Zaino Courts Featured at D3 Nationals
Paul Settles has heard all the superlatives and praise that have been heaped on the new Bizantz Family Tennis Center at Claremont McKenna College. The men’s coach at Claremont Mudd-Scripps had a chance to show off the fabulous 12-court facility at neighboring Claremont-McKenna College as it hosted the NCAA Division III National Championships May 19-24.
“It’s hard to be modest, but it really is spectacular,” said Settles of the 12 lighted courts which has permanent seating, an observation deck, and clubhouse with team locker rooms. “It feels like a national training center here. Everyone who has come by and seen the courts are amazed at how great everything turned out.”
The courts were officially dedicated on Jan. 31 and were constructed by Zaino Tennis Courts located in Orange. “Paul was really involved from the conceptual design to final construction,” Richard Zaino said. “The facility really represents the latest in tennis court construction including the newest and brightest tennis court lights with a low mast design.”
Settles, in his sixth season at Claremont McKenna, hopes his team can use the home-court advantage once it hosts the NCAAs. Settles’ team is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation. “In all my years at the ATP I saw a lot of low class tennis facilities,” Settles said. “What we’ve built here is perfect form and function and works very well for spectators as well.”
Long Beach Wins Big West Over UCI
What a way to end a career. Hannah Grady won the clinching singles match to complete a perfect conference season in singles and help the Long Beach State women’s team capture a fourth Big West championship in four years, extending the program’s streak to six straight championships. The 49ers beat UC Irvine 4-1 in the Big West title match played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. One of the greatest players in Long Beach history, Grady finishes her Big West career with a 43-1 record in singles, having lost just one team match in her four years at The Beach. Long Beach fell to LSU in the NCAA regionals.
LA Open to Feature Safin, Sampras
The 83rd annual LA Tennis casino Open Championships will celebrate the career of tournament honoree Pete Sampras Monday evening as Sampras takes part in an exhibition against fellow former No. 1 Marat Safin at the LA Tennis Center on Monday, July 27.
Formerly the Countrywide Classic, this year’s LA Open will take place July 27-Aug. 2 on the campus of UCLA. Four-time LA Open champions and the world’s top-ranked doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan return after missing last year’s event to take part in the Beijing Olympics where they won the bronze. Other players who have committed early include Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey and 2007 champion Radek Stepanek.
For tickets, call (310) 824-1010 ext. 251 or email ticketinfo@latennisopen.com.
Safe Passage Camps
The first two Safe Passage Summer Tennis Camp sessions will take place at the Home Depot Center beginning June 22 with the second June 29. Advance beginning to open levels accepted for boys and girls ages 8-18. The month of July (sessions 3 through 6) the tennis camp will be held on the CSU Dominguez Hills courts.
Coach Eduardo Carrillo directs all camp sessions, and his staff includes (USPTA Pros) Mike Ridaoui and program director Tony Brock as well as collegiate players. Print the tennis camp registration form from the website www.lajcc.org or contact Program Director Tony Brock at (213) 989-2141 for more information.
