Industry News

Information to help you run your business

USTA Florida Approves New Tennis Management Division

The board of directors for the USTA Florida section unanimously approved the creation of a new Tennis Management Division, aimed at helping improve public tennis facilities across the state. The division will be led by a new director of tennis management, and will focus on working with municipalities that are struggling to maintain quality public tennis facilities and programs.

The board also approved negotiations to manage one public facility by the end of 2017, with the expectation that several more facilities will come under the USTA Florida umbrella in 2018.

“This year alone, we have received calls from several cities that have asked us if we could help with the management of their public tennis centers,” says Robert Hollis, president of USTA Florida. “After seeing many of those facilities struggle and face possible closure, we felt it was critical to our mission that we put the pieces in place to help improve these facilities.”

“We want to work with communities who are as committed to the success of the tennis center as we are,” says USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth. “Each partnership will be unique. We are not in this to make money. We’re in this to deliver high-quality tennis programs and to ensure that tennis grows in local communities for future generations.”

National Campus to Host NCAA Championships

The USTA National Campus at Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla., will host the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2019 and 2021, as well as the Division III Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships in 2022.

The top eight men’s and women’s collegiate programs will compete for a team championship, the top 64 men and top 64 women will compete for NCAA singles titles, and the top 32 men’s and women’s doubles teams will compete for NCAA doubles titles. This reflects a format change for the team championship that will take place starting in 2019, and see the introduction of super regionals.

20th Anniversary Art of Ashe Stadium Created by Peter Max

Renowned artist Peter Max has created the 2017 US Open theme art, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Max also was commissioned to create the US Open theme art in 1997, which featured Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time.

This year’s theme art showcases Max’s vibrant, colorful style, featuring two crossed tennis racquets against a fiery sky. The intent, says Max, is to suggest two swords, depicting the competition at the Open.

“We could not think of a better way to kick off the 20th anniversary of Arthur Ashe Stadium than by ‘returning to source’ and having Peter Max create another signature work that truly captures the power of tennis’ grandest stadium,” says USTA Chairman of the Board and President Katrina Adams.

With a capacity of more than 23,000 fans, Arthur Ashe Stadium is the largest tennis-only stadium in the world. In 2016, a retractable roof was added.

Tennis Providers Register for New Net Generation Youth Brand

Net Generation is the new youth tennis brand from the USTA, designed to bring more young players into the sport. Providers who are listed on the Net Generation website will have access to a variety of resources and tools, and will be included in a free searchable directory, so parents can find local programs and places to play. Importantly, to register for Net Generation, tennis providers will need to complete a complimentary background check.

“For youth tennis, especially the instructional side of it, we need a national brand, like youth soccer has with AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) and youth football has with Pop Warner,” says Andrea Barnes, executive director of USPTA Northern California and a junior tennis instructor at the Fremont Hills Country Club.

Tennis providers also are excited about the Net Generation curriculum for delivering instruction to youngsters.

“This program is going to be monumentally helpful to teaching professionals and coaches,” says USPTA and PTR Master Professional Jorge Capestany, manager of the Dewitt Tennis Center at Hope College in Michigan.

“I’ve been educating tennis coaches for decades, and the most common thing they tell me they need is exactly what Net Generation will provide — competencies, lesson plans, assessments and curriculum,” Capestany adds. “The format is easy to use and will provide a roadmap for what should be covered for players ages 5 to 18. Plus, coaches can customize their existing programs by implementing whatever parts of Net Generation they feel will serve them best.”

In addition to curriculum and a free listing in a searchable database, Net Generation also provides customizable marketing materials and campaigns, a free coaching app, and a welcome pack.

“The USTA engaged a lot of experts, including from the USPTA and the PTR, to create this curriculum,” says Scott Colebourne, vice president of operations for Cliff Drysdale Management.

“Craig Morris [USTA general manager of community tennis and youth tennis] and his team have done a great job."

To register for Net Generation, go to netgeneration.usta.com.

PlaySight Receives Support From Verizon Ventures, Greg Norman

PlaySight has announced a strategic investment from Verizon Ventures and legendary golfer Greg Norman to assist in its global SmartCourt expansion and roll-out of its technology into new sports.

Selected in 2017 by Fast Company as one of the “10 Most Innovative Companies in Sport,” PlaySight uses multi-angle video and proprietary analytics to improve sports performance and connect athletes. In tennis, the company’s technology is used at leading federations, academies, clubs and over 40 NCAA tennis programs, as well as the USTA’s new National Campus and high-performance facility in Lake Nona, Fla.

“We are connecting courts, fields, arenas and athletes all over the world through our technology,“ says PlaySight CEO Chen Shachar.

“And, just like our new partners, we are changing how sports are played and consumed.”

Certified Check

New certifications to be introduced at inaugural USRSA Conference in October at National Campus

Registration is filling up for the first USRSA World Conference, which will be held Oct. 6-9 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. The conference will include two days of seminars and workshops, followed by a day of certification testing.

Two new certifications — MRT Tournament Stringer and MRT Customization 1 — will be introduced at the conference, and are available only to current USRSA Master Racquet Technicians. (These certifications will not be available at all test locations.)

MRT Tournament Stringer certification tests the applicant on the knowledge and skills needed to string in the fast-paced environment of a tournament stringing room.

MRT Customization 1 certification provides a more stringent test of the customization skills.

Interested MRTs may apply for either certification at usrsa.com, or by calling 760-536-1177.

As of mid-June, sponsors for the USRSA World Conference include Alpha, Ashaway, Babolat, Dunlop, Head, Pacific, Tecnifibre and Tourna.

Conference attendees will each receive a swag bag full of products, and other prize drawings will take place throughout the event.

Space is limited. To register, visit usrsa.com.

2017 USRSA World Conference Schedule

Friday, Oct. 6

6:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception

At Doubletree by Hilton Hotel — Orlando Airport

Saturday, Oct. 7

8-10:30 a.m.

Racquet Fitting

This seminar on the finer points of frame and string technology teaches you how to apply that knowledge to fit your customers with the best racquet (frame and string setup), so they maximize their potential and enjoyment of the game.

10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Machine Purchase and Maintenance

A look at how to choose the best stringing machine and equipment for your business, and how to keep them in top shape.

1:30-6 p.m.

Frame Customization

This workshop will provide an in-depth look at frame customization, from matching of frames to more complex processes. A hands-on portion will show various techniques, as well as how to implement or expand customization services in your business.

7 p.m.

Sponsoring Manufacturers Reception, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

A networking opportunity with other attendees and manufacturer reps will include an informal roundtable and Q&A session on the state of the industry.

Sunday, Oct. 8

8-10 a.m.

Servicing Indoor Sports

A comprehensive look into the intricacies of stringing and servicing badminton, racquetball and squash racquets.

10 a.m-12:15 p.m.

Mastering Racquet Service

A review of the knowledge and skills needed to be certified as a USRSA Master Racquet Technician. This workshop will include hands-on components for the practical sections of the MRT exam.

1:30-6 p.m.

Tournament Stringing

This seminar and hands-on workshop covers the skills and techniques required to work on a tournament stringing team.

Monday, Oct. 9

Certification Testing

Trost, Hassan Nominated for Top USPTA Positions

The USPTA’s national Nominating Committee has submitted its slate for the 2018-2019 USPTA national Board of Directors. The proposed slate is:

President: Gary Trost
First Vice President: Feisal Hassan
Vice Presidents: Alan Cutler, Cari Buck, Mark Faber, Bill Mountford, Rich Silvocka
Immediate Past President: Chuck Gill

According to USPTA bylaws, additional nominations may be made by the general membership for vice president positions. To challenge a candidate nominated by the Nominating Committee, the individual must have applied to be a candidate to the Nominating Committee during the current election cycle, and he or she must be nominated by at least 120 members and submit the list of names prior to Aug. 1. Only one challenger can oppose one nominated vice president.

10th Annual TIA Tennis Forum Set for Aug. 28 in New York City

The 10th Annual TIA Tennis Forum will be held in New York City on Monday, Aug. 28. This year’s Forum — along with related industry meetings — will be held at a new location: the Intercontinental New York Barclay, which is at Lexington Avenue and 49th Street and is the official hotel of the ATP World Tour.

The Forum will include the latest news about the state of the tennis industry and outline ways to better define and boost economic growth. Attendees will receive a summary report on key industry research.

In addition, top retail expert Dan O’Connor, founder and CEO of RetailNet Group, will speak to how the industry can take control of its future through a clearer picture of the future player and consumer.

This year’s Forum also will honor the 2017 inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame, International Tennis Federation President and former USTA President David Haggerty. Also, new this year will be the “Tennis Industry Innovation Challenge — NYC.”

While the Forum is free to attend, space is limited, so registration is required. Visit TennisIndustry.org.

WTCA Schedules Conference, Is New PTR Corporate Member

The Women’s Tennis Coaches Association is the newest corporate member of the PTR. Founded in 2015, WTCA is the first — and currently the only — professional global organization formed solely in support of coaches working with female players.

The WTCA, in partnership with PTR, will host a conference dedicated to coaching female players Aug. 26-27 in New York City. For more information and to register, visit wtcatennis.org.

UTR to Gather Results from USTA Adult Leagues

Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) has begun a nationwide program to gather results from USTA Adult Leagues (men’s and women’s singles and doubles), to provide league players with Universal Tennis Ratings. Most of these USTA League players are new to UTR.

Creating UTRs for more groups of players will provide an additional tool for finding partners, opponents and events that ensure more level-based play, say UTR officials.

The majority of USTA League results are from doubles matches. While the UTR doubles rating is still in its “beta” testing phase, the company says it will continually refine its algorithm as needed to ensure accuracy.

TIA Plans 2018 Industry Conferences in S.C., Calif.

The 2018 Tennis Owners & Managers (TOM) Conference will be held April 8-11 at Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, S.C., next to Charleston. The conference will include specialty courses, innovation training, educational sessions on equipment, tech, on-court demos and a trade show — all designed to position businesses for the future.

The first day of the TOM Conference also will be finals day at the nearby Volvo Car Open WTA tournament on Daniel Island, S.C. The fifth annual TOM Conference is presented by the Tennis Industry Association.

The TIA also has tentative plans for a Tennis Forum in early March in Indian Wells, Calif., during the BNP Paribas Open.

For more on upcoming events, visit TennisIndustry.org.

Lacoste Develops Clothing Line for Novak Djokovic

Lacoste has developed a line of performance clothing for Novak Djokovic. The company says the items in the collection were engineered from materials picked for quality and performance, with details geared toward comfort, such as ergonomic stitching to prevent chaffing.

Lobster Releases Elite 10 Remote for Apple Users

Tennis ball machine manufacturer Lobster Sports has released its new Elite10 remote control for Apple. The new remote offers all the features of Lobster Sports’ standard Elite10 remote, but allows customers to use an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPod, or iPad to control the feed, speed, spin, elevation, and sweep.

The new app-based remote is an optional accessory and compatible with the battery-powered Elite 2 or Elite 3 portable ball machines and the AC-powered models. Current owners can upgrade to the new Elite 10 remote for Apple by contacting Lobster at 800-526-4041 or sales@lobstersports.com. The complete line is at lobstersports.com.

‘Sport of a Lifetime’ Published

New Chapter Press has released the book “Sport of a Lifetime — Enduring Personal Stories From Tennis,” by longtime tennis enthusiast Judy Aydelott. It features personal stories about those who love and participate in tennis over the age of 35 — from late-bloomers to seasoned champions.

The book includes stories from high-profile players and personalities, such as Wimbledon champ John Newcombe, USTA President and former tour player Katrina Adams, and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, as well as little-known but inspiring stories of recreational players.

“Sport of a Lifetime" is available for sale and download wherever books are sold, including on Amazon.com.

New Yorkers Experience ‘Roland Garros in the City’

Thousands of people converged on lower Manhattan in June for the first “Roland-Garros in the City.” Created by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) in partnership with the Swiss watch brand Longines, BNP Paribas and Lacoste, New Yorkers had the opportunity to experience the feel of Paris at the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza.

A big screen showed the live broadcasts of the men’s and women’s semifinals and finals. A full-size red clay court attracted tennis players of all ages and levels, with free classes, clinics and open play available throughout the weekend.

The space featured a gallery depicting images and stories behind the classic Roland Garros posters. Other activities included Longines’ “Smash Corner” at which people tested the speed of their serve, a Lacoste Boutique and a Kid Zone, among other activities.

Ashaway Updates Line of Badminton Strings

Line of Ashaway’s updated line of badminton strings is now structured to provide a string for every style and frequency of play. The complete line includes two string families: the ZyMax Fire family of competition strings, which are constructed with a proprietary Beta polymer and Ashaway’s patented ZyWeaVe core technology; and the newest introduction to the line, Ashaway’s Rally 21 Fire, also made with Beta polymer. For more information, visit ashawayusa.com.

People Watch

The USTA has hired Josh Bramlett as Section Liaison, to reach out to sections to develop programs.
Columbia University recruit Austen Huang, of Elk Grove, Calif., and Princeton-bound Stephanie Schrage, of Milburn, N.J., were recently named recipients of the 2017 USTA National Junior Scholar Athlete Award, honoring high-school tennis players who best demonstrate that tennis is the sport of opportunity for education, advancement and character development. The two will be honored in September at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York City.
Serena Williams has been appointed to the board of directors of the online poll-taking service SurveyMonkey.
Andres Pedroso was named director of tennis and men’s tennis coach at the University of Virginia. Pedroso had been UVA’s men’s tennis associate coach from 2010 to 2014. He replaces Brian Boland, who joined the USTA as head of men’s tennis for USTA Player Development in March.
Marlynn Orlando has resigned as executive director of the USTA Middle States section.
USTA New England inducted four people into its section Hall of Fame on June 10: Lisa Albano-Fu of Andover, Mass.; Chris Holmes of Harvard, Mass.; Jerry Albrikes of Daniel Island, S.C.; and Paul Shaw of Norwell, Mass. In addition, Clare “Bunny” Lahey received the Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award.
Camille Clark is the deputy director of Sportsmen’s Tennis & Enrichment Center in Dorchester, Mass., in a new position created for the nonprofit organization.

Short Sets

Cliff Drysdale Tennis will manage the tennis operation at The Clubs at Houston Oaks, located 35 miles northwest of Houston. The company also will manage the tennis operations at the Lake Norman Tennis Center in Mooresville, N.C., which has 11 outdoor courts and five indoor courts.
The controversy surrounding comments by 24-time Grand Slam champion Margaret Court on same-sex marriage has prompted calls for the Australian Open to drop the name Margaret Court Arena. In early June, while the public waited for Tennis Australia’s response, Google Maps responded, labeling the stadium “Evonne Goolagong Arena,” after the former world No. 1 player.
New TGA Premier Tennis franchises are in Tucson, Ariz., covering the areas of Marana, Rita Ranch and Vail, and Portland, Ore., covering the south Portland area including Lake Oswego. The Tucson franchise is owned by USPTA pro Mike Owens, and the Portland franchise is owned by Kendall Moore and Casey Kreis (it is their second franchise).
Wansport.com is a new corporate member of the PTR. Wansport.com is a cloud platform for the management of tennis clubs, academies and sport centers. It also contains modules for booking tennis courts and lessons, academy management, and programming, as well as functions for tennis directors and coaches.