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Celebrating Guga, Brazil And Of Course Tennis

Bring flash and a a little Gustavo Keurten passion to your game with this Guga 10th Anniversary Crew from Diadora. The polo pictured here, $67.99 is similar to the one the Brazilian wore during his first Roland Garros Championship. The design is also available as a crew, $54.99. Get it at Tennis-Warehouse.

Look too at the silent auction going on now through October 31 to benefit Instituto Guga Kuerten, Gustavo's charity dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged kids in Brazil. Ponta dos Ganchos ,  a seriously stunning looking resort in Guga's hometown of Florianopolis is taking bids for stays in the resort's newest luxury sea-side bungalows. They have one fabulous clay court on the water and will bring in a pro just for you if you would like. Email the resort at  reservas@pontadosganchos.com.br for more information or to bid. Image Source

Davis Cup Team Players Announced. Semifinals in Madrid's Plaza de Toros Las Ventas Sept. 19-21. You Can Be There.

The USTA and U.S. Davis Cup Captain Patrick McEnroe just announced that Andy Roddick, James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan will be representing the U.S. in the Davis Cup semifinals against Spain, September 19-21 . The matches will be played inside the Plaza de Toros Las Ventas in Madrid, a bull-ring that seats 21,000. Either Andy or James will likely face Rafa. That's Rafa, in Spain, on clay. Our guys are going to need a little red white and blue presence in that arena. Get yourselves over there!

If you want to go, you still can and it's easy. Check out what packages Grand Slam Tennis Tours has to offer. One of our friends took a recent tour with these guys and said it was awesome. They have done ALL the work. Pack your racquets. You'll want to find some red clay to test your game too.

Meet Bud Collins and Ashley Harkleroad At the First-Ever, Pop-Up Store in NYC, "US Open Soho"

The USTA just announced its first ever pop-up store, US Open Soho set to open 10 AM - 7 PM, August 22 through September 9 at 129 Prince Street in Manhattan's Soho Shopping District. Check out the expanded, officially licensed US Open offerings including the new Under Armour line, the new US Open DVD game and a vintage clothing line created to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Open Era. 

You can, of course buy some of the offerings online or at the Open but Bud Collins will be in Soho Sunday August 24 at 5:00 PM to sign his book, The Bud Collins History of Tennis; and boys, Ashley Harkleroad will be there signing autographs, Tuesday, August 26 at 5:30 PM. She is riding the tide of "tennis fame." Have fun.

Grow Your Game. Play with Todd Martin at Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Florida

Extend your warm weather season with a fall trip to Florida and the luxurious Ginn Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast (north-east Florida near Jacksonville). The resort is offering a special Todd Martin Weekend, October 3-5 with unlimited tennis, instruction, drills and play with Martin. The weekend for all player levels starts at $455 per person (based on double occ.). Visit Hammock Beach or call 888-246-5500 to learn more and book a reservation. Deadline is September 29.

Federer vs. Sampras, March 10; Last minute seats available

Tennis fans, according to the folks at Stubhub.com, there are still seats available for the Sold Out March 10 NetJets Showdown between Roger Federer and Pete Sampras at Madison Square Garden in NYC. Stubhub is an online ticket reseller. There are a few extra fees involved but it's all outlined on the site. If you are dying to go...here's your chance. Go to www.stubhub.com.