LOS ANGELES - To deliver added value and convenience to tennis fans of the Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, the 2011 tournament will begin early round Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday sessions two hours later.  The 2011 tournament will be held July 25-31 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center on the campus of UCLA.

These Super Sessions, starting at 2:00 PM, will allow the Farmers Classic to showcase more key matches, in prime time, when more fans can enjoy featured players in the Straus Stadium.

"Adjusting the early days of the tournament to utilize super sessions will add more value to our patrons by showcasing more matches within each session," said Tournament Director Bob Kramer.  "With a 28-player singles field and a 16-team doubles draw, we are able to make our feature matches more accessible and convenient to fans by shifting things later in the day."

Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the tournament will once again feature two individually ticketed sessions, while the singles and doubles finals will both be contested during the same session on Sunday, July 31.

Headlining the early player commitments for the 2011 event is Juan Martin del Potro, winner of the 2008 tournament and the 2009 US Open champion.

On Friday in Paris, del Potro will battle Novak Djokovic in the French Open third round. Djokovic comes into the match undefeated in 2011 and riding a 41-match winning streak while del Potro is 29-6 in 2011 with two titles.  

The singles final of the 2010 Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz featured two Top 20 players as Santa Monica's Sam Querrey won his second straight title by defeating three-time Grand Slam finalist Andy Murray. In doubles, Camarillo natives Bob and Mike Bryan won their record sixth Los Angeles title.

Once again the Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, will benefit the Southern California Tennis Association. In 2010, the tournament and associated special events raised more than $500,000 for the SCTA and other charities. 

Season tickets and mini-plan tickets for the 85th annual Farmers Classic presented by Mercedes-Benz are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.FarmersClassic.com/Tickets or call (310) 824 -1010 ext. 251.

MEDIA NOTE The credential application for the 2011 event is now posted online. Please note the deadline of July 1 for the applications. APPLY HERE 

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CONTACTS:
Pete Holtermann: [email protected] or 312-218-3442
Bob Kramer: [email protected] or 310-824-1010, ext 230