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WASHINGTON, DC — The score is 40-15. This is a monumental year for Washington’s prestigious annual tennis event as 2008 marks the 40th Anniversary for one of the longest-running professional tournaments in men’s tennis. Furthermore, Legg Mason has committed to extend its record-setting title sponsorship of the Tennis Classic for a 15th consecutive year and beyond.

The Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP Tour, returns to the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park (16th & Kennedy Streets, NW), from August 9-17, 2008. Confirmed to participate this year is defending champion Andy Roddick, seeking to add a fourth title to his already impressive record here in the Nation’s Capital.

The Baltimore-based global investment management firm has hosted the tournament since 1994, when hall of famer Stefan Edberg claimed the coveted title, won in 2007 by Roddick. The firm is only the sixth title sponsor in tournament history. Legg Mason’s title sponsorship will continue to benefit the year-round programs of the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF).

Roddick has chosen to focus his summer on the U.S. hardcourt swing, in preparation for the US Open. “My goal every summer is to win the US Open,” said Roddick. “I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another Grand Slam title.”

Currently #6 in the world rankings, Roddick finished 2007 in the Top 10 for his sixth straight season, winning at least one ATP singles title for the seventh consecutive year. He led the United States to its first Davis Cup title since 1995, the first American player since Pete Sampras in ‘95 to go undefeated (6-0) and lead his country to the Cup final. This year, his record is 15-2, with titles at San Jose and Dubai. While one is tempted to think of Roddick as the seasoned veteran – he has 25 singles titles, and played his first Legg Mason Tennis Classic in 2000 – he is just 25 years old, and has won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in 2007, 2005 and 2001.

“We are proud to sponsor the event for the 15th consecutive year,” said Peter Bain, Senior Executive Vice President, Legg Mason, Inc. “We believe that the WTEF’s mission to help disadvantaged youths is not only critical but has helped successfully serve the community over the years. We look forward to continuing our relationship.”

“We are thrilled that Legg Mason has chosen to continue its title sponsorship” said Tournament Founder and Chairman Donald Dell. “We appreciate their tremendous loyalty and support to this event, and particularly to the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation. This is a partnership that has outlived most such relationships not only in tennis but across all sports.”

For more information on the Legg Mason Tennis Classic please call 202.721.9500, or visit the tournament website at leggmasontennisclassic.com. Ticket packages go on sale April 1, 2008.

About The WTEF

A portion of the proceeds from the Legg Mason Tennis Classic benefits the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF). WTEF seeks to improve the life prospects for D.C. area youth, particularly those from lower-income communities, through tennis, education and community-based activities that teach discipline, build self-esteem and improve academic performance.

About Legg Mason

Legg Mason is a global asset management firm, with approximately $998 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2007. The company provides active asset management in many major investment centers throughout the world. Legg Mason is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: LM). leggmason.com