Participating pros in the 10th annual Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational exhibition at the Bahamas National Tennis Centre, December 4th, 2010. Left to right: Brent Haygarth, Andy Murray, Xavier Malisse, Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Olga Savchuk, Labine Lisicki, Mark Knowles, Jesse Levine, Oliver Marach, Alex Kuznetsov, Don Johnson, Ryan Sweeting, Bobby Reynolds, and Amer Delic. Photo: MarkDaCunha.com

The exhibition, which took place Saturday afternoon at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre was the main attraction of the annual event. Murray, whom opted to fly the same day, had a rough start to his hectic Saturday, as he was awakened for a surprise drug test at six in the morning back in the United Kingdom.  

Meanwhile, event organizers and tennis supporters in The Bahamas were eagerly awaiting his arrival. Last year, top American star Andy Roddick was slated to play but pulled out due to an injury. Despite his early morning and lengthy travel itinerary, Murray arrived without any holdups. His appearance was well-received and he was given a roaring welcome by those in attendance – much deserved for his commitment in making it to the event. 

He enjoyed playing alongside Knowles and starring in front of a group of selected junior players. Murray works in conjunction with a number of charities worldwide and was satisfied to see Knowles' efforts benefiting children.

Andy Murray, the world’s number four ranked player in action at the 10th annual Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational exhibition at the Bahamas National Tennis Centre, December 4th, 2010. Photo: MarkDaCunha.com

"I know he's put a huge amount of work into it over the years, so I'm just pleased that I can help out," said Murray. 

Knowles was thrilled when Murray arrived and took in every minute of the world’s number four ranked player being in The Bahamas. 

“It is amazing to have Andy at the event,” Knowles said. “It makes such an impact on the kids and we have some talented juniors here in the Bahamas. They will remember this day for quite some time.” 

While Murray’s stint in the Bahamas was brief, he took pleasure playing in front of an audience that doesn’t get to see an athlete of his standing live on a regular basis. Murray is the biggest star in recent years to attend since Andre Agassi partook in the event several years ago. 

The exhibition competition played a World Team tennis format. Team Bahamas consisted of Knowles, Murray, Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Sabine Lisicki, Ryan Sweeting, Jesse Levine and Alex Kuznetsov.  Team Paradise Island was represented by Xavier Malisse, Oliver Marach, Bobby Reynolds, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, Olga Savchuk, Don Johnson, Amer Delic and Brent Haygarth. 

Murray teamed with Knowles to win against Marach and Reynolds 5-1. The Scot followed that with an exciting match against Malisse, whom won the fun contest 5-4. 

“I wish I could always play Andy immediately after he gets off a nine hour transatlantic flight!” exclaimed Malisse.

The final score declared Team Paradise Island the match winners, edging out Team Bahamas 16 games to 13. The organizers presented gifts of Bahamian art to all the pro participants. 

Left to Right: Oliver Marach, Bobby Reynolds, Mark Knowles and Andy Murray at the 2010 Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational exhibition at the Bahamas National Tennis Centre. Photo: MarkDaCunha.com

This year’s event raised roughly $150,000, bringing its 10 year total to over $700.000. Items that were auctioned off as part of generating proceeds included racquets from Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt and Knowles, and two tickets to next year’s Wimbledon finals. 

"We have had another incredible event,” said Knowles. “It makes it really special that our biggest event came in our 10th anniversary!" 

On Friday, the traditional Pro-Am event served up an opportunity for sponsors to play with the participating professionals. In the end, Malisse and Jeff Everett of Everkey Global defeated Knowles and Miles Nadal, CEO of MDC Partners to win the competition. Sabine Lisicki and Aly Zaver of MDC Partners were winners in the consolation bracket. 

Vicky Knowles-Andrews, director of the event and mother of Knowles, was pleased with the outcome. Celebrating a milestone year, she knew having Murray’s participation would give the event the special effect it was looking for. 

“We have had tremendous support from all of our sponsors over the last decade. They continue to allow us to bring great talent to our shores,” stated Knowles-Andrews.  

Participating tennis pros with junior players after the 'Hit with the Pros' segment of the 10th annual Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational exhibition at the Bahamas National Tennis Centre, December 4th, 2010. Pros standing in photo at back (left to right) Oliver Marach, Don Johnson, Ryan Sweeting, Alex Kuznetsov,and Amer Delic. Front seated: Jesse Levine Photo: MarkDaCunha.com

“With the addition of our presenting sponsor this year, MDC Partners, we have had our most successful event so far. We continue to grow each year and that allows us to generate more funds for the youth of our nation.” 

Organizers would like to thank everyone involved in helping make this yet another successful event and give their gratitude to all players, sponsors, charities, friends and family, fans, and followers who have supported Mark’s cause the past ten years. 

Sponsors for this year’s event included: Atlantis Resort & Casino, MDC-Partners, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Private Bank & Trust;  Pictet Bank & Trust Ltd; Serenity Point, Abaco; The Balmoral; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; American Airlines; Everkey Global Fund, Mark Holowesko, Odyssey Aviation, The Bahamas Weekly, and The Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture.

(Photos) Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational Pro-Am

Tennis pros welcomed at the 10th annual Mark Knowles Celebrity Invitational

About the Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational: The Mark Knowles Celebrity Tennis Invitational is a Charity Event hosted by Mark. It was first held in 2001. The event is held in December at the National Tennis Centre in Nassau (New Providence), Bahamas. The purpose of the event is to raise money for various charities, such as The Sassoon Pediatric Heart Foundation, The Cancer Society, The Association of the Physically Disabled, The Childrens Emergency Hospital, The Boy Scouts of Bahamas, The Special Olympics and scholarships for promising junior tennis players.  Visit: www.knowlzee.com

SLIDE SHOW: Exhibition Action Photos by MarkDaCunha.com