Federer Misses Roddick, the IW Prize Money Controversy, & Agassi’s Workout System
While the ATP was busy taking money away from its players, we were busy compiling the latest and greatest stories from around the tennis world.
News that the ATP Board voted down the proposition to increase Indian Wells prize money by $800,000 was met with a big, fat "huh?" from players and fans alike. The ATP claims the move was a result of the tournament’s refusal to follow rules regarding money distribution throughout the draw. Players, on the other hand, are crying foul, saying that the decision was made because of the ATP’s close ties to IMG. That would be the same IMG that owns the Sony Open as well as the Madrid Masters. Apparently IMG bigwigs don’t want their tournaments overshadowed by Indian Wells chief Larry Ellison’s big bank account.
Tour player Mike Russell is not so pleased with the development. "This is another example where a players’ union is needed in tennis. The system currently in place is flawed. The players have little or no influence in prize money distribution.”
Meanwhile in London, Novak Djokovic sealed his place in the ATP World Tour semifinals with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Tomas Berdych. As usual, Djokovic made things exciting by saving two set points before closing it out in the second. Andy Murray followed that up with a win against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga by the same score, making his case to join the Djoker in the semis. Roger Federer is still perfect in Group B, looking to clinch his spot in the semis with a win over Juan Martin del Potro tomorrow.
Federer also said this week that he misses players like Andy Roddick and Juan Carlos Ferrero who have recently retired.
"I do feel sad not seeing them so often anymore on tour because I like those two guys, or other guys that came from my generation as well, who have marked the sport, motivated me, admired me, crushed some dreams of mine.”
Andre Agassi and his long time trainer Gil Reyes have released their own workout system called BILT with Agassi and Reyes. There are 12 different machines in total, and they don’t run cheap. Some are selling at upwards of $6,000, but really, can you put a price on the opportunity to train like Andre Agassi? Probably not.
Citizen has become the latest watch line to jump on the tennis player bandwagon, coming out with an
ad featuring a fierce-looking Victoria Azarenka. The world no. 1 is repping Citizen’s Eco-Drive line that is light powered and economically friendly.
That’s all for today’s Tennis Now News Update! Who do you think is going to emerge victorious in
London? Let us know on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tennisnow) or in the comment section below.