EUGENE, Oregon (March 9, 2011) – The many students of Anthony Blackburn of Blackburn Tennis Productions (BTP) and head professional at the Portland Athletic Club (PAC), traveled to Eugene, Oregon, yesterday for the Nike “Clash of the Champions,” held at the grand opening of the Matthew Knight Arena on the University of Oregon campus. Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc., financed the construction of this arena in honor of his late son, Matthew. This momentous occastion brought tennis greats Maria Sharapova, Vika Azarenka, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer for an exhibition match, which included women’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s singles.
Blackburn’s tennis clients returned with much to talk about, sharing their wonderful memories with Blackburn and the rest of the Portland Athletic Club. Sharapova and Azarenka ended their tight set with a 7-point tie breaker. Mixed doubles team of Sharapova and Federer topped the team of Azarenka and Nadal 6-4. Nadal came back from a 3-5 deficit to beat Federer 7-5 in the men’s singles match, the final event of the evening. To the crowd’s great surprise, there was a guest appearance by tennis legend John McEnroe, who commentated, filled in as chair umpire, and even played some tennis.
“This event was an outstanding moment for tennis in Oregon,” said Blackburn, who is also the head tennis professional at the Nike World Headquarters. “What a remarkable experience for my students. I can tell it has already increased their passion for the game, as I’m sure it has for the thousands of others who attended.”
Blackburn, who was unable to make the trip to Eugene, enjoyed hearing all the stories from this event, and would love for his students to send him any photos they may have. Photos may be sent to abtennisinfo@gmail.com.
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