© Fred Mullane/Camerawork USA

(June 7, 2010) Mercedes-Benz USA and the Southern California Mercedes-Benz Dealers have reached an agreement with the Southern California Tennis Association (SCTA) to become the presenting sponsor and official vehicle of the Los Angeles ATP World Tour 250 and Olympus US Open Series men's professional tennis tournament held each summer at UCLA.

The 2010 Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, will take place July 26th -August 1st at the Straus Stadium of the Los Angeles Tennis Center.

The partnership between the SCTA and both Mercedes-Benz USA and the Southern California Mercedes-Benz Dealers is for three years. As part of the agreement, official player transportation during the tournament will be provided by Mercedes-Benz.

"We are proud to be partners with Mercedes-Benz, a brand that exudes class and performance, two qualities that that are alive in tennis," said tournament director Bob Kramer. "Part of the appeal to the global stars of the ATP World Tour to play in LA is the one-of-a-kind VIP experience they will receive here. To be able to provide our players with a fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles for their transportation needs during the tournament allows them to experience this great city in style and comfort."

The partnership with the SCTA for the tournament adds to the summer tennis portfolio of Mercedes-Benz USA. Last fall, the company announced a multi-year marketing partnership that designated Mercedes-Benz as the Presenting Sponsor of the US Open Men's Singles Championship and the Official Vehicle of the US Open.

"The partnership with the USTA, Southern California Section continues a long-standing Mercedes-Benz relationship with professional tennis in one of our most important markets,"   said Robert Woerner, Western Region General Manager for Mercedes-Benz USA. "In addition to supporting world-class tennis, the tournament and the additional high-profile events throughout the week provide Mercedes-Benz with a unique opportunity to connect with fans and attendees."

Five top 30 players, including two former champions, are among the 20 players who are on the initial acceptance list for the 2010 Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz.

The projected top seed in the field is World No. 2 and Wimbledon semifinalist Novak Djokovic, the 2008 Australian Open champion. Former event champions Sam Querrey and Radek Stepanek are also due back, along with former finalist James Blake. Other players who have committed include Americans Robby Ginepri and Mardy Fish, Marcos Baghdatis, Ernests Gulbis and Feliciano Lopez.

In addition to these singles stars, the doubles field will be headlined by five-time Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, champions Bob and Mike Bryan. The Bryans are tied for the Open Era record with 61 career titles.

ESPN2 will broadcast eight hours of live coverage of this year's Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, including singles quarterfinal, semifinal and championship matches. Tennis Channel will again provide significant additional broadcast coverage, including singles quarterfinal and doubles championship matches.

In addition to the 84th edition of the Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, the LA Tennis Center will be very busy this summer with a series of special events.

Keith Urban and the Avett Brothers will perform at the LA Tennis Center on Friday, July 23, as part of the Starry Night Benefit Concert Presented by the GRAMMY Foundation.

On Saturday, July 24, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe will return to the LA Tennis Center as part of Stars Under the Stars, an evening of tennis and entertainment to benefit the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education.

Following the completion of the tournament, on Monday, August 2, the LA Tennis Center will play host to KLOS Rocking the Net Starring Bret Michaels to benefit the Southern California Tennis Association. Tesla will also perform as part of the concert that evening.

Tickets for Farmers Classic, presented by Mercedes-Benz, Stars Under the Stars featuring Keith Urban, Starry Night with Andre Agassi and John McEnroe and KLOS Rocking the Net Starring Bret Michaels are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Additional ticket information can be found at www.FarmersClassic.com or by calling (310) 824-1010, ext. 251.