[bp9QxekG]

What an unfortunate turn of events for the men's part of the exho. The women got competitive at the end but for the most part it was a hit and giggle.

[attishina]

I just got finished watching this on ESPN360 and, honestly, I thought it only got really tense for about 4-5 minutes. Pete and Andre were having a real go at each other and it was both of their fault, regardless of who started it. But Rafa and Roger really got it back on track with their good-spirited play (why do so many players, the minute they retire, become so insufferable?) and the event coasted from there. The energy did kind of evaporate toward the end, but it was because Andre stopped talking trash (and he was the only one making it really fun), probably because he thought he'd gone over the line with the Sampras digs.

And Andre and Pete did hug at the net and they joked about it at the end so at least it didn't end on a sour note...

[Quaganoca]

BNP PARIBAS OPEN “HIT FOR HAITI” EXHIBITION TO BE PRESENTED BY ORACLE

Oracle Sets Fundraising Goal at $1 Million;
Stefanie Graf, Martina Navratilova, Justine Henin and Lindsay
Davenport Join Event

Indian Wells, Calif., March 4, 2010 – The BNP Paribas Open “Hit For
Haiti” exhibition, on the evening of Friday, March 12, will be
presented by Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL), and has added a second match to
the evening’s event that will feature four legendary female players,
it was announced today by Steve Simon, tournament director.

Oracle will lead a comprehensive fundraising effort which will include
on-site, text messaging and private donations targeted to reach $1
Million. Funds will benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and
Development fund, which was established to help those impacted by the
recent earthquakes in Haiti.

A women’s match featuring an astounding 50 Grand Slam titles on the
same court will include Stefanie Graf and Lindsay Davenport taking on
Martina Navratilova and Justine Henin. They will be the first match
that evening, which will be followed by the match comprised of 44
Grand Slam title holders, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras playing
Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi.

“Oracle is proud to participate in fundraising efforts to benefit the
relief efforts in Haiti,” said Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. “It is
impressive to see this remarkable line up of athletes work together to
raise much-needed funds for Haiti. Our hope is to hold an event that
supports relief efforts and continues to raise the visibility for how
Haiti needs the world’s help.”

The event will be broadcast live in numerous countries around the
world, and domestically on the Tennis Channel, beginning at 7:30 PM
PST. In addition, live web streaming will be available on
bnpparibasopen.org, TennisTV.com, atpworldtour.com,
sonyericssonwtatour.com, usta.com, tennis.com, espn360.com, and
others. As a show of support, the broadcasters, satellite uplink
providers and production teams of the event are picking up all of the
production costs to ensure that the maximum amount of money can be
generated for the fundraising effort.

The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Salute to Heroes
ceremony, where the tournament will recognize veterans, military
personnel, police, firemen and women, and Red Cross volunteers on
Stadium Court for their efforts in the community and around the world.
The ceremony and tennis exhibition will be followed by one main draw
match.

For more information about the BNP Paribas Open, or to purchase
tickets and travel packages, visit www.bnpparibasopen.org, call
800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit the box office, 78-200 Miles
Avenue, Indian Wells, CA, 92210.

About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and is
the largest combined ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event
in the world. The event will be celebrating its 35th anniversary March
8 – 21, 2010, with defending champions Rafael Nadal and Vera Zvonareva
and more than 300 of the best men’s and women’s tennis players in the
world. To purchase tickets visit www.bnpparibasopen.org, call
800-999-1585 or 760-200-8000, or visit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
box office, 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, and CA 92210.

[toreesi]

What, no mixed with Agassi and Graf against Federer and Mirka? Seriously, this lineup in incredible. The men's match could get more viewers than the tournament final.

[qwerty1]

What, no mixed with Agassi and Graf against Federer and Mirka? Seriously, this lineup in incredible. The men's match could get more viewers than the tournament final.

No kidding! I don't know what I'm more excited about. Lindsay and Steffi playing doubles together or Rafa and Andre.

[Sx1qBli0]

I still don't think we'll be inside for this, but my guess is that if they plan to raise a million in one day, there will be all kinds of events going on around the grounds all day long.


Which will be awesome, since we'll be there!

[toreesi]

I still don't think we'll be inside for this...

why won't you guys be able to attend?

[bug_user]

Livestream on now! http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/Promot...ve-Stream.aspx

[acneman]

Looks like Justine is serving better in this exhibition than in her singles match today.

[Amorsesombabs]

Looks like Justine is serving better in this exhibition than in her singles match today.

And Martina continues to be a shrill of a human being.

[bug_user]

Navratilova seems to be the strongest out of the four when the rallies get going.

[acneman]

Navratilova seems to be the strongest out of the four when the rallies get going.

She is certainly strongest at the net.

[bug_user]

No tennis for Andre's and Steffi's kids?

[acneman]

No tennis for Andre's and Steffi's kids?

Yeah, I was surprised by her response..

[acneman]

Justine's forehand volleys need a lot of work.

[acneman]

In both matches, the oldest player is the best one so far.

[Amorsesombabs]

This is turning seriously ugly.

[Abofedrorobox]

This is turning seriously ugly.

That was excruciating.

[Gmvkgkmn]

I turned it off when it got ugly. What a shame. There was so much to enjoy up to that point.

[Amorsesombabs]

I turned it off when it got ugly. What a shame. There was so much to enjoy up to that point.

Now the event is drained of all energy.