Russian Star, World No. 6 To Make First New Haven Appearance
 |
| Nadia Petrova© Andy Lyons/Getty Images |
NEW HAVEN, Conn., May 3, 2004 – The star-studded Pilot Pen Tennis field just added another headliner, as world No. 6 Nadia Petrova of Russia has committed to make her first appearance in New Haven. With 15 weeks remaining until first serve, Petrova joins top-10 standouts Kim Clijsters and Lindsay Davenport and fellow Russian Maria Sharapova at the Pilot Pen presented by Michelob ULTRA, a USTA Event, set for August 20-28 at the Connecticut Tennis Center.
Petrova, 22, reached her current career-best ranking with a strong start to 2004 which included appearances in the semifinals at Miami and Amelia Island, where she defeated Serena Williams, and the finals at Gold Coast. Her performance this year is an extension of 2003, when she completed her finest campaign, winning 45 matches. She reached the semifinals or better in five events, including her best-ever Grand Slam final four showing at Roland Garros.
Petrova had also committed to the 2003 Pilot Pen, but was forced to withdraw with a left hamstring strain.
“Nadia has rocketed up the rankings,” said Anne Worcester, Pilot Pen Tennis tournament director. ”She is a tall, aggressive, athletic player with a dangerous all-court game. We have had our eye on her for a couple of years, and we are delighted that she will play her first Pilot Pen.”
Petrova’s rise into the top 10 is even more impressive, considering she began the 2003 season ranked No. 111. She is near the top of the strong Russian contingent which currently places nine players in the top 40 on the WTA Tour.
About Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Michelob ULTRA
“New England’s Premier Women’s Sports Entertainment Event of the Year.” The 2004 Pilot Pen presented by Michelob ULTRA (www.pilotpentennis.com), A USTA Event, will be held August 20-28 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale. Three of the world’s top six and four of the top-20-ranked players, including Kim Clijsters, Lindsay Davenport, Nadia Petrova and teen sensation Maria Sharapova, have already committed to the tournament. A total of 14 hours of Pilot Pen Tennis action will be televised nationally on ESPN, ESPN2 and CBS Sports. For information on tickets, travel packages, sponsorships or on how to become a volunteer at the 2004 Pilot Pen, call the Pilot Pen Tennis office at 203/776-7331 or 888/99-PILOT.