0819 Tennisindustry Full

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August 2019 / Volume 47 / Number 8 / $5.00
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Also Inside:
Stringing Machines Participation Brand Awareness
Our exclusive guide Latest research What are the top
will help you find the best shows areas of growth pros hitting with
School and community machine for your shop

22
and new challenges
34
and wearing on court?
28
partners are game-changers

for Net Generation
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www.tennisindustrymag.com
TennisIndustry
Contents August 2019

DEPARTMENTS
22
4 Our Serve
7 Industry News
16 Court Construction
17 Facility Management
18 Grassroots Tennis: NJTL
20 Racquet Customization
38 Tips & Techniques
40 Your Serve,
by Denny Schackter
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 Rakuten to become global
partner for Davis Cup
7 Dunlop introduces new
stringing machine
30 28 34
7 WTCA Conference scheduled
for Aug. 23-25
8 12th Annual TIA Forum set
for Aug. 26 in NYC
8 Babolat launches new
Pure Strike frames
8 USTA Florida, USPTA Florida
re-sign agreement
9 Oracle Challenger Series
brings tennis to New Haven
10 Anne Worcester named
president of Universal Tennis
10 2020 Racquet & Paddle Sports
Show set for Jan. 21-24
10 Ashaway offers new
TX badminton strings STRINGING MACHINES PRO PLAYERS YOUTH TENNIS INDUSTRY RESEARCH
C OV E R P H O T O C O U RT E S Y U S TA ; T H I S PA G E C O U RT E S Y G A M M A , U S TA , A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S, T I A
11 Wilson introduces three Invest In Brand Net Tennis
new Clash models The Best Awareness Gains! Participation
11 PTR launches UTR Event Report
Certification A well-maintained What are your With school and
11 Nominations announced professional customers’ favorite industry partnerships, While youth tennis
for ITF president, board stringing machine pros hitting Net Generation and Cardio Tennis
12 Laver Cup, ATP join forces can provide a with and wearing providers reveal continue to grow,
lucrative return on on the court? Check winning strategies for research highlights
14 Tennis Channel sees 42% investment. out our helpful chart. young players. ongoing challenges.
more viewers for French Open P. 22 P. 28 P. 30 P. 34
PLUS
42 From the CEO
p.41
46 First Vice President's
Message
48 Master Pro Corner
48 51 54 56
50 USPTA World Conference
The Power Controlling A USPTA Pro USPTA Hall of
51 Inside Coaching
of Charting Your Emotions Recounts the Fame to Honor
Matches in Tennis Best Lessons Frank Brennan 54 Beyond the Court
He's Received & Dick Gould 56 USPTA Hall of Fame
59 Career Development
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Member News
2 TennisIndustry August 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com

O F F IC IA L
FAIA
RIC CE
OU
S FF L
O
SUF R FAC E S P TA
T H E U
O F T H E U S P TA
st al le rs .
it h ex pe ri en ce d na ti on w id e in
pa ir pr od uc ts , w
t- qu al it y sp or t su rf ac in g & re ce d na ti on w id e in st
al le rs .
To ur na m en it h ex pe ri en
pa ir pr od uc ts , w
t- qu al it y sp or t su rf ac in g & re
To ur na m en
sportmaster.net
sportmaster.net
OurServe TennisIndustry
PUBLISHER
EDITOR'S NOTE JEFF WILLIAMS
Play the Local Game EDITOR

PETER FRANCESCONI
While the pros get plenty of attention, MANAGING EDITOR

SCOTT GRAMLING
growing this sport is best accomplished CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IAN KNOWLES
in communities across the country. SENIOR EDITOR

ED McGROGAN
ART DIRECTOR
CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
PRODUCTION EDITOR
T

SAM CHASE
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
he run-up to the US Open the USTA is again involved in support- CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
is always an exciting ing advocacy efforts—and importantly, CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
time, as fans around the the focus is on the local level. What do DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
country focus on the pros you need to get courts built or reno-
coming to New York. The vated in your town? How can you get CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
US Open is also a focal point for this in- tennis programs started in schools and BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
dustry. On the opening Monday morn- parks? Why is tennis important for ASSOCIATE EDITOR
ing, industry executives, providers and communities, and how do you reach TIM McARTHUR
manufacturers will gather in Manhat- residents and key officials with that
tan at the TIA Tennis Forum. The week- message? These are the right questions EDITORIAL DIRECTION
10TEN MEDIA
end before the Open, the WTCA runs its to ask, and they need to get answered.
conference for coaches and providers. In 2017, an ad-hoc Local Advocacy TENNIS INDUSTRY
Manufacturers get their sales teams and Task Force was formed with USTA 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
top clients together in New York, often volunteers, which produced an updated 646-381-8735
info@tennisindustrymag.com
launching new products. And the USTA Community Advocacy Handbook
has its Semi-Annual Meeting through (download it at https://bit.ly/2Cp3tSI). ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
the middle weekend of the tournament. Current USTA President Patrick Gal- JOHN HANNA
It’s clearly a time to celebrate this sport. braith made the task force a full volun- 770-650-1102, x125
But the one thing we can’t lose sight teer committee this year, and it’s hit hanna@knowatlanta.com
of is just how critical it is to get more the ground running with projects
APPAREL ADVERTISING
people playing tennis. local tennis advocates can use to help CYNTHIA SHERMAN
this sport grow. (Full disclosure: I’m on 203-558-5911
the USTA’s new Advocacy Committee.) cstennisindustry@gmail.com
But all of us in this industry need to
You make your living from be advocates for tennis. You make your Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
tennis. Doesn’t it make sense living from tennis. Doesn’t it make monthly, January through August with combined
issues in September/October and November/
that you do all you can sense that you do all you can to promote December, by Tennis Media Company, 250 Park
and advocate for this sport, too?
to advocate for this sport? It’s great that tennis is all over the
Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical
postage paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing
offices (USPS #004-354). August 2019, Volume 47,
news during the US Open, but we need Number 8 © 2019 by Tennis Media Company. All rights
The US Open generates a lot of to recognize that growing this sport will
reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo are trademarks
of Tennis Media Company. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
money, and I’m very aware and appre- only be accomplished locally. And for advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
ciative that the USTA directs millions of that to happen, we all need to advocate and editorial: 646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions
$25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
dollars from the tournament into grass- for tennis in our communities. address changes to Tennis Industry, 250 Park Avenue,
roots tennis. All that money, however, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Tennis Industry is the
official magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA.
can make us forget that we still have a Peter Francesconi
lot of work to do to grow this sport at the Editor Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
recreational level. Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
Recently, I’ve noticed more atten-
tion given to “advocacy” in tennis. After
years of putting this on the backburner,

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IndustryNews
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
PRO TENNIS
Rakuten to Become Global

Partner for Davis Cup
Dunlop Introduces New Stringing
Machine, Other Service Products
Dunlop introduced a trio of new products
designed for racquet technicians: the Dun-
lop Stringing Machine 2.0 (above), Dunlop
Swingweight Machine and Dunlop Balance
Board.
The new stringing machine ($6,000)
offers several features that make stringing
easier, faster and more convenient, says the
company, including either a Linear Gripper
or Diablo gripping system. The machine can
handle any size frame, including squash and
badminton racquets. It’s also wide enough
to accommodate two tool trays. Other fea-
tures include: premium, non-slip clamps;
clamp bases with easy-push buttons; preci-
sion metal brake with auto or manual con-
E

trol; table-top compatibility; multiple pull
speeds; and pre-stretch function.
Dunlop’s new Swingweight Machine
-commerce, communica- ($1,000) and Balance Board ($50) enable
tions and financial tech precise measurements, are portable and also
company Rakuten is the work with squash and badminton frames,
new global presenting says the company. Visit dunlopsports.com.
partner for Davis Cup.
The competition will be renamed Davis with Rakuten to reach a global audience WTCA Conference Set
Cup by Rakuten. in new and diverse ways.” For Aug. 23-25 in N.Y.
Rakuten also becomes the Davis With over 1.2 billion members world- The WTCA Conference NY 2019 will be
Cup’s “global innovation and entertain- wide, Rakuten says it will leverage its held on Aug. 23-25, the weekend before
ment partner.” The agreement with the experience and expertise in e-commerce the start of the US Open. The conference
International Tennis Federation is for and membership loyalty programs to will be at the Marriott LaGuardia Hotel
2019 and 2020, with the option of a two- bring global innovation to the Davis Cup in New York, a short drive from the USTA
year extension. Rakuten is expected to through digital and offline activations Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
receive high visibility in the Davis Cup aimed at enhancing the fan experience. (where many attendees will be helping at
finals and qualifiers. Plans include opening up new avenues Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Aug. 24).
“We are delighted to welcome of online communications and content- Speakers at the WTCA conference will
Rakuten,” says ITF President David sharing for supporters. include Billie Jean King, Katrina Adams,
Haggerty. “The Davis Cup has always Rakuten has partnerships with sports Kathy Rinaldi, Samantha Ettus, Pam
A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
been about maintaining tradition while powers such as FC Barcelona, the Shriver, Paul Annacone, Lynne Rolley,
embracing innovation. Adopting new Golden State Warriors and the National Paul Lubbers, Patricia Hy, Pat Harrison,
technologies for the Davis Cup is allow- Basketball Association. The company Jorge Capestany, Dr. Mark Kovacs, Jason
ing us to enter exciting new partner- also has been the title sponsor of the Stacy, David Bailey, Dr. Timothy Russell,
ships, and we look forward to working ATP Rakuten Japan Open since 2009. Craig Jones, Rosemary Owino and other
www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2019 TennisIndustry 7

IndustryNews
industry experts. For more informa- tennis category manager. “Players need to and a joint women’s initiative.
tion and to register for the third trust that their racquet will provide the nec- USPTA Florida will continue to
annual WTCA Conference, visit essary feel, stability and responsiveness to support USTA Florida tennis programs
wtcatennis.org. meet their expectations—to be the perfect and initiatives, including four new
extension of their arm. For this new genera- growth priorities: adaptive, adult
Babolat Launches New tion, we wanted to keep what they appreci- beginner, family play and after-school.
Pure Strike Frames ated while improving the feel and The addition of these priorities is
responsiveness to create a racquet that significant in that it marks a com-
control players will love even more.” mitment from both organizations to
Racquets in the new line include the grow tennis at the community and
100-square-inch, 10.1-ounce, Pure grassroots level—and not just through
Strike Team ($209 suggested retail) and established USTA programs.
100-square-inch, 10.6-ounce Pure Strike 100 The organizations also have
($219), both with a 16 x 19 string pattern. committed resources to a new
Visit babolat.com for more information. “Pro-Women” initiative, designed to
help more women become teaching
USTA Florida, USPTA Florida professionals and serve as leaders in
Dominic Thiem uses the new Pure Strike.
Re-Sign Collaboration Pact the organization.
The boards of directors of the USTA “There is no question that having a
Babolat has introduced the new Pure Florida Section and USPTA Florida strong partnership with USPTA Florida
Strike racquet, which was used by French recently signed their fourth consecutive and its certified tennis professionals
Open finalist Dominic Thiem. two-year collaboration agreement. is absolutely critical to growing the
“Today’s avid competitors want to take First signed in 2013, the renewed game of tennis,” says USTA Florida
big swings with precision, so ball feel at agreement expands on the existing part- President Clark Higgs. “Our board is
impact is key,” says Alex Israel, Babolat nership, adding new growth priorities excited to extend this agreement, and
we look forward to working closely
with USPTA Florida to advance our key
growth priorities.”
12th Annual TIA Tennis Forum

Set for Aug. 26 in New York
TENNIS FORUM
2019 NYC
The 12th Annual TIA Tennis Forum will

be held on Monday, Aug. 26, from 8:30 to
10:30 a.m. on the Ballroom Level of the
Grand Hyatt New York City.
TIA Tennis Forum will present the latest
C O U RT E S Y B A B O L AT, A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
news about the state of the tennis indus-

try, including participation, marketplace
trends, grassroots initiatives, updates
from TIA, ITF and USTA leadership, and
additional information. Also joining this
year’s event will be Andrew LaFiosca of
Nielsen Sports, who will share player
and consumer insights, and Tom Cove,
executive director of the Sports & Fitness
Industry Association, with insights on
sports and fitness trends.
A new feature at this year’s forum is the

IndustryNews
“Discovery Challenge,” an online compe- PRO TENNIS

tition designed to showcase innovation
and solutions around a problem facing Oracle Challenger Series
the tennis industry—in this case the
“retention of tennis players.” The chal- Brings Tennis Back
lenge will be moderated by Carlos
Salum, president of Salum International
Resources. He will be joined by Lena
to New Haven
T
Belogolova, a behavioral science expert
and former Facebook manager. The he Oracle Challenger Series
Discovery Challenge is designed to be announced that the first
an interactive and solutions-producing event of the 2019-2020
session with a panel of experts. Series will be in New Haven, Conn.,
Immediately following the Tennis at the Yale Tennis Center Sept.
Forum and Discovery Challenge, there 2-8. The event also will feature the
will be a short induction ceremony to Oracle Champions Cup, a one-night
honor the 2019 inductees into the Tennis men’s legends Invesco Series QQQ
Industry Hall of Fame. event headlined by Connecticut
While the Tennis Forum, Discovery native James Blake.
Challenge and Hall of Fame induction are Now in its third year, the Oracle
free to attend for those in the industry, Challenger Series aims to help
space is limited, so registration for the up-and-coming American players James Blake
event is required. secure ranking points and prize will return to
the Yale Tennis
Visit TennisIndustry.org/forum for money, leading to wild cards into the Center for a
registration and more information. BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. legends event.

IndustryNews
Ashaway's new badminton Worcester Named President

strings also come with a
family of accessories. Of Universal Tennis
Anne Worcester, former WTA CEO
and Connecticut Open tournament
director, has joined Universal Tennis as
and performance, says the company. president.
The two TX strings, the 68 TX and In her new role, Worcester will
the 64 TX, both include a proprietary oversee the growth and development
textured surface coating to enhance of UTR worldwide. Her focus also will
RACQUET SPORTS feel and control of the shuttle. They include increasing grassroots efforts
also utilize Ashaway’s proprietary to connect communities to the sport
Ashaway BETA polymer fibers and are con-
structed using the company’s special
and fostering diverse partnerships
within the tennis ecosystem to build
Offers New ZyWeaVe string core technology.
Ashaway says these features allow the
participation on the platform.
“What drew me to Universal Tennis
TX Badminton ZyMax TX string family to offer excel-
lent elasticity and dynamic stiffness
is its digitally savvy approach to make
tennis more affordable, accessible
Strings for maximum shuttle speed, as well as

optimum power and durability.
and fun for all players,” says Worces-
ter. “Level-based play helps to break
A
ZyMax 68 TX and ZyMax 64 TX down some of the biggest barriers to
shaway’s ZyMax TX family of measure 0.68 and 0.64 mm (21 and 22 our sport, so that it’s not about age,
badminton strings combines a gauge) respectively and are available in gender, where you play or how much
trio of proprietary features to white, orange and optic yellow in both you can afford.”
provide both amateur and professional sets and reels. For more information, “Anne has an exceptional career in
players with a new level of playability visit ashawayusa.com. tennis, marked by her commitment
to improving the game for players
and serving as a champion for tennis
worldwide. Her dedication to the
betterment and growth of the sport
is unparalleled,” says Mark Leschly,
Universal Tennis chairman and CEO.
2020 Racquet & Paddle Sports

Show Set for Jan. 21-24 in Fla.
The 2nd Annual Racquet & Paddle

Sports Show will be Jan. 21-24 at the Or-
ange County Convention Center (OCCC)
in Orlando, Fla., featuring product, dem-
os, exhibits and education.
A Demo Day will be held on Tuesday,
Jan. 21, which will be followed by exhib-
its, seminars and presentations on
Jan. 22-24. There will be courts set up
inside the convention center to try new
products and view demonstrations from
top industry experts and pros.
C O U RT E S Y A S H AWAY
The Racquet & Paddle Sports Show

(RAPS) will again be co-located with the
PGA Merchandise Show. The TIA is work-
ing with Reed Exhibitions, which puts
on the PGA Show, to produce RAPS. Visit
racquetpaddlesportsshow.com.

IndustryNews
Wilson Introduces Three Nominations Announced board will be elected to four-year terms,
New Clash Racquet Models For ITF President, Board from 2019 to 2023.
The ITF has announced official nomina- The nominations for president are:
tions for the elections of the ITF president incumbent David Haggerty (U.S.), Ivo
and board of directors, to be held on Sept. Kaderka (Czech Republic), Anil Khanna
27 at the ITF’s Annual General Meeting in (India) and David Miley (Ireland). Nomi-
Lisbon, Portugal. nated to the board of directors is Katrina
The president and 14 members of the Adams (U.S.), the former USTA president.
Clash frames have been popular buys.
Earlier this year, Wilson intro-

duced the Clash racquet collec-
tion, frames which the company
says are “the first to be designed
for the modern tennis swing by
flexing, without compromising
stability or power.”
Three new Clash racquets are
available now: the Clash 98 (sug-
gested retail $249), the Clash
100L ($229) and the Clash 108
($229). Visit wilson.com for more.
PTR Launches UTR

Event Certification Level 1
In May, the Professional Tennis
Registry and Universal Tennis (UTR)
launched the Event Certification
Level 1 course, a live online class that
will be held every month.
Participants will receive train-
ing on how to set up and run both
UTR and Verified UTR events, and
will learn how to use UTR’s fully
integrated tournament and event
management platform to run flexible
formats, take registrations and pay-
ments, create draws, post scores and
manage events. Part of the PTR edu-
cation pathway, the course includes
written and practical assessments for
certification, along with continuing
education credits.
“The launch of the Event Certifica-
tion Level 1 course is a key resource for
coaches organizing UTR events,” says
PTR COO Brian Parkkonen. “This will
ensure PTR coaches have the ability
and confidence to run the most effec-
C O U RT E S Y W I L S O N
tive UTR events possible. The more ef-

ficient the event, the better the overall
player experience, which ensures
continued participation and competi-
tive growth.” Visit ptrtennis.org.

IndustryNews
Laver Cup, ATP Join Forces

Short
Sets
The Davis Cup Madrid Finals will be TGA Premier Sports announces the
held on Nov. 18-24. The 18 teams com- launch of a new Premier Tennis franchise
peting for the Cup are Argentina, Austra- in the Raleigh, N.C..area. Sam Mahesh-
lia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, wari, who recently worked as a coach
Croatia, France, Germany, Great Britain, with the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section in
Team Europe won the Laver Cup in 2018.
Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Loudoun and Prince William counties
Russia, Serbia, Spain and the U.S. in Northern Virginia, has relocated near The Laver Cup and the ATP announced
North Carolina’s Research Triangle and an agreement that will make the annual
A “pop-up” padel club will be open opened the new TGA franchise. men's team event—which pits Europe
through October in the Manayunk against a team of players from the rest
neighborhood of Philadelphia. Called Tourna, known for high-performance of the world—an official part of the ATP
“Padelphia,” it features two state-of-the- grips, now has a line of pickleball-specific Tour calendar. The agreement gives the
art padel courts, a pro shop and viewing accessories, including USAPA-approved event, now approaching its third com-
petition in Geneva, Switzerland, Sept.
area. Visitors of all abilities are welcome indoor and outdoor Tourna Strike pickle-
20-22, access to ATP services, such as
to try the sport. For more information, balls, along with portable and permanent
marketing and social media, along with
contact Scott Grote, president of All pickleball nets. Visit uniquesports.com
operational personnel such as officials.
Racquet Courts USA, at sgrote@allrac- or contact sales@uniquesports.co, or call
“The Laver Cup team is incredibly
quetcourts.com, or call 717-468-4567. 770-442-1977 for more information. excited. It has always been our hope
to build the Laver Cup in partnership
with the tennis world, and certification
by the ATP after only two editions is an
overwhelming validation of our vision,”
says Tony Godsick, president and CEO of
TEAM8, and chairman of the Laver Cup.
USTA Signs U.N. Sports for

Climate Action Framework
The USTA, which has been a leader in
the sports industry when it comes to
environmental sustainability through
its US Open Green Initiative, has signed
the United Nation’s Sports for Climate
Action Framework. The USTA joins a
group of international sports organiza-
tions that have committed to drive cli-
mate awareness and action in support
of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
The Framework’s two main objec-
LOVE LOVE
tives are to promote a set of principles
for the global sports community to
adopt in order to combat climate
change and to use sports as a unifying
Club members and students will LOVE facing tool to drive climate awareness and
off against the phenom. You will LOVE action among global citizens.
offering the added advantage.
USRSA Certifies
Master Racquet Technicians

®
• Luca Alifredi, Torino, Italy
• Francesco Castelletti, Ascoli Piceno,
follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more.®
Italy
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com • Ryan Lisenko, Camden, N.Y.

IndustryNews
TENNIS ON TV
Tennis Channel
Sees 42%
More Viewers
during 2019
French Open
Tennis Channel’s 15-day live coverage
of this year’s French Open averaged
266,000 viewers, according to Nielsen.
Compared with 187,000 viewers on
average in 2018, the network saw a 42
percent increase in audiences watching
its live telecasts.
Tournament coverage led to live
tune-in growth across key demograph-
Tennis Channel's live French
ics for Tennis Channel: 35 percent Open telecasts saw an increase
increases in adults 18-49; 41 percent to 266,000 average viewers.
increases in adults 25-54; and 55 per-
cent increases in adults 35-64. eight of the network’s 10 highest-rated Plus, than any time in the subscription
Rare for the broadcast industry, the matches in its history aired during this platform’s five-year history. With a
network’s areas of demographic growth year’s French Open broadcast. record number of up to 12 live courts
are growing by higher percentages than The French Open also generated per day, Tennis Channel Plus took in
its household gains this year, driven more revenue for Tennis Channel’s more than $1 million in subscriber rev-
by younger audiences. Additionally, streaming service, Tennis Channel enue, a 25 percent increase vs. 2018.
People
Watch
USTA New England inducted three held Aug. 23-25 in New York City. The ITA Beau Fieldsend is the USTA’s new
members into its Hall of Fame in June: Jeff will also donate $1,000 to the Duquesne Manager for Strategic and Section Infra-
Bearup of Natick, Mass., Lesley Sheehan University men’s tennis program. structure. He joined the USTA in 2016.
of Stoneham, Mass., and George Ulrich
of East Lyme, Conn. Also honored were University of Georgia sophomore Head/Penn racquetball pros Jake
Ken and Dorcas Miller of Concord, Mass., Katarina Jokic and Mississippi State Bredenbeck of Minnesota and Kelani Bai-
with the Irving Levine Award, and Alberto University senior Nuno Broges are the ley Lawrence of Virginia are the 2019 USA
Garcia of Chestnut Hill, Mass., with the 2019 ITA NCAA Division I National Play- Racquetball National Singles Champions.
Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award. ers of the Year. Both finished atop their
respective Oracle/ITA National Rankings. University of Redlands Head Coach
Duquesne University senior men’s Geoff Roche is the ITA/Wilson Division III
tennis player Andrew Akins has been USTA Player Development has hired West Region Men's Coach of the Year.
selected as the 2019 recipient of the Andy Gerst as a national coach for
Intercollegiate Tennis Association Ann women’s tennis. He will be based out of Two-time French Open champion Jim
Lebedeff Leadership Award endowed by the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Courier received his International Tennis
Billie Jean King. Akins will be honored dur- Fla., and report to Kathy Rinaldi, head of Hall of Fame ring during the 2019 Roland
ing the ITA Leadership Awards Weekend, Women’s Tennis. Garros tournament in June.

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TennisIndustry
Court Construction
The tennis surface on
top of the concrete needs to
be more than what is
essentially a coat of paint.
of tennis players don’t even consider

the surface the youngsters are playing
on regularly.
“Overall, recurrent injuries resulted
in greater time away from sport, a
higher risk of sport discontinuation,
and a higher likelihood of surgical
intervention,” according to the Jan. 6,
2018, edition of the Orthopedic Journal
of Sports Medicine. “In tennis … the
sprinting, stopping and pivoting, and
pounding motions place repeated rota-
tional shear and loading forces on each
COMMENTARY joint of the lower extremities which,
in turn, places the athlete at increased
Concrete Thinking risk for acute and overuse injury.”
It’s not that this industry lacks the
Let’s make sure we’re installing court technology to develop softer court
surfaces. Tennis is the only sport played
surfaces that keep athletes healthy. on surfaces made of grass, clay, crushed
rock, synthetic turf, asphalt, concrete,
By Rick Burke rubber, urethane cushion, plastic tile
and carpet. Hard courts speed up the
ball, creating more force on the arm,
and keep the bounce lower.
W
Often with court construction,
schools are not considering child
ould you want your tensioned concrete when it comes to safety and what bare concrete does to
high school track tennis. What about protecting tennis a young athlete. This is not to say that
athletes practic- athletes and extending their time on post-tensioned concrete is not a good
ing and competing the court? How many players, especial- base. It is, but the tennis surface on
on bare concrete? ly younger players, is our sport losing to top of the concrete needs to be more
How about your football team? Or your injuries caused by hard surfaces? How than what is essentially a coat of paint.
basketball players or soccer team? many high school tennis players have to These player-“unfriendly” facilities put
But there is a set of young athletes quit, their careers shortened because of children—and schools—at risk.
playing on what is essentially bare substandard or unsafe facilities? For the future of this sport, let’s all
concrete: tennis players. The time has Shoe companies constantly tout the address this—court builders, facility
come to change that, and to build safe shock-absorbing and cushioning quali- managers, tennis coaches, teaching
competition areas for the next genera- ties of tennis shoes. While this may pros, the USTA, ASBA and TIA. We
tion of players. help lessen the impact with the court need to promote surfaces that keep our
I recently read an article on court surface, is it really the most effective young athletes healthier and safe from
surfaces and was shocked that profes- answer to a playing surface that is es- injury, so they can continue playing
sionals in the sports and engineer- sentially a concrete pad? tennis recreationally and competitively
ing field—experienced in specifying The fast-paced game played on these for their entire lives. •
SHUTTERSTOCK
athletic fields and running tracks, with unforgiving surfaces jolt the body,
high-end shock attenuation and force wreaking havoc on joints, backs and Longtime tennis and sports industry
reduction qualities—are promoting legs. With any sport, parents want their executive Rick Burke is the president of
the virtues of essentially bare post- children protected, but often, parents NGI Sports.

TennisIndustry
Facility Management
TENNIS CLUB VALUATION
Endangered Species? The tennis club of the

future must dramatically
Dozens of tennis facilities close each change the way it
year, but there are creative solutions that operates. It requires a
can help many clubs secure new futures. complete review of how this
industry delivers
By Jim Bates the service.
F
or some species, time on embrace the trend toward fitness/wear- Some clubs will attract “corporate” or
our planet is running out. ables? And can this industry shift from “strategic” buyers. These could be com-
Can the same be said about learn to play, to play to learn? petitor clubs, real estate holding compa-
tennis facilities? That may The market correction taking place nies or national chains. But the club will
seem a bit drastic, but just in the tennis industry is much more have to be large enough, both physically
look at Blockbuster Video, Sports than just a rebalancing of the number of and financially, and also geographically
Authority or Barnes & Noble. facilities. It requires a complete review desirable to meet the ROI of the strate-
Dozens of tennis facilities close each of how this industry delivers the service. gic buyers. Not all clubs will qualify.
year. Is this just a market correction un- This challenge is further complicated by Another option is for high net worth
til the game reaches a balance of supply general business and socioeconomic de- club members to buy a struggling facil-
and demand? mographics in the U.S., part of a national ity. In most cases, the group will be suc-
It’s inevitable that some facilities are trend called the “Age Wave.” As it relates cessful entrepreneurs or professionals
going to close, mostly as a function of to business ownership, most of the 12 with the leadership and business skills
location and socioeconomic factors. It’s million small businesses in the U.S. necessary for the operation to flourish.
also no secret that tennis faces many are owned by people in the older-age A third option is for general managers
other forms of competition, both fitness category, and as this group “ages out,” 70 or tennis directors to gain ownership
and non-fitness related. percent of all the businesses in the U.S. and “get some skin in the game.” These
The tennis club of the future must will change ownership within the next professionals may be a perfect fit be-
dramatically change the way it operates. 10 years. So, are 70 percent of the tennis cause they are intimately familiar with
Can we shift away from the traditional clubs still in existence due to change the operations of the club and the mem-
membership dues model? Can we ownership in the next decade? bership. However, the challenge comes
in the form of their ability to qualify
financially for ownership and survive in
an industry at a crossroads.
Even if the next generation of owners
are willing and able, how do they find each
other before it’s too late? If we are going
to save tennis facilities, we need to con-
nect the network of potential buyers and
sellers and determine what a facility’s value
is, where the buyers are and much more.
Not every tennis facility in danger of
closing has to close. Our industry doesn’t
have to join the endangered species list.
But, it’s going to take a concerted effort
by all of us to survive the market correc-
tion and navigate the future. •
Jim Bates is the co-founder of Sports

SHUTTERSTOCK
Club Advisors (sportsclubadvisors.net), a

mergers and acquisitions firm that offers
an online marketplace and free services
for the industry.

TennisIndustry
GrassrootsTennis
Arthur Ashe with
Philadelphia NJTL
founder Chris Beck
and NJTL alumni
D.A. Abrams.
NJTL NETWORK D.A. ABRAMS
Play It Forward! Creating Champions

of Life
As NJTL turns 50 this year, we
celebrate the people who continue to D.A. Abrams’ interest in tennis started
in the mid-1970s, when he saw Arthur
create a legacy of learning and tennis. Ashe on TV. Abrams went to his local
court in Philadelphia, where a friend,
Greg Williams, turned him on to NJTL.
Soon, he met Chris and Leif Beck, the
CHRIS BECK founders of the Philadelphia NJTL.
Opening Doors for Youngsters “I fell in love with the sport,” Abrams
says. “The NJTL program was founded
not so much to create tennis champi-
Chris Beck and her husband, Leif, were The center’s five tennis courts were ons, but to create champions of life.”
both nationally ranked players “back in only to be used by kids. Eventually a Abrams earned national rankings,
the amateur days,” but always wanted bigger indoor-outdoor center was built, and his good grades earned him a ten-
to give back to the sport. The Becks which has now become Legacy Youth nis scholarship to Millersville Univer-
knew NJTL founders Arthur Ashe Tennis & Education. sity. He worked in Minnesota for four
and Charlie Pasarell from their years “It is multipurpose, more focused on years, then returned to Philadelphia to
of tournament participation, and that tennis players but also with community serve as head tennis pro at the Arthur
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y U S TA , G R A C E T R I M B L E
association led them to found an NJTL programs and education,” says Beck, Ashe Youth Tennis Center. He later
chapter in Philadelphia in 1970, one who chaired the NJTL national non- became national coordinator for NJTL
of the first in the nation. The program profit organization for six years, before & Minority Participation, then execu-
grew and found its way to an indoor it merged with the USTA. tive director of two USTA Sections
courts building. Beck says her friendship with Ashe, (Missouri Valley and Eastern), before
“Very early on, we had a learning which goes back to their days as juniors, serving as the USTA’s chief diversity
component in the indoor building, has been a key to her legacy in the and inclusion officer from 2012 to 2019.
which Arthur generously gave his name sport—“using tennis as a hook to open “I knew if I worked hard and smart
to: the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & doors for [kids] and help them improve and was prepared, I would have a good
Education Center,” says Chris Beck. their futures.” —Arthur Kapetanakis chance of getting a positive result,”
Abrams says. “NJTL was a difference
Visit USTAFoundation.com for more on the 50th anniversary of the NJTL Network. maker for me.” —Erin Maher

TennisIndustry
“Tennis has been the vehicle for just about everything in my life,”
says William Elmore, whose challenging journey took him through two
NJTLs. “Their investment in me made who I am possible.”
GRACE TRIMBLE WILLIAM ELMORE SUGAM LANGER
Providing Skills The Importance Becoming a Better

That Last a Lifetime of Solid Mentors All-Around Person
In 2010, Grace Trimble had the idea to “Tennis has been the vehicle for just After Sugam Langer’s family emigrated
start Smart Shots of Lexington, Ky. At about everything in my life,” says Wil- to the U.S. from India, she found sup-
age 17, she became the youngest person liam Elmore, whose challenging jour- port and inspiration when she joined
to found an NJTL. ney took him through two NJTLs. the 15-Love NJTL chapter in Albany,
“There were other kids in similar Elmore started playing tennis at N.Y., in 1995.
positions as me who didn’t have the age 10 in a public-parks program in “It was during summer break,” she
means or exposure to tennis, and I Philadelphia. The late Alan Blackwell, a says. “They put up fliers in the library
wanted to change that within the com- coach at the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis for free tennis lessons for inner-city
munity,” she says. “I really leaned on & Education NJTL, saw Elmore play kids. They said show up at the courts,
my coach, Jo Wallen, heavily, because I and started working with him for free. and that’s how I started.”
didn’t really know what I was doing.” After his father lost his business in Langer later received scholarships to
Smart Shots partnered with an orga- 2011, Elmore’s family moved to Las Siena College, where she played Divi-
nization called Urban Impact; Trim- Vegas, where he was invited to play at sion I tennis, and went to the NCAA
ble’s group would teach tennis to kids, the Inspiring Children’s Foundation Championships her junior year.
provide snacks and tutor after school. NJTL. The transition to Las Vegas was “I still continue to believe in doing
“When we first launched, there were difficult—he ended up homeless for a community service and giving back and
about eight kids at one site,” she says. time—but he was able to intern with working with young students,” says
“By the time I graduated from high ICF. Elmore eventually was accepted to Langer, an attorney. “I now live in Los
school, we were serving 80 kids at mul- Villanova, where he played tennis for Angeles, and there’s another organiza-
tiple sites.” four years and majored in international tion here called Girls on the Run, and
A Rhodes Scholar finalist, Trimble business and management. He gradu- I’m a founding board member for it.”
graduated from University of Kentucky, ated in 2018, returned to ICF as a de- In 2014, Langer ran the New York
where she was a tennis team walk-on. velopmental director, and now works in City Marathon, raising money for 15-
She received a master’s degree in public sales and marketing for MGM Resorts. Love. That year, she also was a keynote
administration, with an emphasis on “I had unbelievable mentors at both speaker at the USTA Foundation Open-
nonprofit administration, from Geor- of my NJTLs,” says Elmore, who serves ing Night Gala during the US Open.
gia. NJTL, she says, “is about affording as an NJTL national board member. “Tennis,” she says, “was the medium
kids the skills that will last a lifetime. It “Their investment in me made who I that catapulted me into a better all-
did that for me.” —Sally Milano am possible.” —Erin Maher around person.” —Erin Maher
August 2019 TennisIndustry 19

TennisIndustry
D I S T I N G U I SRHAECDQ U
F AE CT I CL U
I TSY-
TOOM
F -ITZHAET -Y
I OENA R A W A R D S
C O U R TS TCRO INNSGTIRNUGC T I O N
Pairing Up very stiff string seemed to be a perfect

match for stiff, powerful racquets. Over
the course of a few years, natural gut
For players using all poly, a hybrid strings all but disappeared, as polyester
string setup might be better for their dominated the pro tour.
The pros were not concerned with
games, and their health. the one major drawback of poly—it loses
its playability much faster than gut or
even nylon synthetics. Since most pros
By Bob Patterson restrung their racquets every day, and
Executive Director, USRSA in matches use a freshly strung frame
every seven or nine games, the string’s
durability was not a concern.
W
As is often the case, recreational
players became enamored with polyes-
hen I first started couldn’t afford gut. More manufactur- ter strings because the pros used them.
stringing at profes- ers began to produce relatively inex- As racquet technicians and retailers, we
sional tournments pensive poly strings, and they began all know that it is difficult to convince
in the early 1990s, showing up in top players’ racquets, the local 3.5 champ that a string which
natural gut was too. These top pros weren’t using it works for Rafael Nadal and Roger
the predominant choice of the world’s because it was cheap; most of them Federer may not work or be best for a
top players. As the game changed got free strings from their sponsoring rec player. Soon, polyester strings
and frames became more powerful, company. As poly strings became more dominated the retail market, too.
polyester string became more common, developed and enhanced, the pros It takes a very fast and powerful
especially with lower-ranked pros who loved the control they offered. This swing to utilize the benefits of the

TennisIndustry
If you aren’t explaining the advantages and disadvantages

of poly strings to your players, you are doing a disservice and
possibly hurting your business.
Every racquet technician

should be offering
alternatives to a client
using an all-poly setup.
doing a disservice and possibly hurting

your business. If those customers aren’t
getting optimal performance—and esp-
ecially if they injure themselves—they
are not going to need your services.
Every racquet technician should be
offering alternatives to any client using
an all-poly setup. It may be a hard sell
to get them to try natural gut, but there
are many great multifilament nylons
that could be paired with poly in the
same manner as natural gut.
You should also make a point to
watch the pros and emphasize that
they aren’t really changing “racquets”
every few games, but they are going to a
“fresh string job” every time they grab a
fresh racquet. Since each player has his
or her racquets meticulously custom-
ized to their exact specs, all the frames
are the same, but it’s the string bed that
declines in performance, which is why
stiffer, less elastic polyester strings. The pro tour, we’re not yet seeing the same they opt for a fresh start every nine
stiff strings snap back quickly, which increase for recreational players, who games or so. While your clients aren’t
is touted as their ultimate quality. Rec so far haven’t fully embraced using a goint to take it that far, you can perhaps
players don’t often swing the racquet gut/poly or poly/gut hybrid. convince them to restring more often,
fast enough to bend the string in the Another difference is the use of for optimal performance.
first place to initiate the snap-back higher tensions by recreational play- Lastly, have a conversation with your
effect. Couple this with the fact that ers. While most pros rarely string above customers about tension. With the
club players are not going to restring 55 pounds—and many are stringing variety of strings on the market today,
their racquets every day, or even every polyester much lower—recreational the manufacturer recommendations
month, and we have players using a players seem to be requesting higher on frames don’t necessarily mean as
string setup that is detrimental to their tensions. Are they staying with the same much, other than providing a maximum
on-court performance. But not only tension for poly strings that they used tension. If your client is choosing a
that: stiff poly strings are leading to with a softer nylon? Do they have some stiff string, even in a hybrid setup with
injuries that keep players off the court, misconception that higher is better? a softer string, the tension needs to be
sometimes permanently. Whatever the reason, the higher tension on the lower end to provide the best
with poly strings only exacerbates the performance. Again, use the tour pros
Natural Gut and Polyester problems. A stiff frame, stiff string and as evidence—most pros are using lower
Now, nearly three decades after my first higher tension is a formula for disaster. tensions. It will not only help your rec-
encounter with polyester strings, I’m reational players get more depth, it will
seeing natural gut back in the racquets Educate Your Players also be easier on their arms.
of touring pros. What we’re seeing, Are we, as racquet technicians and Take the time to consult with your
though, are many pros using a hybrid retailers, doing enough to educate rec- clients rather than just taking their
string setup, mixing a natural gut with reational players? If you aren’t explain- orders. It will benefit your customers’
a polyester. But despite this dramatic ing the advantages and disadvantages on-court play in the short term, and
increase in the use of natural gut on the of poly strings to your players, you are your business in the long run.•

TennisIndustry
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A C I L2I 0
T Y-
1 9O F - T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S
G U I D CE OTUOR ST TCROI N SG TI NR GU CMT AI OC NH I N E S
Invest In The Best

A well-maintained, professional stringing machine
can provide a lucrative return on investment.
By Bob Patterson
I
Executive Director, USRSA
n the old days, racquet that. Throughout, I dedicated myself to I don’t really need them. Back in the
stringers would hold a frame learning all I could about the business. day, my machine was top of the line. I
between their knees and As my knowledge and technique bought it for the retail store I owned
pull tension by hand using improved, so did the stringing at the time, and we had a substantial
a dowel. I can only imagine machines. I soon progressed to my first racquet stringing business. It easily
how the invention of the professional machine, a Gamma 5000 handled the load. Now, I’m in an office,
stringing machine changed lock-out, and eventually a Babolat Star not a store, and that pace has slowed to
C O U RT E S Y YO N E X , T O U R N A , T E C N I F I B R E , G A M M A , B A B O L AT
the lives of those stringers, 3. Over the years, though, I have used a crawl. Plus, there’s no need for cool
even if the first “stringing machine” was all types of machines, and have owned features to wow the customers.
simply a vise to hold the racquet in posi- quite a few. Stringers often ask me what the
tion—tension was still applied by hand. best stringing machine is. There is, of
My first machine was a Tremont TR-3 Longtime Service course, no correct answer. Just like a
that cost $79, a fortune for a college A stringing machine is like a car—if car or a tennis racquet, what is the best
student in the 1970s. While it was primi- you take good care if it, it will serve you purchase for one person may not be
tive by today’s standards, it got the job well for a long time. I recently realized right for another.
done. I’m certain my Tremont wasn’t as that the machine I’m using is almost I encourage people asking that ques-
precise as today’s modern machines, but 20 years old and still going strong. And tion to first consider their search as
then, racquets and the business were importantly, it still meets my needs and an investment, because that is exactly
much different in those days. is very functional, even though there what it is. I paid about $4,000 for a
When I was in college, string- have been some tremendous advances machine almost two decades ago. That
ing racquets was a way to earn some and features added onto newer models. is a lot of money, but when I consider
spending money. At first, I had no idea I don’t string a lot of racquets these that over 20 years I’ve strung thou-
that one could actually make a living days, so while some of the new features sands of racquets, my return on that
doing it. But for 30 years, I did just available today are pretty amazing, investment is astronomical! The cost

TennisIndustry
My advice is to buy the best machine

you can afford, recognizing that you are making
an investment in your business.
of the machine is mere pennies per features, so when you are considering Along with basic warranty information,
racquet strung; I charged $20 to $30 a new purchase, prioritize and write you will want to find out what the
labor for each one. A quick calculation down what is important to you. If you process for repairs is. Will the company
shows me that I grossed close to a mil- have more than one technician sharing overnight parts? Do they provide a
lion dollars of revenue on the machine a machine, a quick and easy height loaner machine for extended repairs?
over that time, making my $4,000 a adjustment may be at the top of your Even after the warranty period, you
very good investment. list. But if you only have one operator need to know what happens if the
So, my advice is to buy the best per machine, that may not need to be a machine goes down or needs a part.
machine you can afford, recognizing consideration at all. If you are stringing The chart on the following pages is
that you are making an investment in 15 to 20 racquets a day, a quick and easy a great place to start. You can see all of
your business. mounting system is important. But if the stringing machines on the market
you only string three to four frames a today and compare their features.
Needs vs. Wants week, something that takes a little Contact the companies to see if you can
Like most big purchases, we have things longer to mount will probably be fine. test the particular machines you are
we need and things we want. We need Once you have listed and prioritized interested in. If the company doesn’t
a car to get from point A to point B, but your needs and wants, you can narrow have them available, they may be able
any car can do that. When car shopping, down your list to those that best fit your to put you in contact with a shop that
you look at reliability, comfort, features desires. You will also need to consider has one. See if you can stop by at a con-
and styling. A stringing machine isn’t the service you’ll receive after the sale— venient time to try out their machine.
much different. Any professional an important factor in the purchase Remember, your stringing machine
machine will get the job done. You need that is often overlooked. is probably one of the most important
to decide what is necessary and what Most clubs or stringers only have one investments you’ll ever make in your
would be nice to have. machine, so if it breaks down, you’ll business. Make sure you make an
Modern machines are loaded with need to get it back in operation ASAP. informed choice.

TennisIndustry
2019 / GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES
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Model Price Warranty
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(MSRP) (years)
2-S
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Alpha • 800-922-9024 • www.alphatennis.com • info@alphatennis.com
Pioneer DC Plus $529 5 x x x x x x x x x x
Revo 4000 $739 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Axis Pro $849 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Apex Speed $1,099 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Ghost 2 $2,989 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Babolat • 877-316-9435 • www.babolat.com
Racket Station - Perf $6,595 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Racket Station - Perf Link $7,895 2 x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x
Racket Station - Ultimate Link $9,395 2 x x x x x 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x
Dunlop • 888-215-1530 • www.dunlopsports.com
Stringing Machine 2.0 Linear Gripper 6,000 2 x x x x x X x x x x x x x x x x x x
Stringing Machine 2.0 Diablo Gripper 6,000 2 x x x x x X x x x x x x x x x x x
Gamma • 800-333-0337 • www.gammasports.com
X-2 $249 Life x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x
Progression 200 $229 Life x x x x x x x x x x x
Progression 602 $449 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x
X-6 $469 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x
Progression 602 FC $579 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x
X-6 FC $599 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x
Progression ST II $869 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x x x
X-ST $899 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x x x
Progression Els $1,369 5 x x x x $139
x x x x x x x x x x x
X-Els $1,399 5 x x x x $139
XLT $1,999 5 x x x x $139
5003 w/6pt QM System $1,195 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 w/6pt QM SC System $1,299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 w/2pt SC System $1,399 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6004 w/6pt SM SC System $1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6004 w/2pt SC System $1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $2,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6900 Els w/2pt SC System $2,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/6pt QM System $2,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/6pt QM SC System $2,999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/2pt SC System $3,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
8900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $4,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
9900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $4,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Klipper USA • 800-522-5547 • www.klipperusa.com
Klippermate $179 Life x x x $130
x x x x x x x
Klippermate Badminton $199 Life x $130
x x x x x x x
280-CS $395 10 x x x x $130
x x x x x x x
440-CS $595 10 x x x x $130
x x x x x x x
Prince • 800-572-1055 • www.tennismachines.com
Neos 1000 $1,399 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Neos 1500 $1,599 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Prince 7000 $4,999 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Stringway • 800-922-9024 • www.stringway.com
M100 - O92 - TH+TH18 $628 10 x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100con - O92 - TH+TH18 $708 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100 - O92 - T92 $892 10 x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100con - O92 - T92 $963 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x
ML120con - O92 - T92 $1,112 10 x x x x x x x x x x
MS 200con T92 $1,518 10 x x x x x x x x x x
MS140-L-Traveler $679 10 x x x x x x x x x
Tecnifibre • 888-301-7878 • www.tecnifibreusa.com
Ergo Pro ATP * 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Ergo 1 * 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Tourna • 800-554-3707 • www.uniquesports.com
600-ES $1,695 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
300-CS $795 2 x x x x x x x x x x x

TennisIndustry
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x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1, 2, 15
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 16
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 16
x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 12
x x x x x x x x x x x 4
x x x x x x x x x x 5
x x x x x x x x x x
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x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

TennisIndustry
2019 / GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES
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Model Price Warranty
Ten
360
Bee
Con
Bad
Rac
Squ
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Lev
Rat
6-P
Pre
Mo
5-P
Tur
Tab
Loc
Tab
Ten
Tur
2-S
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Lin
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4-P
Mu
Ful
Ele
Sta
Sta
Au
Ha
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(MSRP) (years)
600-EST $1,600 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
800-ES $3,490 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
CUBE $3,795 2 x x x x x 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Wilson • 800-272-6060 • www.wilson.com
Baiardo $6,000 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Baiardo L $3,499 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Wise USA • 888-836-7466 • www.tennishead.com
2086 Professional Electronic Tension Head $625 2 x x x x x x x x x x x
Yonex • 800-449-6639 • www.yonexusa.com
Pro Tech 8 Deluxe $9,499 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Pro Tech 8 Deluxe $6,500 *3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
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TennisIndustry 27
TennisIndustry
11/13/17 8:22 PM
playmatetennis.com
TennisIndustry
D I S T I N G U I S H E D EF N
ADC IOLRI TS Y-
E MOEFN- TTH
S E -Y E A R A W A R D S
ECQOUUI RP TM EC NO TN S&T RAUPCPA

T IROENL
Brand Awareness
What are your customers’
favorite pros hitting with
and wearing on the court?
Compiled by
Kent Oswald
Men (Rankings as of June 3, 2019)
RANK PLAYER APPAREL FOOTWEAR RACQUET

1 Novak Djokovic Lacoste Asics Court FF2 Head Graphene 360 Speed
2 Rafael Nadal Nike Nike Zoom Cage 3 Babolat PuroAero Decima
3 Roger Federer Uniqlo Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Pro Staff RF 97
4 Dominic Thiem Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Babolat Pure Strike 2020
5 Alexander Zverev Adidas Adidas Ubersonic 2.0 Head Graphene 360 Speed
6 Stefanos Tsitsipas Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) Countervail
7 Kei Nishikori Uniqlo Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Ultra 95 Countervail
8 Kevin Anderson Lotto Lotto Mirage 100 SPD Dunlop Srixon CX 200 Tour 18x20
9 Juan Martin del Potro Nike Nike Air Zoom Cage 3 Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail
10 John Isner Fila FIla Axilus 2 Energized Prince Textreme Beast Pro 100 Longbody
11 Karen Khachanov Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X [Unsigned]
12 Fabio Fognini EA7 Emporio Armani Asics Gel Resolution 7 Babolat Pure Drive
13 Marin Čilić Fila Fila Axilus 2 Energized Head Graphene Touch Prestige
14 Daniil Medvedev Lacoste Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Tecnifibre T-Fight XTC
15 Borna Ćorić Nike Nike Zoom Cage 3 Wilson Ultra 100 Countervail
16 Nikoloz Basilashvili [Unsigned] [Unsigned] Head Graphene 360 Speed
17 Gael Monfils Asics Asics Gel Resolution 7 Wilson Ultra Tour
18 Milos Raonic New Balance/Gitman Vintage New Balance Fresh Foam Lav Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) Countervail
19 Marco Cecchinato Joma Joma Babolat Pure Aero VS
20 Diego Schwartzman Fila Fila Axilus 2 Energized Head Graphene 360 Radical
21 Roberto Bautista Agut Lacoste Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 3 Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail
22 Felix Auger-Aliassime Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Babolat Pure Aero VS
23 Guido Pella [Unsigned] [Unsigned] Wilson Blade 98 (18×20) Countervail
24 Denis Shapovalov Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Yonex VCore 95
25 Alex De Minaur Asics Asics Solution Speed FF Wilson Blade 98S Bold
26 Lucas Pouille Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Prince Textreme Tour 100P
27 Fernando Verdasco Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro
28 Stan Wawrinka Yonex Yonex Eclipsion 2 Yonex VCore Pro 97 (330)
29 David Goffin Asics Asics Solution Speed FF Wilson Blade 98 (18x20) Countervail
30 Kyle Edmund Nike Nike Air Zoom Zero Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail

TennisIndustry
Recreational player purchases
are often influenced by what
the pros play with and wear.
From left: Novak Djokovic,
Naomi Osaka, Dominic Thiem,
Ashleigh Barty and Gael Monfils.
Women
RANK PLAYER APPAREL FOOTWEAR RACQUET
1 Naomi Osaka Nike Nike Air Zoom Zero Yonex EZone 98 (305g) Blue
2 Karolina Plíšková Fila Fila Axilus 2 Energized Babolat Pure Drive
3 Simona Halep Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Blade 98 (16x19) Countervail
4 Kiki Bertens Fila Fila Axilus 2 Energized Wilson Blade 98S Bold
5 Angelique Kerber Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Yonex VCore 100 (300) Galaxy Black
6 Petra Kvitová Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail
7 Sloane Stephens Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Head Graphene 360 Radical
8 Ashleigh Barty Fila Fila Axilus 2 Energized Head Graphene 360 Speed
9 Elina Svitolina Nike Nike Air Zoom Zero Wilson Burn 100 S
10 Serena Williams Nike Nike Flare 2 HC Wilson Blade SW104 Autograph Countervail
11 Aryna Sabalenka Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Blade 98S Bold
12 Anastasija Sevastova Yonex Yonex Eclipsion2 Yonex EZone 98 (305g) (Lime Green)
13 Caroline Wozniacki Adidas Adidas Barricade Stella McCartney Babolat Pure Aero Play
14 Madison Keys Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Ultra Tour
15 Belinda Bencic Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Yonex EZone 100 (300g) (Lime Green).
16 Qiang Wang Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Dunlop Srixon CX 200+
17 Anett Kontaveit Lacoste Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Babolat Pure Strike 100
18 Julia Görges Asics Asics Solution Speed FF Babolat Pure Drive
19 Garbine Muguruza Adidas Adidas SoleCourt Boost Babolat Pure Drive
20 Elise Mertens Lotto Lotto Head Graphene 360 Speed
21 Daria Kasatkina Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo
22 Caroline Garcia Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Yonex VCore 100 (300) Racquets
23 Bianca Andreescu Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Head Graphene 360 Speed MP
24 Donna Vekić Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Yonex VCore 100
25 Su-wei Hsieh [Unsigned] [Unsigned] Yonex VCORE 97
26 Johanna Konta Asics Asics Gel Resolution 7 Babolat Pure Aero
27 Lesia Tsurenko Lotto Lotto Mirage 100 SPD Wilson Pro Staff 97 CV
28 Yulia Putintseva [Unsigned] [Unsigned] Babolat Aero Pure Drive Tennis
29 Carla Suárez Navarro Lotto Lotto Mirage 100 SPD Wilson Pro Staff 97 Countervail Tennis
30 Maria Sakkari Nike Nike Air Zoom Vapor X Wilson Ultra 100L Bold

TennisIndustry
D I S T I N G U I S H E DNFEATC G
I LEINT EY-ROAFT-ITOHNE -Y E A R A W A R D S
C OC OU M
R TM UC ON NI TSYT RT EU NC TNI OS N
Net Gains
With school and industry partnerships, Net
Generation providers reveal winning strategies
for attracting and retaining young players.
By Judy Leand
S
ince launching in learning the sport of a lifetime.” their local programs as a direct result
June 2017, Net Gen- As of the beginning of June, there of tennis in schools. One provider in
eration has focused have been more than 25,000 local Texas expects that 20 new players from
on connecting area tennis providers approved through a school partner will generate close to
schools to local ten- the Safe Play process. Safe Play is the $5,000 for their local program.
nis providers. In a USTA’s comprehensive athlete safety Within schools, Net Generation also
short period of time, program consisting of education, has a partnership with GoNoodle that
over 2,800 school screening, reporting tools and policies provides “movement breaks” for kids.
partnerships have for appropriate conduct in tennis. There are two videos currently on the
been established, impacting hundreds The USTA works with the U.S. Center platform; a third, featuring Sloane Ste-
of thousands of children. for SafeSport and the U.S. Olympic phens, will launch around this year’s
The initiative focuses on in-school Committee to develop policies, pro- US Open. Viewed by more than 10 mil-
and after-school programs, providing cedures and educational resources to lion kids who may not have otherwise
free equipment, curriculum, training support the USTA Safe Play program. been thinking about tennis, the videos
and lesson plans that are accessible to Through the introduction of the Net have contributed to more than 40 mil-
schools for grades K-12. With each new Generation school partnership pro- lion minutes of incremental movement
participating school, more young stu- gram, active local providers are saying in the classroom.
dents are being introduced to tennis. that kids are now being connected to Looking ahead to 2020, Net Genera-
“Through Net Generation and our tion is seeking opportunities to connect
school partners, we are impacting and more players to providers while col-
introducing tennis to more kids than laborating with industry partners.
ever before,” says Leah Freidman, Through Net Generation and “With advances in our technology
C O U RT E S Y T H E A C E P R OJ E C T
national manager of Net Generation. platform,” says Friedman, “we will be

“But it would not be possible if not for
our school partners, we are able to introduce the game and com-
the coaches in their local communities impacting and introducing municate to an entirely new population
who are making this happen. tennis to more kids than ever of youth players.”
“With free Net Generation equip- before. But it would not be Here are three standout Net Genera-
ment packs, in-school and after-school tion providers whose unique approach-
curriculum, and training for all tennis possible if not for the coaches es are serving up the game to legions of
providers, we can ensure kids are in their local communities. young players.

TennisIndustry
ILLINOIS, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN

“We work with their leadership to By highlighting the fun and
The ACE Project boost the accessibility of tennis for
social aspects of tennis, The
ACE Project is able to retain
youth attending summer camps who youth participants and impact
may or may not have participated in the greater community.
> The Active Children Excel (ACE) school,” explains Klumpner. “This re-
Project was launched in 2013 and cur- lationship is solidified through Chase’s
rently serves more than 350 youngsters #ReturnTheServe Fun Day, which solution is to engage the entire commu-
in grades K-5, divided evenly between we host in partnership with the Park nity in The ACE Project’s programs by
boys and girls, from the Riverdale and District. Last summer, we connected recruiting and training coaches among
Dolton communities of South Chicago, the Riverdale Park District to the USTA, a wide range of parents, teachers,
Ill.; the Ashburton and Sandtown- which helped launch the US Open Art school administration and other adults
Winchester communities of West Courts public tennis court renovation in the community.
Baltimore, Md.; and the Dearborn com- project in Riverdale.” Toward this end, in 2018 The ACE
munity of West Detroit, Mich. The initiative has increased engage- Project partnered with the Southwest
At the heart of the program are strong ment among youth, parents and com- Organizing Project and the Logan
community partnerships that allow for munity leaders. The ACE Project has Square Neighborhood Association to
the development, implementation and strengthened relationships with local implement the Illinois’ Parent Mentor
sustainability of high-quality after- government, health and wellness orga- Program, to build leaders in the home,
school and out-of-school programs. nizations, police departments and other school and community. The initiative
“We collaborate with local school youth-based providers. Now the orga- focuses on mentor training for parents
districts as well as administration and nization is working to improve program within the school district. The program
leadership at each of our school sites delivery and community engagement is increasing the number of qualified
to coordinate on facilities, program opportunities with those partners. coaches and is laying the groundwork for
integrity, and the recruitment of youth The ACE Project still faces some an organizational leadership pipeline.
participants and adult coaches,” says obstacles. First, says Klumpner, is “Our goal is to build upon the res-
Susan Klumpner, executive director of funding and the challenges of establish- ources available in our host communi-
The ACE Project. ing an annual donor base of individuals ties,” says Klumpner. “Most important-
The ACE Project’s partnership with in underserved communities. Second is ly, we will ensure that more kids are
the Riverdale Park District is an excep- the deficiency of economic opportunity connected to the joy of playing tennis
tional example of building together. for many local adults. She believes the with the support of Net Generation.”

TennisIndustry
D I S T I N G U I S H E DNFEATC G
I LEINT EY-ROAFT-ITOHNE -Y E A R A W A R D S
C OC OU M
R TM UC ON NI TSYT RT EU NC TNI OS N
G O S H E N , N .Y.
on Saturdays. The event, called the With MatchPoint Tennis, young
MatchPoint Tennis Crusader/Wildcat Smash (named after players take on leadership
roles, directly impacting the
the schools’ mascots), attracted 60 sport by growing the game
participants; more than 30 percent of among their peers.
the students entered into MatchPoint
> Goshen, N.Y.-based MatchPoint Tennis’ junior programming.
Tennis opened in the fall of 2010 and “The class was taught by our Match- schools, our initial cost of MatchPoint
has since partnered with numerous Point staff, along with student volun- clinics was reduced by 20 percent, mak-
school districts and the Middletown teers from both our junior programs ing the transition more affordable,”
YMCA program. Together, the YMCA and the Monroe-Woodbury and Roberts explains. “We then gained a
and MatchPoint Tennis facilitate Warwick High School teams,” says pathway into the schools’ programs
C O U RT E S Y M AT C H P O I N T T E N N I S, W E S T S I D E T E N N I S C LU B
before- and after-school programs in Roberts. “Every week each program with ‘modified tennis clubs.’”
all local school districts, and the out- incorporated six to eight high school Through it all, MatchPoint has con-
reach has resulted in tennis gradually girls who volunteered to not only grow tinued to operate with the goal of giving
reaching elementary school students in their school teams, but to grow tennis back to the Goshen tennis community.
Orange County, N.Y. as a whole. The success rate of the “With programs such as Net Genera-
“Along with the children, we teach program was astonishing.” tion, peer mentoring and other initia-
school administration and PE teachers The effort spurred a similar program, tives with at-risk and disabled students,
the value of tennis as a lifetime sport, the Gladiator/Spartan Smash, within our club has promoted the game in a
and explain how Net Generation should the Goshen and Florida school districts. positive light while encouraging our
be a critical part of the PE curriculum,” Roberts believes MatchPoint’s high juniors to get involved,” says Roberts.
says Ari Roberts, director of tennis for retention rate, along with the pro- “We take great pride in how our
MatchPoint Tennis Goshen. gram’s overall success and how pleased students succeed on-court, but that is
This year, MatchPoint Tennis part- new players were, proves that school not our true goal. Our real success is
nered with the Monroe-Woodbury and outreach—especially to children with- based on our students after they move
Warwick Valley school districts, offer- out access to tennis—is an effective way on, leaving the club to become strong,
ing a five-week program for all students to spread the game. independent and charitable members
in grades 3 to 5, which met weekly “Following the free programming for of our society.”

TennisIndustry
F O R E S T H I L L S , N .Y.
West Side
Tennis Club
> Located in Forest Hills, a neighbor-

hood in the New York City borough of
Queens, the West Side Tennis Club has
a strong junior development program,
dubbed the Rock N’ Roll Tennis School,
that offers junior group tennis instruc-
tion for players of all levels, ages 4 to
17. The Rock N’ Roll Tennis School
launched last October, and now boasts
about 200 kids—“rock stars”—playing
on a year-round basis.
The Rock N’ Roll Tennis School is
ultimately geared toward tournament
training. Classes are offered Monday
through Saturday and are divided by
ability level and ball color—low-
compression red, orange and green
balls for the youngest participants, Our goal is not just about providing a single experience.
and regulation yellow balls for kids We have to focus on follow-through and finish off
ages 11 and up. The school also offers
two match-play sessions per week, one the approach. We have to circle back to children
each for 12-and-under players and the and families coming to the game.
other for the 13-and-up crowd. For
those who aspire to play college tennis,
the club recently established the Elite players about the club’s rich tennis West Side Tennis Club's
Rock 'N' Roll Tennis School
68 College Tennis Prep School, part of history, and allow them to hit on the offers group instruction
the Rock N’ Roll Tennis School. same courts once dominated by the for players of all levels,
“On the 38 courts that fill West Side likes of Chris Evert and Bjorn Borg. from ages 4 to 17.
Tennis Club’s 11 acres—including Jensen says West Side is always
the historic 14,000-seat Forest Hills eager to be in the mix when it comes
Stadium—we have many opportunities to youth and community-oriented dren and families coming to the game.”
for local and global players,” says Luke events and programs. For example, The history made at this venerable
Jensen, WSTC director of racquet the club has developed partnerships tennis club is inescapable today—you
sports and the 1993 French Open and outreach programs with the New can see it in West Side’s carefully
doubles champion with his brother, York City chapter of the Boy Scouts of manicured grass courts, to the walls
Murphy. “In 2019 alone, eight local America, local schools, churches and inside its clubhouse, lined with images
high schools practice and compete even a local Children’s Day parade. of iconic champions. With Net Genera-
at WSTC, and numerous community “Next Generation crosses over into tion, Forest Hills will play an integral
school and outreach programs have adult involvement in the game, and part in building a brighter tennis
led to more than 2,000 youngsters it’s a massive winner for the West Side future. And with Jensen at the helm,
impacted by Net Generation since the Tennis Club,” says Jensen. “Our goal is you likewise can’t miss it.
start of this year.” not just about providing a single “The West Side Tenis Club and the
Jensen adds that West Side will experience—we have to focus on game of tennis are where families
host as many as 400 children in history follow-through and finish off the ap- unite,” says Jensen. “WSTC grows
sessions, designed to educate young proach. We have to circle back to chil- when programs include everyone.”

Tennis Research
2019 TIA 2019

Tennis TENNIS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
PARTICIPATION REPORT
Participation
Report
Youth tennis and Cardio Tennis
continue to grow, though the latest EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
participation research highlights

METHODOLOGY
TENNIS PARTICIPATION TRENDS
PLAY FREQUENCY
TENNIS PARTICIPANT PROFILE
ongoing challenges such as

PLAYING VENUE
SPENDING
DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE A TENNIS PLAYER?
TENNIS PLAYERS AND LATENT DEMAND
declining play occasions and fewer

FITNESS/HEALTH
FANDOM
INTEREST
TENNIS CROSS PARTICIPATION In partnership with the Physical Activity Council
frequent and avid players.
T
he most recent data by the Physical Activity Council
(PAC) shows that total U.S. tennis participation Total Tennis Participation 2000-2018
20.0M
increased a slim 0.9 percent from 2017 to 2018, to a
18.0M
total of 17.84 million players. Over the last five years, the 16.0M
average annual change rate is flat at 0.2 percent. The tennis 14.0M
participation rate for the U.S. population ages 6 and older
Millions of tennis players
12.0M
remained at 5.9 percent, the second straight year with a 10.0M Growth 2000 to 2010: 44% Growth 2010 to 2018: -5%
participation rate under 6 percent. 8.0M
Among the positive trends is a 12.6 percent increase 6.0M
in Cardio Tennis players and a nearly 2 percent increase in 4.0M
youth tennis players over the past year. In addition, “latent 2.0M
demand” for tennis remains strong. The PAC study shows 0.0M
that over 16 million non-players are interested in tennis, and 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
another 14 million Americans “consider themselves players”
(also known as “intermittent participants”), but may not TIA U.S. Tennis Equipment Index (2003-2018)
have been on court in the last two years. These intermittent Nominal Dollars
players make up 4.7 percent of the age 6-and-over U.S. 140
125 122
population, the highest percentage of the population since 120 109 114
116 118 112 119 115 115 113
latent demand was first measured in 2011. 100
100 103 101 98 96
That said, total “play occasions” decreased in the
past year, down 3.3 percent to 384 million. This decrease 80
is driven by declines in frequent and avid player play 60
occasions, which make up more than 70 percent of all play 40 The Equipment Index summarizes the census data by adding the
occasions. And equipment sales, as indicated by the Tennis wholesale value of racquets, balls, and strings.
Equipment Index (shown at right), continue to slide. 20 Index reference year is 2003.
The most recent industry research is available from the 0
TIA at various membership levels. Visit TennisIndustry.org 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
or call 866-686-3036.

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Tennis Research
The Industry at a Glance (2018 data)

Total Participation 17.84 Million Manufacturer Year-End Wholesale Shipments (units)
Youth Tennis Participation 4.64 Million Tennis Racquets 2.23 Million
Ages 6-12 2.40 Million Tennis Strings 2.75 Million
Ages 13-17 2.24 Million Tennis Balls (including ROG) 103.6 Million
Core Tennis Players (10+ times a year) 9.67 Million Red, Orange, Green Balls 4.4 Million
Cardio Tennis Players 2.5 Million Tennis Equipment Index 96
Total Play Occasions 384 Million (index reference year: 2003)
Participation
Tennis participation has remained fairly constant over “This decrease in core players is in line with a trend toward
the past eight years, with an average annual change of -0.4 more casual play for sports overall, rising inactivity levels,
percent from 2010 to 2018. In the last five years, overall aging baby-boomers, and new generations of players who
participation has seen negligible increases, averaging an are ‘samplers’ of multiple sports and activities, and is a
annual change of 0.2 percent; “core” tennis participants— major concern for our industry. Fortunately, Cardio Tennis
those who play 10 or more times a year—increased 1.6 is following the positive trends in fitness and group exercise
percent from 2017 to 2018, but have fallen 1.7 percent each and Net Generation’s focus on bringing more youth into the
year on average from 2010 to 2018 and 0.7 percent from 2013 sport is seeing growth.”
to 2018. Participation continues to trend to more casual Youth participation increased 1.6 percent in 2018,
play, with a 13.6 percent increase in non-core participation driven by teenage players ages 13 to 17, which increased 2.8
since 2009 and a 14.9 percent decline in core participation percent while the youngest players ages 6 to 12 grew 0.5
in the same time period. percent.
“Core players account for 86 percent of the money Within the total number of young players, “core” youth
spent in the ‘tennis economy’ and 93 percent of all tennis players, those who play at least 10 times a year, grew by a
play occasions,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. significant 6.7 percent to 2.83 million.
Total Cardio
Total Cardio
TennisTennis
Participation
Participation
2008-2018
2008-2018 Total U.S.
TotalYouth
U.S. Youth
TennisTennis
Participation
Participation
(ages (ages
6-17) 6-17)
2012 2012
2013 2013
2014 2014
2015 2015
2016 2016
2017 2017
2018 2018
3.00 M 3.00 M 3.00 M 3.00 M
2.50 M 2.50 M
2.50 M 2.50 M 2.50 M 2.50 M 2.40 M 2.40 M
2.12 M 2.12 M 2.22 M
2.22 M 2.24 M 2.24 M
Number of players (millions)
Number of players (millions)
2.00 M 2.00 M 2.00 M 2.001.96

M M 1.96 M
Millions of youth players
Millions of youth players
1.82 M 1.82 M 1.79 M 1.79 M

1.44 M 1.54
1.44 MM 1.62
1.54 MM 1.62 M
1.50 M 1.50 M 1.34 M 1.29
1.34 MM 1.29 M 1.50 M 1.50 M
1.00 M 1.00 M
1.00 M 0.83
1.00 M M 0.83 M 1.00 M 1.00 M
0.50 M 0.50 M 0.50 M 0.50 M
0.00 M 0.00 M 0.00 M 0.00 M

2008 2009
2008 2010
2009 2011
2010 2012
2011 2013
2012 2014
2013 2015
2014 2016
2015 2017
2016 2018
2017 2018 6~12 6~12 13~17 13~17
Total U.S.
TotalTennis
U.S. Tennis
Play Occasions
Play Occasions
by PlaybyFrequency
Play Frequency TennisTennis
Players
Players
and Latent
and Latent
DemandDemand
- - Total U.S.
TotalTennis
U.S. Tennis
Players
Players
PAC Study
PAC Study in 2018in by
2018
Ageby Age
490.7 M 493.
490.8 7MM 493.8 M
500 M 500
6.6 MM 6.86.6MM452.6.58MM442.
452.5 5MM463. 9 M 463.9 M
6 M5 M443.6.16MM446.
6.442. 443.4 1MM 446.4 M 6~12 6~12 2.40 M 2.40 M
93.8
99.7 M 99.7 M M 7.3 M
93.8 M 6.7.
6 3
M M 6.6 M 7.5 M 7.87.5MM425.7.08MM396. 425.0 M
84. 6 M 84. 6 M 8.4 M 8.94MM383. 396.9 M
400 M 400 M 89.3 M 79.89.6 3MM 79.6 M83.0 M 82.83.2 0MM 82.2 M 9.4 M 9.94MM 383.9 M 16.32 M16.32 M
Latent Demand
Latent Demand
(non-players
13~17 13~17
(non-players
2.24 M 2.24 M
84.7 M 84.7 M 9.5 M 9.5 M
Millions of play occasions
Millions of play occasions
interestedinterested
in tennis)in tennis)
Millions of individuals
Millions of individuals
87.6 M 87.6 M 18~24 18~24 2.44 M 2.44 M

93.3 M 93.3 M
300 M 300 M 1-3 times/year
1-3 times/year
4-20 times/year
4-20 times/year 14.05 M14.05 MIntermittent (non-players
Intermittent 25~34 25~34
over over
(non-players 3.64 M 3.64 M
393.2 M 393.2 M 372.7 M 372.7 M
the last the
2 years
last 2who consider
years who consider
2004 MM 384.4 M 356.3 M 356.3 M352.5 M 356.
200 M 384. 5 M 356.5 M
352.5 M331.9 M 331.9 M281.1 M 281.21+ themselves players) players)
themselves 35~44 35~44 3.03 M 3.03 M
355.8 M 355.8 M 1 M times/year
21+ times/year
299.8 M 299.8 M
Total PlayTotal Play TotalTennis
Total Active Tennis Players45~54 45~54
ActivePlayers 2.22 M 2.22 M
100 M 100 M Occasions
Occasions 17.84 M17.84 M
55+ 55+ 1.88 M 1.88 M
0M 0M
2009 2010
20092011
20102012
20112013
20122014
20132015
20142016
20152017
20162018
2017 2018 2018 2018 0.0M 0.0M
1.0M 1.0M
2.0M 2.0M
3.0M 3.0M
4.0M 4.0M

Tennis Research
Getting to know TENNIS PLAYERS in the U.S.

In 2018, total Tennis participation grew 0.9% from a total of 17.68
million players to 17.84 million players.
GENDER ETHNICITY AGE
1.4%
6 to 12 13.5%
10.8% 8.9%
9.4% 13 to 17 12.6%
Male
(55.0%) 18 to 24 13.7%
69.5% 25 to 34 20.4%
Female 35 to 44 17.0%
(45.0%) African American/Black
Asian/Pacific Islander 45 to 54 12.4%
Caucasian/White, non-Hispanic
Hispanic 55+ 10.6%
Other
INCOME 40% of tennis players are ages 35+

$100,000+ 41.7%
$75,000 to $99,999 17.4%

26% of tennis players are under the age of 18
$50,000 to $74,999 16.8%

EDUCATION
$25,000 to $49,999 16.1% Post-Grad Studies 17.7%
Under $25,000 8.0% College Grad 31.0%
HIGH EARNERS $ 1-3 years of College
High School Grad 7.6%

18.0%
59% of tennis players have a household income greater than

$75,000/year
1-3 years of High School 1.1%
2.05 million NEW players in 2018, up 1.8% from Education Under 18's 24.7%
2016.
WHERE THEY LIVE
WELL EDUCATED
Pacific 22.9% 49% of tennis players have a college
South Atlantic 20.8% degree or higher
East North Central 13.1%
17.84 Million Players!

Middle Atlantic 11.7%
West South Central 10.7%
Mountain 6.4%
West North Central 6.0%
East South Central 4.3%
New England 4.1%
0LOOLRQ
Over 16 Million consumers are Play Occasions in 2018, down 3.3%
Average of 22 play occasions per player
interested in playing tennis!
All data sourced from 2019 Physical Activity Council Participation Study

TennisIndustry
Tips&Techniques
Make sure customers are aware
of the risks when they make
requests that a racquet frame
might not be able to handle.
Plan Ahead to Ease String

Through Blocked Holes
To avoid fighting through a string
blocking a hole, I use small pieces of
16-gauge string to place in the cross-
string grommets when stringing the
main strings that cross those grommet
holes. When stringing the crosses, I
thread the cross string into the grom-
met as I pull the “guide” string out. This
is very helpful when the main string
blocks the cross-string grommet.
Also, on racquets that have string
divider tabs, this technique helps in
keeping the cross strings in position
to prevent crossing the main strings. I
find that on racquets strung by many
different stringers, those tabs are often
crushed, so they are worthless in sepa-
Stringing Waiver Makes Certain Make Your Customer's rating the strings.
Your Client Understands Racquet Look Like New
I service a lot of badminton racquets, As part of my customer service, I always
and clients sometimes request high clean the frame before stringing. But
tensions that the frames cannot handle. sometimes the bumper guards are dis-
To make sure the client is fully in- colored and faded, even if they are still
formed, in addition to explaining the in good shape.
risk, I have them sign a simple waiver In these cases, I’ve found that apply-
verifying that the risk has been ex- ing black stencil ink can make frames
plained, and that they understand their look almost new again. Clients are
racquet may not survive the service. always pleased to find their racquet not
I have made the waiver a standard only has fresh strings and grip, but also
practice since I also find that some of looks better when they pick it up. It only
my tennis clients sometimes don’t want takes a few extra minutes, but it’s worth
me to replace worn bumper guards, or it to make the customer happy.
even request that we string a cracked This not only makes stringing easier
frame. The waiver explains that the and faster, but also prevents damaging
client will be responsible to pay for the the strings by having to force it past the
string and labor for the work even if the blocking string.
racquet is not playable upon comple-
tion. This way there are no surprises 5 sets of Gamma Ocho TNT 16 to:
and everyone is informed. John Radcliffe, MRT
Chandler, Ariz.
[Editor’s note: If you decide to have
customers sign a waiver, you may
want to run the wording by a lawyer Tips and Techniques submitted since
to make sure you and your business 1992 by USRSA members and appearing
are protected.] in this column have been gathered into a
SHUTTERSTOCK
Before After
searchable database on
5 sets of Topspin Cyber Delta 1.25 to: 5 sets of Dunlop NT Max Plus to: racquettech.com, the official website of
Alvin Ng, MRT Sam Chan, MRT the USRSA. Submit your tips to Bob
Singapore Australia Patterson at bob@racquettech.com.

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TennisIndustry
YourServe
activities might be good candidates.
(Of course, they can’t officiate at their
child’s matches.) They would be giving
back to the game.
As I discussed all this with Dan Drvar-
ic, the referee for the Milwaukee Tennis
Classic, he suggested I check out the
website sayyestoofficiating.com, which
is hosted by the National Association
of Sports Officials (NASO). I discovered
that officials are not only needed in ten-
nis, but in every sport.
“There’s an urgent need for sports
officials in this nation,” the home page
says. “We need more people stepping
up to do the tough job of making sure
sports are fairly played, well-managed
and safe environments for all partici-
pants and spectators.”
The website provides resources,
information and inspiration that “help
TENNIS OFFICIALS recruit new sports officials, retain the
ones already working, instill excellence,
Rules of Engagement and celebrate the officiating experi-
ence.” It describes the many positives
Tournaments across the country are about officiating, such as staying active,
giving back, becoming involved in the
facing a shortage of tennis officials. community, experiencing camaraderie,
being challenged and earning extra
money, among other benefits.
By Denny Schackter While the NASO website continues to
add specific sports, it hasn’t yet added
F
tennis, although the many tips and
descriptions apply to officiating for all
types of sports. But both the USTA (usta.
or 44 years, I’ve had the I’m involved in trying to recruit tennis com) and the ITF (itftennis.com) have
pleasure of being involved teaching pros to this industry—which is information and resources on their sites
with a collegiate tennis a difficult task in itself—but the problem about becoming an official.
event in Milwaukee. The of recruiting officials is even more dire. The bottom line is, we need more
Milwaukee Classic has For USTA tournaments at all levels and officials in tennis now—and if we don’t
been a great success all these years at college matches, there’s a shortage of do something, the need is only going to
least in part because Wisconsin knows officials across the country. get worse. As tennis providers, encour-
how to treat natives and visitors alike, Like teaching pros, the average age of age parents, college players and even
by showing Gemutlichkeit, a German officials continues to rise, which means high school players to look into becom-
word that means, basically, “friendly, as they get older, they leave the ranks. ing tennis officials. •
engaging, hominess.” The problem is, we aren’t recruiting
Recently, we had a board meeting for enough young people to replace those We welcome your opinions and
the upcoming Classic, which will be held retiring from officiating. comments. Please email them to
Sept. 20-23. We listened to various What can be done? One idea is to info@tennisindustrymag.com.
reports—and one, about officials and recruit high school and college ten-
line judges, was rather troubling. nis players as officials, but often, these Denny Schackter
While we have plenty of candidates to younger people don’t have ready or is the owner of
Tennis Priorities Inc.
serve as tournament officials for the Mil- affordable transportation to travel to
SHUTTERSTOCK
(tennispriorities.com),
waukee Classic from around the country, USTA and college matches. which places individuals
the report described the difficulties Another thought is to recruit parents. in jobs in the
many other events are having in finding Those with a passion for tennis and tennis industry.
qualified people to officiate and call lines. for being engaged in their children’s

August 2019
USPTA National Head Tester

Sid Newcomb (Front left)and
Tester Kelvin Rivera (left)
with USPTA applicants at the
Dorado Beach and Resort Club
in Puerto Rico.
ADDvantageAugustCornell.indd 41 6/19/2019 9:04:20 AM

USPTA FROM THE CEO
USPTA DIVISIONS ROCK! Anytime I have an opportunity

to visit one of our annual division
each other for many years or for the
acquaintanceships that are developed
conferences, I jump at the chance. I anew. One cannot underestimate the
relish the time in the field to witness the value that comes from networking with
wonderful work that our divisions do to your fellow professionals, learning how
produce two-three days of outstanding to address challenges that everyone in
education. It is a genuine pleasure to this business experiences, discovering
see division boards working in concert job opportunities that might fit your
with the division executive directors skill set and picking up ideas that
to create such a positive experience can make your job easier and more
John R. Embree for the attendees. To put on a complex successful.
USPTA CEO event every year requires months of I was reminded of all these factors
planning by all involved. It cannot while visiting the Pacific Northwest
happen without the volunteers and paid Division Conference the first weekend in
N obody can dispute that our

divisional structure is one of the
strengths of our association. Having 17
staff members working hand in hand to
deliver a superior program.
I enjoy meeting members whom
June. Not only was the board welcoming
and their hospitality exceptional, they
put on a great show that exceeded
democratically elected entities that serve I have not met previously or getting everyone’s expectations. The conference
as the administrative arm of USPTA is reacquainted with those whom I have set a record for attendance, was hosted
paramount if we expect to service our encountered over my many years in the at a fabulous club in Seattle, and hit a
entire membership across the country. industry. Shame on me when I don’t home run with two and a half days of
Being geographically aligned with the 17 remember the name of a familiar face! really good seminars. There is no way
USTA sections is also vital if we expect to The benefit of these conferences that anyone left that conference without
grow the game. I have said it before, and goes beyond the continuing education picking up some pointers that will
I will say it again: we cannot do it alone. requirements needed to be a member improve their business back at their own
We must be aligned and work with the in good standing. It is the camaraderie facilities.
governing body to have any impact on that is exhibited between USPTA My intent here is not just to put
bringing new players into our sport. professionals who have known PNW on a pedestal, because all the
division conferences held in 2019 have
been awesome. Board representatives
who attended them have raved about
their experience at each one. Across
the nation, we are delivering better
education than the year before.
What is also wonderful to see is the
collaboration that is evolving between
the respective USTA sections and
our corresponding divisions. While
our status as being a fully accredited
tennis-teaching organization by USTA
is taking shape, it is clear our division
leadership is working hand in hand
with USTA section leadership to
create a partnership that will impact
The 2019 Pacific Northwest Conference in Seattle this past June set a tennis programs in the marketplace. A
record for attendance.
manifestation of this collaboration is
42 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — August 2019

USPTA
the fact that eight USTA Sections have
now crafted formal agreements with
their USPTA counterparts to help each
other in support of our missions to grow
the game. I expect to see more of these
agreements come to fruition by year end.
But it is not just the annual division
conferences that we administer. Our
members have come to expect other
regional education days throughout
the calendar year at varying locations
spread over the division landscape.
In fact, we calculated that more than
120 educational events were held in The boards of directors of USTA Florida and USPTA Florida signed their fourth
consecutive two-year collaboration agreement at their joint leadership meeting.
2018 that were just as inspiring as the
annual division conventions. These of our membership so that they can Publicly, I extend my sincerest
occasions are also administered by the deliver the best experience possible thanks to the division executive
volunteer leadership of the division to the tennis-playing consumer. If directors and their volunteer boards
along with the massive support of the you are a USPTA professional who who work tirelessly on behalf of
executive directors. has not taken the time or made the their membership. The USPTA
Make no mistake, the USPTA is commitment to invest in your career can not be what it is today without
an education and certification body, by going to these many educational your commitment to deliver stellar
dedicated to raising the standards offerings, you are missing out. programming for your constituents.*
24
SEPTEMBER
Sarah
Stone
Kathy
Toon
Debbie G.
Shaffer
Marianne
Werdel
Katie
Dellich
Rosie
Bareis
USPTA WORLD CONFERENCE

USPTA WORLDSEPT
CONFERENCE
23-27 2019
LAS VEGAS
Carrie Michele Kim Amanda Paula
Zarraonandia Krause Bastable Fink Scheb
WOMEN’S SPEAKER DAY The Positive Coaching Alliance-Double-Goal Coach,

Culture, Practices and Games
Carrie Zarraonandia
Creating Space on Groundstrokes How to Incorporate Fitness Into Your Programming
Sarah Stone and Why it’s Good For Your Business
Michele Krause
Building a Championship Culture at Your Club
Kathy Toon Athlete-Centered Coaching: Pursuit of Performance
AND Personal Excellence
Re-Defining the Tennis Parent Kim Bastable
Marianne Werdel and Debbie Graham Shaffer
How Your Personality Can Make Your Coaching Shine
Creative Programming for Adults Amanda Fink
Katie Dellich
The Future is Bright: Unique Business Tips For
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Rosie Bareis Paula Scheb
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August 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 43

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USPTA

6/10/19 2:04 PM
USPTA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
reason for that. “I have tried to keep on achieve anything
We placed a
responsibility on
with my striving because worthwhile. None
of us are Arthur
you, our members, this is the only hope I have Ashe, but we all can
and you stepped of ever achieving anything take his message
up to the plate and worthwhile and lasting.” to heart.
knocked it out of the - Arthur Ashe Every time you
park, or should I say “aced it.” make the effort to
So when the USTA learn, you are developing a
KEEP ON generously offered us a * skill set that can be passed

group of US Open tickets, on to your colleagues, your
it made perfect sense to students and possibly a
STRIVING
by Feisal Hassan,
make sure those members
who have done the most
to earn those continuing
education credits be offered
young pro who has not yet
had the opportunity to
experience what you have
been able to in your career.
USPTA First Vice President the opportunity to attend. You are well aware
Our members already of all of the great
receive the benefit of tickets continuing education
W hen the USTA offered a collection

of tickets to the opening week
of the US Open as a part of being fully
to many of the Open Series
events. All of that information
available on the USPTA
opportunities offered
at USPTA. We will
continue to promote some of the best
accredited, it presented the national staff website at uspta.com/openseries, but opportunities like our Leadership
with a dilemma. How exactly would they the US Open is the most special event Academy, at which I have the honor of
decide on who were to receive tickets to in our sport. It is the highlight of the presenting, and of course the World
the US Open? The solution to this “good” tennis season here in the United States, Conference in Las Vegas next month,
problem to have was quickly fleshed the showcase for the game we love. your division conference, a local regional
out: offer the tickets to the USPTA’s top We understand that this benefit was education day, or one of the free USPTA
educational earners from the previous significant and wish we were able to online webinars will help you to achieve
year, 2018. extend it to more of our members. We something “worthwhile and lasting.”
In 2013, the USPTA agreed to the thank the USTA for their generosity So those who will be able to take
requirement of educational credits as and hope this perk inspires others to advantage of US Open tickets,
a mandate to maintain certification. continue to grow and learn. congratulations of what you have
It was met with general approval and Continuing education is about more done. I hope this token of appreciation
excitement at upgrading the association than maintaining your certification may inspire others to increase their
standards, but yes, there was a little and being eligible for Open tickets. It’s engagement with our association for
push back. We understood that this about bettering yourself as a tennis this year, and inspire us all to keep
requirement could be looked at as a professional and as a person. It was the on striving.
sticking point with our members. In great USPTA professional Arthur Ashe
keeping in line with our Association’s who said, “I have tried to keep on with Now for a little housekeeping...
stated mission to elevate the standards my striving because this is the only This year is the end of the 3-year
of tennis-teaching professionals and hope I have of ever achieving anything educational cycle. If you are in need of
coaches, this change was necessary. worthwhile and lasting.” credits to maintain your certification,
Continuing education has become a That quote can be interpreted a few you should have received an email or two
cornerstone of our certification and was different ways, but to me it is a statement letting you know where you currently
integral in meeting our requirements by one of the best players to ever step stand and how you can fulfill your
for accreditation with the USTA. We on the court, one of the most intelligent educational credit requirements.
are the only fully accredited tennis- men to play our game. He acknowledged Visit USPTA.com/GetYourSix
teaching association by the national that even he must continue to strive, and you will be offered a host of free
governing body and the educational continue to learn and continue to expand opportunities to earn those credits
component of the USPTA is a significant his knowledge base if he truly wanted to before the end of the year. *
* PHOTO CREDIT: CATWALKER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


2019 USPTA HARD COURT CHAMPIONSHIPS
Onion Creek Club - Austin, Texas
November 8 - 10
Entry Fee $90
For More Information:
Visit uspta.com or contact tournament director
Jenny Gray JGRAY@OnionCreekClub.com
For online registration please visit Onion Creek Club
uspta.com/championships
RAISING THE
STANDARD
TO
RAISE OUR
GAME
USPTA is the ﬁrst and only USTA accredited

tennis teaching professional organization.
Together, we will set a new standard
of excellence and provide even more
opportunities for those who teach
tennis to grow and advance. To learn more, go to usta.com/raisingstandards
© 2019 USTA. All rights reserved.

MASTER PRO CORNER
THE POWER OF CHARTING

match or practice session. My children spends doing it, giving me a chance to
were taught and coached by my associate review my match afterward. This gives
pros and I would share that information me the tools to continue striving to
with them so they could come up with a improve my game.
game plan for them. In my last tournament in Austin,
My academy players thought that which was a USTA Super Category II
it was a great tool. We trained all the Tournament, my wife charted me. The
players to do the charts. Whenever they final match vs the Number 2 seed took
Fernando Velasco were together in a group, the winner two hours and forty-five minutes.
USPTA Master Pro of a match would chart the next player
on her/his division. The one that lost, Reviewing the match, I was able to
W hen my children were playing

junior competitive tennis in
the 1980s, whenever we would travel
needed to regroup. They found this to be
of great value.
I have shared my chart with hundreds
see that:
• I served 88 percent of my firsts serves in
the first set, 82 percent on the second,
in Texas, most of the time they were of players and parents. Some parents and 75 percent on the third set.
playing in three different tournament even took pictures and sent them to me to • I had no double faults
sites. There was only one me to be evaluate between sets and/or matches. • I lost the first set 5-7 and won 36 points
able to watch them and coach them. vs 39
So, I developed a very simple charting Some of the positive things about • I won the second set 6-1 and won 31
system that my wife would be able to charting are: points vs 22
track. When we would meet in a central • Keeps parents and coaches focused on • I won the third set 6-1 and won 31 vs 20
location for lunch/dinner, she would the match and not distracted points
share the results with me. It was not as • Keep the emotions down • Overall, I won 98 points vs 81
sophisticated as the technology available • Forces them to look for positive items • At the net, I won 20 points and missed
today, but it was an incredible tool to see and constructive data three volleys
the things they did right and the items • Helps when reviewing a match with • I was successful with winning 18 drop
that needed to be adjusted. the coach shots (a big asset on the 75 and over
• Keeps history of the match in case they players…)
The following items were important to play against each other again
track: • Gives tools to the pro for things to work Items that need to be improved are:
• First Serves on the next session • Service returns from the ad court
• Second Serves • Top spin backhands to get more depth
• Double Faults Some of the negatives are: • Inside out forehands to the opponent’s
• Return errors (FH or BH) • Shows mistakes (that is part of the game) backhand
• FH/BH • Takes a disciplined person to sit there for
• Overhead/Lobs two/three hours writing stats Since we get to play each other often in
• Drop Shots local, state and national tournaments, I
• Volleys After my children grew up, it became usually keep these charts for about a year.
• Good shots got a “+” a tool for them to watch their own It helps me when and if playing against
• Errors got a “- “ children and use the charts. My wife of the same player again. Try it!! You may be
• Winning shots got a “W” 50 plus years still charts every one of surprised of the things you may learn as a
my matches. I appreciate the time she parent, coach and/or player.*
The most important part for me to
analyze was the sequence of the points Fernando Velasco was born in La Paz, Bolivia in 1943. Most of his young life, he lived in
won/lost: such as, did they win the game Cochabamba where he excelled in swimming, diving, soccer, track and field and tennis.
when down 0-30? 0-40? 15-40? 40-40? He is one of ten Tennis Professionals who as 2016 has achieved a Master Category
Or, did they take advantage of being ahead on both PTR and USPTA. Fernando has been a guest speaker at local, regional and
30-0? 40-0? 40-15? Ad ins? etc. national conventions of the PTR, USPTA, CMMA, USTA, and IHRSA. He has written
That was a huge help for their next several articles published in local, national and regional newsletters and publications.

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INSIDE COACHING USPTA
CONTROLLING your
EMOTIONS IN TENNIS
byby
Boris Fetbroyt,
Dr. Allen Fox, USPTA
USPTA Elite
Elite Professional
Professional
D arwin would have it that

emotional responses generally
evolve because they, in some way,
how well one concentrates, and how
perfectly one controls one’s emotions,
one cannot assure victory against an
failure loom. Unlike great pros like
Rafael Nadal or Maria Sharapova, most
players cannot. And since they can’t
enhance prospects for species survival. opponent of near-equal ability. The simply pack their bags and run off
In other words, they are supposed to scary truth of competition is that you court, their alternative is to mentally
be helpful. Unfortunately, in tennis can do everything right and still lose. check out by becoming angry, focusing
matches, the opposite is too often the This is the structure for a potentially on “problems,” or giving up, all of which
case. Certain emotions, in particular, stressful and unpleasant state of affairs, are forms of escapism in that they
those involving anxiety and escape, can one tailor-made for stress, anxiety, temporarily insulate the players from
and often do become extraordinarily and escapism. the stress and impending pain of defeat.
counterproductive. They frequently The usual means of escape These are emotional proclivities
make players lose to opponents who from the stress, uncertainty, and that don’t go away. So, the players must
are physically and technically inferior. uncontrollability of a tennis match is overpower them with the practical,
The analysis to follow will point out to become angry, make excuses, focus logical parts of their brains. It’s not
why this is so and what one can do on and complain about “problems,” or easy because emotions fire more
about it. simply give up. It is neither a conscious quickly than thought; they warp the
By its nature, tennis is an emotional nor productive decision, but it is quite thought processes; and even though
game. Of course, it may not look it normal. It is the exceedingly rare (or players might understand these
from the outside, but it is constructed abnormal) individual who can remain reactions are counterproductive, logic
to be a one-on-one, non-contact rational, unemotional, and practical and emotions don’t mix. In the throes
fistfight. It is inherently antagonistic in an important match when things of strong emotion, logic is usually the
since each player uses his tennis tools are going wrong and the prospects of first casualty.
to break down his opponent. It is a
battle of wills, where players compete
for physical and mental dominance,
where threat and intimidation can
play significant roles, and where one
contestant ends up superior to the
other. This makes the emotional stakes
far greater than they appear. In fact, we
are genetically programmed to fight for
superiority in such situations. It makes
playing closely-contested matches
stressful; it makes winning them
emotionally important and uplifting
and makes losing them painful.
Thus, for the serious tennis
competitor, the emotional stakes of
match-play are high. The problem is
that the outcome is not controllable.
It is an unpleasant fact of life that
no matter how hard one trains, and By its nature, tennis is an emotional game.

INSIDE COACHING USPTA
How do tennis pros and coaches Instituting these behavioral changes themselves. This tells me that when
handle this? Ultimately, players have requires powerful motivation and players want to change badly enough,
to be convinced to overpower their players rarely have it immediately. they will do so immediately. The
counterproductive emotions with How do I know the problem is function of the pro/coach is merely to
their logic systems. This requires pros/ motivation rather than information? convince them to do so.
coaches to have verbal talent, people Consider this: If I were to go on court The process takes time and involves
skills, and patience as they must with a gun, point it at their heads, and relapses. It is up to the verbal and
come at the problem repeatedly from tell them if they become angry, make intellectual skill of the pro/coach to
different logical angles over longer excuses, or stop trying during a match I come at the old problems from new
periods of time than seems reasonable. will instantly run out and shoot them. I angles so that the player is constantly
Their most powerful weapon is, of would bet that as long as I am standing motivated to continue the process.
course, the player’s desire to win, and on the sideline brandishing my gun, In my experience, a “cure” (and there
the pros/coaches must be mentally they won’t allow their emotions to will always be occasional relapses)
agile enough to use this in ways that go haywire. Of course, I haven’t done generally takes one or two years. I have
make an impact on the player. He/she brain surgery. I haven’t touched them. never seen it happen immediately,
must have enough “feel” to somehow I’ve just motivated them to control although I am still hoping.*
get to the player’s head.
And it’s not a matter of simply
giving the players information. The
Dr. Allen Fox earned a Ph.D. in psychology at UCLA and is a former NCAA
information itself is obvious, and
champion, Wimbledon quarterfinalist and three-time member of the U.S. Davis
everyone is well aware that losing one’s
Cup team. Dr. Fox also coached the Pepperdine University tennis team to two
head makes one lose. The problem is NCAA finals, and his latest book on the mental game is: “Tennis: Winning the
getting players to do something about Mental Match.”
it. Players must decide at a deep level
to overpower counterproductive
emotional urges. This is difficult
because the player’s urges to escape
from stress, uncertainty, and
frustration are natural, powerful, and
unending. Players must exert constant
conscious vigilance. Like an alcoholic
on the wagon, the player must
maintain constant mental vigilance
lest backsliding occurs.
Pros and coaches sometimes wonder
why players seem to “get it” for a while
but then so frequently relapse and
revert. Yes, they understand the issues
at some level, but they don’t really get
it deeply enough. And by “getting it,”
I mean that they haven’t committed
deeply enough to overpowering their
escapist proclivities. They think
that they have, but they haven’t.
They are really cured only when the
light bulb in their head goes off and
they irrevocably decide that they
are simply not going to do those
counterproductive things that make
them lose anymore, regardless of
anything that may happen on-court.

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BEYOND THE COURT
The Valuable Lessons:
A USPTA Professional recounts the best lessons
provided to him from his father.
by Kyle La Croix, USPTA Elite Professional
T here will always be impactful

people in our lives. But sometimes
it is left up to us to extract those
own pursuit of the game. But one day,
he grabbed an old racquet out of my bag
with worn strings and a disintegrating
the dream a reality. Instead of settling
for a small piece of market share by
imitating the competition, he created
nuggets of guidance and wisdom from grip and asked me to play with him. a dining culture unlike all the others.
them for our own well-being. My What followed was a moment of true He encouraged me to find my own
career as a USPTA tennis teaching brilliance. His groundstrokes were way and to think differently than my
professional has been guided by three purposeful in their delivery but lacking peers. He emphasized the importance
distinct lessons that a special man had the technical pretense of a pro tour of independence and being an original,
provided me. He never told me what player. We drilled and he executed. Side pushing my chosen industry forward. He
they were: he just lived them every to side and up and back, our tennis was was always willing to support any idea or
day to the best of over as quickly as ambition I had in sports, travel and life.
his abilities or in it began. He always hoped I forged vivid memories
some cases, his Looking and experiences that would make my
inabilities. Who back on these future endeavors that much richer.
was this mentor? formative years, I
He was a witnessed habits The Lesson: Don’t focus and
man who could and philosophies compare yourself to the competition.
compete with the performed by my Change the paradigm and make your
best of them, but mentor that were club, business or yourself a precious
his actions spoke not discussed commodity and a model for others
even louder. but rather done to follow. Instead of asking “what
One of the most and executed to are they doing?” you need to start
gifted athletes the finest degree wondering “what can I be doing?”
I ever saw, he of intensity and
stood at 6’1” craftsmanship. It The Value of Hard Work
and 185lbs. He is funny that the My mentor always stressed working
was a wonderful biggest impact full days. Never when I was a junior did
basketball player he had on me was I hear of him calling in sick, getting in
when he was not on my tennis late or leaving early. Nor did I hear him
younger with LaCroix’s mentor did what he felt was right. game, but on my complain about the long hours, physical
a silky smooth philosophy of labor or the issues with customers and
arsenal developed on the streets and business. This framework helped me in clients. He just simply worked and he
gyms of the Philadelphia suburbs where my growth as a tennis professional. did it with a focus and intensity that
he grew up. He was also a baseball was rare. It was measured, precise,
pitcher who possessed a knack for Forge Your Own Path organized and purposeful. He never
delivering the perfect pitch based on the Never one to follow the crowd or do had a bad word spoken about him from
count time and time again. I only played what was expected, my mentor did what his staff, his friends or any customers.
tennis with him once but I distinctly he felt was right. A corporate culinary He was reliable and his word was more
remember it in three stages: the first career led him to own and operate two than just lip service, it was his bond
time, the last time and never again. successful restaurants. When everyone and his true character. That work ethic
He never spoke of enjoying tennis told him to play safe and stick with the he displayed for numerous decades
and never showed an interest in my corporate gig, he worked hard and made won over many people, helped the

BEYOND THE COURT
infatuation of “making it
nice” came from self-pride
and the general principle
that the product says more
about the philosophy,
culture and quality of the
business than anything else.
The customer has one shot
to like it and it is critical
that they are blown away
by it their first time. If it’s
something he had even the
slimmest doubt on, it would
be scrapped and started
from scratch. Because of
There are many things you can’t control this, the customers raised
in life, but one that you can is your own their standards and my
personal effort.
mentor never had to lower
business grow and made many people his. He built a culture of
comfortable sums of money from which excellence and he built
to live. But the person that benefited it from upholding the
the most from it was himself. The pride standards from which he
of a job well done was his greatest thrill. never deviated.
The Lesson: There are many things The Lesson: Quantity Reach out to your mentor and find out what
you can’t control in life, but one that is something you can philosophies guided them.
you can is your own personal effort. It count but quality is
is a reflection of you as an employee, something you can count on. Impress Oddly enough, our relationship was
a person and a leader. The smile of your students and customer base never that strong and at times, it was
satisfaction when your head lays by providing them a memorable tumultuous. The mentor that I am
down on your pillow at night not only experience. Don’t skimp on the details referring to in this article just so happens
signifies a job well done, it instills and don’t be content on “just getting to be my father.
motivation and discipline for you to do by”. Students will recognize the Charles LaCroix lost his battle with
something bigger the next day.. difference and will make your lessons, cancer on January 24, 2019. I never got
programs and club a routine part a chance to sit down and thank him
Never Compromise on Quality of their life and their own culture of or discuss with him these lessons he
Putting out the best product or service excellence. You raise their standards showed to me. I wish I had done so to
should not seem like a chore, it should of acceptance on how tennis should be learn even more and make myself even
seem like a habit. Never being one to taught, served and provided and they better. When you get a chance, reach
accept mediocrity, my mentor was will share with you their two most out to your mentor or parent. Find out
merciless when it came to “making precious commodities; their time what valuable lessons and philosophies
it nice”. Whether he was hosting an and money. guided them.*
event for a group of 50 or 500 people,
his attention to detail and willingness
to go above and beyond to enhance
Kyle LaCroix is currently the Head Tennis Professional at The Oaks at Boca Raton.
the quality and experience at his A USPTA member since 2004, He is also a USPTA Florida Division Tester. He is a
restaurants was admirable. He was two-time Florida Division Tester of the Year (2010 and 2012). Kyle was also named
obsessed with perfection and his staff the 2011 USPTA Florida Division District Professional of the Year. He’s a graduate
knew if he got his hands on it, he would of the Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management Program (PTM)
turn it into something special. This and holds an MBA from The University of Michigan.

USPTA 2019 USPTA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
2019 USPTA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

D uring the 2019 USPTA World
Conference in Las Vegas next
month, our association will honor
a 510-50 record along with winning
the NCAA record 10 intercollegiate
national team championships,
former Stanford Women’s and Men’s NCAA record 22 combined team,
Tennis Coaches Frank Brennan Jr. singles and doubles national
and Dick Gould for their tremendous championships, NCAA record six
contributions to the game of tennis consecutive intercollegiate national
and to the USPTA. The USPTA Hall of championships, and a NCAA record
Fame is the association’s highest honor 65 tournament match wins. Along
and serves as a place to recognize with his NCAA records, Brennan Jr.
excellence in the tennis profession reached the NCAA Final Four 18 times
and commitment to USPTA, the in 19 years, recorded four undefeated
world’s oldest and largest association seasons in 1982,1984, 1989 ,1990),
of tennis-teaching professionals. The coached 40 players to 94 All-America
award was renamed in honor of the honors and 22 players to 45 All-Pac-10
late Tim Heckler, who served as the honors. As a member of the USPTA
CEO of the USPTA for 30 years, from for 53 years, Brennan Jr. won many
1982-2012. Both Brennan Jr. and USPTA accolades for his incredible
Gould will join a reputable list of great tennis coaching career. He is a two-
tennis-teaching professionals such as time USPTA Coach of the Year and a seasons. After playing collegiately
Arthur Ashe, Nick Bollettieri, Jimmy six-time USPTA NorCal Coach of for Stanford, he took over as head
Evert, Doris Hart, Rick Macci, Pancho the Year. coach of the men’s program from
Segura, etc. 1967-2004, and continued to work
Dick Gould in the athletic department until his
Frank Brennan Jr. The winningest coach in NCAA men’s official retirement on Jan. 15, 2018 as
As the head coach for the women’s tennis history, legendary Stanford head the John L. Hinds Director of Tennis,
tennis team at Stanford University coach Dick Gould guided the Cardinals wrapping up a Stanford career that
for 21 years, Frank Brennan Jr. posted to 17 NCAA championships in his 38 spanned 57 years. As the head coach,
he led Stanford to a 776-148 overall
record, produced 50 All-Americans,
10 NCAA singles champions and seven
NCAA doubles titlists. Over a four-
year stretch from 1995-98, Stanford
won four straight NCAA crowns, going
28-0 in 1998 while losing only three
dual-match points the entire season.
For a 34-year period, every four-year
letter winner earned at least one NCAA
championship ring. An innovator both
on and off-court, Gould spearheaded
fundraising efforts, including one of
the first personal seat license programs
and raised funds to create endowments
that went towards building the Taube
Family Tennis Stadium, coaching and
assistant coaching positions, athletics
Gould (left) and Brennan (right) will be inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame for scholarships, operations and facility
their tremendous contribution to the game of tennis and to the USPTA.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT USPTA
Exams, Upgrades & PTCA
4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams,
Online education 2019 USPTA Division
Upgrades & PTCA Conference Schedule
Division Conferences - 6 Credits
Aug. 2.............................. West Orange, NJ
Aug. 2 – 3 .............................. Franklin, TN Aug. 15 – 16 .....Midwest Summer Symposium
Western Southern Open; Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 2 – 3 .............................Granbury, TX
Aug. 3 ..............................Mission Hills, KS Sep. 23 – 26 .............USPTA World Conference
Aug. 3 – 4 .......................... Tallahassee, FL Westgate Las Vegas; Las Vegas, NV
Aug. 3 – 4................ Huntington Beach, CA
Aug. 4 .....................Hilton Head Island, SC Oct. 19 - 20.......................Southern California
Sea Cliff; Huntington Beach, CA
Aug. 5 – 6 ................................Denver, CO
Aug. 5 – 6 ...................... San Francisco, CA Nov. 8 -9 ...................................Middle States
Aug. 8 .......................................Darien, CT Wilmington Country Club, Wilmington,DE
Aug. 9 ................................ Millersville, PA
Aug. 10 – 11 ..................... Johns Creek, GA Watch webinars, seminars, On Court with USPTA
Aug. 10 – 11 ......................Lutherville, MD
Aug. 10 – 11 ....................... Boca Raton, FL
episodes, specialty courses and much more on
TennisResources.com to earn your education
WHEELCHAIR Tennis
Aug. 11 .................................... Chicago, IL Aug.1................................................Dallas, TX
Aug. 11 ............................. Brentwood, TN credits. Oct. 24 – 25 .................................. Orlando, FL
Aug. 14 – 15 ........................Cincinnati, OH
Aug. 24 ............................Cottonwood, AZ
Aug. 24 ..............................Des Moines, IA
Aug. 24 ............................... Eau Claire, WI
Aug. 26 – 27 ............................Queens, NY
Sep. 27 – 28 ................... Certification Course IPTPA Pickleball
Sep. 7 ................................Midlothian, VA
Sep. 7 – 8 .............................. Portland, OR
USPTA World Conference; Las Vegas, NV
Nov. 15 – 16 ................... Certification Course
Certification Workshop
Sep. 7 – 8 ...................................Aurora, IL Atlanta, GA Sep. 22.......................................Las Vegas, NV
Sep. 9 – 10 .............................. Orlando, FL Oct. 20......................................... Phoenix, AZ
Sep. 13 .......................... Minneapolis, MN
Sep. 13 – 14 ........................... Houston, TX
Sep. 14 – 15 .............................. Rome, GA
Platform tennis
Sep. 15 – 16 ...........................Burbank, CA
Sep. 16 – 17 ...........................Berkeley, CA October 1 – 2................................... Paoli, PA National Open AND
Sep. 19 – 20 ............................. Tucson, AZ
Sep. 26 – 27 .........................Las Vegas, NV
October 5 – 6.................. Briarcliff Manor, NY
October 14 – 15..................Chevy Chase, MD 5.5 Team Championships
Benefiting the American Cancer Society
Sep. 29 ..................... West Bloomfield, MI October 18 – 19....................... Rochester, NY
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days
prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an
exam, upgrade. PTCA I is included in the two day
Padel Sep. 27 – 29................................Las Vegas, NV
Darling Tennis Center/Spanish Trail CC
exam. Exam cancellations must be received no lat- 2019 Level 1 Certification Dates For a team number, questions or other info, e-mail
er than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation
fee will be charged accordingly. Sep. 19 – 20 ..............................Lowell, AK Sue Johnson Maurer:sjohnson@swbell.net
USPTA
The USPTA
Leadership
Academy is
LEADERSHIP laser focused
ACADEMY coaching on
key tennis
industry
leadership principles. Led by USPTA members
Feisal Hassan, Ajay Pant, Sara Morse and
Jose Pastrello, the leadership academy will
use case studies, self-assessments and best Information and Location:
practices and behaviors. Additional topics to • Dates: November 8 - 10
build a strong leadership base will include • Location: USPTA Headquarters, Orlando, FL
time management, communication skills, • Cost: $499
customer service, team building, budgets and • Education credits: up to 15 education credits
HR issues. This is a very interactive course that
will involve group participation utilizing group 6 credits + up to 9 credits for the education
projects and exercises within each training sessions.
module. All sessions will be held at USPTA World
Headquarters in Lake Nona, Florida. USPTA.com/LeadershipAcademy

MEMBER NEWS
Chris Blair Dave Kozlowski Adam Mihok Lesley Sheehan

Chris Blair will be one Dave “Koz” Kozlowski was Adam Mihok has been Lesley Sheehan was inducted
of 11 former standout named touring professional named the new Head Men’s into the United States Tennis
athletes, coaches and by the Lakewood National and Women’s Tennis Coach Association New England
contributors honored at Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch. at the University of Mary Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
Kilgore College’s annual Kozlowski, 73, has been on the Hardin-Baylor. Mihok comes Lesley Sheehan has excelled
Hall of Fame Weekend Sep. Sarasota, Florida scene since to UMHB after spending the as both a coach and a player
27-28. Blair served as tennis he became tennis director at last two years as Head Tennis throughout her career. The
coach at Kilgore College Laurel Oak Tennis Center in Coach at Brock High School. current coach of the Boston
from 1996-2001 where he Sarasota, Florida in the early He guided the Eagles to back- University women’s tennis
had several outstanding 1990s. He was one of the original to-back state tournament team, Sheehan has racked
seasons. He currently works USPTA Master Professional appearances in team tennis up an impressive slate of
at Pinecrest Country Club members and was the 2001 and had multiple individuals awards and accomplishments
in Longview as the tennis USPTA National Professional of advance to the state over her 34 seasons. She led
director. He has 34 years of the Year. “Koz” was also named tournament during his tenure. her teams to 26 conference
tennis experience coaching the 1999 USTA Broadcaster of Brock finished sixth in this titles, 17 NCAA Tournament
top-ranked juniors, the Year. He is the executive year’s state team tournament appearances, and is an eight-
adults and future touring producer and host of “Inside and won girl’s doubles in this time conference coach of
professional players. Tennis with the ‘Koz’”. year’s state tournament. the year.
Gloucester’s Boulevard Tennis Courts named in honor of Avis R. Murray
A Gloucester athletic icon was the center of attention when the city cut the ribbon on
its latest sports facility – the newly reconstructed Avis R. Murray Tennis Courts on
Stacy Boulevard at the entrance to Stage Fort Park.
Avis, a native of Gloucester, Mass. has served as director of tennis for 48 years at the Bass
Rocks Golf Club and a teaching professional during the winter at Manchester Athletic
Club. She has been a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association for
over 48 year and was awarded Alex Gordon National Professional of the Year in 2013.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE ADDvantage is published monthly by the USPTA
The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
President...................................................................... Gary Trost Editor.............................................................................John Cornell those of the authors and not necessarily those
Managing Editor ................................................... DeVonte’ Martin of ADDvantage or the United States Professional
First Vice President................................................. Feisal Hassan Tennis Association.
Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes
Vice Presidents..........................................Cari Buck, Mark Faber,
Editorial Assistance.......................... Tommy Cardinal, Risa Epstein, Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
Trish Faulkner, Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Ellen Weatherford, Fred Viancos
Association, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved.
Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not
Immediate Past President.............................................Chuck Gill
USPTA World Headquarters permitted without written permission from USPTA.
CEO...........................................................................John Embree
11961 Performance Dr.
..
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell Orlando, FL 32827
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FACILITY MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION STRINGING

Creative ways to help Install court surfaces Suggest a hybrid

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Contents August 2019

Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Member News

2 TennisIndustry August 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Play the Local Game EDITOR

While the pros get plenty of attention, MANAGING EDITOR

growing this sport is best accomplished CREATIVE DIRECTOR

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Rakuten to Become Global

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12th Annual TIA Tennis Forum

The 12th Annual TIA Tennis Forum will

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“Discovery Challenge,” an online compe- PRO TENNIS

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Ashaway's new badminton Worcester Named President

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The 2nd Annual Racquet & Paddle

The Racquet & Paddle Sports Show

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Clash frames have been popular buys.

Earlier this year, Wilson intro-

PTR Launches UTR

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Laver Cup, ATP Join Forces

USTA Signs U.N. Sports for

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FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS CLEARSPAN

To find out how we can

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Endangered Species? The tennis club of the

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NJTL NETWORK D.A. ABRAMS

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GRACE TRIMBLE WILLIAM ELMORE SUGAM LANGER

Providing Skills The Importance Becoming a Better

August 2019 TennisIndustry 19

Pairing Up very stiff string seemed to be a perfect

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If you aren’t explaining the advantages and disadvantages

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www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2019 TennisIndustry 21

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