NEWPORT, RI, July 3, 2009 -- The International Tennis Hall of Fame has announced that Sebastien Grosjean of France has been awarded the third and final wild card into the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships played for the Van Alen Cup. In addition, a doubles wild card has been awarded to the American team of Justin Gimelstob and Jesse Levine.

The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is scheduled for July 6-12 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.

A 13-year veteran of the ATP World Tour, Grosjean reached a career-high rank of No. 4 in the world in 2002. His grass court record includes his first career title at Nottingham in 2000 as well as semifinal runs at Wimbledon in 2003 and 2004 along with a quarterfinal in 2005. Grosjean underwent shoulder surgery in December of 2008, and will make his second ATP World Tour appearance of 2009 when he makes his debut on the historic grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Gimelstob, who retired at the end of the 2007 season, comes back to the site of his first career doubles title (1997) and only singles final (2006). In his career, the New Jersey native won 13 doubles titles. Since retiring, he has been elected as a player representative to the ATP Board of Directors and also serves as a commentator for Tennis Channel. Levine heads to Newport fresh off his career-best Grand Slam. The 21-year-old from Florida upset 2008 Wimbledon semifinalist Marat Safin in the first round at the All England Club this year on his way to the third round. Levine will also be in the singles draw in Newport.

Wild cards for the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships have previously been given to 2002 Newport Champion Taylor Dent and 2008 finalist Prakash Amritraj. Other players heading to Newport include two-time defending champion Fabrice Santoro, along with Americans Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey and 2003 champion Robby Ginepri.

The singles draw for the 2009 tournament will be made on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on the Horseshoe Piazza in an event the media are encouraged to attend. Qualifying will begin Saturday and main draw action starts on Monday.

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).

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of tennis and its champions. 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.


Adam Corriveau
International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Avenue, Newport,  RI 02840
p: 401-849-3990   fax: 401-324-4055
www.tennisfame.com

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