When it comes to tennis, no one is as enthusiastic or creative as Palisadian Steve Bellamy. Shortly after moving to Pacific Palisades 10 years ago he turned the Palisades Tennis Center into one of the country’s most renowned youth development programs. He has since become the founder and President of The Tennis Channel and now he has begun a new endeavor: The Tennis Channel Open, which begins Monday in Las Vegas. The Open will feature a men’s ATP and women’s ITF event, college and junior level tournaments as well as table tennis and paddle tennis championships, all played at a new state-of-the-art facility. A staunch advocate of doubles, Bellamy will start every day with a doubles match on stadium court. “Steve deserves a lot of credit for the popularity of tennis today,” says Las Vegas resident Andre Agassi, one of the most recognizable and successful players on the men’s tour. “He has brought the sport into so many people’s lives. Whether through the launch of the Tennis Channel, or through the thousands of children he has spent time with on the court, Steve has played an important role in introducing the sport to a whole new generation.” Bellamy was named Person of the Year for 2005 by The Daily Tennis/Tennisnews.com for his significant contributions to the sport. Daily Tennis/Tennis.com publisher Bob Larson said the award will henceforth be known as “The Bellamy” in honor of the inaugural winner.
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