TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (April 2, 2013) – The Tallahassee Tennis Challenger and USTA announced Wednesday that world No. 42 Mardy Fish, a former world No. 8 and three-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist, has been awarded a wild card into the USTA Pro Circuit event, set for April 27-May 4 at Forestmeadows Tennis Complex.
Tournament director Karen Vogter announced the wildcard for Fish at a press conference Wednesday morning in Tallahassee that also unveiled a new Har-Tru court for the tournament, which is the final of three French Open wild card qualifying events known as the Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge.
Additionally, Vogter and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks dedicated the court to the city.
“We are delighted to welcome Mardy back to Tallahassee to play in the 21st edition of this event,” Vogter said. “He has a special place in our hearts, and we’re happy to help him continue his tennis journey.”
Fish, 31, took six months away from the pro tennis game following the diagnosis of a heart condition he revealed at the US Open in August of 2012. He made his return to the sport at Indian Wells last month, and will play in Tallahassee for the second time in his career.
In 2006, Fish played in the USTA Pro Circuit event in Tallahassee, winning five straight matches to claim the title. Fish has won three USTA Pro Circuit titles in his career, the last being in Tallahassee.
The new Har-Tru hydro court in Tallahassee marks the first year of clay being used after two decades of hard court play. The player that earns the most points through three Har-Tru USTA Pro Circuit Wild Card Challenge events will earn a wild card into the French Open.
Vogter and Mayor Marks were joined by USTA Pro Circuit director Brian Early, Ed Montaclevo of Har-Tru Sports, Paula Fortunas and Mark O’Bryant of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare and Dee Cumpler of the City of Tallahassee.
