ARTICLES - février 2004

ATP Announces Launch of Ambassadors Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida, U.S.A. – The ATP, governing body of men’s professional tennis, today announced the launch of the ATP Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to promote the game of tennis at all levels through the active involvement of former ATP players.

Through ATP Ambassadors, former players on the ATP circuit will share their experiences at various events such as kids’ days, charity functions and speaking engagements as they increase their involvement with the ATP and its activities.

In the initial phase of the program, the ATP Ambassadors have teamed with Tennis Magazine (U.S.) and former player and current ESPN announcer Cliff Drysdale to promote a number of Demo Days at select cities across the United States in 2004. The Demo Days, which will be held at more than a dozen ATP tournament cities in the United States, aim to promote the sport and ATP tournaments at local clubs through fun, well-organized tennis clinics featuring Cliff Drysdale Management pros and ATP Ambassadors.

“The numerous former pro players of this game are an important asset in promoting pro tennis, and through ATP Ambassadors, we will help showcase their spirit and enthusiasm for the game to tennis fans worldwide,” said Chris Clouser, CEO, ATP Properties and President, ATP Inc. “ATP Ambassadors provides a platform for former ATP players to help grow the game of tennis. The knowledge and experience of ambassadors such as Cliff Drysdale can be a tremendous benefit to coaches, recreational players, fans and aspiring pros.”

The three-day Demo Days mini-camps, which will include sessions featuring Cliff Drysdale pros for adults and kids, will take place at various cities before and during ATP tournaments, such as the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic in Scottsdale. In Scottsdale, two Demo Days mini-camps will be held this week in advance of the tournament next week. Here is the preliminary list of participating Demo Days cities:

ATP Tournament City Dates Club Name Contact Number
Scottsdale Feb. 23-25 Village Racquet & Health Club 1-602/840-6412
Scottsdale Feb. 27-29 Scottsdale Athletic Club 1-480/951-0882
Indian Wells March 6-8 Braemar Country Club 1-818/345-3230
Indian Wells March 9-11 Mission Hills 1-760/328-5800
Miami March 19-21 Weston Tennis Center 1-954/389-8666
Miami March 22-24 Ritz Carlton Tennis Garden 1-305/365-4300
Houston April 12-14 Houston Racquet Club 1-713/464-4811

About ATP
With 64 tournaments in 30 countries, the ATP showcases the finest athletes competing in the world's most exciting venues. From Australia to Europe and the Americas to Asia, the season-long INDESIT ATP 2004 Race unites players and tournaments in a quest for success. The world's premier stars compete all season for INDESIT ATP Race points as they seek to secure a coveted spot in the Tennis Masters Cup, the year-end championship to be held November 13 - 21 in Houston, Texas, and a chance to claim the title of World No. 1. For more information, please visit www.ATPtennis.com.