Whether it's called the Countrywide Classic or Mercedes-Benz Cup or Infiniti Open, the men's pro tournament at UCLA is one of my favorite events during the summer where over the years I've seen some terrific matches. But the practice sessions are also memorable ranging from sitting in the hot sun with my nephew, Anthony, watching Patrick Rafter and Mark Phillopousis practicing on an empty stadium court in 1997 (Rafter would win the U.S. Open a few months later) to Andy Roddick practicing under the watchful eye of Jimmy Connors last year in their first tournament together. There was also the year I was sitting on some bleachers watching Lleyton Hewitt hit and didn't realize I was sitting next to Tara Reid until someone came up and asked her for an autograph. This was in her pre-trainwreck years.
And a great memory was in 2004 when Andre Agassi hit the practice courts just one day after giving a moving speech at the Hall of Fame induction of his wife, Steffi Graf. A fan yelled out: "Nice speech Andre!" Agassi yelled back: "She deserves it!" I believe it's the 2006 tournament was Andre Agassi's last title and he returned last summer for an encore appearance.
But with Agassi no longer playing, the tournament loses a major marquee name and as of now, I don't see that Andy Roddick - always a popular drawing card - has committed to playing there. I was at the night session last year where Roddick injured his back but kept playing in pain and won. But he had tio default the next round.
Germany's Tommy Haas is the defending champion and slated to play this year along with U.S. Davis Cup player James Blake, 2000 U.S. Open Champion Marat Safin and top-tenner Fernando Gonzalez. I assume the Bryan bros. will be headlining the doubles since this is sort of their local tournament.

I think Rafael Nadal could provide some much-needed star-power, and, of course, Roger Federer! Anyway, I hope the July 16-22 tournament is able to land a few more big names for its 32-player draw because as the longest running annual pro sporting event in L.A., it deserves a top field. Its past champions include Connors, Pete Sampras, Agassi, Michael Chang, and Stefan Edberg, among others.
More information about the tournament can be found at countrywideclassic.com.