In a quiet corner of one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the most unlikely spot where you would expect a world class tennis player to hail from, you will discover the home of Bahamian tennis star Mark Knowles. A winner of 48 doubles titles including 3 Grand Slams and the Masters Cup, a 4 time Olympian, and the host of his own Charity Invitational Tournament. Some of the greatest names in tennis have shown up to participate in this fun weekend on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, where they play doubles with guests, play exhibitions with fans and local kids, and dance to the highly infectious Junkanoo music. I remember the first Invitational in 2001 which was to be highlighted by a singles match between Mark and Jim Courier (they were once doubles partners), on paper it would be a one sided match in favour of Courier. The local favourite was accompanied onto the court by a local Junkanoo band regailled in flashy costumes with their feet stomping to the rhythm and playing such intoxicating rapid beat music, quite common to Mark, but totally distracting to Mr. Courier, that it did the trick and forced him to be humiliated in defeat. It was as memorable as any Wimbledon final!

This years event will take place on the weekend of December 5^th.- 7^th. at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Nassau Bahamas. Each year, the event now in its 7^th. year has grown and attracted more and more tennis celebrities. Don’t be surprised to see the Agassi family in attendance, or the Bryan Bros., James Blake and Jim Courier. Part of the fun is guessing who will be there, Jennifer Capriati showed up once as did Chandra Rubin. The local charities are the beneficiaries, and they include the Sassoon Paediatric Heart Foundation, The Cancer Society, The Children’s Hospital and many many more. Like everything Bahamian the environment is spectacular and the atmosphere is relaxing, and whether you attend and donate cash to the event, or become a sponsor, it is a foregone conclusion that you will have the time of your life. The players are also relaxed here, and I’ve been told by a good Bahamian friend that Mark knows where to go to spear a few crawfish. For those tennis fans who have never been to Mark’s country, I can tell you from experience that it really lives up to its name, and whoever it was who named the Island Paradise they had incredible foresight. I’ll see you there in December!

For many years Mark and Canadian David Nestor were doubles partners, they won many titles together and reached the number 1 ranked position in the world, but like all partnerships they split up. They reunited in 2007 to win Wimbledon, and have split again. Mark’s new partner is Mahesh Bhupathi, they will be together for the 2009 Australian Open in January, and will be ranked either 4th. or 5^th. behind the Bryan Bros.

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