Querrey, Haas, Soeda, Levine to be at Sarasota
March 21, 2012
Longboat Key, FL — Japan’s Go Soeda and Canadian born Jessie Levine add to the growing ranks of confirmed players at the Sarasota Open Men’s Invitational Tournament, adding to the line-up of already confirmed players Tommy Haas and Sam Querrey, as the Men’s Invitational Tournament line-up begins to brew with excitement.
Go Soeda, currently at a # 67 singles ranking, is a quick counter-puncher who has posted solid results at the Challenger level. Breaking into the top 100 for the first time in 2011, the Japanese baseliner posted his best results most recently in January 2011, through qualifying to reach the Chennai semi-finals.
Canadian born Jessie Levine, a quick-footed, left-handed player with a superb forehand, is currently ranked at #133 and most recently was awarded a Wildcard to the 2012 Australian Open. A former player at the University of Florida, he trained at the Nick Bollettieri Academy, turned pro in 2007 and spent 10 weeks training in Dubai with Roger Federer.
Tommy Haas has competed on the tour since 1996 after breaking into the world Top 100 in 1997. Reaching a career high of #2 in 2002, his career has been punctuated by injuries and inactivity. Returning to the world’s Top 10 in 2007, there was another brief pause between February 2012 and June 2011, but Haas has since returned to the Tour with best results being in the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. He owns thirteen titles, including one Master tournament, and earned a Silver Medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Sam Querrey, sitting at a singles world ranking of #85, is a powerful baseliner with an explosive serve and forehand. After a break-out season in 2010 which saw him earn 4 titles on three different surfaces, he earned his first Top 20 ranking. Undergoing elbow surgery in June of 2011, he spent most of the season recovering. Now ready to pursue a rise to the top of the circuit, he is waiting to pack a punch on the courts at the Sarasota Open.
The Sarasota Open 2012, now in its fifth year, is the most prestigious clay court event prior to the French Open. New to the Sarasota Open this year is an increased prize purse of 100K for the Men’s Invitational Tournament and the addition of a Ladies Invitational Tournament. One Wild Card Spot will be claimed at the upcoming Sarasota Open Wild Card Tournament which will be held on April 6 – 8, 2012.
About the Sarasota Open
The Sarasota Open is the largest USTA sanctioned tennis event in the Sarasota area attracting over 30,000 patrons annually. Now in its 5th year, the tournament has evolved into the most prestigious clay court event prior to the French Open. Previous winners include James Blake in 2011 and Kei Nishikori in 2010. The week long events include qualifying rounds for both the men’s and ladies’ tournaments, Finals Rounds and the Final Championship tournament on Center Court accompanied by Sponsored Hospitality offerings. Tickets to the Sarasota Open are available at SarasotaOpen.org and range from $5 for Qualifying Round general admission tickets to $100 Finals Round Box Seats. Finals will be held on April 22, 2012.
About Longboat Key Club & Resort
Longboat Key Club & Resort is Sarasota’s premier AAA Four-Diamond beachfront resort and private club renowned for its distinctive guest service and unparalleled amenities. Easily accessible from two international airports, the resorts on-site amenities include: championship golf; 25 Har-Tru tennis courts; a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre; Island House Spa offering over 50 services; six unique restaurants; a 291 slip deep-water marina; and a private white sand beach. Located at 220 Sands Pointe Road, Longboat Key, Florida, reservations can be made by calling (941) 383-8821, (800) 237-8821 or by contacting us online at LongboatKeyClub.com. Special Sarasota Open Packages are available.
About the Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club
Home of the Sarasota Open, the 4.5 million dollar facility is the recipient of the 2009 USTA Outstanding Facility Award and is a 2011 “Top Ten Gold Medal Tennis Resort, Worldwide” by Tennis Resorts Online. Featuring 20 Har-Tru clay courts, professional instruction, a tennis concierge, clubhouse pro-shop, locker rooms, meeting room and equipped for nighttime play, the facility also offers excellent, casual dining at Court 21 Café and Lounge overlooking the tournament court action. Director of Tennis is John Woods. For more information please call (941) 383-8821.