The Hamlet Cup, the final ATP Tour stop before the U.S. Open, announced that its field would increase by 50 percent, from 32 to 48 competitors. The increased field means more big tennis names will be making the trip to Long Island Aug. 19-27 to compete for more prize money than ever before.

As the only ATP Tour stop the week before the U.S. Open, the Hamlet Cup's expanded field will accommodate additional players who wish to compete before the last of the Grand Slam events. The ATP Tour made the Hamlet Cup one of the few tour spots with a 48-player field after announcing that the Boston event will not be held this year.

With more top players, including Yevgeny Kafelnikov, two-time U.S. Open champion Patrick Rafter, Thomas Enqvist and Jan-Michael Gambill, the 20th anniversary Hamlet Cup promises to be the most competitive ever. The tournament will also be allowed a fourth "wild card" invitation for a big name player. In the past, wild card spots have gone to the likes of Rafter, Mark Philippoussis, and Gustavo Kuerten. Total prize money will grow to a Hamlet Cup - record $390,200, up from $350,000 in 1999.

"We're looking forward to seeing the best in the world compete at our tournament," said Elliot Monter, president of the Holiday Organization, owners of the Hamlet Cup. "Our fans will see more top-rated players than ever before play at one of the most intimate settings on the tour."

"We are extremely pleased that the Hamlet Cup is going to increase this year's field, and it should make the tournament very exciting," said ATP Tour Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles. "On the eve of the U.S. Open, it is a great opportunity for fans in the New York area to see the best players on the ATP Tour."

The Hamlet Cup was already shaping up to be Long Island's most exciting sporting event this year. In addition to the high-ranking field, several family-oriented attractions have been added to the week-long event to attract tennis fans of all levels.

The Hamlet Cup, an International Series Event on the ATP Tour, is being played Aug. 19-27 at the Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack, NY. The Hamlet Cup, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is owned by the Holiday Organization, a premier real estate developer on Long Island. For information on any of the family events or to purchase tickets call (631) 462-2600 or visit our website at www.hamletcup.com. Single session tickets are also available through Ticketmaster.