News

Newport, R.I. — As fans around the world tune in for the Wimbledon finals, tennis fans in New England are heading to Newport, Rhode Island where the qualifying rounds for North America’s only pro tournament played on grass courts – the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships — began today at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The field promises some exciting grass court action with John Isner, Tommy Haas, Ivo Karlovic and Ryan Harrison all scheduled to compete. The newest addition to the field is one to watch as well — 18 year-old Denis Kudla, who has been awarded the final wild card. In the doubles draw, five-time Newport doubles champion Jordan Kerr has been granted a wild card as well.

“We are pleased to welcome Denis and Jordan back to Newport this summer. Our fans enjoy seeing rising tennis stars compete and Denis is certainly a player to watch. Jordan has always been an outstanding player in Newport, and it’s great to have him back in the field again,” said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. “They are great additions to an exciting field- fans can expect an exciting week ahead in Newport.”

In 2010, Kulda was a finalist in the US Open junior tournament. He earned his first ATP World Tour point in Newport last year, when he was also granted a wild card entry. At that tournament, he won his first round match against Santiago Ventura of Spain, who was ranked No. 119 at the time. Kudla regards grass as his favorite surface and is ready to go for Newport, having most recently competed in the qualifying rounds at Eastbourne and Queen’s Club.

This will be Kerr’s 8th appearance at Newport, where he has won the doubles title five times (three times with Tim Johnson, once with David Macpherson and once with Rajeev Ram). In all, Kerr has nine ATP World Tour doubles titles to his name. He reached a career best doubles ranking of No. 23 in August 2008. In Newport, Kerr will compete with fellow Australian Ashley Fisher, a four-time doubles champion on the ATP World Tour.

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships will be played July 4 – 10, 2011. The tournament draws 32 top ATP World Tour players and is hosted on the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is the only grass court pro tournament in North America and the only men’s ATP World Tour event in the Northeast. Members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame save 30% on all tickets for Monday – Thursday sessions. To purchase tickets or learn more about the tournament or Hall of Fame membership, visit tennisfame.com or call 401-849-6053 or 866-914-FAME (3263).

A highlight of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships will be the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 12:00 p.m., prior to the tournament’s semifinal matches. The one and only Andre Agassi, former world No. 1, eight-time grand slam champion, and one of the most revered athletes in history is the sole inductee in the Recent Player Category. In the Contributor Category, Peachy Kellmeyer, who was the very first employee and director of the WTA in 1973 and still serves the organization today, will be inducted for her immense contributions in the development of women’s tennis. Additionally, a variety of special events including Family Weekend, free tennis lessons, and the Angela Moore Fashion Show will complement another exciting week of ATP World Tour tennis.

For additional information, please call the Tournament Office at 401-849-6053 or 866-914-FAME (3263) or visit tennisfame.com.