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Western and Southern Financial Group Masters and Women's Open, July 25-August 3 (men's) and August 9-17 (women's)

This summer join some of the game's best just outside Cincinnati, Ohio. This down-to-earth but big event is celebrating its 110th year; L. Jon Wertheim of Tennis Magazine wrote (8/06) "Venture to this unlikely tournament in the guts of Middle America and you'll find an unsurpassed tour spot." It's popular with players and attendees alike. The cash draws the flash; the prize money is big enough to pull the likes of Nadal, Roddick, Jankovic, Williams and Federer, all have played here in the past.

The men's event, the Masters (July 25- August 3), is one of nine elite ATP Masters Series Tournaments on the ATP circuit. The Women's Open (August 9-17) is a Tier III event on the WTA tour and the only WTA tour event held in the midwest.

Go to cincytennis.com to learn more, buy tickets or find accommodations.

"American Doubles" by Marcia Frost -- Behind the Scenes of this Time Honored Tennis Game

Just released, American Doubles, by Marcia Frost offers a revealing glimpse of the American doubles scene, the individual personalities, alliances, successes and struggles. Frost, a long-time and well respected tennis journalist, tells the story of just how strong doubles is in the United States. The Bryan brothers grace the front cover, a smart choice as the pair is surely responsible for the recent resurgence of media interest in the doubles game. They are still just about the only doubles duo receiving any significant network television air-time; hopefully this will change, as it's great to watch and most adult players do play doubles.

The book contains stories of how players have conceded a chance at singles stardom to preserve ties with a doubles partner, why sibling pairings are tough to beat, and how Americans thrive in a team environment. Both former and current players are discussed. Frost notes that doubles is now being emphasized in junior training, showing kids how to move beyond baseliner singles to a game with more aggressive style and net play. Newly instituted combined USTA singles and doubles rankings will certainly also encourage more juniors to pick it up.

This is a motivating, interesting read. Buy it at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and other fine bookshops. Suggested retail: $26.95 USD.

Hall of Fame Champions Cup August 13-17 in Newport, Rhode Island

  Here's another summer 2008 tournament in beautiful Newport, Rhode Island. If you can't make it in July check out this event, August 13-17 featuring eight tennis greats. Hall of Famers and former world number one champions John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Mats Wilander have already committed to playing. This is tournament four of eight in the 2008 Outback Champions Series. To be eligible to compete in the series players must have either: reached a Grand Slam single final; been ranked in the top five in the world; or played singles on a championships Davis Cup team.

Tickets go on sale today and are available through www.tennisfame.com or by calling 866-914-FAME. Accommodations in this historical town can be found through the Newport Chamber of Commerce.

Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, July 7-13 in Spectacular Newport

Tickets are now on sale for this gem of a tournament that runs July 7-13 in Newport, Rhode Island. If you haven't been to Newport in the summer, this is your chance to combine your favorite game with a great get-away.

The Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships is the only grass court tournament in North America. Combine that with the intimate setting surrounded by sparkling water, beaches, boats and mansions. While on the grounds see just how far tennis has come, with a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum. For tournament tickets and more information on the 2008 Hall of Fame inductees and other special events, go to tennisfame.com. For where to stay in Newport, visit newportchamber.com.

"Unstrung" Exposes What it Takes to Make the Big Leagues

Okay this is not live tennis but just in case you missed it, here's another chance to see "Unstrung," a two-hour tennis documentary that exposes the surprising dramas of the amateur tennis world as seven junior competitors head for the National Championship. This film illustrates the tremendous pressure, sweat, and tears that can separate contenders from champions. Donald Young, Sam Querry and Clancy Shields (pictured left) are all featured.  Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick and Nick Bollettieri all add perspective to this inspiring flick. Unstrung will air on ESPN2 at 5 PM EST on Sunday, May 25. Mark your calendar and watch what it takes to hang with the best!

Lotto's Spanish Ambassador

David Ferrer did his sponsor proud with his April win in Valencia. Color was everywhere looking pretty spectacular atop the rich clay surface. Here, left he wears the Lotto Men's Kontact Crew ($36.99 USD) and Kontact Short ($29.99). Below, he wears the short sleeved Lotto Men's Effect Crew ($42.99) a shirt we have been seeing more of, most recently facing Nadal at the Open Seat -- a color coordinated couple of guys in their teal headbands and tops. The Effect style also comes in a sleeveless version that runs $36.99.

Lotto's tennis wear features the lastest in fast drying fabric combined with strategically placed ventilation panels both in front (on the Effect style) and back (on the Kontact Style). Very cool for lots of reasons.

For general Lotto information go to lottosport. Ferrer's style is available in the US at Tennis-Warehouse.

A USTA Membership Offers Plenty of Opportunities to Play

Those of you who are not already members, think about joining the USTA. Aside from the great discounts and early-bird sales on USTA sponsored tournaments, you will find people in your area, at your level who are just as passionate about tennis to play with. If your tennis club offers a league, jump in and your match play will be all set. If you'd rather go it alone, look through the USTA tournaments listed in your area. It doesn't matter if you are just beginning or if you haven't played in a while. There are great opportunities at every level.

Check it out. Go to usta.com and click on "Tennis Link Membership" in the upper right hand corner. Click on "Tournaments" and you will be taken to the "Tournament Finder" page where you can look for tournaments in your area. There are hundreds nationally, each one is listed by level so no fear Mr. Former  College Player, you will not be playing Joe Beginner. Click on your region, adult, singles, etc. You may need to self rank, and the site gives you an opportunity to do so. The following link offers a little ranking tutorial. Get yourself an USTA number and start signing up. You'll have some great matches to look forward to. A little healthy competition is great for everyone's game. A one-year individual USTA membership is $40 USD, for a family it's $65.

Fitness Performance Essentials For Your Core Game

Just out this spring, a new line of core basics from Reebok. These are great workout essentials offering Play Dry moisture wicking and mesh ventilation in a variety of styles and colors. We love the athletic styling and fit. These pieces are current without being fussy. High school, college and adult players who don't "dress" for their game will enjoy the pure functionality and comfort of these pieces. For women, the Performance Essentials Tank ($35 USD), short ($35), short sleeve jacket ($45), stretch short sleeve compression crew ($20) and mesh skirt ($40) are all great tennis choices from this new collection.

These fitness performance essentials are cross-over type clothing and can be worn just as easily for yoga, running or biking, a court-wear trend that Steve Federico at Biscayne Tennis biscaynetennis.com in North Miami Beach, Florida tells us he is seeing a lot of.

Reebok's new active lifestyle collection is available only at Dick's Sporting Goods. Shop online at DicksSportingGoods.com or visit the site for a store near you.

Please see our men's post on this collection as well: men's post

Reebok's New Training Essentials -- Great for the Court

Reebok's new modern active lifestyle collection (discussed in more detail here: women's post) combines technical innovation with athletic design to deliver enhanced performance to athletes working on fitness.

This line offers cross-over pieces that work well for a run, bike, weight room and court. The Pieced Tech Run Crew retails for $30 USD ($28 in its sleeveless version shown here). The Cross Training Shorts ($28) offer ball pockets and ample ventilation. You will need compression shorts underneath ($25). The color choices are all classic.

This collection from Reebok is only available at Dick's Sporting Goods. Shop or find a store near you at DicksSportingGoods.com.