By Rocky Stanley

The Independent May 9, 2004

Ashland. One of the world’s next great women’s professional tennis players could be on stage in Ashland later this year.

Only time will tell about that, but a $25.000 tournament is officially on the United States Tennis Association calendar. The event will take place Sept. 13-19 at the Ashland Tennis Center.

The tournament is the first venture for the three-man corporation. DKM Sports was named for Ashland dermatologist Jack Ditty, Louisville dentist Herb Kays and former University of Kentucky All-American player Adam Malik.

“We want to sponsor other tournaments in other places,” Ditty said. “We’re looking forward to this being a great start.”

His daughter, Julie, has experienced success in similar events and is the 32nd-ranked U.S. women’s player in the pro ranks.

The Ashland tournament, highlighted by a 32-player main draw in singles, will be the first women’s professional event following the US Open.

“That should help in getting a quality field here.” said Malik who is the tournament director. “I’m really excited for Julie. She gets to play at home and sleep in her own bed. It could be just a homecoming for her. Having her playing will definitely enhance the tournament more.”

Dr. Ditty is chairman for the yet to be named Ashland tournament.

“Right now, we’re in the process of lining up sponsors.” Ditty said Saturday during an informal gathering at the ATC to generate support from the Tri-State tennis community.

Ditty and Malik were pleased with initial feedback.

“This is a great start,” Ditty said. “I haven’t seen a final roll of committed volunteers, but I would say we have 30 people right now. Some of them are longtime tennis fans who have been supportive of other events.”

Said Malik “I’ve been very impressed. A lot of people have come up to me wanting to help in different areas. Our philosophy is simple. We want players that come to feel that Ashland is the best organized USTA event in America.”

Malik, A Lexington resident, sees the Ashland Tennis Center as an attractive venue.

“I think it’s a top-notch facility.” Said Malik, who had an eight-year pro career after leaving UK. “I played all over the world. The infrastructure here is great. Jerry Groce (ATC director) has done an unbelievable job keeping it all together. We want the tournament to be here every year for a long time to come.”

Ditty said the tournament budget will be about $75,000. The USTA will help out with sponsorship in the sum of $20,000 for a first year event.

A $25,000 level USTA tournament will attract players ranked between 100 and 300.

“Players even at the $25,000 tournament level are good enough to play on the WTA Tour to some degree,” Malik said. “There could be a future Top 10 player here, or a girl that might upset Serena Williams in three weeks’ time.”

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at (606 326-2671) or rstanley@dailyindependent.com