SportBusiness.com

SENIOR MEN'S TENNIS CIRCUIT TO LAUNCH IN STATES

Former tennis star Jim Courier’s event company will launch a four-stop senior men’s tennis tournament in 2006, five years after the last circuit failed.

Founded in 1993 by IMG and Jimmy Connors, the US tour lasted less than a decade, folding after its New York championship was cancelled following the 2001 terrorist attacks in that city.

Courier says he has commitments from many players including John McEnroe.

The four events will be in Naples, Fla. (March 9-12), Boston (April 27-30), Memphis (Oct. 5-8) and Houston (Nov. 9-12).

Stanford Financial is title-sponsoring the Memphis and Houston events, and Courier is looking for an umbrella sponsor for the circuit, the Champions Cup Series.

The eight-player tournament format will include pro-ams and corporate appearances.