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Lauren Fishbein of Livingston, NJ. Photo by Longines.
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Longines Junior Tennis Challenge Invitational Gallery
Twelve-year-old Lauren Fishbein of Livingston, NJ won the United States’ 2010 Longines Junior Tennis Challenge on Saturday, April 17 at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Fishbein defeated Gaby Pollner of White Plains, NY 6-1, 6-1 in the championship match on Saturday and will represent the United States as she competes against fellow finalists from 16 countries around the world at the global event on June 3-4 at Roland Garros during the French Open.
Longines, the official timekeeper and partner of the French Open, is hosting the Longines Junior Tennis Challenge, a global initiative to support and develop tennis’ superstars of tomorrow, as part of its commitment to supporting the youth tennis community around the world and as part of its charitable efforts, in conjunction with tennis stars and Longines Ambassadors of Elegance Stefanie Graf and Andre Agassi.
Fishbein competed against seven of her fellow top-ranked USTA Eastern Section athletes in the sanctioned event on Saturday, which was hosted in partnership with TENNIS Magazine. Athletes competing in the U.S. tournament were selected on two criteria: athletic performance and commitment to give back to the community. Each registered athlete submitted a 300-word essay on philanthropy that was voted on by a panel of judges which included Graf.
In addition to the all-expense paid trip to Roland Garros, Fishbein will compete for two prizes: a chance to play against former French Open Champions Mary Pierce and Gustavo Kuerten at the French Open, and free tennis equipment until her 16th birthday, courtesy of Longines,
At the close of play following the world finals of the Junior Challenge at Roland Garros, Longines will present a generous gift of $100,000 to support the Agassi Foundation for Education and Children for Tomorrow, charities of tennis legends and Longines Brand Ambassadors Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf.
“I’m really happy with how I played today,” said Fishbein after her championship victory. “I’ve played on clay courts in New York and in Spain and I can’t wait to play on the clay courts at Roland Garros.”
“Congratulations to Lauren and all of the remarkable young women here at the Longines Junior Tennis Challenge today,” said Jennifer Judkins, Longines U.S. Brand President. “We are proud to support the future of tennis and look forward to watching Lauren compete on the courts of Roland Garros. As the official timekeeper of the French Open, Longines is proud to continue its support for the sport of tennis, the development of children and its work with Andre and Stefanie’s important charities.”
Tennis star and broadcaster Luke Jensen was on-hand at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Saturday to offer guidance and support to the young competitors. Jensen, who won 10 ATP doubles titles, is currently the head coach of the Syracuse University tennis team. “This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these girls,” said Jensen. “In an eight player draw, where you have to bring your very best tennis from the very first point, you have the chance to go to one of the biggest tournaments in the world.”
2010 U.S. Longines Junior Tennis Challenge runner-up Pollner and consolation draw winner Jessica Melanie Livianu of Brooklyn were presented with tickets to the 2010 US Open on behalf of Longines.
Countries hosting junior female tournaments include Poland, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Germany, Singapore and Taiwan. Male athletes will represent Australia, China, France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Japan and Mexico.
Providing coaching and encouragement to all of the participants in the Roland Garros championship event will be Longines ambassadors of elegance, Agnieszka Radwanska and Tsung-Hua Yang, two of the top emerging stars on the ATP and WTA tours, and legendary tennis player Mansour Bahrami.
Full results from the U.S. finals of the 2010 Longines Junior Tennis Challenge can be found right here. Click here to view a video of special thanks by the Livianu family.
U.S. Participants for the Longines Junior Tennis Challenge included:
Morgan Herrmann - Garden City, NY
Gaby Pollner** - White Plains, NY
Jessica Melanie Livianu*** - Brooklyn, NY
Lauren Jane Fishbein* - Livingston, NJ
Sabrina Barisano - Yonkers, NY
Jessie Cruz - New Rochelle, NY
Alexa Garham - Garden City, NY
Alexandra Sabe - Rye, NY
*U.S. Champion, 2010 Longines Junior Tennis Challenge
**Runner-Up, 2010 Longines Junior Tennis Challenge, U.S.
***Consolation Draw Winner, 2010 Longines Junior Tennis Challenge, U.S.
LONGINES
Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.
Audra Silverman | Brener Zwikel & Associates | (212) 708-1703 | audras@bzapr.com