ISNER, ALMAGRO COMMIT TO 2013 US MEN’S CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIP

Written by: Staff on 1st December 2012

ISNER, ALMAGRO COMMIT TO 2013 US MEN'S CLAY COURT CHAMPIONSHIP

epa03476538 Nicolas Almagro of Spain returns the ball to Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic during their match of the Davis Cup final between the Czech Republic and Spain in Prague, Czech Republic, 18 November 2012. EPA/FILIP SINGER |

HOUSTON – Two players in the Top 15 of the ATP World Tour rankings highlight the initial entries into the 2013 US Men’s Clay Court Championship that will be held April 8-14, 2013, at River Oaks Country Club.

John Isner, who at No. 14 is the top ranked American, and No. 11 Nicolas Almagro, a Spaniard who is one of the most accomplished clay-court players in the world, have both committed to participate in the 2013 event.

The news comes just before individual session tickets and the very popular “Champ Pass” go on sale on tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 1). The Champ Pass for the 2013 US Men’s Clay Court Championship includes a ticket to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday sessions. “The Champ Pass” usually sells out before the tournament begins. A limited number of season ticket packages are still remaining. Information on tickets can be found at www.mensclaycourt.com or by calling 713-874-6294.

Isner was runner-up at the 2012 US Men’s Clay Court Championship, falling to Juan Monaco in the final. This season he became the No. 1 American and reached the Top 10 for the first time while winning a career-high 45 matches. He won two titles in 2012, bringing his career total to five in 12 finals. Twice in the past three seasons Isner has hit more than 1,000 aces to lead the ATP.

Almagro has led the ATP in clay-court match wins three times in the past five seasons. With a career record of 206-97 on clay courts, he joins Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Tommy Robredo as the only active players with more than 200 wins on the surface. All 18 of his career ATP finals appearances have been on clay, and his 12 clay titles are second among active players behind Nadal’s 36.

“We pride ourselves on being a United States championship as well as the nation’s only clay-court ATP tournament,” said tournament director Van Barry. “To get early commitments from the top American as well as one of the most accomplished clay-court players on Tour really helps us achieve both of those goals. We look forward to John coming back to River Oaks and welcoming Nicolas for the first time.”

Additional player commitments as well as a full schedule of special events will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2013 US Men’s Clay Court Championship.