursula Beck Pro Tennis Classic singles champion was American , a 7-6 (3), 6-4 winner over unseeded Dimitar Kutrovsky of Bulgaria in the singles final. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 9

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — MEN

UNIVERSITIES SET STAGE FOR END-OF-YEAR TOURNAMENTS

Rice University was a new tournament to the 2013 calendar , wins his hosting a men’s $15,000 Future s first Challenger event. in October, and the first year of the tournament turned out to be the year of the underdogs. In the singles draw, two unseeded collegiate All- Americans, and , reached the final. Due to bad weather in the area, the final was completed at the Downtown Club at the MET, where Dadamo used his big game to overcome a resilient King in straight sets.

November Challengers at Boars Head Inn in Charlottesville, Va., (a second home for University of Virginia tennis), the Univer - sity of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., and the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill., all had success, with Americans winning each event. won in Charlottesville, won in Knoxville, and Tennys Sandgren won in Champaign.

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS Most tournament directors on the USTA Pro Circuit do a little bit of PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR everything to keep their event up and running. But Ron Manilla, tournament director of the Charlottesville Challenger, took his job a LOCAL HEALTH CENTER step further at this year’s event. When his schedule allowed, Manilla went The 2013 Knoxville Challenger helped raise funds for onto the court and worked as a ballperson. the Helen Ross McNabb Center, which provides out- patient mental health care services in Knoxville and East Tennessee. Thanks to the efforts of the Tournament Committee, to increase the number of cash and “in kind” sponsors, the event raised nearly $120,000 for the Helen Ross McNabb Center. In addition, the tournament used TV commercials and interviews, billboards, posters, signage, radio interviews and newspaper coverage to expand exposure for the Helen Ross McNabb Center and or the tournament’s sponsors. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 10

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEWS — WOMEN

ALBUQUERQUE EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR YOUTH TENNIS

American Shelby Rogers captured September’s $75,000 Coleman Vision Tennis Championships singles championship with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over of Georgia.

However, youth tennis was the big winner at the tournament, which was held at the Tanoan Country Club in Albuquerque, N.M. To help raise awareness of youth tennis, the tournament hosted a silent auction and a Mix & Mingle party, featuring members of the local tennis community and junior players, who worked as food servers. The junior players had received scholarships to travel to national team events from the New Mexico Youth Tennis Foundation (NMYTF), which operates the Coleman Vision Tennis Championships. Also serving at the party were members of New Mexico's 18 & Under Jr. Team Tennis Team, which qualified for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships. They provided and served homemade desserts as a team fundraiser.

All told, the 2013 Coleman Vision Tennis Championships, through its sponsorships and fundraising activities, raised nearly $25,000 for youth tennis in New Mexico.

TITLE SPONSOR HONORS MALOOL AND WILLIAMS

The $75,000 Coleman Vision Tennis Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., celebrated its 16th consecutive year in 2013, making it the longest-running professional sports event in the state of New Mexico.

During the event, Dr. Stephen Coleman, a life-long tennis enthusiast and title sponsor of the Coleman Vision Tennis Championships, invited tournament staff and volunteers to his home for a breakfast. At the gathering, the guests were called out to the family’s home tennis court—and much to everyone’s surprise, they learned that Coleman had dedicated the court to longtime USTA Pro Circuit supervisors Missy Malool and Bunny Williams. The dedication is now commemorated on an attractive plaque outside the court. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 11

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEW S — WOM EN

FAMILY NIGHT AND PLAY WITH THE PROS ARE HIGHLIGHTS AT FORT WORTH

The $10,000 Fort Worth Pro Tennis Classic, a second-year event on the USTA Pro Circuit, hosted a fun-filled Family Night and a Play with the Pros event on Saturday, July 30, at the Bayard Friedman Tennis Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Super Frog, the mascot for the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs was in attendance as participants took time for a photo oppor - tunity. The festivities included pizza, cotton candy, yogurt, bal loons and games with visiting club pros and tournament players.

American players dominated this year’s Fort Worth Pro Tennis Classic as second-seeded Lauren Embree captured the singles championship and the sister duo of Roxanne Ellison and Sierra Ellison won the doubles title.

LANDISVILLE GETS CALL FOR DOUBLE DUTY

When the $10,000 Koser Jewelers Pro Circuit Tennis Challenge, which is played in May at the Hempfield Recreation Center in Landisville, Pa., was offered the opportunity to host a $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s event, tournament director Wilson Pipkin and the title sponsor accepted the invitation. Three months later, the $25,000 Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge took place in the same venue, with Betsy and Randy Wolgemuth, owners of Koser Jewelers, the title sponsor of both tournaments, hosting a player party at their home during the second event.

Unseeded American powered her way through the 32-player draw, losing only 14 games as she won the inaugural Koser Jewelers Tennis Challenge by defeating fifth-seeded of Australia, 6-2, 6-0 in the singles final.

CHALLENGER MAKES MOVE TO NEW HOME

After a 10-year run in Troy, Ala., vet - eran tournament director Eric Hayes moved the $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit women’s Challenger to a new home in Macon, Ga. earlier this year. The ButlerCars.com Tennis Classic made a sparkling debut in October at the Jaime Kaplan Tennis Center at the Stratford Academy in Macon, Ga.

Georgia’s Anna Tatishvili won the ButlerCars.com Tennis Classic singles title, and American Kristi Boxx teamed with Abigail Guthrie of New Zealand to capture the doubles championship. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 12

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEW S — WOM EN

WEB STREAMING DEBUTS FASHION SHOW TAKES CENTER STAGE AT 10 MORE EVENTS A memorable special event took place during the $50,000 John New - combe Women’s Pro Challenge at the John Newcombe Country Club in A total of 10 USTA Pro Circuit women’s events at New Braunfels, Texas, in late October. Max Caruana, a Gold Tournament prize-money levels of $50,000 and above were web Sponsor and owner of Fastrack 3D Concept Homes, hosted a player- streamed for the first time in 2013. The streaming sponsor party and fashion show. Eighteen tournament players modeled vendor for women’s events was Tempuz, LLC. Each trendy “Texas lifestyle” wear from the Dancing Pony Boutique. The ladies tournament featured its stadium court with three were outfitted in a cowgirl chic look with intricately patterned boots from cameras. Some events provided local commentary Corral and stunning jewelry from Brighton. Stylists polished them off with talent, such as Tournament Director Stephen Welt in dazzling hair and make-up. The players strutted down a catwalk lined Yakima, Wash., and Joanne Wallen Moore, a former with tennis nets, and the crowd went wild as the players made a seamless WTA and Pro Circuit player who now resides in transition from dominating the tennis courts to owning the runway. Lexington, Ky. Nick Bolletieri also made a guest appearance at the Lexington event. The fashion show was emceed by Tournament Director Scott McCulloch and USTA National Coaches Jay Gooding and Kathy Rinaldi, a former Top 10 player. American Elizabeth Lumpkin won the competition’s $500 top prize. Runners-up Natalie Pluskota and Jennifer Elie of the United States each won a pair of earrings valued at $200. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 13

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEW S — WOM EN

PLAYERS BENEFIT FROM ASCENSION PROJECT

Tennis players at various levels benefited from the $10,000 Ascension Project Women’s Challenger played at Sun Oaks Tennis & Fitness in Redding, Calif., in September. The event, which celebrated its 11th straight year, was the first tournament to take place following the 2013 US Open and the fourth and final USTA Pro Circuit women’s event in California this year.

The tournament serves as a benefit for the Ascension Project (also referred to as Team Ascension), a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the development of local youth, collegiate and professional athletes to help them excel to their greatest potential by creating and cultivating a team approach to tennis. The Ascension Project uses proceeds from the event to support and develop the players within Team Ascension. The team provides resources to players who would otherwise be unable to access training, instruction and tournaments.

In the singles final, Venezuela’s Adriana Perez outdueled Robin Anderson of the United States, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.

OFF-COURT ACTIVITIES BOOST ROCK HILL

There was plenty of exciting tennis action in October as the $25,000 Rock Hill Rocks Open returned for the fifth straight year to the Rock Hill Tennis Center in Rock Hill, S.C. There was also lots of action off the court as Radio Station WRHI, which has been broadcasting in Rock Hill since 1944, did a live 30-minute talk show from the tournament venue. Talk show host Manning Kimmel spoke with USTA Supervisor Dessie Samuels, Tournament Director Kim Ozmon and tournament singles semifinalist , as well as a tournament volunteer and a tennis fan.

The tournament staged its popular Rockin’ Junior Kickoff tennis clinic. Participants collected player autographs and took part in a photo opportunity as they spelled out U-S-T-A on the court.

It was quite a tournament for Colombia’s Mariana Duque-Marino as she won the singles title and combined with Maria Irigoyen of Argentina to win the doubles crown. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 14

USTA PRO CIRCUIT TOURNAMENT NEW S — WOM EN

SACRAMENTO CO-TOURNAMENT PLAYERS IN YAKIMA GO DIRECTOR RECEIVES HONOR CHERRY PICKING

Kelly Pace Wilson, co-tournament director of the $50,000 FSP Gold River Did you know that the state of Washington is the Women’s Challenger in Sacramento, Calif., was inducted into the University largest supplier of cherries in the United States? of Texas Hall of Fame in November. A five-time All-American, she led the So, during July’s $50,000 Yakima Regional University of Texas to NCAA tournament titles in 1993 and 1995. As the Hospital Challenger at the Yakima Tennis Club No. 1 ranked player in the nation, she reached the NCAA finals in singles and in Yakima, Wash., several players took a break doubles in 1995 and was named NCAA Player of the Year. Pace Wilson from the tennis action to pick cherries. With the competed on the women’s professional tennis tour from 1995 to 1998. Today, tournament located in the beautiful Yakima Valley she is a teaching professional at the Gold River Racquet Club and plays in in south central Washington, considered by USTA senior events, where she has won 12 National Championships. many residents to be the best place for picking cherries, the players had a fun time in their This summer, Pace Wilson teamed with partner to play in the cherry-gathering adventure. doubles main draw of the FSP Gold River Women’s Challenger, played in early July at the Gold River Racquet Club. They fell in the first round to eventual American captured the singles title champions Naomi Broady of Great Britain and Australia’s Storm Sanders, at this year’s $50,000 Yakima Regional Hospital 3-6, 6-0, 10-8. The singles championship was won by Japan’s Mayo Hibi. Challenger with a 6-1, 6-4, victory over Croatia’s Ivana Lisjak in the final.

NEWEST CHALLENGER CLOSES CALENDAR

The 2013 women’s USTA Pro Circuit came to a close in November as the newest event on the calendar staged a successful inaugural tournament. With only four months of advance planning, the South Seas Island Resort Women’s $50,000 Pro Classic was played at the South Seas Island Resort in Captiva, Fla.

The debut tournament, which was one of nine women’s USTA Pro Circuit events played in Florida in 2013, marked the last opportunity of the year for players to earn sufficient WTA ranking points to gain direct entry into the 2014 main or qualifying draws.

After winning the singles title at this year’s South Seas Island Resort Women’s $50,000 Pro Classic, South Seas Island Resort Women’s Luxembourg’s finished the year USTA Pro Circuit Director Brian Earley congratulates $50,000 Pro Classic Tournament Director with enough ranking points to earn a spot in South Seas Island Resort Women’s $50,000 Pro Classic Nick Blackwood (left) presents singles singles champion Mandy Minella (left) as singles finalist champion Mandy Minella of Luxembourg the Australian Open main draw in January. Gabriella Dabrowski of Canada looks on. with the winner’s check. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 15

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYER NEWS

RUSSIAN TELEVISION COVERS COLLEGE PLAYERS KLEYBANOVA’S COMEBACK SHARPEN THEIR SKILLS ON USTA PRO CIRCUIT Erick Quigley, a former five-time All- American at the Russian television was on hand in June to cover at University of Kentucky, won the Sargent and Collins, LLP Women’s $10,000 Championships in the $10,000 Ursula Beck Pro Buffalo, N.Y., where she reached the singles final on outdoor clay. Tennis Classic in Decatur, Ill. The victory in early August was The USTA Pro Circuit played a key role for the Russian star, his first career USTA Pro Circuit who was named the 2013 WTA Comeback Player of the Year. singles title. After breaking into the Top 20 in early 2011, Kleybanova was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and played only one Jarmere Jenkins, a singles event between May 2011 and May 2013. finalist and doubles champion at the NCAA Individual This May, Kleybanova began her comeback by winning the Championships in $10,000 Koser Jewelers Pro Circuit Tennis Challenge in Landisville, May, won his first Pa., as she defeated seventh-seeded Natalie Pluskota of the United professional sin - States, 6-3, 6-0. Kleybanova went on to make her first gles title at the appearance since January 2011 at this year’s US Open, where she $10,000 Linda reached the second round. She ended the year with an appearance Bogdan Memorial in the Fed Cup final and a ranking of 185 in the world. Futures in Rochester, N.Y. in late June. A two- time All-American at the University of Virginia, he defeated former teammate , 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, in the singles final. The previous week, Jenkins had lost in the singles final of the $10,000 Amelia Island Men’s Futures in Amelia Island, Fla. to former UCLA Bruin Dennis Novikov, 1-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Jenkins and Mac Styslinger, who teamed to win the NCAA doubles crown, captured the Amelia Island doubles title.

BRUINS ENJOY FUTURES SUCCESS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

California on consecutive weeks during September, former and current UCLA players found much success as each tournament featured a strong Bruin presence.

In early September, UCLA junior defeated former UCLA teammate Dennis Novikov, who Marcos Giron turned pro earlier in the summer, 6-0, 7-5, in the singles final of the Claremont Club Pro Futures in Claremont, Calif.

The following week, at the Costa Mesa Pro Classic in Costa Mesa, Calif., former UCLA Bruin Haythem Abid of Tunisia won the singles title by defeating fellow American Ernesto Escobedo, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in the final. Giron, who had lost a tough three-set match to Abid in the semifinals, combined with freshman UCLA teammate Mackenzie McDonald to win the doubles championship at the Costa Mesa Tennis Center.

In late September at the Laguna Niguel USTA Pro Futures in Laguna Niguel, Calif., Giron won his second USTA Pro Circuit Futures singles title in three weeks as he got past 2013 NCAA singles finalist Jarmere Jenkins, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, in the singles final at the Laguna Niguel Racquet Club. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 16

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS & THE US OPEN n i o C

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ROGERS EARNS Shelby Rogers u J US OPEN WILD CARD

American Shelby Rogers had plenty to celebrate this summer as she won the singles title at the $50,000 Fifth Third Bank Championships, Lexington, Ky., and earned a wild card into the singles main draw of the 2013 US Open.

The USTA awarded a women’s singles main-draw wild card into the 2013 US Open to the American who earned the most WTA ranking points at two of three $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit hard-court events, in Yakima, Wash., Portland, Ore., and Lexington, Ky. That woman turned out to be Rogers, who earned a combined 102 points with her best two results. In addition to winning the title in Lexington, she reached the semifinals in Portland.

At the 2013 US Open, Rogers lost in the first round to of France, 6-3, 6-2.

KLAHN CAPTURES US OPEN WILD CARD

IIt was a summer to remember for one-time NCAA champion Bradley Klahn. The former Stanford University star earned a combined 148 points in his two best USTA Pro Circuit results in the US Open wild card challenge to finish with the most ATP points among American men and earn a wild card into the US Open main draw.

The competition for the US Open wild card was tough throughout the four designated USTA Pro Circuit tournaments used to determine the winner. Klahn reached the singles final of the $50,000 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger in Binghamton, N.Y. in July to earn 48 points. In early August, the 23-year-old from Poway, Calif., won the singles championship at the $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger, Aptos, Calif. to add 100 points to his total and finish atop the US Open Wild Card standings. The victory in Aptos marked Klahn’s first career USTA Pro Circuit Challenger singles title.

As a wild card entrant at the 2013 US Open, Klahn advanced to second round in men’s singles, where he fell to Feliciano Lopez of Spain in four sets. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 17

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS & THE US OPEN

STRONG SHOWING BY AMERICAN WOMEN AT US OPEN

An impressive group of American women who have been competing on the USTA Pro Circuit scored victories in the singles main draw of the 2013 US Open.

Alison Riske of Hilton Head, S.C., advanced to the fourth round before falling to veteran Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia. Riske upset seventh-seeded Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the third round, 6-3, 6-0. Kvitova is a former Wimbledon champion. Christina McHale Qualifiers Coco Vandeweghe of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., and of Bradenton, Fla., advanced to the second round. Duval scored the upset of the tour - nament in her firstround match, when she knocked out 2011 US Open champion of Australia, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

Sachia Vickery of Hollywood, Fla., who earned a US Open wild card for winning the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships, advanced to the second round. She defeated former Wimbledon semifinalist Mirjana Lucic-Baroni of Croatia in the first round, 6-4, 6-4.

Two former USTA Pro Circuit competitors also posted strong US Open results. Christina McHale of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. advanced to the third round before falling to 13th-seeded of , 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Sloane Stephens of Coral Springs, Fla., who was seeded No. 15, reached the fourth round, where she lost to fellow American .

Victoria Duval AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 18

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS & THE US OPEN

AMERICAN MEN SCORE US OPEN VICTORIES

Six American men who have competed regularly on the USTA Pro Circuit won at least one match in the men’s main singles draw of the 2013 US Open.

Rajeev Ram won his first-round encounter by eliminating 16th-seeded of Italy, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. Donald Young also captured his first-round match in straight sets, defeating No. 46 Martin Klizan of Slovakia, 6-1, 6-0, 6-1,while Bradley Klahn bested No. 69 of France, 6-7(5), 6-2, 7-6(0), 7-6(4), and topped No. 82 Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-2, 6-7(6), 7-5.

Jack Sock and Tim Smyczek both advanced to the third round, with Sock falling to 18th-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia, and Smyczek, who entered the main draw as a wild card, losing in five sets to Spain’s , 6-4, 4-6, 0-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Tim Smyczek AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 19

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS & THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

USTA PRO CIRCUIT MEN AIM FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN

Thanks to strong performances on the USTA Pro Circuit in the second half of Donald Young 2013, a talented group of American men has set its sights on direct entry into the main singles draw of the .

Tim Smyczek, ranked No. 89 in the world, won the $50,000 Knoxville Challenger in November and reached the final of the $100,000 Sacramento Pro Circuit Challenger in September.

USTA Pro Circuit veteran Michael Russell, ranked No. 92, captured the $75,000 Men’s Tennis Championships in Charlottesville, Va. in early November.

After reaching the second round of the US Open as a qualifier, No. 96 Donald Young won back-to-back USTA Pro Circuit Challenger titles. The Atlanta resident was victorious at the $50,000 Napa Valley Challenger in late September and the $100,000 Sacramento Pro Circuit Challenger in early October.

Bradley Klahn, who established a career-high ranking of No. 97 in mid-November, reached consecutive singles finals in July at the $50,000 Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship in Winnetka, Ill. and the $50,000 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger in Binghamton, N.Y. He continued his impressive run in early August by winning the $100,000 Comerica Bank Challenger in Aptos, Calif. The victory marked his first career USTA Pro Circuit Challenger singles title.

Ryan Harrison, No. 100, won the $50,000 Savannah Challenger in late April and reached the semifinals of the $50,000 Tallahassee Challenger a week later.

Jack Sock, who ended 2014 at No. 102, won his second career USTA Pro Circuit Challenger title in July when he defeated Klahn, 6-4, 6-2, in the singles final of the $50,000 Nielsen Pro Tennis Championship.

Denis Kudla, No. 114 and the winner of the $50,000 Tallahassee Challenger in May, could also have the opportunity to reach the main singles draw of the Australian Open via direct entry. s e g a m I

Lauren Davis y

USTA PRO CIRCUIT t t e G / d r a l l i

RESULTS HELP AMERICAN u o b i r T

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WOMEN GAIN DIRECT K ENTRY DOWN UNDER

Alison Riske and will receive a direct entry into the main singles draw of the 2014 Australian Open thanks in part to their performances on the USTA Pro Circuit in 2013.

Riske played in seven USTA Pro Circuit tournaments this year, reaching the final at the $50,000 Oregon Challenge in Portland, Ore., and three other semifinals. She ended 2013 ranked No. 57 in the world.

Davis, ranked No. 70, played in two USTA Pro Circuit events and won one of them—the $100,000 Dow Corning Tennis Classic in Midland, Mich. AROUND THE CIRCUIT page 20

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS & THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

USTA PRO CIRCUIT PLAYERS HIGHLIGHT FIELD FOR AUSTRALIAN OPEN WILD CARD PLAYOFFS t s

Eight men and eight women—all of whom a E

y a have competed on the USTA Pro Circuit— R make up the fields of up-and-coming young Americans playing for singles wild-card entries into the 2014 Australian Open at the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs, held on December 20-22 at Life Time Athletic at Peachtree Corners in Norcross, Ga.

The women’s field consists of world No. 125 Shelby Rogers, who won USTA wild cards into the and US Open in 2013; No. 150 Madison Brengle, who won USTA wild cards into the 2007 and 2008 Australian Opens; No. 154 , the 2011 US Open junior champion Grace Min; No. 168 Victoria Duval, the breakout star of the 2013 US Open; No. 175 , once the top-ranked college singles player at USC; No. 184 Nicole Gibbs, the two-time reigning NCAA singles champion from Stanford; No. 188 Julia Cohen, a former Top 100 player; and No. 195 , the 2013 USTA Girls 18s national champion who reached the second round at the 2013 US Open. Grace Min The men’s field is made up of No. 114 Denis Kudla, a 2010 US Open junior boys’ finalist; s e g

No. 130 , the 2011 NCAA a m I

y t singles finalist at Tennessee who won last t e G / l l i year’s Australian Open Wild Card Playoff; k s n u r B No. 156 , who won consecu - e v i l tive NCAA singles titles in 2011-12 while at C USC; No. 183 Tennys Sandgren, a former all-American at Tennessee; No. 241 , a former USTA Boys’ 18s champion and all-American at Texas A&M; No. 304 , the boys’ champion; No. 306 , the 2009 USTA Boys’ 18s national champion and US Open boys’ singles runner-up as well as the 2012 NCAA doubles champion while at Ohio State; and No.341 Jarmere Jenkins, won reached the NCAA singles final and who won this year’s NCAA doubles and team titles for the University of Virginia.

The USTA secured the opportunity for the wild cards through a reciprocal agreement with Tennis Australia, in which the two national federations exchanged wild cards for the 2013 US Open and 2014 Australian Open. Previous champions of the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs are , Ryan Harrison, Lauren Davis, Christina McHale and CoCo Vandeweghe. Denis Kudla