Agassi To Play In Exhibition Match In Newport

by Press Release | 13.06.2011

Andre Agassi has captured eight grand slam tournament titles, an Olympic gold medal and is known around the world as one of the most exciting athletes to ever pick up a tennis racquet. On 9 July, he will be recognised with the highest honor in tennis - induction to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Topping off the induction festivities, the International Tennis Hall of Fame has added three new events to Hall of Fame Weekend celebration - a live simulcast of the sold-out Induction Ceremony, the Hall of Fame Classic Exhibition Match and the Brooks Brothers Lunch with Legends. Tickets for all three events will go on sale on Wednesday, June 15 at 10 a.m. on tennisfame.com or via phone at 866-914-FAME (3263).

"Hall of Fame Weekend 2011 has generated tremendous interest and enthusiasm from Andre's and Peachy Kellmeyer's fans from around the world. It will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting weekends in tennis this year," said Christopher E. Clouser, chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. "We are very pleased to be able to offer these new events to extend the festivities and give more fans an opportunity to be part of this very special weekend."

On Saturday, 9 July at 11:45 a.m. the Hall of Fame will host a live simulcast of the Induction Ceremony, featuring a visit from Agassi and fellow inductee Peachy Kellmeyer immediately after the ceremony for their first interviews after Induction. The Induction Ceremony will be streamed live on a giant, stage-sized screen in the newly restored, and air-conditioned, Casino Theatre at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, an intimate 300-seat venue. The festivities will kick off with never-before-seen tribute videos, compiled from footage of great career moments and messages of congratulations from colleagues and friends. All guests will receive a commemorative event program, and tickets to visit the Museum after the ceremony to view special tribute exhibits showcasing the lives and careers of the new inductees. The simulcast offers an exclusive opportunity to be part of the inductees first interviews after induction and it is a great opportunity for fans who did not get Induction Ceremony tickets, or who may prefer to be in a shaded, air-conditioned venue to watch this great moment in tennis history. Tickets are $75.

On Sunday, 10 July at 10 a.m. fans will have the rare opportunity to see Agassi in action once again, when he takes to the Hall of Fame grass courts for the Hall of Fame Classic Exhibition Match. Also playing with Andre will be former ATP World Tour star Todd Martin, who was a Top 10 player on the Tour at the same time as Agassi. The two players faced off 18 times during their career, with Agassi taking 13 wins. Additional players for the exhibition match will be announced shortly. Tickets are $35, $40 and $45.

After the exhibition, fans are invited to enjoy a luncheon and tennis talk with legendary Hall of Famers in the Brooks Brothers Lunch with Legends. Hall of Famers from a variety of backgrounds including great champions, in-the-know journalists and tennis industry administrators and pioneers will join fans for a luncheon and to share some of their favorite tennis stories, discuss current news of the game and take questions from the audience. The luncheon begins at 12 pm. Tickets are $75.

Plus, the tennis action doesn't stop on Sunday after lunch! The singles and doubles finals of the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the only ATP World Tour event in the Northeast, will begin at 2 p.m. Fans can anticipate great tennis action on the final day as the player field features some of the most exciting players on the ATP World Tour - No. 3 American and 2009 Newport finalist Sam Querrey, former World No. 2 Tommy Haas, who is currently on a comeback trail, the world's fastest server, Ivo Karlovic, and up and coming stars Ryan Harrison, Ryan Sweeting and Grigor Dimitrov.

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