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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 27, 2010

Cowboys Stadium to host Serena, Sharapova, Roddick


Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jerry Jones has found another unique way to use his massive Cowboys Stadium. Tennis, anyone?

Six days after Wimbledon, the $1.2 billion stadium will host a pair of best-of-three matches, featuring Serena Williams against Maria Sharapova, and Andy Roddick against John Isner.

The showcase, to be held July 10, is called the Cowboys Tennis Slam and it is being billed as the inaugural event.

In addition to the NFL, Cowboys Stadium already has hosted the NBA All-Star game, soccer and a world title fight. Bull riding is on the agenda this summer.

While the building can hold more than 100,000 people, it will be configured to hold 20,000 for the tennis matches. The court will be set up across one of the end zones.

"We have seen the flexibility our new stadium has for holding spectacular events of all kinds and this event should be like no other," Jones said. "Being able to attract some of the best tennis players in the world under one roof for a night like this will be something special."

Williams, Sharapova and Roddick all have been ranked No. 1.

The 6-foot-7 Isner is the second-highest ranked American men's tennis player behind Roddick, and is known for a serve that can top 140 mph.