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USTA and River Oaks Country Club Extend U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship Agreement Through 2012

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., May 29, 2008 -– The USTA today announced its agreement with River Oaks Country Club to host the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship has been extended for the next four years (keeping the second longest-running USTA National Championship in Houston — only the US Open has a longer history). The event was held at River Oaks Country Club for the first time in 2008 after moving from Houston’s Westside Tennis Club where it had been held for the previous seven years.

The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship, an ATP International Series event, was first contested in 1910 and held every year since, with the exception of 1928. Former champions at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship include many of the all-time greats in tennis. Bill Tilden won a record seven singles titles from 1918 to 1927. Other past winners include Bobby Riggs, Tony Trabert, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Michael Chang, Jim Courier, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick.

“We’re thrilled that the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship will remain in Houston for the next four years,” said Jim Curley, Managing Director, Tournament Operations, USTA. “River Oaks Country Club staged a first class event in 2008 that was praised by players and fans alike, and we’re confident the event will continue to grow in stature.”

“River Oaks Country Club is looking forward to continuing our wonderful partnership with the USTA and we are committed to providing a world class professional event for tennis fans throughout Texas and the southwest,” said Van Barry, Tournament Director.

River Forest, Ill., hosted the tournament 26 times between 1935 and 1954, while Indianapolis, Ind., hosted the event for 22 straight years from 1969 through 1987.

One of the oldest tennis clubs in the country, River Oaks Country Club has hosted the prestigious River Oaks International since 1931 on red clay, making it the oldest event in North America still played at its original location on its original surface. The club has a permanent “Fenway-esque” stadium that seats 3,500.

Posted on May 29, 2008
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