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New York, N.Y. — One of tennis’ biggest names has joined the field for WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO, the annual charity event co-hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King. Tennis legend John McEnroe makes his first Smash Hits appearance since 2003 on Oct. 27 at Cleveland’s Public Hall. Up-and-coming American Coco Vandeweghe has also signed on for the one-night event.

McEnroe and Vandeweghe join a lineup that includes former world No. 1s Andy Roddick, Martina Navratilova and Amelie Mauresmo, along with WTT veteran Jan-Michael Gambill. Tickets for World TeamTennis Smash Hits presented by GEICO are currently on sale. Tickets range from $25-65 and can be ordered online at WTT.com/SmashHits or by calling 866/994-4436. Corner reserved seats are $25, upper reserved seats are $40, and premium reserved are $65. For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call 212/586-3444.

Individual VIP ticket packages begin at $1,000 and include VIP courtside seating and admission to the Smash Hits VIP Reception and Auction. John, King and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction. To buy VIP ticket packages or for more information on supporting the VIP Reception, please call John Farina at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland at 216/357-2221 or e-mail [email protected].

McEnroe, a former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, recently completed his 11th season in the World TeamTennis Pro League presented by GEICO as a member of the New York Sportimes. The Sportimes’ venue at Randall’s Island is also home to the John McEnroe Tennis Academy. During his storied career on the ATP Tour, the Hall of Famer won 77 singles and 71 doubles titles. McEnroe holds seven Grand Slam singles titles including three Wimbledon Championships and four US Opens, and 10 Grand Slam doubles titles. This is the 5th Smash Hits event for McEnroe, who is also a popular tennis television commentator.

The 19-year-old Vandeweghe is currently ranked No. 112 in singles and is considered one of the top young Americans on the pro tennis scene. Vandeweghe played World TeamTennis this summer as a member of the Boston Lobsters and is now coached on the WTA Tour by her Lobsters’ teammate Jan-Michael Gambill. Since turning pro, she has won two ITF singles titles and one ITF doubles title. Vandeweghe also played on the Fed Cup team for the U.S. against Italy in the final in November 2010.

WTT Smash Hits has raised more than $10 million for the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and various local AIDS charities since 1993. This year’s event will benefit EJAF and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland. The funds raised at the pre-match Smash Hits VIP Reception will be specifically targeted for local programs. The 2011 event is produced by World TeamTennis in association with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Captained by King and John, the players will form two teams and play a match using the World TeamTennis (WTT) coed team format. The music legend will also participate in a celebrity doubles match to open the event. Additional participants will be announced in the upcoming weeks. King and John have split the series so far with nine wins each.

GEICO is the presenting sponsor of WTT Smash Hits, which is hosted by Medical Mutual of Ohio. For more information on WTT Smash Hits, visit www.WTT.com/SmashHits.

WTT Smash Hits presented by GEICO – At A Glance:

WHAT: Charity tennis event co-hosted by longtime friends Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King

BENEFITS: Elton John AIDS Foundation and the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland

WHEN: Thursday, October 27 – 7 p.m. Eastern

WHERE: Public Hall – Cleveland, Ohio (500 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114)

WHO: Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King will each captain teams that include Andy Roddick, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Amelie Mauresmo, Jan-Michael Gambill, Coco Vandeweghe and other top tennis stars.

TICKETS: Tickets, which range from $25-$65, go on sale on Tuesday, August 30 at 10 a.m. Eastern. Visit WTT.com/SmashHits for more ticket information or order by phone at 866/994-4436. For group sales of 10 or more tickets, call 212/586-3444.

VIP RECEPTION: Individual VIP ticket packages begin at $1,000 and include VIP courtside seating and admission to the Smash Hits VIP Reception and Auction. John, King and all players will participate in the pre-match live auction. To buy VIP ticket packages or for more information on supporting the VIP Reception, please call John Farina at the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland at 216/357-2221 or e-mail [email protected].

SPONSORS: GEICO is the presenting sponsor of WTT Smash Hits, which is hosted by Medical Mutual of Ohio.