Agassi Commits to Legg Mason
Annual Summer Classic Returns to Rock Creek Park, July 29-Aug. 6
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| Andre Agassi will go for a sixth title in his final appearance at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic© Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images |
WASHINGTON, DC (July 13, 2006) – Five-time champion Andre Agassi has committed to play in THE LEGG MASON TENNIS CLASSIC presented by GEICO, which returns to the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th & Kennedy Streets, NW), July 29-August 6, 2006.
One of the sports world’s most charismatic and popular figures, Agassi announced in June that he will retire after competing in the US Open, but has plans to compete in several tournaments during the North American hardcourt season. The eight-time Grand Slam champion is on the ATP’s Official Player Acceptance List for Washington (dated June 19), and just confirmed with tournament officials his plans to play at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.
“Andre has been a big part of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, so obviously we are thrilled that he has announced his intention to play here for a 17th year,” said Tournament Chairman Donald Dell. “We appreciate his loyalty to the event, going back to 1990, and look forward to seeing him in D.C. once again. He is a world class icon in our sport, and this may be a final opportunity for Washington tennis fans to see him compete.”
Agassi joins a star-studded player field with commitments from four other former champions – defending champion Andy Roddick, James Blake (2002 champion), Lleyton Hewitt (2004), and Tim Henman (2003), as well as Marat Safin, Andy Murray, Paradorn Srichaphan and the world’s top doubles team, newly-crowned Wimbledon Champions, the Bryan Brothers, Bob and Mike.
“Adding Andre Agassi to one of the most exciting fields in tournament history is really just enormous,” said Tournament Director Jeff Newman. “Washington’s sports fans have had the privilege of following Andre’s career from the earliest stages, and we’re honored that he has decided to return once again. He is that rare personality that transcends sports, and has the unique ability to take an event to the highest level.”
Ticket packages are still available, but going quickly. For more information, or to order ticket packages, please call 202.721.9500, or visit the tournament website at www.leggmasontennisclassic.com. Single session tickets, ranging in price from $9-$45 – based on session date – are available through all TicketMaster outlets, at 202.397.SEAT (7328), or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic is a US Open Series event. The US Open Series brings together the ten summer tournaments in North America, three television networks, tennis’ sanctioning bodies and top corporate sponsors during the summer tennis season. Since its launch in 2004, The US Open Series has doubled television viewership of tennis, increased total event attendance and contributed to the growing popularity of the sport.
A portion of the proceeds from the Legg Mason Tennis Classic benefits the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF). WTEF seeks to improve the life prospects for D.C. area youth, particularly those from lower-income communities, through tennis, educational and community-based activities that teach discipline, build self-esteem and improve academic performance.
Legg Mason is a global asset management firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. Through its subsidiaries, Legg Mason's sole business is asset management, and it has on-the-ground management capabilities located around the world. As of March 31, 2006, Legg Mason had assets under management aggregating approximately $868 billion.