NEWPORT, RI – Top seed Mardy Fish has been selected to join the United States Davis Cup Team for this week’s quarterfinal tie in Porec, Croatia, resulting in the three-time Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships quarterfinalist to withdraw from the 2009 edition of the tournament. Fish will replace Andy Roddick on the US Davis Cup Team after Roddick lost to Roger Federer in the longest fifth set in the history of the Wimbledon final on Sunday.
The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships began today and will conclude on Sunday, July 12 at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. It is the only ATP World Tour event played on grass in North America, and the final grass court tournament of the 2009 season. The Newport tournament features 32 of the top men in professional tennis competing for the Van Alen Cup and $500,000 in prize money.
"I'm certainly disappointed to have to miss Newport this year. It's a great event that I enjoy playing and I look forward to returning there again soon," Fish said. "I'm honored to be selected to represent the United States in Davis Cup again and am excited to join the team in Croatia. Obviously Andy had a very difficult match on Sunday in the Wimbledon final, and I know this was a very hard decision for him to make. I hope I can help make him proud this weekend."
Fish will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser. A lucky loser is the highest ranked player to have lost in the final round of qualifying. The final round is being contested now, so the Fish replacement will be named later Monday.
“We’re obviously disappointed that Mardy will not be taking part in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships this year,” said Mark Stenning, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “It’s a great opportunity for Mardy to be able to join the US Davis Cup Team. We fully support his decision and wish him the best of luck this weekend in Croatia.”
Two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro and former champions Taylor Dent and Robby Ginepri are among the headliners for the singles draw. Play began earlier today and will continue on Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Tickets are on sale now for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and can be ordered online at www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME (3263). In conjunction with the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, the International Tennis Hall of Fame will hold its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Saturday, July 11 (12:30pm). The Class of 2009 is represented by Recent Player Monica Seles; Master Player Andres Gimeno; and Contributors Donald L. Dell; and Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson (posthumously).
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis and its champions. For more information regarding the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, Tennis Tournaments, Events and Programs, please call 401-849-3990 or visit our website at www.tennisfame.com.