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2008 SMASH Jr. Cup Overview
 The 7th annual SMASH State Open Clay Court Junior Cup presented by Chrysler, one of only two premier junior tennis tournaments to offer top players the opportunity to compete for a wildcard invitation into a Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Tier I event, once again brought over 320 regionally and nationally ranked juniors from 12 states (and Canada) to the Family Circle Tennis Center February 22-25, 2008. The Family Circle Tennis Center hosts a wide array of events throughout the year, but only one is a true SMASH hit – the SMASH Junior Cup.
The event’s on-court action required all of the courts at the Family Circle Tennis Center, as well as several satellite facilities including Mt. Pleasant Recreation’s Whipple Road facility, Snee Farm, and the College of Charleston Tennis Complex at Patriot’s Point.
Despite threatening skies during Friday’s registration and early round action, play commenced on Saturday morning and continued throughout the weekend, concluding with championship rounds on Monday afternoon, February 25th.
Players took a break from the on-court action to enjoy a special player party held Saturday night on the grounds of the Tennis Center. Music, tennis activities, and a scrumptious buffet prepared by well-known Tennis Pro / sous chef Dewey Caulder and his trusty wingman John Graham, kept the night moving as the kids and parents had a chance to get to know each other away from the stress of the tennis battlefield. Displaying the social camaraderie of adult league tennis players, it was clear that these elite junior athletes value fun over winning as they talked, laughed, and enjoyed the night side by side with their competition.
The weekend’s big story revolved around hard-hitting Mallory Cecil of Spartanburg, the No. 1 seed of the Girl’s 18 division, who captured the Family Circle Cup qualifying wildcard with a 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 victory over No. 2 seeded Nadja Gilchrist of Hilton Head Island in a thrilling match lasting over three hours on the Tennis Center’s Althea Gibson Club Court. Cecil will return to Charleston on April 12th to compete against a world class field vying for a chance to reach the main draw of the Family Circle Cup. Champions from each age group will also return during the Cup for an on-court presentation in Family Circle Magazine Stadium in recognition of their victories.
Photos: Mike Saia
Monday, February 25th 2008 Pics
The SMASH State Open Clay Court Junior Cup presented by Chrysler, which is sanctioned by the USTA, STA and SCTA, is one of only five events in the state of South Carolina to have a Level 2 SC State Status. This tournament also has Level 4 Southern Tournament status, which translates to more ranking points per round than a standard SC tournament. The Family Circle Tennis Center will serve as host site, with additional matches held at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department’s Whipple Road facility, Snee Farm, The Daniel Island Club, and the College of Charleston Tennis Complex. The finals of each division are scheduled for Monday, February 25th at the Family Circle Tennis Center. An exclusive player’s party will be held Saturday, February 23rd at the Family Circle Tennis Center for all parents and tournament participants.
“We are very proud to once again be part of such an important and successful tournament which attracts many of the rising stars on the junior circuit today”, noted Matt Sheehan, Marketing Director of SMASH magazine. “The excitement of this premier event consistently draws top players who are looking for the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest competition in the country.” Sheehan added, “We are especially excited to have Chrysler join us as a presenting sponsor this year. Their support will allow us to further enhance what is already a very successful tournament.”
 The SMASH State Open Clay Court Junior Cup presented by Chrysler is open to Girls and Boys ages 8-18, and features five categories each: Boys and Girls Singles 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. The 10 and under division features a set 32 draw, the 12-18 divisions utilize a 64 draw, and all divisions offer first match losers consolation (FMLC) play. The winner of the Girls 18 division is awarded a direct entry into the Qualifying Draw of the 2008 Family Circle Cup with a wildcard invitation.
“SMASH magazine has its finger on the pulse of professional and junior tennis players throughout the country, and this tournament reflects the energy and enthusiasm of this important tennis publication,” noted Rob Eppelsheimer, Family Circle Tennis Center Director. “Entering the seventh year of this prestigious event, our partnership with SMASH magazine continues to make this a major tournament on the junior circuit.”
SMASH, a cutting edge magazine launched by TENNIS Magazine for teenage players, features behind-the-scenes access to the top tennis stars like Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick, along with the latest fashion trends, gear reviews, instructional tips and junior rankings. SMASH magazine is published quarterly with a circulation base of 125,000, and is available on newsstands across the country. For more information on SMASH, visit www.SMASHtennis.com.
For more info, contact:
Family Circle Tennis Center
161 Seven Farms Drive
Charleston, SC 29492
Main Number: 843-856-7900
Toll Free Number: 800-677-2293
Pro Shop: 843-849-5300
Fax Number: 843-856-7901
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