Juicy News - Dunlop Named Title Sponsor of Orange Bowl

Further bolstering its commitment to junior tennis, Dunlop is pleased to announce its role as Title Sponsor to one of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the world, the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships held at The Tennis Center at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, FL.  Crandon Park is also home to the Sony Ericsson Open, which the winner of the under 18 division will receive a” wild card” entry into for the qualifying draw in 2008.

With this year's event taking place from December 3rd-9th, the title sponsorship begins immediately, meaning Dunlop will be the official tennis racquet, tennis racquet bag, tennis ball and string provider for the tournament.

Coming on the heels of launching its global D-Squad junior initiative and sponsorship agreements with the ITF Junior tennis U14 World Team Championships and U16 BNP Paribas Davis and Fed Cups, this multi-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association continues Dunlop’s goal of supporting the growth of the game through junior tennis.

Robin Gibson, Dunlop’s Head of Marketing, said “Being granted title sponsorship of the Orange Bowl International Championships is a fantastic prospect for Dunlop. Each year, the world’s best juniors have the opportunity to represent their country in major international events such as these Championships and this agreement allows for us to interact with the youngsters and to help build and create brand loyalty with the international stars of the future.”  USTA Director of Junior Competition and Orange Bowl Tournament Director, Lew Brewer added, “We are thrilled to partner with Dunlop on the Orange Bowl.  It is fitting that one of the most familiar companies in tennis is linked with one of the most notable junior tournaments in the world.”

Now in its 61st year, the Orange Bowl International Tennis Championship has produced such champions as John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, and Chris Evert. Also, current Dunlop players Tommy Robredo and Tommy Haas played in the Orange Bowl competition as juniors.