Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise
October 8-11, 2009
Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex
Surprise, AZ

The City of Surprise played host to one of the most highly anticipated debuts on the Outback Champions Series, as Andre Agassi joined the roster of Champions.

Held at the Surprise Recreation Campus Tennis and Racquet Complex, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships kicked off Day One with Wayne Ferreira defeating Mark Philippoussis, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. However, this was quickly overshadowed by one of the biggest upsets of the year, as Aaron Krickstein toppled top-ranked Jim Courier 7-6(3), 2-6, 10-5 (TB). The win marked Krickstein’s first professional win over Courier.

On Day Two, Todd Martin advanced to the Semifinals with his convincing win over Jimmy Arias 6-1, 6-4. Following Martin’s victory, Agassi took to the court in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. Agassi was able to hold off a late charging Mikael Pernfors, 6-2, 7-5. With his appearance in Surprise, Agassi became the eighth former world No. 1 to compete on the Outback Champions Series, joining Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Pat Rafter, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander, Thomas Muster and John McEnroe.

On Saturday, several players participated in Men’s Doubles as Arias & Philippoussis paired up to defeat the team of Pernfors and Courier 7-6(4), 6-4. The Doubles was then followed by Agassi’s Semifinal Match against Ferreira. As Agassi settled into the competition, he was able to defeat the South African in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, to earn his first trip to an Outback Champions Series final.

Kicking off the Saturday evening session, the players regrouped for another round of Men’s Doubles. This time, the international team of Philippoussis and Pernfors paired up to take on the American pairing of Courier and Arias. The international team emerged victoriously, 7-5, 6-3. In the nightcap, Todd Martin, though starting off slow, was able to hit his stride to defeat Krickstein, 7-6(3), 6-3, for a 2nd straight trip to the Arizona finals.

Amidst all the action on court action with the pros, a number of other events ensured the festival flavor continued right throughout the event. A kick-off party was held benefiting the Official Charity Partner, Assistance in Health Care. In addition, Kids Day was a huge success, as hundreds of children, ages 3-18, joined some of the Champions in drills, games and practice routines.

In a bid to win the third place crown, Krickstein concluded a memorable week of tennis defeating Ferreira 3-6, 6-3, 10-8(TB) on the final day of play. This was immediately followed by the Championship match, in which former Davis Cup teammates, Martin and Agassi faced off for the title. Martin took control of the match early, controlling points with a high percentage of first serves and aggressive play off his backhand side and ultimately saw him clinch victory 6-3, 7-5.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America Tennis Championships at Surprise was the seventh and final event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series. Martin's victory was his first on the Series since he won in Naples, Fla., in 2008, and his 3rd OCS title overall.
 

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