ParadouTravel

2006 Paradou Open

A couple of times each week Alex and I can be found at the downtown tennis courts along the Hudson River. We love the game and are pretty decent weekend hackers. We're both fairly competitive. Alex hates to lose, while I always say that I play more for the exercise and use our age difference to justify my less than stellar winning percentage.

Every year, in August, we both make our annual pilgrimage to the greatest tennis tournament in the world, the US Open.

This year we started thinking "Why should that be the only tournament in New York. Why should they get all the glory?" So we've decided to have one of our own. Sure we might not have Federer or Nadal, Sharapova or the Williams sisters. Sure we might not get global TV coverage or offer millions in prize money. But hey we can still have some fun.

So we've decided to create the PARADOU OPEN. We've got rules, prizes, all the stuff that gives tournaments an air of legitimacy. Plus we'll have a couple of pre- and post-tournamant events that'll involve food and drink to give it a bit of glamour. A very little bit of glamour.

We want this to be fairly competitive and want all players to be on approximately the same skill level. To determine that we are using the ratings system established by the NATIONAL TENNIS RATING PROGRAM (NTRP). If you're not sure of your rating, go to the NTRP site by CLICKING HERE.

There is no entry fee. This is just something we wanted to do.

RULES
1. This is a singles tournament open to both men & women. Men & women will play each other. We believe in equality and think the Billie Jean King vs. Bobby Riggs match taught us all something.
2. Minimum of 10 players must sign up.
3. Tournament starts week of July 9th and concludes week of August 13th.
4. Winner must play a minimum of 6 matches. Winner will be person with highest winning percentage and highest match total. Ex: Person with 8 - 2 record, will be declared winner over someone with 6 - 1 record.
5. Each match is first to 9 wins. You must win by 2 games. We wanted to do it best of 3 sets, but with most public courts limiting play to 1 hour, thought that might be difficult.
6. Results must be emailed to vadim@paradounyc.com. We will send weekly emails to participants updating them of standings.
7. To register please send email to vadim@paradounyc.com. Include the following information: name, email, phone number, and player rating.

THE PRIZES
FIRST PRIZE: 2 tickets to the US Open Quaterfinals Day Session on September 6th, (Bring your binoculars, but try to sneak down...thats what I do). Dinner for 2 at Paradou (up to $150 credit)
SECOND PRIZE: Dinner for 2 at Paradou (up to $150 credit)

We'll have a meet & greet at Paradou on Thursday, July 6th at 6:30 - 7:30PM, and the awards "ceremony" will be held on Monday, August 21st at 6:30PM.

If you have any questions, or wish to submit your registration, please feel free to contact me at vadim@paradounyc.com. Feel free to pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in playing.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!!!!