Former Connecticut Open Chief Executive Officer and Hall of Famer Mike Davies passed away on Tuesday morning at his home in Sarasota, Fla., from complications related to Mesothelioma. Originally from Swansea, Wales, Davies was 79 years old, and is survived by his wife Mina Davies, four children and four grandchildren.

Below is a speech from Tournament Director Anne Worcester in 2012 presenting Mike Davis at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

July 14, 2012

The man that I have the honor of introducing today is a mentor, a friend and probably the most extraordinary innovator and businessman our sport has ever known.

So I’d like to take a couple minutes to paint a picture for you…

The year is 1970. The “open era” in tennis is very new and the sport is still relatively unknown.

On a yellow legal pad, a man sketches out a BOLD idea, one that seemed unimaginable at that time – a global tennis tour of 20 tournaments with a year-end final and $1 million in prize money.  He broaches the idea with his boss at World Championship Tennis, Lamar Hunt – who buys in. Neither could know it then, but this first Tour would shape the future of tennis.

Fast forward to 1972, and two of the all-time great tennis players, Ken Rosewall and Rod Laver, reach the WCT final.  Rosewall wins in a dramatic five set tiebreak, but even more important than the victory was that the NBC-televised match went so long it pre-empted the evening news.  In 1972, evening news got HUGE ratings, and that meant that the tennis match got HUGE ratings, capturing attention of TV viewers across the country.

So they realized they needed to deliver more of this WCT tour to the masses – and the vehicle to do that was clearly network television.  So this bold, brave man walks into NBC to pitch them on broadcasting eight WCT events in addition to the Final.  And NBC agrees – with one big caveat – they tell him he has to raise $1 million in advertising dollars FIRST, and then they will air the Series.   No one at NBC thought he – or anyone, for that matter – could do it!

The master salesman now needs to sell advertisers on his grand plan of a “series” of events in this nascent sport, an idea that hasn’t EVER been done before. He knows he needs to get creative so he develops some gimmicks – a first-ever refrigerator on court to keep the balls at optimum temperature, a first-ever “tip of the day” for each broadcast, and more. Companies like Wilson, Volkswagen, Polaroid and others line up and he has his $1 Million in advertising.

Big-time tennis is on its way in the US.  Over the next few years tennis explodes…participation rises from 11 million players to 33 million. Indoor courts are being built everywhere, racquet, shoe, clothing sales – and everything else tennis-related – take off.

But he doesn’t stop innovating. He introduces concepts that are mainstays in today’s game – players wearing colored clothing, the yellow tennis ball which showed up better on television, placing chairs on the court for players during change-overs, rules like 30 seconds between points and 90 seconds between games and he even instituted the tie-break.

Over his tennis career, this one man created a masterpiece. One that forever changed how we view and interact with our sport. He never stopped innovating. And subsequently, his 50 years in the sport have created a work of art that will hang forever in the Hall of Fame.

It is my privilege and my honor to introduce someone whose accomplishments and contributions will impact tennis for generations to come.  He has left an indelible mark on our sport and his legacy will live on forever.  Now, THAT’S a true HOF!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I present you….Mike Davies.

The 2015 Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies, held August 21-29 at the Connecticut Tennis Center, was a smashing success. Nearly 52,000 fans attended the event where they were treated to world-class tennis, had the opportunity to support a variety of charitable causes, and embraced the festival-like atmosphere of the annual Connecticut event.

Best Athletes in Tennis

The tournament attracted some of the best women professional tennis players in the world and was highlighted by an action-packed week of competition. World No. 4 and two-time Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitova (CZE) overcame an exceptionally strong field that featured four of the top 10 players in the world, including Caroline Wozniacki, Lucie Safarova and Kristina Pliskova, and rising stars Madison Keys, Genie Bouchard and CoCo Vandeweghe, to capture her second straight singles championship and third tournament title in four years. Julia Goerges (GER) and Lucie Hradecka (CZE) took home the doubles trophy.

The popular Men’s Legends presented by PowerShares Series returned for its second year, bringing together some of the game’s most well-known and talented players for two entertaining exhibition matches. James Blake and Andy Roddick squared off on Thursday evening, followed by fan favorite John McEnroe and Jim Courier the next evening. Fan interaction was palpable during the matches and the players entertained with talent and humor during each evening.

Tournament Serves the Community

As sponsorship and ticket sales saw substantial increase over 2014, the Open reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the power of world-class women’s tennis to support numerous women’s, youth, military and other charitable causes in the local community.  Bank of America’s #TroopThanks campaign encouraged attendees to express their gratitude for the military through a social media post, with the company donating $1 for every message to the Wounded Warrior Project to help veterans transition back to civilian life. American players such as Keys, Vandeweghe, Lauren Davis, Blake, Roddick and Courier showed their appreciation, as did UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma as well as Governor Dannel Malloy, Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp.

Throughout the week, players, fans and local celebrities participated in the Closer to Free Spin Bike Challenge, raising more than $22,000 for breast cancer research at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. McEnroe raised $8,000 by spontaneously auctioning off his game-used racquets and shirt during the Legends match. Top-ranked players such as Wozniacki, Kvitova and Safarova; Legends Roddick, Blake and Courier; and VIP’s such as Auriemma, international recording artist Redfoo of LMFAO fame, and Mayor Harp, Governor Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Wyman all took turns on the bike to contribute to the fundraising effort. The bike was autographed by all of these participants and raffled off to a lucky winner, raising additional funds for Smilow Cancer Hospital.

The fundraising initiatives during the tournament built on The 50/50 Project, a new charitable fundraising campaign launched earlier this summer. The program allows non-profit organizations to sell tickets to the tournament and receive 50 percent of net profits of tickets sold. A wide range of charitable organizations from all over the state of Connecticut took advantage, including the American Red Cross, Hartford Chorale, New Haven Symphony, University of Connecticut Alumni Foundation and many others.

The Emirates Returns clinic hosted by Emirates Airline in conjunction with New HYTEs (New Haven Youth Tennis and Education) engaged inner city youth from a “Tennis in the Neighborhood” summer program in a fun-filled tennis event that included celebrity appearances by World No. 2 Simona Halep, Keys and Redfoo. In addition, the new Emirates Returns Youth Mentoring Program  recognized mentor Kyle Catubig for his outstanding work with New HYTEs and kids in the local community, and awarded him a VIP trip to the U.S. Open.

Plenty of Off-Court Action and Growth

This year’s tournament-goers enjoyed an expanded array of off-court events and activities, including visits from local attractions such as the Mystic Aquarium, Discovery Museum and the Beardsley Zoo. More food trucks than ever before provided fans with a host of local food options to choose from, and theme nights such as Military Appreciation Night, UConn Night and Girl Power Night celebrated various groups throughout the tournament.

The Connecticut Open continues to drive more than $10 million in economic impact throughout the New Haven region and the State. With increases across the board in attendance, sponsorship and fan engagement, next year’s tournament (August 19-27, 2016) promises to be better than ever before and build upon the tradition of delivering a top-notch sporting event surrounded by a festival atmosphere to fans.

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

Petra Kvitova captured her third Connecticut Open title on Saturday afternoon, defeating fellow-Czech Lucie Safarova in the finals. See below for Petra’s Path to the Title.

Following a first-round bye, Kvitova opened play with a strong test against rising star and American Madison Keys. The young American was off to a blazing start, downing the Czech 4-6 in the first frame. However, Kvitova would regain her composure and control of match, besting the Rising Star 6-1, 6-2 in the final frames to win the match.

Kvitova’s road was not much easier in the quarterfinals, as the Czech found herself in a tense battle with Agnieszka Radwanska. Kvitova was able to keep Radwanska at bay, however, moving past the Pole 7-5, 6-4.

In a popcorn match, Kvitova faced four-time champion Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinal. The Czech outlasted the Dane is a marathon first set, winning the frame 7-5. Kvitova broke open in the second set to the tune of 6-1, advancing to her fourth Connecticut Open final in four years.

In the finale, the defending champion found herself down early, losing a tightly-contested first frame to Safarova. However, the defending champion would recover in a hurry, using a powerful service game and timely shotmaking to regain her composure. In the end, Kvitova was too much for her fellow countrywoman, capturing the last two sets by identical 6-2 margins to claim her third Connecticut Open title in four years.

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

Julia Goerges and Lucie Hradecka defeated Chia-Jung Chuang and Chen Liang on Saturday in the 2015 Connecticut Open doubles finals. Below, we take a look at their path to the title.

Before their three-set match on Friday afternoon, Goerges and Hradecka had breezed through the Connecticut Open field. The duo opened play with a 6-2, 7-5 triumph against Klaudia Jans-Ignacik of Poland and Raluca Olaru of Romania. The German and Czech faced a strong draw in the quarterfinals, as young Americans Alison Riske and Lauren Davis looked to score the upset. The Americans were no match for Goerges and Hradecka, however, falling in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. In the semifinals against second-seeded duo Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears, Goerges and Hradecka found themselves in unfamiliar territory, losing their first set of the tournament. The duo would storm back in the second set to the tune of 6-3, before trouncing Kop-Jones and Spears 10-2 in the tiebreaker to book a finals berth.

In the finals, Goerges and Hradecka upended Chia-Jung Chuang and Chen Liang 6-3, 6-1 to claim their first Connecticut Open title. The duo made quick work of Chuang and Liang, who were equally impressive in their tournament run. Following a 6-3 first set, the German and Czech were dominant in the second frame, winning the set 6-1 en route to hoisting the trophy.

The Men’s Legends presented by PowerShares produced several memorable moments and amazing tennis from four all-time greats, as John McEnroe, James Blake, Andy Roddick and Jim Courier delighted the crowd on Thursday and Friday night in New Haven.

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

Playing in the final at the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies has become routine for Petra Kvitova, who advanced to her fourth final in four years after defeating four-time Champion Caroline Wozniacki on Friday.

Joining the two-time champion is a newcomer to the Connecticut Open finals but a veteran of WTA accolades, as French Open finalist Lucie Safarova meets Kvitova in an all-Czech final.

Petra’s Path
Following a first-round bye, Kvitova opened play with a strong test against rising star and American Madison Keys. The young American was off to a blazing start, downing the Czech 4-6 in the first frame. However, Kvitova would regain her composure and control of match, besting the Rising Star 6-1, 6-2 in the final frames to win the match.

Kvitova’s road was not much easier in the quarterfinals, as the Czech found herself in a tense battle with Agnieszka Radwanska. Kvitova was able to keep Radwanska at bay, however, moving past the Pole 7-5, 6-4.

In a popcorn match, Kvitova faced four-time champion Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinal. The Czech outlasted the Dane is a marathon first set, winning the frame 7-5. Kvitova broke open in the second set to the tune of 6-1, advancing to her fourth Connecticut Open final in four years.

Safovara’s Run
While it has been business as usual for Kvitova, Safarova advanced to the finals lovak has produced a magical run to the finals.

The No. 4 seed in the tournament, Safarova began her campaign against Russian Daria Gavrilova. The Czech took the opener rather handedly, dismissing the Russian 6-3, 6-4. Safarova’s second-round tilt was identical to the first, as the Czech defeated Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu by the same margin. However, Safarova would get a mighty test from a fellow Grand Slam finalist in the quarterfinals.

Working her way back from Achilles surgery performed earlier this year, Dominika Cibulkova gave the Czech a strong test in the quarterfinal tilt. Cibulkova bested the Czech in a first set tiebreak, 6-7(4), and looked poised for an upset. However, Safarova would recover in the second, winning 6-4 to force a third. Safarova and Cibulkova battled to a tough finish in the third, but the Czech would prevail 7-5.

In the semifinal, Safarova matched wits with Lucky Loser Lesia Tsurenko. The Czech blazed through the opening set 6-2, but Tsurenko made it a match in the second to force a tiebreak. In a back-and-forth battle, the Czech would prevail, winning the deciding set 7-6(4).

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

An exciting doubles draw at the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies has been filled with upsets and thrilling matches. Here, we take a look at the paths of doubles teams Chia-Jung Chuang and Chen Liang, and Julia Goerges and Lucie Hradecka.

Chia-Jung Chuang and Chen Liang began their 2015 Connecticut Open campaign with an impressive 6-3, 6-2 triumph over Lara Arruabarrena and Andreja Klepac. However, the rest of their journey has been much more dramatic. The first set of their quarterfinal match against Eva Hrdinova and Nicole Melichar could not have been worse, falling 1-6 to the Czech and American. Chuang and Liang would regain their composure to win the second set 6-3 to force the tiebreak and prevail 10-6. The semifinals began similar to the quarters, find themselves in an early deficit against Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Johanna Larsson. Chuang and Liang would again show plenty of resolve, winning the second set and following tiebreak to advance.

Before their three-set match on Friday afternoon, Goerges and Hradecka had breezed through the field. The duo opened play with a 6-2, 7-5 triumph against Klaudia Jans-Ignacik of Poland and Raluca Olaru of Romania. The German and Czech faced a strong draw in the quarterfinals, as young Americans Alison Riske and Lauren Davis looked to score the upset. The Americans were no match for Goerges and Hradecka, however, falling in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3. In the semifinals against second-seeded duo Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears, Goerges and Hradecka found themselves in unfamiliar territory, losing their first set of the tournament. The duo would storm back in the second set to the tune of 6-3, before trouncing Kop-Jones and Spears 10-2 in the tiebreaker to book a finals berth.

Defending champion Petra Kvitová not only possesses one of the stronger serves in the WTA, but also one of the funnier personalities.  See a lighter side of the two-time champ in this mini-movie.

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

John McEnroe (USA) def. Jim Courier (USA) 6-4, 4-6, 10-8

In the nightcap, John McEnroe and Jim Courier provided plenty of fanfare in the Men’s Legends presented by PowerShares. The former World No. 1’s put on quite a show for the New Haven crowd, splitting the first two sets before a thrilling 10-8 tiebreaker. John McEnroe also helped raise funds for Yale New Haven Hospital during the match, auctioning two racquets for a total of $7,000.

Kvitova (CZE) def. Wozniacki (DEN) 7-5, 6-1

In a blockbuster match between Connecticut Open Champions, Petra Kvitova edged Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-1 to advance to her fourth final in New Haven in four years. The Czech and Dane battled through a tightly-contested first set, but Kvitova was able to run away in the third. She sets up an all-Czech final with Lucie Safarova.

Safarova (CZE) def. Tsurenko (UKR) 6-2, 7-6(4)

Lucie Safarova became the first player to advance to the 2015 Connecticut Open finals, bouncing Lucky Loser Lesia Tsurenko 6-2, 7-6(4) for a berth in Saturday’s finale. Tsurenko gave a valiant effort, forcing Safarova to a tie-break in the second set, but the Czech was too much for the Ukrainian on Friday afternoon. Safarova awaits either two-time Champion Petra Kvitova or four-time winner Caroline Wozniacki in the finals.

Julia Goerges (GER)/Lucie Hradecka (CZE) def. Raquel Kops-Jones (USA)/Abigail Spears (USA) 1-6, 6-3, 10-2

Julia Goerges and Lucie Hradecka earned a spot in the doubles final on Saturday, defeating American duo Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 1-6, 6-3, 10-2. After losing the first set 1-6, Goerges and Hradecka stormed back in the second to force a tiebreaker. The tiebreaker was all Goerges/Hradecka, bouncing the Americans 10-2 in the decider. Goerges and Hradecka awit the winner of Chi-Jung Chuang/Chen Liang and Anna-Lena Gorenefeld and Johanna Larsson.

Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)/Chen Liang (CHN) def. Anna-Lena Groenefeld (GER)/Johanna Larsson (SWE) 3-6, 6-3, 10-7

Chia-Jung Chuang and Chen Liang defeated Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Johanna Larsson 3-6, 6-3, 10-7 in a three-set thriller. Following a 3-6 first set, Chuang and Liang evened the score in the second before an epic third set, which was won 10-7 to advance to the finals.

Photo by Jared Wickerham/Connecticut Open

The singles and doubles draws at set, and the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies features blockbuster matches in both draws. In addition, fans are in for a treat during the nightcap, as John McEnroe takes on Jim Courier in the Men’s Legends presented by PowerShares.

The evening features two Connecticut Open Champions, as four-time winner Caroline Wozniacki battles defending champion and two-time victor Petra Kvitova at 7 p.m. Wozniacki dominated the tournament from 2008-11, winning four consecutive titles. However, Kvitova has won two of the last three and surely will not relinquish her crown easily.

The nightcap features former World No. 1’s John McEnroe and Jim Courier in the Men’s Legends presented by PowerShares.

Lucky Loser Lesia Tsurenko begins the afternoon session at 1 p.m. against Lucie Safarova. Tsurenko, the first Lucky Loser to make the semifinals in New Haven since Sam Stosur in 2006, faces a strong test in World No. 6 Safarova, who dismissed Daria Gavrilova and Irina-Camelia Begu by identical 6-3, 6-4 counts.

Doubles action follows as Julia Goerges and Lucie Hradecka match wits with Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears followed by Chia-Jung Chuang and Cheg Liang against Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Johanna Larsson.