Blake, Isner protected by Lobsters; Kournikova, Philippoussis to make local appearances this year

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James Blake will once again take the court at Ferncroft Country Club as a member of the WTT’s Boston Lobsters. David Le

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February 16, 2011

The Salem News Wed Feb 16, 2011, 05:59 AM EST

MIDDLETON — The Boston Lobsters professional tennis team used its two selections during yesterday's World TeamTennis Marquee Player Draft to protect their rights to superstar players James Blake and John Isner.

Blake and Isner will each make one appearance at separate home matches this season.

In addition, the Lobsters also secured visits from three of WTT's marquee players for matches at the Ferncroft Country Club this coming summer from Anna Kournikova, Melanie Oudin and Mark Philippoussis.

"We've got a great array of personalities and styles for all the WTT fans and Lobster fans, and the competition is always close and great," Boston coach Bud Schultz said in a statement. "It's a great combination of the youth movement in American tennis in Melanie and John, and someone who has been a mainstay in American tennis in James Blake."

"It gets better each year and we're going to build on our semifinal finish of last year," Schultz added.

The dates of all marquee player appearances will be announced when the WTT releases the 2011 schedule in early March.

Blake took the court twice for Boston in a home-and-home split with the New York Sportimes early in the 2010 season, and reached the quarterfinals of the If Stockholm Open in October.

Isner faced off with the Springfield Lasers for the Lobsters last summer, just days after his historic victory over Nicolas Mahut of France at Wimbledon in which he prevailed, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (3), 70-68. The longest match in tennis history at eleven hours and five minutes, spanning three days, saw Isner set Wimbledon records for most games won (92) and aces (113).

Kournikova and Philippoussis will appear separately at Ferncroft CC to play for the St. Louis Aces, whom the Lobsters are set to host twice this season. Rising teenage star Oudin will appear in Middleton for the Philadelphia Freedoms.

"Mark is one of the more flamboyant characters on the tour in the last 20 years and someone who still has a great game," said Schultz. "I think it works perfect with the WTT atmosphere; he has a great personality and great presence and people will enjoy watching him."

The Lobsters will finalize their 2011 team at the WTT Roster Player Draft on March 15.

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