The Delray Beach Tennis Open

   All eyes of the tennis world will soon be on the blue hard court of the Delray Beach Stadium and Tennis Center for the Delray Beach Open from February 12-21. The only combined ATP World Tour and ATP Champions Tour event, the 10-day tournament brings the best and brightest of the game and is one of only two ATP tournaments to take place in Florida.

   Defending the American court this year include John Isner (No. 16), Sam Querrey (No. 21) and Ryan Harrison (No. 69) as well as No. 1 ranked doubles team Mike and Bob Bryan (Mardy Fish, No. 33, was scratched from the tournament in mid-February for health reasons.). They’ll go up against a stacked field of ATP’s elite, such as past ITC winners Kei Nishikori (2008 champion, current ATP No. 22) and Tommy Haas (2006 champion, current ATP No. 18). Other notable players to watch are current ATP No. 12 Marin Cilic (the highest-ranked player at ITC), Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov (No. 23) and Gael Monfrils, who once ranked as high as No. 7 in the ATP rankings. Monfrils, who returns after a year plagued with injury, could be considered the most exciting player to watch at ITC.

   Old school tennis fans can watch six former all-stars—including the always-spirited John McEnroe—during a three-day round-robin event that culminates February 24.

   Accompanying the top play on center court this year are a number of VIP experiences and events to keep funs tuned into their inner fuzzy yellow:

• On February 22, the special VIP reception kickstarts the gig. Call 561-330-6000 for more information.
• For the dedicated tennis fan, ATP Champions Tour players will hold a Legends Clinic on February 24. Tickets cost $750 per person.
• This one is for the ladies: On February 27 and 28, the Ladies Day Luncheon will take over the hospitality pavilion for an afternoon of wine, food and ATP players. Tickets cost $62 for reserved seating ($84 for box).
• On March 1, the eve of the semifinals, the ITC Dinner Party invites fans to indulge on some fine eats as well as watch the quarterfinals from some posh digs. Tickets cost $129 per person.
• Things wind down March 3 with the Champagne Finals Brunch at 11:45 a.m. Guests will enjoy mimosas and Champagne, a brunch buffet and stadium court box seats for the singles and doubles championship matches.

   Tickets start at $24 for grandstand and climb upwards of $200 depending on the day and seating. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 561-330-6000 or visit yellowtennisball.com.

Tournament Schedule

• Play begins February 22 with the ATP Champions Tour. The ATP World Tour Qualifying beginning the following day, February 23 at 11 a.m. The ATP Champions Tour Final is scheduled for February 24 at 3 p.m.
• First Round play for singles and doubles begins February 25, with five matches scheduled (doubles: 11 a.m.; singles: 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.).
• On February 26, doubles continue with a match at 11 a.m., while singles has four matches scheduled (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.) Isner’s match, at 8:30 p.m., caps the first round.
• The Bryan brothers will end the first round of doubles play February 27 at 2:30 p.m., while second round play begins for singles with four matches scheduled (11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.).
• Second Round Singles: February 28, four scheduled matches scheduled (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.).
• Quarterfinals Singles: March 1, four matches scheduled (12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
• Quarterfinals Doubles: February 28, 11 a.m.; March 1, 11 a.m.
• Semifinals Singles: March 2, three matches (3 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
• Semifinals Doubles: March 2, 1 p.m.
• Finals, March 3: Doubles, 1 p.m.; Singles, 3 p.m.