Rising American ATP professional Donald Young, the youngest player ranked in the top 80, has committed to Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour to be held August 15-23, 2008 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, it was announced today by Anne Worcester, tournament director.
The 18-year old joins a growing list of talented players already committed to the event including 2007 Pilot Pen finalists Agnes Szavay and Mardy Fish, and 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli. Last year, Young had an impressive season that included a break through win in his inaugural visit to New Haven. It was the first ATP match win of his professional career, and his strong play continued the following week at the US Open where he made it to the third round. In addition he won a Challenger tournament at Aptos, California last summer and reached the finals of four others, which helped him climb 386 spots into the top 100 of the world rankings. This year, he has continued his upward charge by reaching the quarterfinals of Memphis and the third round of the Masters Series event at Indian Wells.
“We are thrilled that Donald has decided to play the Pilot Pen again this year,” said Worcester. “As the youngest player in the Top 80, he has incredible talent and that he will be one of the leading faces of American tennis for years to come. Adding him to the field only strengthens a growing list of men’s and women’s rising stars as well as veterans that will compete in the Pilot Pen this summer.”
“I will always remember the Pilot Pen, because you never forget your first win on Tour,” said Young. “I am excited to be coming back to New Haven this summer, and hope that this year I can create more unforgettable moments for myself and the fans.”
As top players have started committing to the Pilot Pen, fans will want to get their ticket packages as soon as possible. Packages range from Weeklong Box Seats (the best seats in the house for all 15 sessions starting at $400/seat), to the all new Weekender Flex (choose to attend three of the four semi-final and/or final sessions for $185), to the Family Four Pack (four middle tier tickets for the session of your choice, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas and two tournament posters starting at $64). Daily tickets will be on sale starting Monday, June 2.
For tickets, how to become a volunteer, or more information about the tournament, please call the Pilot Pen Tennis Box Office, 888/99-PILOT, 203/776-7331, or log on to www.pilotpentennis.com.
Pilot Pen Tennis presented by Schick, an Olympus US Open Series event on the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, will be held August 15-23, 2008 at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale and feature a number of international tennis stars including World No. 13 Agnes Szavay, American Mardy Fish and 2007 Wimbledon finalist Marion Bartoli. The Pilot Pen is the first ever combined men’s and women’s summer tournament leading into the US Open. The 2007 Pilot Pen, whose champions are Sveltana Kuznetsova and James Blake, drew nearly 100,000 spectators and was televised nationally for 18 hours on ESPN2 and CBS Sports.
About the Olympus US Open Series
The Olympus US Open Series brings together the 10 summer tournaments in North America, three television networks, tennis’ sanctioning bodies and top corporate sponsors during the summer tennis season. In 2007 the Series continued its enhancements to the sport, including more national TV hours, live back-to-back Finals every Sunday, bonus prize money at the US Open, new court colors, and a significant national marketing campaign.