Industry News

USTA, PTR, USPTA to Present 10U Conference

The USTA, together with the PTR and USPTA, will host a two-day 10 and Under Tennis conference that will feature coaching/teaching presentations from world-renowned speakers on topics such as how to work with young players, growing your business, and player competencies. Patrick McEnroe, general manager of USTA Player Development and the U.S. Davis Cup captain, will be a featured speaker and presenter.

The conference, “Developing Your 10 and Under Players and Program,” will be Aug. 12-13 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Fla.

Tennis industry experts from the U.S. and around the world will be on hand to help educate coaches on how to use 10 and Under Tennis formats in teaching and training young players in ways that cultivate a love for the game and maximize kids’ long -term development. Presenters include Wayne Elderton (Canada), Simon Gale (U.S.), Laramie Gavin (U.S.), Rita Gladstone (U.S.), Craig Morris (Australia), Anne Pankhurst (England), Bernard Pestre (France), and Butch Staples (U.S.).

The conference will be held in conjunction with the Americas Games, a competition for 10 and under players featuring teams from the Caribbean and U.S. The players from the Americas Games will also be integrated into the on-court presentations. The conference also is in partnership with USTA Florida and with the Blackman Tennis Academy.

"Tennis is indeed a sport that grows upward from its grassroots, and by making the sport easier for kids to play and enjoy, they’re much more likely to get involved in it and stick to it,” McEnroe says. “We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of our potential.”

The two-day conference rate is $150 for USPTA/PTR members and $180 for non-members. The daily rate is $90 for USPTA/PTR members and $100 for non-members. The two-day rate and the daily rate include daily lunches. Hotel rates at the Boca Raton Resort and Club are $125/night plus tax. Visit usta.com/youth-tennis.

Tennis Show, TIA Tennis Forum on Hiatus; Will Return in 2014

The Tennis Show, which debuted in New York City last year just before the US Open, and tied into the 2012 USTA Tennis Teacher’s Conference, will not be held in 2013. However, the Tennis Show will return to New York in 2014. The TTC, also on hiatus for 2013, will resume in 2014 with expanded plans.

The Tennis Show, coordinated by the TIA and supported by the USTA and the tennis industry, was timed to offer the hundreds of Teachers Conference attendees, along with all segments of the industry, a look at upcoming products and services from dozens of tennis companies, organizations and manufacturers.

For tennis teachers, coaches and the industry in general, plans are in the works for the industry-supported 2014 Tennis Show to be a bigger and broader event. In addition to the return of the Tennis Show, the TIA Tennis Forum and Tennis Industry Hall of Fame will also return to New York in 2014.

Visit TennisIndustry.org for more information about upcoming industry events.

PTR Launches PTRtennis.tv Educational Site

PTR has launched PTRtennis.tv as an online resource to provide members with educational and continuing education opportunities.

The idea behind PTRtennis.tv is to help spread the educational content that is being presented at PTR events around the world beyond the audience in attendance at the time. With increasing job demands, it can be difficult for teaching professionals to attend the PTR Symposium, one of the PTR conferences, or PTR Professional Development courses. PTRtennis.tv provides an affordable way to view some of these presentations.

Currently, there are 20 presentations available on PTRtennis.tv. Most are one hour. Once a presentation is downloaded to a computer, smartphone or tablet, it can be accessed at the viewer’s convenience, without expiration. PTR will continually upload new videos.

“PTRtennis.tv was the brainchild of Jorge Capestany, a PTR International Master Professional and chairman of the PTR Education Committee,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum.

2 New York Clubs Install Computerized Analysis Courts

T CR, The Club of Riverdale, N.Y., and Port Washington Tennis Acadamy are the first clubs in the U.S. to offer PlaySight Interactive Ltd.’s “SmartCourt” computerized tennis analysis system. Using a five-camera system, SmartCourt digitally records and analyzes every aspect of a tennis match.

In addition to line-calling, SmartCourt gives real-time, post-match or post-lesson instant video review with debriefing solutions, automatic stats, bio-mechanical analysis and 3D tactical game management. SmartCourt can instantly isolate specific video segments. Players can watch video clips whenever they want, accompanied by statistical analysis previously available only to professionals. The touch-screen system is self-operated by the players and coaches.

“TCR members who are trying to improve their game will have a distinct edge thanks to SmartCourt,” says TCR President Jeff Klipstein. “All tennis players work on their game to improve. SmartCourt gives TCR members tools like the pros use, analyzes the best and worst aspects of their game and helps them make the necessary adjustments.”

Match activity is recorded, analyzed and uploaded to Playsight.com, where it is stored in members’ personal accounts. Data can be reviewed and shared by them via email or social media.

“SmartCourt will change the tennis world at the club level,” said Chen Shachar, CEO & founder of PlaySight Interactive. “Starting with tennis, we aim to globally revolutionize the coaching process in all ball sports and enhance the game experience, making it more challenging and fun.” Shachar says CourtSense in Tenafly, N.J., was scheduled for an installation in July.

PlaySight SmartCourt uses advanced algorithms and image-understanding software to know where the ball and players are, determine whether players hit a serve, forehand or backhand and can call shots in or out. It can even measure ball speed, player mileage and calories burned. Visit Playsight.com.

USPTA Board Ballots Due Aug. 14

Ballots for the election of USPTA national board members must be postmarked on or before Aug. 14. In mid-July, ballots were mailed out to all certified members in good standing. USPTA-certified pros who did not receive a ballot should email uspta@uspta.org. The four nominees for national vice presidents on the proposed 2013-2015 USPTA board of directors slate have one challenger each. The candidates for the vice president slots are:

Slated nominee: Jeff Hawes — Challenger: Jack Michalko
Slated nominee: Nancy Cox — Challenger: Diane Selke
Slated nominee: Alan Cutler — Challenger: Bunny Bruning
Slated nominee: Raul Saad — Challenger: Dan Moster

The positions of president and first vice president cannot be challenged. The USPTA nominating committee submitted Tom McGraw for president and Chuck Gill for first vice president for the 2013-2015 term.

Cardio Tennis Makes an Impact Overseas

Cardio Tennis did a quick tour in Europe in June, with key training courses held for teaching pros in Brussels, Belgium, and Dublin, Ireland, before ending with informal meetings in London during Wimbledon.

TIA Cardio Tennis Manager Michele Krause went to the Tennis Club La Reserve du Roseau to deliver the first-ever Cardio Tennis education in Belgium. The training course, supported by the Association Francophone de Tenis (AFT), brought in 35 teaching pros. Former Belgian Davis Cup Coach Phillipe Dehaus participated, and the administrative director of the AFT also attended.

“The course was a huge hit and the coaches were very receptive,” Krause says. “Club owner Tarek Francis was responsible for bringing Cardio Tennis to his beautiful club, and he was instrumental in the success of the course.”

In Dublin, the Brookfield Lawn Tennis Club hosted the Cardio Tennis training course, which attracted nearly 30 coaches and teaching pros. Also in attendance was the world No. 1-ranked woman player in the 45s, Lesley O’Halloran. It was the first Cardio Tennis training in Dublin since 2006.

“The course exceeded my expectations,” said Irish Fed Cup Coach Yvonne Doyle. “There are so many benefits to be gained from an hour of Cardio Tennis. I can see why it’s so popular in the U.S.”

“It was great to see the interest for Cardio Tennis in Belgium and Dublin,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “Not only are more than 1.4 million people in the U.S. participating in Cardio Tennis, but the program is in more than 30 countries.” Visit CardioTennis.com.

Sport Court Chosen for NTC’s New 10U ‘DeckZone’

In June, the USTA formally opened its new 10 and Under Tennis area at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Named “DeckZone,” the 15,000-square-foot terrace connected to the Indoor Tennis Center on the US Open grounds is dedicated solely to youth tennis.

Sport Court’s PowerGame modular tennis surface was chosen to transform the area from a concrete deck to a state-of-the-art junior training center. For young players, PowerGame offers safety through its combination of shock absorption and lateral forgiveness, Sport Court says. DeckZone has two 60-foot and three 36-foot courts.

“Our new DeckZone has provided us with the opportunity to use a space that was not being utilized to its fullest and really make it a special place for programs that will impact the children that play at the BJK NTC,” said Virgil Christian, the USTA’s director of market development and collegiate tennis.

“This provides a huge opportunity for growth in our section,” added USTA Eastern Executive Director Jill Fonte, who said more than 10 percent of non-players in the section are between 6 and 12 years old.

During the grand opening, the USTA provided free play-day sessions for kids, a cookout, and a ribbon cutting by 13-year-old Arvind Mahankali, the current National Spelling Bee Champion, who plays tennis and trains three times a week at the NTC.

“DeckZone is a special destination for our kids. They can use these courts to cement their learning while playing with peers or their parents,” said Whitney Kraft, director of tennis at the NTC.

Growth of US Open Prize Money

Back when the U.S. Championships went “open” in 1968, total prize money was only $100,000. This year, the US Open will pay out $33.6 million in prize money, and that will rise to at least $50 million in 2017 — a 96 percent increase from the 2012 tournament.

Congratulations To the Following For Achieving Certification Status

New MRT

Holly Chomyn, Bonita Springs, FL

New CSs

Scott Hinkle, Alexandria, VA

Jennifer Mejasich, Ambler, PA

Bollettieri, Braden, Wilkinson Will Enter USPTA Hall of Fame

Nick Bollettieri (below), Vic Braden and Steve Wilkinson will join the ranks of only 13 others when they are inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame. They will officially be inducted on Sept. 27 during the USPTA’s national awards luncheon at the World Conference.

The USPTA World Conference will be Sept. 23-27 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla.

During the association’s April Executive Committee meeting, the USPTA Board and Executive Committee voted unanimously to rename the Hall of Fame Award in honor of the late Tim Heckler, who served as the CEO of the USPTA for 30 years, from 1982 to 2012.

Bollettieri has been one of the most influential people in tennis. He founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (now known as IMG Academy) in Florida in 1978, which was the first full-time tennis boarding school to combine intense training on court with custom-designed academic curriculum. Bollettieri was inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame in 2011.

Braden has impacted tennis as a player, teaching professional and broadcaster. He is the founder/director of the Vic Braden Tennis College in Coto de Caza, Calif., co-founder of Vic Braden Tennis College at Star Island Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., and co-founder of Vic Braden Tennis College in St. George, Utah. He has authored numerous books including “Tennis for the Future,” “Teaching Children Tennis the Vic Braden Way,” “Quick Fixes” and “Mental Tennis.”

Wilkinson was the head men’s coach at Gustavus Adolphus College for 39 years from 1971-2009 and is the winningest coach in the history of men’s collegiate tennis with 923 victories.

The awards luncheon will feature keynote speaker Pat Williams, the co-founder and senior VP of the Orlando Magic. Visit usptaworldconference .com or call 800-877-8248.

Peoplewatch

Jamea Jackson has been hired as a USTA National Coach, Women’s Tennis. Jackson will work with players in the USTA Player Development program out of Boca Raton, Fla. Jackson, 26, was ranked as high as No. 45 in the world before a recurring hip injury forced her to retire before turning 23.
Hall of Famer Gene Mako, who won four major doubles titles in the 1930s and was ranked in the world top-10, passed away on June 14 in Los Angeles. He was 97 years old.
Shelby Fitzpatrick has been named the director of sales and marketing for the USTA Southern Section. She previously worked as promotions director of 790 The Zone in Atlanta and promotions coordinator at STAR 94. She holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Western Carolina University, where she also played varsity tennis.
Two-time defending NCAA women’s singles champion Nicole Gibbs of Stanford and NCAA men’s singles finalist Jarmere Jenkins of Virginia were among the top American men’s and women’s college tennis players invited to the 2013 USTA Collegiate Team Camp/Playoffs, at which the 2013 USTA Collegiate Team was to be finalized. The women’s camp was held in late June and the men’s camp in early July.
John Rushworth and Richard Mennig were named co-winners as Babolat’s Sales Reps of the Year recently at a company meeting in Colorado. Rushworth covers the Northern California territory and Mennig is based in Miami.

Get Kids Playing at a Free Tennis Play Event

Tennis providers across the country are encouraged to host a USTA Free Tennis Play Event in an effort to get kids active and encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle. The thousands of events will culminate during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in September.

USTA Free Tennis Play Events are in celebration of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, which will be Sept. 21, however the events can be held at any time. Nickelodeon, the top media brand for kids and families, is bringing tennis to more kids this September. In 2012, tennis was Nickelodeon’s biggest partner by hosting over 1,300 Free Tennis Play Events, which welcome all ages and skill levels and encourage families.

When you register to host a USTA Free Tennis Play Events from Sept. 1 to 30 you’ll receive:

Exposure: The USTA, tennis equipment manufacturers and tennis industry partners all endorse YouthTennis.com. In 2012, there were more than 33 million media impressions.
Support: Best industry practices, helpful resources and customizable marketing materials to supplement your recruitment and retention efforts in growing the game.
Be one of the first 1,500 events to register and you’ll receive a supply of a custom edition of “Bounce,” the USTA’s youth publication and premium items to share with your event attendees.

In addition, the USTA is offering a “Schools Equipment offer.” By hosting a Kids’ Tennis Club and USTA Free Tennis Play Event, you will receive an equipment package of 12 racquets, 24 youth tennis balls, 1 portable net.

To register or for more information visit YouthTennis.com/Host or call 800-990-8782.

Penn, Dasani Team Up on Recycling Effort

Penn and Dasani have created a limited edition tennis ball pack that includes six cans of Penn’s Championship tennis balls and a co-branded Dasani/Penn cooler made of recycled materials. The tennis ball pack also includes discount coupons for Dasani water and Dasani Drops flavor enhancers.

Penn and Dasani teamed up after finding they attracted similar consumers and shared similar sustainability initiatives. Penn has its “Keep It In Play” green initiative for recyclable tennis ball cans. Both companies encourage tennis players to recycle their water bottles and tennis ball cans to reduce waste and ensure the materials are recycled to create more coolers, bottles or tennis ball cans. For more information, visit pennracquet.com.

PTR Joins the Safe Sport Initiative

PTR has announced the latest addition to its education initiative — PTR Promotes a Safe Sport for All. “PTR is committed to increasing awareness, education and hopefully, prevention of all forms of abuse against children,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum.

PTR will focus its education on these seven areas: Bullying, Child Sexual Abuse, Emotional Misconduct, Harassment, Hazing, Physical Misconduct, and Sexual Misconduct. Updates and additions to pages at ptrtennis.org/about/safesport will be ongoing.

“PTR is taking a step forward to help bring to the forefront this troubling aspect that, unfortunately, far too many children have to experience,” said PTR Board President Jorge Andrew.

2013 IART Symposium Kicks off Sept. 21

IART has announced the schedule for the 2013 training symposium for racquet technicians, which will run from Sept. 21 to 25 at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Fla.

New courses will offer a fresh look on the training side. IART has always offered a four-hour racquet customization course led by MRT and 2012 RSI Stringer of the Year John Gugel, but this year, he’ll be joined by co-presenter Ron Rocchi, principal designer at Wilson who also is the team leader of the Wilson Tour Services stringing team.

New classes include a look into what it takes to successfully run a tournament stringing operation, presented by Bob Patterson, who has tournament stringing experience at all levels. His presentation also will include how to work as an independent contractor, based on his experiences running operations at professional tournaments.

Mark Gonzalez of Alpha Racquet Sports and Ben Porter of Prince will host a class on what it takes to become a brand manager for one of the leading companies. USRSA certification testing will once again be conducted by USRSA Executive Director Dave Bone. Richard Parnell, MRT from Spain, will lead the certification for ERSA.

The cost of registration for the five-day event is $495, but if you join the IART organization you will receive a 10% discount off of your registration fee. For information and to register, visit gssalliance.com or call Tim Strawn at 540-772-4418.

Pacific Offers Stringing Stats from Halle

Pacific was again the official stringing service for the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany, an ATP grass-court event held in June that this year was won by Roger Federer.

The company had three full-tome stringers plus a desk person and used two Pacific DX8 stringing machines and one DX 6 machine. The stringing booth at the tournament also doubled as a retail selling booth, so fans were able to get a close-up view of technicians stringing the pros’ racquets.

Pacific provided some interesting stringing stats from the tournament:

Total number of racquets strung: 316
Player’s with the most string-jobs: 1) Roger Federer, 27; 2) Tommy Haas, 26; 3) Philipp Kohlschreiber, 22; 4) Milos Raonic, 19
Highest tension requested: Ernests Gulbis (64/61.5 lbs.)
Lowest tension requested: James Cerretani (39.5 lbs.) (Pacific Poly Force Xtreme, 1.25mm)

Correction

Information for one of the RSI/ASBA “Distinguished-Facility-of-the-Year Awards” listed in the May 2013 issue of RSI was incorrect. The correct information for the outdoor facility winner is:

Koch Tennis Center
Omaha, Neb.
(Nominated by L.E.R. Inc., dba Renner Sports Surfaces)
Architect/Engineer: Kennith W. Schmidt Jr.
General Contractor: L.E.R. Inc., dba Renner Sports Surfaces
No. of Courts: 7
Surface, Fencing: Renner Sports Surfaces
Nets, Posts, Straps: Douglas Industries

Short sets

New Balance Athletic has launched a new ad campaign, “America is for the Makers,” that celebrates New Balance’s 75-year history of domestic manufacturing.
Fila, the official apparel and footwear sponsor of the BNP Paribas Open, donated $48,000 in fitness and lifestyle apparel and footwear to the Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms, a non-profit beneficiary of The Champions Volunteer Foundation.
Ashaway Racket Strings has extended its contract to remain the Official String of USA Racquetball through the end of 2013. "As the only U.S. manufacturer of racquet strings, we are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with USA Racquetball," said Steven Crandall, VP of Ashaway.
Fastcourts is a free online court reservation system that allows club members to book time easily. The system is set up and controlled by an administrator, and then each member can log-in to book. It can be linked to a current website or can be used as a new site, with the ability for administrators to update and post news articles. Visit fastcourts.com.
In honor of Brad Drewett, the late chairman and CEO of the ATP Tour, the trophy at the year-end ATP Championships has been named in his honor.
The USPTA and USTA have partnered to make the Emirates Airline US Open Series available to the USPTA and its members. With select events, USPTA members will be able to attend the tournaments early in the week as guests of the tourney. Visit uspta.com for more.
At Wimbledon this year, Novak Djokovic launched his own clothing line, through Japanese sponsor Uniqlo. Djokovic has been with the company since May 2012.
The Dallas Award Program has chosen Black Tennis Magazine for the 2013 Dallas Awards in the Periodical Printing & Publishing classification.
Tonic by Martina Hingis has been named Official Clothing Partner of the Southern California Open, scheduled for July 27-Aug. 4 at LaCosta Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif.
In Interbrand’s annual ranking of the 50 Best Global Green Brands, Adidas came in first in the apparel category, landing at 15 overall. Second was Nike, at 31.

Dunlop Enters Racquetball Market with Premium Products

Dunlop is entering the racquetball field with a new line of racquetball racquets, balls and accessories, and has added racquetball legend Sudsy Monchik as the category manager.

“With our strength in tennis, dominance in squash, and the emergence of the Carlton brand in badminton, the next, most natural market for us to enter was racquetball," says Kai Nitsche, V.P. and general manager of Dunlop Sports Group Americas. "Over the next few months we’ll be delivering premium racquets, balls, and a full range of accessories. We have focused our development on innovative product that we feel the sport has lacked, and we’ve hired the most qualified person in racquetball to make this happen, Sudsy Monchik."

Monchik, five-time world champion and holder of over 50 professional titles, has been in racquetball for 30 years. He continues to compete in select events, including exhibitions and clinics and announces racquetball on TV.

"My aim is to build on the brand’s rich racquet sports tradition by developing a racquetball line that matches my style of game: exciting, innovative, disruptive, and flat-out cool,” Monchik says.

USTA Redesigns, Relaunches Website

I n mid-June, the USTA re-launched usta.com with a new look. “This redesign is another step forward for our website, and brings with it exciting new opportunities for the USTA to make our sport and its many benefits more accessible,” said USTA President Dave Haggerty in announcing the web redesign.

Haggerty said the usta.com homepage “is no longer a destination — we are repositioning it as a pathway that will allow people to find the right programs faster. Once inside the site, people will find comprehensive and pertinent information on the USTA and its wide variety of programs, all designed to help them ‘find themselves in the game.’”

Head Launches New Bag Collections

Head has launched two new bag collections, including a Maria Sharapova-designed bag that debuted at Wimbledon. The Maria Sharapova Tennis Racquet Bag Court can fit up to four racquets and includes a cosmetic/toiletry bag and wet clothes/shoe bag. The Maria Sharapova Combi bag can fit up to five frames and includes a shoe bag.

The limited-edition Head White Bag collection, which was used by Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray at Wimbledon, includes a White Monstercombi that has three separate compartments and can hold up to 12 frames. The 4 Majors Club Bag, in white with green striped should straps, has a large main compartment and wet clothes/shoe compartment. Visit head.com.

USTA Serves Awards Grants, Scholarships

USTA Serves, the USTA’s national charitable foundation, announced that it has awarded more than $324,000 in grants to 38 community tennis and education organizations during its 2013 spring funding cycle. USTA Serves also has awarded $395,000 in college scholarships to 58 high school students.

The grant recipients are chosen by a Grant Proposal Review Committee. Grants are awarded to programs that successfully combine tennis and education and help children pursue their goals and highest dreams by leading healthier lives, succeeding in school and becoming healthier citizens. To date, USTA Serves has awarded more than $11 million to a variety of programs that support its mission.

The scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000. “For many years, USTA Serves has proudly awarded students throughout the country for their outstanding achievements on and off the tennis court,” said Dan Faber, USTA Serves executive director.

Among the scholarships to high school seniors are:

Marian Wood Baird Scholarship Award ($15,000), to Haley Bougher of Indianapolis.
Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship ($10,000 each), to Vivian Hao of Franklin, Tenn., and Vincent Ong of Cooper City, Fla.
Dwight Mosley Scholarship Award ($10,000 each), to Angela Chen of Bellevue, Wash., and Marvin Pagayonan of Las Vegas.
Rosalind Walter Scholarship Award ($10,000 each), to Lauren Howe-Kerr of Pueblo West, Colo., and James-Roland Markos of Jackson, Tenn.
Eve Kraft Education & College Scholarship ($2,500 each), to Lara Dedic of Jacksonville, Fla., and Cooper Josephs of State College, Pa.

For a list of recipients, visit ustaserves.com.

USPTA Southern Offers Scholarships for Methodist Univ. PTM Students

The USPTA Southern Division is donating a scholarship award to the Methodist University Professional Tennis Management (PTM) Program that will consist of two awards, per year, for three consecutive years to be disbursed to a total of six different award recipients. The awards will be granted during the fall semester of the students’ sophomore years and applied to their Methodist University costs.

The purpose of the scholarship is to honor the USPTA Southern Division and to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated an interest in a career in the tennis industry and who are enrolled in the PTM concentration or minor at Methodist University.

“We are very grateful for the continued support and involvement of the USPTA with the Methodist University PTM Program,” said Kaitlin Flaherty, assistant director of PTM, Methodist University. “This new scholarship provided by the USPTA Southern Division will allow for young, and passionate, teaching professionals to pursue their dreams of entering into the tennis industry with a college education, numerous teaching certifications, and knowledge of the tennis business.”

For more information, visit methodist.edu/ptm.

TGA Expands Franchise in Colorado

Mark Stangeland, a former aerospace engineer, has acquired the TGA Premier Youth Tennis franchise in Douglas County, Colo. The youth sports company TGA provides after-school programs for youngsters with school-based tennis programs.

“We are very excited about the continued growth of our tennis franchises nationwide and attracting strong business-minded people with a passion about the sport,” says TGA COO Steve Tanner. “Having a USTA member like Mark, someone who has been playing the game for a lifetime, is the perfect candidate to build a successful tennis business growing the sport and impacting the lives of youth in Douglas County.”

Ashaway Kevlar Plus Now Available In Bulk Spools

Ashaway Racket Strings has now made its Kevlar Plus tennis string available in bulk reels to allow players and stringers greater flexibility in hybrid stringing combinations for all racquet types and string patterns.

Ashaway’s 1.25 mm (17 gauge) Kevlar Plus bulk reels are available in small reels of 360 feet and large reels of 720 feet. Use of bulk reels minimizes string waste when stringing different hybrid patterns and racquet types.

In Kevlar Plus, Kevlar fibers provide a powerful string bed for heavy topspin players, while braided-in PTFE filaments produce a softer feel and enhance playability, says Ashaway. Using braided Kevlar/PTFE main strings also maximizes durability and enhances string abrasion resistance to increase string life. Visit ashawayusa.com.

Six Tennis Players Make Forbe’s $$$ List

Tiger Woods may have beat out his friend Roger Federer to be No. 1 on Forbe’s recently released list of the World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes, but tennis still had a nice showing.

Six pro tennis players made the Forbe’s 100 list, and Federer claimed the No. 2 spot for 2013, earning a total of $71.5 million, including $65 million off the court in endorsements and exhibitions. (Woods totaled $78.1 million.) The top woman tennis player on the list is Maria Sharapova, at No. 22, earning a total of $29 million ($23 million in endorsements). Sharapova also was the top woman earner on the Forbe’s list for all sports.

Other tennis players making the Forbe’s 100 are: No. 28 Novak Djokovic ($26.9M total, with $14M in endorsements); No. 30 Rafael Nadal ($26.4M with $21M in endorsements); No 68 Serena Williams ($20.5M; $12M) and No. 85 Li Na ($18.2M; $15M).

CareersInTennis.com Highlights Industry Career Paths

Since its inception in 2009, the TIA’s Careers In Tennis initiative has been geared toward highlighting the viable career paths in the tennis industry. Now, with more than 2,000 registered job seekers, and a constant "pool" of more than 1,000 jobs, the CareersInTennis.com website has become a "go to" source for finding a career in the industry.

"Our goal was to not only develop a platform to highlight the viability of a job in tennis, but also help to easily connect talented candidates with industry employers and ultimately, create more future leaders for the industry," says TIA Research and Operations Manager Ryan Melton.

The site is a free resource for both job-seekers and employers. Employers can post open positions on the job board, as well as search the 2,000 candidate profiles. When jobs are posted to they job board, they also are listed in the TIA’s weekly Careers In Tennis job alert, which goes to job seekers.

For the first half of 2013, there were nearly 15,000 job views on CareersInTennis.com. In addition, 350 new job-seekers signed up on the site.

To view or post jobs, visit CareersInTennis.com. For questions or more information, contact Melton at (843) 473-4490 or info@careersintennis.com.

TRO Names Top Tennis Resorts and Camps

Tennis Resorts Online (tennisresortsonline.com) recently released its annual rankings of the Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps worldwide, compiled from reviews submitted by tennis vacationers and based on their own first-hand experiences. This year they were asked to rate their experience in 20 categories, including overall tennis experience and the quality of the teaching staff and instruction. They were also invited to share their opinions about a wide variety of amenities and services.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island in South Carolina repeated as our No. 1 Resort while the Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks at the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland once again snared the No. 1 Camp honors. The top resorts and camps are:

Top 5 Resorts

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC
La Quinta Resort & Club, CA
The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, AZ
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, CA
Wild Dunes Resort, SC

Top 5 Camps

Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks at Gstaad Palace, Switzerland
Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Omni Amelia Island Plantation, FL
Topnotch Tennis Academy, Topnotch at Stowe, VT
John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, TX
Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman), FL

New Scorekeeper Available

The new Tourn-a-Score from OnCourt Offcourt features six score dials that are easily turned to change the score, with large, easy to read letters. The rustproof unit can be hung on a net (outside the doubles sideline) or on a fence. For info, visit oncourtoffcourt.com or call 888-366-4711.