"Tennis Night in America" Comes to MSG

Tennis continues to grow in the U.S. as it returns to New York City's Madison Square Garden on Monday, March 5, for the BNP Paribas Showdown.

The event, also known as "Tennis Night in America," has annually marked the start of the tennis season in the United States. A month of professional events follows that include the BNP Paribas Open and Sony Ericsson Open.

Kurt Kamperman, United States Tennis Association (USTA) chief executive of community tennis, says, "The night is sure to generate momentum for youth tennis and create excitement for spring and summer programs at facilities nationwide."

Special events and programs are rolling out across the country designed to get more kids playing the sport for a lifetime. This is the USTA’s largest-ever youth tennis recruitment effort. And there has never been a better time to involve kids in tennis with the new "10 and Under Tennis" format internationally accepted as the standard for youth enjoyment, progress and competition in the game. 

The BNP Paribas Showdown 2012 will showcase two matches: three-time Grand Slam champion and current women's world No. 2 Maria Sharapova of Russia takes on Caroline Wozniaki of Denmark, who is ranked No. 4.

Following this ladies' battle, all-time Grand Slam leader Roger Federer of Switzerland goes up against U.S. favorite Andy Roddick. They will revisit their intense battle at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships where Federer captured his 15th Grand Slam title—breaking a tie with Pete Sampras for the most in history—during the five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 16 minutes on Centre Court at the All-England Club. Both ladies' and gentlemen's matches are set for best two-out-of-three sets. 

"Playing in Madison Square Garden has always been a dream of mine,” said Sharapova. “Everyone wants to play there at least once in their career. I look forward to coming back to New York for the Showdown."

Roddick added: "I have never had a chance to play at the Garden before and to play Roger there will make it a special night. I am really looking forward to a great event."

In 2011, four tennis legends took the court: John McEnroe faced Ivan lendl and Pete Sampras took on Andre Agassi. These were the first nationally-televised professional matches on a court with 60-foot blended lines, for the "10 and Under Tennis" program, on a 78-foot regulation court. This contest became THE event to showcase professional tennis legends as well as display the new QuickStart format with shorter courts, smaller rackets, and softer and slower tennis balls designed for youth.

This format is the same being used in Gloucester Township for youth tennis through the recreation center. Registration for spring sessions for kids aged 5 to 10 begins this month. Call 856-435-5734 for more details.

Ron Miller is a PTR certified tennis instructor who teaches group and private lessons for kids and adults through Gloucester Twp. Recreation in the SJ area. His website and podcast provide free instructional content for beginners to advanced players.