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GUIDE TO STRINGS
Our exclusive selector
will help you customize
the stringbed for every player
Wilson’s “W” line for
women leads the new
frame offerings
New shoes your customers
will be asking about
The latest tenniswear for
style and performance
The newest frames for
racquetball and squash
Telephone as Customer-Care Tool
Wimbledon Player Equipment Log
String Playtest
Ask the Experts
Tips and Techniques
Contents R S I S E P / O C T
INDUSTRY NEWS
2 0 0 5
W
back.
ell, we did this a year ago, and we’re going to do it
again this year. We’re going to pat ourselves on the
Editor-in-Chief
Crawford Lindsey
Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
We recently received word that Racquet Sports Industry magazine won a Associate Editor
2005 Apex Award for Publication Excellence. This is the second year in a row Greg Raven
that RSI has been honored with an Apex Award, and this year, it was especial-
Design/Art Director
ly nice to be recognized for overall excellence in the category “Magazines & Kristine Thom
Journals—Printed Four-Color.”
Assistant to the Publisher
There were nearly 5,000 entries in Cari Feliciano
109 different categories, covering
Contributing Editors
magazines, newspapers, special publi- Cynthia Cantrell
cations, video and electronic publica- Rod Cross
tions, annual reports, brochures, Kristen Daley
Joe Dinoffer
newsletters, and more. RSI was one of
Liza Horan
757 entries in the Magazine & Journals Andrew Lavallee
category. James Martin
The awards are given out based on Mark Mason
Chris Nicholson
excellence in graphic design, editorial
Mitch Rustad
content, and “the success of the Drew Sunderlin
entry—in the opinion of the judges—
in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence.” That’s par- RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Corporate Offices
ticularly gratifying to us because effective communication is everything in this
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
business. It’s what we need to do for you, and it’s what you need to do for your Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
customers and players. Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Our goal is to continue to communicate what you need to effectively run Website: www.racquetTECH.com
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
your business, and to help you make a profit at it. And we’re committed to
communicating what it takes to make this sport grow at every level. Advertising Director
And while RSI now has another award to hang on the wall to indicate that John Hanna
we seem to be on the right path, we know there’s still a lot of work we need to 770-650-1102, x.125
john@racquettech.com
do. And, with your continued help and support, we look forward to doing it.
Apparel Advertising
Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-
Dave Bone Jeff Williams
5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January
Co-Publisher Co-Publisher through August and combined issues in Septem-
ber/October and November/December by Tennis
Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443 and addi-
tional mailing offices. September/October 2005, Vol-
ume 33, Number 9 © 2005 by USRSA and Tennis
Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry,
Peter Francesconi Crawford Lindsey RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the
Editorial Director Editor-in-Chief U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x.125. Phone
circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly sub-
scriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMAS-
TER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry,
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
USTA Debuts Enhancements Sales Figures Strong for Second Straight Year
T
here’s good news for the tennis industry: For the second straight year, racquet
To US Open, Tennis Center sales for the 12 months through June 2005 are strong, up 29 percent in units and
The USTA continues to change and improve 18 percent in dollars, when compared to the same period that ended in June
the US Open and its Flushing Meadows, 2003. A year ago, in June 2004, sales had increased 16 percent in units and 8 percent
N.Y., site. Some the innovations, attractions, in dollars.
and enhancements that fans will notice at This two-year upswing is fueling speculation that a number of things are coming
this year’s Open, from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11, together for the sport, including recent new player programs, such as the Tennis Wel-
come Center initiative and the USTA’s Tennis in the Parks campaign, and positive con-
include:
sumer reaction to new technologies introduced by racquet companies.
Blue courts: As reported in the July issue of “Unit sales growth the past two years shows that some of our new player programs
RSI, the USTA came up with a new court are starting to work,” says Jim Baugh, the president of the Tennis Industry Association.
color for the US Open and the run-up US “Along with the USTA, we’ve promoted Tennis Welcome Centers for two straight years,
Open Series of tournaments. The new color and the USTA has greatly expanded its Tennis in the Parks campaign.
“The growth in dollar sales, especially this year, shows that consumers are buying
was designed to provide a “signature look”
more premium, high-performance racquets as well,” Baugh adds. “In fact, the largest
to the Open Series and provide an identifi-
growth category this year is the super-premium category, up over 35 percent.”
able link to the Open itself. Also, it was The TIA also says the increases tie in with what dealers expected for sales in 2005.
designed to enhance visibility of the ball for Based on a survey at the beginning of the year, 57 percent of dealers said they expected
players and spectators. consumer sales to increase, while 10 percent predicted a decrease.
Ball sales, after growing in units in 2004, are down slightly in 2005, but the TIA says
Bellagio-style fountain: The vast South
it’s been having some difficulty tracking sales because a number of top retailers are
Plaza at the National Tennis Center will fea-
importing balls directly under their own brands, and they don’t report sales figures to the
ture a new fountain created by WET Enter- TIA. “We’re hoping to get these retailers to submit their sales to ball shipment census
prises of California, the designers of the reports” in the future, says Baugh.
popular fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in But overall, Baugh’s happy with the direction things are taking. “We’re on the right
Las Vegas. Shooting water more than 20 track,” he says. “Industry sales are the most positive they’ve been in years, and the
feet high, the fountain’s animation controls efforts to grow the game at the grassroots level have intensified. And we’re launching
can create water shows, movement, and Cardio Tennis to consumers. We just need to keep our focus, work together, and keep
sound. pushing.”
Polo Ralph Lauren: The Wilson nCode Wins Industrial Design Excellence Award
apparel designer is step-
P
roduct design firm Design Concepts Inc. of Madison, Wis., and Wilson Sporting
ping up to tennis in a big
Goods have been recognized with a Bronze 2005 Industrial Design Excellence
way, signing a four-year Award (IDEA) for Wilson’s new nCode racquets.
partnership with the USTA Co-sponsored by the Industrial Designers Society of America and BusinessWeek, the
for the US Open sponsor- international design competition is “a celebration of the best and hottest product designs
ship. PRL will design the of the year” and is “dedicated to fostering business and the public’s understanding of the
official US Open shirt and will outfit all on- importance of industrial design excellence to the quality of life and the economy,”
court officials, line judges, and ballpersons. according to IDEA officials.
In addition, there will be a 3,500-sq.-ft. Polo A jury of 17 world-renowned designers and critics considered more than
store on-site. 1,380 entries from 40 countries before selecting 148 winners. Wilson’s frames
feature exclusive nano-technology nCode material combined with dramatic
Avenue of Aces: Fans can purchase per- visual appeal, superior shock and vibration reduction, more power, a
sonalized pavers to support the USTA Tennis more active string bed and a larger sweetspot, says the company.
& Education Foundation and have a perma- Serena Williams uses the n3 model on the pro tour and Tennis
nent link to the Open. The Avenue of Aces magazine named the n5 model an “Editor’s Choice.”
will be between the East Gate entrance and According to Brian Dillman, Wilson’s vice president of
Arthur Ashe Stadium. Global Marketing for Racket Sports, “The new nCode rac-
quets make all other racquets look obsolete. But in the end,
the racquets have to perform on the court.”
W
ilson Racquet Sports has developed a new line
H
ead/Penn Racquet Sports and Mattel Inc. have developed a co-brand-
ed set of tennis products for young girls called the Head Barbie Jun- of tennis instructional equipment as part of its
ior Series. This new line combines Head’s racquet design expertise expanding commitment to tennis education
with the fashion and appeal of the Barbie brand, says Head officials. programs throughout the country. The EZ Tennis line,
Designed for girls ages 4 to 9 (or 40- to 55-inches-tall), the new Head Bar- designed for teaching pros running entry-level pro-
bie Junior Series will be in stores for the 2005 holiday season. grams, is a color-coded racquet system for beginners
“By aligning Head products with a brand as established and presti- that Wilson says will make the fundamentals of ten-
gious as Barbie, we will gain instant recognition and credibility among nis easier to comprehend.
young girls at retail and on the courts,” says Greg Mason, Wilson’s EZ Tennis racquets and grips are color-
director of sales and marketing for Head/Penn. “With coded red and yellow to simplify hand positioning
fun, colorful tennis equipment in their hands, young and indicate which side of the racquet should be
girls will be inclined to play longer and more often.” used during forehand and backhand strokes. EZ
The new series includes three junior racquets Tennis racquets are available in 17-, 19-, 21-, 23-
designed for a variety of heights and ages, a racquet and 25-inch lengths. The 17-inch frame, the first
sack, and a pro racquet bag that fits both racquets and Wilson racquet made in that length, is ideal for chil-
equipment. Also available is the Head Barbie Junior dren as young as ages 2 or 3, says the company.
Pack, which includes a 25-inch racquet, pink two-tone “EZ Tennis is a comprehensive training system
pressureless tennis balls, and a water bottle. that allows even the youngest beginners to grasp the
“Barbie knows what girls of all ages like and is liter- fundamentals of tennis in an engaging way,” says
ally everywhere a girl is—now on the tennis court as James Burda, Wilson’s manager of U.S. promotions.
well,” says Richard Dickson, senior v.p. of Mattel’s In addition to the racquets, the line also includes
Worldwide Consumer Products division. “It is a strate- Set-Up Targets, Dots, Court Lines, Multi-Use Cones,
gic priority for us to partner with authentic brands out- Tennis Nets, Foam Balls, and Transitional Play Balls.
side the traditional toy world.” For more information, call 800-272-6060 or contact
your local Wilson rep.
R
acquetMaxx of Birmingham, Ala., and Vantage Sport International of the United
Kingdom have formed a new company, Vantage USA, which will specialize in
building custom tennis racquets for the U.S. market.
The new partnership will use the Custom Racquet System that Vantage Interna-
tional developed to deliver fast and cost-effective service to players “looking for some-
thing more unique than mass-produced fames,” according to a press release. And for
Vantage USA customers, the wide range of services offered by RacquetMaxx will be
available on all Vantage racquet configurations. All orders can me made via the web-
site or by calling RacquetMaxx directly for any information and assistance in choos-
ing specifications and building a frame.
“Building racquets that perfectly suit the player is what we are all about” says Paul
Angell, founder and head of Vantage Sport International. “Having an office in the USA
will further increase our level of customer service, and with RacquetMaxx as a part-
ner, we are delighted to be able to offer even more choice of specifications.”
“Our company has been built on customizing mass-produced racquets to meet a
player’s specific needs,” says Bob Patterson, founder and head of RacquetMaxx.
“Vantage racquets are the ultimate customization, providing an avenue for the player
to work with a Master Racquet Technician to build their dream racquet.”
A Vantage USA website is under construction, but customers are still able to con-
figure their ideal racquet at www.vantagetennis.com or by calling RacquetMaxx
directly for further information and assistance at 800-824-4989.
G
rand Slam Gut’s new 100 percent Natural Gut comes in a
variety of sizes and textures for tennis, squash, racquet-
ball, and badminton players. For tennis, the string is offered in 17, 16, and 15L
gauges, and it comes in coated and uncoated versions.
GSC says that its college and 5.0 playtesters consider the string to be one of
the liveliest available. The company says it’s one of the roughest natural guts avail-
able, which adds more spin to the ball, and that it is long on durability.
The company points to USRSA lab testing that measured GSG’s uncoated 17
gauge to be the second best natural gut string on the market in holding tension
and its coated 15L as one of the top five softest natural gut strings on the market.
Tests were done versus all the natural gut competitors.
The natural-color GSG is available in 40-foot (12.2 m) sets and half-sets of 21
feet (6.5 m). Recommended tension for Grand Slam Gut is 50 to 60 lbs. For ten-
nis, it is priced at $17 per set. For more information, contact 715-366-4333 or
email: tennis@wctc.net.
P
rince Sports launched the newest racquet in the Shark family, the Shark DB, this
summer, designed for players looking for maximum com-
fort in a powerful frame, especially for players with
shorter, more compact strokes, says the company.
The Shark DB is the first ever power Double Bridge
(DB) racquet by Prince and is offered in an Oversize and
Midplus headsize. Prince says the racquet’s patented
Double Bridge technology provides frame and string vibra-
tion reduction.
Prices range from $190 to $200. For more information, con-
tact 800-283-6647 or visit www.princetennis.com.
W
elch Tennis is again offering its
popular clay-court maintenance
seminars, designed for anyone
who is involved in the business of main-
taining clay (Har-Tru) tennis courts,
whether traditional overhead-irrigated
fast-drying courts or subsurface-irrigated
HydroGrid or HydroCourt.
The seminars give participants a
working knowledge of Har-Tru courts,
including an explanation and demon-
stration of the latest procedures in
court maintenance.
Participants receive a Certificate of
Completion, and USPTA members can
earn three credits for continuing educa-
tion for attending. Cost is $159 per per-
son ($125 for each additional person
from the same facility) and includes a
continental breakfast, lunch, refresh-
ments, and a happy hour. Upcoming
seminars are:
Q Oct. 7 at the Ocean Club in Daytona
Beach, Fla.
Q Oct. 14 at the Gulf Harbor Yacht and
Tennis Club in Fort Myers, Fla.
Call Deb Carlson at 800-282-4415.
W
ilson Racquet Sports has promot-
ed Cory Springer to the new role
of marketing manager for the
U.S. Springer has been with Wilson for
nine years and has served as a territory
manager in southern Florida for the
past six years.
Springer will manage marketing
execution and sales programs in both
the accessory and footwear categories
for the U.S. market. He also will coor-
dinate with Wilson’s Global Marketing
Department for product development
and serve as a marketing liaison to Wil-
son’s U.S. sales team.
In other Wilson personnel news, the
company hired Evan Garfinkle as a ter-
ritory manager in the South Central
region of the U.S. Garfinkle, an accom-
plished stringer and certified Master
Racquet Technician, joins Wilson after
working most recently as a sales rep
for both Gamma/Fischer and Balle De
Match.
P L E W AT
E O CH
P • David Kjeldsen, CEO of Viking Athletics
in Lindenhurst, N.Y., announced that Brian Mills will
assume responsibility for all inside sales of Viking's platform ten-
nis line. Mills will work closely with Dave Ohlmuller at O2 Athletics of
Lake Bluff, Ill., which represents Viking in the Midwest.
• Longtime tennis coach Larry Easley has given much to the game of tennis over
the years, but now he needs help from it. Easley is suffering from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s
disease) and his friends are asking for help in providing support. A fund-raising golf
event was held Aug. 12 in Nevada, and there are plans to do more. For details, contact
Ron Drylie at 888-750-7587 or e-mail rond@a1s-nv.com.
• Wayne Bryan, coach of the Sacramento Capitals, has been named 2005 World
TeamTennis Coach of the Year. The charismatic Bryan earned his second consecutive
Coach of the Year award after leading Sacramento to a League best 11-3 record and a
Western Conference Championship. The WTT Finals weekend will be Sept. 16-17 at All-
state Stadium at Sunrise MarketPlace, Citrus Heights, Calif.
• In other WTT news, Elena Likhovtseva and Mark Knowles, both of the Sacramento Cap-
itals, were named 2005 Female and Male MVPs. Also, Katerina Bondarenko of the New-
port Beach Breakers has been named 2005 Female Rookie of the Year, while the
Springfield Lasers' Rik de Voest has earned Male Rookie of the Year honors.
• Eight college players and two coaches went to Izmire, Turkey, Aug. 11-21 to represent
the U.S. at the 2005 World University Games tennis competition. U.S. Men's Coach David
Roditi selected John Isner (University of Georgia), Ryler DeHeart (University of Illinois),
Scott Green (Ohio State), and Ross Wilson (Ohio State). U.S. Women's Coach Lori McNeil
selected Amber Liu (Stanford), Jennifer Magley (University of Florida), and Catrina and
Christian Thompson (Notre Dame).
T
ennis Masters Cup Uncovered II: Facing Federer, the ATP’s behind-the-scenes docu-
mentary of the most recent Tennis Masters Cup, will be distributed to tennis fans
in coming months through a promotion between the ATP, Head/Penn Racquet
Sports, and Sports Authority.
Sports Authority stores nationwide will stock three-packs of Penn balls that also
contain a complimentary copy of the DVD. Priced at $7.99, the three-pack of Penn
ATP Tennis Balls will remain on sale through November. It is the first time that ATP
partner Penn has featured a three-pack promotion with its ATP ball. Additionally, hol-
iday packs—comprising an eight-pack of balls and complimentary copy of the DVD—
will be sold at Sports Authority stores beginning in October for $19.99.
“We’re certain recreational players using Penn balls also will enjoy getting an up-
close look at the best professional players in the game through this beautiful and fun
documentary,” says Kevin Kempin, vice president of Penn Racquet Sports Worldwide.
The DVD includes the one-hour documentary and bonus footage featuring Roger
Federer, Marat Safin, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Tim Henman, Guillermo Coria,
Carlos Moya, and Gaston Gaudio. It continues to be sold online at ATPtennis.com via
ATP partner Tennis Warehouse.
I
nteractive tennis and fitness pioneer Sportwall International will unveil its Next Gen-
eration platform at the USPTA World Conference in Marco Island, Fla., the week of The Need for News Coverage
Sept. 18.
A leader in the emerging industry of “active interactive” products and programs Great “Your Serve” in the July
for sports, fitness, and education, 2005 issue of Racquet Sports
Industry by Mark Winters (“Some-
Sportwall uses computer-game tech-
thing to Write About”). He is right
nology to motivate and engage partic-
on the money! The declining cov-
ipation so that exercise and training erage tennis receives in local
become more fun, entertaining, and media is a big problem, and we
productive. Targets, scores, sounds, need to improve 1000 percent on
and time clocks stimulate the user’s it immediately.
eyes, ears, hands, feet, and balance We in the Florida section of the
systems to improve performance in a USTA are putting more personnel
live-training environment. Programs and resources behind this and are
having some luck and making
include the world’s first internet-based
some progress. The larger cities
tennis skills competition.
still have their challenges with
Sportwall’s Next Generation regard to their sportswriters and
upgrade includes MP3-quality three- tennis. But many smaller commu-
track sound, enhanced programs for nities are eager for stories and
group and cardio workouts, audio coverage with a local flavor if you
game instructions, interchangeable take the time to submit them.
curriculum using smart cards, wireless Bob Pfaender
headphone connection, pay for play Florida
option, and more. We welcome your letters and comments.
For info: visit www.sportwall.com Please email them to rsi@racquetTECH.com or
fax them to 760-536-1171.
or contact VP Sports Tom West at 800-
695-5056, ext 125.
T
he four courts at the Bald Head
Island Club (below) along the North
Carolina coast were recently resur-
faced by the Classic Turf Co. of Wood-
bury, Conn., using the company’s 6
millimeter Classic Cushion, a cushioned
sheet-goods product.
“The original asphalt composite
courts have many cracks in them,” says
Classic Turf President Tumer H. Eren.
“Since our product is breathable, it pro-
tects the subsurface from cracking,
which is especially important in an envi-
ronment where there is a lot of mois-
ture, such as Bald Head Island’s
ocean-side courts.”
Bald Head Island Club General Man-
ager Tom Golden says Classic Turf’s abil-
ity to allow moisture to evaporate
through the surface was a big reason
the club chose the product. The Classic
Cushion, he says, “has done everything
it’s purported to do. All in all, if you’re
trying to cover a hard court that’s in a
bad state of repair, it’s a very good
option. We’ve been happy with it.”
Contact 800-246-795 or 203-263-
0800, or visit www.classicturf.org.
SHORT SETS
INDUSTRYNEWS
>winning
Wilson athletes dominated Wimbledon this year, with Roger Federer > The USTA says the 2005 US Open purse will top $17.7 mil-
his third consecutive single’s title and Venus Williams defeating lion, and will potentially exceed $20.6 million—representing
Lindsay Davenport in a dramatic all-Wilson women’s single final. Federer, the highest annual purse in sports—as the top three men’s and
Williams and Davenport all use racquets from Wilson’s nCode line. women’s finishers in the US Open Series may earn up to an
additional $2.8 million in bonus prize money at the US Open.
>playAllwith
four boys in the singles semifinals of the Wimbledon Junior event
Head racquets and are members of Team Elite, as is Tamira Both the men’s and women’s US Open singles champions will
Paszek, playing with an FXP Instinct, who reached the girls’ singles final. earn $1.1 million with the ability to earn up to $2.2 million
For the boys, Jeremy Chardy, playing with a Liquid Metal Instinct, emerged based on their performances in the US Open Series.
with the title, defeating Head Team Elite members Robin Haase in the final
and Donald Young in the semis. Earlier, Haase beat Head player Tim Smy-
>netHead NV reports that for the six months ended on June 30,
revenues for 2005 were down 2.7 percent to $169.6 mil-
czek in the other semi. lion, compared to the same period in 2004. Racquet Sports rev-
enues for the first six months of 2005 decreased by $6.4
>hiredSouthern California-based apparel manufacturer Bälle de Mätch has
veteran sales professional Ginna Foster to manage brand sales in million, or 6.6 percent, to $90.0 million from $96.4 million in
Florida. She’s been a sales representative for Danskin in Florida for 13 years the comparable 2004 period. This decrease was mainly due to
and will continue to cover the entire state for the brand. A competitive lower sales volumes in tennis racquets and balls as well as a
tennis player since the age of 10, Foster still plays in leagues at her home change in product mix, the company says.
club of Lake Cane Tennis Center in Orlando. New or current accounts can
contact Foster directly at 407-909-9091 or foster1018@aol.com.
>Gallager
Tennis equipment distributor ATS Sports has picked Brian
of Stratham, N.H., as the winner of a trip for two to
the US Open. ATS carries a full line of tennis supplies. For more
>quetsPrincehavereports that pro players who have switched to the new O3 rac-
jumped in the rankings. Wimbledon doubles champ Liezel info, visit www.atssports.com or call 800-866-7071.
Huber switched to the O3 Tour at the beginning of the season and
improved her doubles ranking from No. 45 to No. 4. Paul Goldstein moved
> USTA Magazine, the magazine for USTA members, recently
won three 2005 Apex Awards for Publication Excellence—one
up from 147 to 96 after switching to the O3 Tour and Davide Sanguinetti for special purpose writing, one for design and layout, and one
moved from 103 to 57. for overall custom-published magazines.
Wilson Joins Effort to Host “World’s Largest Tennis Lesson” “Fast Lane Tennis”
INDUSTRYNEWS
A
new 10-show series on The Ten-
sional Mark Miller and designed to promote tennis among youth.
nis Channel called “Fast Lane
“Wilson is committed to growing the game of tennis among youth and what better
Tennis,” produced by USPTA
way to expose them to the sport then through Mark’s efforts to provide a free lesson for
and PTR Master Professional Joe
hundreds of kids,” says James Burda, manager of U.S. promotions for Wilson. “This rein-
Dinoffer, chronicles the tennis devel-
forces the message that youth everywhere can embrace tennis as a fun sport that is both
opment of Dinoffer’s daughter Kalin-
physically and socially rewarding.” di as she learns the sport over an
Miller first dreamed up the idea of the world’s largest lesson when he hosted a similar 18-month period.
event years ago and has since developed instructional programs at local park districts and The series, which is the first video
day camps throughout Illinois. For more information, visit www.munchkinprogram.com. project that has tracked a beginning
junior through 18 months of learn-
ing tennis, also features footage with
pro tour star Meghann Shaugh-
nessey, as well as comic sequences
from Bijou the
tennis clown,
played by
teaching pro
Henri Elkins.
The instruc-
tional series
contains quick
tips, creative
progressions, drills, and solutions to
common problems that players of all
ages face. For airing times, visit
www.thetennischannel.com, and for
info on the DVD version, contact
Oncourt Offcourt at 88-TENNIS-11 or
visit www.oncourtoffcourt.com.
W Dispels Time-
hen the Yacht and Racquet Club of Boca Raton, Fla., want-
ed to convert the roof of its parking garage into six tennis
courts—to complement the six ground-level, subsurface
irrigated clay courts it already had—it turned to Welch Tennis
Honored Myths
H
ave you ever wondered how
Courts Inc. of Sun City, Fla. Welch had built the original six two
much difference your equip-
years ago, but the six on the roof presented a challenge.
ment makes to your tennis
Club members insisted on playing on a soft surface, but the
game? Tennis physicist Rod Cross
weight-bearing capacity of
and technology expert (and RSI
the deck was not sufficient to
publisher and editor-in-chief) Craw-
support clay courts. Welch
ford Lindsey answer all your questions and explode time-
President George Todd Jr.
honored “truisms” in their new book, Technical Tennis:
suggested Premier Court,
Racquets, Strings, Balls, Courts, Spin, and Bounce.
which has a weight load of 2
The 152-page paperback is a reader-friendly follow-up to
pounds per square foot. The
their widely acclaimed The Physics and Technology of Tennis,
cushioned Premier Court
which they co-authored with Dr. Howard Brody (who wrote
also provides a maintenance-
the foreword to the new book). The four chapters cover Rac-
free surface, says Chris Rossi of Premier Concepts. The recently
quets, Strings, Balls and Bounce, and Spin and Trajectory,
completed garage deck courts are receiving high praise from
and answer equipment- and performance-related questions
Yacht and Racquet Club management and members.
that have perennially plagued hackers and experts alike,
“There are many facilities with similar situations,” says Todd.
allowing players to turn practice into a focused application of
“Premier Court could be the perfect solution because it is a cush-
principles affecting the impact, bounce, and flight of the ball.
ioned surface without the heavier weight loads.” Rossi says Pre-
Technical Tennis is available from Racquet Tech Publishing
mier offers warranties of up to 15 years. For more information,
for $12.95. To order visit:
contact Welch at 800-282-4415 (www.welchtennis.com) or Pre-
www.racquettech.com/store/books_TOC.html or call 760-
mier Concepts at 800-458-4675 (www.premiercourt.com).
536-1177.
T
he telephone just might represent the felt if her call had gone more like this: ees to write
ultimate love/hate relationship. On one “Hello. This is Jeannie Anderson. May I the caller’s
hand, it’s the lifeline of our business; on speak with John please?” name as soon
the other, it’s the scourge of our busi- “I’m sorry Jeannie. John’s at lunch and as they hear it.
ness day. (Can you say “telemar- probably won’t be back for a half hour or Customers want
keter”?) Likewise as it so. This is Paul. May I take a message or to feel acknowledged and
relates to our customers, help you with something myself?” special. Using a customer’s
the telephone can “I’m calling to see if my racquet’s name is a great way to con-
cement the relation- ready. Can you help me with that?” nect with them and show them
ship or repel them “I don’t have your slip here at the they’re not just another anony-
forever. counter, which leads me to believe that it’s mous voice at the end of the line.
We communicate not finished yet. But, how about if I take
volumes to our cus- your number and ask John to call you as BITE YOUR TONGUE
tomers in how the soon as he returns?” BEFORE SAYING
phone is answered, how their “OK. That would be great. It’s 555- “YOU’LL HAVE
requests are handled, how their needs are 1212.” TO…”
met, and how their calls are ended. Consid- “OK, Jeannie. I’ll be sure John gets this No customer wants to be told
er the following: message. Is there anything else I can help what he or she has to do.
“Hello. This is Jeannie Anderson. May I you with today?” Instead, try using phrases like, “You
speak with John, please?” “No, I don’t think so.” might want to…” or “May I suggest that
“He’s not here.” “OK, then. Thanks for calling.” you….” They are gentler and much less
“Oh, when do you expect him in?” “Thank you, Paul. See you later.” directive.
“I have no idea.” Many managers never think to teach
“Well, I’m calling to see if my racquet’s proper telephone etiquette, but it can pay ASK PERMISSION
ready. Can you help me with that?” off handsomely in how a business is per- TO PUT PEOPLE ON HOLD
“Nope. You have to speak with him.” ceived. If you’ve not given it much thought You know how rude it feels to have your
“Would you please take my name and and wouldn’t know where to begin, here call slammed on hold. Let it be your cus-
ask him to call me?” are a few pointers that can make a big dif- tomer’s choice whether to be placed on
“Yup. What is it again?” ference in how your employees convey hold. “May I put you on hold while I trans-
“Jeannie Anderson.” customer care. fer you to John?” is more polite and less
“OK. Bye.” directive than just saying, “Hold on.”
“Wait! Would you also please give him SMILE BEFORE YOU ANSWER
my phone number?” It’s amazing what a smile does for tone of ASK IF THERE’S ANY
“Yup. What is it?” voice. People who work in call centers OTHER WAY IN WHICH
“555-1212” (and therefore make their living on the YOU MIGHT BE OF SERVICE
“OK. Bye.” telephone) often have signs or smiley face Make sure all of the customer’s needs are
It was the last straw. Jeannie never set icons on their desks or telephones remind- met before the call is ended. This simple
foot in that shop again. John was a good ing them to “Smile!” This isn’t just an atti- question can make your customer feel that
stringer, and he was a nice enough guy. But tudinal pick-me-up. It’s a reminder for you have all day for them and their con-
some of the shop employees were obviously them to smile before answering the cerns. Most often, they won’t need more
just marking time to collect their paychecks. phone. Try it yourself to see what a differ- of your time, but they’ll appreciate the
They were not concerned with how they ence a smile can make in your tone of offer.
came across on the phone, and despite voice.
Jeannie’s longstanding relationship as a cus- GIVE THE NAME OF THE PER-
tomer, she always felt that she was starting USE THE CALLER’S NAME SON TO WHOM YOU’RE
over with these people every time she called AT THE BEGINNING TRANSFERRING THE CALL
the shop. She didn’t feel acknowledged, let AND END OF THE CALL Make sure your customer knows where his
alone appreciated. Keep a pad of paper by all the phones in call is going and with whom he is about to
How much better might Jeannie have your facility and encourage your employ- speak. “Gee, I’m sorry. I can’t answer that
MAKE SURE A
TRANSFERRED CALL
GOES THROUGH
“If Jim doesn’t answer and you want to get
back to me, please press 0 and ask for
extension 107.” This way, your customer
doesn’t feel that his call has been dumped
into a black hole. We’re seeing more and
more voice mail, and we’ve all been frustrat-
ed by the voice-mail maze. We’ve all cried,
“Can’t I just speak with a live person?!” Pay
attention to how your customers are treated
if they enter the voice-mail fray at your club.
Courses
Racquets, shoes, string, apparel—we’ve got the
new stuff your customers want.
R
emember when most major
product introductions seemed
to happen at the Super Show in
February, when manufacturers put
on lavish shows to sell their wares
to retailers, who in turn signed
purchase agreements for upcom-
ing shipments, and everyone went
home happy and excited?
Well, times certainly have
changed. Product introductions
essentially happen throughout the
year, and no time is more packed
with neat, new stuff than when
the US Open rolls around in late
August. From breakthrough rac-
quets and shoes, to string for all
types of players, to stylish new
apparel, and even racquetball and
squash frames, the following
pages have the new products that
your customers will be asking
about.
Babolat
Babolat knows how to pick ’em. The company signed up Andy
Roddick to endorse the Pure Drive Team, which has become
the biggest success story in racquets in years. And it got Rafael
Nadal to endorse the Aeropro Drive, and the kid goes and wins
the French Open this year. Now Babolat is going back to Rod-
dick, hoping he can do for its shoes what he did for its signature stick.
This fall Babolat officially enters the U.S. footwear market with the
Team All Court, a stability-oriented shoe that comes with Miche-
lin soles. Roddick will start wearing these shoes in January.
877-316-9435
www.babolat.com
Adidas
The new ClimaCool Ultimate II, for men and
women, offers maximum ventilation for
your feet, says Adidas. To help get the most
out of its new shoes, the company also is
encouraging consumers to purchase sports-
specific socks to wick moisture away.
800-448-1796
www.adidas.com
Nike
Another shoe that has a big-name player
attached to it is the Nike Shox Glamour SW
II. As you can tell by its initials, the Shox is
endorsed by Serena Williams, and it’s
designed for aggressive, serious players like
her. It features highly resilient polyurethane
columns in the heel for shock absorption.
But unlike the Shox in Nike’s popular run-
ning shoes, these columns are much lower
to give players more side-to-side stability.
800-344-6453
www.nike.com
KSwiss
A real “player’s” shoe, K-Swiss says its Defier RS, for
men and women, is engineered to stand up to even the
most intense on-court battles. The shoe features K-
Swiss’s Shock Spring cushioning in the heel and forefoot
and a TecTuff toe wrap for durability.
800-714-4477
www.kswiss.com
New Balance
New Balance has introduced the
CT/WCT 653, a lightweight,
comfortable shoe, with
width sizes for men
and women. The
shoe probably
will appeal most
to entry-level
players looking
for a comfortable
ride but who don’t
need maximum stability.
Diadora 800-343-1395
Are your competitive players looking for a stable, www.newbalance.com
durable, and responsive performance shoe? Diado-
ra says its new Attax DA 2, for both men and
women, is just the ticket to help players get to the
ball in style.
253-520-8868
www.diadoraamerica.com
Map 2005
Customize your stringbed for optimum performance and feel.
BY CRAWFORD LINDSEY
(Article adapted from the new book Technical Tennis: Racquets, Strings, Balls, Courts, Spin, and Bounce, by Rod Cross and Crawford Lindsey)
Test Procedure. All strings were tensioned to 62 pounds and allowed to sit for 200 seconds. Then the string was hit five times with a
force equivalent to hitting a 120 mph serve. The tension loss represents the total amount of the relaxation over both time and impact. The stiffness
value is a calculation derived from the amount of force created at impact to stretch the string. Lower values represent softer strings and lower
impact forces. Higher values represent stiffer strings and higher impact forces.
Tecnifibre Promix 1.25 Polyester 1.27 199 13.72 Head UltraTour 17 Polyester 1.22 255 19.29
Tecnifibre Promix 1.30 Polyester 1.29 204 14.99 Forten Flexion 16 Polyester 1.28 256 16.76
Gosen Polylon SP 17 Polyester 1.25 215 20.70 Forten Intimidator 16 Polyester 1.30 256 17.91
Kirschbaum Competition 1.20 Polyester 1.19 219 19.09 Gosen Polylon Comfort 16 Polyester 1.30 256 19.65
Klip K-Boom 18 Polyester 1.19 223 18.88 Prince Tour 16 Polyester 1.28 256 21.57
Wilson Enduro Pro 18 Polyester 1.21 224 17.02 Kirschbaum Super Smash Spiky 1.25 Polyester 1.26 256 22.02
Gamma Zo True 18 Polyester 1.13 224 17.55 Kirschbaum P2 Polyester 1.25 257 15.48
Babolat Pro Hurricane Polyester 1.25 226 16.83 Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.25 Polyester 1.25 257 19.55
Toalson Thermaxe 123 Polyester 1.23 226 17.97 Babolat Ballistic Polymono 16 Polyester 1.30 257 20.31
Silent Partner Roly Poly 17 Polyester 1.27 229 19.62 Alpha Polycable 16 Polyester 1.33 257 23.44
Kirschbaum Turbo Touch 1.25 Polyester 1.25 229 21.41 Wilson Enduro Gold 16 Polyester 1.32 258 17.60
Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 17 Polyester 1.26 231 18.15 Klip Hardcore 16 Polyester 1.27 258 19.42
Pacific Poly Soft 16 Polyester 1.29 231 19.16 Volkl Fire Polyester 1.25 258 20.22
Luxilon Big Banger Ace 18 Polyester 1.16 232 17.05 Ashaway Monofire XL 17 Polyester 1.26 259 17.13
Yonex Tough Brid 1.25 Polyester 1.24 232 20.95 Luxilon Big Banger LTS 16 Polyester 1.30 259 18.57
Ashaway MonoGut 17 Polyester 1.22 233 20.20 Wilson Enduro Pro 16 Polyester 1.30 260 14.33
Klip K-Boom 17 Polyester 1.23 234 17.99 Luxilon Big Banger TiMO 17 Polyester 1.23 261 16.29
Volkl V-Rex 16L Polyester 1.24 234 18.32 Luxilon Poly-Blast 16 Polyester 1.29 261 18.08
Kirschbaum Competition 1.25 Polyester 1.28 235 19.07 Toalson Thermaxe 127 Polyester 1.27 261 18.99
Kirschbaum Super Smash 1.20 Polyester 1.21 235 19.98 Pacific Force 17 Polyester 1.25 262 13.47
Gosen Polylon SP 16 Polyester 1.29 235 21.06 Head UltraTour 16L Polyester 1.27 263 17.97
Wilson Enduro Tour 18 Polyester 1.20 236 21.89 Gamma Dura Blast 17 Polyester 1.26 264 16.82
Wilson Enduro Tour 17 Polyester 1.24 236 23.68 Pro Kennex CS-X 17 Polyester 1.23 265 18.43
Gamma Zo Plus Polyester 1.25 238 17.42 Luxilon Big Banger Original Rough 16 Polyester 1.28 266 19.21
Forten Pro Select 17 Polyester 1.20 238 18.92 Gamma Zo True 17 Polyester 1.24 267 14.58
Wilson Enduro Pro 17 Polyester 1.25 239 15.77 Unique Tourna Poly Premium 18 Polyester 1.21 271 15.39
Gamma Zo Power 16L Polyester 1.20 239 17.29 Ashaway Monofire XL 16 Polyester 1.29 278 16.14
Luxilon BB Alu Power Rough 16L Polyester 1.25 240 18.98 Luxilon Monotec Super Poly 16 Polyester 1.25 288 17.28
Luxilon Monotec Zolo Rough 16L Polyester 1.25 240 19.56 Luxilon Big Banger 5-Star 15L Polyester 1.37 290 17.94
Wilson Enduro Tour 16 Polyester 1.30 240 24.52 Pacific Poly Force 17 Polyester 1.24 294 13.41
Babolat Pro Hurricne 16 Polyester 1.31 241 13.61 Prince Let R’ Rip 16 Polyester 1.33 299 16.71
Luxilon Big Banger TiMO 18 Polyester 1.15 241 16.91 Gamma Dura Blast 16 Polyester 1.30 303 12.68
Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 16 Polyester 1.29 241 17.62 Pacific Poly Force 16L Polyester 1.30 320 17.84
Luxilon Monotec Zolo 18 Polyester 1.25 241 17.86
Forten Poly-Blast 17 Polyester 1.23 241 18.41
Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power 16L Polyester 1.23 242 17.13
Ashaway MonoGut 16L Polyester 1.27 242 19.40
Klip Hardcore 17 Polyester 1.24 243 17.05
Luxilon Monotec Zolo 16L Polyester 1.24 243 17.64
Luxilon Big Banger XP 16L Polyester 1.25 243 17.78
Babolat Ballistic Polymono 17 Polyester 1.25 244 20.89
Alpha Vengence 16L Polyester 1.29 244 22.05
Pacific PolySpin 16 Polyester 1.32 245 20.29
Prince Polygut 16 Polyester 1.31 246 20.09
Prince Polygut 17 Polyester 1.24 246 21.52
Yonex Tough Brid 130 Polyester 1.30 247 22.42
Luxilon Big Banger Original 16 Polyester 1.28 249 17.11
Tecnifibre Polyspin 1.275 Polyester 1.27 249 19.87
Prince Tour 17 Polyester 1.25 249 21.37
Luxilon Monotec Supersense 16L Polyester 1.26 250 19.21
Gamma Zo Life 16 Polyester 1.28 251 15.50
Forten Flexion 16L Polyester 1.24 254 15.53
Gosen Polylon 16 Polyester 1.30 254 21.23
Klip K-Boom 16 Polyester 1.31 255 16.96
Pacific Prime Gut Imperial 17 Natural Gut 1.17 90 9.85 Wilson Natural 15L Natural Gut 1.34 110 9.28
Pacific Classic Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 92 8.9 Pacific Prime Gut 17L Natural Gut 1.25 110 9.44
Pacific Classic Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 97 8.76 Bow Brand Championship 16 Natural Gut 1.3 111 7.36
Pro Kennex Heritage 16 Natural Gut 1.27 99 10.25 Klip Legend 1.30 Natural Gut 1.28 113 8.77
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (coated) Natural Gut 1.36 100 8.58 Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 16 (coated) Natural Gut 1.41 113 9.28
Wilson Natural 16 Natural Gut 1.31 102 8.43 Klip Legend 17 Natural Gut 1.27 113 9.31
Babolat VS Team 17 Natural Gut 1.26 102 8.45 Babolat Tonic+ Ball Feel Natural Gut 1.35 114 8.84
Wilson Natural 17 Natural Gut 1.26 103 8.13 Bow Brand Championship 15L Natural Gut 1.34 116 8.53
Pacific Tour Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.24 104 9.13 Babolat VS Touch 15L Natural Gut 1.35 118 8.68
Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 17 (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.28 105 7.87 Unique Tourna Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.3 119 9.06
Pacific Prime Gut 17 Natural Gut 1.22 105 8.45 Babolat Tonic+ Longevity Natural Gut 1.38 119 9.26
Pacific Classic Gut 16 Natural Gut 1.3 106 11.01 Grand Slam Gut Grand Slam Gut 15L (uncoated) Natural Gut 1.48 129 11.22
Babolat VS Touch 16 Natural Gut 1.3 107 8.31
Encounters
The latest lines from tenniswear companies
promise stylish performance for your customers.
Bolle
888-977-7272
www.bolletenniswear.com
Ellesse
561-491-9000
www.ellesse.com
Diadora
253-520-8868
www.diadoraamerica.com
LBH
800-421-4474
www.lbhgroup.com
Lejay
800-932-7535
www.lejay.com
K-Swiss
800-714-4477
www.kswiss.com
42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY September/October 2005
Climbing the Walls
RACQUETBALL & SQUASH
W
hile recreational participation for racquetball and squash But this unhappy trend has provided USAR with its current
isn’t monitored nearly as closely as it is for tennis, officials marketing strategy as well, according to Executive Director Jim
for both court sports say the number of players appears to Hiser. “Racquetball players are loyal and renew their member-
be rising, along with construction of new facilities. That’s cer- ships over and over,” says Hiser, “so that’s what we now sell to
tainly welcome news in the racquet sports business, where club owners. Racquetball isn’t just a fitness fad, and it’s also a
savvy retailers and stringers may be able to expand their offer- great cross-training sport.”
ings to include servicing racquetball and squash players. USAR is already taking this message to the masses, with
each local state association doing the majority of the legwork
Racquetball: A Bid to Recapture ’80s Glory and outreach to area clubs, high schools and colleges, says
Since the boom of the 1980s, racquetball has endured a steady Hiser. Their work appears to be paying off, as Hiser points to an
decline in participation, directly reflected by the membership 11 percent increase in membership in 2004, with about 4.5
rolls of USA Racquetball (going from its peak of more than million recreational (sporadic) players now in the U.S.
30,000 members in the ’80s to its current total of approxi- “We’re trying to infiltrate this recreational player base,” says
mately 17,000). Like tennis and squash, the sport has lost its Hiser, “because we have all these players but a relative few are
market share partly due to increased competition; myriad members of our association. They don’t play tournaments, they
health and fitness options flooded the country in the ’90s, just play at a club. We’re trying to get that group more involved
prompting many fitness facilities to convert racquetball courts to help convince the club owners to maintain the courts.”
into space for more popular fitness trends like aerobics and Hiser says that USAR is placing a special focus on forming
yoga. local youth clubs and teams in its promotional efforts.”
B
C
on
MEN
Round Racquet Racquet String
WOMEN
Round Racquet Racquet String
BB Alu Power Rough/ Wilson Natural 16L 55/50.5 Nike VAPOR S2 Nike
String Model Gauge Tension Brand Footwear Model Brand
VS Team/Big Banger Alu Power 16L 56 Nike MAX Breathe FREE Nike
Tour Duralast 15L 53 Nike Air Max Breathe Free II Nike
Pro Hurricane / VS Team 16 73 Reebok - Lacoste
Alu Power Rough 16L - Adidas Barricade II Adidas
Gosen Polylon SP
Polylon SP (the SP stands for “supreme after stringing and 71 RDC units after
playability”) builds on the successes of 24 hours, representing a 9 percent ten-
sion loss.
Gosen’s Polylon and Polylon Comfort
The string was tested for five
strings. (See our playtest report of Poly- weeks by USRSA playtesters, with
lon Comfort in the June 2003 issue of NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These
Racquet Tech magazine.) Unlike the are blind tests, with playtesters receiving
unmarked strings in unmarked packages. fluke, rating a second place overall
other two Polylon strings, however,
Playtesters were advised to increase ten- for Tension Holding, and sixth place for
Polylon SP is a monofilament of specially sion by 5 percent compared to normal for a Resistance to Movement. The difference
blended polyester. nylon string. Despite the seemingly minor between the two gauges is that Polylon
According to Gosen, Polylon SP is for difference in thickness between the two, SP 17 also scored well above average for
advanced players looking for more soft- the 17-gauge Polylon SP was much easier Playability, Power, Control, and Spin
ness and resilience in a polyester string, to work with than the 16-gauge, especially Potential. As a result, each gauge’s overall
who don’t want to give up power or when weaving the crosses. Polylon SP does score is well above average.
durability. not elongate much during tensioning, and
Polylon SP is available in 16 and 17 crosses are easy to pull, due to the smooth
EASE OF STRINGING 16 ga. 17 ga.
gauge (1.30 mm and 1.24 mm) in pearl string surface.
(compared to other strings)
white. It is priced from $4.50. For more Number of testers who said it was:
information or to order, contact Gosen at ON THE COURT much easier 0 2
800-538-0026, or visit Although our playtesters gave higher rat- somewhat easier 2 10
www.gosenamerica.com. Be sure to read ings to 17-gauge Polylon SP than to the 16- about as easy 10 16
the conclusion for more information gauge, each scored very well, especially in not quite as easy 11 6
about getting a free set to try for yourself. Durability, Tension Holding, and Resistance not nearly as easy 7 1
to Movement. Compared to other strings
OVERALL PLAYABILITY
IN THE LAB of similar gauge, Polylon SP’s durability
(compared to string played most often)
We tested both the 16- and 17-gauge placed very highly with our playtesters, and Number of testers who said it was:
Polylon SP. We recorded (see results when compared to all strings, each gauge much better 1 3
below) stringbed stiffness immediately scored well above average of the 95 strings somewhat better 6 3
after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson we’ve playtested to date in Durability. In about as playable 8 13
Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a addition, 16-gauge Polylon SP gathered not quite as playable 10 13
constant-pull machine, and then retested first place in Tension Holding of all the not nearly as playable 4 3
after 24 hours (no playing). Our control strings we’ve tested thus far and second
OVERALL DURABILITY
string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold place in Resistance to Movement. The 17- (compared to other strings
16, measured 78 RDC units immediately gauge Polylon SP’s scores show this was no of similar gauge)
Number of testers who said it was:
16 GAUGE 17 GAUGE much better 7 7
Coil measurements 42’ 5” 41’ 9” somewhat better 13 17
Diameter unstrung 1.25 mm 1.24 mm about as durable 9 9
Diameter strung 1.22 mm 1.21 mm not quite as durable 1 0
RDC stringbed stiffness new 73 71 not nearly as durable 0 1
RDC stringbed stiffness after 24 hrs. 68 66
Tension loss 5 lbs 5 lbs RATING AVERAGES
Tension loss % 6.85 7.04 From 1 to 5 (best)
String Weight 14.8 gms 13.95 gms Playability 3.1 3.5
Number of playtesters 30 35 Durability 4.2 4.2
Broke during stringing 0 0 Power 3.2 3.5
Excess coil memory 14 9 Control 3.4 3.6
Difficulty tying knots 4 1 Comfort 2.9 3.2
Friction burn 3 1 Touch/Feel 2.8 3.2
Average playtest duration 21.6 hrs. 28.81 hrs. Spin Potential 3.1 3.3
Broke during play 6 4 Holding Tension 3.9 3.8
Break hours 2, 8.5, 12, 12, 18, 37 2, 9, 12, 28 Resistance to Movement 4.1 4.0
“ This is a stiff string with very little stretch, which is great for the con-
trol/touch player. It maintains tension with very little string movement.
playing string, there was only about 5 percent tension loss after 17
hours of play and 15 hours of teaching. This sample showed no
Durable, with reliable and consistent stroke production.
”
4.5 male all-court player using Fischer Twin Tech 950 FT strung at 62
notching, and I experienced no movement during play.
”
4.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Head Flexpoint Radical MP
pounds CP (Gamma Synthetic 17) strung at 63 pounds CP (Unique Tourna Poly Big Hitter 17)
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.) For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.
A
fter three decades of policy blunders, the
ATP stands on the brink of delivering the that they won’t play any more doubles Against Doubles Players?—In 2004 the ATP
coup de grace to the great event of events throughout the year, regardless of adopted an entry ranking system with accep-
doubles and its talented stars. To try to entice any of these proposed rules changes. The tance in doubles draws based on a player’s
leading singles players to enter doubles events, guys in the top 10 earn such huge ATP Entry Ranking either in singles or dou-
ATP tournaments plan to use no-ad scoring amounts of prize money and endorse- bles, whichever is higher. Beginning in 2008,
and sets played to five games (instead of six) ments that it’s not worth it for them to risk only a new combined doubles ranking will
with a tiebreaker when games reach 4-4. This injury and exhaustion to sacrifice their sin- be used to determine entries in doubles,
scoring system is not even approved by the gles preparation for a minimal amount of counting 50 percent of a player’s singles
International Tennis Federation, which governs prize money and prestige in doubles. Also, points and 50 percent of his doubles points.
the rules of tennis. some singles players aren’t very good in Also in 2008, only players in the main draw
These and other highly important rules doubles and others simply don’t enjoy singles will be allowed to enter doubles—
changes were made without consulting the ITF doubles.” with two exceptions. Tournaments can still
and only a few present and past singles and How Would Singles Players Fare in Dou- award wild cards, and in 2008 and 2009,
doubles standouts whose expertise, experi- bles?—Based on past results, they’d fare spots will be reserved for players with the
ence, and ethics the ATP sorely needs. The mediocre to poorly. The top 10 singles best combined ranking not playing in the
reforms will go into effect after the US Open players (none of whom serve and volley singles draw: two entries in a 16-team draw,
unless the ATP either accepts how misguided often) in the ATP Champions Race, as of four in a 24-team draw, and six for 24- and
and damaging they are, or the ATP is pres- June 12, 2005, compiled a dismal 180-196 32-team ATP Masters Series draws.
sured by the growing protest in the tennis doubles record with 10 titles and no Grand That the ATP fills doubles draws and
world to rescind them. Let’s examine these Slam titles during the previous 2-1/2 years. ranks and seeds doubles players and teams
radical changes from various angles. In stunning contrast, during the same peri- based in part or virtually completely on their
What Does the ATP Really Want?—Horst od, the top 10 doubles players, as of June singles results is stupid, absurd, unethical,
Klosterkemper, ATP President Europe and Play- 12, 2005, racked up a 1,224-488 record and unfair. The clear-cut discrimination—
er Relations, says, “Singles players said they with 97 titles and 14 Grand Slam titles. replacing doubles teams with legitimate,
would consider playing doubles on a more Thus, singles standouts would not only fail hard-earned and superior results with singles
consistent basis if changes were made.” But to revitalize doubles, but watching them players with inferior doubles results—may
that purported rationale isn’t the real reason. flounder often in doubles would prove also violate the Sherman Antitrust Act.
“The ATP’s doubles enhancements are not more of a letdown than a treat for their The top doubles players, along with some
enhancements at all, just the tournament diehard fans. singles stars and tourney directors, have
directors looking for cost savings,” rightly How About the New Scoring mobilized to preserve and improve doubles.
notes Bill Oakes, former director of the ATP’s System?—No-ad simply does not offer a “Doubles is too great a game to destroy,”
tournament in Atlanta and now an analyst for fair test of skill and will, a sine qua non of says Mike Bryan, who reached three Grand
the “MatchPoint America” show on The Ten- any athletic competition. Under the tradi- Slam finals this year with his twin brother
nis Channel. “They should just admit it. I have tional scoring system, the odds are clearly Bob. “With the help of the players, fans,
heard many tournament directors whine greater that the more skillful player and officials, media, sponsors, and the rest of the
about having to pay for doubles players’ hotel team will eventually win a given game. tennis world this summer, we’ll stop these
and food and even prize money.” Put differ- Unquestionably, the no-ad method unfairly rule changes. We’ll save doubles.”
ently, the badly-intentioned goal is to drive boosts the chances of the underdog who Doubles lovers of the world unite!Q
doubles standouts out and replace them in needs only one point to win a game from Paul Fein’s book, Tennis Confidential: Today’s
doubles draws with singles specialists. deuce, because at 3-all, the fluke shot, bad Greatest Players, Matches, and Controversies,
bounce, net cord or incorrect line call was listed No. 1 among tennis books by Ama-
What Do Top Singles Players Really
zon.com and BN.com. For information or to
Want?—Only two players ranked in the top assumes an undue significance. No-ad also order, visit www.tennisconfidential.com. His sec-
20—teenagers Rafael Nadal and Richard Gas- unfairly helps the Wild Slugger against the ond book, You Can Quote Me on That: Greatest
Skill Player. At 3-all, the inferior Wild Slug- Tennis Quips, Insights, and Zingers, was pub-
quet—favor the reforms and say they intend
lished by Potomac Books Inc. in February 2005.
to play doubles more often. Mark Knowles, ger knows that he needs only one point to Visit www.tennisquotes.com.
former world No. 1 in doubles and current win the game and thus one great shot.
Paradoxically, that can tighten up and pro- We welcome your opinions. Please email
vice president of the ATP Players Council, says, comments to rsi@racquetTECH.com or fax
“All of the 10 or so singles players ranked in long—rather than shorten—matches. them to 760-536-1171.