"Adventures with Anna " US Open- Chris Evert Tennis Center Florida, Wilding Park

The Women's Final of US Open...it was rained out.  I did receive an email though from an estatic London friend, who was miserable - "it was raining in London and now that it was raining in NY  as well and they couldnt even finish watching Andy Murray on his way to beating Nadal."  Ah you see, when the game is hot- tennis unites the world,like music. Sports are good.

I admit I did not see the match..but it sounded incredible.I am sure the Brits are estatic that Murray made it to the

final.The first time in 72 years for a Brit. It was a stunning day in New York, a warm sun and gentle breeze, the day play continued ,but sadly I didn't make it to the womens final.It was scheduled after the Nadal,Murray match. The womens final started late, 9pm on that Sunday and I was just to tired(another run in with a new york atypical male the day or so before) to get all the way out to Flushing Meadow. I found myself tucked in the outdoor patio of an elegant local sushi bar with a friend enjoyng the soft evening. I did of course see Serena play a few days before as per a prior post...and I have seen her at Wimbledon aginst Sharapova. Writing this it seems that every time I go to see a major tournament...there Serena is..on the same day and same court I have tickets for! I met her Dad at Wimbledon,last time I saw her play.
I was going to do a story in honor of women tennis players and mention the new tennis center Chris Evert is setting up in Florida. Instead of   a full story I shall enclose excerpts from the opening press release below. The branding that goes on behind stadiums and tennis centers is always intersting.Wilding Park ,named after Anthony Wilding,four times consecutive Wimbledon single winner,my direct relative, is owned by the council.People always think we, the family, get a share of the profits from the Tennis Park.But we don't.In New Zealand most major tournaments are played there or in Auckland.I am sure Chris Evert and other in USA and elsewhere get royalties.( i am sure we may possibly should be getting them too) Though invited, I didn't attend the opening in Florida but here is some news on it below,issued by the event.

Tennis Legend Chris Evert Hosts VIP Reception in Miami

(September 4, 2008-Miami, FL) Chris Evert, the world-renowned tennis icon and new wife of golf legend, Greg Norman, recently headed to Miami’s sandy shores for a private reception at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key. The highly-anticipated event played host to Miami’s elite and top media figures. The couple, who recently made a media splash with their whirlwind romance, became an item when Chris Evert began working with The Great White forming Tennis Villages in his resort residential developments throughout the world. Chris Evert chose Miami as the city in which formally announce her new Tennis Center, which will be alongside her husband’s first PGA course in the Dominican Republic.

The stunning blonde walked in on the arm of her new husband and greeted the press by stating, “I had to tear myself away from Federer’s first set. I am very honored to have the first Chris Evert Tennis Center in the Caribbean.” She then proceeded to laughingly point out that “there are over 35,000 active tennis players in the Dominican Republic and only 10,000 golfers.” Chris explained that the Tennis Center will hold ten clay courts including one housed in a professional stadium, top amenities, a pro shop, and she will be very involved in the selection of its tennis pros. She explained her excitement for the project, “This is the only project in the Dominican Republic where the tennis center has an actual brand. This makes it very unique and with Greg on the golf course design and me on the tennis center, it’s definitely a family affair.”  

Costa Blanca, the highly anticipated oceanfront development by Group Metro, also includes a world class marina, a marina village, oceanfront condominiums, villas, a private beach and the exclusive founders club. Group Metro has already achieved tremendous success with the launching of its founders club, which produced almost US$100 million in sales on the first day of ground breaking. CEO of Group Metro, Dr. Asilis, explained his excitement for the boom that his country is seeing, “We’re so excited about the future of the DR. The area is drawing baby-boomers, Europeans, and is seeing tremendous growth.” 

Evert explains why she chose Costa Blanca and Group Metro, “Costa Blanca is going to be a wonderful destination in the Dominican Republic.  I look forward to working with the Development team of Group Metro to help facilitate not only a world class golfing facility, but my first Tennis Center in the Caribbean that will feature superior facilities but also unparalleled service for our members and guests.” 

A brief question and answer session followed, with the most surprising question coming from Greg Norman in the audience. The golf great raised his hand for the microphone and asked, “So how is your marriage working out?” Evert laughed and said, “It’s gonna be great forever.” 

copyright anna wilding 2008