[Josh]

By Richard Pagliaro - Top players will try to peak in the valley at the State Farm Classic. The Scottsdale, Arizona event announced today that five of the top six women in the world — top-ranked Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati, Martina Hingis, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters — have committed to the 2002 tournament staged at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, February 25-March 3rd.

The $585,000 tournament features a 28-player singles field and 16-team doubles draw. Defending champion Davenport defeated hometown favorite Meghann Shaughnessy in the 2001 State Farm final. <br />"We are thrilled to have commitments from Lindsay, Jennifer, Martina, Serena and Kim," tournament director Peter Tatum said. "This gets us off to a great start in anticipation of another outstanding event in 2002."

For ticket information, please call TicketMaster at (480) 784-4444 or visit the State Farm Tennis Classic web site.

 

[Tennisace]

Wow such a great field! Hopefully they'll have equally good weather! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

 

[TheBoiledEgg]

Great field <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

They can't get rain during the womens tourn three years running , its supposed to be a DESERT and it only rains when the Tennis is on <img src="graemlins/firey.gif" border="0" alt="[Fiery]" />

 

[Becool]

I hope Serena plays... She said she would play this year, she didn't

I hope she plays <img src="redface.gif" border="0">

 

[Tennisace]

Serena is scheduled to play Bern! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

 

[Monica_Rules]

Will Monica be playing if she does!

WOW what a tournie! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

 

[setpoint]

Monica Seles has committed to play in Scottsadale

 

[Pureracket]

Wow! What an impressive field. <img src="graemlins/bounce.gif" border="0" alt="[Bounce]" />

 

[justenis]

Great

I'll be there again this year.

Eggy: It's a desert but we do get rain early spring (if you can call Feb/March spring). So pull out a good umbrella and bring two sets of clothes...days it's spring nights...it's damned near winter.

Every year we get wonderful stars, but if u could see the princess resort...you'd know y.

 

[justenis]

Ps

Anyone remotely close I truly recommend this event. It's wonderfull. The players walk around freely, and I recommend courtesy but you can walk up to them when they r on the grounds or even talk to them after practice on the main court. 2000 I and my son were there when James Blake was warming up Agassi. Harrison asked Blake for his autograph and James asked if he knew who he was. Blakes brother was there qualifying that year also. Blake carried on a conversation with several of the fans who were there and had heard of him. The reason I tell you about the men is around Wed. or Thurs. the guys start showing up for the event the week after. Anyhoo it's a very casual relaxed atmosphere just about every autograph I have both men and womens is from this event...and I have lots. The nicest players I've interacted with ever...Kim Clijsters, Chanda Rubin<br />Justine Henin...after a doubles loss even, Mary Pierce, James Blake, Greg Rusedski, Arnaud Clement...very flirty, Hesham...these are the ones that spoke and actually seem warm. Most just sign...The worst from my perspective...Hingis and Ana. Take my word for it...just come.

 

[hhx]

Setpoint,from where do you know that Monica has committed to play in Scottsadale?

 

[arn]

Great field!!!

It really looks like a very promising year; almost all tournaments have better committmentlists as in 2001 <img src="smile.gif" border="0">