The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has announced an agreement with Nick Bollettieri in which the internationally renowned tennis coach will custom design the tennis instruction program for residents and guests at the resort, the first of its kind in The Cayman Islands. Bollettieri, who coached Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Jim Courier, Boris Becker and numerous other stars of the professional tennis circuit, will work with the developer of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Mike Ryan and the resort management, to create the on-site tennis experience and will participate in clinics and make public appearances throughout the year. The resort's tennis staff also will receive instruction at Bollettieri's IMG Academy in Florida.

"With Nick Bollettieri's help, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will change the face of Grand Cayman's tennis scene. We are honored and delighted to have one of the most distinguished tennis coaches in the world on our team," said Ryan, himself a passionate tennis player. The Ritz-Carlton will be the only resort on the island to offer play on both clay and grass courts.

Ryan's interest in tennis has already led to sponsorship of the annual The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Charity Tennis Weekend, first held in 2002. The 2004 event, scheduled for April 23-25, promises internationally known professionals such as Italian Open champion Jimmy Arias, who has played at the event since its inception, and two-time Australian Grand Slam Winner Johan Kriek, who returns for a second year. Other pros include Australian legend and 18-time Grand Slam champion Fred Stolle, American favorite David Wheaton and player of 45 Davis Cups and respected tennis commentator Cliff Drysdale. Murphy Jenson, half of the charismatic and crowd pleasing Jenson brothers doubles team, will also play; along with local tennis stars Nigel Mitten and Mica Koll, who play on the ITF Junior Circuit. Bollettieri will lead several instructional clinics. All proceeds from the event support the Cayman Islands Crisis Center, which provides support and counseling to abused women and their children.

Commenting on his partnership with The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Bollettieri said: "My philosophy has always been based on three things: discipline, responsibility and effort. We call it the Bollettieri creed. And that will shape the tennis program in Cayman. Our goal is to help every resident or guest reach his or her full potential. Hopefully they will have a little fun along the way. And, the tennis center at The Ritz-Carlton, with grass and clay courts for year-round play, will be an ideal setting in which to learn and enjoy the game. A grass court will be a first for The Cayman Islands and perhaps a training site for some Wimbledon hopefuls." Bollettieri also expressed his desire to provide resort guests a truly special experience with his tennis program. "I want to give the guests a special memory of their time spent at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. We plan to install video cameras on each of the courts so each player is able to leave with a recording of their tennis game or tennis instruction to be reviewed and shared as often as they wish."

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Contact Abbey Nayor M. Silver Aassociates Inc. Phone: 212-754-6500 Fax: 212-754-6711 Email: abbey@msilver-pr.com

Melissa Perkins The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Phone: 345-945-7489 Fax: 345-945-2210 Email: mperkins@residences-cayman.com