With the USC basketball season over, the Galen Center turned to a different kind of court on Wednesday night. Former tennis stars Andy Roddick, James Blake, Jim Courier and Mark Philippoussis put on a show for all in attendance as a part of the PowerShares champions tennis circuit. Philippoussis, who was coming off a victory over Andre Agassi in the opening event of the 12-city circuit on Tuesday, replaced Pete Sampras who backed out after injuring his calf in Sweden last week. USC tennis players like Roberto Quiroz were at the Galen Center to meet and even hit with these famous tennis professionals.
The last American tennis player to hoist the U.S. Open trophy, Andy Roddick, dominated the event with his physical performance on the court and with his comedic trash talking especially against former Davis Cup teammate James Blake. Roddick defeated Blake 6-2 in the opening round before defeating Philippoussis in the championship 6-4. Roddick retired from the ATP Tour in 2012, but is now a sports broadcaster for Fox Sports 1 while also making the time for tennis exhibitions like these. The circuit continues next Wednesday in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Pinnacle Bank Arena with John McEnroe rotating in for Philippoussis.
Here are Pierson Clair's photos from the PowerShares series...
