Home Depot Center News

Volume II - July 10, 2007

Hantuchova added to Growing List of Top Ranked Players: Daniela Hantuchova, currently ranked No. 12 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, has committed to playing in the Aug. 6-12, East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife at The Home Depot Center. Hantuchova's commitment raises the number of Top 15 women's singles players in the world to eight who have committed to play next month.

Remember Her Name For The East West Bank Classic: Marion Bartoli jumped from No. 19 in the world to No. 11 this week after upsetting world number one Justine Henin at Wimbledon, advancing to her first Wimbledon final before losing to Venus Williams. Bartoli recently committed to playing in the East West Bank Classic at The Home Depot Center in August. Bartoli's win is the biggest upset in the sport since Jelena Dokic defeated then world No. 1 Martina Hingis in the first round at Wimbledon in 1999.

A Warm Welcome: East West Bank has become the new title sponsor for the 38th annual women's tennis tournament held each summer at The Home Depot Center. The new name of the tournament is now the East West Bank Classic Presented by Herbalife. East West Bank replaces JPMorgan Chase, who previously held the title sponsorship role. The official web site for this year's tournament is eastwestbankclassic.com.

Players in the East West Bank Classic Are Honored: Serena Williams was selected to play for the United States in the Fed Cup semi-finals against Russia on July 14-15, 2007. Vania King was also named to the squad by captain Zina Garrison. In 2003, the United States was a finalist, losing to France 4-1. The last time the U.S. finished on top was in 2000, with a 5-0 victory or Spain. The Fed Cup is the largest annual international team event in women's tennis with more than 100 nations participating. Launched in 1963 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation, Fed Cup has consistently some of the greatest names in women's tennis.

Did You Really Know?: Michael Chang, winner 34 career singles titles and owner of a 662-312 career record, is currently coaching No. 59 Shuai Peng (China) who will play in the tournament.

Opportunity Knocks: Volunteer recruitment is underway for this summer's tournament. Each summer more than 100 volunteers work as part of the team to produce the East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife serving in a variety of administrative and service positions. If you are interested in becoming a driver for tournament players and VIP's, please contact Pam Tuchscherer at pamtuch@yahoo.com or call 626.345.0944. If you are interested in volunteering for other tournament operations, please email gkikuta@ca.rr.com, call Jarrid Baldogo at 310.409.8453 or visit www.eastwestbankclassic.com.

Media Credential Applications Now Available: The 2007 East West Bank Classic presented by Herbalife is now accepting applications for media credentials for the Monday, August 6