No Andre Agassi.
No Andy Roddick.
No Pete Sampras.
But even without the three biggest names in American tennis, the
Mercedes-Benz Cup is doing better than ever, with ticket sales
selling at a more accelerated pace than last year when all three
played.
“After six years with Mercedes-Benz, fans are willing to
support an event with a great reputation,” tournament
director Bob Kramer said.
“It’s gratifying to know it doesn’t have to be
one, two or three players to bring out the fans. The game seems to
produce other stars. People are looking for new
experiences.”
Instead of playing at the Mercedes-Benz Cup at UCLA like they
have the last few years, Agassi and Roddick will be playing at the
Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C. this week.
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic had been held in mid-August the
last few years, but changed its date to late July, when the
Mercedes-Benz Cup has traditionally been played.
Agassi has won the last two Mercedes-Benz Cups, and will not be
able to defend his title.
Sampras has not played in a tournament this year and may
retire.
The field at this year’s Mercedes-Benz cup is vastly
different from last year’s, but is still packed with some of
the best tennis players in the world.
Lleyton Hewitt was the No. 1 player in the world before his
first-round loss at Wimbledon in June. Sjeng Schalken, Gustavo
Kuerten, Sebastien Grosjean and Marat Safin are all ranked in the
top 20 internationally.
Other notable names include Taylor Dent, UCLA alumnus Justin
Gimelstob, Xavier Malisse and Wimbledon finalist Mark
Phillipoussis.
Not bad considering the Mercedes-Benz Cup is one of two
tournaments in the United States during the same week.
Michael Chang will be honored as this year’s tournament
honoree on Monday night, as he is retiring after a 15-year career
which includes a 1989 French Open title and Mercedes-Benz Cup
titles in 1996 and 2000.
For the 25th straight year, the Mercedes-Benz Cup will be held
at UCLA, the 20th year in a row the tournament is being held at the
Los Angeles Tennis Center (the first five were held at Pauley
Pavilion).
“The facilities at UCLA have been great,” Chang
said.
“For the guys, we are able to get adequate practice and it
works out really well. To have it there with the great crowd,
we as players really enjoy our time there.”
Several changes are being made to the Los Angeles Tennis Center
for the event, including the completion of Lot 7.
“It’s really a nicer north entry now, and allows for
less congestion,” Kramer said.
Another change Kramer talked proudly of is a color change on the
courts. The darker color is now on the outside of the court, rather
than on the inside.
“I’ve talked to a sports psychologist about it, and
you’d be surprised at what a difference it is.” Kramer
said. “it’s an eye-friendly thing.”
Other changes include increased wheelchair ramp access, more
concession stands for customers, and hiring a new chef.