Partnership to Kick off Miami Open, Demonstrating Shared Commitment to Advancing Tennis, Enhancing Player-Only Experiences
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WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2023 – The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), global advocates for women’s and men’s professional tennis players, has partnered with Citi Taste of Tennis, the premier culinary and tennis event, to offer players unique VIP hospitality experiences as they compete on tour around the world. This collaboration includes an expanded slate of WTA and ATP players and their families and friends at Citi Taste of Tennis events, as well as player-exclusive programming. Additionally, the partnership underscores the PTPA’s goals with its alignment with AYS Sports Marketing, a women-led sports marketing agency that is committed to growing and bettering the game of tennis for both women’s and men’s players. Citi Taste of Tennis is created by and produced by AYS Sports Marketing.
“We’re thrilled to partner with a women-led sports marketing agency that shares our commitment to elevating and advancing the game of tennis for both men and women,” said Neeta Sreekanth, SVP of Operations for the PTPA. “Citi Taste of Tennis is beloved by tennis players, and the AYS Sports Marketing team will be valuable collaborators as we work to create top-notch programming and increase visibility for professional tennis players.”
AYS Sports Marketing is the creative force behind the Citi Taste of Tennis series. Founded by tennis enthusiasts Judi and Penny Lerner, the mother-daughter duo envisioned an event that brought together the international appeal of gourmet cuisine and professional tennis. Having become a hallmark of the professional tennis circuit over the past two decades, AYS Sports Marketing’s Citi Taste of Tennis events have earned a reputation as some of the most eagerly awaited and talked-about “off the court” occasions on the tennis calendar.
“We are delighted to partner with the PTPA to provide a more immersive and enjoyable experience to WTA and ATP players through our Citi Taste of Tennis events,” said Penny Lerner, Co-Founder and CEO of AYS Sports Marketing. “Our shared vision to enhance the sport for all its stakeholders has led to this collaboration, and we look forward to creating innovative programming and hospitality that truly resonates with the players.”
The organizations collaborated for the first time in early March at the BNP Paribas Open, with a sports and entertainment panel on athlete empowerment led by Chamillionaire, Jacquelyn Dahl, Nneka Ogwumike, Jalen Rose, and Aly Wagner, followed by a Citi Taste of Tennis main event featuring Michelin Star Chef Minh Phan and 14 top local chefs.
The collaboration between PTPA and Citi Taste of Tennis will continue at the 2023 Miami Open, kicking off the tournament on Monday, March 20. The event promises to be a spectacular affair with top tennis players such as 4-time Grand Slam Champion Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and 2-time Nitto ATP Finals Winner Alexander Zverev, along with renowned Miami chef Diego Oka showcasing their skills.
To secure a spot at the Miami Open event, players are encouraged to reach out to their PTPA point of contact, send an email to info@ptpaplayers.com, or fill out the contact form available on the PTPA website.
About the Professional Tennis Players Association:
The PTPA is uniting and mobilizing tennis players around the globe to create transparency and fairness in professional tennis. It is an independent organization dedicated to the advancement and protection of professional men’s and women’s tennis players across their entire professional journey. Through the PTPA, professional tennis players are building an equitable and sustainable competitive environment for players today and for generations to come, including health and safety issues, schedules, rules, purses, benefits and education. The PTPA is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations globally.
About AYS Sports Marketing
AYS is a woman-owned marketing and events agency founded in 1995 by Judi and Penny Lerner. AYS provides customized solutions for clients seeking to maximize their marketing, sponsorship, events, and digital initiatives. AYS also created and produces the Taste of Tennis, a renowned culinary experience that kicks off major tennis tournaments across the US. This one-of-a-kind event features cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs, interactive sponsor experiences, live entertainment, and appearances by the world’s top tennis players. For more information visit www.tasteoftennis.com.