Nov Dec 2020 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

FACILITY AWARDS APPAREL EQUIPMENT RETAILING
New pickleball Gear up for spring As players return, new Mason’s Tennis
facilities highlight top with vibrant colors racquets and strings develops a Covid
court construction and graphic designs can help their games comeback plan
November-December 2020 / Volume 48 / Number 10 / $5.00
THE POWER
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As the sport continues to boost our
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Contents Nov/Dec 2020

CONSTRUCTION
DEPARTMENTS
Raising the
4 Our Serve Standards
6 Industry News
15 Footwear/Apparel Pickleball facility
16 Racquet Tech construction is
demanding the best
18 Retailing, by Mark Mason from court builders,
25 Tips & Techniques as these award
34 Your Serve, by Tim Russell winners represent.
Champions of
P. 26
INDUSTRY NEWS
6 USTA makes major changes
Pickleball
to membership model APPAREL
6 Acrytech Sports Surfaces Spring

partners with RiteWay Flings 2021
2020
6 Slinger Bag, Dunlop team
for major European markets Court wear is gearing
8 Babolat releases new up for spring with
Pure Drive 2021 frame vibrant colors and
graphic designs.
8 Racquet, shoe, string P. 30
performance at specialty
9 ITF launches new coach
certification program
9 Fed Cup is renamed as
Billie Jean King Cup
9 'Southern Cares' provides
financial help to the industry
10 Peoplewatch
11 RecycleBalls seeks to boost
donations of used tennis balls
11 Universal Tennis, ICL
Academy create online school EQUIPMENT
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
11 HOF launches 'Put Your Playing
Name in the Hall' Campaign • MARGARITAVILLE USA PICKLEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS •
• EAST NAPLES COMMUNITY PARK • STEVE & RAMONA BOONE •
for Time
12 Wilson unveils version 13
of iconic Pro Staff frame • BOBBY RIGGS RACQUET & PADDLE • PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT
As tennis returns
13 ITF launches new app RESORT • CHUCK VIETMEIER • MERRITT TENNIS COURT & TRACK SYSTEMS • across the country,
for Rules of Tennis • JARRETT CHIRICO • PICKLEBALL CENTRAL • SARAH ANSBOURY • racquet and string
C OV E R P H O T O C O U RT E S Y D E S E RT C H A M P I O N S L L C/ U S A P I C K L E B A L L
14 Short Sets • MELISSA MCCURLEY • HOPE TOLLEY • SELKIRK SPORT • manufacturers are
15 K-Swiss, Lucky in Love P. 20 responding with new
collaborate on Hypercourt product offerings.
P. 32
PLUS
p.35 37 From the CEO

39 President's Message
42 Master Professional Corner
45 Alex Gordon Professional
37 39 50 55 of the Year: Jenny Gray
2020 World No Challenge Introducing USPTA Honors 47 George Bacso Lifetime
Conference: Too Great Five New Its 2020 Achievement: Ken McAllister
That's a Wrap! in 2020 USPTA Master Award 48 Tim Heckler Hall of Fame
Award: Bob Ryland
Professionals Winners 49 Tennis Corps Inspires
Military Service
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 53 POP Tennis
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

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PUBLISHER
EDITOR'S NOTE JEFF WILLIAMS
Grand Achievement EDITOR

PETER FRANCESCONI
The USTA pulled off a major success MANAGING EDITOR

SCOTT GRAMLING
with the US Open. How it did that CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IAN KNOWLES
bodes well for the entire industry. SENIOR EDITOR

ED McGROGAN
ART DIRECTOR
CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
R

PRODUCTION EDITOR
ANDREA WOO
emember in the spring, challenges posed by Covid-19 and sub- SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
when the USTA announced sequent lockdowns, it was great to see at BOB PATTERSON
its plan to stage the 2020 least some normalcy in this sport. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
US Open? Many were But maybe even more important for this CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
doubtful it could be done industry was how the 2020 US Open came DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
amid the coronavirus pandemic. Even if about. Credit goes to the USTA, which
the tournament got off the ground, what acted quickly, decisively and transpar- CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
would happen if players, staff or officials ently through the whole process. Mike BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
started testing positive over the following Dowse, who just took on the role of USTA ASSOCIATE EDITOR
two weeks? executive director and CEO in January TIM McARTHUR
Players were concerned. There was back (talk about trial by fire), made it perfectly
and forth about the size of the entourage clear what needed to happen for the Open EDITORIAL DIRECTION
10TEN MEDIA
a player would be allowed to bring to New to take place. He and his staff were concise,
York, where they could stay, and how ex- consistent and open in their messaging. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
actly the “bubble” would work. Many said This is important not just for the largest 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
that if the Open were able to be played, it professional tennis tournament in the 646-381-8735
info@tennisindustrymag.com
would be an “asterisk” year—implying that world, but also for how this new USTA
the lack of top talent and a lower quality of administration has been dealing with ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
tennis would make the 2020 tournament the industry at large. Back in March, as JOHN HANNA
not worthy of previous editions. businesses were forced to shut down and 770-650-1102, x125
incomes dried up, Dowse & Co. set the hanna@knowatlanta.com
tone for how they planned to interact
APPAREL ADVERTISING
with and help this industry through the
As we’re all trying to recover collaborative Tennis Industry United and
CYNTHIA SHERMAN
from the challenges posed other initiatives. And while the USTA
203-558-5911
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
by the coronavirus and reorganization may be causing some pain
subsequent lockdowns, it was among staffers, I think few would argue Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
that change was in order for the governing year: monthly, January through August with combined
great to see at least some body to move this industry forward.
issues in September/October and November/
December, by Tennis Channel, Inc., 250 Park Avenue,
normalcy in this sport. We certainly have more challenging Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical postage paid
in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS
times ahead—this industry is in no way out #004-354). November/December 2020, Volume
Well, as we all saw on TV and online, the of the woods, and probably won’t be for 48, Number 10 © 2020 by Tennis Channel, Inc. All
Open played brilliantly, even if fans weren’t many years. But for the first time in a long,
rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and
logo are trademarks of Tennis Channel, Inc. Printed
allowed on the grounds. The players—who long time, I’m feeling more confident that in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x
all had the choice to come to the Open we’re all finally pulling together. 125. Phone circulation and editorial: 646-381-8735.
Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere.
or not—were superb. The tournament POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet
brought some much-needed live sports and Sports Industry, 250 Park Avenue, Suite 825, New
York NY 10017. Racquet Sports Industry is the official
excitement to this country and around the Peter Francesconi magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA.
world. This should not, by any means, be Editor Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
considered an “asterisk” US Open. Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
For all of us in this industry, it’s impor-
at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
tant that the Open was able to be played.

As we’re all trying to recover from the

IndustryNews
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
ASSOCIATIONS
Acrytech Sports Surfaces
USTA Makes Major Changes Partners with RiteWay
Acrytech Sports Surfaces has partnered with
to Membership Model RiteWay, the long-term crack repair system.

Officials say Acrytech has products specifically
formulated for use with the Riteway system.
AcryGlue secures the RiteWay system to
the surface, reducing the likelihood of crack-
ing, while the Acrytech Flex line of products
provides additional flexibility and long-term
crack resistance, the company says. Among
the benefits for facilities, says the company,
are savings in shipping costs and the ability to
purchase only what is needed for the job.
T
he USTA announced major changes to its membership model over the
summer, which were approved in the organization’s bylaws during the
SemiAnnual Meeting. The changes were proposed by the Membership
Transition Advisory Group (MTAG), composed of Section executive
directors and presidents, national board members and national staff.
The changes to USTA membership are: Slinger Bag, Dunlop Partner
• Junior Membership at no cost, starting immediately. for Major European Markets
• Membership Organizations will be no cost starting in January. Slinger Bag recently announced a multi-
• The USTA will no longer sell Family and Lifetime membership options. year distribution agreement across nine
• The USTA will no longer sell multi-year (three- and five-year) memberships. key markets with Dunlop International
• Cost for Adult and Senior one-year memberships will remain the same, at $44 and Europe, which will be granted exclusive
S H U T T E R S T O C K , C O U RT E S Y S L I N G E R B A G
$42, respectively. But the USTA said its vision would be to eventually offer these distribution rights for Slinger Bag’s tennis
memberships at no cost as well. ball launcher in Austria, Belgium, France,
“For many years, we’ve recognized the need to evolve and change our membership Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal,
model,” USTA Executive Director Mike Dowse wrote in a statement announcing Netherlands and Spain.
the changes, right before the US Open. “The new Engagement Model we are work- The announcement follows similar
ing toward is simple: create an account, whether you are a provider or a player/fan, global strategic agreements in tennis mar-
get access to free benefits, customize your experience with add-in benefits, and get kets including Australia, Ireland, Japan,
rewarded for playing or growing the game. We are eliminating barriers to play and the UK, Ireland, Switzerland and all four
opening up a new experience to allow our constituents to more easily find themselves Scandinavian markets, bringing the cumu-
in the game.” lative five-year retail value of Slinger Bag’s
In 2018, the USTA brought in $18.5 million in membership dues, or about 6.5 per- international distribution partnerships to
cent of all revenues for that year, according to the latest IRS documents available. $200 million.

R E D R I V E
BA BOLAT PU
YO U R P OW ER
UNLEASH EN | ATP), Lucas Pouille (FRA | ATP), Garbiñe M
uguruza (ESP | WTA), Aska (teac
hing pro)
), Holger Rune (D
Miha (club player
ICONIC POWER GETS EXPLOSIVE
Want to hit more winners?! The new Babolat Pure Drive features a High Torsional Rigidity system,
a tech that increases energy return to give you point-ending explosive power on every shot.
TEAM BABOLAT PRO PLAYERS MAY PLAY WITH A CUSTOMIZED OR DIFFERENT MODEL THAN THE EQUIPMENT DEPICTED
IndustryNews
EQUIPMENT
Tennis Racquet Performance
Babolat Releases at Specialty Stores
Pure Drive 2021 Jan.-June, 2020 vs. 2019

Units 2020 178,858
F
2019 265,175
irst released in 1994, the Babolat Pure % change vs. ’19 -33%
Drive has been a best-seller around the Dollars 2020 $27,681,000
world for years. This season, the iconic 2019 $44,832,000
racquet experiences a performance evolution % change vs. ’19 -38%
with the new Pure Drive 2021. Price 2020 $154.76
The company says the Pure Drive 2021 2019 $169.07
provides excellent stability at impact, and % change vs. ’19 -8%
the elliptical-shaped frame offers resistance
to flexibility, for optimum power. Two new Top-Selling Racquets
technologies in the Pure Drive 2021 are the at Specialty Stores
HTR (High Torsional Rigidity) system to help
improve torsional stability for more efficient By year-to-date dollars,
baseline strokes and optimized power on Jan.-June 2020
returns, and SWX (Smac Wrap eXtended)
PureFeel, which Babolat says filters vibrations. Best Sellers
Frames are the Babolat Pure Drive (suggest- 1. Wilson Clash 100 2019 (MP)
ed retail $229), Pure Drive Junior 26 ($109) 2. Babolat Pure Aero 2019 (MP)
and Pure Drive Junior 25 ($99) 3. Babolat Pure Drive 2018 (MP)
Visit babolat.com for more information. 4. Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7’20 (MP)
5. Wilson Clash 100 Tour/Pro (MP)
“Hot New Racquets”

(introduced in the past 12 months)
1. Wilson Blade 98 16x19 V7’20 (MP)
2. Babolat Pure Strike 16x19 3rdGen (MP)
3. Wilson Blade 104 V7 2020 (MP)
4. Wilson Ultra 100 V3 2020
5. Head G.360+ Gravity MP
Top-Selling Tennis Shoes

at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars,
Jan.-June 2020
1. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express

2. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2
3. Nike Zoom Vapor X 2020
4. Asics Gel Resolution 8’20
5. Nike Zoom Cage 4 2020
LOVE LOVE Top-Selling Strings

at Specialty Stores
C O U RT E S Y B A B O L AT, S H U T T E R S T O C K
By year-to-date units,
Club members and students will LOVE facing Jan.-June 2020
off against the phenom. You will LOVE
offering the added advantage. 1. Babolat RPM Blast
2. Wilson NXT
3. Wilson Sensation
®
4. Luxilon Alu Power
5. Solinco Hyper G
follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more.®
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com (Source: Tennis Industry Association)

IndustryNews
ITF Launches New Coach carry my name and a responsibility I will ern Section, $803,800 was awarded to
Certification Program not take lightly.” 917 recipients for an average of $876.55.
The ITF has launched a new initiative to Applications were received from 1,103
certify coaches through the ITF certifica- ‘Southern Cares’ Provides individuals and organizations.
tion program, with the aim of increasing Financial Help to Industry Southern Cares offers aid to those who
the number of qualified tennis coaches at In April, concerned about the financial provide tennis to communities within
all levels of the game across the world. instability brought on by Covid-19, the USTA the Southern tennis family. The initiative
While the ITF has been delivering Southern Board of Directors voted to fund a provides financial support for teaching
coach training and development for new initiative, ‘Southern Cares,’ designed to pros, tennis facilities, tournament direc-
more than 20 years, this is the first time help out tennis businesses. After extensive tors, league coordinators, officials,
that the ITF itself will be certifying tennis outreach to the tennis industry in the South- Community Tennis Associations, NJTLs,
coaches. Previously, coach certification
has been carried out by national tennis
associations through the support of the
ITF. Coaches who successfully complete
ITF certification can refer to themselves as
“ITF certified coaches” of a certain level,
in addition to the certification already
achieved through their respective na-
tional associations.
ITF Renames Fed Cup

as Billie Jean King Cup
The Fed Cup competition has been

renamed the Billie Jean King Cup by
BNP Paribas. The International Tennis
Federation, which owns the event,
announced the change at the end of
September. It is the first time a major
global team competition has been
named after a woman.
The rename also follows the intro-
duction of a new finals format, which
will bring the 12 best nations together
over one week in Budapest to compete
for the championship.
Starting in 2021, under its new
name, the Billie Jean King Cup Finals
will award the biggest annual prize
fund in women’s team sports—equiva-
lent to that offered to the men playing
Davis Cup Finals.
“There is nothing quite like the feel-
ing of representing your country and
being part of a team, which is why this
competition is so special and impor-
tant to me,” King said. “It is an honor to
have the women’s world cup of tennis
www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

IndustryNews
People
Watch
Serena Williams was selected by
The Associated Press as the Female
Athlete of the Decade.
Dunlop has added tennis industry

veterans Macy Evert Erickson and
Anibal Braga to its sales team.
Erickson assumes the Territory
Manager role for Northern Califor-
nia, while Braga will act as Territory
Manager for the Southeast (SC, NC,
GA, MS, AL, TN).
Bob Ryland, the first African-

American man to play professional
tennis and who helped pave the
way for other legends of the sport,
passed away at the age of 100. He
was a USPTA member for 62 years,
and was the lone inductee to the
USPTA Hall of Fame in September.
Stacey Allaster, the USTA’s chief

executive of Professional Tennis,
has been appointed to the board of
directors for BlueGrace Logistics.
Dunlop announced that 22-year-

old ATP Tour player Michael Mmoh
will play with its SX 300 racquet.
Angela Buxton, Althea Gibson’s

doubles partner, passed away in
August at the age of 85.
Former USTA New England Tennis

Service Representative Christy
Bennett is the new Section League
Coordinator for USTA New England.
Five-time Grand Slam champion

and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova
has made an investment in Ther-
abody, while joining the company
as a strategic advisor.
Brent Darden has been appointed

SHUTTERSTOCK
Interim President and CEO of the

International Health, Racquet &
Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).

IndustryNews
adaptive programs, wheelchair programs combines academics with tennis training. Fame’s museum and showcased online.
and media who have lost income or rev- Visit MyUTR.com/utschool for more info. The exhibit will chronicle 2020’s unpre-
enue due to cancellation of events and to cented pause in tennis, and feature the
help defray costs of restarting programs. HOF Launches ‘Put Your Name names of the many dedicated tennis fans
“USTA Southern is very fortunate to be in the Hall’ Fundraising Campaign around the globe who opt in to display
in a strong financial position to help,” says Through the “Your Name in the Hall of their love for the sport and support the
USTA Southern President & CEO Bonnie Fame” campaign, fans around the world Hall of Fame.
Vandegrift. “As facilities are reopening, who make a donation to the International Donations to put “Your Name in the
and tennis has been identified as a safe Tennis Hall of Fame will have their name and Hall of Fame” start at $25 and can be
sport, we are seeing resurgence in play photograph incorporated into an interac- made at www.tennisfame.com/
and an opportunity for our community tive exhibit that will be shown in the Hall of yourname.
partners to introduce the sport to both
juniors and adults alike.”
USRSA Names MRT, CSs

Master Racquet Technician
• Jake Taylor, Spokane, Wash.
Certified Stringers
• Jared Braegelmann, Minneapolis
• Daniel Koziol, Mont St-Hilaire, QC,
Canada
• Brandon Schwartz, Bryn Mawr, Pa.
RecycleBalls Seeks to Boost

Donations of Used Tennis Balls
RecycleBalls, a nonprofit whose mission
is to recycle and reuse tennis balls, says
Covid-19 has reduced the number of balls
that are being sent to the organization.
One of the products made from recycled
tennis balls is RecycleBalls' Green Gold
crumb rubber, which since 2017 is being
incorporated into a number of existing
products and processes.
The organization is looking for facili-
ties and parks to continue to sign up for
its patented “Quickship” bin program,
which provides pre-paid shipping, plus a
tax donation for every ball donated. Visit
recycleballs.org for more information.
Universal Tennis, ICL Academy

Create Online School
Universal Tennis, the company be-
hind the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR),
and ICL Academy, an online school
for 7th- to 12th-graders launched by
education experts from the Dwight
School and the Institute of Civic Lead-
ership, have partnered to establish the
Universal Tennis School.
The first-of-its-kind academy will
be a full-time online private school for
student athletes (grades 7-12) who are
pursuing tennis. Virtual classes began
in September, leveraging ICL Acade-
my’s platinum-standard curriculum fo-
cused on student engagement through
a personalized, blended approach that

IndustryNews
EQUIPMENT
Wilson Unveils Version 13 of

Iconic Pro Staff Racquet
W
ilson recently spired yet contemporary design that RF97 Autograph and Pro Staff 97.
unveiled its new harkens back to the Pro Staff Original Two lighter weight models, the Pro
2020 Pro Staff v13 in 1983, says the company. Staff 97L and Pro Staff 97UL, round
Collection of high- The Original line was one of the out the adult offerings, which retail
performance tennis racquets. One of world’s first graphite tennis racquets; between $219 and $249. Two junior
the most iconic franchises in tennis’ over the years, Wilson has released models are the Pro Staff 25 and
modern era, Pro Staff gets a revamp 12 versions of the franchise. Five Pro Staff 26, which are smaller and
with its 2020 v13 line, fusing cutting- models make up the 2020 Pro Staff lighter than the 97L and 97UL and
edge technologies with a heritage-in- v13 collection, including the Pro Staff start at $119.
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.
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HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

IndustryNews
RULES
ITF Launches
New App
for Rules
of Tennis
T
he ITF has launched the Rules of
Tennis app, designed to communi-
cate the sport’s rules, including the
latest changes and updates. The app also
includes the rules of beach tennis and wheel-
chair tennis, as well as practical examples of
how the rules should be applied.
Available for free, the app is part of the
ITF’s wider education drive, which recently
saw resources on the ITF Academy educa-
tional platform made available for free. To
download the app, search “Rules
Rules of Tennis”
on Google Play for Android devices, or in the
App Store on Apple devices.
1.27
mm
1.22
mm
40 ft 360 ft 720 ft
[ 16 gauge ] [ 17 gauge ]
set reel reel

IndustryNews
Short
Sets
Asics has launched the Asics
Tennis Academy, a virtual com-
munity platform that gives ten-
nis coaches access to advice and
training from industry experts.
Visit asics.com/tennis-academy.
Jersey Mike’s Subs has

donated $1 million to the USTA
Foundation, as part of the Rally
to Rebuild campaign. Among
other things, the donation will
help support NJTL chapters in
250 diverse communities that
serve more than 160,000 under-
resourced youth, in the Founda-
tion’s mission to bring tennis
and education together.
USA Pickleball has a new

name, new logo and an updated
website and URL at usapickle-
ball.org. The brand changed
from USA Pickleball Association.
Throughout September and

PICKLEBALL October, the Intercollegiate Ten-
TUTOR PLUS nis Association released weekly
Topspin chapters of its new ITA Coach
& Underspin
PICKLEBALL TUTOR SPIN Masterclass, designed to help
Side Spin college coaches improve their
PICKLEBALL
craft. New chapters and topics
will continue to be added. Visit
TUTOR
wearecollegetennis.com.
Charlottesville, Va.’s Keswick

BY SPORTS
World’s TUTORmachine
# 1 selling pickleball
Hall recently completed a new
tennis facility as part of the
SPORTS hotel’s multi-million-dollar

renovation. The hotel partnered
TUTOR with Har-Tru and Tennis Courts
Inc. for its seven courts, using
PICKLEBALL TUTOR MINI
The Sports Machine Company
Har-Tru’s All-Weather Claytech
the most compact MULTI-TWIST
sportstutorinc.com for beginner players
European Red Clay and other
(800)448-8867 products.

IndustryNews
FOOTWEAR/APPAREL
Lucky in Love Collaboration

Drives Sales of K-Swiss Shoe
A
n unlikely rally between a which keeps all the high-performance
boomer brand and one barely features that have made the Hypercourt
old enough to be Gen Z may in- Express 2 a category leader. The shoe,
spire new thinking throughout the ten- made available at the same price point
nis industry. California brand K-Swiss as the non-anniversary edition, was
let Florida tennis clothier Lucky in Love distributed through carefully selected
dress up its best-selling kicks to create top partners of both brands in the U.S.,
a September launch—and near imme- Europe and Australia, and via both
diate sell-out—of the limited-edition partners’ websites—and the entire
Hypercourt Express 2 X Lucky in Love stock sold out in two weeks. A second
10th Anniversary shoe. iteration of the partnership is debuting
Mike Miringoff, K-Swiss’s VP of sales in November, with the companies col-
for the Americas, wanted an avenue for laborating on head-to-toe outfitting.
brand expansion. So he made some phone Lucky in Love founder Brad Singer
calls and had some in-person meetings, said on a Tennis Warehouse podcast
before being forced to finalize the rare that the company was honored to work
collaboration through Zoom calls. with a hallowed brand like K-Swiss: “The
Anniversary messaging is seen goal when you put the shoe on is to be
throughout the shimmering gray shoe, celebrating life,” he said.—Kent Oswald
IMPROVE KIDS' PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
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Racquet Tech
CUSTOMER SERVICE
needed to do the job properly. That’s
What’s It Worth? worth something no matter the style.
There’s no simple answer to how much Lower Prices vs. Justified Pricing
Some responders made a case for lower
you should charge for your services, per-racquet charges, reasoning that by
beating competitors on price, you’ll get
but keep these key factors in mind. more work, resulting in more income
overall. Without knowing more about a
By Bob Patterson specific business, it’s hard to refute this
reasoning completely.
Executive Director, USRSA But I do know from decades of
experience that competing simply on
W
price never works; there will always
be someone willing to cut corners to
e’re frequently asked, were spot on, some seemed unfounded, undercut you. A lower price may lure in
“How much should I or at least misinformed. some people, but getting them to stay is
charge?” There is no the key. Customers shopping on price
simple answer, since The Machine alone are not likely to be very loyal.
so many factors enter One person suggested that a stringer When I ran a retail tennis store,
into the equation. Each business needs using an electronic machine was wor- stringing was the foundation of our
to determine what their services are thy of a higher wage than one using a operation, and we charged 25 per-
worth, which is always a balancing act: crank (lock-out) machine. That, in my cent more than our competitors. We
Price too low and lose profit; price too opinion, is ludicrous. While the ma- revealed this fact up front when asked,
high and risk scaring away clients. chine does figure into the overall busi- explaining that we were all certified
This question appeared recently on ness equation, delineating by pull type USRSA Master Racquet Technicians;
a social media post for racquet techni- does not make sense. There are plenty that our normal turn-around time was
cians and created quite a discussion, of inferior electronic machines and 24 hours and we offered rush service;
with hundreds of comments. Stringers plenty of top-notch lock-out machines. and that we stood behind our work and
posted about labor charges ranging Whatever type of machine is used, gave clients the best products and ser-
from $10 to $40, and listed reasons always emphasize using the best quality vice possible. Did it work every time?
including machine cost, overhead, option possible, and keeping it in top No, but it worked often enough, and
expertise and turn-around time, among working order. As with any good tool, an over the years our reputation grew—and
others. While many of these reasons experienced, qualified operator is still so did our business.
Changing Service for Changing Times

Retail and service industries are chang-
ing at a rapid pace. Surviving in the
long term has always required adapting
and evolving. Many of the social media
posts spoke of how they competed in
ways other than pricing, including
everything from pick-up and delivery to
mobile on-site service to appointments
for while you wait.
Take a critical look at your operation,
competition and marketplace. What
can you do differently? What can you do
better? What can you add to make your
services more appealing to new clients
and create loyalty for existing ones?
Times are changing. You need to
SHUTTERSTOCK
change what is needed and continue

with the things that are working to
ensure your business not only survives,
but thrives.

Your Business
RETAILING him years to get a new tenant. Not

only that, but he would have to offer
Beating Covid concessions like six months free rent
and pay a hefty brokerage fee.
For this New York City retailer, The second step was to quickly get
as many loans as possible, such as
the coronavirus shutdown has been Economic Injury Disaster Loans
through the Small Business Adminis-
an opportunity for re-invention. tration. There is a lot of money avail-
able if you persevere. The loans gave
By Mark Mason me back my cash flow—critical for any
retail business.
Next, I called my vendors to cancel
O
future orders. The last thing I needed
was to have a bloated inventory. I was
going to sell what I had from my spring
n March 15, 2020, New from disasters, including Sept. 11 and buy, then was going to reorder inven-
York City’s economy the 2008 economic meltdown. I can tory as needed. I believed there would
came to a standstill. Due get through this, too, I said. be a lot of cancellations from retailers
to Covid-19, businesses The first thing I did was contact my all over the country, so reorders would
had to close and our landlord. I can’t emphasize enough not be a problem.
lockdown started. I’ll how important it is to have a good Fourth, I looked at my staffing.
never forget that date. My first reac- relationship with your landlord. My These were the most difficult deci-
tion was, there goes my tennis busi- landlord was smart enough to realize sions I’ve had to make in my 45 years
ness, Mason’s Tennis, which I had put that if he didn’t substantially reduce in this business. Since my volume
my heart and soul into for 45 years. my rent, I would not survive. We would be cut in half during this
I already had purchased my spring are located in an upscale building in pandemic, I determined I’d have to
COURTESY MARK MASON
inventory, and it now had to sit there prime midtown Manhattan, between furlough half my staff.
until we were allowed to go back to Park and Madison avenues. My shop Next, I examined every expense
work. I was going to lose my entire represents the high-end, boutique I had. I realized that I could not do
spring season to the coronavirus. image he wants for the building. We anything about my utility expenses,
I was having one negative thought renegotiated a deal that made sense but the other expenses were up for ne-
after another, but then, all of a sudden, for both of us. gotiation. You would be surprised how
my attitude changed. Through all The landlord understood that if I many expenses can be cut if you focus
these years, I was able to come back didn’t make it, it would probably take on them. I had to eliminate my good
18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020

As businesses begin to recover, we’ve been very lucky to be getting new
customers. Tennis is a sport with built-in physical distancing, and many people who
used to go to the gym or would play team sports are now turning to tennis.
ad campaign, negotiate a better phone background in luxury brand market- hands and take this as a sign that it’s
rate and look at my shipping expenses, ing and public relations, she is a strong time to retire. I love this business
among other expenditures. asset to us. and am having fun thinking of new
The sixth thing I knew I had to do As businesses begin to recover, we’ve and creative ways to make my tennis
once we re-opened in June was to keep been very lucky to be getting new cus- shop better and better. I want to see
my skeleton staff happy and posi- tomers. Tennis is a sport with built-in all of my colleagues succeed and get
tive. As my daughter, Dana, would say physical distancing, and many people through this crisis—and to think of
continually, “Only positive thoughts in who used to go to the gym or would play this situation as not just a challenge,
this store.” I must say, Dana was a rock team sports are now turning to tennis. I but an opportunity for re-invention.
during these difficult times. She is the see another tennis boom in the making. We’ve gone through trying times,
only sales person on the floor, Monday This is a pleasant surprise, because I but I’m happy to report that Mason’s
through Thursday, and is responsible have lost all of my international tourist Tennis is back on its feet, and, just
for all the clothing sales. Dana and the customers and have temporarily lost like my daughter urges, we remain
rest of the staff knew that if we didn’t my high-end New Yorkers, who back in positive in the store—about the future
give every customer extraordinary March escaped the City—which at the of our business, and the future of New
service, as their personal concierges, we time was the epicenter of the Covid-19 York City.
would not make it. crisis—and fled to homes in the Hamp-
The seventh initiative was to add my tons, upstate New York or Connecticut. Mark Mason is the founder and owner
wife to our team. With her extensive But I’m not about to throw up my of Mason’s Tennis in New York City.
Our camps are games-based,

teaching shot selection and tactics
to help campers execute smart
pickleball strategies through
exciting, live point play.
Learning through game play is not
only more fun, but it offers
a more realistic approach to
decision making on court.
-Vicki Foster
Head Pro
www.neverstopplayingpbcamps.com

Champions of
RSI PRESENTS
Pickleball
2020
Our inaugural Champions of Pickleball Awards
recognize the often-unsung heroes of this
fast-growing sport and business.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
• MARGARITAVILLE USA PICKLEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS • EAST NAPLES COMMUNITY PARK •
• STEVE & RAMONA BOONE • BOBBY RIGGS RACQUET & PADDLE • PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT • CHUCK VIETMEIER •
• MERRITT TENNIS COURT & TRACK SYSTEMS • JARRETT CHIRICO • PICKLEBALL CENTRAL • SARAH ANSBOURY •
• MELISSA MCCURLEY • HOPE TOLLEY • SELKIRK SPORT •
Pickleball now boasts more than 3.46 million players across the U.S., according to the most recent
data by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, and the individuals and organizations cited here
continue to go the extra mile in helping to accelerate the game’s growing popularity and success.
We hope their stories and their service will inspire the countless “champions”
to keep moving the racquet sports industry forward.
Compiled by Judy Leand

The [Indian Wells] facility is world-class and the level of detail and professionalism
involved in converting the tennis courts to championship-caliber pickleball courts is simply
amazing. The tournament is a game-changer for our sport.
PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT MUNICIPAL FACILITY PICKLEBALL AMBASSADORS P R I VAT E / C O M M E R C I A L

OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR FACILITY OF THE YEAR
Margaritaville East Naples Steve & Bobby Riggs

USA Pickleball Community Ramona Boone Racquet &
National Park Paddle
C O U RT E SY U S A P I C K L E B A L L , M I N T O U S O P E N, S T E V E & R A M O N A B O O N E , B O B BY R I G G S R A C Q U ET & PA D D L E
Ever since learning

Championships Home of the Minto US
Open Pickleball Champi-
the game in 2003, Steve
and Ramona Boone have
Bobby Riggs Racquet &
Paddle in Encinitas, Calif.,
USA Pickleball estab- onships since 2016, East been spreading the joys just north of San Diego, of-
lished its first national Naples Community Park in of pickleball. In 2007, fers pickleball and tennis in
championships in 2007, Naples, Fla., has become a the Colorado Springs- a personal setting. With 12
attracting 400 players. world-class pickleball hub, based husband-wife team pickleball and four tennis
Now, the Margaritaville and is about to become became the area’s first courts—and views of the
USA Pickleball National even more attractive due to pickleball ambassadors. Pacific—players enjoy open
Championships is a 10-day $23.4 million in upgrades. The Boones started play, lessons and clinics,
event, attracting more Phase 1 was completed this offering free pickleball along with matchmaking
than 2,200 players (play- year and included 10 new lessons at Monument services to connect players.
ing 4,300 matches) and pickleball courts, bringing Valley Park in 2011; in The impressive roster of
28,000 spectators from the venue’s total to 64. 2012, they helped establish pickleball pros features top
around the world. And, for Over the past four years, the Pikes Peak Pickleball coaches and champions,
the past two years—as the the county has converted Association, now with 1,500 notably Steve Dawson,
veritable “Super Bowl” for areas into permanent members. They were also Callan Dawson, Jennifer
picklers—the event has pickleball courts, installed instrumental in forming a Dawson, Rich Woods, Dar-
been held at the presti- a shade structure and much non-profit that helps raise rian Young, Charlie Ball and
gious Indian Wells (Calif.) more. Improvements in money to support dedicated Adam Young. Fun social
Tennis Garden, home to 2021 will include a new wel- local pickleball venues. pickleball events are popu-
the BNP Paribas Open come center, a 3,500-seat Nancy Steffy, USAP lar with players and include
tournament, where it of- championship stadium and Great Plains Region food and drinks, music,
fered a record $80,000 in more than 1,000 additional Education Ambassador, has friendly competitions, gear
prize money in 2019. parking spots. worked with the couple for demos, raffle prizes and free
“The facility is world- “Demand not only for a decade and lauds their gifts for all participants.
class and the level of the US Open but for daily dedication: “When they Bobby Riggs, of course,
detail and professionalism play is still increasing,” says became USAP Great Plains was a champion tennis
involved in converting the Chris Evon, VP of Spirit Regional co-directors, they player in the 1930s and ’40s
tennis courts to 49 cham- Promotions and co-founder committed to bringing who lost to Billie Jean King
pionship-caliber pickleball of the US Open along with the regional tournament in the “Battle of the Sexes”
courts is amazing,” says Terri Graham. “The tourna- to Colorado Springs, match in 1973. The Bobby
USAP Executive Director ment pulls in about 2,100 working tirelessly with Riggs Museum is located
Justin Maloof. “The tour- players, but we turn away Park and Recreation to on the club's grounds, with
nament is a game-changer about 1,000. We know that get 15 dedicated pickleball trophies as well as artifacts
for our sport.” more people want to come.” courts.” from that pivotal match.

CHAMPIONS OF
PICKLEBALL
2020
PICKLEBALL RESORT PICKLEBALL SALES REP BUILDER/CONTRACTOR P I C K L E B A L L A DVO C AT E

OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
Palmetto Dunes Chuck Merritt Jarrett

Resort Vietmeier Tennis Court Chirico
Located on Hilton Head A 31-year employee of & Track A world-class player
Island, S.C., the Palmetto Gamma Sports, Chuck Systems and early adopter of clay-
Dunes Tennis & Pickleball Vietmeier has become a court pickleball, Jarrett
Center at Palmetto Dunes cornerstone of the brand Since it was founded in Chirico believes that the
COURTESY PALMETTO DUNES, GAMMA SPORTS, MERRITT TENNIS COURT & TRACK SYSTEMS, PPR
Resort has 24 lighted pick- and continues to play a 1979, Oklahoma City-based sport is the foundation to
leball courts and one of major role in spreading the Merritt Tennis Court & grow all racquet sports,
the most comprehensive Gamma word around the Track Systems has been and he foresees the game
instructional programs on globe. Currently, he serves a leading construction becoming the most-played
the East Coast. as director of product company known for its racquet sport in the country
The center serves a large marketing. keen attention to detail within the next eight years.
number of resort visitors When Gamma launched and expertise in designing, Chirico is currently
and also counts about 300 its first pickleball paddle resurfacing, renovating and the director of racquets
local members in its pick- in 2015, Vietmeier became repairing tennis and pickle- at Baltimore Country
leball club. League play, the resident pickleball pro, ball courts. Club and has an extensive
lessons and clinics are and he continues to teach Led by president Paul background both as a
available for all ages and his co-workers the game. In Merritt, this family-run director and former
ability levels. The resort fact, when traveling to tour- business excels at installing pro tennis player. He
also hosts the Hilton Head naments, he always tries high-quality courts in has directed many top-
Pickleball Open, a four- to compete in the events, residential and commercial tier tennis and paddle
day national tournament. believing it is a great way to areas across the state. So far programs in the Northeast,
And further burnishing represent Gamma on-court, this year, the company has as well as the largest
the resort’s reputation as well as to sharpen his built 30 pickleball courts pickleball program in the
is top touring pro Sarah own technique and skill. and has resurfaced about country, which retains
Ansboury, who serves as During the height of the 100 others. more than 1,000 players
the director of pickleball coronavirus lockdown, Viet- “Merritt is dedicated a week. Additionally, he’s
instruction. meier noted that Gamma to quality and has been directed several successful
“We have a very active sold a six-month supply of building courts for years,” pickleball tournaments,
vibe here,” says John Kerr, pickleball nets over 45 days, says Jeff Gearheart, including the largest
Palmetto Dunes’ Director meaning that people were director of SportMaster clay-court pickleball
of Tennis and Pickleball itching to play any way they Sport Surfaces. “As a tournament in the world.
Operations. “League play could, creating makeshift longtime member of the “Jarrett has become the
is growing in the area and courts where possible. As American Sports Builders expert when it comes to
helps fuel growth. We run pickleball’s popularity con- Association, they adhere pickleball at clubs,” says
daily round robins, and tinues to explode, it would to the guidelines of Dan Santorum, CEO of the
have had as many as 100 seem that Vietmeier’s work construction, and their Professional Pickleball
people sign up in one day.” is far from over. work is top-notch.” Registry.

During the height of the coronavirus lockdown, Gamma sold a six-month
supply of pickleball nets over 45 days, meaning that people were itching to
play any way they could, creating makeshift courts where possible.
O N L I N E P I C K L E B A L L R E TA I L E R O F T H E Y E A R
Pickleball Central
Kent, Wash.-based PickleballCentral.com has become a go-to source
for all things pickleball. Launched in September 2006 as a hobby website,
PickleballCentral.com has cemented its position as the world’s largest
company exclusively devoted to the growing sport in the years since.
Industry estimates peg the business’s annual revenue at $4.9 million.
In 2018, Pickleball Central acquired PickleballTournaments.com, a
market leader in online pickleball tournament software, tournament
operations management, training and consulting. This combined jugger-
naut continues to serve pickleball tournament directors and players and
helps fuel the sport’s growth overall.
In addition to product, the website offers advice on how to get started
in the sport, as well as information about pickleball’s history and the evo-
lution of equipment. But PickleballCentral.com prides itself on service
and selection. The company’s golden rule? “Serve customers the way we
want to be served when purchasing products online.”

CHAMPIONS OF
PICKLEBALL
2020
PPR MEMBER PICKLEBALL INDUSTRY YOUTH PICKLEBALL MANUFACTURER

OF THE YEAR SERVICE AWARD PROVIDER OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
Sarah Ansboury Melissa Hope Tolley Selkirk Sport

A five-time National
McCurley In 2019, USAP appointed Founded in 2014 by
pickleball champion, Sar- Called “one of the Hope Tolley as director of brothers Mike and Rob
ah Ansboury is one of the hardest-working people recreational programs & Barnes and their fa-
most recognizable names in pickleball,” Melissa services, and she has been ther, Jim Barnes, this
in the sport and is an McCurley is a pickleball working to accelerate the family-owned company in
enthusiastic promoter of tournament desk game’s growth ever since. Hayden, Idaho, is a leader
the game. For the past sev- operator who partners “Pickleball is a dynamic in pickleball paddle design
eral years, she has criss- with tourney directors and fun sport with broad and technology, building
crossed the U.S., working and their teams—and generational appeal,” high-performance pickle-
with recreation-level to is also the president of she says. “I believe my ball equipment. Selkirk’s
pro players to improve PickleballTournaments. background will help build current product line in-
their games technically, com. For more than on the success that USAP cludes paddles, balls, bags,
strategically, mentally and a decade, the website has already achieved.” apparel and accessories.
through improved fitness. has been the leading After a successful career Selkirk’s mantra—“We
C O U R T E S Y P P R , M E L I S S A M C C U R L E Y, H O P E T O L L E Y, S E L K I R K S P O R T
Ansboury currently tournament management in physical education at Are Pickleball”—applies
serves as education software, and has been the the elementary through as much to the creation
consultant and lead clini- engine driving thousands collegiate levels, Tolley of innovative equipment
cian for the Professional of successful events of spent more than seven as to the effort to improve
Pickleball Registry (PPR) all sizes. McCurley’s years working for the and promote the pick-
and is the touring pro ongoing mission is to USTA, including as director leball community as a
and director of pickleball keep up with the game’s of promotions at USTA whole. The brand part-
instruction at Palmetto growth while providing North Carolina, and as the ners with, among other
Dunes Resort on Hilton consulting, training and USTA national coordinator groups, the Margaritaville
Head Island, S.C. adding new features and of school tennis. USA Pickleball National
“Sarah is not only a functions on the system for In August, USAP Championships, but also
world-class player, she is a tournaments. announced a new with Third Shot Sports, an
world-class educator,” says “Melissa’s knowledge, membership for youth organization to help bring
PPR CEO Dan Santorum. hard work and dedication program providers as pickleball awareness and
“She created both PPR’s to the game is admirable, part of a strategic plan to clinics to all ages.
curriculum and certifica- and her commitment and develop the sport. Says Selkirk recently intro-
tion workshop, and she enthusiasm to help others Tolley, “We are excited to duced its Vanguard Paddle
continues to conduct PPR succeed is unequaled.” work with local program series, pushing the enve-
workshops. Her pioneer- says Karen Parrish, USA leaders and our network lope in technology and its
ing efforts have helped Pickleball managing of over 1,900 ambassadors $200 price—which has not
shape PPR into the stron- director of competition. from around the country to deterred consumers, as
gest and largest organiza- “She is greatly appreciated create future generations of the paddles quickly sold
tion of pickleball coaches.” for her contributions.” pickleball players.” out on the brand’s website.

Tips&Techniques
Save Your Protect Your

Stringing Machine Client’s Frame
Keeping your stringing machine in When tying off a string, it’s important
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY S A M C H A N, S K I P S H O E M A K E R / U S R S A
top shape is important. We all know to protect the frame from damage
about routine maintenance, but as you pull the knot tight. Here’s a
Master Racquet Technician Sam tip I’ve used that keeps my clients’
Chan goes a step further by protect- racquets safe.
ing the mounting arms, which can get After installing a new grip, I save
a lot of wear from constant handling. some of the excess grip material, cut-
Using a standard heat sleeve, usu- ting it into small pieces and includ-
ally used to enlarge a racquet handle, ing the tape that is used to stick the
simply slip the sleeve in place and grip onto the handle of the racquet. I
shrink to fit (photos above). Sleeves then press these small pieces onto the
can be pre-cut to length to fit your sides of my bent-nose pliers (photo,
machine. right). Now, when pulling knots, the
pieces on the side of my pliers protect Tips and Techniques submitted
Five sets of Gamma Solace 16 to: the frame from scratches. since 1992 by USRSA members and
Sam Chan, MRT appearing in this column have been
Australia Five 3-packs of Head Prestige Pro gathered into a searchable database on
overgrips to: www.racquettech.com, the official web-
Skip Shoemaker site of the USRSA. Submit tips to Bob
Villanova, Pa. Patterson at bob@racquettech.com.

DISTINGUISHED
FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR
2020 AWARDS
NDING A NDING A
TA TA
WA
WA
S
S
OUT
OUT
RD
RD
A B
PIC
PIC
TY
TY
LE LE
BA L L FACI BA L L FACI
LI
LI
K
K
COURT CONSTRUCTION The sport of pickleball design process included
Raising
continues to grow through- architects, engineers, local
out the U.S.—and along with pickleball club members
it, so does the quality of pick- and representatives from
leball facilities and courts. the USAP. The final project,
the A number of years ago, the

American Sports Builders
Association started recog-
with 10 post-tension con-
crete courts, includes large,
custom-
Standards
nizing pickleball construc- designed shade structures
tion projects in its annual with a custom central kiosk
Facility-of-the-Year Awards. that acts as a main gather-
The latest winners include ing area. The center was
five outdoor facilities and completed on time in nine
one residential project. Two months, and more than 140
of these six projects were people enjoyed the unveil-
Pickleball facility named “Outstanding” win-
ners; the other four received
ing.
The Outstanding Resi-
construction continues to “Distinguished” facility-of- dential Pickleball Facility of
the-year honors. the Year is a set of pickleball
demand the best from court The Outstanding Outdoor courts with a leisure area
Pickleball Facility of the in Liberty, Mo. The gradual
contractors, as these ASBA Year is the Anthem Com- downhill slope of the prop-
award winners represent. munity Pickleball Center in
Anthem, Ariz. The extensive
erty was a challenge—the
contractor had to create

E R AWAR
LV
D
SI
C D
PIC
TY
LE
BA L L FACI
LI
K
a gravel equipment road to A B C

gain access to the site, build
retaining walls and import
Anthem Liberty Toscana
fill soil. The two post-tension Community Residential Indian Wells, Calif.
concrete courts were aligned
end-to-end with a slight con-
Pickleball Pickleball
Center Courts
Nominated By:
tour that mirrors the existing Zaino Tennis Courts Inc.
hillside, and the center area Anthem, Ariz. Liberty, Mo. Number of Courts:
serves as an aesthetically 2
pleasing entrance. Nominated By: Nominated By: Contractor:
Elite Sports Builders McConnell & Associates Corp. Zaino Tennis Courts Inc.
Number of Courts: Number of Courts: Surface Coating:
10 2 ICP
Contractor: General Contractor: Nets, Posts:
Elite Sports Builders McConnell & Associates Corp. Edwards
Surface: Surface: Certified Court Builder:
California Products McConnell & Associates Corp. Richard Zaino
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A S B A
Lights: Post-Tension Cable, Hardware: Completed:

LSI Tech-Con Systems May 2018
Nets, Posts: Nets:
Edwards Douglas Sports
Completed: Completed:
November 2018 July 2018

DISTINGUISHED
FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR
2020 AWARDS
E F
D E F For more on the American
Menominee Crow Valley Wildwood

Sports Builders Association
annual facility awards
Park Gold Club Park

program, and to find
information about court
Pickleball Tennis Pickleball

construction, visit the ASBA's
website, sportsbuilders.org.
Complex Facility Complex

Oshkosh, Wis. Davenport, Iowa Golden Valley, Minn.
Nominated By: Nominated By: Nominated By: Fred Kolkmann

Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport All Weather Courts Inc. Tennis & Sport Surfaces LLC
Surfaces LLC Number of Courts: Number of Courts: 6
Number of Courts: 4 3 Pickleball, 3 Tennis Court Construction:
Surface Color: Laykold Court Contractor: Upper Midwest Athletic
Nets, Posts: All Weather Courts Inc. Construction
Douglas Industries Acyrlic Surfacing: Surface: Laykold
Crack Repair: Sportmaster Sport Surfaces Fencing:
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A S B A
Crack Repair: Armor Nets, Posts: Upper Midwest Athletic

Certified Court Builder: Douglas Industries Construction
Fred Kolkmann Completed: Nets, Posts: Douglas Industries
Completed: May 2019 Crack Repair: Armor
August 2018 Certified Court Builder:
Fred Kolkmann
Completed: October 2018

,
IF YOU RE A TEACHING PRO,
,
YOU RE THE KEY TO IT ALL
MOVE TENNIS FORWARD
As a teaching pro, you have to be out ahead. The USPTA, PTR

and USTA have joined forces to help you build your career. Get
new skills, education, Safe Play and advanced certification.
We’re investing in you, together we’re investing in the game.
Learn more at usta.com/movetennisforward
© 2020 USTA. All rights reserved.

APPAREL
2021
Spring Flings
TENNISWEAR
1 2 3
By Cynthia 1 /SOFIBELLA 2 /LUCKY IN LOVE

sofibellawear.com Shopluckyinlove.com
Sherman 877-696-0424 305-638-5484 COURTESY SOFIBELLA, LUCKY IN LOVE
Soft yet vibrant colors mark the Sofibella’s 2021 collection features Lucky in Love’s tropical roots in-
upcoming, and much anticipated, a Rose Anaconda print with black, corporates sunny colors, graffiti and
ascent of spring. Colors of nature— bubble pink and gray color-block body mapping prints, featured in the
glassy greens, blues, pink/coral, details, highlighting the soft spring Techno Tropic tank with bra ($68)
purple and a sunny marigold— fashion colors of pinks and neutral and fun floral Techno Tropic Pocket
reflect uplifting moods. Color grays. Additional accents highlight Skirt ($74). Completing the look is
mapping and blocking within the those notes, along with black power the Techno Star long-sleeve top ($76),
graphic designs, combined with mesh throughout the collection. The coupled with the on-point-for-spring
updated florals, help to round out racer-back top and complementary coral long Snap To It Skirt ($72).
fashions that will grace the courts 13-inch skort are each $70.
in the new and hopefully improved
year. (Prices are suggested retail.)

Colors of nature—glassy greens, blues, pink/coral, purple and
a sunny marigold—reflect uplifting moods.
2021 Court wear is gearing up

for spring with vibrant colors
and graphic designs.
4 5
3 /DONA JO BRAND 4 /FILA 5 /TAIL

Donajobrand.com fila.com tailactivewear.com
412-586-4976 410-773-3000 888-906-1341
C O U R T E S Y D O N A J O B R A N D, F I L A , T A I L
Dona Jo Brand is a fiesta of colors Debuting at the 2021 Australian Tail capitalizes on the cerulean blue
and bold patterns, combining the Open, Fila’s Legends collection on the color trend for spring and summer by
co-founder’s Brazilian heritage with men’s side spotlights an updated yet featuring separates from their Pacific
sporty, comfortable and functional timeless polo in beachy ombre glass Grove Print collection. They team
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EQUIPMENT
RACQUETS & STRINGS
Playing for Time

As tennis returns across the country,
racquet and string manufacturers are
responding with new product offerings.
By Bob Patterson
Executive Director, USRSA
String /DUNLOP String /MAYAMI String /TECNIFIBRE Racquet /BABOLAT

dunloptennis.us mayamistrings.com tecnifibreusa.com babolat.com
888-215-1530 info@mayamistrings.com 888-301-7878 877-316-9435
C O U RT E S Y D U N L O P, M AYA M I , T E C N I F I B R E , B A B O L AT, H E A D, W I L S O N
• Dunlop introduces four • Although fairly new to • New technology from • Babolat launches the new-
new polyester monofilament the U.S. market, Mayami Tecnifibre—incorporated in est iteration of the vener-
strings under the Explosive offers competitive choices in the new TRIAX string and able Pure Drive with the
brand. Explosive Tour is a string with a variety of new in revamps of the RPX and Pure Drive 2021. While at
premium poly designed for introductions. Big Spin is HDMX—has created a new first glance it may not look
increased comfort that is a triangular-shaped string category of string that bridges much different from previ-
suited for players not look- designed for spin potential the gap between typical ous generations—which have
ing to sacrifice power. while maintaining comfort. monofilament polyester and remained among the top-
Explosive Speed is a firm Hepta Power is a monofila- multifilament polyamide, and selling racquets for more than
poly designed to provide ment heptagonal-shaped may well be revolutionary. a decade—what you don’t see
speed and power by sup- string providing bite on the “Multifilament Fusion” under the new paint scheme
pressing the feeling of bite. ball and comfort. Magic combines microfibers from is a new lay-up and advanced
Explosive Bite features a Twist is another heptagonal- both categories of strings technologies. The additions
three-sided profile to maxi- shaped string designed to to capture the best of both. combine with existing FSI
mize bite and spin. Explosive produce spin. Last but not Technically, the strings technology to provide a famil-
Spin features a rounded hex- least, Tour Hex is a mono- are multifilaments, but the iar yet improved performance.
agonal profile that enhances filament hexagon-shaped introduction of a polyester Look for the entire family of
spin while maintaining a string offering spin and material creates an entirely Pure Drives to get this update
firm feel. control potential. new performance category. in coming months.

Racquet /DUNLOP Racquet /HEAD Racquet /TECNIFIBRE Racquet /WILSON
dunloptennis.us head.com tecnifibreusa.com wilson.com
888-215-1530 800-289-7366 888-301-7878 773-714-6400
• Dunlop introduces the • Head’s Graphene 360+ • Tecnifibre introduces a • Wilson has released the
new FX Series, comprised Extreme family of racquets redesigned T-Fight line of Blade SW102 Autograph, a
of five premium frames— includes the G360+ Extreme racquets that the company new Serena Williams model
including the first to feature Tour, designed for aggres- describes as perfect blend that launched in September,
innovative Power Boost sive players seeking spin. of power, stability, preci- in time for the US Open. The
Groove technology, which The G360+ Extreme MP is sion and feel. The frame is innovation hub at Wilson
provides players with a slightly lighter than the Tour a unique five-sided design spent nearly a year working
larger sweetspot and more version but still provides that Tecnifibre calls “R” with Williams, who play-
power, says the company. plenty of spin potential shaped—the five sides are tested prototypes to create a
The new design features an and power, says Head. The designed at specific angles racquet that “better sup-
aerodynamic head shape G360+ Extreme S now fea- to create more stability ported her signature power
with a sharp, modern-look- tures a larger head size (105 with a softer feel and en- while enhancing control,”
ing shaft and wider throat. sq. in.) for more power, and hanced power. In addition, says the company. With a
FX reflects Dunlop’s new is light and easy to handle. the yoke connection be- smaller, 102-sq.-in. head size
“Elements of the Game” The G360+ LITE provides tween the shaft and head than her previous Blade SW
naming concept, with each extra spin, while the G360+ have also been redesigned 104, the new frame weighs in
name highlighting a perfor- Extreme PWR is suited for to provide a more fluid at 10.8 oz., and has an 18 x19
mance benefit: FX=Power, players looking for comfort flex, in order to add power stringing pattern. Suggested
SX=Spin, CX=Control. and maneuverability. and stability. retail is $249.

YourServe
continues to fight the good fight and live
the life lessons that sports teach, includ-
ing hard work and perseverance.
College tennis is fundamentally about
higher education, providing educational
opportunities for personal and leader-
ship development through the sport of a
lifetime. It remains the connective tissue
for American tennis, the aspirational
goal for U.S. junior tennis players and a
viable high-performance pathway to a
career as a top pro player and/or a mem-
ber of the tennis industry. As well, courts
at colleges and universities often become
hubs for tennis in the community.
As a unique combination of individual
and team competition, college tennis
develops successful individuals in life, as
well as contributing members of teams.
The ITA serves college tennis and re-
INDUSTRY SERVICE turns the leaders of tomorrow, featuring
high GPAs, high graduation rates, players
Learning Curve who go on to obtain a high number of ad-
vanced degrees and who become CEOs,
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association COOs, CFOs, teachers and artists.
Along the way, the ITA offers opportu-
is serving college tennis, and returning nities unmatched in this industry, such as
the successfully completed 2020 Oracle
ITA Summer Circuit powered by UTR,
future industry leaders. which saw over 3,000 unique players
compete in 28 events. Building on that,
By Timothy Russell, PhD the association launched the 10-week ITA
Tour: Fall Circuit by UTR.
P
We believe college tennis holds the
potential to come out stronger on the
other side of this pandemic, to continue
rior to the onset of the For many schools, athletic department to be an innovative leader in the world
coronavirus, college tennis financial models show a 20 percent de- of intercollegiate athletics—a fast-paced
was in a very strong posi- cline on average to budgets. Without foot- sport that prepares student-athletes for
tion across NCAA Divisions ball, many large DI schools are projecting a fast-paced world. But college tennis
I, II and III, as well as NAIA up to 50 percent declines in revenue. needs support from all of us. Get out and
and Junior College, with incredible Donations will be down. If college attend local college tennis matches! If
parity throughout the sport in both the sports—especially football and/or basket- you’re a former college player, connect
women’s and men’s games. ball—are not played, athletic budgets will with your alma mater and the ITA.
As the national governing body, the be severely impacted, as athletic directors Through college tennis, we all have a
Intercollegiate Tennis Association and college presidents may resort to cut- role to play in building a solid foundation
(ITA) serves 1,200 schools, 1,700 varsity ting varsity programs, especially non- for young players and future leaders.
programs, 3,000 coaches, 1,400 college revenue sports, which includes tennis.
tennis officials and some 19,500 student- The opening of colleges for residence
Dr. Timothy Russell
athletes. During the pandemic, the ITA learning this fall became a very inexact is the CEO of the
has continued to work to shine a positive proposition. Many schools chose to Intercollegiate Tennis
light on college tennis, as well as provide return to online learning. The role of Association. Read
safe play opportunities for college players. college football, the 800-pound gorilla in more from him, and
C O U RT E S Y I TA
But since March, about 60 college tennis college athletics, became a top priority, find out more about
programs have been cut, as finances in especially from a financial perspective. college tennis, at
wearecollegetennis.
college sports continue to be as challeng- While working to promote tennis as a
com.
ing as ever. safe social-distancing sport, the ITA

November/December 2020
That’s A Wrap! CEO John Embree

pg. 37
No Challenge Too Great

President Feisal Hassan
pg. 39
Why ATP Pros Run

Around Backhands
Master Professional James Shaughnessy
pg. 42
2020 Award Winners pg. 55
Jenny Gray
Alex Gordon Professional of the Year
COURT-INSPIRED
ESSENTIALS
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From the CEO USPTA
That’s A Wrap!
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
W e have tied a bow on our 2020

World Conference Virtual Event
– and what an event it was! Having never
23
Our Awards Presentation
and General Membership
Meeting always brings me
from Australia, Mats Wilander from
Sweden, and Sandra Zaniewska and Sven
Groeneveld joined from Paris as they
done anything like this before, we sailed such joy. We recognized our five new prepared their players for Roland Garros.
into uncharted waters. But our staff Master Professionals and presented the There was also a 50/50 split between
worked incredibly hard over a four- Alex Gordon Professional of the Year male and female speakers, and 36% were
month period to turn this concept into (Jenny Gray), our George Bacso Lifetime from diverse backgrounds.
a reality. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Achievement Award (Ken McAllister)
each of them for their tireless efforts to the President’s Paul Waldman Award The networking capabilities
make this a success.
The USPTA continues to be the
(Kevin Theos), and inducted the late Bob
Ryland into the USPTA Hall of Fame.
1 were fantastic. People logged
into WC20 early each morning
undisputed leader in providing the best We also recognized 14 distinguished and began connecting with friends and
educational content to its membership members for their contributions to their colleagues from around the country. It
while utilizing the latest technology. communities and our Association in was wonderful to see everyone interacting
WC20 proved it unequivocally. It was the 2019. Finally, we presented an update with each other. One member said that
first event of any kind in our industry to on the state of our Association and the he has been a USPTA member for over
offer three days of uninterrupted digital positive track we are on despite the 20 years but this was his first World
education. And it came off without a impact of the global pandemic. Conference. We’re so glad he participated!
hitch. We connected with people from 2020 is a different year on so many
across the globe in a smart, cutting edge We had 22 vendors at fronts. Producing a virtual World
and first-class platform that was more
than just your typical Zoom scenario.
22 our Virtual Trade Show.
Representatives from each
Conference this year instead of our usual
annual gathering seemed fitting, given
USPTA members should take great pride company were available to chat with our the extraordinary circumstances with
in what we delivered. members during the three days as they which we have all been living. As Billie
showcased their products and services Jean King famously said, “Champions
By the numbers: with videos and live presentations. It was adjust.” The USPTA did exactly that and I
almost as if they were on the trade show am proud to say we delivered outstanding
1,000+
floor meeting face to face! education and a wonderful experience for
our membership.
We hosted 15 Education Congratulations, USPTA, for wowing
15 sessions over three days

featuring three International
our membership and the industry as
a whole! *
Tennis Hall of Fame members,
Over 1,000 people registered for the plus several tennis celebrities and
start of WC20 – amazing! As of this internationally renowned coaches.
writing, the ink has still not dried on the Each session was recorded and made
final registration count, but the total available that evening and for the next
exceeded our expectations. Not only 30 days, so our pros could teach during
that, but we had 10 of our International the day and watch the presentations
members to join us. at a more convenient time. Our virtual
platform allowed Sarah Stone to present
November/December 2020 ADDvantage Magazine - 37

USPTA
No Challenge Too Great in 2020

Feisal Hassan, USPTA President
O h, how the world has changed since

I last wrote in this column. The
coronavirus pandemic forced us off the
COVID-19
When the coronavirus pandemic
upended life in March, I established
USPTA/USTA Dues Subsidy
These unprecedented times prompted
the USPTA and USTA to offer free
courts and into our homes for many the USPTA COVID-19 Task Force to 2021 dues to USPTA members. The
months. Nevertheless, in the areas of be led by Patrick Kearns, Executive requirements to qualify were simple:
diversity and inclusion, our COVID-19 Director of the USPTA Mid-Atlantic 1. Teach and reside in the U.S.
response, continuing education and our Division. For two months, CEO John 2. Be certified and in good standing
World Conference, we accomplished a Embree, Patrick, myself and our team 3. Complete USPTA Continuing
great deal in 2020. of Leslie Allen, Doug Cash, Sean Drake, Education requirements
Lane Evans, Jason Gilbert, Stan Oley, 4. Complete USTA Safe Play and
Diversity & Inclusion Ajay Pant, Phil Parrish, Len Simard, background screening
In January, I laid out our goals for a Butch Staples and Lisa Wilcott met 5. Show good faith and introduce 50
more diverse and inclusive USPTA. We on weekly conference calls to discuss new people to tennis
established the Diversity & Inclusion the impact on our members and how The deadline to qualify for free dues
Committee, chaired by USPTA Board we could support them. We collected was Oct. 1 but I am pleased to announce
members Trish Faulkner and Mark resources on everything from filing for that a second window is available now
Faber and comprised of members of all unemployment to best practices for thru Dec. 31 for members to qualify for
backgrounds, with smaller task forces to safely re-opening. You can find them at free dues in 2022. You can find more
address specific challenges faced by our uspta.com/howtoprepare and the USPTA details at uspta.com/freedues.
diverse groups. These task forces have COVID-19 Support Group on Facebook.
developed surveys to gather pertinent #WC20
information and are in the process of It certainly wasn’t easy, but I’m so proud
establishing new protocols and initiatives. of the National Staff’s efforts in organizing
I thank all you who have participated. Continuing Education such a successful World Conference Virtual
In September, we paid homage to a Our Education Team capitalized on Event with just a few short months’ notice.
trailblazer of American tennis by naming all the time on everyone’s hands during WC20 featured 15 educational sessions
the USPTA Diversity Award after the late the pandemic to provide top-notch free presented by many of the biggest names in
Bob Ryland, the first Black male to play continuing education in the form of weekly coaching and professional development.
professional tennis in the U.S. and a 62-year webinars. Nearly 4,000 members tuned in Over 1,000 members had the opportunity
USPTA member. Mr. Ryland passed away for over 20 webinars on topics including to earn up to 7.75 CEUs, win great prizes
at age 100 earlier this year and was the lone on-court coaching, keeping in touch with courtesy of our endorsees and reconnect
inductee into the USPTA Hall of Fame. students while they’re away and safely re- with old friends in the virtual lounge.
opening tennis facilities. All these webinars We also honored the 2020 Award
Photo courtesy of Patrick Kearns
can be found on TennisResources.com. winners, and they will be recognized in

We also unveiled USPTA-U, our brand- person at next year’s World Conference in
new online education platform that Las Vegas. We hope you’ll join us!
makes it as easy as possible for members 2020 challenged us in ways we’ve never
to watch webinars, listen to podcasts experienced before. I am so proud of our
and take advantage of a plethora of members for the solidarity, perseverance
professional development opportunities - and commitment to our sport that they
Patrick Kearns, USPTA Mid-Atlantic Executive Director all in one place. showed. Long may that continue. *

Wilson
Wilson
USPTA Master Professional Corner
3D Data Suggest Why the Best ATP

Pros Run Around Backhands
James Shaughnessy, USPTA Master Professional
I n the late 1970s and early ‘80s, many

coaches frowned upon the practice
of running around your backhand to hit
Wawrinka cannot be accused of having
defensive backhands, yet they routinely
spend the energy to run around these
backhands with the ATP pros’ backhands
to discern crucial technique differences
that could justify running around a
a forehand. The great USPTA Master elegant weapons. Why? backhand. Once identified, the technique
Professional Vic Braden contended that the At the SCiO 3D Sports Library of the differences would be more easily assessed
backhand could be an offensive weapon. world’s greatest players at the Tucker by coaches and thus be better applied to
Braden taught that instead of overplaying Tennis Academy, we have at our disposal developing players.
your strength by running around a a database of the best players of the Eighteen successful ATP Tour-level
backhand, you should conserve energy current era in live tournament play. backhands were studied to identify
and avoid giving ground by developing an By comparing successful backhands of trajectories of the ball and racquet tip
effective backhand. Braden explained that the best ATP players, we conducted a 5 milliseconds before and after impact.
not running around a backhand allowed a study to identify the important qualities Samples were taken from live match play
player to remain more centrally positioned, that will help coaches understand why in ATP Masters 1000 events. Seven one-
where an opponent was forced to hit more Braden’s advice is currently disregarded. handed and 11 two-handed
precise shots1. The purpose of our study was to backhands were selected.
Clearly, this advice sounds reasonable compare biomechanical data of ATP Backhands were
and encouraging, but in today’s game, pro backhands with the forehand data selected if they were
this advice seems to be viewed as faulty from a previous study of ATP forehands2. winners, produced an error
or archaic. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Additionally, the study was used to by the opponent or produced
Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stan compare elite level academy players’ an advantage in the rally. Also
studied were 18 successful backhands
Photos courtesy of Leonard Zhukovsky
of a group of elite juniors. The group had

an average age of 16 and average UTR score
of 10.95.
The results showed that the elite
juniors’ average ball velocity was equal
to the elite ATP players at 74 mph. As
in a previous study of mine, there was a
significant difference between the juniors
and the ATP players in their upward
racquet velocity. Simply put, elite junior
backhands may be traveling at the same
rate as ATP backhands, but the pros have a
lot more topspin.
When we compared data from this
backhand study to the previous forehand
42 - ADDvantage Magazine November/December 2020

Master Professional Corner USPTA
study, we find successful ATP forehands successful backhands less than six feet Citations
average 86 mph, with an average upward off the ground. Additionally, the data 1. Braden, V. and B. Bruns, Vic Braden’s
swing velocity of 37 mph. Meanwhile, shows that current average trajectory Tennis for the. Future. Boston: Little,
Brown and Co, 1977.
successful ATP backhands average 74 mph, of top ATP backhands is equivalent to
2. Shaughnessy, J., A new direction for
with an average upward swing velocity of the upward forehand trajectory of elite racquet head speed. ADDvantage,
only 30 mph. college players. In 1999 at International 2018. September/October: p. 48-49.
These trajectories were calculated Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports, 3. Bahamonde, R., Producing an
using the Ariel Performance Analysis it was suggested that the ideal trajectory ‘Explosive’ Forehand and Backhand.
1999.
System (Ariel Dynamics, Trabuco Canyon, for a forehand is 28 degrees upward3.
Calif.) The results of the study showed the Interestingly, we find that top college
average upward racquet trajectory to be forehands and top ATP backhands are
29.53 degrees for ATP backhands, whereas nearly equivalent to the 1999 suggestion,
ATP forehands had an average trajectory of yet the world’s greatest players often run
35.75 degrees. around that 28-degree trajectory for a
The previous forehand study showed a 36-degree forehand swing trajectory.
correlation between the upward trajectory The truth in Braden’s advice may be that
of a player’s racquet path to their UTR some energy is saved by not running around
rating. The current backhand study found the backhand, but the data indicates that if
a similar correlation. a player is in adequate physical condition,
Meanwhile, the elite junior group the additional ball speed and topspin that
showed an average upward racquet can be produced by running around the
trajectory of 20.79 degrees. This is backhand may be well worth the energy
significantly different than the ATP required. High-performance coaches should
backhands, which were upward at nearly therefore focus on producing higher upward
nine more degrees. velocities and steeper racquet trajectories
The data showed that ATP forehands with appropriately adjusted fitness
are hit much harder than backhands and programs when developing players. *
have greater upward swing speeds and
steeper trajectories, producing more
topspin on their forehands. The data
shows crucial new evidence that the
best on the ATP Tour do not hit
through the path of the ball on
James R. Shaughnessy MSS, CSCS, is a USPTA Master Professional specializing in the application of
sports biomechanics to elite tennis players training at Tucker Tennis Academy, a USTA Regional Training,
Racquet and Health Center located in Tulsa, Okla. He is an award-winning professional with 30 years of
experience as a speaker, researcher, analyst and consultant in tennis biomechanics, 3D motion analysis
and computerized exercise prescriptions. He is the founder of SCiO 3D Sports. Special thanks to Hank and
Molly Pelegrini, who make this work possible.
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USPTA
Alex Gordon Professional

of the Year: Jenny Gray
Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications
F rom organizing USPTA and USTA

tournaments, to running the tennis
programs at two clubs in Austin, Texas, It’s been incredibly rewarding to be
2019 was an eventful year for Jenny Gray. part of something that is bigger than
Her dedication earned her recognition
as the Alex Gordon USPTA Professional
our own lives and routines.
of the Year.
Gray directed 13 sanctioned and much different in 2020. Gray has had Committee for seven years and was
unsanctioned tournaments across to deal with many challenges stemming President of the USPTA Texas Division
the country, including the USPTA from the pandemic. Most of her for three years. And when the Texas
Texas Ladies Champion of Champions tournaments were cancelled, so she Divisional Board needed her, she stepped
Cup, the USPTA National Hard Court created new events and programs for up to serve a second term as Regional
Championships and the USPTA World smaller group sizes to comply with all city, Vice President for 2018 and ’19. She is
Championships in Las Vegas, where Fast county and state health requirements, all currently serving as the Past President
4 scoring was used for the first time at while reassuring players that it’s safe to through 2021. She says she likes being
a USPTA Surface Championship event. return to the courts. involved with the USPTA to be a part of
Within her own club, she hosted her Still, the most important aspect of “something bigger than ourselves.”
16th annual Rally for the Cure benefiting a successful post-pandemic program “We all get so involved in the day-to-
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the DGG remains the personal connections with day at our clubs and facilities, but it’s
Ladies Cup, Davis Cup Member/Guest her staff, co-workers and club members. been incredibly rewarding to be a part
and a holiday event benefiting Toys for “It’s making sure that everyone on of something that is bigger than our
Tots, among others. your professional staff knows that they own lives and routines. It has been an
“I look at tournaments like they’re are an important part of the team. As the honor to be part of the USPTA Texas
a puzzle,” Gray said. “Making sure you Director, it is essential to know each of family and leadership team and to help
have all the details carefully thought out your employee’s strengths, then utilizing organize programs, events, or activities
and implemented, creating the those strengths to create a well- that directly affect other USPTA Texas
draws and interacting with rounded, quality program,” professionals. On the national side of
the players and other she said. “Players things, it has been humbling to be a
tournament staff are quickly realize there part of a group with varying opinions
all pieces of that is someone on the and experiences that is trying to make a
puzzle. The staff to meet their difference in the tennis industry.”
goal is when all individual needs. Throughout her career, Gray has relied
those pieces fit Whether it’s on other USPTA members for mentorship
together, you 10-and-under and guidance. She sees Jim Sciarro
have hopefully tennis, a high- of Tyler, Texas; Alan Cutler, a USPTA
created an performance Master Professional; and Charlotte Wylie,
enjoyable program or adult Executive Director of the USPTA Texas
experience both level class.” Division, as “my three go-to people when
on and off the court Gray is also I have questions or if I need to bounce an
for everyone involved.” involved in USPTA idea of someone. Their friendships and
Planning tournaments leadership. She served professional support have been invaluable
and events has been on the Executive to me throughout my career.” *

TO U R N A M E N T- Q UA L I T Y S P O R T S U R FAC I N G P R O D U C T S .
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USPTA
George Bacso Lifetime

Achievement Award: Ken McAllister
K en McAllister didn’t expect to play pro jobs, got into the USPTA and just got
Photo courtesy of Ken McAllister

tennis in college. Instead, he thought really involved.”
he’d play golf or basketball. In hindsight, it’s easy to see how
New Mexico Highlands University McAllister, a USPTA Master Professional,
dropped its golf program right when became a tennis coach. His father “was a
McAllister arrived in 1960, so he turned coach of everything but tennis,” McAllister
to basketball. Unfortunately, at 5-foot-6, said. “He taught me to play tennis, but it
McAllister lasted just a week. Soon, he saw was more of an afterthought.”
a sign promoting tennis try-outs. As he got more involved with the USPTA,
“It was just a walk-on team, so I tried that afterthought became his life’s work.
out and made the team,” he remembers. McAllister joined the USPTA 45 years ago
“By the end of my freshman year, I and became a Master Professional in 1987.
had won the No. 3 singles title in the He was instrumental in developing the
Frontier Conference.” first USPTA certification test with George
McAllister eventually transferred to Bacso himself in the late 1970s. McAllister
Southwestern University and finished tells the story in his book, Cattle to Courts:
his career playing No. 1 singles. He A History of Tennis in Texas.
was inducted into the Southwestern “There are some adjustments and
University Hall of Fame in 2014. improvements that have been made, but
But, even after college, McAllister still it’s still basically a private test, a group
didn’t plan on a career in tennis. Then he teaching test and how you teach lessons communities in Texas. He also served on
found Snyder High School in Texas. and organize them,” McAllister said. “I love the USPTA National Board of Directors in
“The school had been looking for a telling that story.” 2016 and ’17.
tennis coach for three years, hadn’t found As the years passed, McAllister’s grew McAllister is also an accomplished
anybody that could even keep score,” more involved with the Association. He player on the USTA circuit. His highest
McAllister said. “I could keep was a teaching pro and the USTA national ranking was No. 6 in men’s
score, so they hired me as the USPTA Head Tester in 40s doubles. He entered a 75-and-over
tennis coach.” Texas for just under 20 doubles tournament in Waco, Texas, in
McAllister spent 10 years before becoming September and made it to the finals with
years coaching high Executive Director partner Pat McDavitt.
school tennis, as well as of the Tennis Texas “I’ve never been super great. I’ve been
football and basketball, Association, which okay,” he said.
while teaching high became USTA Today, McAllister is President of the
school math. Texas, for 24 years. Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s
“When the tennis In 2008, he created one more way he can stay involved and pass
boom hit, it was all pure the Community on the love of tennis to future generations.
luck,” McAllister said. “I Tennis Association “I just put a lot of mileage in tennis,”
already had experience plan to give the power McAllister reflected. “I just got involved
and I was in the right place of running Texas and tried to help with what everybody else
at the right time, living tennis to local is doing. It’s just to make tennis better
in Houston. Ended up because I am a believer that this is the best
getting some good sport of all sports. I really think that. And I
tennis coached football and basketball.” *
ADDvantage Magazine - 47
USPTA
Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award:

Bob Ryland
L ong before he coached the greatest

players of our time, Bob Ryland
cleared the path on which they traveled.
through the toughest adversity. His mother
and twin brother died when he was an
infant, so his father sent him to live with
Ryland’s love for tennis never faded.
He taught until the end, and was the
oldest person with a tennis permit in
In his 62 years as a USPTA member, his grandmother in Mobile, Ala. As a child New York City.
Ryland coached at clubs across the in the Jim Crow South, Ryland picked Ryland was inducted into the Wayne
country, spreading the game of tennis to cotton alongside his great grandfather, State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991 and has
people of all ages and backgrounds. His himself a former slave. since been inducted into the Black Tennis
lifetime of achievement and contributions He returned to his father in Chicago at Hall of Fame, the USTA Eastern Hall of
to tennis make him this year’s inductee age 10 and his love for tennis took hold. In Fame and the USTA Midwest Hall of Fame.
into the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame. 1939, he won the Illinois State and junior He is enshrined at the USTA Billie Jean
Ryland passed away peacefully on ATA singles titles. He earned a scholarship King National Tennis Center with a paver
Sunday, Aug. 2, seven weeks after his to play at Xavier University of Louisiana, a reading “In honor of Robert Ryland, Coach
100th birthday. Historically Black College and University & Friend.”
He coached at the YMCA of Montclair, in New Orleans. Ryland’s legacy as a tennis player and
N.J., for nearly 30 years, and taught the Ryland spent his freshman year at Xavier coach is second only to his legacy as a
rich and famous at St. Albans Tennis before joining the U.S. Army during World champion for equality. Through it all, he
Club in Washington, D.C., and Midtown War II. Serving stateside, Ryland continued was driven by his passion for tennis. *
Tennis Club in New York. He coached competing, finishing as ATA singles
Arthur Ashe, Harold Solomon and Bruce runner-up three consecutive years while
Foxworth, and later, Venus and Serena capturing several tournament titles in
Williams when they were teenagers. Detroit. At war’s end, Ryland earned a
But even before he coached such legends scholarship to play at Wayne State
of the game, he became one himself. University, where he was one of
In 1955, Ryland won the national single’s the first two Black players to
title in the American Tennis Association, compete in the NCAA tennis
the oldest African-American sports championships.
organization in the U.S., which earned After two years, Ryland
him an invitation to the 1955 U.S. National left Wayne State to head
Championships in Forest Hills, N.Y. to California. He became
Four years later, Jack Kramer the first Black player to
invited Ryland to the World Pro Tour play at the Los Angeles
Championships, making Ryland, at Tennis Club. Years later,
age 39, after battling segregation and Ashe became the second.
discrimination all his life, the first Black
male professional tennis player.
Ashe, the only Black man ever to
win singles titles at the U.S. Open,
Australian Open and Wimbledon,
famously said he wanted “to be
good enough to beat
Bob Ryland.”
Ryland’s journey to such
universal esteem was one
USPTA
Military Service Inspired by

Tennis Corps
Amanda Folks, ThanksUSA Development Manager
W ho would have thought playing

tennis with military veterans
would lead a young athlete to the United
cardiovascular surgeon in India, Gunupati’s
grandfather immigrated to the United
States in 1967. Eager to gain experience in
benefits of Tennis Corps are something
that should be shared.
It turned out that these weekly tennis
States Naval Academy? Junior tennis his career, he earned citizenship a few years sessions were doing much more than
player Ananth Gunupati is heading in that later. Gunupati recalls hearing about his strengthening Gunupati’s teaching and
direction, inspired in part by wounded grandfather’s experiences in his early years training skills – they were instilling in
warriors. Gunupati has participated in in the U.S. “He always made it a point to tell him an idea that had been planted by
Tennis Corps, a ThanksUSA program me how kind America has been to him.” his grandfather and cultivated by his
in partnership with the Junior Tennis Gunupati is paying that kindness experiences growing up near Washington,
Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, forward, in part, through Tennis D.C. Gunupati and Navy retiree Shaun
Md. Once a week, junior tennis players are Corps, which is more than a physical Sabio developed a friendship as they spent
paired with disabled veterans to share their rehabilitation program for disabled time together on the court.
skills and learn from each other. veterans and a teaching program for junior “After serving in the U.S. Navy for over
For Gunupati, the experience has been tennis players. It is a social inclusion 20 years, there is zero doubt in my mind
an eye-opener. “I see integrity, discipline program that brings together these two that Gunupati would be an outstanding
and inner strength when I am with the unlikely groups both on and off the court. addition to the military,” Sabio said. “I
veterans. I have learned from the vets’ When non-profit organizations would be proud to serve alongside him.”
stories and what they have been through,” ThanksUSA and JTCC came together It will be several months before Gunupati
he says. “When I am with the veterans, I get to create Tennis Corps, Gunupati was knows if he has been accepted to the Naval
a boost of confidence and am immediately just the type of young player they were Academy. During that time, ThanksUSA
made aware that anything can be achieved looking for. His commitment and drive and the USTA hope to make the Tennis
with the right mindset.” helped this unique mentoring program Corps program a staple in military
And now, as he enters his final year, this attain its goals. This success has drawn rehabilitation and tennis communities
high school senior and second-generation the attention of the USTA, which recently throughout the United States.
American is setting his sights on becoming partnered with ThanksUSA to promote “We have seen so much good come from
the first member of his family to serve in Tennis Corps nationwide. After adopting this program,” says ThanksUSA President
uniform as a naval scholar. the program at their weekly military clinic & CEO Jon Rosa. “And we are honored to
That drive also comes from a family at the National Campus, the USTA agreed share it.”
legacy of strength and sacrifice. As a that the social inclusion and rehabilitation In the meantime, Gunupati will continue
his studies, grow as an athlete and attend
Photo Courtesy of Ananth Gunupati
Tennis Corps each week. And the veterans

will continue to encourage and cheer for
his success. *
Learn more about ThanksUSA:

www.ThanksUSA.org
Learn more about launching Tennis

Corps in your community:
www.TennisCorps.org

USPTA
Introducing Five New

Master Professionals
Gary Trost, USPTA Master Professional Committee Chair
A s USPTA members, we constantly strive to elevate our

standards and develop as professionals. Becoming a USPTA
Master Professional takes years of dedication to our industry.
Evans devotes a lot of time helping kids at First Serve of
Oklahoma City. He also teaches at Westwood Tennis Center in
Norman, Okla., where he lives with his wife, Lori. He has been a
Indeed, to even apply, a member must hold Elite Professional USPTA member for 31 years.
rating for 10 years, complete Continuing Education requirements
and fulfill a broad spectrum of service to tennis. Bo Gard
Each of the following members has met and exceeded the is a financial advisor at
requirements for becoming a USPTA Master Professional. They Wells Fargo Advisors,
have shown a commitment to elevating the standards of our where he provides
Association. It is my pleasure to introduce my new fellow USPTA comprehensive
Master Professionals. investment planning
for individuals and
Lane Evans businesses, and also
currently serves on the actively manages the
USPTA Board of Directors USPTA Supplemental
and chairs several Savings Program. Bo is a
national committees, USTA Mississippi Vice
helping oversee National President and serves as
Awards, Division Past a board member at his
Presidents, Global, local club, Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. He is a USPTA Tester and he
Pickleball and Wheelchair frequently speaks at national and division USPTA educational
Tennis. A champion of events. He is involved with the USTA Southern Junior Team
continuing education, Tennis and Scheduling Committee.
Evans is a Master Tennis Bo served as USPTA Mississippi State President for eight years.
Performance Specialist He was the director of tennis at Laurel Country Club in Laurel,
with the iTPA, is certified Mississippi, for seven years. He currently lives in Gulfport, Miss.,
by RacquetFit and recently became a Certified Master Trainer with his wife, Kristen, and their two children. He has been a
with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He was USPTA member for 14 years.
recognized by the USPTA Missouri Valley Division as its 2018 and
2019 Education Merit Award winner.
CONGRATULATIONS!
USPTA
Bruce Lipka João Pinho
currently serves as the is the Head Professional
director of tennis at of 10U and High
Woodmont Country Performance Programs
Club in Rockville, Md., a at the Billie Jean King
position he has held since National Tennis Center
2000. He also owns TNT in Flushing Meadows,
Coaching and Consulting, N.Y., where he works
which helps individuals to with many elite juniors.
live more powerful lives. Pinho was named
Additionally, Lipka is an USPTA Middle States
international tennis coach Professional of the Year
and consultant, working in 2015 and 2019 and has
with adults, juniors and been on the Division’s
Division I college players, as well as professionals on the ATP and Board since 2011, including as President from 2017 to 2018.
WTA Tours. As a player, Pinho played four years of Division I tennis, two at
A former ATP Tour professional, Lipka started his coaching Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and two at Utah State,
career as an assistant men’s tennis coach at the University of where he was team captain and named Most Valuable Player. He
Florida before becoming head men’s tennis coach at Miami earned his MBA from the University of Toledo. As a junior, he
University (OH). He was inducted into the Greater Washington was national doubles champion in his native Brazil. He has been a
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 for his accomplishments as a USPTA member for 10 years.
player and coach. Bruce currently competes internationally and
serves as the men’s captain for the USIC. Bruce lives has three
children and two dogs and lives in Maryland with his wife, Jodi. He Bill Riddle
has been a USPTA member for 34 years. is currently the Men’s
and Women’s Head
Tennis Coach at Martin
Methodist College
in Pulaski, Tenn. He
has earned over 100
career victories in eight
seasons of collegiate
coaching, with a
previous six-year stint as
men’s and women’s head
coach at Cumberland
University in Tennessee.
Previously, he was
the Director of Tennis at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in
Tennessee for 21 years.
Riddle is also a fixture in the global tennis coaching landscape.
In 2012, he provided TV commentary for the WTA Texas Tennis
Tournament in Dallas, and also created and co-hosted “Tennis
Talk,” a weekly radio show in Nashville. Additionally, he regularly
speaks at national and international coaching and player
workshops, including at the Australian Open, the US Open, in
China and at the USPTA World Conference. He was presented
with the 2014 USPTA Lessons for Life™ award and is a three-time
USPTA Tennessee Professional of the Year. He has been a USPTA
member for 29 years and lives in Nashville where he serves on the
USPTA Southern Board.

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USPTA
What is POP Tennis?

Ken Lindner, International POP Tennis Association CEO
P op Tennis is a fun, fast, exhilarating,
Photo courtesy of Ken Lindner

aerobic sport that is easier than
tennis to learn, play, and master.
In POP Tennis, the court is smaller
than tennis, and the racquet is shorter
— so that the hitting surface is closer
to the hand — and the ball is less
lively. Additionally, the players serve
underhand, not overhand, as in tennis.
The benefits of POP Tennis are that
rallies are generally longer, there is more
exciting net play and poaching, there
is less court to cover, and there are no
overhead serves to learn. As a result, there
is far less running and stress on the back,
legs, feet and shoulders. As Kent Seton, a top ex-college tennis 35, I went back to playing POP Tennis
POP Tennis is an excellent way for player and top open POP Tennis player, exclusively because I found it to be so
youngsters to learn how to play tennis. points out, once tennis players leave fun, exhilarating and satisfying.
It teaches them how to hit consistent college, join the workforce and play less And as Seton observed, I could
groundstrokes, volley, move to the ball frequently, their skills naturally begin continue to play POP Tennis at a very high
and effectively strategize and compete. to decline. However, in POP Tennis, you level, whereas I was nowhere as good in
With a lower compression ball, smaller have less court to cover and no overhead tennis as I had been in college. Because of
court and shorter racquet, it is easy for serving, so it is far easier to maintain your its unique attributes, POP Tennis can be
children to quickly master their strokes, skill level for decades. All of these factors played at a high level for a lifetime, with
and thus gain empowering feelings of make POP Tennis a fun and exciting sport less practice and diminished physical
success and confidence. Additionally, POP for individuals of all ages to play and to prowess. To this day, at age 67, I am still a
Tennis is a wonderful sport for adults of enjoy for a lifetime. top POP Tennis open doubles player.
all ages to play. POP Tennis certainly worked for me. Additionally, due to the shorter
I started playing POP Tennis at 7 years distance between you and the player(s)
old, then transitioned to tennis at 13, and on the other side of the net, POP Tennis
played both POP Tennis and tennis until increases hand speed and develops
I attended college. Due to my training quicker hand/eye coordination. One
in POP Tennis, I immediately became a benefit of this increased speed and
top-ranked junior tennis player. I then quickness is that when you do play tennis,
became captain and the No. 1 singles your reflexes and reaction time will be
and doubles player on the Harvard quicker. Playing POP Tennis should
University Varsity Tennis Team and significantly improve your tennis game.
the Eastern Junior Davis Cup Team. For all these great reasons, POP Tennis
During this time, I won a plethora of is a fantastically fun and satisfying sport
singles and doubles tournaments. At age that you can play from ages 5 to 95! *

USPTA
www.usptadirectorsearch.com
USPTA DirectorSearch
powered by McMahon|10s is
the newest resource for
USPTA members to advance
their careers and fill open
positions at their clubs. In
partnership with USPTA
Master Professional Mark
McMahon, USPTA
DirectorSearch provides
members with personalized
career counseling, interview
coaching and tips on
crafting the perfect resume
and cover letter. USPTA
members looking to take
advance their careers can
complete a questionnaire to
help pair them with the
best director of tennis
positions available
according to their needs.
For facilities looking to hire

the perfect Director of
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USPTA
2020 Award Winners

2020 Star Award — Ron Woods
Ron Woods currently serves as President of Tennis Success, a local non-profit NJTL Chapter in Corpus Christi,
Texas, that provides free tennis, education, healthy living programs and college scholarships to underserved youth
in the community. He also directs the Whataburger Invitational High School Tennis Tournament, which has
n|10s is raised over $30,000 for college scholarships in the three years he has run it. Ron is a USPTA Master Professional, a
or National Past President and a 53-year member.
vance
pen
Continuing Education Earner — Michael Friedman

s. In
A
ark These members led our Association in Continuing Education Units earned in 2019: Michael Baugh, Kimberly
Davis, Lane Evans, Allan Jensen, Jason Kutzura, Jose Pastrello, Suresh Maurya, Michael Moriarty and Bill Riddle.
es Congratulations to Michael Friedman of Highland Park, Illinois, who led all USPTA members with 256 credits
alized earned in 2019 – his second consecutive year winning this award. He is a USPTA Professional and has been a
erview member for 30 years.
sume
USTA/USPTA Community Service Award — Ed Collins

A
ake
can In his 48 years as a USPTA member, Elite Professional Ed Collins has made giving back to the San Diego tennis
aire to community his life’s work. His career started as a volunteer assistant at Monte Vista High School before being
he asked to take over the men’s program at the University of San Diego, which he led for 19 years. Ed also established
a college fund in his father’s name, Julius Collins, which has raised thousands of dollars to provide free instruction
and summer camps for children from low-income areas.
ds.
o hire
f Bob Ryland Diversity Award — Andy Rodriguez Nerger
r! Under Andy Rodriguez Nerger’s leadership, the Twos Athletic Club in Toledo, Ohio, started a wheelchair tennis
will program for up to a dozen players. The club also installed ramps for easy access to the courts. After many
wheelchair tennis clinics, the club hosts socials with drinks and pizza for wheelchair and able body players to enjoy
r together. Andy was also presented the Wheelchair Performance Award by the USTA Midwest Section. Andy is a
USPTA Professional and has been a member for one year.
o
oking
arch
n|10s USPTA Lessons for Life™ — Clint Sumrow
e! In 2019, Clint Sumrow co-directed the 29th annual Children Helping Children tennis tournament, which raised
over $85,000 in 2019. The tournament was founded by Clint’s parents, Ken and Pam, in 1991 after Clint was
diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, which he beat after a year of treatment. Over 375 players competed in the USTA
sanctioned junior open singles tournament, and it also featured raffles, a silent auction and adult mixer. He is a
USPTA Elite Professional and a seven-year member.
USPTA Elevate Award — Neely Zervakis

As Associate Director of the McCormack Nagelsen Tennis Center, Neely Zervakis developed ACEing Autism
Williamsburg and directs many of the events at the club. In the Spring of 2019, Neely led the 10U and 12U JTT
teams to championships. She also volunteered at tournaments and camps, including working with over 500 kids at
Clara Byrd Baker Field Day. She is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for six years.
President’s Paul Waldman Award — Kevin Theos

Kevin Theos currently serves as President of the USPTA Southern Division. For the last four years, Kevin has also
led our mentorship program that has involved nearly 400 members across the country who help USPTA members
with career advice and counseling. Kevin saw that there was a need for this program within the Association and
took it upon himself to start it, manage it and grow it every year. Kevin is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been
a member for 25 years.

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USPTA
Tester of the Year — Don Henson
Don Henson was a USPTA member for 54 years. He served as a Tester and was named Professional of the
Year for the New England, San Diego and Southern California USPTA divisions. He was inducted into the
USTA New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 and gave educational presentations, including at the 2019
USPTA World Conference. Don passed away peacefully on June 10 at the age of 76.
Industry Excellence — Kevin Young

As Pacific Northwest Territory Manager for Wilson Sporting Goods, Kevin Young drove 50% growth in
performance racquet sales, as well as increases in ball and Wilson/Luxilon string sales. Throughout his
career in tennis, Kevin has increased tennis participation and grown tennis businesses throughout the
Pacific Northwest. Kevin is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for 28 years.
Small Facility Manager of the Year — Marshall Carpenter

As Director of Tennis at the James M. Swiggart JCC Tennis Center in Denver, Colo., Marshall Carpenter
increased his after-school junior program to over 1,100 players through creative scheduling and active
marketing in 2019. He also grew the adult drills and cardio tennis participation by over 20%. He also ran
the Bow Mar vs. The World Pro-Am, where eight high-level players from Bow Mar took on eight pros from
around Denver. Marshall is a USPTA Elite Professional and has been a member for 27 years.
Large Facility Manager of the Year — Robin Robertson

In 20 years as owner/operator of the Bellingham Training & Tennis Club in Bellingham, Wash., Robin
Robertson has grown the tennis membership from 150 to a cap of 450, and the number of tennis clinics and
camps serving players aged 5 to 85 has grown every year. Robin lives out the club’s core value to “Always
Improve” by investing in a fifth indoor court, new LED lighting and other facility expansions and upgrades,
and she requires her entire staff to be USPTA-certified.
USPTA High School Coach of the Year — Karen Ronney

Karen Ronney is in her 14th year as girls’ head tennis coach at Patrick Henry High School, where she has
accumulated a 127-23 record in the CIF San Diego Division. She has led her team to eight Eastern League
Championships in 12 years, and has produced five Singles champions and 11 Doubles champions. Karen also worked
hard to create team-building activities and philanthropic initiatives, such as giving sandwiches to the homeless in
San Diego and volunteering in the community. She is a USPTA Elite Professional and a 20-year member.
Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year — Kim Gidley

In 2019, Kim Gidley led the Air Force Academy women’s tennis team to a 22-3 record, which tied a school
record for wins and set a new Division I era program record. The Falcons became the first service academy
women’s tennis team to be ranked in the top 50. Air Force captured the Mountain West Conference
championship and Gidley was named conference coach of the year. Additionally, four of her players were
named to the Mountain West Academic All-Conference team. Kim is a 22-year USPTA member.
Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year — John DeVorss

John DeVorss of Portland, Ore., coaches several world-ranked wheelchair tennis players, including No. 3
David Wagner. In 2019, Wagner captured the NEC Wheelchair Singles Masters title and the Georgia Open
title, and was runner-up at the 2019 US Open in doubles. John has been a USPTA member for 20 years.

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Thanks for coming!
USPTA Career Development
Career Development
USPTA Certification Testing Dates
Nov. 6-7................................................. Ivory Ridge Swim and Tennis Club Dec. 6......................................Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex
Lehi, UT Brentwood, TN
Nov. 7.....................................................................Rush Copley Healthplex Dec. 7.......................................................... Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
Aurora, IL Carlsbad, CA
Nov. 8.......................................................... A-Copi Tennis & Sports Center Dec. 7-8.......................................................... USTA National Tennis Center
Augusta, ME Orlando, FL
Nov. 8................................................Wentworth By The Sea Country Club Dec. 9-10.................................................... Forest Meadows Tennis Center
Rye, NH Tallahassee, FL
Nov. 9............................................................................ Balboa Tennis Club Dec. 11-12.............................................................. Bent Tree Country Club
San Diego, CA Dallas, TX
Nov. 9-10........................................................ USTA National Tennis Center Dec. 11-12..............................................................Azusa Pacific University
Orlando, FL Azusa, CA
Nov. 13-14................................................................ Lakeside Country Club Dec. 13............................................... The Sports Club of West Bloomfield
Houston, TX West Bloomfield, MI
Nov. 14-15...................................................................... Park Crossing Club Dec. 14-15............................................................................ Bay Clubs SFTC
Charlotte, NC San Francisco, CA
Nov. 14-15...............................................Forest Meadows Tennis Complex Dec. 17.................................................................... Trumbull Racquet Club
Tallahassee, FL Fairfield, CT
Nov. 15..................................................... ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center Dec. 19-20.....................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton
Midlothian, VA Boca Raton, FL
Nov. 15.............................................................. Westchester Tennis Center Dec. 19-20................................................................... Trump National D.C.
Port Chester, NY Potomac Falls, VA
Nov. 15-16.......................................... West Hills Racquet and Fitness Club Dec. 28-29..............................................Highland Meadows Tennis Center
Portland, OR Windsor, CO
Nov. 16-17............................................................................ Bay Clubs SFTC Dec. 30..................................USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
San Francisco, CA Flushing Meadows, NY
Nov. 20-21.................................................................Paseo Racquet Center Dec. 30-31............................................................... Burbank Tennis Center
Glendale, AZ Burbank, CA
Nov. 20-21........................................................... Greenwood Athletic Club
Greenwood Village, CO
Nov. 21-22.....................................................................Oaks at Boca Raton
Boca Raton, FL
Nov. 29..................................USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows, NY
Nov. 30-Dec. 1...................................................................... Bay Clubs SFTC
San Francisco, CA
Dec. 4.................................................... Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center
Minneapolis, MN
Dec. 4......................................................................... Sinking Spring YMCA
Reading, PA
Dec. 4-5........................................................................ Paseo Racquet Club
Glendale, AZ
visit uspta.com/freedues
Dec. 5-6.......................................................................Atlanta Athletic Club
Johns Creek, GA
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke ADDvantage is published monthly by the
Managing Editor.................................................................Lucas Casás United States Professional Tennis Association.
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka
Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Editorial Assistance .............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, those of the authors and not necessarily those
Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford of ADDvantage or the United States
Professional Tennis Association.
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle
USPTA World Headquarters Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
CEO...........................................................................John Embree Association, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved.
11961 Performance Dr. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell Orlando, FL 32827 is not permitted without written permission
800-887-8248- www.uspta.com from the USPTA.

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Nov Dec 2020 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

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Contents Nov/Dec 2020

6 Acrytech Sports Surfaces Spring

p.35 37 From the CEO

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Tournament-quality sport surfacing & repair products,

OVER 100 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE sportmaster.net | (800) 395-7325

Grand Achievement EDITOR

The USTA pulled off a major success MANAGING EDITOR

with the US Open. How it did that CREATIVE DIRECTOR

bodes well for the entire industry. SENIOR EDITOR

tant that the Open was able to be played.

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

to Membership Model RiteWay, the long-term crack repair system.

6 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Pure Drive 2021 Jan.-June, 2020 vs. 2019

“Hot New Racquets”

Top-Selling Tennis Shoes

1. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express

LOVE LOVE Top-Selling Strings

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

ITF Renames Fed Cup

The Fed Cup competition has been

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

Dunlop has added tennis industry

Bob Ryland, the first African-

Stacey Allaster, the USTA’s chief

Dunlop announced that 22-year-

Angela Buxton, Althea Gibson’s

Former USTA New England Tennis

Five-time Grand Slam champion

Brent Darden has been appointed

Interim President and CEO of the

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

USRSA Names MRT, CSs

RecycleBalls Seeks to Boost

Universal Tennis, ICL Academy

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

Wilson Unveils Version 13 of

iGENIE Ball Machine

HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

Jersey Mike’s Subs has

USA Pickleball has a new

Throughout September and

Charlottesville, Va.’s Keswick

SPORTS hotel’s multi-million-dollar

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Lucky in Love Collaboration

IMPROVE KIDS' PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH

SIGN THE PETITION

www.tennisindustrymag.com November/December 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

Changing Service for Changing Times

change what is needed and continue

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

RETAILING him years to get a new tenant. Not

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020

Our camps are games-based,

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Compiled by Judy Leand

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com