News from 2012

Tennis Legends to Make History

[02.23.2012]

Nassau, Bahamas - Four of The greatest tennis legends of all times are set to compete in an historic doubles match during the opening of the prestigious Bahamas Open on Sunday March 11th, 2012 on Centre Court of the National Tennis Centre in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Bahamas Open an ITF sanctioned $100,000 Women's Pro Tennis Tournament, has the best advantage in the world, where many of the 100 ranked players who are eliminated early in the BNP Paribas Open tournament in Indian Wells choose to go before heading to Key Biscayne Florida for the Sony Ericsson Open.

To announce to the world, that the Bahamas is now a top tennis destination, The Bahamas Open have matched these legendary tennis players for one last hurray on the world stage in what is being billed as a Mega Legendary Match with the Best of the Best.

Martina Navratilova, Monica Seles, Mary Joe Fernandez and Zina Garrison, who has replaced Jennifer Capriati because of an injury to her arm, will square off in the Bahamas for the first time ever in the history of tennis for a much publicized Doubles Match. Never before have three number one seeds ever matched-up for a live play in the Bahamas or even the Caribbean region for that matter.

The event is being held in aid of four local charities in the Bahamas and the purse for each player will go to the charity which they represent. The Charities include the Bahamas Red Cross, The Cancer Society of the Bahamas, The Crippled Children's Committee and the Ranfurly Home for Children.

The event is expected to be televised and already requests from around the world have started to pour in. Fans of tennis will get an added treat, as the tournament itself will feature some of the best players in the world who are eliminated early in Indian Wells. Last year, more than 32 players in the 100 ranking  made history with the first ever event, including World number 2 ranked player, Petra Kvitova, as well as Sabine Lisicki and many others. In addition no other $100,000 in prize money event ever attracted such a strong field of all 100 ranked players.

This trend is again expected to be repeated, as the Players now feel that the Bahamas is a good omen. In last year's tournament only one player was in the top 30 in the world. Following competing in the Bahamas Open, 10 of those players are now in the top 30.

The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort and Casino is the Official Hotel, with the world famous Atlantis as the secondary hotel. Organizers have been able to get special rates, as well as American Airlines offering up to 10% discount on airfares.

This year, lots of activities are scheduled to take place especially with the first ever Bahamas Open Ball, where players get to walk the Red Carpet with the legendary stars, as well as witness the first ever Hall of Fame Induction into the Bahamas Tennis Hall of Fame.

There will also be Parties, Receptions and Concerts every night of the tournament following the feature match every evening, as well as prizes and give-aways. Some of the many prizes include a 2012 Hyundai Elantra, a Rolex Watch, Spa Treatments, Roundtrip Airline Tickets, Dinners at world famous Graycliff and a Dream Vacation for two that can be taken anytime within one year. Everyone with a paid admission ticket is eligible and each entry into the Stadium gives you additional chances to win one of these special prizes.

The Bahamas Open, which is expected to be a national event, will showcase the legends as well as the top players on the circuit competing for the Lady Edith Turnquest Trophy, as well as a whirlwind of activities to ensure that everyone experience an exciting time in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas is no longer just the home of former number 1 doubles players in the world, Mark Knowles, but now the home of the Bahamas Open a prestigious tournament that features the best players in the World. Witness history with every event.

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More Photos from Sébastien!

[02.22.2012]

Fellow Monica fan, Sébastien, has decided to share more photos with us! These photos are from the Open GDF Suez Exhibition in Paris on February 12, 2012. He is also sharing some photos from Monica's last appearance at the 2003 French Open. Below are portions of the emails he sent to us along with the photos. Thank you so much for sharing these great photos with us Sébastien! Enjoy!

Email #1:

Dear friends,

Thanks for your e-mail. Here are pics of the famous day of the exhibition in Paris this Sunday 12 of February. You can use them for the website. It is a pleasure to share with people who did not have my chance to see Monica on a court. I hope you will enjoy them.

My pics are not so good. Most of them are blurred. The light on the stadium was not so good and my camera is a bit old. But anyway, it is already good to have this souvenir. I was first there to enjoy of the show and not only to take pics.

I am also gonna send you the pics of Monica of French Open 2003. It is the first time I give them. I want you to have it because I know what fans you are and you deserve to have them. It is really the time to share them. I gave to Monica those pics when I met her. I wanted her to have this souvenir in picture because It was the last match of her career.

I have also a link where you can see me and Monica, http://www.greenactive.com/ornek-calisma-detay.php?id=5, It was in 2002 when Monica practiced before the 10th Open Gaz de France in Paris. I also gave Monica this picture and she also signed one for me. She called me her bodyguard ... Sweet Monica ...

As I told you, I hope to meet you one day. The best would be with Monica with tennis racquets. I play 2 hands 2 sides (lefty just for tennis like Monica) !!!

Stay in touch,

Take care

Sébastien

Email #2:

AS PROMISED ...

French Open 2003... I had he chance to be there, behind the chair for the last match and she gave me the towel which is on her chair...Monica is still my number 1!!!

The same day, I met Gaby (Sabatini) and she signed the book by Monica "From fear to victory" that Monica signed too after her training session of this "last" day. You can see the pics of this training ... and of the match with the scoreboard.

For the little story, I had a camera to use for only one time. Only 20-24 pics maximum and no idea of the pics before going to the camera shop. Technology has changed so fast ...

Take Care,

Sébastien

More Monica in Paris!

[02.13.2012]

Here are some more photos of Monica in Paris for the doubles exhibition match taken by fellow Monica fan, Sébastien. Below is a portion of his email. Click the link to view the photos from the event. Thank you Sébastien for sharing with all of us!

Hi Ronny and James,

I hope you are fine. Yesterday, I thought to you as I saw Monica in Paris. She was so sweet... I have not seen her during 9 years, but she remembered me like it was yesterday.

Here are private pics I want to share with you. I have taken more pics but here are the first taken with my mobile phone. I will send you pics coming from my camera soon If you want.

That would be great to see all of us with Monica, one day, somewhere in the world... sharing a day... Dreams can become true...

Take care,

Sébastien

Monica in Paris!

[02.13.2012]

Monica was in Paris for a doubles exhibition match on February 12, 2012 at the Open GDF Suez. Monica played with partner Amelie Mauresmo versus Martina Hingis and Martina Navratilova. Our friend and fellow Monica fan, Ludo, was there for the match. Below is a portion of his email. Click the link to view the photos from the event. Thank you Ludo for sharing with all of us!

Monica Seles was in Paris yesterday at the Open Gdf Suez. She played doubles with Amelie Mauresmo against both Martina Hingis and Martina Navratilova just before the final. Once again I was so lucky. I was in the Stadium. I had the great chance to see Monica and to meet her. I gave her flowers and I shared a few words with her on and off the court. She's just a wonderful woman, really kind and really empathic. Her eyes are beautiful, just because her soul is beautiful. It was a magical moment. I'm sending you few pictures of this event. If you want to put this email with the pictures on your great website, you have my authorization. I would like to share my experience with all her fans. I would like to also say something about this moment. To me, it was really important to meet her and to share a few things with her. I would like to encourage everyone to believe in their dreams. Believe me, anything is possible. Yeah to be happy and free, it's possible... with tenacity and dignity.

Enjoy it.

-Ludo

P.S. Don't forget to visit my website for more news and video:
http://ludosarasota.wordpress.com/

Mega doubles match set for Women's Open

[01.27.2012]

TWO of the greatest legends in women's tennis history along with two former No.1 ranked players in the world are going to face off in an epic doubles match.

And the matchup will go down in history at the second annual Bahamas Women's Open at the National Tennis Center on March 11.

Martina Navratilova, considered to be one of the best women tennis players of all time, is slated to battle Monica Seles, one of the best ever in the sport in this mega doubles match.

Not to be outdone, Jennifer Capriati, a tennis phenomenon at 13, will team up with Martina to duel against Monica and her partner Mary Joe Fernandez, another top player.

Capriati hurt her arm in an exhibition in Europe and is hoping to be able to play.

However, she is still expected to attend the Bahamas Open and if she can't play, then Zina Garrison - another former top player - is expected to take her place.

This historic event is scheduled to take place on a Sunday (March 11), the opening day of the Bahamas Open - an ITF sanctioned $100,000 women's pro tennis tournament - at the National Tennis Center in the Queen Elizabeth Sports Center.

Both the Tennis Channel and ESPN are expected into town for the televising of the mega doubles match and semifinals and finals of the doubles and singles events.

Last year, the Bahamas made history when it hosted a major pro women's tennis tournament for the first time ever.

The event also set a record for the most top players, all in the 100 ranking in the world - in the main draw for a $100,000 prize money tournament.

"All the players that were in our main draw last year only play in million dollar prize money tournaments," said Ty Olander, the owner of the ITF sanction for the Bahamas.

"Never had a $100,000 in prize money tournament attracted all 100 ranked players for the main draw. Before us this was unheard of. But the good news is this trend will continue as we get all of the players eliminated in Indian Wells the first week. They need us and, as a result, our tournament was formed."

Monica Seles, Martina Navratilova, Jennifer Capriati and Mary Joe Fernandez have never played in the Bahamas before.

"They are all looking forward to coming to the Bahamas to kick off the second Bahamas Open, which is expected to be a huge event this second time. We have put together an event second to none this time," said Olander.

"We are getting everybody involved from the school children, the tourists, the various charities, the expats, the service clubs and the residents. There will be something for everyone."

While in the Bahamas, these tennis stars are expected to visit schools, put on tennis clinics, host receptions and meet the Bahamians as well as tourists up close and personal.

The Bahamas Open is expected to start on March 9 with a welcome reception at the Tennis Center where all of the players are expected to sign in.

Then the Qualifiers are on Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, followed by the opening ceremony which starts at 5pm with the legendary doubles match with the star players.

The main draw starts on Monday and ends on Saturday with the presentation of the Lady Edith Turnquest Championship trophy to the winner.

Tickets go on sale next week at various box offices and on-line at www.thebahamasopen.com

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