Defending Pilot Pen champion Venus Williams, who claimed her first Grand Slam victory this year at Wimbledon, heads a roster of the world's top women tennis players coming to Yale to compete in the Pilot Pen Tennis tournament, Sunday-Saturday, Aug. 20-26.

Among those joining Williams are several other top-ranking players, including nine-time Grand Slam winner Monica Seles, Nathalie Tauziat, Anke Huber, Amanda Coetzer, Amelie Mauresmo, Julie Halard-Decugis, Dominique Van Roost and Wimbledon semi-finalist Jelena Dokic.

For the third consecutive year, the Pilot Pen tournament will be held at the Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale, located at 45 Yale Ave. The event features a main draw of 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Qualifying rounds take place Aug. 18-20.

Formerly known as the U.S. Women's Hardcourt Championships in Atlanta, Pilot Pen Tennis held its inaugural women's event at the Connecticut Tennis Center in 1998. A USTA event, Pilot Pen Tennis is a Tier II tournament on the WTA Tour.

"By attracting top players," says Ron Shaw, president and CEO of Pilot Pen Corporation, "we are working towards our goal of making Pilot Pen Tennis the best-attended women's-only tennis event in the country."

Describing Williams as "a great champion" and "one of the best-known sports celebrities in the world today," Shaw says that "Connecticut fans will enjoy watching her play here this August."

Williams earned her Pilot Pen crown last year with wins over Seles in the semifinals and top-seeded Davenport in the final. "I enjoyed playing in Connecticut last year and look forward to returning," says Williams. "The fans made me feel at home, and it's fun to play in such a great stadium."

Despite her loss to Williams, Seles says she looks "forward to playing in front of the big, friendly crowds in New Haven again this year." Her 1999 semifinal against eventual champion Williams drew a single-session tournament record of over 8,000 spectators. "In my first trip there last year, I found it a great tennis atmosphere and a great event for the players," says Seles.

"We are proud to have a great champion the caliber of Monica Seles as a cornerstone of our player field," says Shaw. "The fans really embraced her last year, and I know they will be excited about seeing her live here again this summer."

ESPN will televise nine hours of the tournament over three days, Aug. 23-25. The finals will be broadcast on CBS Sports on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 1 p.m.

For the Yale community

Special amenities have been arranged for Yale affiliates. On Wednesday, Aug. 23, employees and students from Yale and other area colleges and universities will receive middle-tier tickets for $10, 33% off the regular price, by showing a valid I.D. at the gate (limit of four tickets per person). Also, a "Bulldog Club" tent will be open to Yale alumni and their guests who have purchased box seats through the Association of Yale Alumni (tickets will have been stamped "Bulldog Club"). Visitors can bring in food from the food court and purchase beer and wine in the air-conditioned tent, which will be open Aug. 21-25, noon-9 p.m., and Aug. 26, from noon until match play ends. A gourmet food basket for four or more people may be ordered in advance. For more information, call (203) 432-2586.

Other special events

Several special events will also take place during the tournament. On "Kid's Day," Sunday, Aug. 20, children will be able to get up close and personal with players during special clinics and autograph sessions. Tuesday, Aug. 22, is USTA Member Appreciation Day/Night, when USTA members will receive VIP hospitality. Aug. 22 is also International Tennis Hall of Fame Night, featuring special guests dressed in period tennis costumes, and Girl Scout Night, when girl scouts will enjoy a private session with the tennis pros. On Thursday, Aug. 24, Stop & Shop customers will receive savings of 25% on up to four middle-tier tickets by showing their Stop & Shop cards.

Other week-long activities include SportsZone, an interactive area for adults and children; player autograph sessions at the Pilot Pen autograph booth; a food court and pub; and daily contests and giveaways.

For tickets or more information, call (888) 997-4568 or (203) 776-7331, or visit www.pilotpentennis.com.

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