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2009 U.S. Open Tickets on Sale Monday, June 8 but if you've got Am Ex you can get them now.

Tickets to the U.S. Open go on sale to the general tennis adoring public on Monday, June 8 at 9 am EST. This year's event runs August 31 - September 13, 2009.

No need to say more. I know you want to go. Visit US Open event sales or call 1-866-OPEN-TIX for more information.

American Express Cardholders can take advantage of the special advance ticket sale going on now through Saturday, June 6. Here's the link for that, but you gotta have the card.

10 Ways to Improve Your Tennis Game While Watching Pro Tennis.

Watching great tennis IS good for your game. Check out my article "10 Ways to Improve Your Tennis Game While Watching Pro Tennis" just out at on THE BASELINE.

Andre Agassi to Join Advanta WTT Pro League. 2009 Summer Schedule Chock Full of Star-Power.

 Andre Agassi will return to professional tennis competition this summer, playing two matches for the Philadelphia Freedoms of the Advanta World Team Tennis Pro League, July 10 in Philly and 17 in Newport Beach, California.

The league's plans include 73 matches in 10 markets, July 2-26. The Eastern and Western Conference Champions will battle for the Advanta WTT Championship title on July 26.

Agassi joins other marquee players: Serena Williams/Washington Kastles (July 9, 10, 13, 14); Venus Williams/Philadelphia Freedoms (July 7, 8, 9); Martina Navratilova/Boston Lobsters (July 14, 15, 16, 21); John McEnroe/New York Sportimes (July 13, 15, 16, 21); Anna Kournikova/St. Louis Aces (July 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13); Michael Chang/Sacramento Capitals (July 10); and Bob and Mike Bryan/Kansas City Explorers (July 17, 18, 19, 21).

Learn more about the Advanta WTT Pro League, players, venues, dates and tickets at WTT.

Image: Fred and Susan Mullane/Camerawork USA.

2009 Outback Champions Series Schedule Announced. Eight Tournaments Including New Events in Brazil and Mexico.

The 2009 Outback Champions Series offers up a series of global tennis events featuring some of the biggest names in the game now over age 30: Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg and more. To be eligible to compete, players must have reached a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world in singles or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. Yes hot-shot, they can still take you down 0 and 0.

In addition to single elimination singles, each six-player event will also feature special doubles exhibition matches which are really a treat to see as doubles gets a bit neglected when it comes to pro tennis television coverage. The 2009 Outback Champions Series schedule is as follows:

Champions Cup Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, Feb. 13-15; Rio Champions Cup, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 12-15; The Del Mar Development Champions Cup, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, March 18-22; The Residences at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships, Grand Cayman, April 23-26; International Tennis Hall of Fame Champions Cup, Newport, Rhode Island, August 19-23; The Citadel Group Championships at The Palisades, Charlotte, North Carolina, September 25-27; Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships at Surprise, Surprise, Arizona, November 6-8; Emirates NBD, The Legends Rock Dubai, Dubai, U.A.E., Nov. 19-21. Learn more at Champions Series Tennis. Watch for Tennis Channel coverage of some of these events as well.

World Team Tennis (WTT) Pro League. It's Coming Your Way.

After Wimbledon World Team Tennis takes the stage in pro tennis. Some of the game's best team up in eleven markets across the US to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles in an exciting and very unique format. The court colors themselves signify that things are a little different with WTT. Great tennis for sure but it's team play that moves quickly. This year the regular season runs July 3-23. Tickets are on sale now. Marquee players include Andy Roddick, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Bob and Mike Bryan, Martina Navratilova and Anna Kournikova. Learn more, find upcoming schedules and buy tickets at www.WTT.com. Event sponsor Advanta will give a junior racquet to all kids age 4-16 at each event as part of its "Ready, Set, Racquet" program. Teams include: Boston Lobsters, Delaware Smash, Kansas City Explorers, Newport Beach Breakers, New York Buzz, New York Sportimes, Philadelphia Freedoms, Sacramento Capitals, St. Louis Aces, Springfield Lasers and NEW THIS SEASON, the Washington Kastles (DC). Matches are played in each of the markets during the season. Enjoy.

Images Courtesy of Fred and Susan Mullane/Cameraworks USA

Roland Garros 2008 Coverage on TV

Watch the French Open beginning today on television. There is quite a bit of coverage this year so if you don't get The Tennis Channel, not to worry, you'll catch a lot of it. If you do get it, you are all set.

Here's a link to the complete television schedule as compiled by the USTA: Roland Garros TV Schedule. The tennis season is heating up; enjoy!

"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!

WTA 2008 Family Circle Cup --Watch it From Home

Set your tivo or dvr; better yet watch it live.  Check out some of the women's action from Charleston, South Carolina from the comfort of your couch. Go to www.familycirclecup.com to see the complete television schedule.

Serena and Raphael walk on water to kick off the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

Serena Williams and Raphael Nadal literally played on water to kick-off the 2008 Sony Ericsson Open. Set in the pool atop the Gansevoort South Hotel in South Beach, Miami, the two had a little fun on the floating court before heading off to face tournament business.

Tennis fans, if you don't have tickets, the Sony Ericsson Open has some television viewing available weekdays and weekends  (Fox Sports network and CBS Sports). You can check out the television schedule at www.sonyericssonopen.com/media/tv_s.html. Set your DVRs so you can catch it all. The tournament runs March 26 - April 6. Image: Sony Ericsson/Getty Images

Watch Federer vs. Sampras tonight ONLINE at USTA.com

In case you didn't get seats, AND you don't get the Tennis Channel, take advantage of the showdown LIVE online, tonight, Monday, March 10 at 8 PM EST in streaming video.  It's being billed as a battle for tennis history. Fans worldwide can log on and watch the match for free at www.usta.com.

It's always good for your game to watch great tennis.