2013/05/24

Kourtin’ Karen’s Tennis News Week in Review

delpoNadalStillerdoubles

(March 11, 2013) NEW YORK, NY –  Kourtin’ Karen takes brief look at the week that was week in the offbeat world of tennis.

15-0

BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden in New York City

March 4 was World Tennis Day. BNP Paribas sponsored two showdowns -  in Hong Kong and the other in New York City.

Highlight of the Madison Square Garden event – Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro were in the middle of the second set of the showdown whe Nadal pulled out Ben Stiller to play with him. Del Potro brought out 9-yeear-old left Rebecca Suarez who proved to be the best player on the court for the “doubles” match

 

BNP Paribas Showdown Debuts in Hong Kong with Wozniacki, Radwanska, McEnroe and Lendl

 

15-15

Jelena Jankovic’s Fila Heritage Carwash tennis dress at Indian Wells

Jelena JankovicJ Jankovic skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30-15

BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

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On the Green Carpet – Photos from the 2013 BNP Paribas Open Players’ Party

Many of those in the tennis media are not really fans of these type of events and exhibitions, but it draws people who are not normally fans of the game. I’m for whatever draws people to watch tennis.

All of the majors should have a “red carpet” event like this. It’s all in good fun and fans and journalists alike can play “Fashion Police.”

 

 

30-30

No American Men in the Top 20?

With John Isner’s loss to Lleyton Hewitt in his first match at the BNP Paribas Open, depending on how Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish do, there would be no US men in the top 20 of the rankings – this has never happened since the rankings began in 1973.

 

30-40

TMZ Alert

TMZ as well as other media outlets were reporting that there was an arrest warrant out for Jennifer Capriati in conjunction with an alleged assault on her ex-boyfriend Ivan Brannan. Capriati’s publicist denied reports that a warrant had been issued for her arrest.

“What happened has been over-exaggerated. When the full story comes out Jennifer will be vindicated of these charges,” said the spokesperson in a written statement.

 

Deuce

Redfoo sightings

Victoria Azarenka and Redfoo

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Let’s face it,  pop singer Redfoo is here to stay.  Not only is he a big tennis fan, he supports a USTA Pro Circuit event – the Party Rock Open and is now the significant other of No. 2 Victoria Azarenka.

 

Advantage exhibitions

Pete Sampras adn Novak Djokovic

Tennis was back in Los Angeles with the LA Tennis Challenge featuring, Novak Djokovic, Pete Sampras, Mardy Fish, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan.

Djokovic, Sampras, Fish and the Bryan Brothers Among Those to Particpate in LA Tennis Challenge

 

 

Deuce look-a-likes

thing1 &thing2_MG_0415

Separated at birth, the hair anyway – Redfoo and Thing 1 and Thing 2 of Dr. Seuss fame.

 

Advantage Karaoke

 1-DSC_0957-001V. Azarenka

In the post-match news conference at the BNP Paribas Showdown, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka announced that they revealed that they will be shooting a karaoke video to Rihanna’s “Stay.”

Deuce

The Rumor Mill

"Austin Powers" and Caroline Wozniacki

“Austin Powers” and Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki put to bed rumors that she and her boyfriend golfer Rory McIlroy had split.

A British tabloid speculated that the reason the golfer had pulled out of the Honda Classic was due to relationship problems with Wozniacki. Meanwhile, why did Wozniacki attend the BNP Paribas Open Players party with Austin Powers. (See above photo)

 

Advantage news

Tennis will introduce biological passports this year and increase the number of blood tests.

Nadal Returns to Hardcourt with Indian Wells Win; Still Unhappy with 25-Second Rule

 

Mardy Fish

Game, Set and Match – Welcome back Mardy Fish

Mardy Fish has returned to the tour from a heart ailment, his first event since the US Open.

 

Photo galleries from the past week

Photos by Curt Janka, Jennifer Knapp, Maria Noble and Karen Pestaina.

 

 

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CourtThink and Party Rock Open Founder Tyler Weekes Named Official Tennis Partner at a Luxury Resort

Photo of Party Rock Open founder and co-tournament director Tyler Weekes and Redfoo

Las Vegas (Oct. 20, 2012) – CourtThink, LLC, Founder and Party Rock Open co-tournament director Tyler Weekes has been named the official tennis partner at The Cosmopolitan-Las Vegas.

 

“There is a rich and storied history between tennis and Las Vegas,” Weekes said. “By bringing CourtThink to The Cosmopolitan-Las Vegas, we are primed to promote tennis to one of the wealthiest and most high-end clientele in the world, while also catering to the tourist who just can’t stay away from the game of tennis while visiting Las Vegas.”

 

He added: “The only other tennis courts that are available on the Strip are at older hotels and facilities. So we’re really the only game in town when it comes to tennis and the Strip.”

 

Weekes formerly ran his CourtThink tennis program out of the Red Rock Country Club in Summerlin, and more recently the Longevity Sports Center (formerly the International Tennis Centre).  Both facilities were named USTA Nevada Facility of the Year during CourtThink’s tenure and Weekes’ leadership.

 

“The two courts at The Cosmopolitan are currently available for match play, ball machine rental, as well as racquet rental,” said Weekes, who added the courts sit on the rooftop of the 14th floor, next to the Sahra Spa and Fitness Center at The Cosmopolitan.  To many guests delight, the courts are shaded from the summer heat of Las Vegas by surrounding buildings. “If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, check out tennis at The Cosmopolitan for a truly unforgettable experience.”

 

Weekes also founded what is currently Las Vegas’ only professional tennis tournament, a USTA $50,000 women’s event four years ago.  Teaming with long time friend and WTA-certified sports agent Jordan Butler of Agent Atleta, Weekes has continued to innovate in the tennis industry with this professional event.  Proof of his innovation was the huge success of last month’s Party Rock Open which was conceived after Weekes met LMFAO’s front man Redfoo during a lesson at the Cosmopolitan.

 

Weekes said one major component that will likely come out of the Party Rock Open will be the Party Rock Open Fantasy Tennis Experience where individuals will have the chance to stay at The Cosmopolitan, take a lesson with Weekes, meet and spend time with LMFAO’s Redfoo, and be given VIP access to Redfoo’s private table inside of one of the world’s top nightclubs, the Marquis at The Cosmopolitan.

 

Weekes is being assisted at The Cosmopolitan by his Company Director of Tennis David Bryner.

 

Weekes reported that The Cosmopolitan is now an official CourtThink Camp site, along with locations at the Green Valley Spa in St. George, Utah and the Westward Look Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

 

Weekes grew up in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho, and was one of the youngest teaching professionals ever certified by the USPTA. In 2000, he began working at the World Famous Vic Braden Tennis College under the direction of his close friend and tennis mentor, Dave Nostrant. Weekes became the Head Teaching Professional by 2003 and has personally taught more than 1,500 different guests of The Vic Braden Tennis College and other facilities.

 

Weekes has been featured as a guest instructor/speaker for UNLV’s MBA Marketing Program and has also written instructional pieces for varied publishers including Inside Tennis magazine.

 

Weekes, the youngest of seven children, was recently married to Tiffany Gudino and the couple have two children, Roman and Rocco. They reside in Las Vegas.

 

For more information www.CourtThinkTennisCamps.com

 

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Lauren Davis Beats Shelby Rogers for Party Rock Open Singles Title

Photo by Craig Glover / Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 30, 2012) – The physical toll of the last three weeks of pro-level tournament tennis – including two consecutive USTA Pro Circuit finals — finally hit Lauren Davis on the final day of the Party Rock Open.
Davis had to call a medical timeout down a set but up 5-2 in the second against 19-year-old Shelby Rogers and got physically sick while seated in her chair. But unlike coming up on the losing end in last week’s Albuquerque final, Davis bounced out of her chair and proceeded to win the next game and then dug deep to win the third set to capture the first Party Rock Open singles title in the Las Vegas USTA Women’s $50,000 Pro Circuit event sponsored by international celebrity Redfoo, 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2.
“I think I was just dehydrated,” said Davis after the match. “That’s never happened to me in a match like that (throwing up on court), but it has in practice. I had three late night matches and I think it was all just a little bit too much.”
Davis, 18, will crack the world WTA Top 100 rankings for the first time in her career when the new rankings are released on Monday. She will also stop off at the bank to deposit her winning $7,315 check.
“At the start of the year I had a goal to break into the Top 100 before my 19th birthday, so I guess I made it,” said Davis, who turns 19 in two weeks.
The week before Albuquerque, Davis qualified and then reached the quarterfinals of a WTA event in Quebec City.
In the doubles final, the top-seeded team of Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova beat Elena Bovina of Russia and Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania, 6-2, 2-6, 10-6.
Sunday’s Final Singles Score
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., def. Shelby Rogers, U.S., 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-2
Sunday’s Final Doubles Score
Anastasia Rodionova, Australia-Arina Rodionova (1), Russia, vs. Elena Bovina, Russia-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania, 6-2, 2-6, 10-6
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
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Two American Teenagers to Meet in Party Rock Open Final

Photo by Craig Glover / Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 29, 2012) – Two American teenagers will meet for the inaugural Party Rock Open singles title, battling for the opportunity to be presented with the champion’s trophy by global celebrity Redfoo.
Shelby Rogers, 19, or Charleston, S.C., will take on 18-year-old No. 2-seed Lauren Davis of Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1 p.m. Sunday final at the Party Rock Open, a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event sponsored by Redfoo’s Party Rock clothing line.
Davis held on to beat Russian-born Australian Anastasia Rodionova, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4 and Rogers beat qualifier Adriana Perez of Venezuela, 7-6 (5), 6-2.
Just last week in the first round of the Albuquerque, N.M., USTA Pro Circuit event Davis beat Rogers 6-3 in the third. “The match went like three and a half hours,” Rogers said. “That was really a tough one to lose.”
In between the two semifinal matches on Saturday night, a festive crowd of approximately 1,000 looked on as Redfoo sung two of LMFAO’s chart-topping songs while a slew of kids stormed the stadium court at Darling Center in a Flash Mob dance-off.
“Tonight was really an unprecedented night in USTA women’s pro circuit history,” said co-tournament director Tyler Weekes. “We had a seven-time Grammy Award winner on our courts between matches singing his popular songs. It really was an amazing night.”
Added co-tournament director Jordan Butler: “Wow. Just check out our Facebook page to see the energy and excitement the Flash Mob created. Redfoo singing ‘I’m Sexy and I Know It’ and the ‘Party Rock Anthem.’ Las Vegas and the great tennis community here were treated to a special night tonight thanks Redfoo.”
In the doubles final to follow on Sunday, the top-seeded team of Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova will face Elena Bovina of Russia and Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania.
Log onto www.RadioTennis.com to hear Ken Thomas do his live Internet stream at the Patry Rock Open through Sunday.
Saturday’s Semifinal Singles Scores
q: qualifier; wc: wild card
Singles Quarterfinals
Shelby Rogers, U.S., def. Adriana Perez (q), Venezuela, 7-6 (5), 6-2
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., def. Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-4
Sunday’s Finals Schedule
Stadium Court starting at 1 p.m.
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., vs. Shelby Rogers, U.S.
Followed by Doubles Finals
Anastasia Rodionova, Australia-Arina Rodionova (1), Russia, vs. Elena Bovina, Russia-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania,
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, your local All State Insurance agent Dwain Frazier, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Granello Bakery, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, Marcy Saxe at Realty One Group, and Perrier water.
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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Rogers Advances to Semis of Party Rock Open

Shelby Rogers by Craig Glover / Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 28, 2012) – Working with her new USTA-appointed travel coach this week, 19-year-old American Shelby Rogers scored a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over former world Top 15 player Elena Bovina of Russia on Friday at the Party Rock Open, a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event sponsored by Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO and being played at the Darling Tennis Center.
Rogers said teaming with her new coach Sylvan Guichard from the USTA has been huge for her game in just the short one week they’ve worked together. “He’s just been incredible with me this week,” Rogers said. “I think he’s helped my serve this week. I’ve just been having fun and going after my shots.”
Rogers, from Charleston, S.C., and ranked No. 243 in the world, will play qualifier Adriana Perez of Venezuela in the first semifinal on Saturday at 4 p.m. Perez turned in an impressive performance beating American teenager Jessica Pegula, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5), in another three-hour plus match on Friday.
In the other Party Rock Open semifinal it will be No. 2-seeded Lauren Davis meeting No. 4 seed Anastasia Rodionova of Australia, in the 6 p.m. semifinal. In the late match on Friday, it was Davis beating Mallory Burdette, the No. 7 seed, 6-3, 7-5.
Rogers is playing her third Las Vegas USTA Pro Circuit event and said she just loves all things Las Vegas. “It’s definitely a nice change having the tournament at the Darling Tennis Center,” she said. “It’s been a fun tournament. I’ve been relaxed which has been huge. It’s been good for me to keep it relaxed and fun.”
Rogers held a 5-2 lead in the second set but Bovina held serve and came back to make it 5-4 before Rogers broke serve to win the match.
Rogers said she was aware of the fact that Bovina – a former US Open quarterfinalist – was down 5-1 in the third set in her second-round match against American Chi Chi Scholl but came back to win. “I knew she would give it her all to come back and wasn’t going to give me anything,” she said. “So I was ready for it, but I couldn’t do much about it until 5-4. She’s so experienced so this was nothing new to her.”
Rogers found her self down 4-1 yesterday in the first set to Stephanie Dubois but came back to win the set in a tiebreaker and the match in straight sets.
“Trust in my game is one of the key factors,” she said. “I won my first pro tournament earlier this year winning the Yakima USTA Pro Circuit. I’m feeling good now and healthy.”
In the doubles semifinals on Friday, the top-seeded team of Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova beat Pegula and Marie-Eve Pelletier of Canada, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Sunday final. They will oppose Bovina and Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania.
Log onto www.RadioTennis.com to hear Ken Thomas do his live Internet stream at the Patry Rock Open through Sunday.
Friday’s Scores
q: qualifier; wc: wild card
Singles Quarterfinals
Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia, def. Heidi El Tabakh, Canada, 6-3, 5-7, 6-3
Shelby Rogers, U.S., def. Elena Bovina, Russia, 6-3, 6-4
Adriana Perez, Venezuela, def. Jessica Pegula, U.S., 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5)
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., def. Mallory Burdette (7), U.S., 6-3, 7-5
Doubles Semifinals
Anastasia Rodionova, Australia-Arina Rodionova (1), Russia, def. Jessica Pegula, U.S.-Marie-Eve Pelletier (3), Canada, 6-2, 6-4
Elena Bovina, Russia-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania, def. Nicole Rottmann, Austria-Lenka Wienerova, Slovakia, 6-3, 6-2
Saturday’s Semifinal Singles Schedule
Stadium Court starting at 4 p.m.
Adriana Perez, Venezuela, vs. Shelby Rogers, U.S.,
Not before 6:30 p.m.
Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia, vs. Lauren Davis (2), U.S.
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, your local All State Insurance agent Dwain Frazier, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Granello Bakery, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, Marcy Saxe at Realty One Group, and Perrier water.
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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Davis Defeats Local Favorite Muhammad at Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 27, 2012) – Americans Jessica Pegula, Shelby Rogers, Mallory Burdette and Lauren Davis all won second-round singles matches on Day 3 of main-draw action at the Party Rock Open, a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event sponsored by Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO and being played at the Darling Tennis Center.
The No. 2-seeded Davis from Cleveland, Ohio, took out local favorite and wild card Asia Muhammad of Las Vegas on Thursday night, 6-3, 6-3, in the night match with Redfoo looking on.
The 18-year-old Davis said she tried to use the crowd cheering for her opponent to her advantage. “I can see it getting kind of annoying but I think I do a good job of not letting outside things bother me,” Davis said. “You really can’t benefit from getting mad so I don’t get mad. I tried to win every single point just so they would be quiet. So you can say I kind of tried to use it to my advantage.”
Another 18-year-old, Pegula, had the easiest time getting to the quarterfinals as she beat Petra Rampre of Slovenia, 6-1, 6-3. On Tuesday night, Rampre took out top-seeded Edina Gallovits-Hall, 6-1, 6-1.
Rogers, of Charleston, S.C., beat Stephanie Dubois of Canada, 7-6 (3) 6-4, and Burdette won her second straight match as a professional as the No. 7 seed took out fellow American Madison Brengle, 6-3, 6-3.
The sister vs. sister match never got going Thursday as Anastasia Rodionova of Australia beat her sister Arina Rodionova of Russia, who retired down 5-2.
But later in the day Arina felt well enough to play doubles with her sis as the top-seeded duo beat Maria Abramovic of Croatia and Amra Sadikovic of Switzerland, 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the doubles semis on Friday.
Log onto www.RadioTennis.com to hear Ken Thomas do his live Internet stream at the Patry Rock Open through Sunday.
Thursday’s Scores
q: qualifier; wc: wild card
Main Draw Singles Second Round
Jessica Pegula, U.S., def. Petra Rampre, Slovenia, 6-1, 6-3
Adirana Perez, Venezuela, def. Maria Abramovic, Croatia, 6-4, 6-4
Anastasia Rodionova, Australia, def. Arina Rodionova, Russia, 5-2, retired
Heidi El Tabakh (8), Canada, def. Marie-Eve Pelletier, Canada, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2
Shelby Rogers, U.S., def. Stephanie Dubois, Canada, 7-6 (3) 6-4
Elena Bovina, Russia, def. Chi Chi Scholl, U.S., 5-7, 6-0, 7-6 (2)
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., def. Asia Muhammad (wc), U.S., 6-3, 6-3
Mallory Burdette (7), U.S., def. Madison Brengle, U.S., 6-3, 6-3
Main Draw Doubles Quarterfinals
Jessica Pegula, U.S.-Marie-Eve Pelletier (3), Canada, def. Lena Litvak, U.S.-Nicole Melichar, U.S., 6-4, 6-1
Arina Rodionova, Russia-Anastasia Rodionova (1), Australia, def. Maria Abramovic, Croatia-Amra Sadikovic, Switzerland, 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Nicole Rottmann, Austria-Lenka Wienerova, Slovakia, def. MacCall Harkins, U.S.-Chieh-Yu Hsu, U.S., 3-6, 6-4, 10-3
Elena Bovina, Romania-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania, def. Shelby Rogers, U.S.-Ashley Weinhold, U.S., 6-3, 7-5
Friday’s Schedule
Stadium Court starting at 11 a.m.
Heidi El Tabakh, Canada, vs. Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia
Followed by Elena Bovina, Russia, vs. Shelby Rogers, U.S.
After suitable rest: Anastasia Rodionova, Australia-Arina Rodionova (1), Russia, vs. Jessica Pegula, U.S.-Marie-Eve Pelletier (3), Canada
Court 11 starting at 6 p.m.
Mallory Burdette (7), U.S., vs. Lauren Davis (2), U.S.
Court 11 starting at 11 a.m.
Jessica Pegula, U.S., vs. Adriana Perez, Venezuela
After rest, Elena Bovina, Romania-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania, vs. Nicole Rottmann, Austria-Lenka Wienerova, Slovakia
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, your local All State Insurance agent Dwain Frazier, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, Marcy Saxe at Realty One Group, and Perrier water.
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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Las Vegas Wild Card Asia Muhammad Wins First Round at Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 26, 2012) – Local wild card Asia Muhammad used the home-court and crowd to her advantage on Wednesday night, beating qualifier Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, in the first round of the Party Rock Open, a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event sponsored by Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO and being played at the Darling Tennis Center.
Redfoo watched from the stands as Muhammad got through the match, setting up a second-round showdown with No. 2-seeded American Lauren Davis, who Muhammad lost to last year in their only professional meeting. The match will be the featured night match on Stadium Court Thursday night beginning at 6 p.m.
“There was a time not long ago when I would have just folded in that third set and my whole game would have gone south, when I wanted to get off the court as fast as I could,” Muhammad said. “But I’ve been working on my mental game and once I hit the third set tonight I just felt so refreshed and was able to push through.”
Muhammad, 21, was a finalist at this event in 2008 as a 17-year-old, but says it doesn’t really feel that long ago. “Because we’ve been to different venues, it doesn’t even really feel like the same tournament,” she said. “It can be nerve-wracking at times being the local favorite because people want to see me do well, and I want to do well.”
Earlier in the day, Davis avenged a recent defeat to American Maria Sanchez, who she lost to on Sunday 6-1, 6-1, in the finals at Albuquerque $75,000 USTA Pro Circuit event. Davis dropped the first set, 6-2, but the heat seemed to get to the fatigued Sanchez, who dropped the next two sets, 6-2, 6-3.
Playing in her first match since winning the U.S. Open Junior singles title, USTA wild card Samantha Crawford fell in her opening match to No. 4-seeded Anastasia Rodionova, a Russian representing Australia, 6-4, 6-3.
“It does feel a little different that people may know me a little more now,” said the Atlanta native Crawford, 17. “Even now after a few weeks I still can’t believe I won the Junior US Open.”
Rodionova next plays her sister and doubles partner Arina in a second-round singles match. Later in the day, the two play doubles and are the tournament’s top-seeded team.
A day after losing the No. 1 and 3 seeds, the tournament on Wednesday also lost the No. 5 seed as Maria Abramovic of Croatia defeated Irina Falconi, 7-5, 6-1.
In the first match of the day, unseeded American Jessica Pegula advanced to the second round after wild card and 2010 NCAA singles champion Chelsey Gullickson was forced to retire because of flu-like symptoms.
Log onto www.RadioTennis.com to hear Ken Thomas do his live Internet stream at the Patry Rock Open through Sunday.
Wednesday’s Scores
q: qualifier; wc: wild card
Main Draw Singles
Jessica Pegula, U.S., def. Chelsey Gullickson (wc), U.S., 5-2, retired (illness)
Heidi El Tabakh (8), Canada, def. Ashley Weinhold, U.S., 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Shelby Rogers, U.S., def. Grace Min, U.S., 6-4, 6-0
Elena Bovina, Russia, def. Julia Bosserup, U.S., 1-6, 6-4, 7-5
Maria Abramovic, Croatia, def. Irina Falconi (5), U.S., 7-5, 6-1
Lauren Davis (2), U.S., def. Maria Sanchez, U.S., 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
Arina Rodionova (q), Russia, def. Ksenia Lykina, Russia, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (2)
Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia, def. Samantha Crawford (wc), U.S., 6-4, 6-3
Marie-Eve Pelletier, Canada, def. Jennifer Elie (q), U.S., 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-2
Stephanie Dubois, Canada, def. Alison Riske (6), U.S., 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (3)
Arina Rodionova (q), Russia, def. Ksenia Lykina, Russia, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (2)
Madison Brengle, U.S. def. Allie Will (wc), U.S., 6-1, 6-7 (5), 6-3
Adriana Perez (q), Venezuela, def. Veronica Cepede Royg (Paraguay), 4-6, 7-5, 6-4
Asia Muhammad (wc), U.S., def. Gabriela Dabrowski (q), Canada, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2
Main Draw Doubles
MacCall Harkins, U.S.- Chieh-Yu Hsu, U.S., def. Irina Falconi, U.S.-Maria Sanchez (2), U.S., 3-6, 7-6 (4), 10-4
Elena Bovina, Romania-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania, def. Jennifer Elie, U.S.-Elizabeth Lumpkin, U.S., 6-2, 6-1
Thursday’s Schedule
Stadium Court beginning at 11 a.m.
Heidi El Tabakh (8), Canada, vs. Marie-Eve Pelletier, Canada
Followed by Shelby Rogers, U.S., vs. Stephanie Dubois, Canada
Followed by Mallory Burdette (7), U.S., vs. Madison Brengle, U.S.
Starting at 6 p.m. Asia Muhammad (wc), U.S., vs. Lauren Davis (2), U.S.
Court 11
Beginning at 11 a.m.
Petra Rampre, Slovenia, vs. Jessica Pegula, U.S.
Followed by Arina Rodionova, Russia, vs. Anastasia Rodionova, Australia
Followed by Jessica Pegula, U.S.-Marie-Eve Pelletier (3), Canada, vs. Lena Litvak, U.S.-Nicole Melichar, U.S.
Followed by Arina Rodionova, Russia-Anastasia Rodionova (1), Australia, vs. Maria Abramovic, Croatia-Amra Sadikovic, Switzerland
Court 10
Beginning at 11 a.m.
Adirana Perez, Venezuela, vs. Maria Abramovic, Croatia
Followed by Chi Chi Scholl, U.S., vs. Elena Bovina, Russia
Followed by Nicole Rottmann, Austria-Lenka Wienerova, Slovakia, vs. MacCall Harkins, U.S.-Chieh-Yu Hsu, U.S.
Followed by Shelby Rogers, U.S.-Ashley Weinhold, U.S., vs. Elena Bovina, Romania-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, your local All State Insurance agent Dwain Frazier, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, Marcy Saxe at Realty One Group, and Perrier water.
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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American Mallory Burdette Wins Pro Debut at Party Rock Open

By Steve Pratt
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 25, 2012) – Mallory Burdette admitted to feeling a little sad with the start of school on Monday in Palo Alto where she would be starting her senior year at Stanford if she hadn’t made the decision to start her professional tennis career instead.
“I’m happy with my decision to turn pro, but just going up there and saying goodbye to everyone and moving out of my apartment, it was a little hard,” said Burdette, 21, who opened up main-draw singles play at the Party Rock Open on Tuesday with a 7-5, 6-1 win over Amra Sadikovic of Switzerland.
Burdette was playing in her first match since her US Open run last month where she won two rounds as an unseeded USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card before falling to No. 3-seeded Maria Sharapova on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court. A week later, Burdette decided to turn professional. There wasn’t a better place for her professional debut win than the women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event sponsored by Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO
Playing against Sadikovic later in the day in doubles, wild cards Burdette and Lauren Embree lost to Sadikovic and Maria Abramovic of Croatia, 6-7 (8), 6-3, 10-8.
After the Party Rock Open, the No. 7-seeded Burdette will go back to her home base in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for three days before heading over to Europe for three weeks for 2 WTA events and a $100,000 ITF Challenger.
There were two big upsets in the other two main-draw singles matches played as Petra Rampre of Slovenia upset top-seeded Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania, 6-1, 6-1, and American Chi Chi Scholl beat No. 3-seeded Michelle Larcher De Brito of Portugal, 6-4, 6-0.
Final round of qualifying finished on Tuesday with four players – American Jennifer Elie, Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada, Arina Rodionova of Russia and Adriana Perez of Venezuela — earning their way into the main draw.
Log onto www.RadioTennis.com to hear Ken Thomas do his live Internet stream at the Patry Rock Open Wednesday and continuing through Sunday.
Tuesday’s Scores
Final-Round Qualifying Singles
q: qualifier; wc: wild card
Jennifer Elie (2), U.S., def. Lauren Embree, U.S., 6-2, 6-4
Gabriela Dabrowski (6), Canada, def. Chieh-Yu Hsu (1), U.S., 6-3, 6-4
Arina Rodionova (4), Russia, def. Lena Litvak, U.S., 7-6 (3), 6-1
Adriana Perez (5), Venezuela, def. Zoe Scandalis, U.S., 7-6 (6), 6-2
First-Round Main Draw Singles
Mallory Burdette (7), U.S., def. Amra Sadikovic, Switzerland, 7-5, 6-1
Chi Chi Scholl, U.S., def. Michelle Larcher De Brito (3), Portugal, 6-4, 6-0
Petra Rampre, Slovenia, def. Edina Gallovits-Hall (1), Romania, 6-1, 6-1
First-Round Main Draw Doubles
Shelby Rogers, U.S.-Ashley Weinhold, U.S., def. Gabriela Dabrowski, Canada-Asia Muhammad, U.S., 6-3, 4-6, 10-6
Anastasia Rodionova, Australia-Arina Rodionova (1), Russia, def. Alison Riske, U.S.-Allie Will (wc), U.S., 6-1, 6-4
Lena Litvak, U.S.-Nicole Melichar, U.S., def. Roxanne Ellison, U.S.-Sierra Ellison (wc), 7-5, 6-4
Jessica Pegula, U.S.-Marie-Eve Pelletier (3), U.S., def. Veronica Cepede Royg, Paraguay-Adriana Perez, Venezuela, 6-3, 6-3
Nicole Rottman, Austria-Lenka Wienerova, Slovakia, def. Ksenia Lykina, Russia-Miki Miyamura, Japan, 6-3, 6-3
Maria Abramovic, Croatia-Amra Sadikovic, Switzerland, vs. Mallory Burdette, U.S.-Lauren Embree (wc), U.S., 6-7 (8), 6-3, 10-8
Wednesday’s Schedule
First-Round Main Draw
Stadium Court beginning at 11 a.m.
Chelsey Gullickson (wc), U.S., vs. Jessica Pegula, U.S
Followed by Maria Sanchez, U.S., vs. Lauren Davis (2), U.S.
Followed by Samantha Crawford (wc), U.S., vs. Anastasia Rodionova (4), Australia
Followed by MacCall Harkins, U.S.- Chieh-Yu Hsu, U.S., vs. Irina Falconi, U.S.-Maria Sanchez (2), U.S.
Starting at 6 p.m.
Gabriela Dabrowski (q), Canada, vs. Asia Muhammad (wc), U.S.
Court 11 beginning at 11 a.m.
Grace Min, U.S., vs. Shelby Rogers, U.S.
Followed by Maria Abramovic, Croatia, vs. Irina Falconi (5), U.S.
Followed by Stephanie Dubois, Canada, vs. Alison Riske (6), U.S.
Followed by Jennifer Elie, U.S.-Elizabeth Lumpkin, U.S. vs. Elena Bovina, Romania-Edina Gallovits-Hall (4), Romania
Court 10 beginning at 11 a.m.
Heidi El Tabakh (8), Canada, vs. Ashley Weinhold, U.S.
Followed by Veronica Cepede Royg (Paraguay) vs. Adriana Perez (q), Venezuela
Followed by Allie Will (wc), U.S., vs. Madison Brengle, U.S.
Court 8 beginning at 11 a.m.
Elena Bovina, Russia, vs. Julia Bosserup, U.S.
Followed by Marie-Eve Pelletier, Canada, vs. Jennifer Elie (q), U.S.
Followed by Arina Rodionova (q), Russia, vs. Ksenia Lykina, Russia
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, and Perrier water.
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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Party Rock Open Debuts in Las Vegas

By Steve Pratt

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 24, 2012) – The Party Rock Open final round of qualifying and main draw first round will take place on Tuesday at the Darling Tennis Center. Second round of qualifying took place on Monday while more than 500 Las Vegas children took part in the free Cox Kids’ Day and opening round of qualifying on Sunday.
Tournament sponsor Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO hosted the Player Party on Monday night at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and Marquee Club and will take part in a pro-am on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. taking place at Darling complementing a full schedule of events all week.
The Party Rock Open is a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event. A full Party Rock atmosphere will be in effect all week with deejay sets taking place Wednesday through Friday prior to the featured 6 p.m., night matches on the 3,000 capacity stadium court.
Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania is the top-seeded player in the tournament. Currently ranked No. 114 in the world, she will face No. 211 seed Slovenia’s Petra Rompre in the first round in Tuesday’s night match.
The No. 7-seeded Mallory Burdette, who won two rounds at the US Open this year and recently turned pro after starring at Stanford, will play the second match on Tuesday on Stadium Court. Matches begin at 11 a.m. Burdette lost to Maria Sharapova in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Burdette received a wild card into Open based on her USTA Pro Circuit results this summer, which included her first career title at the $100,000 event in
Vancouver. She also reached the second round of the Emirates Airline US Open Series event in Stanford, Calif., in her WTA debut. Burdette played for Stanford the last three years, clinching the NCAA team title as a freshman in 2010, winning the NCAA doubles crown in 2011 and 2012, and reaching the final of the 2012 NCAA singles (where she fell to teammate and doubles partner Nicole Gibbs).
Americans in the main draw include No. 5 seeded Irina Falconi and former USC All-American Maria Sanchez. Also in the main draw is Lauren Davis, an 18-year-old from Cleveland who this year qualified for the main draw and reached the second round of the French Open and reached the second round of qualifying at the US Open last month. On the USTA Pro Circuit, Davis won a $25,000 event in Plantation, Fla., in January, and this spring reached the semifinals at $50,000 events in Dothan, Ala., and Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.
Joining Davis in the main draw is fellow 18-year-old Grace Min of Atlanta. The 2011 US Open girls’ singles champion, Min has won three USTA Pro Circuit titles this year, including back-to-back wins on clay at the $50,000 event in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., and the $25,000 tournament in Raleigh, N.C. She trains at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla.
Receiving a main draw wild card into the Party Rock Open is Samantha Crawford, who arrives in Las Vegas after winning the 2012 US Open girls’ singles title. Crawford also qualified for the women’s main draw of the US Open as a wild card, making her one of only 13 qualifying wild cards to advance to the main draw in US Open history. As a junior player, Crawford won the USTA Girls’ 18s doubles title in 2011 and 2012 and is currently ranked a career-high No. 5 in the world junior rankings. She trains at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton.
Also in the field this week is Alison Riske, who has established herself as a steady presence near the world’s Top 200. This year, Riske qualified for the Australian Open and two WTA events, which comes on the heels of a successful 2011 in which she reached the quarterfinals of the WTA event in Birmingham, England, and played in the main draws of the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
Other Americans in the main draw are: 18-year-old Jessica Pegula, who is the daughter of Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, and who advanced to the round of 16 in women’s doubles at the 2011 US Open and reached the final of the $100,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Vancouver this summer for the first professional final of her career; Chichi Scholl, who won the first two singles titles of her career on the USTA Pro Circuit in 2011 and has been ranked as high as No. 164; Madison Brengle, the former Australian Open and Wimbledon junior finalist who earlier this year won her third career USTA Pro Circuit title at the $25,000 event in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and Sanchez, who just last weekend beat Davis to win her first $75,000 USTA Pro Circuit Challenger in New Mexico.
Julia Boserup, who won her first professional title in 2011 at the $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Redding, Calif., and added a second title earlier this year at the $25,000 event in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., before being sidelined with stress fractures in both feet; and Ashley Weinhold, the 2007 USTA Girls’ 18s national champion, who won her second professional title in 2011 at the $25,000 event in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Another main draw wild card is Allie Will, an All-American and the No. 1 singles player for the University of Florida, who led the Gators to the NCAA team title in 2011 and to the team semifinals in 2012. Will reached the final of the $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Redding, Calif., earlier this month. Chelsey Gullickson, the 2010 NCAA champion for the University of Georgia, also will receive a wild card. She is the daughter of former major league baseball pitcher Bill Gullickson.
The tournament has announced the following “theme” nights and schedule of events.
Note: Subject to change.
Tuesday, Sept. 25
Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and Opening Night Main Draw Kickoff Celebration at 6:00 p.m.
  • Final round of qualifying, main draw singles and doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Tournament Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and tournament pros: 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 26
American Cancer Society Awareness Night. By entering the code ACS on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Las Vegas American Cancer Society chapter throughout the entire tournament.
  • Main-draw singles and doubles: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 27
The Party Rock Open honors those serving at nearby Nellis Air Force Base with Military Appreciation Night. Any former or active military members can present ID and gain free admission into the tournament.
  • Second Round Singles and Doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 28
Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas Night. By entering the code BGC on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas throughout the entire tournament.
  • Singles Quarterfinals: Doubles Semifinals 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay set: Beginning at 5 p.m.
Semifinal Saturday, Sept. 29
USTA Appreciation Night. Las Vegas USTA league teams and junior and senior competitors will be recognized.
  • Singles Semifinals: 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.
  • USTA League Day
Championship Sunday, Sept. 30
  • Doubles Final: 11 a.m.
  • Singles Final: 1 p.m.
  • Trophy Presentation/Closing Ceremonies
Italy’s Romina Oprandi, currently ranked No. 59 in the WTA world rankings, captured the title in 2011, while top 25 player and U.S. Olympian Varvara Lepchenko was the 2010 champion.
The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.
The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Ryan Wolfington, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, and Perrier water.
For a closer look at the tournament, see this story in Monday’s Las Vegas Journal-Review by Steve Carp:
Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.
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Party Rock Open Makes Debut This Week

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 22, 2012) – The Party Rock Open and Redfoo of the hit group LMFAO will debut with weekly night matches at Darling Tennis Center to complement a full schedule of events.

 

The Party Rock Open is a women’s $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Event. A full Party Rock atmosphere will be in effect all week with deejay sets taking place Wednesday through Friday prior to the featured 6 p.m., night matches on the 3,000 capacity stadium court.

 

The tournament has announced the following “theme” nights and schedule of events.

Note: Subject to change.

 

Sunday, Sept. 23

 

  • Qualifying singles matches: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Cox Kids Day: Noon-3 p.m.

 

Monday, Sept. 24

 

  • Qualifying singles matches: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Sept. 25

 

Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and Opening Night Main Draw Kickoff Celebration at 6:00 p.m.

 

  • Final round of qualifying, main draw singles and doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Tournament Pro-Am featuring Redfoo and tournament pros: 7:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 26

 

American Cancer Society Awareness Night. By entering the code ACS on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Las Vegas American Cancer Society chapter throughout the entire tournament.

 

  • Main-draw singles and doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.

 

Thursday, Sept. 27

 

The Party Rock Open honors those serving at nearby Nellis Air Force Base with Military Appreciation Night. Any former or active military members can present ID and gain free admission into the tournament.

 

  • Second Round Singles and Doubles: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay Set: Beginning at 5 p.m.

 

Friday, Sept. 28

 

Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas Night. By entering the code BGC on the www.partyrockopen.com website, half of the ticket price will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas throughout the entire tournament.

  • Singles Quarterfinals: Doubles Semifinals 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Featured singles night match: 6:00 p.m.
  • Deejay set: Beginning at 5 p.m.

 

Semifinal Saturday, Sept. 29

 

USTA Appreciation Night. Las Vegas USTA league teams and junior and senior competitors will be recognized.

 

  • Singles Semifinals: 4:00 and 6:30 p.m.
  • USTA League Day

 

Championship Sunday, Sept. 30

 

  • Doubles Final: 11 a.m.
  • Singles Final: 1 p.m.
  • Trophy Presentation/Closing Ceremonies

 

Italy’s Romina Oprandi, currently ranked No. 59 in the WTA world rankings, captured the title in 2011, while top 25 player and U.S. Olympian Varvara Lepchenko was the 2010 champion.

 

The tournament’s official website is www.partyrockopen.com. To learn more about Redfoo and Party Rock Clothing, go to www.partyrockclothing.com.

 

The Party Rock Open is presented by Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, Las Vegas’ premier orthopedics group. Other sponsors include: USTA-Nevada, CourtThink, LLC, Agent Atleta, Ltd., WG Communications Group, Cox Communications, ESPN 1110 AM, The Point 97.1, 98.5 KLUC, Marty Hennessey Foundation, Solinco strings, Western Cab Company, Marquis Aurbach and Coffing, www.10sBalls.com, ASICS, and Perrier water.

 

Follow along on Twitter @partyrockopen and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/partyrockopen.com.

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