NEWPORT, RI, May 28, 2009 -- The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced today that 2002 Newport Tennis Champion Taylor Dent has received a wild card to play in the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, scheduled for July 6-12. This is the first wild card given out for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, played for the Van Alen Cup.

Dent will be making his fifth appearance in Newport, having captured his first ATP title on the Hall of Fame’s legendary grass courts by defeating James Blake 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the 2002 final. The 28-year-old Dent has been plagued with a reoccurring back problem, which ultimately led to back surgery. After battling through recovery in 2008, Dent has made great strides in returning to competition in 2009, playing in eight ATP World Tour events this year. His best result was winning a qualifying spot into the main draw in Miami and reaching the Round of 16 before bowing to Roger Federer.

In 2005, Dent reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 21 and holds four career singles titles: Newport (2002); Memphis, Bangkok, and Moscow (2003). The American is known for his incredibly powerful and fast serve, and a game tailored for the grass court surface.

Taylor Dent turned pro in 1998 and is the son of former Australian tennis great Phil Dent. Taylor and his father made history after his first win in Newport by becoming the first father-son duo to win ATP titles in the Open Era (since 1968).

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships played for the Van Alen Cup follows the Wimbledon fortnight and is the only ATP World Tour event played on grass in North America. The Newport tournament features 32 of the top men in professional tennis competing for $500,000 in prize money. Current players who will compete in Newport include two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro (champion in 2007, 2008), Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, and Robby Ginepri (champion in 2003).

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).

In addition, the Hall of Fame will honor Rod Laver during Hall of Fame Weekend (July 10-12), designating him a Life Trustee of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum while also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Laver’s remarkable 1969 Grand Slam triumph. To purchase tickets for all tennis sessions and the 2009 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, go to www.tennisfame.com. For additional information call the Tournament Office at 866-914-FAME (3263).Laver was a strategic member of Australia’s Davis Cup team in 1959-62 and 1973, winning the Cup in each year he played. In 2001, Australia honored their countryman by dedicating the Australian Open stadium in Melbourne Park as “The Rod Laver Arena.”

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization with a mission dedicated to preserving the history of tennis, inspiring and encouraging junior tennis development, enshrining tennis heroes and heroines, and providing a landmark for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2009 Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 and is represented by Recent Player Monica Seles; Master Player Andres Gimeno; and Contributors Donald L. Dell; and Dr. Robert “Whirlwind” Johnson (posthumously). The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony culminates on the final weekend of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, July 6-12, featuring 32 of the top men on the ATP World Tour competing for $500,000 in prize money. 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.