American Express Serves Tennis Fans and Communities on the Journey to the US Open

In its 18^th year as a partner of the US Open, American Express announced today two programs designed to support the future of tennis and give Cardmembers and fans increased access to playing and experiencing the game. American Express has partnered with tennis legend Chris Evert to support the second year of American Express’ Next Contenders program and provide insight into the up-and-coming players in tennis. American Express also announced the return of the community support initiative, Fresh Courts, in four cities across the U.S.

"At American Express, we are always looking to provide Cardmembers and tennis fans with a fresh perspective and an enhanced experience, whether it’s on their home court or under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium,” said Alexander Chang, Vice President, Global Sponsorships and Access, American Express. "The professional tennis landscape is changing with new players rising to the top every day. Bringing on an expert, like Chris Evert, will give our Cardmembers, and all tennis fans, insider insights into the game and emerging talent.”

Behind the Scenes with the Next Contenders of Tennis

American Express has partnered with legendary tennis star Chris Evert, and up-and-coming tennis stars John Isner and Victoria Azarenka to provide Cardmembers and tennis fans everywhere with insider information on what is happening on and off the courts leading up to the US Open. Evert will be rallying fans to support their favorite Next Contenders as they train, strive and contend to be the future of the sport at this year’s US Open on Twitter @ChrissieEvert and at usopen.org/nextcontenders.

"I am thrilled to support the Next Contenders program with American Express," said Evert. "I am passionate about sharing insights to new audiences about the game and who to watch. This program not only brings tennis fans closer to the action, it also promotes the game and its players."

Commitment to the Next Generation of the Game

American Express also announced its second annual Fresh Courts program, a community funding effort in partnership with the USTA that invests in the renovation of existing tennis facilities in need of repair across the U.S. Launched in 2010, this year’s program will support tennis facilities at La Mesita Park in San Diego, Calif., Jefferson Recreation Center in Washington D.C., North Avondale Courts in Cincinnati and Astoria Park in Queens, N.Y. All work on the courts will be performed by the USTA’s Facility Assistance department and will be funded by American Express. Work on the facilities began in July, with the goal of having all three sites completed by early fall. By the end of 2011, the Fresh Courts program will have successfully repaired 26 courts across the country, impacting the lives of thousands of tennis players.

American Express will join local officials and youth tennis players in each of these communities to celebrate the new Fresh Courts and to honor individuals in each city who have helped to bring the game of tennis to members of their community with the Fresh Courts Community Leadership Award. All award recipients will travel to the US Open in September as guests of American Express to watch the Men’s and Women’s Doubles finals.

Enhancing the Fan Experience at the 2011 US Open

Now in its 18th year as a partner of the US Open, American Express will once again offer Cardmembers and tennis fans unparalleled service and experiences at the upcoming 2011 US Open, both on and off the courts at Arthur Ashe Stadium. For more information on the American Express and USTA partnership, Cardmember and fan offerings, and to purchase tickets to the US Open, visit usopen.org or ticketmaster.com. Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program can use points to purchase tickets to the US Open. To learn more about American Express’ special access to premiere sporting events across the country and other entertainment offers visit americanexpress.com/entertainment.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on www.facebook.com/americanexpress, www.twitter.com/americanexpress and www.youtube.com/americanexpress.

About The USTA

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 750,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Olympus US Open Series linking 10 summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns the 90-plus Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA philanthropic entity, USTA Serves, provides grants and scholarships and helps underserved youth and people with disabilities. For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com, "like” the official Facebook page facebook.com/usta or follow @usta on Twitter.