Tennis back with a vengeance this week at Wells Fargo Center

It’s hard to imagine Jim Courier feeling puny in any tennis event.

Yet, as Courier prepares for next week’s Champions Shootout at the Wells Fargo Center, that’s exactly how he feels. His four Grand Slam singles titles pale in comparison to the combined 30 that rivals Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras will bring to the court.

“I’m [the] low man on the totem pole, but it’s a good totem pole to be on,” Courier told Metro. “Any chance I get to play with players like this, I’m going to do it.”

The Sept. 24 event is a unique format. It features two one-set semifinal matches, followed by an eight-game, pro-set finals match. Courier, Agassi, Connors and Sampras won’t leave the court until a winner is crowned.

“Four players will start and one will emerge as the winner in three hours,” Courier said. “It’s like a hockey or basketball game.”

Courier said that when organizers approached him about participating, it was an easy yes. And while admitting to having a “friendly competitiveness” with the other four guys on tour, he definitely wants to win.

“Once we all step onto the court, we want to win,” he said. “We’re there to go to battle.”

Tickets for the Shootout are selling from $35 (upper level) to $250 (floor).