USTA TO KICK OFF ‘MARCH INTO TENNIS’ AT “TENNIS NIGHT IN AMERICA” MARCH 5

Written by: Staff on 28th February 2012

USTA TO KICK OFF ‘MARCH INTO TENNIS’ AT “TENNIS NIGHT IN AMERICA” MARCH 5 |

Actress Christine Taylor Working with USTA To Get More Kids Playing Tennis

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., February 28, 2012 – The USTA today announced that on March 5 it will launch March Into Tennis, a month-long drive to get more kids playing the sport. Throughout the month, a record 1,200 USTA youth tennis events will take place across the country. March Into Tennis coincides with “Tennis Night in America,” which will feature Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki squaring off in a battle of former world number ones in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. “Tennis Night in America” will also serve as the first time that actress and tennis enthusiast Christine Taylor will publicly endorse USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis as its official spokesperson.

“’Tennis Night in America’ is a terrific event that celebrates the game of tennis in our country. Our March Into Tennis promotion will showcase the fun and excitement of playing 10 and Under Tennis as well as the simplicity with which parents can involve their children in the game,” said Jon Vegosen, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “We are thrilled to have Christine Taylor as our spokesperson to share with parents the many benefits their children gain by playing 10 and Under Tennis.”

“I know that if my kids try something new and it is too difficult for them, they immediately want to shelve it and go to something else,” said Taylor, USTA 10 and Under Tennis Spokesperson. “With the new 10 and Under Tennis equipment that features shorter and lighter racquets, slower-bouncing balls, smaller courts and simplified scoring the game is a fantastic way to encourage all children to play and have fun.”

As part of the USTA’s March Into Tennis promotion, Youth Registration Events will allow parents to sign-up their children for spring and summer tennis programs at local tennis facilities and youth serving organizations. Play Days will provide kids of all skill levels the opportunity to experience the fun of competition in a social and fun setting. These events will take place in short, continuous matches over a two-to-three hour period. Kids’ Tennis Clubs will give children the chance to try tennis in a fun, safe and supervised format, while they gain confidence and enhance their physical development and social skills. Parents and children can find more information about all the March Into Tennis promotions by visiting www.marchintotennis.com.

“Tennis Night in America” BNP Paribas Showdown will feature three-time Grand Slam singles champion Maria Sharapova against former World No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki. In addition, 16-time Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer will take on former US Open Champion Andy Roddick. Live television coverage of the matches begins at 7 p.m. on ESPN3 domestically and on ESPN International to over 130 countries. A tape delayed broadcast of the event will air at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2 featuring Chris Fowler, Mary Joe Fernandez and Patrick McEnroe. MSG Networks will re-broadcast the BNP Paribas Showdown, with Al Trautwig, John McEnroe and Katrina Adams handling the commentary beginning on March 16 at 8:00 p.m. on MSG Plus and again on March 18 at 10:00 p.m. on MSG. A 10 and Under Tennis demonstration, in which local New York City kids using shorter and lighter racquets, slower-bouncing balls, on smaller courts, will precede match play by the professionals.

Topics: March Into Tennis