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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University head tennis coach Bernard Sewell enjoyed the unique opportunity of attending the International Tennis Hall of Fame's The Legends Ball during his recent trip to the 2009 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.

During The Legends Ball, Sewell had the chance to interact with a variety of legendary figures in tennis, including Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors. Sewell also reconnected with well-known tennis instructor Nick Bollettieri.

“It was a great privilege and honor to be a part of The Legends Ball,” said Sewell. “It was a tremendous night and a wonderful opportunity for me to make Alabama State tennis visible at the highest level of the game. Everyone I met was interested in talking about the things happening with our tennis program.”

Some highlights of The Legends Ball included the recognition of the 2009 Hall of Fame class – Robert Johnson, Andres Gimeno, Donald Dell and Monica Seles – along with the presentation of special awards to Arthur Ashe and Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe (Eugene L. Scott Award) and the Tennis Channel (Joseph F. Cullman 3rd Award).

In addition, Sewell attended several playing sessions of the 2009 U.S. Open and watched a collection of the world's top male and female tennis players.