ERSA Pro Stringer Issue 2 - 2018 ProStringer_0218_07 final | Page 26

www.ersa-stringers.com INDUSTRY NEWS Roger Federer back to World #1 By winning the Rotterdam title recently, Roger Federer returned to the world #1 spot and moved three titles away from another milestone – 100 tournament victories. Jimmy Connors holds the all-time record for tournament wins with 109. Victoria Azarenka return at Indian Wells Alongside new coach Slava Konikov, Victoria Azarenka will return to the WTA Tour at the Indian Wells tournament next month. Fellow new-mum Serena Williams has also accepted a wild card to return to action in the Californian desert. 2018 Fed Cup dates Draws have been announced for the 2018 Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group and World Group II playoffs, due to be played on 21-22 April. The World Group sees Belarus host Slovakia, Romania host Switzerland. The Netherlands travel to Australia while Italy will host Belgium. In the World Group II, Russia hosts Latvia, Spain hosts Paraguay, Ukraine travels to Ukraine and Great Britain will be visiting Japan. World Tour Players Sponsors Novak Djokovic has signed an endorsement deal with footwear brand Asics, while Simona Halep has joined Nike’s team of top athletes. Roger Federer,meanwhile, has renewed his agreement to serve as global ambassador for Mercedes-Benz. And Grigor Dimitrov is the new face of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Samsung & WTA Samsung is the new title sponsor of the WTA tournament in Lugano, Switzerland, due to be played from 9-15 April.. 26 ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 2-2018