By Scoop Malinowski | The Sarasota Open Experience | Friday, April 4, 2025
Photo credit: Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open Facebook
Honestly, I never thought I’d end up writing a book focused on an ATP Challenger tournament. But after more than a decade following the Sarasota Open, filled with unforgettable memories both on and off the court, I felt compelled to share the unique allure of this hidden gem in the world of tennis.
The Sarasota Open Experience is a delightful collection of stories, interviews, and articles that have been gathered over the years since 2009. Here’s a little snippet from the book to give you a taste: Imagine a player pausing mid-match to sign an autograph for a ballboy. Picture a match interrupted by a loud adult film video that turned Frances Tiafoe into an international sensation. One year, winners were rewarded with beer mugs as trophies, and another year, with Easter baskets. And believe me, that’s just the beginning.
You can find The Sarasota Experience on Amazon, priced at just $9.99.
The Ray Collins Sarasota Open Interview
If anyone embodies the spirit of the Sarasota Open, it’s Mr. Ray Collins, the tournament’s long-standing announcer. His anecdotes are a treasure trove of memories.
FIRST MEMORY: Back in 2011, I watched the Sarasota Open from the stands at Longboat Key Club, noticing someone I knew conducting a post-match interview. What caught my eye were his flamboyant pants. I later approached Tony Driscoll, the tournament owner, and expressed interest in on-court announcing. Though my initial offer wasn’t taken, a year later Tony changed his mind after John Woods witnessed the charm of an emcee at a tournament out west. And thus, my journey as the Sarasota Open announcer began in 2013.
From there, my career expanded to include announcing for a women’s pro tournament in Naples. I cherish the role, the proximity to pro tennis, and the informality I bring—I’m not just a voice in a press box but engaging directly with players on the court.
FAVORITE PLAYERS: Watching Frances Tiafoe’s journey was a joy. From his first appearance in 2015, he exuded warmth and confidence, instantly connecting with everyone. Knowing his humble beginnings—growing up around a Maryland tennis facility where his father worked—added depth to his story. His victory in 2017 at the United Tennis Club was a sweet moment, and as he predicted, it was his last, as he moved on to bigger arenas.
Another player dear to me is Christian Harrison. Despite battling numerous physical setbacks, he remains gracious and friendly, always greeting me with a "Hi Ray" around town.
Meeting players like Taylor Dent, James McGee, and Brian Battistone—whose quirky double-handled racquet and lively playing style charmed audiences—has been rewarding. Nick Kyrgios’s presence in 2014 was remarkable; his raw talent was evident, though I must say he’s changed since.
The contrasting approaches of Alexander Zverev, always shadowed by his entourage, and his brother Mischa—who was friendlier—fascinated me. Other mentions include Stevie Johnson, whose serious demeanor seldom cracked a smile, and Jack Sock and Ryan Harrison, who were less personable.
FAVORITE MOMENTS: I fondly recall Tiafoe seeking hitting partners, leading to a memorable match-up with a local junior player. It’s in these small moments, like sitting with legends Nick Bollettieri and Dick Vitale, discussing player potentials, that the magic of the Sarasota Open truly lies.
There are painful memories too; like the time during a 2018 awards ceremony when a player mischievously blinded me with his trophy’s reflection. On the lighter side, there was a mix-up in 2013 when I prematurely concluded a doubles final ceremony, missing out on presenting the winners their trophies.
Embarrassments, like the mistaken identity of a National Anthem singer or the disruption of an international broadcast due to a busy awards ceremony, are part of the charm and chaos of live events.
FUNNIEST MOMENTS: Tiafoe’s infamous 2017 match, disrupted by blaring adult film sounds, is a story for the ages. Frances’s response, "It can’t be that good!" was golden, and Tony Driscoll’s playful "It IS that good" t-shirts were a hit.
Pranking Tiafoe after his win that year—having him take a “photo” of us rather than posing—was another highlight. And then there was Ivo Karlovic, engaging in a playful nerf racquet match in 2014—a giant having fun with a toy.
STRANGEST MOMENT: A fan was escorted out in 2017 for allegedly relaying match results to Las Vegas bettors via a concealed device in his shoe. It was a bizarre yet memorable incident.
FUNNIEST PLAYER: Ilija Bozoljac stands out, nicknamed "Bozo," whose jovial nature and antics were endearing and complemented his success on the court.
RANDOM MEMORABLE MOMENTS: Witnessing generous acts, like Tennys Sandgren pausing a match to sign a young fan’s hat or meeting a host of promising players like Kei Nishikori and Zverev in their early days, are the moments that stay with me.
I have also had the pleasure of knowing and introducing personalities like Nick Bollettieri, whose warmth and grit I deeply admired until his passing, and catching glimpses of stars like Maria Sharapova in the audience still excites.
WHY DO I LOVE THE SARASOTA OPEN? The thrill of being immersed in the intimate world of tennis, watching future stars bloom, and interacting with fans and players alike makes it all worthwhile. Though demanding, the experience is a highlight every year, reminding me consistently that, yes—it can indeed be that good.
MOST INTELLIGENT PLAYER: Michael Russell’s intelligence shone through, and it’s no surprise he’s coaching Taylor Fritz today. Somdev Devvarman also comes to mind, charming and methodical, even when it came to whimsical superstitions about how he was introduced at matches.
As fascinating as the matches are, it’s these personal connections and stories that truly make the Sarasota Open a special chapter in my career.
