The big names just keep rolling in for the Dream Cup.
World-renowned umpire and former US Open director Jay Snyder will head the officiating at Barbados’ premier tennis event after agreeing to take the chair during next month’s three-day festival starting on November 29.
Snyder’s involvement was disclosed via a Press release detailing ticket information and other charitable initiatives surrounding the Dream Cup.
“It’s excellent to have such a prestigious umpire like Jay because it’s not every day you see these guys outside of Grand Slams,” said the tournament’s executive director Kodi Lewis.
“It’s also good for the viewership as these small things make a big difference for the event having star players, star umpires and star commentary.”
A veteran of more than 1 500 matches, Snyder first came into prominence in 1972 when he officiated his first US Open before going on to do several other Grand Slam tournaments and Davis Cup ties.
In all, Synder appeared in nine Grand Slam finals, three different Olympic tournaments and more than 80 Davis Cup matches until finally serving as the US Open’s tournament director from 1993 to 2002.
It’s just the latest coup for the Dream Cup organisers, who struck gold this year after snagging reigning Wimbledon champ and world No.3 Andy Murray and former US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro to appear in at least two matches.
The event then further took on international standing after it was announced that the tenth-ranked Richard Gasquet and world No.13 Nicolas Almagro will also feature in the semi-final draw, where the players are set to compete for a five-year stay at St Peter’s Bay worth US $500 000.
Even former men’s No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, a one time Roland Garros champ, conveyed his intent to come to the Dream Cup to watch the matches, which will see renowned analyst Patrick McEnroe doing commentary for ESPN’s live broadcast.
It’s not the first time Barbados has attracted major tennis players as the critically acclaimed Tennis Pon De Rock festival features such names as Williams sisters Serena and Venus along with former women’s No.1 Victoria Azarenka and top men’s players Gael Monfils and John Isner.
Former world No.1s Bjorn Borg, Ilie Nastase and Althea Gibson have also played exhibition matches in Barbados in the past. (JM)
