Last year’s first-ever “Shotgun 21” Tennis Championships gave Pacific Palisades residents over five hours of thrilling rallies, memorable points and, in the end, one exhausted winner. This year’s tournament will feature more of the same and organizer Steve Bellamy has lined up a star-studded field for Sunday’s unisex, drop-hit event at the Palisades Tennis Center. Men and women will play each other head-to-head in a format that uses underhanded serving, no “lets” and no “winning by two.” Prize money will be a minimum of $15,000 and the four quarterfinalists win Fender Stratocaster guitars. Highlighting the draw will be Mike and Bob Bryan, who have combined for 22 Grand Slam titles, 108 ATP Tour titles and a 15-2 Davis Cup doubles record. Nor are they strangers to the Palisades, having participated in the PTC’s 10th anniversary “Racquets, Stars and Guitars” event in 2006. Also coming are Sam Querrey, currently ranked No. 37 in the world, and fellow pros John Isner, Donald Young, Tommy Haas, Prakash Amritraj and Vince Spadea. “That was one of the coolest events I’ve ever played,” Querrey said after losing by one point in the semifinals last year. “Steve [Bellamy] gave me my first wild card into pro tennis and it was great to be back with him.” The tournament, which was set-up as a promotional vehicle for the men’s pro tournament at UCLA. Ashley Harkleroad, one of America’s most popular female players has signed up to play along with her husband Chuck Adams, a retired pro who was ranked as high as No. 34 in the world and grew up in Pacific Palisades. Former Wimbledon semifinalist Alexandra Stevenson is also ready. “I’ve played against men my whole life,” she said. “So I think I can take out some of these guys.” Others who have indicated they will play include defending champion Alex Bogomolov and runner-up Phillip King, Zack Fleishman, Ryan Sweeting, Scott Davis, Travis Parrott, Robert Kendrick and Derrick Rostagno. Robbie Ginepri and Taylor Dent are also possibilities along with local juniors Clay Thompson, Robbie Bellamy, Justin Atlin and Brett Allchorn. Celebrities who have been invited include local beach volleyball legend Sinjin Smith, skier Bode Miller, actresses Donna Mills, Elizabeth Shue and Melissa Rivers, Dr. Phil and rock star Gavin Rossdale, who lost to Querrey in the second round last year. “This is a great mix of talent and amazing people,” Bellamy said. “The celebrities who are playing are authentic tennis players and have game. Given the competition it’s not likely that they’ll make it out of the first or second round, but the matches will be very real.” Those who want to do more than just watch can enter the qualifying round at noon. At least four people will earn wildcards into the main draw and an opportunity to trade groundstrokes with the pros. The main draw will start at 3 p.m. and conclude by about 7 p.m. Anyone interested in playing should call 860-335-7503.
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