Written and contributed by Ryan Wofington and Trent Alenik
Team Bryan, a USTA Excellence Team in partnership with the Marty Hennessy Foundation and the Bryan Brothers Foundation will be bringing players, coaches and families to the event to cheer on the Bryan Brothers. The Bryan brothers are heroes to these youth and have set an incredible example by earning scholarships to play tennis at Stanford University, breaking every record for men’s doubles in the open era and are consistently giving back to their communities through various philanthropic initiatives. The Bryan Brother’s example has inspired many of the 65 youth who are now in college on scholarship through the the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis Foundation leadership programs to be their best both on and off the courts.
The BNP Paribas, also known as the “5th Slam” is an incredible event, making for a unique fan experience that allows for up close and personal interactions with the world’s best players. Fans can easily obtain autographs and photos at various spots around the grounds and watch the pros practice by sitting just feet away from the action.
This year marks the grand opening of Stadium Court 2 which will seat an additional 8,000 spectators as well as provide world class culinary cuisine through three well established restaurants including Nobu, Chop House, and Piero’s PizzaVino.
Oracle CEO and tournament owner Larry Ellison is embracing technology and has turned the BNP Paribas into the most tech savvy tournament in the world. The BNP Paribas Open is the only tournament to feature the challenge system on every court and will feature updated live scoring on digital screens throughout the grounds.
The tournament committee has announced an exciting field of men and women that include current and former world number one players as well as countless previous champions of the BNP Paribas Open.
The men’s doubles field will include world No. 1 and defending champions Bob and Mike Bryan. Singles will include world No. 1 and defending BNP Paribas Open Champion Rafael Nadal (2007, 2009, 2013), World No. 2 Novak Djokovic (2008, 2011), world No. 4 and defending Wimbledon Champion Andy Murray, and four-time BNP Paribas Open Champion and World No. 6 Roger Federer (2004-2006, 2012). In addition, all the remaining top 10 ranked players are entered.
The women’s field will include two-time Grand Slam Champion and World No. 2 Victoria Azarenka (2012), and defending BNP Paribas Open Champion and world No. 3 Maria Sharapova (2006, 2013). Other former BNP Paribas Open champions on the list include world No. 8 Jelena Jankovic (2010), world No. 10 Caroline Wozniacki (2011), Ana Ivanovic (2008) and Daniela Hantuchova (2002, 2007). In addition, all the remaining top 10 ranked players are entered as well.
This fan friendly and family oriented event is a must see for all levels of tennis enthusiasts!!
About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world, offers more than $10 million in prize money, and is the only event to provide the Hawkeye line challenge system on all Qualifying and Main Draw match courts. In 2013, more than 380,000 people attended the event. Visit www.bnpparibasopen.com for more information or to purchase Classic Series, Mini, Group, or Hotel ticket packages. Indian Wells Tennis Garden Box Office, 800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92210.
About the Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis & Education Foundation
Founded in 2003, The Marty Hennessy Jr. Tennis & Education Foundation has placed over 65 children in colleges on scholarship throughout the country to universities and colleges such as Harvard, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Citadel , NC State and many more. The Foundation has helped countless children strive to be their best through its mentoring, tennis and educational programs. For more information, visit lasvegastennis.com.
Editors Note: Ryan Wolfington is a true friend of tennis. He is a true “guardian of the game” he always buys blocks of tickets (usually 250-500) at a time to get kids into tennis events. He did it here in Indian Wells, he did it @ Davis Cup in San Diego, he has done this forever! Besides being “movie star handsome” he is the most solid supporter of bringing young people to our sport. We applaud you and all your teams efforts!
Topics: BNP Paribas Indian Wells, Bob Bryan, Marty Hennessy, Mike Bryan, Sports, Team Bryan, Tennis News, Usta
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