Inside the Performance Volvo Cars Pro Tennis Challenge: Ryan Knarr Shares His Perspective

maddieh3
Mar 18
3 min read

Each year, the Performance Volvo Cars Pro Tennis Challenge brings world-class professional tennis to Berks County while supporting an incredible cause through its partnership with the IM ABLE Foundation.

To get an inside look at last year’s tournament and what makes the event so special, we spoke with Ryan, who shared his thoughts on the highlights, competition, and the growing impact of the tournament.

Tournament Highlights

What were some of the biggest highlights or moments from last year’s tournament?

“For me, the opportunity to partner with Performance Volvo and the IM ABLE Foundation to bring the pro event to the next level was something that has really propelled the event forward. It has allowed us to bring a first-class, elite level of professional tennis to Berks County for a great cause. The opportunity to add a women’s singles exhibition as well as a mixed doubles event was also a highlight. It allowed us to expand the event and continue growing it bigger and better every year.”

Were there any matches or performances that really stood out?

“I really enjoyed that we had mixed doubles. Mixed doubles was really brought to the forefront of professional tennis with the US Open making it a stand-alone event in the weeks after our tournament. The opportunity to offer it at our event is a great enjoyment for everyone involved and allows fans to see mixed doubles played at a very high level.”

Players & Competition

Who were some of the notable players in last year’s field?

Ryan noted several strong competitors who participated in the tournament, including:

Billy Harris
Andres Martin
Jan Choinski
Kailash Pannu
Ramkumar Ramanathan
Benjamin Hassan

What made the level of competition impressive from a tennis standpoint?

“The awesome part about the Performance Volvo Pro Tennis Challenge is that each year at least one or two players from our field go on to compete in the US Open the following week in New York and qualify for the main draw. That really shows the importance of the preparation and match play these athletes are getting at our event before heading to New York.”

The Event Experience

What makes the Performance Volvo Cars Pro Tennis Challenge unique compared to other tournaments?

“The thing that makes our event so special compared to other tournaments is the personal connection we have with our players. Fans, juniors, and adults all have opportunities to interact with the players throughout the event. It adds a hometown feel while still bringing world-class tennis players to Berks County.”

What kind of feedback did you hear from players or spectators?

“We receive tremendous positive feedback from players who appreciate the first-class treatment they receive at the event. Whatever players need, we work to provide the resources to make sure they are prepared to compete at a high level during our tournament as they get ready for the US Open. Spectators also love the close proximity to the players and the opportunity to interact with them on a personal level.”

Community Impact

How does the tournament benefit the local tennis community?

“The tournament brings people together through tennis for a cause bigger than themselves. After the Legends of Tennis event ended in 2011 following nearly two decades, Berks County went almost ten years without professional tennis. In 2020, during the pandemic, we brought professional tennis back to the area. Now the community once again has the opportunity to see world-class tennis up close.”

Anything special we should highlight about the sponsors or partnerships that help make the event happen?

“The pro event would not be possible without the tremendous sponsors and community support we receive. The event has always been very community oriented. Partnering with Performance Volvo and using tennis as a platform to positively affect lives has been a win-win for everyone. That partnership has allowed the event to reach the next level and we’re blessed to have such an amazing collaboration for years to come.”

Looking Ahead

What are you most excited about for this year’s tournament?

“This year’s tournament will run Sunday through Tuesday and will once again bring world-class tennis to Berks County. We will again feature a mixed doubles exhibition, which will take place the same evening as the VIP gala and create a fun and exciting experience for attendees.”

Anything new fans should keep an eye out for?

“Stay tuned for additional opportunities to get involved, including an enhanced junior clinic, Pro-Am opportunities, and more chances for fans to engage with the players throughout the event.”