News

Bordentown, NJ — Prince, a leader in performance tennis equipment, today announced that on Sunday, August 30, the day prior to the start of the 2009 U.S. Open, top ATP and WTA players from around the world will take to New York City’s legendary Central Park public courts for a special, one-day exhibition and demo event open to fans of all ages.

The event, which will help support City Parks Foundation’s free tennis programming for kids, will take place from 12pm to 2pm, and feature top U.S. and international Prince Team touring pros and former U.S. Open legends such as Gael Monfils, Mike and Bob Bryan, Sam Querrey, John Isner, David Ferrer, Stan Smith, Paul Annacone and others. Those in attendance will have the chance to watch the players in a skills showcase, get on court with the pros while testing out the newest models from Prince’s highly- acclaimed EXO3 performance racquet line and engage with players during an athlete Q&A/autograph session. In addition, in the days leading up to the event, fans can bid online for a 30-minute private lesson with the Bryan Brothers and other U.S. Open legends to take place just prior to the public event.

“To bring these elite athletes, used to playing in huge stadiums all around the world, to an intimate, public setting such Central Park, on the eve of one of the biggest tournaments in the world, and making them this accessible to fans, presents a unique and authentic tennis experience that is in line with our brand ideals,” says Linda Glassel, Vice President of Marketing at Prince. “Unlike many of the other events taking place in conjunction with the U.S. Open, this event is open to any tennis fan living in the New York City area or visiting from out of town and we encourage all fans, of all ages and skill levels, to come early, get up-close-and-personal with world’s best players and have the chance to get out on the court with them.”

“This is such an incredible opportunity for fans and the type of experience that Mike and I would have jumped at as kids,” says American Bob Bryan, one half of the world’s No.1 ranked men’s doubles duo, along with twin brother Mike. “Even now, it is a thrill for us to be part of something like this. We get excited to see all of these hugely talented players show off their abilities and interact with fans to share the sport we all love. It is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon and gear up for the U.S. Open.”

As a bonus, those in attendance will be treated to a special live performance from American Idol Season 7 finalist, and Downtown Recording Artist, Michael Johns. Johns, a former highly-ranked Prince Team Australian junior player himself will play songs from his recently released, debut album, “Hold Back My Heart”.

“We are pleased to help provide a fun day of tennis for the public in the heart of New York City,” says Mike Silverman, Director of Sports for City Parks Foundation. “Our free tennis programs reach thousands of youths each year who aspire to one day play in the U.S. Open, and we would like to thank the pros for giving back and supporting our efforts.”

In addition, TENNIS.com will be a partner of the special event providing fans on site with free copies of the new U.S. Open preview issue of TENNIS Magazine.

“At TENNIS we are dedicated to helping grow the sport by generating excitement and enthusiasm for the game. We are happy to support an event that will draw fans of all ages during the most exciting time of the year for tennis in New York,” says Jeff Williams, Group Publisher of TENNIS and TENNIS.com.

For more information on the free public event, to learn how to bid on the private 30-minute lesson with the Bryan Brothers and other U.S Open legends, and an interactive map of Central Park Tennis Courts, fans and media can visit: princetennis.com.