Grand Slam Professional Tennis Predictions and Picks by Nick Bollettieri. US Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Australian Open » Champions Tour

Warm Weather, Hot Tennis

Nick's Picks — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 05:31:11 +0000

When you think of Grand Cayman you think of warm weather and sunshine. That’s what spectators got today at the Residences at the Ritz Carlton. The sun was shining and the tennis fans came out to enjoy a beautiful day at The Courts.

Today the Legends Championships served up yet another hot day of tennis. The day kicked off with two kids clinics. One for those 8 and under with myself, Wayne Ferreira and Paul Haarhuis. Then one for those over 8 with myself, Jim Courier and Mikael Pernfors. As with the previous clinics hosted here in Grand Cayman, the players really took an interst in the participants and while there was a good number of kids in each session, I think everyone got something out of it. Both groups were fantastic!!

Those that were fortunate enough to have tickets to today’s sold out matches got to witness Jimmy Arias face off against Mats Wilander and then Jim Courier battle John McEnroe. Unfortunately Mats had to retire in the second set with an injury. Jimmy will now face Paul Haarhuis in the 3rd place match tomorrow. The championship match-up was determined with the ever competitive match between Jim and John that went to a third set tie break. Jim prevailed and will go up against Wayne Ferreira for the title.

If you are headed out to the tennis tomorrow be sure to bring your sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Legends Championships – Day 2

Nick's Picks — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:23:56 +0000

Events like the Legends Championships at the Residences at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman are truly unique and give people a chance to see some of the best players to have ever played the game up close and personal. Yesterday spectators got a glimpse of the old Johnny Mac during his intense match against Jimmy Arias. That same energy might just come back out this afternoon when he faces Mats Wilander. If so, it will be quite the show!!

Luckily for the sponsors of the Legends Championships, they were not on the receiving end of any trash talking this morning at the Sponsors Clinic. Throughout the years I have hosted numerous tennis clinics around the world and I have to say that this morning’s was one of the very best. Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, Todd Martin and Mikael Pernfors joined me the Cayman Island Tennis Club for a wonderful clinic to thank the event sponsors. Each of the guys worked on a certain area of the game and gave fantastic personalized instruction to the participants. Its great to see guys who truly love the game share it in a meaningful way with others!

Legends Championships – Great Tennis and Great People

Nick's Picks — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:32:47 +0000

This week The Residences at the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman is playing host to the Legend’s Championships. I’m fortunate enough as the Sports Ambassador for The Residences, to be down in Grand Cayman partaking in the various activities surrounding this tremendous event. The Courts at the Ritz Carlton have completely transformed to bring this special event to the island.

The Legends competing here include NBTA alumni Jim Courier and Jimmy Arias as well as other former top 10 players Wayne Ferreira, Paul Haarhuis, Todd Martin, Mikael Pernfors, John McEnroe and Mats Wilander. Trust me, even though these pros are retired from the ATP Tour they are still competitors battling it out on the courts. It’s truly is great to see them and watch them play!

What’s probably even more impressive about this tournament is that not only are these champions competing for top prize, they are here to promote tennis and give back to the community that is hosting them. Last night there was a fantastic kick off party right on the beach where we had an auction to benefit the Cayman Islands Tennis Federation. The Federation is working hard to bring tennis to all the schools in the Caymans and get kids physically active. Then this morning the players participated in a Pro-Am, where I know numerous dreams came true (imagine hitting against McEnroe, Courier, Arias and Wilander all in one hour)!!!

Each of these Legends are true representatives of the game – on and off the court!!

To see some pictures of the event, click here or visit the Flickr link on the right hand side.