Friday, November 20, 2009

Star-Studded Lineup Set To Honor Agassi At Ross Grand Slam Exhibition

By Brett Mauser | 3 Comments

Grand Slam champs will play a tennis exhibition match at Ross School in honor of Andre Agassi on Sunday, August 30.

East Hampton - Tennis great Andre Agassi, winner of eight Grand Slam championships on the ATP Tour, will be honored at a tennis benefit to be held at The Ross School on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. The event, set to take place at the school's brand new tennis center, will include an exhibition doubles match and silent auction, among other activities, and will benefit Ross scholarships and athletic programs.

Andre Agassi captured eight Grand Slam titles during his lengthy pro career, including two wins at the U.S. Open in Flushing, which begins the day after the Ross extravaganza.

Of the Grand Slams to Agassi's credit, four came in Australia and two were in Flushing at the U.S. Open. He is also one of three players in the Open Era (Rod Laver, Roger Federer) to capture the career Grand Slam - wins at the Australian Open (1995, 2000, 2001, 2003), French Open (1999), Wimbledon (1992) and U.S. Open (1994, 1999). His accolades also include a 1996 gold medal at the Atlanta-based Summer Olympic Games. Off the court, Agassi has raised millions of dollars for the Andre Agassi Foundation, which is dedicated to transforming public education for underserved youth. Last year, Agassi hosted "A Night In The Hamptons" at Ross to raise money for the foundation.

The event, which takes place on the eve of the U.S. Open, will honor Andre Agassi, who will not be playing. However, at least four Grand Slam winners will be in attendance, according to Ross officials. That list includes Murphy Jensen, who with his brother captured the 1993 French Open men's doubles title; Petr Korda, the 1998 Australian Open champ; and Mark Knowles, who joined Daniel Nestor in winning both the 1994 and 1997 Australian Open men's doubles titles. Alec Baldwin, named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in "30 Rock," as well as model and Ross parent Christie Brinkley will lead a who's who of celebrities at the event, including Rufus Wainwright, Ramona Singer, Mario Singer, Jill Zarin, Luann De Lesseps, Kelly Bensimon, Steve Guttenberg, Rip Torn and Judith Light.

Famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri will hold a special clinic at the facility. Bollettieri has coached a number of Grand Slam champions including Agassi, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, Jim Courier and Maria Sharapova, among his long list of protégés. Private instruction is also available by appointment.

"We are very excited that Andre Agassi, renowned as a tennis legend and humanitarian, will be attending our tennis event as our honoree," said Diana Aceti, the director of development and public relations at Ross. "All proceeds will benefit Ross scholarships and programs, and the heart of Ross School - the children."

A silent auction will also be held; prizes include a US Open Afternoon with Murphy Jensen, former pro and host of The Tennis Channel's "Open Access." On Wednesday, September 2, the prize winner will be Jensen's assistant for the day, helping coach Jensen for his Tennis Channel interviews while meeting tennis champions, watching matches and receiving a tour of the Lacoste VIP lounge. The prize list also includes a one-week clinic at the world-class Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, as well as tennis lessons and camp at the Ross tennix complex.

The Tennis Channel will include the event as part of its 30-minute entertainment show, "Celebrities and Tennis," featuring Brinkley that will begin airing in November.

A limited number of VIP tables and tickets, as well as general admission seats, are available are also tax deductible. They can be obtained by calling 631-907-5112 or by e-mailing daceti@ross.org. The event will be held rain or shine.

Comments

Donette Hudgeons from Richwood,texas says:
I am a huge fan of Andre Agassi. I have been following his career since he was 14 years old. I was always amazed at his amazing talent and his hand and eye sharpness. He was a diffent one of a kind. Best base player there ever was. He is truely missed in the sport of tennis. He had a special flare. He is one generous kind man, and he should be honored for all his achievements.Thank you so much for this amazing man.

Posted: 87 days ago

Alan Bennett from Lyman SC says:
What made Andre so spectacular was the journey of his career the unpredictable events that gravitated the average fan into his life. He was truely larger than tennis, he was larger than life at the climax of his career. Since that last match played in NY back 1074 days ago tennis has simply not been the same nor will it ever be. Andre branded the sport with a baseline bashing style that has been taken to new levels but he was truely the "originator" and to his credit many have their slam trophy on a mantle in their living room thanks to him. We will never know what it's like to be a professional tennis player and all the demands that go with it but thanks to a such a legend as Andre we had that opportunity to peek inside that lifestyle and for those of us who cared enough were able to be a part of something speciel none of us can every forget!

Posted: 99 days ago

Gerry Koppe from gerry@cjsa.org says:
I am such a huge fan of Andre Agassi and am going to attend on opening night when the USTA honors a man that meant more to tennis than any other player of his generation. He did well on the court but his off the court activities are what make him more than just a tennis player. He is a great human being and became that way despite having more money than he could ever spend and being so popular he could have just sailed by on his looks and talent. But he decided that he needed to do more and that is exactly what he did - MORE and then MORE than that. He is the very best there is in tennis and in sport in general. If each athlete gave just half of what Andre has given this world would be a better place for sure. Thanks for honoring him as he so deserves it.