Posted on: September 25th, 2002
Sampras, Agassi to play at Villanova
- petepage[September 25, 2002 Eddie Levin] Less than two months ago in one of the most memorable U.S. Opens in recent memory, Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi turned back the clock and squared off in a classic four set match that was won by Sampras 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.
When the two square off Oct. 3 at Villanova University, they will be playing for a good cause taking place in a more intimate setting.
Next Thursday, Sampras and Agassi will help tennis legend Billie Jean King and music superstar Elton John celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Smash Hits, which will take place at the Pavilion on the Villanova campus.
"It's going to be fun," said Agassi. "Elton has always been good to me when I have charity events. I am glad I have the opportunity to assist him in his charitable efforts."
The tennis side of Smash Hits is played in a team tennis format that includes one set each of men's singles, men's doubles, mixed doubles, women's singles and women's doubles.
"With this format, you get to see a bunch of different match-ups, which is always exciting," said Agassi. "The fans are able to yell and cheer like they are at a hockey or baseball game. It is a great environment. The fans feel like they are a part of the match and not just a spectator."
The format is one set up to five games and no add scoring. Including Agassi and Sampras, other young rising American stars playing in the event include Ashley Harkleroad and Ally Baker.
To accompany his victory at the U.S. Open, Sampras enters this year's Smash Hits holding a 4-1 advantage over Agassi since 1996, including a 5-2 win in last year's event held in Sacramento, Calif.
Smash Hits will be celebrating its 10th anniversary and King and John could not think of a better place than Philadelphia to celebrate.
"Villanova has always hosted the women's Advanta tournament," said King. "It's a great venue and seats a decent amount of people. However, there are two big factors why we chose to have it in Philadelphia.
"One is Advanta CEO Dennis Alter and his role as a sponsor to the women's tournament, along with the Philadelphia Freedoms WTT team.
"Second, when I talked to Elton he thought the 10th Anniversary in Philadelphia would be perfect because of the song Philadelphia Freedom and because we have a WTT team."
King said, "Elton and I have always wanted to do something together. [World TeamTennis CEO Illana] Kloss told us this would be the chance for both of us to do something together.
"We could play tennis in the World Teamtennis format to raise money for his foundation. When he started the foundation, his main purpose was to help those affected with HIV/AIDS, so we devised a night of tennis where his proceeds would benefit his foundation as well as a few prominent local organizations."
In addition to the action on the court, there is plenty of action off the court, as a VIP reception that includes a silent and live auction is held to help raise money that benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation as well as local charities for the city that the tournament is held in. This year's local charities that have been chosen are Action AIDS and MANNA.
Although it is not widely discussed, the ATP players are known to give back to the community. In addition to helping John and King with Smash Hits, both Agassi and Sampras have their own charities.
Agassi started a charter school in West Las Vegas for kids who need a chance to succeed and Sampras runs a golf tournament to benefit the Tim Gullikson foundation.
"The key word is people," said Agassi. "I don't separate artists, celebrities or athletes. I am shocked when I don't see people get involved.
"I am quite often disappointed by what people don't do, but I am quite often also inspired by what people do."
The honorary Co-Chairs for this year's event will be Alter and wife Gisela.
"Philadelphia is a great tennis town," said Alter, himself a nationally-ranked player. "We try to bring tennis to as many people of all ages and abilities as possible, because it's a great lifelong sport that is enjoyable and can be competitive at any level."
Prizes at the auction include Billie Jean King's personal Centre court Wimbledon tickets with roundtrip tickets to England and five nights accommodations; an autographed Elton John piano bench; and signed racquets from Agassi and Sampras.
A celebrity VIP auction begins at 5 p.m. followed by the matches at 7 p.m.
Match tickets ($25, $50, $75, $100) are available through Ticketmaster at 215-336-2000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For tickets to the VIP auction ($250), call 215-981-3311.
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