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Tennis, Anyone? WRAL-FM and WRAL-TV Serve Up McEnroe & Sampras to a Crowd |
Kids get a chance to take a swing with a racquet. |
MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM and WRAL TV-5 recently sponsored Serving Up Aces featuring Pete Sampras and John McEnroe on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at the RBC Center. Over 5,500 people were in attendance to see the two tennis legends take the court in the Triangle.
The day kicked off with a Block Party hosted by the Raleigh Tennis Association and Raleigh Parks and Recreation. The Block Party featured two hours of tennis instruction, interactive games, and attractions, offering people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to learn and enjoy the benefits of the game – from fun and competition to lifestyle and fitness.The party came to a close as everyone lined up to get autographs from Pete Sampras and John McEnroe.
MIX 101.5’s Vanna Fox served as the master of ceremonies. “What fun, even for someone who has never played tennis—from the block party to the doubles, it was a great afternoon,” said Fox.
WRAL-FM’s Sheri Logan announces on the big screen. |
WRAL-FM’s Vanna Fox chats with the crowd. |
Sampras and McEnroe were welcomed to the court by MIX 101.5’s own, Sheri Logan from Bill & Sheri in the Morning. The tennis players kept the crowd entertained from their enormous talent to McEnroe’s playful protesting of the umpires’ calls. Sampras was victorious in the end, 3-6,6-3,6-4. Logan commented, “What an honor to participate in such a nice event. This is what makes the Triangle a great place to live.”
WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Ken Smith also participated in the event. “As a tennis fanatic, I was in my element,” he said. “The Block Party before the exhibition match had something for everyone and players at every level. That made it a worthwhile interactive event. I hope the RBC Center and the local tennis community make this an annual event.”
Thanks to WRAL-FM’s Paige Ellis for this capcom story & these capcom photos.
Pete Sampras (left) and John McEnroe shake hands following the conclusion of their exhibition match in the RBC Center. |
About the Players
John McEnroe holds seven Grand Slam Singles titles, as well as ten Grand Slam Doubles Championships” & Pete Sampras, often called the “King of Swing,” has fourteen career Grand Slam titles, and spent six seasons ranked #1 in the world.”
photo courtesy of WRAL.com’s Jonathan Stotts
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It’s hard to miss the ball with these over-sized racquets. |
A youngster gets a quick tennis lesson. |
WRAL-FM’s Sheri Logan (back, l to r) & Vanna Fox pose for a quick shot behind John McEnroe (front left) & Pete Sampras. |
POSTED: August 6, 2007
