Carrie Coolidge is a Pursuitist contributor based in Manhattan. From…
On March 18, tennis fans will play with some of the best professional tennis players in the world including Novak Djokovic, who is currently ranked number two, 2013 Wimbledon men’s singles champion Andy Murray and Serena Williams, the number one ranked woman, at the Fifth Annual All-Star Charity Tennis Event at the The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami in Florida.
The All-Star Charity Tennis Event, which starts at 2 pm, is open to the public, will offer an unprecedented, intimate gathering of the world’s top tennis players with fans. Twenty-four amateur players will have the opportunity to test their skills in a Round Robin qualifying tournament in which the winners will earn a chance to play against and alongside the professionals.
The event includes a cocktail reception provided by Finlandia Vodka and Chambord, passed hors d’oeuvres, exhibition matches with the top stars, a pro Round Robin, and a “King of the Court” challenge match pitting the pros against amateur Round Robin winners.
Additional tennis pros who will be participating at the event include Ana Ivanovic, former number one singles player in the world and winner of the French Open, Marion Bartoli, 2013 Wimbledon Champion and the Bryan Brothers, who hold every major doubles title, including all four Grand Slams, Olympic Gold, Davis Cup and all nine Masters series titles.
Proceeds will benefit First Serve Miami, a non-profit organization which helps economically and socially challenged youth learn tennis and valuable life skills by participating in free, affordable First Serve Miami tennis and education programs throughout the school year, as well as during the summer.
Ticket prices are as follows:
The $75 ticket level includes a spectator’s ticket to view the exhibitions, drink champagne and eat hors d’oeuvres while they watch the action.
Those buying tickets at the $750 level will receive entry to play in the Round Robin tournament, VIP seating, gift bag and court time. They will also be able to participate with Hall of Famer, Cliff Drysdale, Tennis Director Mark Chellas, ESPN tennis analyst Darren Cahill and top ATP players to qualify for two spots, giving local players the chance of a lifetime to play out points with the leading tennis pros.
The $1,500 ticket level includes entry to the Round Robin tournament, guaranteed hitting time against and alongside the top pros, VIP seating, gift bag and a group photo opportunity.
For the ultimate tennis fan, the $5,000 ticket level includes one VIP All Access Pass including one player entry in the Round Robin tournament, 15 minutes of guaranteed playing time against and alongside the top pros, VIP courtside seating, gift bags and individual meet-and-greet photo opportunity.
The action is open to the public by reservation and is limited. Tickets may be purchased by calling The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at (305) 365-4300 or contacting Mark Chellas at Mark.Chellas@ritzcarlton.com.
For those interested in booking the ultimate tennis vacation, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is offering the “Ultimate Tennis Dream package” which includes airport transfers; Champagne upon arrival; overnight accommodations in an oceanfront suite; breakfast daily; and a welcome amenity. The package also includes VIP access to the All-Star Tennis Charity Event on March 18th with guaranteed hitting time and meet-n-greet with the top pros; adult tennis clinic for two; one house private tennis lesson for two; and box seats to the Sony Open for two. Rates starting from $5,999. The offer is valid March 17th through March 21st, 2014. For reservations, please contact the hotel directly at (305) 365-4582.
The hotel is also offering the “I Love Tennis” package which provides guests with overnight accommodations; breakfast daily; complimentary shuttle round trip from Crandon Tennis Center to resort; a welcome amenity; a meet-n-greet with Hall of Famer, Cliff Drysdale; a tennis clinic for two daily and a private tennis lesson for two daily. Rates start at $999. This offer is valid March 17th through March 30th, 2014. For reservations, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne or call (305) 365-4500.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is just minutes from the city’s cosmopolitan center, but is similar to a secluded island getaway with its lush tropical gardens, infinity ocean views and beautiful beach. The luxury resort is a renowned spa destination and has four globally-inspired dining venues. The award-winning resort offers the largest tennis center of any Ritz-Carlton in the world. For additional information or reservations, call The Ritz-Carlton toll free at (800) 241-3333, the resort directly at (305) 365-4500, a travel professional or visit The Ritz Carlton Web site at: www.ritzcarlton.com.
Carrie Coolidge is a Pursuitist contributor based in Manhattan. From 2009 to 2011, Carrie served as Co-Editor of Luxist, the luxury lifestyle website at AOL where she ran the Luxist Awards, a program that honored the very best in fine living. From 1996 to 2009, Carrie was a Staff Writer at Forbes magazine, where she covered real estate, personal finance and the insurance industry, among other areas. Carrie is also the author of six books, including "The Business of America is Business". Follow her on Twitter: @carriecoolidge