Champions Cup Boston
February 13-15, 2009
Agganis Arena at Boston University

Recap: Champions Cup Boston kicked off the 2009 Outback Champions Series with a bang as Pete Sampras took on John McEnroe in the finals of the four day event at Agganis Arena. Pistol Pete was able to avenge his previous year’s loss to reigning Boston champ, McEnroe, in a 7-6 (10), 6-4 win under the lights of the indoor stadium Sunday night, the eve of McEnroe's 50th birthday. Pete said of the legend’s current playing ability, “I’m in awe of it actually.”

McEnroe took an early lead in the first set, jumping to 3-0, but Sampras’s strong serving allowed him to work his way back into the set and go on to win in the tie break after surviving four set points against him. McEnroe's temper hasn't cooled with age either, as he exhibited some of his trademark tirades, while questioning some calls. After one of Sampras’s many aces, McEnroe asked the linesperson to give him a little help, since obviously Sampras didn’t need any. But in the end McEnroe conceded graciously and said of his competitor, “He knows a little about winning when the going gets tough.”

Aside from a new starting date, the excitement in Boston was revved up for two new reasons: Tracy Austin and Anna Kournikova. The two ladies participated in two mixed doubles exhibition matches. Taking place on Valentine’s Day, Mikael Pernfors spent the day with the lovely Kournikova as they took on Austin and Mats Wilander. As the men played up to the crowd, Wilander and Austin went on to win 6-4, 6-4. During the night session Wilander proved he was a lucky charm by teaming up with Kournikova to take down Pernfors and Austin 6-2, 3-6, 11-9(TB) in a highly competitive but fun exhibition.

In singles play, the first quarterfinals match saw Todd Martin take on Pernfors. Although a solid showing by Pernfors, Martin went on to win the match in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2. Martin couldn't keep the momentum going as he dropped his match to Sampras in the semis 6-3, 6-4 but was able to capture the 3rd place win on Sunday in a walkover over his friend and perennial competitor, Jim Courier. Courier, who suffered the same fate as Pete the year before, incurred a back injury in his Saturday loss to McEnroe. Martin defeated Wilander in an exhibition match 8-6.

In group B competition, McEnroe defeated part-time commentator and always entertaining, Jimmy Arias 6-3, 6-4 in his first quarterfinal match. McEnroe then battled past Courier in the Semifinal round, 7-5, 6-1. The tournament again included its signature kids day and pro-am events. Amateur players were able to have their tennis dreams come true by knocking around some balls with the stars of the tour. Before the tournament, Courier stopped by Harvard to give some pointers to Tenacity tennis students, many of whom worked as ball boys and girls during the tournament. InsideOut sends a big thanks to Outback Steakhouse, Stanford Financial Group, Staples, Providea, ASG, Talon Air, Kraft, Coca-Cola, Taj Hotel, NESN and Greater Media, and most importantly all the fans for kicking off the 2009 season with a bang. For more event information including the new tournaments in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, and Los Cabos, Mexico, or to find out how to upgrade to a VIP member and hit balls around with the pros themselves, check out www.championsseriestennis.com today!
 

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