ATP-Hamburg Event Trial Gets Underway

In a case being watched by all leagues and governing bodies because of the possible impact on their structure, the ATP antitrust trial gets underway in Delaware yesterday, with jurors chosen and opening arguments stretching nearly five hours. Organizers of the Hamburg event are suing the ATP World Tour for planning to demote the tourney to its second tier of events next year as part of a calendar re-organization. The projected two-week trial is sure to provide a glimpse into the inner workings and finances of the ATP. Meanwhile, the U.S. Open Series continues this week in Toronto, where Rogers Cup organizers believe it is the most profitable tourney after the Grand Slams. But on the flip side, the Indianapolis Tennis Championships ends Sunday without a title sponsor for the second straight year.

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