Stanford Becomes Official Partner of ATP Doubles
ATP announces formation of Doubles Promotion CommitteeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Alison S. Kim
akim@atptennis.com
01/16/06 - Melbourne, Australia – The ATP, governing body of the men's professional tennis circuit, today announced that Stanford Financial Group has signed a three-year long-ranging commitment to serve as Official Partner of ATP Doubles.
As part of the agreement, the Houston-based private wealth management firm will become the title sponsor for both the ATP Doubles Race and ATP Doubles Ranking. They also will support the revitalized doubles game through new initiatives including a promotional campaign called "ATP Doubles Revolution." The campaign was unveiled to ATP players at their annual player meeting this past Saturday.
"It's great to have Stanford on board for what will obviously be an exciting year for doubles on the circuit," said Bob Bryan, who with partner and twin brother Mike Bryan finished 2005 as World No. 1 team and participated in an ATP Doubles Revolution photo shoot last week in Sydney. "They realize that doubles can only get better, and the players are fully committed to working with them to make this partnership work."
"We’ve enjoyed a successful relationship with Stanford as an ATP partner over the past year and we’'re thrilled that Stanford embraced the changes that we've implemented in doubles for 2006 and wanted to be part of what we’re calling a ‘revolutionary’ movement," said Richard Davies, Managing Director, ATP Properties. "Stanford shares our conviction that the doubles game and players are a vital part of the circuit and they will join us in celebrating all the excitement that doubles brings to tennis, from the teamwork and camaraderie to finesse and fast-paced action."
Stanford Financial is the official Investment Advisor of the ATP. The Houston, Texas-based company also has a marketing partnership with former ATP World No. 1 Jim Courier.
"We're not only big fans of tennis but also doubles, even more so now because we believe the changes implemented this year will provide a perfect platform to celebrate everything anew that makes doubles interesting to watch and play," said Alvaro Trullenque, Stanford Executive Director. "We're a financial organization that emphasizes teamwork and smart tactics, and that's what the best teams in the world must do to succeed. We're thrilled to be part of the wave that will bring doubles back to the forefront of the game."
The Stanford ATP Doubles Race is the accumulation of points earned by teams throughout the year starting January 1, 2006, reflecting a team’s performance and culminating when the top eight teams earn a coveted spot and compete at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, to be held November 13-19. The team that reaches the top of the Stanford ATP Doubles Leader Board with the most points at the conclusion of the circuit finale earns the distinction of World No. 1 team. The Stanford ATP Doubles Ranking is the objective, merit-based method used for determining qualification for entry and seeding in all tournaments, except as modified for Tennis Masters Cup.
Woodbridge, Gimelstob Named to ATP Doubles Promotion Committee
Concurrent with the sponsorship agreement, ATP Doubles Commissioner Gayle David Bradshaw has formed the first-ever ATP Doubles Promotion Committee to step up marketing and promotional efforts related to the doubles game. He will serve as Chair on the committee with recently retired champion Todd Woodbridge, who owns a record 83 career doubles titles, and current player Justin Gimelstob, the winner of 13 career doubles titles. Representing ATP tournaments on the committee are Bill Rapp from San Jose's SAP Open and Chris Kermode from London's Stella Artois Championships.
"This is a group that, most importantly, is genuinely excited and invested in the growth and promotion of doubles," Bradshaw said. "With their tremendous experience in the game of tennis, they will each be able to bring a unique perspective that collectively will help direct our efforts in promoting ATP Doubles."
The ATP introduced changes to the doubles game this year, with a new scoring format featuring two sets to 6 (tie-break at 6:6), no-ad games, and a Match Tie-break (first to 10 points, win by two) at one-set all. The new format, with its predictable length and unique scoring features, provides for better scheduling options and more showcasing of doubles on feature courts.
Join the ATP Doubles Revolution
At the annual ATP player meeting on Saturday, the ATP and strategic creative partner VML unveiled their "ATP Doubles Revolution" promotional campaign. It will feature print ads, TV commercials and tournament executions designed to celebrate doubles.
"It will first and foremost celebrate the unique and fun characteristics of doubles—speed, reflexes, touch, tactics and teamwork—along with the personalities of the team and player," said David Higdon, ATP Senior Vice President, Communications. "It also will highlight the benefits of the rule changes which not only make the game dramatic and exciting with Sudden Death Points but also allow us to increase the opportunities for doubles to be seen through the scheduling benefits."
For a "sneak peek" at the "ATP Doubles Revolution" campaign, go to www.ATPtennis.com/Doubles.
Media Contacts:
ATP VP, Media Relations: Graeme Agars, gagars@atptennis.com, +1-904-285-8000
ATP Europe: Nicola Arzani, narzani@atptennis.com, +377-9797-0404
ATP International Group: Stephen Duckitt, sduckitt@atptennis.com, +61-2-9250-2300
ATP Americas: Pete Holtermann, pholtermann@atptennis.com, +1-904-285-8000
ATP Mundo Latino: Benito Perez-Barbadillo, bpbarbadillo@atptennis.com, +377-9797-0404
Stanford Financial Group: Suzanne Hamm, shamm@stanfordeagle.com, +1-901-537-1696
Links:
http://www.atptennis.com
http://www.atptennis.com/Doubles
