Two of the greatest legends in women's tennis history along with two former number one ranked players in the world, are going to face off against each other in an epic doubles match, at the 2nd Bahamas Open in New Providence, on Sunday March 11, at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's (BLTA) National Tennis Center.
Martina Navratilova, considered to be one of the best women tennis player of all-time, will battle Monica Seles, one of the best ever in the sport, in this mega doubles match. Not to be outdone, Jennifer Capriati, a tennis phenom at 13, will team up with Seles to go up against Navratilova and her partner Mary Joe Fernandez, another former top player. Capriati hurt her arm in an exhibition match in Europe and is hoping to be able to play by the tournament date. She is expected to attend The Bahamas Open regardless, and if she can't play, Zina Garrison, another former top player, is expected to take her place.
This historic event is scheduled to take place on March 11, the opening day of the 2nd Bahamas Open, an International Tennis Federation (ITF) sanctioned event, that carries a total purse of $100,000. Both the Tennis Channel and ESPN are expected into town for the broadcast of the mega doubles match and semi-finals and finals of the open singles and doubles.
Last year, The Bahamas made history when it was hosted for the first time ever a major pro women tennis tournament. The event also set a record for the most top players, all in the top 100 ranking in the world, in the Main Draw for a $100,000 prize money tournament. Now, they are set to do it again.
"All the players that were in our Main Draw last year, only play in million-dollar prize money tournaments," said Ty Olander, the owner of the ITF sanction for The Bahamas. "Never had a $100,000 in prize money tournament attracted all 100 ranked players for the Main Draw. Before us, this was unheard of, but the good news is this trend will continue, as we get all of the players eliminated in Indian Wells the first week. They need us and as a result our tournament was formed."
Seles, Navratilova, Capriati and Fernandez have never played in The Bahamas before, even in exhibition matches. They are all looking forward to coming to The Bahamas to kick off the 2nd Bahamas Open, which is expected to be a huge event this time around.
"We have put together an event second to none this time," said Olander. "We are getting everybody involved from the school children, the tourists, the various charities, the expats, the service clubs and the residents. There will be something for everyone."
While here, these tennis stars are expected to visit schools, put on tennis clinics, host receptions and meet the Bahamians as well as tourists up front and personal. They are all on a full schedule for the three days that they will be in town, as organizers hope the tournament kicks off from all of the publicity generated by these legendary players.
"All the contracts are signed, the sponsors are comfortable and we're ready to go," continued Olander. "The good news is that two of them are right in Florida and the other two are in Houston and Philadelphia, so our expenses are minimal."
These players who are considered some of the best in the world in modern history will all be staying at the Cove at Atlantis during their time here and are expected to take part in various events. According to Garrison, who's coming to The Bahamas as a back-up, she's actually looking forward to getting back on the court and playing in The Bahamas if the occasion arises.
"I'm extremely excited about coming to The Bahamas for this event and looking forward to it," said Garrison. "I love The Bahamas, I have a lot of friends there and it's going to be very exciting."
The Bahamas Open is expected to start on Friday March 9, with a Welcome Reception at the Tennis Center where all of the players are expected to sign up. The qualifiers are on Saturday March 10, and Sunday March 11, followed by the Opening Ceremony which starts with the legendary doubles match with the star players at 5:00 p.m.
The Main Draw starts on Monday and ends on Saturday with the presentation of the Lady Edith Turnquest Championship trophy to the winner. Tickets go on sale next week at various box offices and online at www.thebahamasopen.com.
Several travel agencies are already booking accommodation at the official hotel and also at Atlantis. This event is expected to catapult The Bahamas to new heights in sports tourism, as hundreds of players, coaches, family members, managers and fans are expected in town for the historic event.
Each player will be playing for a local charity, and according to Olander, they are going to approach the Red Cross, the Ranfurly Home for Children, the Cancer Society and the Crippled Children's Committee. Each of their purses will go to their respective charities.

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