The much-anticipated grand opening of The Greenbrier Resort’s new tennis stadium, Center Court at Creekside, drew rave reviews over the weekend as fans not only got their first glimpse of the 46,000 square foot facility that has 2,500 spectator seats and 400 corporate loge seats, but likewise saw two legends of the game square off in a superb exhibition match.
Fourteen-time Grand Slam winner and Greenbrier Tennis Pro Emeritus Pete Sampras battled eight-time Grand Slam winner Andre Agassi in a match that took two days to complete after Mother Nature brought things to a halt on Saturday midway through the first set. Officials deemed the steady rain too much to overcome to resume play, so the players and many of the fans returned Sunday afternoon to see Agassi edge out Sampras in a come-from-behind 6-7; 6-3; 10-5 tiebreaker. Both players wowed the spectators with precise shotmaking throughout the 3-set showdown.
Both Agassi and Sampras told the fans they were impressed with the new stadium. When Agassi was asked if he looked forward to returning, he commented, “Yes, me and my whole family ! “, which drew huge applause from everyone.
– Bill Turner