IMAGE COURTESY TIA T but alsohow funandsocialitis,” says not onlythefitnessaspect oftennis, gested programformatsthatemphasize RallyTheIndustry.org. location andprogramsforfree at tennis providers shouldregister their court inPlay Tennis Month activities. a combined10millioncaloriesonthe month ofMay isforAmericanstoburn of Play Tennis Month.forthe Thegoal ties areexpectedtorunevents aspart efits. TheTIA says atleast 1,500facili- ‘Play Tennis Month’ inMay Tennis IndustryRalliesfor INDUSTRY INITIATIVES www.tennisindustrymag.com “RallyTheIndustry.org alsohassug- To supportPlay Tennis Month, Industry the sportanditshealthben- nis Month” tohelpshowcase promoting May as“Play Ten - ennis industry partnersare Information tohelpyou runyour business

helps to support PHIT America. helps tosupport PHITAmerica. programming. Play Tennis Month also Cardio Tennis challenges, sessionsand with participatingfacilitiesoffering May 5isNationalCardioTennis Day, burn acombined1millioncalories. Also, isforparticipantsto where thegoal National CampusinOrlando, Fla., session onApril20attheUSTA will includeamassive CardioTennis part ofPlay Tennis Month.” ers canofferany programsthey’d like as Tennis on60-foot courts. “Butprovid- PlayTennisFast programmingandPOP Tennis sessions, Try Tennis Free and Among suggested formatsareCardio TIA Executive DirectorJolyn deBoer. The lead-uptoPlay Tennis Month

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at TheTOMConference.com. paddle, pickleballandpadel.Register forms oftennissuchasPOPTennis, demos anddiscussions forshort-court digital andsocialmediadiscussions. technology, networking sessions, and sions, presentations onequipmentand leadership and facilitymanagementses- Challenge,” bestpractices roundtables, also beaResource Center, an“Innovation sessions offering CEUcredits. There will tured attheTOM, withmanyeducational outside ofthetennisindustrywillbefea- decision-makers. owners, managers andindustry The TOM isgeared fortennisfacility business leadership anddevelopment. and willfocusoninnovation, growth, at WildDunesResort inCharleston,S.C., Managers (TOM) Conference is April 8-11 begin at 7 p.m. and showcase two matches begin at7p.m.and showcasetwomatches regardless ofweatherconditions. number ofmatchesplayedonschedule, a retractable roof, sothere willbealarger the newLouis Armstrong Stadium willhave at theUSOpen.Like ArthurAsheStadium, second stadiumwillfeature anightsession day andnightsessions—thea firsttimethat Armstrong Stadiumwillnowholddedicated will haveanewdailymatchschedule. Stadium, theUSTA saysthe2018USOpen the new14,000-seatLouis Armstrong National Tennis Centerandtheopeningof transformation oftheUSTA BillieJeanKing April 8-11 inCharleston Fifth TOM Conference New DailyMatchSchedule US OpenAnnounces Thefifth annual Tennis Owners&

Thanks tothecompletionofstrategic The TOM alsowillfeature on-court Top expertsandconsultants insideand Night sessions inLouis Armstrong will Both ArthurAsheStadiumandLouis

April 2018 TennisIndustry

7 IndustryNews

USTA MAS says the new complex for the fi rst six days of the Open. Approxi- will be "an incredible place to learn, play and celebrate tennis." mately 7,000 of the seats in Armstrong will be open to all ticket holders for both the day and night sessions, while the remaining seats will be reserved for those with a dedicated Louis Armstrong Stadium ticket for the respective session. In Arthur Ashe Stadium, the day ses- sion will now begin at noon and include two matches. The night session in Ashe will continue to be comprised of two matches, and will begin at 7 p.m.

USRSA Names Nate Pagel FACILITY CONSTRUCTION New Associate Director Mid-Atlantic Section Plans $15 Million Tennis Facility

he USTA Mid-Atlantic Section will build a $15 million headquarters and state-of-the-art tennis facility in Prince William County, Va., the section announced in February. The non-profi t organization says it planned to close on 46 acres in the county’s T Innovation Park in Manassas in March for a reported $2.25 million. The new 105,000-square-foot complex, with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, will be Nate Pagel built in phases, with completion expected by December 2021. Eventually, the com- plex is expected to have 40 employees; the section currently employs 30. Its current Nate Pagel is the new associate headquarters is in Reston, Va., but it has no tennis facilities. director of the USRSA. Pagel is a recent The section says the new facility, across from the George Mason University graduate of the Professional Tennis Science and Technology Campus, will be “a vibrant destination for sports and Management Program at Ferris State wellness.” USTA MAS expects the complex will host USTA programs, tournaments, University in Big Rapids, Mich., where recreational and public tennis play, and special events. The new facility, located he earned a Bachelor of Science close to an aquatic and fi tness center and a performing arts center, will be part of degree in Business/Marketing/PTM. a “sports and entertainment district.” The section estimates the new complex will “We are thrilled to have Nate join contribute $12 million in annual economic impact to the county. our team," says USRSA Executive Director Bob Patterson. "He will be involved in all facets of our operation and will be a vital part of continuing to grow the USRSA as we serve the tennis People and racquet sports industries." Watch Pagel is a USRSA Master Racquet Technician, earning that certifi cation in 2015. Although a recent graduate, Longtime USTA Middle States staff Peg Connor is the new executive he has gained experiences within member Ben Zislis is the new executive director of USTA Wyoming, in the USTA the industry working at a variety of director for the section. Intermountain Section. clubs, academies and organizations throughout his college career. PTR CEO Dan Santorum joined the Las Vegas coach William Elmore is the USTA Southern Hall of Fame in January. new USTA Intermountain Section Tennis Stich, Sukova to Join Service Representative for Nevada. Hall of Fame in July Former No. 1 player Chris Evert is a new Germany's Michael Stich, a Wimbledon spokesperson for Osteo Bi-Flex joint care International Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy champion and former world No. 2, and supplement and will help reinforce the Austin has been named Tournament Czech tennis legend Helena Sukova, a brand’s commitment to leading the call Honoree for the 118th Ojai Tennis Tour- 14-time major champion in doubles and for movement. nament, which runs from April 25 to 29. mixed doubles, will be inducted into the

International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2018. USRSA COURTESY MID-ATLANTIC, USTA COURTESY

8 TennisIndustry April 2018 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

Stich and Sukova join an elite group of just over 250 individuals hailing from Short 23 nations who have received the honor. Sets They will be inducted in the Player Cat- egory. This is not a year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame's other two categories, The U.S. Davis Cup team will meet last Tennis: Europe, a specialist in student- Contributor and Wheelchair. year's runner-up, Belgium, in a World athlete tennis travel. The agreement The induction ceremony will be July 21, Group quarterfi nal match April 6-8, to will see PBI and Tennis: Europe initially during Hall of Fame Weekend in Newport, be played in Nashville, Tenn. The U.S. cooperate on a specially designed R.I. Visit tennisfame.com for more info. defeated Serbia, 3-1, in the fi rst round. European tennis tour geared toward students between the ages of 13 and USPTA Submits Application Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment 18 who participate in PBI’s worldwide for Accreditation to USTA Center in Dorchester, Mass., recently tennis club programs. In other news, The USPTA has formally submit- was awarded two grants from the Boston PBI will direct the tennis program for ted its application for accreditation Police Department. They provided the Centre for Sports Excellence in to the USTA. In December, the USTA $56,000 in funding for the Volley Against Bangalore, India. announced the creation of a tennis Violence program, which was launched coaching accreditation program for organizations and institutions that at Sportsmen's in 2009 and has received The San Francisco Recreation and Park certify U.S. tennis professionals, with its primary funding since inception from Commission’s Capital Committee has the goal to set mandatory standards the Tufts Medical Center Foundation. approved a design for renovations to for the development of those new to the Golden Gate Park Tennis Center and the profession while including Peter Burwash International (PBI) $3 million toward the project’s $26.3 on-going coaching education for all has announced a partnership with million estimated cost. certifi ed professionals who are mem- bers of accredited organizations. “We are excited to partner with the USTA as we continue to develop tennis- teaching professionals and coaches,” says USPTA CEO John Embree. “Accreditation with the USTA will of- fer the opportunity for collaboration between the two organizations.”

TI’s Jeff Williams Named USTA Eastern Man of Year

Jeff Williams

Tennis Industry publisher Jeff Williams, the president of the Tennis Industry Association, received the 2017 Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man of the Year Award by USTA Eastern in January. Williams was recognized for his sustained involvement in growing the game through his pioneer- ing entrepreneurial pursuits and leader- ship over several decades that have made signifi cant contributions to the sport locally, nationally and internationally.

“This sport has been an incredible TIA COURTESY

10 TennisIndustry April 2018 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

driver for me,” Williams said. “I was PADDLE SPORTS this little kid from a little farm town, and tennis helped build up my self-esteem while Former Tennis Champ Signs teaching me many important life lessons, including how to deal with adversity and perform under pressure.” With Pickleball Company Williams began selling advertising for Tennis Industry shortly after graduating from the University of Florida, and by 1985 he had become owner, publisher and editor. He also serves as publisher of Tennis magazine and Tennis.com, a role he took on in 2001. A member of the TIA Board of Directors since 1990, he began serving as TIA president in 2016. He also has been an active member of numerous tennis organi- zations, including the USTA, USTA Eastern and ASBA.

Indian Wells Tennis Garden To Host Major Pickleball Tourney

Russell headlines a growing list of former tennis professionals Pickleball will come to IWTG this fall. who have joined the pro pickleball ranks. In a major development for the sport of pickleball, the USA Pickleball Associa- elkirk Sport, a manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, has signed tion has signed a five-year deal with the former Wimbledon doubles champion JoAnne Russell to its Professional Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the Cali- Pickleball Advisory Staff. fornia facility to host the USAPA National InS her 13-year pro tennis career, Russell reached a singles ranking of No. 22 in Pickleball Championships starting this 1983 and won two WTA tour events in 1984. As a doubles player, she won four WTA fall. The National Championships, the titles, including the 1977 Wimbledon doubles championship, teaming with Helen premier USAPA sanctioned event for the Gourlay Cawley to beat Chris Evert and Rosie Casals in the first round, and then sport, will be held Nov. 2-12. upsetting top-ranked Martina Navratilova and Betty Stove in the final. Home to the BNP Paribas Open, the Today, Russell, from Naples, Fla., is a tennis and pickleball instructor, in addition Indian Wells complex currently has no to competing on the pro pickleball tour. Last April, she and partner Gee Gee Garvin permanent pickleball courts, but indus- won a doubles gold medal at the 2017 US Open Pickleball Championships. try insiders indicate that may be chang- ing soon. Indian Wells Tennis Garden owner Larry Ellison, who plays pickleball will automatically accept all passing test quet service around the world.” himself, also owns land next door to the applicants with a pre-approved, top-level “We’re extremely excited to continue as tennis facility. The complex currently dealer account, which includes substantial the Official Supplier to the USRSA,” Parry runs pickleball programming on lined dealer discounts on product, to help them in says. “I’ve been a USRSA member since tennis courts. their business. 1982. The focus of the USRSA perfectly “Pacific and Global Brand Manager mirrors that of the Pacific brand, and we’re Pacific to Continue as Tom Parry have been staunch supporters of proud to remain a critical link in the USRSA’s USRSA Official Supplier the USRSA and our Certification Program,” testing chain.” The USRSA and Pacific are continuing says USRSA Executive Director Bob Patter- their partnership in which Pacific serves as son. “Our USRSA certifications involve not Citi is New Sponsor the Official Supplier for the USRSA Certifi- only an extensive written examination, but For ‘Taste of Tennis’ cation Program. In addition to continuing also practical testing of the applicant’s skills. Citi will serve as the title sponsor of the to provide test materials for the practical We are honored to have Pacific as a partner Taste of Tennis event series through 2019.

AP; SELKIRK SPORT sections of the Certification Exams, Pacific in our efforts to raise the standards of rac- Citi Taste of Tennis events took place in

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2018 TennisIndustry 11 IndustryNews

Wilson created 20 commem- March in Indian Wells and Miami, and orative racquets to celebrate Federer's 20th Grand Slam. will be held July 30 in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the Citi Open, and Aug. 23 in New York City, just before the US Open. The four-city tour brings together professional athletes, top local chefs and luxury brands for evenings of gourmet food, interactive sponsor experiences and appearances by the world's best tennis players. Frequent celebrity guests have included Serena and Venus Williams, Bob and Mike Bryan, Feliciano Lopez, Ivo Karlovic, Lucie Safarova, Eugenie Bouchard and Ekaterina Makarova. Visit tasteoftennis.com for addi- tional information.

PTR Names Award Winners At International Symposium The Professional Tennis Registry MANUFACTURERS presented its annual awards Feb. 13 during the annual International Tennis Wilson Honors Federer Symposium. The Symposium, which included more than 40 educational pre- With Platinum Package sentations for tennis coaches, was held on Hilton Head Island, S.C. Among those honored were: o honor Roger Federer’s 2018 ball and a box to display the racquet and • Hall of Fame Class of 2018: Luciano Australian Open title, Wilson ball. The package also includes a series Botti, Italy has created an exclusive 20th of mini-posters documenting Federer's • Professional of the Year: Luigi Bertino, Grand Slam Platinum Edi- 20 Grand Slam titles, a photo of Federer Italy tion T Racquet Package, which includes a holding the commemorative racquet • Touring Coach of the Year: Marc Lucero, special Pro Staff RF 97 Autograph rac- and a certificate of authenticity. Manhattan Beach, Calif. quet in a glittering, platinum-colored Ten of the packages will be offered on • College Coach of the Year: Avi Kigel, paint. Only 20 of these Grand Slam Plat- rogerfederer.com, with proceeds going Barry University, Miami Shores, Fla. inum Edition Racquet Packages were to the Roger Federer Foundation. Nine • High School Coach of the Year: Calvin created, each individually numbered will be sold on wilson.com/RF20, with C. Davis, Charlotte Country Day School, and autographed by Federer. proceeds going to charities. Wilson Charlotte, N.C. Each package includes a Federer- planned to give away one of the pack- • Wheelchair Professional of the Year: signed Australian Open Wilson tennis ages via social media. Sarah Casteel, Greenville, S.C. • Young Professional of the Year: Kelly Sykes, Alexandria, Va. • Clinician of the Year: Ben Hestley, Atlanta, Ga. • Volunteer of the Year: Lamar Scott, Atlanta, Ga. • Humanitarian of the Year: Habtu Afework Belayneh, Boynton Beach, Fla. • Public Facility of the Year: Marguerite Tennis Pavilion, Mission Viejo, Calif. • Private Facility of the Year: Miller Tennis Center, Williamsville, N.Y. • PTR/USTA Service to the Community: Larry Haugness, Battlefield, Mo. • PTR/TIA Commitment to the Industry

Award: Ajay Pant, Chaska, Minn. WILSON COURTESY

12 TennisIndustry April 2018 www.tennisindustrymag.com LOVE LOVE Club members and students will LOVE facing off against the phenom. You will LOVE The PTR also named its State Mem- bers of the Year: offering the added advantage. • Alabama: Jessica Weyreuter • Arkansas: Chris Stuart • California: Marty Woods ®

• Florida: Fernando Salazar ® follow lobstersports on play more. win more. • Georgia: David Araiza • Illinois: Nancy Hoekstra For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com • Kentucky: Meg Peavy • Maryland: Spyke Henry • Massachusetts: Timo Siebert • Minnesota: Christing Nickels • New Mexico: Nancy Keeran • New York: Steve Carberry • North Carolina: Jim Scott • Ohio: Alvin Cheng • Pennsylvania: Jimmie Nigro • South Carolina: Craig Wells • South Dakota: Jessie Daw • Tennessee: Joe Goldthreate • Texas: Jack Foster • Virginia: Rob Carvajal • Wisconsin: Scott Meixl

USRSA Names New Master Racquet Technicians • Samuele Gherardini, Italy • Eric Johnson, Seattle, Wash. • David Terry, Lexington, S.C. • Cristina Walters, Avon, Conn.

USTA Pro Circuit Kicks Off 39th Season The 39th season of the USTA Pro Circuit kicked off in January and will feature more than 90 events this year and total circuit prize money of more than $3 million. The USTA Pro Circuit is the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world. Events include nine women’s tournaments at $80,000-plus in prize money and six men’s Chal- lengers at $100,000-plus. More than 30 events are also expected to take place on clay, which ties in with USTA Player Development’s goal to emphasize the importance of increased training for younger players on clay. New this year, each USTA Pro Circuit tournament will be activat- ing the USTA’s “Net Generation” and offer activities that give local children an opportunity to be involved with professional tennis and interact with tennis’ rising stars. Visit procircuit.usta.com.

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2018 TennisIndustry 13