IMG Worldwide, the global sports, fashion and media company, has announced that it has signed ATP world number one-ranked Serbian Novak Djokovic for exclusive worldwide management and representation. Under the terms of the exclusive multi-year agreement, IMG will represent Djokovic in developing a brand building strategy through marketing, endorsements, appearances and licensing along with select global…
The 2013 Australian Open will pay more prize money per round than any other tennis event, officials have announced. The Australian Open 2013 men’s and women’s singles champion will each receive $2.55 million (U.S.)–the biggest prize money purse in the history of the sport. The biggest percentage increases were in the first three rounds: The first…
Venus Williams will co-captain a women’s team with Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, and Caroline Wozniacki in a "Battle of the Sexes" on the Stadium Court at the BallenIsles Club’s Sports Complex on Dec. 23. The "Mars vs. Venus Celebrity Tennis Exhibition," to benefit the Kids & Police Tennis Association (KAPTA) and the Police Athletic League (PAL), will pit the women’s…
Madison Keys and Rhyne Williams won the USTA Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs last weekend in Atlanta, earning a trip to Melbourne to take part in the 2013. For Keys, it’s her second win in a row at the Australian Open Playoff. For Rhyne, it will be his first appearance at a Grand Slam other than the U.S. Open where he…
American Serena Williams has had surgery on her big toes and withdrew from an exhibition match against top-ranked Victoria Azarenka in Thailand. Florida podiatrist Jeffrey Rockefeller said Serena ”was treated for a chronic foot disorder which involved minor procedures on both of her great toes.” Dr. Rockefeller said Serena needs to minimize activity to fully recover. Serena, recently…
Former Wimbledon Mixed-Doubles Champ John Austin has joined BOLT as its first executive board member. He’ll serve a critical role as professional-industry liaison, technical advisor/play-tester, and as BOLT brand ambassador generally. John has roots in a great family tradition of tennis and in the early years of the pro game. According to BOLT, “His rich…
James Blake of Yonkers, N.Y. and Jack Sock of Lincoln, Neb. are among 13 American men accepted to the qualifying draw of the 2013 Australian Open, beginning Jan. 7 in Melbourne. Steve Johnson (Orange, Calif.), Denis Kudla (Arlington, Va.), Alex Kuznetsov (Tampa, Fla.), Wayne Odesnik (Weston, Fla.), Rajeev Ram (Denver), Tennys Sandgren (Gallatin, Tenn.), Tim Smyczek…
The ATP has reportedly expressed concern with the U.S. Open’s switch to hosting its finals on a Monday in 2013 and has voiced its opinion on the prize money increase for the tournament. The move to Monday for the men’s finals builds in a rest day ahead of each final and leaves room for makeup days…
Madison Keys of Rock Island, Ill. and Rhyne Williams of Knoxville, Tenn. each earned wild card entries into the main draw of the 2013 Australian Open Sunday by winning the Australian Open Wild Card Playoffs at Life Time Athletic & Tennis at Peachtree Corners. Keys defeated Mallory Burdette of Jackson, Ga., 7-5, 6-3, and Williams took…
The WTA has announced Cali, Colombia, as the third WTA $125 tournament on the 2013 calendar. The event will be played on clay the week of February 11, one week prior to the WTA’s International Tournament in the Colombian capital of Bogotá. Cali will offer $125,000 in prize money and will feature a 32-player singles main draw,…