Sisters Venus and Serena Williams, winners of multiple Grand Slam singles titles, and former Wimbledon semifinalist Anna Kournikova are slated to participate in the second Lexus Tennis Challenge this fall at Lexington?s Rupp Arena. The event is set for Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. EST and will benefit the Tubby Smith Foundation and the OWL Foundation, which was established by Oracene Price, the mother of Venus and Serena Williams, in an effort to address the learning needs of academically at-risk youth.
?We are thrilled to be coming to Kentucky to work with the Tubby Smith Foundation,? Venus Williams said. ?We understand that Coach Smith?s foundation supports the same goals as the OWL Foundation.?
?I have been a tremendous fan of the Williams sisters since they burst onto the tennis scene, so this is a terrific opportunity to be involved with their charity here in the Lexington community,? Smith said. ?It was such a great crowd and atmosphere last year when Andy Roddick played at Rupp, and I know this event will be even more exciting.?
Venus Williams will take on Kournikova in a singles match, and Serena Williams will join an additional WTA Tour player in a doubles match. A youth tennis clinic at the Lexington Tennis Club and the Night Owl Party at the Hyatt Regency Lexington will precede the festivities on Saturday, Nov. 20. The Night Owl Party features a reception, dinner, auction and a special performance by an R&B star.
?This is one of our family?s favorite weekends,? Serena Williams said. ?It?s great to be able to play tennis and raise money for educational programs, which is a priority for us.?
Tickets are available now at all TicketMaster locations, via telephone at (859) 281-6644 or at the Rupp Arena box office by calling (850) 233-3535, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets are priced from $20 to $75. To inquire about courtside boxes or invitations to the Night OWL Party, call (859) 335-8361 ext. 111.
The first Lexus Tennis Classic presented last December at Rupp Arena featured U.S. Open Champion Andy Roddick, James Blake and twins Bob and Mike Bryan. The exhibition attracted over 4,000 attendees.
