Pam Shriver put Baltimore on the tennis map nearly three decades ago when as a 16-year-old, she advanced to the U.S. Open final, spawning a career in that included 21 singles titles, 112 doubles titles and an Olympic gold medal in 1988.
Shriver, 45, is retired from active competition, but she continues to make Baltimore a tennis destination at least once a year by hosting her Tennis Classic, which raises money for local charities.
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Every year since 1986, Shriver has brought in some of the sport?s biggest stars to compete. This year is no exception.
This year?s event is headlined by Andy Roddick, the fifth-ranked player in the world, who will face John Isner on Tuesday night at 7 at 1st Mariner Arena.
Shriver said it takes a little more work to attract players to her event now compared to when she was competing on the professional circuit. But she expects between 8,000 and 10,000 fans to see Roddick, who also participated in the classic in 2001 and 2003.
“Our two biggest classics took place when Andy came to town, and I think fans will be in for another great show,” Shriver said. “Even though this is an exhibition, these players will go out there to win because they understand this is these fans only chance to watch professional tennis live.”
Roddick, 25, has won 23 career titles, including the 2003 U.S. Open. He also won the 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C. this summer, defeating Isner , 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in the final.
But the 6-foot-9 Isner will get his chance at revenge in Baltimore. Isner is ranked 144th in the world and was a four-time All-American at the University of Georgia from 2004-07. Roddick?s older brother, John, was a four-time All-American at the University of Georgia before graduating in 1999.
Also expected to compete at the classic are Bob and Mike Bryan, the world?s No. 1-ranked doubles team. They will face Roddick and his brother, John, in the doubles match. In addition, Shriver said two Orioles players would also compete in a doubles match.
“This could be one of the hardest hitting matches we?veever had in 22 years,” Shriver said. “John and Andy have two of the biggest serves and forehands on the tour today.”
Pam Shriver?s 22nd Annual Tennis Classic
» WHAT: 22nd Annual PNC Tennis Classic
» WHEN: Tuesday, 7
» WHERE: 1st Mariner Arena
» PARTICIPANTS: Andy Roddick vs. John Isner; Andy and John Roddick vs. Bob and Mike Bryan.
» TICKETS: Available
