Pete Sampras, the former world No. 1 and winner of 14 Grand Slam singles titles, has been appointed Tennis Pro Emeritus by The Greenbrier, the historic resort in West Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. Already a participant in the Greenbrier Champions Tennis Classic each September, Sampras, who is a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, now makes a further appearance May 26-28, 2014 to headline a special weekend clinic, consisting of instruction, match play, a pro-am, exhibition, and cocktail party. For more information, phone 304-536-7759 or visit 2014 Pete Sampras Tennis Clinic at The Greenbrier.
Lendl Academy Moves To Bluffton
Courtesy Ivan Lendl Tennis Academy
The Ivan Lendl International Junior Tennis Academy has left its original home at the Port Royal Racquet Club for the TennisClub of the Lowcountry in nearby Bluffton. The move means that students will be able to train closer to where they are housed. TCL also has the smaller Quickstart tennis courts, and TCL and IJTA plan to add hard courts to complement the club's five clay courts. The Heritage Academy, where many of the students pursue academics, will remain on Hilton Head Island. For more on the move, see the story in The Island Packet.
Nick Bollettieri To Enter Hall of Fame
Many felt this was long overdue, but legendary coach Nick Bollettieri has at last been invited to become a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI, He will be inducted this July along with form World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport, 5-time Paralympic medalist Chantal Vandierendonck; Jane Brown Grimes, who has held executive leadership roles with the WTA, USTA, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame; and British tennis broadcaster and author John Barrett. There are more details in the Hall of Fame press release.
Todd Martin Named CEO of Hall of Fame
Former ATP world No. 4 Todd Martin has been named the CEO-designate of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, RI. He assumes that role on April 1, and for the next several months will work with current CEO, Mark L. Stenning, who will be stepping down in September after 35 years with the organization. A highly respected member of the tennis community, Martin is a past president of the ATP Players Council and former member of the USTA Board of Directors. In the press release, Martin commented on his new position: "I'm tremendously excited to join the International Tennis Hall of Fame, to lead the organization's staff, and to execute its mission. It is an honor to be charged with preserving the rich history of our sport and to celebrate the people who have created its greatest moments. I look forward to working with the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors and staff, and many tennis industry partners."
Cromlix: Andy Murray's Luxury Hotel Opens April 1
Courtesy Cromlix Hotel
Visitors to Kinbuck, Scotland can now stay at Andy Murray's house—or at least at Cromlix House, the Victorian mansion he purchased last year not far from where he grew up in Dunblane. Set on 34 acres of secluded woodlands and gardens, the handsome stone structure houses 10 rooms, 5 suites, a chapel, reception hall, two drawing rooms, a conservatory, library, meeting rooms, and Chez Roux restaurant. On the grounds there is a tennis court and practice wall and a lake—make that loch—for fishing. Renovations are currently underway, with bookings being accepted beginning April 1.
Newk On Newk's
Emilio Sánchez On "the Spanish Method" and His Florida Academy
The Academia Sánchez-Casal in Barcelona, Spain is justifiably famous as the training ground for such international standouts as Andy Murray, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Anna Ivanovic, Janko Tipsarevic, and others. In 2012, they bought the former Naples Bath & Tennis Club in Florida, bringing the so-called "Spanish Method" to a satellite campus run by none other than co-founder Emilio Sánchez himself. During his career on tour, he had a Top 10 ranking in singles and No. 1 in doubles, winning three Grand Slam doubles titles (two French, one U.S. Open) and later served as captain of the Spanish Davis Cup during its championship 2008 season. In Naples, he personally takes a role in the on-court instruction as he works to build this budding junior academy into one as effective as its Spanish sister. But just what is "the Spanish Method" anyway? "The Spanish method is a way of placing yourself to hit the ball," Sánchez began. "In our clinics, we divide the court in three areas (here he draws a court and circles the area behind the baseline, the area between the baseline and service line and the area from the service line to the net). Inside these areas we will always move diagonally whenever we attack ball, so there is a lot of emphasis on footwork and movement. It makes players tougher. And because they work much harder in the practice sessions, in the matches they are more like survivors, they are warriors. They don't mind doing what they have to do to get behind the ball, and they know that if they can get behind the ball, they're going to have more options to hit the ball more places." More on the adult and junior programs at the Florida campus of the Academia Sánchez-Casal.
Exclusive Packages and Specials
Discounts, room upgrades, and special packages only available on Tennis Resorts Online.
Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman), Florida Free Upgrade to One-bedroom Suite + Amenity Basket Book the Saddlebrook Tennis School (which offers five hours a day of instruction) and a regular deluxe guest room at Saddlebrook Resort and they'll upgrade you to a one-bedroom suite* at no extra cost (two-night minimum) and include a complimentary Saddlebrook Amenity basket.
To get it, phone toll-free 800-729-8383, x4200 and ask for the Tennis Resorts Online Upgrade.
*Subject to availability at the time of booking
Dave Marshall Tennis, Delaware Exclusive Weekend Specials From now through December, Dave Marshall has two special weekend (Friday-Sunday) packages exclusively for Tennis Resorts Online readers. "Singles Spectacular": a weekend clinic for one with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 1-bedroom condo. Cost: $600. "Double the Fun": a weekend clinic for two with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 2-bedroom condo. Cost: $850. To book, phone Dave Marshall at 302-462-0062 and tell him you want the "Tennis Resorts Online special."
Julian Krinsky School of Tennis, Pennsylvania (Juniors) JKCP Special: Save on Jr. Packages Tennis Resorts Online has secured a discount of $250* off residential and $100 off day* bookings on any tennis camp you book at the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. To get it, email imagine@jkcp.com or apply online at http://www.jkcp.com and use one of these codes: for Residential camps, TRORES2014, and for day camps, TRODAY2014.
Not sure what you want? Send an online brochure request. *Note: May not be combined with other discounts.
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters. www.monte-carlorolexmasters.com/
Men's event held on red clay. Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal, who had been trying to win his 9th consecutive Monte Carlo title in a row.
Apr. 24-27, 2014
NIKE Adult Tennis Camp, Lodge at Pebble Beach, California, Phone: 800-645-3226
For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online. For information about accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, call camp director Kie Foreman at 831-625-8578.
Jim Courier Charity Exhibition, Tryall Club, Jamaica
Rogers Cup Tournament Director Karl Hale and former world #1 Jim Courier team up for a Pro Exhibition charity match on Saturday, April 26. Proceeds will support the building of a primary school in Jamaica, through Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. The exhibition takes place during a tennis celebration week coordinated by Tennis Outpost, Tennis Jamaica, and The Tryall Club.
April 23-27, 2014
114th Ojai Valley Tennis Tournament, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, California
An Open, collegiate, and junior event centered in Ojai but whose early rounds are played at venues and private courts all over the county.
Apr. 30-May 4, 2014
Curtain Bluff Fantasy Tennis Camp, Curtain Bluff Resort, Antigua, West Indies, Phone: 888-289-9898
Former US Open Champion and #1 player Tracy Austin teams up with two-time Australian Open Champion and World #7 Johan Kriek and former Davis Cup Captain Tom Gullikson to headline this annual camp. Designed for adults from recreational to tournament level, the event will include five days of professional instruction and match play, a welcome party, tennis exhibition, and ample opportunities to enjoy the island of Antigua alongside tennis legends.
May 2-4, 2014
Women's Team Tournament (3.5, 4.0 & 9.0), Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, Florida, Phone: 904-277-5151
Bring your team of 6 players for a competitive 3-day weekend of tournament play on Racquet Park’s 23 har tru clay courts. A minimum of 4 matches guaranteed over Friday, Saturday and Sunday in a round robin format. Tennis and lodging packages available.
May 2-4, 2014
Ladies 4.5 and Ladies 7.5 Combo Team Challenge, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Florida, Phone: 850-267-7110
Two Events: one pits a minimum of six doubles teams, with a total NTRP rating of 7.5 (max. of three 4.0 players/team), in a round robin against the other teams over the course of a long weekend. The other 4.5 teams in their own round robin. The package includes accommodations, breakfasts, awards, and fun.
May 10-17, 2014
38th Annual Antigua Tennis Week, Curtain Bluff Resort, Antigua, West Indies, Phone: 888-289-9898
International Tennis Hall of Famer Fred Stolle, the winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, leads this animated week of clinics, exhibitions, pro-ams, team competitions, cocktails, and dinners with help from Owen Davidson, himself a multiple Grand Slam winner, and Aussie champion Ross Case.
May 14-18, 2014
Drysdale Tennis Ladies Retreat, Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, Florida, Phone: 904-277-5151
Join director of tennis Scott Colebourne and his professional staff for this 5-day/4-night, ladies-only tennis retreat. The package bundles oceanview accommodations with 15 hours of instruction and drills, coached team competition and match play, daily breakfast, an awards banquet and players' party, dinner in Fernandina Beach, and optional spa services.
May 15-18, 2014
New England Tennis Holidays Camp, Mohonk Mountain House, New York, Phone: 800-869-0949
Special 2- and 3-day camps at this Hudson Valley resort
May 15-18, 2014
NIKE Adult Tennis Camp, Lodge at Pebble Beach, California, Phone: 800-645-3226
For information and booking the camp, visit US Sports Camps and say Referred by Tennis Resorts Online. For information about accommodations at The Lodge at Pebble Beach, call camp director Kie Foreman at 831-625-8578.
Every time you review a resort or camp you know first hand, you're automatically entered in a drawing for one of three tennis vacations: at Saddlebrook International Tennis: in Florida,TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort: in Florida, or New England Tennis Holidays at Sugarbush: in Vermont. Here's a sample of recent critiques of the top resorts and camps by other vacationers, followed by a link where you can post your own.
La Manga Club, Spain "This is an excellent program for either the Gold academy or the 10 hour academy. The pros are excellent teachers and don't "humor" you, but give good direction and advice. There is a good variety of accommodations to consider. The resort is very pleasant, and neighboring towns have good restaurants and attractions. We have visited 4 times and will continue to do so."—V.D., Adv. Int., March 2014
Hawk's Cay Resort, Florida "Our family had an outstanding time last week at Hawks Cay. We agreed that our tennis clinics and playing together made our trip. This is significant in that we had only played twice as a family and I hadn't picked up a racquet in years. After trying a beginner clinic with Josh and watching Mike give one of his up tempo lessons, we were hooked and returned every morning for another session. In summary, the quality of the instruction was nothing short of outstanding and is only surpassed by how warm and inviting Josh and Mike are as people. After one week at the resort, we are already planning on joining a club in Boston and planning our next trip down to Hawks Cay
The quality of the courts was terrific and the other patrons enjoyed themselves. We have already spoken with a family friend who is traveling to the resort in June to put her in touch with Mike and Josh.
My 17 and 14 year olds have called it their favorite vacation with the most fun being who could be the "net monster" during our "friend" competitions."—D.K., Beg., March 2014
Rancho Valencia, California "One of the nicest resorts in the country that we have ever visited. Great pros: Todd and Robin that enjoy people and teaching. The tennis complex was under major renovation in Dec 2013, but they had ample courts for play and instruction. First class in all respects. Marie does a great job in game matching. Short drive to the ocean to visit Delmar, Solona Beach, and Torey Pines State Park."—S.D., Adv. Int., March 2014
Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii "Spent the last 6 nights here. Great grounds, good overall service. My wife loved the Spa and I loved the tennis program offered through Ocean Sports @ Hilton. Harry the local pro runs clinics and offers private lessons. It is the reason I come to this hotel; great tennis and great overall Hawaii resort experience."—R.L., Int., April 2014
NIKE Amherst Adult Tennis Camp, Massachusetts "I give this camp top rating for people looking to hit a lot of balls who don't mind college dorm accommodations. Five hours of well-paced drills, doubles, and singles play each day (optional additional 1 1/2 hours of social doubles many evenings) I've been going every year for about ten years now. Some instructors are very experienced and some are freshly trained college kids. Instructors are rotated every 20-30 minutes so campers get a good variety. The best thing about the camp is the director, Reiny Maier. His good humor and superb instruction are why I return year after year."—B.S., Int., March 2014
He assumes that role on April 1, and for the next several months will work with current CEO, Mark L. Stenning, who will be stepping down in September after 35 years with the organization. A highly respected member of the tennis community, Martin is a past president of the ATP Players Council and former member of the USTA Board of Directors. In the press release, Martin commented on his new position:
"I'm tremendously excited to join the International Tennis Hall of Fame, to lead the organization's staff, and to execute its mission. It is an honor to be charged with preserving the rich history of our sport and to celebrate the people who have created its greatest moments. I look forward to working with the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Directors and staff, and many tennis industry partners."
they bought the former Naples Bath & Tennis Club in Florida, bringing the so-called "Spanish Method" to a satellite campus run by none other than co-founder Emilio Sánchez himself. During his career on tour, he had a Top 10 ranking in singles and No. 1 in doubles, winning three Grand Slam doubles titles (two French, one U.S. Open) and later served as captain of the Spanish Davis Cup during its championship 2008 season. In Naples, he personally takes a role in the on-court instruction as he works to build this budding junior academy into one as effective as its Spanish sister. But just what is "the Spanish Method" anyway? 
Book the Saddlebrook Tennis School (which offers five hours a day of instruction) and a regular deluxe guest room at Saddlebrook Resort and they'll upgrade you to a one-bedroom suite* at no extra cost (two-night minimum) and include a complimentary Saddlebrook Amenity basket. 
From now through December, Dave Marshall has two special weekend (Friday-Sunday) packages exclusively for Tennis Resorts Online readers. 
"Singles Spectacular": a weekend clinic for one with 8 hours of instruction, match play, a tournament, and lodging in a 1-bedroom condo. Cost: $600. 
Tennis Resorts Online has secured a discount of $250* off residential and $100 off day* bookings on any tennis camp you book at the Julian Krinsky School of Tennis. To get it, email imagine@jkcp.com or apply online at http://www.jkcp.com and use one of these codes: for Residential camps, TRORES2014, and for day camps, TRODAY2014. 
indicates a tournament
Here's a sample of recent critiques of the top resorts and camps by other vacationers, followed by a link where you can post your own.
