No Andre Agassi.
No Andy Roddick.
No Pete Sampras.
But even without the three biggest names in American tennis, the Mercedes-Benz Cup is doing better than ever, with ticket sales selling at a more accelerated pace than last year when all three played.
“After six years with Mercedes-Benz, fans are willing to support an event with a great reputation,” tournament director Bob Kramer said.
“It’s gratifying to know it doesn’t have to be one, two or three players to bring out the fans. The game seems to produce other stars. People are looking for new experiences.”
Instead of playing at the Mercedes-Benz Cup at UCLA like they have the last few years, Agassi and Roddick will be playing at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C. this week.
The Legg Mason Tennis Classic had been held in mid-August the last few years, but changed its date to late July, when the Mercedes-Benz Cup has traditionally been played.
Agassi has won the last two Mercedes-Benz Cups, and will not be able to defend his title.
Sampras has not played in a tournament this year and may retire.
The field at this year’s Mercedes-Benz cup is vastly different from last year’s, but is still packed with some of the best tennis players in the world.
Lleyton Hewitt was the No. 1 player in the world before his first-round loss at Wimbledon in June. Sjeng Schalken, Gustavo Kuerten, Sebastien Grosjean and Marat Safin are all ranked in the top 20 internationally.
Other notable names include Taylor Dent, UCLA alumnus Justin Gimelstob, Xavier Malisse and Wimbledon finalist Mark Phillipoussis.
Not bad considering the Mercedes-Benz Cup is one of two tournaments in the United States during the same week.
Michael Chang will be honored as this year’s tournament honoree on Monday night, as he is retiring after a 15-year career which includes a 1989 French Open title and Mercedes-Benz Cup titles in 1996 and 2000.
For the 25th straight year, the Mercedes-Benz Cup will be held at UCLA, the 20th year in a row the tournament is being held at the Los Angeles Tennis Center (the first five were held at Pauley Pavilion).
“The facilities at UCLA have been great,” Chang said.
“For the guys, we are able to get adequate practice and it works out really well. To have it there with the great crowd, we as players really enjoy our time there.”
Several changes are being made to the Los Angeles Tennis Center for the event, including the completion of Lot 7.
“It’s really a nicer north entry now, and allows for less congestion,” Kramer said.
Another change Kramer talked proudly of is a color change on the courts. The darker color is now on the outside of the court, rather than on the inside.
“I’ve talked to a sports psychologist about it, and you’d be surprised at what a difference it is.” Kramer said. “it’s an eye-friendly thing.”
Other changes include increased wheelchair ramp access, more concession stands for customers, and hiring a new chef.