“We couldn’t meet his expectations (financially),” Martin said. “It just wasn’t going to happen. I couldn’t do it. James is a great person and a great supporter of this event.”

This year, Alexandra Stevenson, Vince Spadea, Travis Parrott, Phillip King, Nick Monroe, Ryan Sweeting, Donald Young have indicated they would be playing. Tommy Haas, Taylor Dent, the Bryan Brothers and Marcos Baghdatis have all been invited. Last year Tommy Haas came to the event, but did not play due to issues with the ATP, issues that have supposedly been worked out.

Vince Spadea at the Tallahassee Challenger, speaking to the Tallahassee Democrat on rapping and tennis: “I think it’s an extension of my career. The longevity that I’ve had has been supplied with some other factors that I enjoy. It keeps me motivated to do something off the court and to know that my job is still on the court.”…