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Contents Contents RSI NOV/DEC 2012
FEATURES INDUSTRY NEWS 24 Healthy Tennis With 1.3 million participants after just 7 USPTA names seven years, Cardio Tennis continues to John Embree as new CEO improve and grow—benefiting con - sumers and providers. 7 Task force to look into 28 New Fashions Spring to the Net! single teaching pro group Colors, styles and patterns make their marks in playable soft fabrications that 8 Hingis, Stich among are tough on the court and kind on the Hall of Fame nominees body. 30 A Driving Force 8 ASBA Tech Meeting After 30 years at the helm of the in Orlando USPTA, Tim Heckler’s departure leaves some impressive tennis shoes to fill. 9 Gamma introduces new 34 Pro Actions RZR Bubba frame Tennis Hall-of-Famer Gigi Fernandez 9 7 facilities gain USTA honors brings her talents to bear on a new state-of-the-art facility in Connecticut. 9 PTR, Norwegian 36 Shopping Centers Federation sign deal Tennis facility pro shops are having to change with the times, and it’s the con - 11 Antigua tennis announces sumer who is determining the direction. 2013 apparel line 38 The Inside Story Thanks in large part to the vision of for - 11 Racquet Art to mer USTA President Alan Schwartz, the distribute Ardor strings NTC’s Indoor Training Center is a year- round boon for tennis. 13 SGMA launches rebranding plan 14 Dunlop announces 2013 racquet range 16 USPTA recognizes leaders in tennis
DEPARTMENTS 21 Retailing Tip 4 Our Serve 22 Tennis & Health 7 Industry News 30 Pioneers in Tennis 15 Community Tennis 40 Ask the Experts 17 Tennis Retailers 42 String Playtest: Gamma Zo Dart 17 19 TIA News 44 Your Serve, by Jon Vegosen 2 2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
Our Serve Common Goals (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry ) Publishers t the TIA Tennis Forum, held in New York City just David Bone Jeff Williams before the US Open, TIA President Jon Muir present - Editorial Director ed a slide to the 300-plus industry leaders, teaching Peter Francesconi pros, manufacturers, retailers and others in the room that [email protected] said the TIA will be working with the USPTA and PTR to Associate Editor A Greg Raven form a task force to look into forming a more unified teach - ing pro network “that can strengthen the position, econom - Design/Art Director ic growth, and industry impact overall for coaches and Kristine Thom tennis professionals, as one organization.” Contributing Editors Robin Bateman Finally, someone decided to put aside politics and say publicly what many in Cynthia Cantrell this industry have been thinking and talking about privately for years: Let’s get Joe Dinoffer together and look into how we may be able to have one unified teaching pro orga - Kent Oswald nization. A single organization has been the elephant in the room for decades. Bob Patterson Politically, all of us in this industry, myself and RSI included, have tended to tread Cynthia Sherman a fine line, not taking a stand publicly one way or another. Mary Helen Sprecher Tim Strawn But let’s open our minds for minute. For teaching pros and coaches, a unified organization may well provide them with the credibility they deserve for the hard RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY work and dedication they put in. It can provide a clear pathway to education and Corporate Offices certification that is understandable by the public and that this entire industry can PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 endorse and promote. Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 Email: [email protected] For consumers and recreational players … I don’t think most know enough Website: www.racquetTECH.com about each of the two teaching organizations to really care. Worse, though, two Offic e Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time separate entities probably are confusing to most players (and especially to begin - ners), who can’t make sense of different terminologies, methods and defini - Advertising Director tions—and can’t figure out which is “better.” John Hanna From a manufacturers’ and organizations’ point of view, there are a lot of 770-650-1102, x.125 [email protected] advantages to dealing with and supporting one, rather than two, teaching pro groups. In fact, here’s a direct comparison: In 2003, manufacturers were support - Apparel Advertising ing two industry magazines: Racquet Tech (the publication of the USRSA) and Cynthia Sherman Tennis Industry. At the urging of the major manufacturers and others in the 203-263-5243 industry, we merged to form Racquet Sports Industry . Manufacturers continued [email protected] their reach into the industry audience, but with greatly reduced costs; we bene - Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per fited from pooling our resources. It was the right thing to do and formed a year: monthly January through August and combined stronger publication all around. issues in September/October and November/ The USTA has shown great restraint in not stepping in years ago and—like December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO Box 3392, every other country in the world—certifying pros on their own and running a Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage paid at teaching pro organization. I’m sure from a USTA viewpoint, they’re thinking Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS #004-354). Nov/Dec 2012, Volume 40, Number 10 © about how much further along important initiatives would be if there weren’t the 2012 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights confusion, entanglements and duplicate efforts of different organizations looking reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are for their slices of the pie. trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone Muir said the goal of the Task Force is to have recommendations for next advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation steps by the end of this year, adding, “This is a great opportunity for us to initiate and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions something that can be very positive for the industry and strengthen the delivery $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box system.” It’s time now for healthy, constructive, politics-free conversations. 3392, Duluth, GA 3009.
Peter Francesconi Editorial Director RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
RSI NOV/DEC 2012 IINNDDUUSSTTRRYY NNEEWWSS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS Task Force to Look Industry Veteran John Embree Named Into Single Teaching As New CEO/Executive Director for USPTA Pro Group ndustry veteran John Embree is the new CEO/Executive Director of the U.S. Professional Ten - TIA President Jon Muir said the nis Association. Embree will take the administrative reigns from Tim Heckler, who will retire TIA will work with the USPTA Iat the end of the year, after 30 years in the position (see page 30). and PTR to form a task force After interviewing several candidates in conjunction with the search firm that will look into the possibility GSI Executive Search Inc., the USPTA Search Committee offered the posi - of creating a single, unified ten - tion to Embree. The contract was ratified by the USPTA Executive Commit - nis teaching professional organi - tee in late August. zation. “I began my tennis odyssey during college as a teaching professional in Muir made the announcement to Virginia. After more than three decades of working in the sport that I began more than 300 tennis providers, playing at 6 years old, my career has come full circle, back to my foundation teaching pros, coaches, facility as a grassroots advocate. I am thrilled to have been chosen to help lead the managers, retailers, media and USPTA in the years to come,” said Embree. industry supporters at the TIA Tennis Forum in New York just “We are pleased to welcome John into the USPTA family. His vast tennis before the US Open, which was industry expertise, contacts, and company management skills will serve the part of The Tennis Show (see USPTA well,” said USPTA President Tom Daglis. page 20). Embree has held a variety of tennis industry roles, including serving as president of Prince Sports, The Americas; president of Balle de Match; and vice president/general “The goal with a single organi - zation would be to strengthen manager, Racquet Sports Division for Wilson Sporting Goods. Most recently, he launched a tennis the position, economic growth consulting practice. His client list included the USTA, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Peter Bur - and industry impact overall for wash International, Off the Grid Technologies, and Donnay USA. coaches and tennis pros,” Muir Embree has served on many national USTA Committees, including the USTA Nominating Com - said. “It’s a great opportunity for mittee in 2005-2006 and currently as the vice chair of USTA Professional Circuits Committee. In us to initiate something that can addition, he recently served as presidential appointee of the Board of Directors of USTA Middle be very positive for the industry States section, is a past member of TIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, member of and strengthen the delivery the Board of Directors of American College of Sports Medicine Foundation, and past president of system.” the Chicago Tennis Patrons Foundation. Muir acknowledged that talk of He says one of his proudest achievements in tennis was the creation of the USTA Adult League a unified tennis teaching pro Tennis program in 1980, when he served as the first USTA Adult League Tennis Administrator for group tends to be “politically two years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, and charged,” but he said, “There’s was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. no secret agenda here. It’s about having a stronger teaching pro segment. It’s a critical delivery USTA Announces Slate for 2013-2014 Board of Directors system for our sport and con - sumers.” he USTA nominating committee announced the following slate of officers and board members for the 2013-2014 term. Initial talks took place during the Officers—President: David A. Haggerty, USTA Middle States; First Vice Presi - US Open. By the end of 2012, T Muir said, he hopes a task force dent: Katrina M. Adams, USTA Eastern; Vice President: Thomas S. Ho, USTA Texas; can “deliver a clear recommen - Vice President: Donald L. Tisdel, USTA Pacific Northwest; Secretary-Treasurer: Patrick dation for next steps. We really J. Galbraith, USTA Pacific Northwest. want to lay out a simple process Directors at Large: Alexander Boyd Andrews IV, USTA Southern; Joan E. Baker, USTA Northern; of engagement with both organ - Raymond Benton, USTA Mid Atlantic; Mark D. Ein, USTA Mid-Atlantic; Andrew A. Valdez, USTA izations. It’s purely exploratory to Intermountain; Jeff Williams, USTA Eastern; Todd Martin, Elite Athlete, USTA Florida; Chanda R. say, let’s sit and talk.” Rubin, Elite Athlete, USTA Southern; Brian Vahaly, Elite Athlete, USTA Mid-Atlantic
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 NOV/DEC 2012
S Hingis, Stich Among Nominees for Hall of Fame High School Tennis Still a
W artina Hingis, a former world No. 1 and the winner of five Grand Slam tournament sin - Top 10 Sport, Says NFHS E M
N gles titles; the 1991 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2 Michael Stich; and ennis has long been popular among Y the great Czech doubles player Helena Sukova, winner of 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles
R Thigh school students, and this year
T and mixed doubles, are among the Recent Player nominees for induction into the Inter - looks to be no exception. According to S national Tennis Hall of Fame.
U a survey conducted by the National In the Master Player Category, Thelma Coyne Long of Australia, who captured 19 Grand D Federation of State High School Asso -
N Slam titles between the 1930s and 1950s, has been nominated. Additionally, three indi -
I ciations (NFHS), which tracks sports viduals have been nominated in the Contributor Category: ESPN's longtime tennis broad - participation at the high school level, caster Cliff Drysdale, tennis promoter and industry leader Charlie Pasarell, and Ion Tiriac, tennis remains in the top 10 for both the Romanian tennis player turned influential player manager and tournament promoter. boys and girls. Voting for the 2013 ballot will take place over the next several months. The Induction Each year for more than two Ceremony will be July 13, 2013, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. decades, the survey (which reflects the previous school year; in this case, the ASBA Technical Meeting Nov. 30-Dec.4 2011-2012 academic period) has he American Sports Builders Association Technical Meeting shown more kids overall playing Tand Trade Show will be in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 30-Dec. 4, at sports than the previous year. This the Doubletree Hotel at Universal Orlando. year is no different, with another all- The agenda includes presentations that relate to tennis, time high of 7,692,520. track, field and indoor construction. Tennis topics include fencing and custom fence Tennis is the eighth most popular design, asphalt installation practices, acrylic cushion systems, dealing with club com - boys' sport in terms of player num - mittees, and a tennis roundtable. There also will be a preparation course for the Certi - bers, with 159,800 players. Among fied Tennis Court Builder exam. The keynote speaker will be Steve Gilliland. girls, it is the seventh most popular For more information, visit www.sportsbuilders.org. sport, with 180,870 players. Overall, tennis showed a decline Novacrylic Ultracushion Selected for Fed Cup Final over some previous years (in 2009- 2010, for example, there were he Novacrylic Ultracushion system manufactured by Nova Sports USA of Milford, Mass., 162,755 boys playing, and 182,395 Thas been selected for November’s 2012 Fed Cup final between the Czech Republic and girls). Team tennis, however, grew; in Serbia. The Fed Cup defending champions Czech Republic will host the event at Prague’s 2011-2012, there were 36,160 boys, 17,000-seat O2 Arena. and 37,223 girls, as compared to the The championship match will be played on an ITF classified category 4 cushion system 2009-2010 totals of 28,904 boys and consisting of five blended EPDM/acrylic rubber coats followed by two coats of the Combi - 30,818 girls. nation Surface color coating system. Prague’s O2 Arena is the third Davis/Fed Cup venue The full survey, including interac - in 2012 to be played on a Novacrylic brand surfacing system. For more information, con - tive participation results, is available tact [email protected]. free of charge at www.nfhs.org (click on "Participation Data"). Dynamite String ‘Family’ Allows Customized Play Ashaway Racket Strings says the range of characteristics available in its Dynamite fam - USPTA to Offer ily of Zyex-based tennis strings allows players to customize the response of their rac - PlayDev Workshop quets to maximize performance. The multifilament Zyex cores balance toughness, touch and tension holding, says the company, while the various core packages and he USPTA will hold its Player gauges allow players to fine-tune power and durability. TDevelopment Conference in At 1.15 mm (18-gauge), Dynamite 18 Soft is one of the thinnest strings on the mar - Naples, Fla., Dec. 7-9, with the ket, and is designed to provide a softer feel yet still generate power and an optimum theme, “The Spanish Way to Devel - ability to spin the ball. Utilizing a special multi-stranded monofilament construction that op Players.” Featured speakers at increases power and toughness, the 16-gauge (1.30 mm) Dynamite 16 Tough is the event will include Emilio Sanch - designed to provide power and ball control for players who hit the ball hard and tend es Vicario, Luis Mediero and Derek to break strings. The middle member of the fam - Touchette. ily, 1.25 mm (17-gauge) Dynamite 17 Natural, Visit www.uspta.com to view the has been engineered to optimize power and complete course schedule. For resilience, while providing a softer, more natural more details and to regiser, visit gut-like string bed with a crisper feel and the www.sanchez-casal.com, call 239- power to hit deep fast shots. 641-0010 or email florida@ Visit www.ashaway.com. sanchez-casal.com.
8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS
Gamma Introduces New USTA Honors 7 Facilities With ‘Outstanding’ Awards RZR Bubba Frame he USTA announced seven winners of its 31st annual USTA Facility Awards Pro - amma Sports has introduced the Tgram, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis Gnew RZR Bubba super-oversize rac - facilities. Each facility was honored at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York quet, with a 137-square-inch head and City on Sept. 2. The 2012 winners are: featuring “RZR Advanced w Public Courts: Large Tennis Centers (11 or more courts): The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt Aerodynamics.” Community Park – McKinney, Texas The company says the w Educational Institution: Wake Forest Tennis Complex – Winston-Salem, N.C. new frame has the w Private Facilities: Charlotte Country Club – Charlotte, N.C.; Ellis Tennis Center – El largest sweetspot of any Paso, Texas; Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort – Tucson, Ariz.; legal racquet in the game, Sea Colony Resort – Bethany Beach, Del.; The Haig Point Club – Daufuskie Island, providing outstanding S.C. power and fewer mis-hits. To be considered for an award, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a parks Gamma says RZR Advanced and recreation department, an educational institution, a non-profit corporation, or Aerodynamics is the set of private or commercially-owned and operated facilities that offer both USTA and pub - unique design characteristics lic programming designed to grow tennis. that allow the Bubba racquet to Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to channel and displace air, allowing site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations more acceleration and speed in for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of the natural swing, minimizing signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services drag, making the racquet easy to and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in USTA programs. swing on any shot from any angle. The RZR Bubba weighs 9.6 ounces USPTA Provides Logo Program for Members unstrung and is 29 inches long. Sug - gested retail price is $219.99. Visit The USPTA has a logo program for all professional-level www.GammaSports.com. members in good standing, which will provide access to the USPTA certified professional logo. The goal is to help members promote themselves as a USPTA professional, promote US Open Reaches Millions their events and build the USPTA brand. of Fans Worldwide Once the logo agreement is signed, members have access to the logo in various formats and sizes to use in many ways. espite rain moving both the men’s Members are encouraged to use the logos on email signatures, promotional fliers for Dand women’s US Open finals back a their club/facility, to promote their tennis programs, on social media platforms, such day, television viewership of the three- as their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, etc. set women’s singles final featuring Ser - To access the logo program for USPTA members, go to http://documents.uspta ena Williams defeating Victoria .com or the member login page, sign in and click on the My Membership tab and then Azarenka on CBS Sports was the high - on membership documents. The link to the certified member logos is at the bottom est since 2002, with 17.7 million view - of the page. If a member is current on dues and is also a Master Professional or Tester, ers watching all or part of the match, he/she will gain access to those logos as well. says the USTA. The men’s five-set match in which PTR, Norwegian Federation Sign Partnership Andy Murray captured his first Grand Slam victory by defeating Novak uring Wimbledon, representatives of PTR and the Norwegian Tennis Federation Djokovic was seen by 16.2 million D(NTF) signed a two-year partnership agreement in which PTR will provide educa - viewers on CBS Sports, the most view - tional services and all full-time tennis ers to watch a men’s singles final since coaches in Norway will become mem - 2007. The tournament was broadcast bers of PTR. “At the Norwegian Tennis in 180 countries. Federation, we see our partnership with Also, total attendance at the Open PTR as another indication of our resolve was 710,803, the fifth time it’s been to improving tennis in Norway,” said above 700,000 for the two weeks of the Erik Solberg, NTF Vice President. A goal tournament. The official website, of PTR President Jorge Andrew is to USOpen.org, generated more than 325 expand PTR’s role internationally. In million page views and was accessed photo are, from left, Solberg; Oivind by more than 11.7 million visitors Sorvald, NTF Director of Sports; worldwide. Andrew; and Dan Santorum, PTR CEO.
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 NOV/DEC 2012
S PEOPLEWATCH
W • Rob Scott is the new executive director of the USTA Intermountain Sec - • Leo Alonso of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been appointed to the PTR’s E tion. Board of Directors. Alonso, a PTR Master Professional, has been a member of N
Y the organization for more than 30 years, and has served as the Official Rep -
R • At the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting held during the US Open, Barbara resentative for PTR in Argentina since 1995. T
S Lawrence of Toledo, Ohio, was honored with the USTA Service Bowl Award,
U and Andre Agassi of Las Vegas received the USTA President’s Award. • General Ann E. Dunwoody, alumna of the State University of New York at D Cortland Class of 1975, received the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s high - N
I • Head has reorganized responsibilities within the company and will merge est honor—the 2012 ITA Achievement Award. The award honors past partic - the Customer Service and Communications areas. Allison Barnett will ipants in the world of varsity tennis who have achieved excellence in their become Customer Service and Communications Manager and will oversee chosen careers. the daily operations of both areas. • Kaitlin Flaherty is the new assistant director of the PTM program at • Ray Moore has been named CEO of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Methodist University, working for director Tom Daglis. Flaherty is completing the BNP Paribas Open. Moore has been involved with the event for 25 years her MBA degree at Methodist, was a former student association as a former owner and managing partner. He’ll report to owner Larry Ellison. president for PTM and played No. 1 on the women’s team.
• Ralph Shaw is the new Dunlop territory manager for the Southwest. He’ll • South African native Steve Host, PTR, and a USTA High handle racquet sports accounts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas Performance Coach, is the new director of competitive tennis and Southern Nevada. Also, Kit Rohm and Vicky Franz are new Dunlop terri - at the Midland Community Tennis Center in Midland, Mich. tory managers for Southern California. • Former University of Tennessee Head Women’s Basketball • Former USTA President Mervin A. Heller Jr. died Aug. 22, following a pro - Coach Pat Summitt received the Billie Jean King Legacy Award, which hon - longed illness. He was 65. ors individuals whose outstanding courage and contributions have helped to change the global cultural landscape. At its 2012 USTA ICON Awards, the • U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Kappes (ret.) of San Diego, a member of the USTA’s association posthumously honored 2012 International Tennis Hall of Fame Community Tennis Association Committee, received the Navy Region South - inductee and wheelchair tennis pioneer Randy Snow and former USTA CEO west Fleet, Fighter, Family Champion Award in a ceremony aboard the USS and pioneer of the Diversity and Inclusion Department at the USTA, the late Midway on Oct. 13. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that Lee Hamilton. are providing outstanding support to the fleet, sailors and their families. Kappes has been instrumental in the USTA’s tennis-related military outreach • Bob and Mike Bryan and Samantha Stosur have received the first-ever US efforts. Open Sportsmanship Awards, presented to the male and female professional tennis players who best demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship through - • Andy Murray became the first British man since Fred out the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open. Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam singles title, beat - ing fellow Head player Novak Djokovic in the 4-hour, • Dorothy Watman Levine Kohl of Palm Beach, Fla., (formerly of Chicago 54-minute US Open final in five sets. Murray plays and Milwaukee), one of the top U.S. women players in the 1950s, will be with the YouTek IG Radical Pro, and Djokovic uses the inducted into the 2012 USTA Midwest Section Hall of Fame on Dec. 1 in YouTek IG Speed MP. Indianapolis.
• Serena Williams beat fellow Wilson player and world no. 1 Victoria • Dennis Rossi, owner of American Tennis Courts in Baltimore and a former Azarenka in the US Open women’s singles final in three sets. Williams, who ASBA board member, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 30. has 15 Grand Slam titles, uses the Blade Team racquet, and Azarenka the Juice 100. • Dennis Novikov, of San Jose, Calif., swept the USTA Boys’ 18s National Championships singles and doubles titles, and Victoria Duval, of Bradenton, • American Samantha Crawford of Atlanta captured the 2012 US Open Fla., won the singles title at the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships in Girls’ Junior Championship with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over No. 12 seed Anett August, earning wild card entries into the main draws of the 2012 US Open. Kontaveit of Estonia. Crawford, who currently trains at the USTA National Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla., is the second consecutive American to • Oren Motevassel of Sunnyvale, Calif., won the men’s open title at the win the US Open Junior Girls’ title, and the third in the past five years. USPTA International Championships in September in Monterey, Calif. He also won the Men’s 40 singles title. • Head Penn Racquet Sports signed a long-term sponsorship contract with Nick Montalbano, an up and coming star on the men’s professional racquet - • Players for the sixth annual BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square ball circuit. A New York native currently attending college at Colorado State Garden, on March 4, will be World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, Wimbledon cham - University–Pueblo, Montalbano finished the 2011-2012 season on the Inter - pion and Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams, Olympic bronze medalist national Racquetball Tour (IRT) ranked No. 33. Juan Martin del Potro, and 11-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS Antigua Tennis Announces 2013 Apparel Line Racquet Art to Distribute he Antigua Group Inc., known in the golf apparel, sports licensing Ardor Sports Strings in the U.S. Tand casual wear business for over 30 years, has launched its 2013 line of men’s and women's tennis apparel, in three collections: Per - acquet Art, which manufactures custom racquet stencils formance, Essentials and Outerwear. Contemporary styling and Ras well as premium stencil inks in both solvent- and high-tech performance feature prominently, with Antigua's Desert water-based formulas, will be the exclusive distributor of Dry and Desert Dry Xtra Lite (D2XL) technical fabrics, the Ardor Sports (ardorsports.com) products in the U.S. Ardor company says. Sports makes tennis strings. “Choosing stylish colors and designing contemporary “We are excited to now be in a position to provide the pieces that match well is important with any women's tennis industry in the U.S. tennis line,” says Ron McPherson, president and CEO with an exceptional product at of Antigua Group. “But the apparel must also stand up a fair price,” says Michael to competitive use. Our new women's line not only Waroff, owner of Racquet Art. does that, but our proprietary fabrics can help your Ardor Sports offers strings tennis game by keeping players dry and cool.” ranging from synthetic gut in The Performance collection for women consists of four colors to its “Twisted 5” seven items, ranging from polos to skorts to jackets. co-poly. Racquet Art will mar - Most come in at least five color options. The Essentials ket the strings to retailers, pro- collection is made up of eight different tops, some avail - shops, coaches and stringers. able in as many as 22 colors. The Outerwear collection In related news, Klip has four tops, including hoodies, half-zip fleeces and Europe will be the exclusive European distributor of Racquet long-sleeve full-zip jackets. Some are available in as Art products, which allow players to customize their rac - many as 26 colors. quets with creative stencils, ranging from their initials to var - Antigua, which was the official apparel of the 2012 ious designs, and include 10 ink colors. Family Circle Cup, also offers a custom embroidered For more information, visit racquetart.com or email logo program. Visit www.antigua.com for more information. [email protected].
Hall of Fame Names New Board and Officers Collegiate All-Star orporate leaders, a tennis industry veteran, and a former WTA star are Team Members Picked Camong the eight individuals who have been elected to the Board of he 29th ITA Collegiate All-Star Team includes the Directors of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. The new Tnation's top-ranked men's and women's players board members were announced at the Hall of Fame's Annual Meeting in from the year-end Campbell/ITA College Tennis Rank - New York City in early September. ings, as well as winners of the 2011 USTA/ITA National The newly elected board members are Jim Citrin, senior partner at the Indoor Intercollegiate Championships and 2012 global executive search firm of Spencer Stuart; Marianne Gaige, president NCAA Division I Championships. & CEO of Cathedral Corporation; Jim Goldman, president & CEO of Godiva w NCAA Div. I Singles—Men: Steve Johnson - University of Chocolatier; David A. Haggerty, current first vice president of the USTA, Southern California, Mitchell Frank - University of Virginia, incoming president of the USTA, and former chairman of Head USA; Bob Eric Quigley - University of Kentucky; Women: Nicole Jeffrey, chairman and CEO of JWT Worldwide; Stephen Lewinstein, owner Gibbs - Stanford University, Marta Lesniak - Southern of the real estate investment and development firm of Stephen R. Lewin - Methodist University, Beatrice Capra - Duke University stein Associates and part owner of the Boston Celtics; Betsy Nagelsen- w NCAA Div. I Doubles—Men: Chase Buchanan/Blaz Rola - Ohio State, Steve Johnson/Roberto Quiroz - University of McCormack, a former top-25 player on the WTA Tour, and wife of the late Southern California, Raony Carvalho/Gonzalo Escobar - Mark McCormack; and Mark J. Panarese, managing director of Rockefeller Texas Tech University; Women: Nicole Gibbs/Mallory Bur - Financial. dette - Stanford University, Kaitlyn Christian/Sabrina San - "Our new board members bring a variety of expertise and talents to the tamaria - University of Southern California, Sofie organization and their active participation will be very helpful in our efforts Oyen/Allie Will - University of Florida to preserve the history of tennis and to provide a premier landmark for ten - w NCAA Div. II—Men: Georgi Rumenov - Armstrong Atlantic nis fans, while honoring the game's greatest champions and most influen - State University; Women: Annie Hwang - Brigham Young tial contributors to the game of tennis," said Christopher E. Clouser, University-Hawaii chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. w NCAA Div. III—Men: Dillon Pottish - Emory University; In addition to the new members of the Board of Directors, the following Women: Gabrielle Clark - Emory University officers were elected for two-year terms: Christopher E. Clouser as chair - w NAIA—Men: Bruno Tiberti - Oklahoma Christian Universi - ty; Women: Ana Veselinovic- University of Auburn-Mont - man, Mark L. Stenning as chief executive officer, Stan Smith as president, gomery Donald L. Dell as vice chairman, Barbara A. Georgescu as vice chairman, w NJCAA—Men: Memford Owusu - Georgia Perimeter Col - Nancy von Auersperg as treasurer, and Peggy H. Woolard as secretary. lege; Women: Kerrie Cartwright -Tyler Junior College
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/Decemberr 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11 NOV/DEC 2012
S SHORT SETS Ashaway Calls New W > USTA Player Development has released 10 those who might not otherwise have the E and Under Tennis Competency videos to pro - chance to play. Tennis Strings N
Y vide coaches, players and parents with a ‘Manmade Natural Gut’ R source on fundamental guidelines and skill Venus Williams led the Washington Kas - T > n a recent column on his company's S proficiencies that young players should learn tles to their second consecutive World
U I prior to progressing from one play format to TeamTennis title in September with a 20-19 website, Ashaway Vice President D Steve Crandall says newly developed
N the next. The videos can be found in the victory over the Sacramento Capitals at the I “about USTA,” “player development” area of Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C. tennis strings made from a polymer USTA.com. Williams was also named the Finals MVP, material called Polyketone, or PEEK, winning her sets in women's doubles, mixed play more like natural gut than any > Spain knocked the U.S. out of the 2012 doubles and the decisive final set of other synthetic string yet devised. Davis Cup with a 3-1 semifinal win in mid- women's singles. According to Crandall, the key to the September on a red clay court in Gijon, Spain. gut-like playability of these strings, Spain will face the Czech Republic in Novem - > IMG has partnered with Sergio Tacchini which Ashaway markets under the ber in the Davis Cup final. The U.S. will host to bring back the tennis and sportswear brand names Dynamite and MonoGut Brazil in the first round of the 2013 Davis Cup, brand in major markets around the world. ZX, is their "dynamic stiffness." to be held Feb. 1-3 at a location to be deter - Crandall's tennis stringing tips mined. > TennisHub (www.TennisHub.com), columns, including "Ashaway's Zyex- designed to help tennis players find more Based Tennis Strings: the New 'Man - > Prince has renewed a partnership with playing opportunities by arranging play and made Natural Gut,'" can be found at record-breaking American doubles team and booking court time, is now live. “Players can www.ashawayusa.com/TennisTips.php. 2012 US Open Men’s Doubles Champions create games, publish their desire to play and Mike and Bob Bryan. The Bryan Brothers will share games with both their social network continue to use Prince’s EXO3 Rebel 95 rac - and tennis community, and it’s fully integrat - MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS quet and Beast XP string. The Bryans have ed with Facebook,” says founder Eddie Ross. FOR SALE: Babolat Sensor Expert won 12 Grand Slam titles, more than any other team in the Open era. Prince also > The credential lanyards used during the with Cabinet: $2500 or best offer, renewed its deal with top American player 2012 US Open were made from recycled ten - Babolat Star 4 without stand: $1500 John Isner, who uses the EXO3 Warrior 100 nis ball cans and lids. Insignia Promotions or best offer, Babolat Star 5: $2000 frame. President J.T. Marburger collected more than or best offer, Babolat RDC, new ver - 600 pounds of tennis ball containers and lids > The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt Community from the USTA from the 2011 US Open and sion with Blue Case: $2000 or best Park in McKinney, Texas, received the USTA worked with a recycling center to turn the offer. For additional details, email: Featured Facility Award, which was presented material into recycled polyester that was [email protected] at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting held during then weaved into the lanyards. Visit the US Open. insigniapromo.com.
> The U.S. Quad Doubles wheelchair tennis > For the second consecutive year, the U.S. team of David Wagner and Nick Taylor were has won seven cups at the ITF Super-Seniors recently selected by the U.S. Olympic Commit - World Team Championships. The 2012 event, Congratulations To the Following tee as the 2011-2012 Paralympic Team of the the 32nd edition of the championships, was For Achieving MRT Status Year. Wagner and Taylor are the first Quad held in Umag, Croatia, and consisted of 186 wheelchair tennis players to be recognized by teams from 35 countries competing in 10 the USOC for this honor. The duo won the dou - age categories from 60 and over to 80 and bles gold medal at the recent Paralympics in over. London, and in singles, Wagner won the silver and Taylor the bronze. The American Sports Builders Association > New MRTs (ASBA), the national organization for Randy Houston Palm Desert, CA > The USPTA raised $7,582 from its silent builders, designers and suppliers of materials Christopher Kuehn Champaign, IL auction held at the Tennis Buying Show during for running tracks, tennis courts, sports fields Dan Swanson St. Paul, MN the USPTA’s World Conference on Tennis in and indoor and outdoor synthetic sports sur - Nathan Frank Bryn Mawr, PA September in Monterey, Calif. The auction faces, has announced the publication of the Stockton Morris Bryn Mawr, PA benefits the USPTA foundation, which sup - seventh edition of “Running Tracks: A Con - Daniel Schank Chesapeake, VA ports various programs in the community that struction and Maintenance Manual.” Visit Ricardo Rodrigues Dipold BRAZIL help to grow tennis and bring the game to www.sportsbuilders.org.
12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/Deember 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS
SGMA Launches New Strategic 5 Teams Win Inaugural National Family Plan and Rebranding Tennis Championships Tournament in Florida The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Associa - he National Family Tennis Championships celebrated its pilot year of play tion (SGMA) unveiled its new rebranding Tas 18 husband/wife and parent/child teams from seven states competed in effort that will change its name to the Sports & the national championship tournament at the Waldorf Astoria in Naples, Fla., Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The move in September. will also include a new website, national advo - After three days of fun and competitive tennis, teams in five divisions left cacy campaign, research initiative, supplier Naples with the title “2012 directory and thought leadership programs National Family Tennis The decision followed a two-year strategic Champion.” These include: review and planning process that led the w Father/Son: Brad & Ben - organization to refine its mission statement, jamin Goodman (age 15) of core services and communications platform to Birmingham, Ala., and the focus on promoting sports and fitness partici - Hoover Country Club pation and industry vitality. w Mother/Son: Kathy & Chris - “Traditional concepts of ‘sporting goods’ tian Smith (age 14) of and ‘manufacturers’ have evolved while our Austin, Texas, and the Cir - terminology has not,” says Tom Cove, SGMA cle C Tennis Club president and CEO. “Thus, the change from w Mother/Daughter: Marcy & ‘Sporting Goods’ to ‘Sports & Fitness’ is more Samantha Hirschberg (age definitive about our inclusion of brands con - 14) of Alpharetta, Ga., and nected to fitness and active lifestyle products. the South Fulton Tennis The change from ‘Manufacturers to ‘Industry’ Center embraces a broader community including sup - w Father/Daughter: Andrew pliers, brands, major sports and fitness retail - & Evan Lake (age 14) of ers and partners—a much clearer reflection of Davie, Fla., and the Laud - our current and future membership. erdale Tennis Club “This is not a change in philosophy for our w Husband/Wife: David King and Kimberly Cashman (above) of Clearwater, organization as we already have many mem - Fla., and the Harvey L. McMullen Tennis Complex. bers in these categories. It is simply a more “This was a phenomenal event,” said Brad Goodman, who teamed with his accurate and transparent indication of the son Benjamin to capture the Father/Son title. “It was great to play tennis with industry segments that we serve,” Cove adds. my family and meet other families with a similar passion for tennis.” The rebranding process includes a new mis - The 18 teams earned an invitation to the national championships after sion statement developed by the Board of participating in local competitions. For more information, visit www.Fami - Directors: To Promote Sports and Fitness Par - lyTennis.com. ticipation and Industry Vitality. This translates to focusing the new SFIA on four core product areas: Thought Leadership & Events, Public & Industry Affairs, Member Services and ITA Names Leadership & Sportsmanship Winners Research Insights. he Intercollegiate Tennis Association recognized recipients of the 2012 Several new initiatives are planned includ - TArthur Ashe Jr. National Leadership and Sportsmanship Awards at the ITA ing: Awards Luncheon hosted by the USTA before the US Open. The award takes • Innovative Thought Leadership programs into account a player's tennis accomplishments, scholastic achievements and led by the 2013 SFIA Industry Leaders Sum - extracurricular endeavors. The recipients are: mit, scheduled for September 25-26, 2013. w NCAA Div. I—Men: Ryan Thacher - Stanford University; Women: Caroline • A national campaign to grow sport and fit - Newman - College of Charleston ness participation: PHIT America w NCAA Div. II—Men: Tyler McCullough - West Liberty University; Women: • A new “member friendly’” website: Kara Murphy - Bentley University www.SFIA.org w NCAA Div. III—Men: Will Petrie - Williams College; Women: Cze-Ja Tam - • A comprehensive SFIA Supplier Directory Carnegie Mellon University • A new “Grassroots Sports Participation in w NAIA—Men: David Spennare - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; America” research report Women: Jordan Kimura - Concordia University-Irvine • Content enhancements and design updates w Junior/Community College—Men: Simon Bardell - Meridian Community to our weekly e-newsletter, InBrief College; Women: Gienna Gonnella - Santa Rosa Junior College • Major upgrades to the Product Testing mem - ber benefit
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13 NOV/DEC 2012
S Dunlop Announces 2013 Racquet Range W
E unlop has brought out six new racquet models for 2013, including four entirely new frames. The N Dracquets also feature three new Biomimetic technologies. Y
R Each new racquet starts with either an “F,” “M,” or “S,” signifying a players’ swing speed and style. T
S F stands for Fast/Full, M stands for Medium/Moderate, and S stands for Short/Slow. The numbers have
U been changed from hundreds to a decimal system to signify the new molds. D The new frames are the 3.0 racquets—F3.0 Tour (right), M3.0, S3.0 Lite—which Dunlop says N
I enhances spin and power; the 6.0 frames—M.6.0 and S6.0—which build on the inaugural 600 Bio - mimetic racquets played by tour players Dominika Cibulkova and Tommy Robredo; and the S8.0 Lite, designed for players with shorter or slower swings. The new Biomimetic technologies are Aeroskin, which Dunlop says reduces drag; BioFibres, which are plant stem fibers woven in the throat and handle that the company says are stronger than steel and lighter than carbon and help to minimize shock; and Molybdenite (MoS2), in the new grommet system, which reduces string friction. Visit www.dunlopsports.comfor more information.
Hinding Refurbishes Highland Park in Brooklyn ust before the start of the US JOpen, newly refurbished ten - nis courts were unveiled in Brooklyn, N.Y.'s Highland Park, as part of the Fresh Courts pro - gram, which is a partnership between American Express and the USTA to support local tennis in communities across the U.S. Hinding Tennis of West Haven, Conn., renovated the 18 courts, which included eight courts for Youth Tennis. For information, visit www.HindingTennis.com.
14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Community Tennis 9 Reasons Park & Recs Should Team Up with CTAs BY ROBIN BATEMAN
educed budgets. Smaller, over - to help out, whether it’s volunteering to Teaming up with CTAs gives Parks worked staffs. Shortened hours of man a tournament desk for 12 hours or tennis facilities eligibility to fund proj - operation. All these factors press helping to sweep the courts after an ects for equipment, resurfacing, 36- and Parks & Recreation Departments into event. For municipalities, the CTA dedica - 60-foot blended lines, major center Rexploring various methods to make ends tion to volunteerism helps out an over - improvements, fencing, and blueprints meet. When it comes to tennis, though, worked Parks Department staff. for new tennis centers. In addition, a developing relationships with local Com - CTA hook-up means free marketing munity Tennis Associations can help a Programming and events materials and program resources. rec department save money, increase Nationwide, CTAs are paramount to suc - programming, fill their tennis courts, and cessful tennis programming. As USTA Economic Impact open the doors for grants and scholar - members, they coordinate, run, and With successful programming, your ships. organize leagues, tournaments, round entire community stands to benefit. According to the USTA, 70 percent of robins, 10 and Under Tennis, classes for After matches and lessons, players eat all tennis is played on public-park courts. Special Olympics and wheelchair play - at local restaurants, shop at nearby In addition, CTAs are charged with devel - ers. They can provide tennis for kids as stores and, if you've organized a week - oping and promoting tennis at the grass - young as 3 to seniors in their 90s. end tennis event, may book hotel roots level. When a Park & Rec rooms in your area. In other words, a Department and a CTA team up to offer thriving tennis calendar brings an eco - tennis, the entire community benefits. Stay current with a national tiein nomic impact your entire city will If you are with a Park & Rec Depart - With a CTA on board, your programming appreciate. ment, here are some specific reasons will stay current with USTA national that you’ll want to get together with your trends and initiatives. "The USTA's com - Community local CTA. mitment to support our parks deliver More than money, CTAs care about their tennis is unwavering,” says David Slade, neighborhoods. In New Haven Conn., Advocacy the USTA’s National Manager for CTAs for instance, the Parks Department and Tennis courts and facilities need and Tennis in the Parks. New Haven Youth Tennis & Education improvements, upgrades, refurbishing paired up to help kids on and off the and equipment replacement. Asking tennis courts. elected officials for large sums of money Scholarships to conferences and workshops "This program is successful because can prove daunting. No one sings the Your staff can qualify for USTA confer - it is a true community partnership praises of the game louder than tennis ence and workshop scholarships, such as between the parks, the schools, the CTA players themselves. CTA members can Recreational Coach Workshops, Recre - and the New Haven Open at Yale (a pro - grab the ears of city council members ational QuickStart Tennis Workshops, fessional tournament)," says NHYTE and other community members for and the USTA Community Tennis Devel - Executive Director John Pirtel. Through “yes” votes when allocating funds for opment Workshop. the partnership, kids not only learn and tennis. play tennis and benefit from a healthy, Grants Awards and lifetime sport, but also they develop key Networking Facility Assistance education and life skills. Not only do tennis players form close- CTAs mean money. "Registered CTAs Remember, both Parks agencies and knit relationships, they represent the have access to resources from the CTAs have rules and regulations they pulse of many communities. CTAs, with a USTA's national, section and district must abide by. Communication is a key quick email blast, can spread whatever offices," says Kurt Kamperman, the factor in obtaining a successful partner - word tops your current agenda. USTA’s chief executive of Community ship. In the words of Scott Hanover, ten - Tennis. "Partnering with a CTA can nis director for Plaza Tennis Center, a Volunteers open up some important grant and park & rec facility in Kansas City, Mo.: CTA members are passionate about their scholarship opportunities for park & rec "Parks plus CTAs equals tennis for every - sport and often jump at the opportunity agencies." one ." w www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15 NOV/DEC 2012 S W
E USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis at World Conference N
Y he USPTA honored tennis coaches, players and volunteers during its annual national awards breakfast at the USPTA World R
T T S Conference on Tennis, held Sept. 16-21 in Monterey, Calif. U
D w Doris Hart of Coral Gables, Fla., and teaching professionals who make an Coach of the Year N I Pancho Segura of Carlsbad, Calif indelible mark on their communities. w William Wickenheisser, Whippany, N.J. became part of an elite group as w Kyle Kaneshiro of Honolulu, Hawaii, – High School Coach of the Year grand inductees into the USPTA’s Hall received the Lessons for Life Individual w Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, Va. – of Fame. Hart, who won 35 Grand Award. George Bacso Tester of the Year Slam titles during her career, has been w Dave Neuhart of Madison, Ga., also a tennis-teaching professional and a received the Lessons for Life Individual The following have been named Player USPTA member since she retired from Award. of the Year in their respective divisions: the tour in 1955. Segura, who was a w Jackie Roe of Greenville, Del., received w James Daly, Tyler, Texas – Men’s Open former leading player of the 1940s the Tennis Across America Individual w Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Men’s and 1950s, joined the USPTA in 1946. Award. 35-and-over He was widely credited with helping w Angel Lopez of San Diego, Calif., w Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla. – Men’s develop the young Jimmy Connors. received the USPTA Diversity Award. 45-and-over w David Porter of Laie, Hawaii, received w Dee Henry of Norwalk, Calif., received w Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas – Men’s the association’s top annual member the Manager of the Year Award – Small 55-and-over award, the Alex Gordon Award for the Facility. Henry is the tennis director at w Agata Cioroch, Atlanta, Ga. – Women’s USPTA Professional of the Year. Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. Open w Geoff Griffin of San Diego, Calif., is w Trent Schiek of Tyler, Texas, received w Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla. – the recipient of the USTA/USPTA Com - the Manager of the Year Award – Large Women’s 35-and-over munity Service Award. Facility. Schiek is the former general w Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas – Women’s w Ken Sumrow of Plano, Texas, is the manager of Hollytree Country Club in 45-and-over recipient of the USPTA Industry Excel - Tyler, Texas. lence Award, which is sponsored by USPTA divisions receiving awards are: the TIA and supported by Tennis Tutor Other honorees are: w Texas Division – Large Division of the ball machines. w Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas – Tour - Year w Catherine Thomas, of Mason, Ohio, ing Coach of the Year w Southwest Division – Small Division of received the USPTA Star, recognizing w Ron Albers, Vincennes, Ind. – College the Year w Southern Division – Most Improved Two Earn USPTA Master Professional Honor Division of the Year w Southern Division – Newsletter of the ark Centrella of Wilmington, Del., and Gary Trost of Nichols Hills, Okla., were Year Mrecognized for achieving USPTA Master Professional status, the highest USPTA professional rating. Only about 1 percent of USPTA’s more than 15,000 members worldwide have achieved the Master Professional designation. Phillip Receives Centrella is the director of racquet sports at Greenville Country Club in Wilming - ton, Del. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 18 years. Trost is the direc - Top Education tor of tennis at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, in Nichols Hills, Okla. He has Credit Honors been a certified USPTA professional for 25 years. he USPTA honored William TPhillips from Lafayette, La., as the top credit earner in USPTA’s Career Development Program. Phillips, a USPTA-certified P-1 and member since 1986, earned 88 continuing education credits, the most in the 2011 program. Other top education partici - pants for 2011 include: Jeff Roth - stein, Feisal Hassan, Ken DeHart, Alan Cutler, Craig Wells, Bill Mecca, Andrew Minnelli, Andrea Barnes, Zwelo Khupe, Kevin Jack - son.
16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Tennis Retailers ------TIA Forming Retail Division he TIA is working with retailers Bruce Levine of Courtside to create a TIA Retail Division Racquet Club, Lebanon. Twith a mission that aims NJ; Woody Schneider of ··w promote the economic vitality New York City Racquet of tennis retailers and the sport" Sports; Steve Vorhaus of through a unified effort involving all Rocky Mountain Racquet segments of the induSLry. Specialists, Boulder. CO.; "Our industry has never had a j ay Townley, retail recailer division or association. and consultant with we think this effort will help bring a the Gluskin Townley unified. strong voice co tennis retail Group; and Marty that ca n help us grow the game at Mohar, the TIA's Retail all levels ... says TIA President j on Development Manager. Muir. ··when tennis retailers grow "As a vo ting member and prosper. it helps to lift the whole of the TJA Retail industry." Division, you'll be According to the TIA, the goals of involved in a unified the new Re tail Division include: effort to help boost Increasing the awareness of tennis retail in the the value and needs of tennis U.S., determine key retailers. focus areas of the Improving the sustainability tennis industry. and economic vitality of tennis and promote the rerailers in the industry. growrh of rennis," says Jolyn de Boer. Providing an educational "Plus. you'll receive many direct to more than pathway and mentoring system benefirs and cools rhat can move S 1.000 worth of benefits to enhance business and career your business forward." (For a list of and services. is S 150. For more opportunities. benefits, see page 19 .) information, visit TennisRecailers.org. Promoting a passion for Voting membership in the TIA tennis and promoting tennis Retail Division, which includes access RSI will be following the participation and involvement formation of the TIA Retail with industry initiatives. Division as it takes shape and "As the TIA Retail Division takes reaches out to retailers. shape. we expect it will provide greater representati on in the industry for ten nis retailers. and will help identify areas where the TIA can focus its efforts to help the retail segment grow... says TIA Executive Director jolyn de Boer. The initial task force for the division will include members from the TIA Retail Advisory Panel: Ken Arnold of Swetka's Tennis Shop. Mountain View. CA: Brad Blume of Tennis Express. Houston, TX: Dan Kester of I Play Tennis. Atlanta. GA;
As a voting member of the TIA Retail Division, you' ll be part of a unified effort to THE TIA RETAIL help boost tennis retail in the U.S., help determine key focus areas of the tennis industry, and help promote the growth of tennis. A standard TIA Retail Division DIVISION voting membership, which includes TIA membership at the Industry level, is MEMBERSHIP $150-an investment you'll get back many times over with all the great benefits and services you'll receive (see below). As a member of the TIA Retail Division, ADVANTAGE not only will you help move your own business forward, you'll be involved in moving this industry forward, too. To get involved, contact Marty Mohar, TIA Retail Development Manager, at [email protected] or 843-473-4505.
Downloadable " Retail Manager's Manual," including free access to future updates to the manual. (value: $35)
Retail "tips" articles and newsletters, providing key, current information. (value: $50)
Discounted access to a " retaiJ assessment program" to evaluate and help improve your current operation. (value: $50)
Tennis Participation Study: Topline report shows important trends in play frequency and participation overall to help in forecasting for your business. (value: $500)
State of the Tennis Industry: Highlights consumer demand, helps you to target your markets and w ill help in planning inventory levels. (value: $250)
Subscription to RSI magazine (value: $50), along with discounted advertising rates.
Preferred placement on the industry's " Retail Locator," which appears on sites such as playtennis.com and 10andUnderTennis.com, so consumers can easy find your business and the products/services you offer.
" PartnerShip" shipping discount program on select FedEx services that Shipping Discounts could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. Take advantage of savings on inbound and outbound shipments. including up to 70% off select programs.
10 and Under Tennis Retail Tool Kit that includes a Growth Chart wall poster, copies of the " Parents' Guide to Youth Tennis," an "Authorized Dealer" door sti cker, web banners, logos. postcards and more.
Member Card Services, including reduced credit-card processing rates that could save you hundreds each year.
Tennislnsure custom insurance programs, created for business, health, rJTennislnsure liability, property, auto, umbrella and Workman's Comp requirements.
..-- Prime placement in the TIA's weekly Careers In Tennis Job Alerts and Careers unlimited use of the job posting service. •w••:•:u1
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . .. Grow the Game . . . www.Tennislndustry.org November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19 Hundreds Gather for The Tennis Show 2012 in NYC
The tennis industry came together in New York City, "State of the Tennis Industry" report by TIA President just days before the US Open began, for The Tennis Jon Muir, and an update on Youth Tennis and other key Show 2012, a one-day celebration of the sport that initiatives to grow the game by USTA Community Tennis included hundreds of tennis providers, teaching pros, Chief Executive Ku rt Kamperman. Then former pro and coaches, facility managers, retailers, media and industry current TV tennis analyst Brad Gi lbert introduced his supporters. Held at the Grand Hyatt New York, it was the former coach, Bollettieri, who accepted a plaque as the first industry-sponsored tennis show since 2000. newest inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame. "The activity at the show and the excitement for tennis Plans are in the works for The Tennis Show 2013, and the industry that the event generated is something including possibly increasing the number of exhibitors and we plan on continuing-and growing-at The Tennis creating other related events. "We were very pleased Show in 2013, and beyond," said TIA Executive Director by the response we received this year for The Tennis Jolyn de Boer. Show," said de Boer. "To see how positive the attendees Presented by the TIA, in conjunction with the USTA's and exhibitors were was truly gratifying. We have a lot to annual Tennis Teachers Conference, The Tennis Show celebrate in this sport, and we're pleased that The Tennis 2012 featured an exhibitor show, demo court, and the Show is helping to bring out that excitement." TIA Tennis Forum, along with the induction ceremony of For more information about this year's show (including legendary coach Nick Bollettieri into the Tennis Industry short videos from lnTennis on each of the exhibitors and Hall of Fame. a short video from Tennis Channel) and to find out more The TIA Tennis Forum included a welcome by USTA about next year's show, visit TennisShowcom or the Chairman of the Board and President Jon Vegosen, a TIA's website, Tennislndustry.org.
actiVIIJNETWDRK" # sabalaT BOLT_, o;~v,q~p ~ clubAI:.IIDII1l!IIDII A Big Thank You ... l'lc.-1' ,.,...._. ,_.... ~. ... We'd like to thank all our exhibitors and DecoTurf attendees for supporting The Tennis Show ...... -----o...o- HEAD and the tennis industry. We hope to see GAmmA. A Hl 1\iAN PFRI O R\to\N<. f ,.,.. Y '"''''"'r all of you back for next year's Tennis Show j1etJn !!...!'.::!:!! (stay tuned for details). 0 Ai¥C\ ~ MINDSQDV PLAYMAT E P~R. . ,.. ) ~ - -- 10Yifl • .-01111 SPORTS MARI(InNG SURVEYS USA. •. COUIIIT • ~ll-KUm'~ TennTuse. -TENNIS _1 ___ ¥r!GJ! 4lr ••c"•••u ~ - ~ .~~ Tnl._.. ti!JJD ,...,.l47.WW • r • I -- 2Q RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2012 Join the TIA ...• Increase Your Profits ... Grow the Game ... www.Tennislndustry.org Retailing Having a Happy Holiday Coordination and preparation are keys to a successful holiday selling season.
ou’ve worked with your sup - endar filled out, and have your Gift throughout the holiday selling season. pliers and created your Gift Guide on your website in early Novem - Guide, and now it’s time to ber. In-store displays can wait until get your store and staff ready for the after Thanksgiving, but have them Prerpeapre ayoruar tstiooren, y oisur Kstaeffy and your Yholiday selling season. ready to go up as soon as you open for staffing schedule. Preparing your store According to Deloitte, a leading Back Friday—which is the next day. involves planning the in-store displays, consulting firm in the retail and dis - including holiday decorations and mer - tribution industry, holiday sales are chandising, in advance and laying it out expected to increase 3.5 to 4 percent MultiChannel on your planning calendar. Know where this year. Significantly, Deloitte also YMoua prokbeabtlyi nkngow this, but let’s you are going to obtain materials, what forecasts a 15 to 17 percent increase review the key dates for planning your displays you will change and set-up, and in non-store sales this holiday sea - multi-channel marketing for the holi - when and who will do the display work. son, primarily attributable to e-com - days: Nov. 22–Thanksgiving; Nov. 23– Preparing your staff, no matter how merce. Black Friday; Dec. 9-16–Chanukah; big or small, for the 60-day holiday Alison Paul, vice chairman of Dec. 24–Christmas Eve; Dec. 25– shopping season can make the differ - Deloitte, says, “Non-store sales con - Christmas Day; Dec. 26–Kwanzaa; ence between being worn out and har - tinue to outpace overall growth, but Dec. 31–News Year’s Eve. ried and being satisfyingly tired and increasingly influence consumers’ The 60 days from Nov. 1 through feeling you’re in control. Sit down with experience with the retail store— Dec. 31 and the four gift-giving occa - everyone who will be involved and from trip planning, to in-store prod - sions from Dec. 9 to 31 are the critical review your planning calendar and Gift uct research, and post-purchase time frame and focal points of your Guide, marketing plan and store opera - reviews and sharing.” In other direct response mailing and advertis - tions planning, including the hours your words, many holiday shoppers and ing, your website, your special holiday store will be open, to make sure every - gift-givers are going to research and events, both in-store and with partners one is familiar with and prepared for the plan their shopping trips and pur - in the community, and your in-store customers and their questions, the role chases online, so specialty tennis merchandising. they are going to perform, and the retailers need to make maximum Coordinate your holiday merchan - hours they are going to work. use of their websites as a part of the dising and marketing with your Gift And don’t forget the seasonal shop - overall shopping experience they Guide. If you haven’t already done so, per who may not be a tennis player, but provide, including showcasing their sit down with your suppliers’ sales reps is shopping for a gift for a relative or Gift Guides, providing driving direc - and coordinate the merchandise you loved one who is a tennis player. Your tions to their stores and explaining have selected for your Gift Guide with store’s job is to make buying a tennis the tennis products and services they the items you advertise, feature on gift as simple and easy as possible, by sell. your website and display in your store. providing an extraordinary tennis shop - Many holiday shoppers and gift- Sounds simple, but the important steps ping experience! w givers start their research before of making sure you get the most bang Thanksgiving in order to be prepared or sales out of the time and money you For upcoming TIA retail webinars, and to before Black Friday and the actual invest in advertising, promotion, in- view previous webinars, visit tennisindus - start of the holiday shopping season. store displays, your Gift Guide and your try.org/webinars. This means there are 60 days of offi - website by making sure the same mer - cial holiday shopping from Nov. 1 chandise is featured, and available, is This is part of a series through Dec. 31. With this in mind, too often overlooked. of retail tips presented by the Tennis Industry make sure you’ve planned your holi - The last point to coordination is Association and written day merchandise selection with your making sure your suppliers can get you by the Gluskin Townley Group (www.gluskin - suppliers, have your scheduling cal - what you need, when you need it, townleygroup.com). www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21 Tennis & Health USTA Partners to Help Combat Childhood Obesity
BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN
tanding before a panel of notables the USTA’s Youth Tennis program. Gold medalist swimmer Cullen Jones, and the press at the USTA Billie Larry Soler, president and CEO of Part - who helped launch “Make a Splash,” a pro - Jean King National Tennis Center, nership for a Healthier America, gram that educates families, children and USTA Chief Executive for Community expressed the need to reintegrate physical communities about the importance of STennis Kurt Kamperman’s opening activity into the everyday lives of children learning to swim, added, “You have to find remarks regarding the obesity epidemic and families, while inspiring and enabling ways to keep kids active and healthy in a engulfing the country and particularly kids to choose active play and sports. He social setting. The biggest thing is to be America’s youth could not have been also cited the USTA’s commitment of active and most importantly to have a good more timely. Statistics show that in the building thousands of kid-sized courts time doing it.” Bob Harper added that par - last 30 years, childhood obesity has across the country and funding an addi - ents need to get involved with their chil - tripled, resulting in 1 in 3 children being tional $150,000 for new tennis equipment dren and become more active—they must overweight or obese. to support schools and programs that are be the role models; to be part of the solu - The USTA’s Youth Tennis initiative is providing 10 and Under Tennis programs tion, they must do what they want their the single largest initiative in the history for kids kids to do. of the organization, Kamperman said, White House Assistant Chef and Senior Dara Torres noted that it needs to be adding that the USTA is determined to Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives fun for kids so they’ll stick with it. “That’s combat obesity and inactivity in kids in Sam Kass highlighted the fact that the why this USTA program is good for kids, a big way. The USTA initiative also fits in U.S. is spending 20% of total healthcare because they can experience success right with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s costs just on obesity, adding that the cur - away,” Torres said. Move!,” a program that promotes Actress Christine Taylor smiled regular physical activity and and said, “My kids were born into healthy eating for kids. a funny family and none of this The press event, held on Sept. came naturally to us or my hus - 1 during the US Open, helped to band’s (Ben Stiller) family. To make kick off National Childhood Obe - it fun is what it’s all about in my sity Awareness Month. As part of household. To be a part of the the activities, from Sept. 1 USTA 10 and Under initiative was through Oct. 6, families could log just a gift because of my love for onto YouthTennis.com, which list - the game.” ed more than a thousand events Kamperman urged everyone to around the country where kids get involved in addressing the inac - and their parents could experi - tive lifestyle and “repairing youth ence tennis. rent group of young people is the most sports. The rule changes that we’ve put in A superstar panel of experts from the sedentary generation of kids. “We just place allow more kids into the game, they fitness, sports and entertainment worlds have to inspire kids to move more,” he can have fun right away, and part of fun is spoke about the importance of the col - said. “It’s a way of life that we have to having success right away. Tennis will raise laboration of the USTA with the Partner - teach our children—it’s not a choice.” the bar with other sports.” ship of a Healthier America and the The U.S. has an “inactivity epidemic,” At the Youth Tennis clinic afterward, the “Let’s Move!” program. Olympic swim - said Mike Bergeron, the chairman of the kids themselves picked up on the same n
a ming medalists Dara Torres and Cullen National Youth Sports Health and Safety themes the grownups mentioned. “I get to m r
e Institute. He noted that kids who are fit play with my friends,” said 8-year-old Asan -
h Jones, fitness expert Bob Harper and S
a
i actress Christine Taylor were among the perform better in school and on standard - tewa when asked what she liked about ten - h t
n ized tests. He also stressed that sports nis. “And I like that you have to warm up
y dignitaries to lend their voices to this ini - C
y tiative. Following the presentation, the have to be accessible and more inclusive, before you play, and when I don’t play with b
s
o citing the importance of 10 and Under my friends, I play with my Dad—he makes t panelists joined in a mini tennis clinic o h
P with local kids who were participants in Tennis. me run!” w
22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com • TENNIS BALL AND STRINGER OF THE FRENCH OPEN PROGRAMMING
HHWiEEth 1.3AA millioLLn parTTticipaHHnts aftYYer jus t sTTeven EEyearsNN, NNIISS Cardio Tennis continues to improve and grow— benefiting consumers and providers.
IA Cardio Tennis Manager Michele Krause just finished run - 400 pounds, can do Cardio Tennis, anyone can.” ning an afternoon of Cardio Tennis sessions at the grand According to the Physical Activity Council, more than 1.3 opening celebration of the Montgomery TennisPlex in million people are doing Cardio Tennis—a remarkable figure Boyds, Md., outside of Washington, D.C. She finally has a moment when you consider that Cardio Tennis was only created in tTo relax before heading to California for the USPTA World Confer - 2005. (And in fact, participation has been above a million for ence, where she and some of the National Cardio Tennis Speakers the last three years.) Team members will put on morning clinics for the attendees and “I don’t know of any tennis program that, in seven years, offer a presentation to USPTA pros. has had that kind of phenomenal growth rate,” says Jolyn de “Yesterday, we did a great training session for about 20 tennis Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Association, teachers at the new Montgomery County facility,” she says. “And which manages Cardio Tennis. “Clearly, Cardio Tennis is today at the grand opening, we had a lot of people on the courts.” speaking to consumers and addressing what they’re looking Then she talks about one middle-aged woman who had never for in a fitness activity.” played tennis before. “She came for the first session, but was very unsure about Car - dio Tennis and worried that she would look foolish, or not be able The nidena ibse hainnd dCa rFdioi tTneneniss—s emphasizing the fitness to keep up, or just not enjoy it,” Krause says. “But she loved it so attributes of hitting tennis balls in a fast-paced environment— much, she ended up being the first one in line for the second ses - is not new. But the Cardio Tennis program, which got off the sion. We just created another customer for Montgomery Tennis - ground with support from the USTA, standardized the curricu - Plex’s new Cardio Tennis program. lum purpose and components, gave it a great name, and “Many people think they either need to get in shape to do Car - packaged it for consumers. “From there,” says Krause, “it’s dio Tennis, or they can’t do it because they don’t play tennis,” evolved tremendously, and we continue to improve the prod - Krause continues. “That’s just not true. It’s a very safe and healthy uct. In fact, if you were trained to deliver Cardio Tennis five workout for any age, any ability level and any fitness level. or six years ago, you need to go through training again, to be “I always refer to ‘The Biggest Loser.’ Two years ago on that able to deliver the proper product, because so much has been reality TV show, Anna Kournikova [now a Cardio Tennis improved and enhanced.” spokesperson] put the 15 contestants through a Cardio Tennis The driving force behind Cardio Tennis was Jim Baugh, a workout. They weren’t tennis players, yet they were smiling and former TIA president, USTA board member and industry laughing throughout the workout. If those people, weighing 300 to manufacturing executive who now is a consultant in the
24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com sports industry and heavily involved in the health initiative PHIT says. “Some clubs are making $20,000 a month with Cardio Ten - America. nis. Most, though, are offering four or five classes a week and “In 2004, Jim was looking at participation numbers and saw bringing in about $3,000 to $4,000 a month—which is a very rea - that fitness activities were making huge inroads over traditional sonable goal.” sports, and he thought about how tennis could compete with the Midtown Tennis in Chicago brings in $250,000 a year with Car - fitness industry,” de Boer says. dio Tennis, averaging about 900 participants a month, says Alan “Tennis needs to have a piece of the fitness market,” Baugh Schwartz, who founded the club. “Interestingly, many of the non- says. “Cardio Tennis is all about getting a good cardio workout by tennis players end up being converted to regular tennis players” hitting tons of balls. The pro - through Cardio Tennis, he adds. gram’s foundation was based To deliver Cardio Tennis on bringing a whole other Cardio Tennis properly, so participants are get - group of people into tennis, as ting the full benefit of the pro - well as getting players fit and By the Numbers gram, pros need to go through healthy. It’s amazing the suc - w There are about 1,800 Cardio Tennis sites in the U.S. CT training where they learn cess Cardio Tennis has had, w 75 percent of facilities with an established Cardio Tennis pro - how to work with all ability lev - with limited resources, and it gram have been offering it for at least three years els, the importance of playing could be so much bigger if w 79 percent of facilities say CT has benefited them financially, music during CT sessions; using everyone in the industry got mainly through increased program revenue (72 percent) and heart-rate monitors to make sure behind it. Right now, there’s an increased lesson revenue (65 percent). But CT has also increased participants are in their ideal inactivity and sedentary crisis, revenue for courts booked, membership sales, pro shop sales, zones; “cardio blasts” to keep but Americans are starting to and food/beverage sales, too. participants moving; and using get the message that they need w Facilities offering Cardio Tennis average 4 sessions per week. the right Cardio Tennis balls— to get active and fit.” w The average number of participants per class is 7.4 the red ball is used in the warm- “Jim covered a lot of bases w Cardio Tennis brings players to facilities: on average (over the up and cool down, and the to make sure Cardio Tennis last two years) 24 new players and 23 returning players are com - orange ball is used for games, would be well-positioned with ing to facilities for CT, and 22 players are playing more frequent - which keeps players moving and consumers and providers,” ly because of CT. hitting more adds Kurt Kamperman, chief “Using the orange ball is a executive of Community Tennis for the USTA. “After the initial great equalizer,” Krause says. “For lower skilled players, it makes two- to three-year startup, we’ve continued to fund Cardio Tennis it easier, and for advanced players, it’s difficult to hit a clean win - through the TIA, and it’s grown organically. We wanted the health ner, so the ball stays in play longer. The more touches an individ - benefits of tennis out there, and to tap into the ever-growing fit - ual has on a ball, the better they get and the better the workout.” ness market. It’s definitely succeeded on both fronts.” About 70 percent of a Cardio session is game-based, and 30 A Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA—formerly percent is drill-based, notes Krause. “Ball-feeding skills are still SGMA) report says consumers want “group exercise” because it’s important, but not to the extent they used to be. You’re doing drills motivating and has social appeal, plus it is economically attractive. to get participants’ strokes warmed up so they can play games.” Krause also points to a number of other reasons why Cardio Ten - nis continues to grow: w It provides great health benefits: CT is total body and mind “LTahet TeIAs retc oEgnnizehd athen imcpeormtanece nof tpslacing Cardio Tennis on a engagement, so participants are easily able to achieve their effec - technology platform that would allow providers to connect with tive heart rate zones; interval training such as CT is the most players online, fill their classes and effectively manage and grow effective way to achieve heart health and fitness; CT allows play - Cardio Tennis at their facility,” de Boer says. The result was the ers to burn more calories than singles, doubles, and many other Cardio Tennis Invitation System—the same successful invitation fitness activities; it’s a group activity where players of all ability system powered by TenCap Tennis is now powering Cardio Ten - levels enjoy working together; it fights obesity and offers a better nis. fitness option for those not motivated to go to a gym. “We also recognized the need to make sure those providers w Cardio Tennis will improve a player’s tennis: While CT’s primary offering Cardio Tennis stayed current with the program, which has goal is health and fitness, the continuous movement, repetition evolved since its inception,” she adds. Starting last year, Cardio and realistic playing conditions also will improve tennis skills. Tennis introduced Authorized Providers, which are locations, facil - Cardio Tennis is the way to train for tennis. ities or individual pros authorized/licensed to offer CT classes (visit w It attracts new consumers to the game: Cardio Tennis appeals to CardioTennis.com). “Our goal is to maintain quality control so the lapsed players, non-players, the fitness market and to active con - consumer always has a safe, healthy workout and an enjoyable sumers, so it brings in new players looking for fun and a great experience.” workout. It’s also for every level of player, including advanced One of the major benefits of becoming an Authorized Provider and beginners, as well as any ages from 12 to seniors. is gaining access to the Cardio Tennis Invitation System. “I wish I had this technology 20 years ago,” says Krause. “This automated system takes so much of the administrative workload off of the FRore favcielitinesu aned pGroes, nCaerdrioa Tteninisg is a money-maker, Krause tennis professional.” Also available to Authorized Providers is a
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25 new Cardio Tennis Marketing Support Site offering direct mail pieces, posters, fliers, brochures and more. Cardio Tennis has also partnered with Total Health Interactive for “Cardio Tennis Interactive,” a tennis wellness program that has been in trial markets across the country. CTI allows participants to track their exercise, nutrition, goals and results; participate in Cardio Tennis fitness chal - lenges; receive customized programs designed to enhance CT enjoyment, weight loss and more; and gain reward points that can be used to purchase health-and-fitness products. Earlier this year, TRX Cardio Tennis debuted, combining CT with TRX Suspen - sion Training to provide a calorie-burning, ball-striking, aerobic workout that incor - porates strength, muscle endurance, bal - ance and flexibility. And Cardio Tennis has expanded into 30 countries around the world, most notably Tennis Australia, Tennis Canada and the LTA in Great Britain, each of which started national Cardio Tennis pro - grams. In fact, in Australia and the UK, Cardio Tennis is being used as one of two programs in a major drive to increase ten - nis participation. “We think Cardio Tennis is going to be a staple for tennis teaching professionals,” says Dan Santorum, CEO of the PTR. “It’s a good money-maker, and it’s a good way to diversify your lessons—you can get another group of people who are more interested in fitness. It’s definitely here to stay.” “When you look at all that Cardio Ten - nis has to offer consumers and every seg - ment of this industry, it’s really a no-brainer,” says Krause (right). “It will make money for you, it will help create more tennis players and more frequent players, and it will grow our industry. And yes, it will get you fit, healthy and make you a better tennis player.” w
To find out more about Cardio Tennis, visit CardioTennis.com. The website has information on how to become an Authorized Provider, including all the benefits available; training courses; provider tools such as music and heart-rate monitors; TRX Cardio Ten - nis; Cardio Tennis Interactive and “Get Fit” Challenges; and more.
26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com GAMMA 5800 El s
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all Fashion week in New York previews the colors, styles and TTpHHatterns to cEEome for s pringNN, and tennEiEs is no exTTception !w! hen it comes to taking cues from the runway. Pink, aqua, vibrant Fblue, flashes of orange, bright green, black and white combinations, neutrals, and color-blocking make their marks in playable soft fabri - cations that are tough on the court and kind on the body. —Cynthia Sherman
TFhIeL seA ntimental nature of current fashion harkening back to the Art Deco ’20s style shows up this spring in Fila tenniswear. The Heritage collec - tion—in particular this racer-back “carwash” Essenza jersey dress in a poly/spandex blend—takes its cue from the pleated vintage style skirt. An internal bra tank tops the flirty skirt in blue night Calypso Coral and white combination. Retail is $90. wwwFilacom
ATnAimIalL prints are just as hot for spring as they were for fall. Tail capitalizes on this trend by featuring an alluring zebra print dress with built-in bra in soft bloom pink with black. Strik - ing complementary color-blocked classic fitted separates add to Tail’s Animal Instinct line. Price ranges from $49 to $85. wwwTailactivewearcom
28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com www.racquetsportsindustry.com GBreOen LisL baE ck and better than ever in this sleek cut-and-sew one-shoulder citrus color-blocked tank with built-in bra. Paired with a citrus skirt, all in a deliciously soft poly/spandex blend, the outfit also comes in graphite and both pieces together retail for about $120. wwwBolletenniswearcom
BElaLckI ZanAd w AhitUe isD alLwaEysY in style and color-blocking continues its momentum with crisp separates from Eliza Audley. The Over-The-Moon tank is a micro- poly-spandex blend in an optical design. Paired with the staple white A- line skirt available with or without short - ies, the ‘e’ logo is emboldened with Swarovski crystals. Made in the U.S., the top retails for $92; the skirt for $64. wwwElizaAudleycom
PreUttyR inE p inLkI Mand E yes, pink is going strong in this yummy raspberry sorbet and white racer-back tank/skirt outfit from Pure Lime that screams feminin - ity, function and style in a poly/elastine blend. Skirt and top retail for $64 and $68 respectively. wwwPurelimecom
VEeLnuEs VWEilliaN ms’ launch of her EleVen line promises to be a reflection of high fashion and performance wear that can transition from baseline play to off-court easy living. The popu - lar spring color palette for the Color Bloc poly/spandex line is emphasized in a trio of aqua, white and beige dress. The dress, which retails for $88, comes with a built-in bra. wwwelevenbyvenuscom w www.racquetsportsindustry.com www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29 PIONEERS IN TENNIS AA DDRRIIVVIINNGG FORCE FAAfftteerr O3300 yyeeaarrss R aatt tthhee hhCeellmm ooff E tthhee UUSSPPTTAA,, TTiimm HHeecckklleerr’’ss ddeeppaarrttuurree lleeaavveess ssoommee iimmpprreessssiivvee tteennnniiss sshhooeess ttoo ffiillll..
BY PETER FRANCESCONI
hen Tim Heckler leaves the U.S. Professional Ten - Heckler says, “and it eventually exceeded $7 million. We went nis Association at the end of December, it will bring from a negative cash flow to a good cash flow now with a very to a close 30 years as chief executive officer of one substantial set of assets, so the organization is safe and can of the world’s largest teaching pro organizations—an era that sustain any ups and downs that may happen. That is more of hWas seen impressive growth for the association. a legacy than anything. But it was greatly helped by many of In 1982, when Heckler was offered the CEO spot, the orga - our presidents.” nization had four employees and was located in about 1,000 But there are other things Heckler could well point to as square feet of space at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in part of his legacy, starting with the membership records in the Sarasota. “All the USPTA was in those days was a magazine, three shoeboxes. “In 1981, [board member] Mike Eikenberry which was outsourced, a yearly directory, and, its biggest claim came to a meeting in Sarasota and said he had just been read - to fame, three shoeboxes with about 1,800 three-by-five mem - ing about computers on the plane,” Heckler says. “He suggest - bership cards in them,” he says. “That was it. That was the ed they be applied to the USPTA, to help teaching pros with USPTA.” their business, and said, ‘Let’s get Heckler to do it.’ So we got Over the next three decades the USPTA says membership in early computerizing our records.” grew to more than 15,000 members in 66 countries, operating That led to continued expansion into using technology, the on an annual budget of $6.5 million. The association’s equity internet and email-based communications and education for grew from $60,000 in 1982 to more than $4.2 million today, USPTA teaching pros. “I credit our computer technology and including owning the income-producing 80,000-square-foot growth in that area for being our biggest asset,” Heckler notes. Houston building that now houses its nearly 30 employees. The USPTA started to expand its mailing list, which led to “Our total income in 1982 was below half a million dollars,” securing endorsements. (Heckler has presided at negotiations
30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com that have led to more than $40 million in endorsements.) As the more important than our pros making a living. You need to have organization grew, it also started to expand its conventions in great empathy for the pros.” scope and attendance. “Membership started to grow by leaps and bounds. The tennis boom had something to do with that, as did the way our board HPelcakleyr sitnartged oplanyin tg hteneni sT ato ague 3r , in his native South Africa; ran the USPTA,” he says. his mother and father were avid club players. Before age 16, he was winning tournaments for 18-year-olds, then at age 17, he went to England and Europe and played on the tour. He had wins HReackilesr’is nleagde rtshipe o f Lthe UvSePTl A also helped to change the ten - over top 50 players, including the No. 10 player in the world, and nis teaching industry. was able to enter Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships (later “Tim has singlehandedly raised the level of the teaching pro called the US Open) without needing to qualify. in the U.S. with his work ethic, passion and dedication to the Soon, though, Heckler decided to go to the U.S. for college. He game,” says Ron ended up at Lamar Uni - Woods, a past USPTA versity in Beaumont, president and a long - Texas, on a team that, time friend of Heck - in 1960, “beat UCLA, ler’s. “He has really Stanford, USC and all been a force in bring - the big powers,” Heck - ing the tennis pro into ler says. the realm of being rec - Heckler eventually ognized as a true pro - received a degree in fessional in the biology, with plans to community. go to medical school, “Tim modernized but he took a job at MD the teaching pro,” Anderson, a top cancer Woods continues. “He research center in brought us from just Houston. “I started being a ‘glorified ball working in the animal boy’ who feeds tennis lab and became a balls, to being looked senior lab technician, at as a professional. and for seven years did The business aspect of surgery on animals. I it—technology, sharing Tim Heckler with his wife, Renee, and USTA First Vice President Dave Haggerty at the enjoyed it, and kept ideas, the divisions, the recent USPTA World Conference on Tennis in Monterey, Calif. putting off medical world conference—a lot of that was through the efforts and imag - school. Then, I was invited by Dr. Jonas Salk [who discovered the ination of Tim, through his vision and determination.” first polio vaccine] to come to San Diego to work in his institute. Current USPTA President Tom Daglis also praised Heckler’s I had established a very powerful research lab at MD Anderson, role in advancing the USPTA. “As CEO, he raised the USPTA from and Salk had gotten a grant and needed to establish a medical lab childhood to adulthood,” in San Diego. I went there for Daglis says. At the recent three years and established the USPTA World Conference on ‘As passionate as he was for the lab.” Tennis, held in Monterey, In 1971, Heckler ended up Calif., Daglis and the USPTA USPTA, Tim has an overriding back in Houston, and learned of Board of Directors presented a tennis pro job at Westwood Heckler with an award for his passion for the game of tennis,’ Country Club. “I got the job, service, and the retiring CEO and fortunately for me, the ten - also was honored by the past says Schwartz. nis boom started. What I had presidents. predicted I would earn at West - “Tim was a true pioneer in wood quadrupled overnight.” a lot of areas, and he definitely elevated and expanded the role of Heckler became well known in Houston, and as the area grew, he the teaching professional in this country,” says Kurt Kamperman, began working as a tennis consultant, traveling the country and the USTA’s chief executive of Community Tennis, and a past pres - helping to establish facilities. In 1973, he was the consultant and ident of the USPTA. tennis director for the Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King “Match of “Our job,” Heckler says, when asked if he had any words of the Century” in the Houston Astrodome. One project in the Hous - advice for incoming CEO John Embree, “is to try to find a better ton area eventually hired Heckler as general manager. He stayed way of life, a better income, a better working environment for there for eight years and was a part owner. tennis teaching pros. We’re a trade association, and a lot of peo - During that time, he became involved in the Texas Profes - ple think we’re a delivery force. But the delivery aspect can’t be sional Tennis Association, a division of the USPTA. He worked on
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31 several committees, joined the national USPTA board, and moved ‘Tim modernized the teaching pro. through secretary-treasurer, vice president then president in 1980- He brought us from just being a ’81. He applied for, and received, the CEO job in 1982. ‘glorified ball boy’ who feeds tennis Passionate About USPTA There’s little doubt of Heckler’s passion for improving balls, to being looked at as a the lot of teaching professionals and his devotion to the USPTA. “Tim was the No. 1 professional,’ says Woods. ambassador in protecting the interests of the USPTA,” says Jim Baugh, former tennis industry executive, TIA president and USTA board member who now runs a sports consult - tively,” says Alan Schwartz, former USTA board ing business. “He was a great business part - member and president. ner,” Baugh adds, referring to when he was Kamperman echoes the “wartime general” ref - head of Wilson tennis and worked with Heckler erence, citing Heckler’s “analytical approach and and the USPTA. the time and effort he put into preparing for all “Tim was very passionate about USPTA,” adds possibilities.” Dan Santorum, CEO of the Professional Tennis Reg - “Tim is so well respected in the industry, istry. “I’m sure he’ll look back on his accomplish - although he may get at odds with others at ments and take great pride in the fact that the times,” says Woods. “But it’s because he speaks out for our organization came a long way under his leadership.” industry and teaching pros. When you’re wearing that hat and When talking about Heckler, many industry executives choose stand tall in the crowd, that’s when people start throwing snow - their words carefully. While lauded for his devotion to the USPTA balls at the hat.” and the teaching profession, he’s often been criticized for that But, “as passionate as he was for the USPTA,” Schwartz adds, same characteristic, which some cite—off the record—as possibly “he has an overriding passion for the game of tennis.” having a stifling effect within the industry. “Tim has always been a solid rock that we could count on to “Tim is one of the best ‘wartime generals’ I know, and when share his opinions and provide input for industry efforts,” says Jolyn he was at war with the USTA, he really waged war all-out and effec - de Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Association, of which Heckler has been a longtime board member. “He recognized early the importance of getting kids playing tennis, which led to his passion and promotion of USPTA Little Tennis since the 1980s.” Heckler, a USPTA Master Profes - sional, was honored in 2000 as a grand inductee in the association’s Hall of Fame. He also received the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis Educational Merit Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008 he received the highest honor award - ed by the USPTA, the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award. “My future still lies in tennis; I’m not sure how much I’ll actually retire,” Heckler says. While his agreement with the USPTA includes a non-com - pete provision for a year, “I do have some things I’m considering, but I’ll definitely be in tennis.” “Tim thinks differently, and he always thinks big,” says Woods. “So many tennis teaching professionals, whether members of the USPTA or not, have benefited from what Tim has done.” w
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BY KENT OSWALD
ncredible touch, thinking quickly enough to handle every - through when she talks about how she handles the role of thing smacked her way at net or baseline, determination and mom, entrepreneur and team member. belief in herself. Those assets were key to Gigi Fernandez’s Fernandez was in Florida after retirement from tennis, Hall of Fame tennis career. having returned to school to complete first her BA and then an IAnd now, not completely coincidentally, those characteris - MBA. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame with tics provide the perfect foundation the class of 2010, she had coaching as Fernandez takes on the role of in her background at the college director of tennis at a new, ‘We’re all very accomplished and pro level, the former including 400,000-square-foot multi-sport Rollins where she had studied and facility in Connecticut. The new and everyone is happy to be the latter with Sam Stosur and Lisa Chelsea Piers Connecticut (CPC) Raymond when they captured the opened recently in the city of Stam - giving back,’ Fernandez says 2005 US Open doubles title. In ford, a suburb of New York City, addition to other business experi - and is a brand expansion of the of the other Chelsea Piers ence and inspired by newborn highly successful Chelsea Piers twins Karson and Madison, she multi-sport facility in Manhattan. sports directors. had recently produced the video For Fernandez, the touch Baby Goes Pro to introduce tod - comes into play as she works with kids whirling around her dlers to sport basics. All was settled. But plans change. summer camp, to the Cardio Tennis fans and league-playing First, her partner, former LPGA golfer and then senior vice adults filling up the facility’s seven DecoTurf courts, to area president Jane Geddess, took on a new role as director of tal - hopefuls brought to her for evaluation. The flexibility of mind is ent for the Stamford-based WWE. Fernandez figured she tested every few minutes as challenges present themselves in would spend a few years as a suburban New York City mom— getting a world-class program up and running from its July a mom who happened to have the ability to play some fairly debut. The belief in herself—in the ability to have it all—comes high-level tennis, as she did in June at Roland Garros when she
34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com and longtime partner Natalie Zvereva stirred memories of their to the private and group lessons and Cardio Tennis classes avail - non-calendar year doubles Grand Slam while participating in the able from a well-qualified staff. Perrier-Legends Trophy competition. “I always planned to get back “I want this to be the best program in the Northeast,” says Fer - to work when the kids (currently only age 3) went to kindergarten,” nandez. “I think the facility itself is probably the best overall sports she said recently while overseeing the third day of the just opened facility in the country. I’ve never seen anything like it.” w tennis day camp. Photos by Kent Oswald Concurrently, Chelsea Piers was expanding from its NYC base and looking to establish themselves in tennis. The newcomers to affluent Fairfield County were set up and, “I liked everybody that I met with,” Fernandez remembers. “I could create a program from scratch and I wasn’t going into a situation that wasn’t already established. I am an entrepreneur at heart, started a lot of compa - nies [and] I love the start-up mode and the excitement of start-ups. I just thought it would be a good opportunity.” She talks admiringly about the facility’s other directors, how they are at the top of their sports as well and the mutual dedication to making CPC succeed. “We’re all very accomplished and every - one is happy to be giving back,” she says. That there is an onsite pre-school program for her kids was also a selling point. “I can just go down there and see them when I miss them.” So, on the one hand, Fernandez is just one more mom re-enter - ing the workforce. On the other, she has a business and coaching background, as well as being a former No. 1 and dominant tennis force during her 14-year career, with Olympic doubles gold from 1992 and 1996, 17 doubles titles at Majors, and a singles ranking that reached as high as No. 17. She seems well-paired with the CPC facility and her new 65,000-square-foot tennis club. The facility has signed sponsors Sheraton and Harrow, with a search on for sport-specific partners. Within a week of opening there were already 1,700 campers signed up for various programs through the summer and family mem - bership goals with a fall horizon had ‘I hope that we already been met. Not only were there kids with racquets working on basics, draw all the best but also the facility echoed with the sounds of peers pursuing figure kids in the area skating, gymnastics, ice hockey, and I hope to lacrosse, soccer, squash, swimming and volleyball. introduce lots While it is too early to seriously contemplate any of her young charges and lots of kids playing at the highest level, Fernandez is not shy in promising that there will to tennis.’ be Division 1 players to emerge from the program and possibly some who can play at an even higher level. For most students, the aspirations are not as high. “I hope that we draw all the best kids in the area and I hope to introduce lots and lots of kids to tennis. It’s a great sport, a sport for a lifetime that teaches life lessons” including goal- setting, perseverance, dedication, overcoming obstacles and gra - ciousness in defeat and victory. Focus shifts in the fall to adults (whose membership programs begin at $65 a month). Fernandez, who earned her USPTA Profes - sional 1 certification in April, will expand the offerings of morning and evening adult clinics, build a full schedule of intra- and inter - club matches and USTA League play as well as social activities fea - turing the rooftop patio overlooking downtown. It’s all in addition
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35 RETAILING SSHHOOPPPPIINNGG CTCTeennnniiss ffaEaEcciilliittyy ppNrrNoo sshhooppss aTaTrree hhaavviiEnEngg ttoo cchhRRaannggee wwiittShSh tthhee ttiimmeess,, aanndd iitt’’ss tthhee ccoonnssuummeerr wwhhoo iiss ddeetteerrmmiinniinngg tthhee ddiirreeccttiioonn..
BY MARY HELEN SPRECHER
he last time every tennis facility out there could say Larkspur, Calif. "The consumer will determine what you need their pro shop was doing a booming business, sales to carry in accordance with the facility you provide." included cotton alligator shirts and ankle socks with col - ored pom-poms on the back. Business model #1: T"The pro shop used to be the only game in town," says The tennis service center Mike Lissner, senior tennis pro with the Columbia Association Some shops have stripped down their inventory and concen - in Maryland. "When I started in tennis, it was the mid-1970s, trate instead on services to players, such as stringing, and and there really weren't all the stores where you could get the some carry racquets, or will order them for customers. For things you needed." these stores, information and advice are the hot commodities. These days, an internet-savvy public can use online mech - "We have a pro shop, but we don't carry clothes," notes anisms like TennisConnect to book courts, and can buy shoes, Dr. Sophie Woorons-Johnston of Performance Meadows at racquets and apparel online. In addition, just about every city Brookstone Tennis in Anderson, N.C. "I carry what I know: has specialty tennis retail stores as well as large sporting goods racquets, grips, string—the things in my area of expertise." chains and big-box department stores whose sports depart - According to Tim Jachymowski, owner of www.PublicIn - ments include tennis equipment. doorTennis.com in Spring Park Lake, Minn., apparel is a stick - So where does that leave the tennis facility pro shop in ing point for many pro shops. They lack the space to carry a today's industry? variety of colors, styles and sizes, and like any other small "It's still around," says Lissner, "but I think it's the shopping retail establishment, are unable to order the quantities neces - habits of the buyer that are more the issue." sary to offer competitive pricing. In much the same way the tennis industry itself has Jachymowski found stocking and selling racquets unprof - changed through the years, the pro shop has morphed. RSI itable. But, he notes, "People always want advice on what rac - polled industry members to find out what types of business quet to buy, and they'll get it strung here." their facility shops do, and how they are adapting to an evolv - ing industry. Business model #2: Four different business models emerged. There is, howev - The variety store er, one common denominator necessary for any establish - Some stores, in responding to their customers' needs, have ment to survive: a manager who can take stock of what facility found themselves going far outside the lines of the traditional users want, need and use. pro shop. "The reality is this, the direction of any pro shop is deter - "We changed and altered our pro shop," notes Heckelman. mined by the consumer, not the pro or the manager," says "We now call it the Gift Shop and we include anything and Rod Heckelman, general manager at Mt. Tam Racquet Club in everything a member might like: high-end facial products,
36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com wine club, tennis equipment and shoes. For us, what has gone and stringing services, and Reis offers price-matching on most the way of the dodo bird is the items. apparel." She is careful in her lay - Mt. Tam has a variety of out and purchasing choices. facilities, and Heckelman says Men's clothing is near the the key is to consider what front of the store "since men users need. "We have two don't want to go looking" pools, indoor and outdoor, and the clothing for women with a wading pool, so what ("who are much more dis - else do we sell?" he asks. criminating when they "Swimming diapers and sun - shop") reflects Midtown's screen for small children." player demographic, rather than what an edgy 20-some - Business model #3: thing touring pro is wearing. The pro shop as Many pros, including souvenir store Woorons-Johnston, Velasco, For facilities located in resorts Heckelman and Reis, offer or in tennis destinations, says demo racquets (see “Tips Lissner, pro shops play by a dif - From the Front Lines” at ferent set of rules. "Those stores are Tips From the Front Lines left), and can sell or order the racquet serving the vacation trade," he notes. Have a good location: “If a pro shop if a player likes it. "People are freer with their money isn't doing well, we ask ourselves why,” when they're on vacation and they'll says Lynda Reis. “I was just on the The Pro Presence make impulse purchases like a shirt with phone with one club where sales aren't Most of the stores surveyed follow the logo of the place they're visiting." good. It turns out there is construction one of the above business models, but According to Fernando Velasco of going on, so right now the shop is off by some are hybrids, combining various Circle C Tennis Club in Austin, Texas, itself in this little out-of-the-way place elements. All, however, say the advice logo clothing can sell outside the resort where people can't see it.” of a pro is their best weapon and their setting, if it is marketed correctly. "If you stock in trade. have, for example, shirts for league play - Encourage internet use: “We tell our "There is no doubt that we are ers, those can be very successful people to use the internet to find the operating our pro shop differently than because people feel like it's a uniform racquet they are looking for,” says Rod we have in the past," says Mike and they want to wear it. The more Heckelman. “Once they find it, we pro - Woody, executive director of Midland sophisticated your club is, the more the vide that same racquet and add a free Community Tennis Center in Midland, logo will sell." half-hour of court time with the tennis Mich. "We are very strategic in our pur - pro to ensure it is what will work best chases and have chosen to keep our Business model #4: for them. We charge only slightly more inventory lower and do more direct The traditional pro shop than the internet and kick back a little ordering while providing stellar service Yes, it still exists, and yes, it can still to the pro, who often picks up lessons to our customers. Our tactics have flourish. For six years, Lynda Reis has from this. As they buy more products at been our pros who do much face-to- been the pro shop manager at Midtown our shop, people collect points toward a face recommending, monthly demo Tennis Club in Chicago, and has the free string job. This also creates loyalty days, and weekly/monthly promo - additional responsibility of being and traffic. Pro shops need to under - tions." national retail manager for Tennis Cor - stand, like other stores, that people use Choosing a business model for a poration of America. In addition to the internet a great deal for conve - new store is a challenge. Jorge Andrew, overseeing her own 800-square-foot nience and not just for savings. It does - director of tennis operations in Lexing - shop, she supervises other club shops n't have to be the enemy.” ton County, S.C., decided what the in TCA's chain. new Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center In Chicago, she says, she has enjoyed Business tools: Take advantage of edu - should do with the space set aside for her greatest success, with strong sales cational opportunities offered by the its pro shop. Ultimately, he says, it's a and an ever-expanding service business. PTR, USPTA and Tennis Industry Associ - question of remembering customers Part of that is attributable to Midtown's ation. Courses, webinars and presenta - are players first, and buyers second. focus: It is an all-tennis club, "So I have tions from these organizations cover "We always have their best inter - a captive audience." everything from marketing and advertis - ests in mind. We don't want to just sell The pro shop is centrally located, and ing your shop, to dealing directly with them a racquet; we want to provide is the first thing people see upon enter - customers and manufacturers, and excellent service and the correct equip - ing the club. It provides apparel, shoes more. ment so they continue coming back and accessories, as well as racquet sales time after time." w
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37 FACILITIES TTHHEE IINNSSIIDDEE
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BY MARK PRESTON
or two late-summer weeks each year, as the world’s sport - Years later, first as a USTA Board member and then as ing spotlight shines on the US Open, the center of the ten - USTA President, Schwartz was instrumental in accomplishing nis universe is Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean just that. He spearheaded the USTA’s effort to secure the King National Tennis Center. But if Ashe Stadium, which opened needed financing for construction of a new building that iFn 1997, is the centerpiece of the NTC, there is another structure would provide the association with more than just a place to just a short stroll away that has had an equally large impact on the house courts. US Open and the sport of tennis. “The idea,” says Schwartz, “was that the funds would be Since it opened its doors in late 2008, the NTC’s Indoor Train - designated for building an indoor facility in which indoor ten - ing Center (ITC) has proven to be a versatile, valuable asset to the nis would be just one component of an extremely versatile Open, the community, the sport, and the USTA. From producing structure that would also include areas for high-performance increased sponsorship and hospitality opportunities during the training, corporate entertaining, an indoor commissary for Open to providing unprecedented access and myriad opportuni - food concessions, retail concessions and more. I know the ties for players of all ages and ability levels to play and enjoy the Board recognized the inadequacies of the existing building— sport year-round, the ITC plays a significant role in helping to it just wasn’t producing the revenues or attracting the number grow the game. of people it should and that we needed in order to grow the Situated just inside the East Gate of the NTC, the 12-court, sport.” 245,000-square-foot ITC is three times the size of the original indoor structure that had previously occupied the space. The old nine-court building had already become an anachronism when OFvrero thme c oDursree oaf tmhe a dtmoin iRstreatiaonlsi tofy USTA Presidents former USTA President Alan Schwartz first was called in to visit Schwartz, Franklin Johnson, and Jane Brown Grimes, plans the site and provide his opinion on what the USTA might do to began to take shape, and the dream of a new facility eventu - improve the facility. That was years before Schwartz was a mem - ally became a reality. Schwartz is quick to mention that there ber of the USTA Board, but the association called him in based on were many volunteers and staff who had a hand in shaping his expertise as the owner and operator of the successful Mid - that reality, but he singles out the commitment of Danny town Group of tennis clubs. Zausner, the NTC’s Managing Director of Facility Operations, “I remember writing the USTA a report,” recalls Schwartz with for meeting with various city and parks commissions and a laugh. “I know I had some ideas in there for improvements, but neighborhood groups to work through issues. Schwartz also I think my best suggestion was that they tear it down and start points to the dedication of the NTC’s Director of Capital Pro - from scratch.” jects and Engineering, Chuck Jettmar, whose work on Arthur
38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Ashe Stadium had familiarized him with the many engineering gramming at the ITC is up 97 percent over that same period, and issues that would go along with a project of this magnitude. junior programming has risen by 23 percent. Private lessons have Today, the facility is a world-class structure that has gone a long more than doubled over the last three years, and attendance way toward increasing participa - at summer camps is up 51 tion in tennis and improving the percent. USTA’s bottom line. During the “The building has provided US Open, it is an epicenter of us with an opportunity to serve activity, housing the USTA’s cor - more existing players and to get porate hospitality program on more new players into the six of the indoor courts. Numer - game,” says Zausner. “Its size ous US Open sponsors, including and versatility have opened Heineken, Chase and American doors to new opportunities that Express, also have taken advan - we never could have realized tage of the increased and with the old facility.” improved space the ITC provides The old building never during the Open. During the would have been able to tournament, the ITC also is accommodate the number of home to the USTA Bookstore, programs offered now—for chil - International Tennis Hall of dren (all 12 courts are lined for Fame Gallery and USTA Mem - 10 and Under Tennis), juniors, bership Center, and it also hous - adults, seniors, wheelchair and es the staff and equipment for college players. There is tourna - the USOpen.org website. ment play, USTA League play, Players can utilize the ITC’s special events and charitable indoor courts for practice during fundraisers. Several local col - inclement weather, and junior leges and universities call these tournament competitors can use courts home. USTA Player the ITC’s locker rooms and train - Development also utilizes the ing facilities. Retailer FMI’s $16 ITC and its many world-class million merchandise program is amenities. housed in the ITC, and its “We were the first Grand 10,000-square-foot food com - Slam tournament to develop a missary has allowed the USTA to significant indoor presence with significantly upgrade the presen - the same playing surface quali - tation of the food served in the ties as the outside courts,” notes Food Village and to serve more USTA Executive Director Gor - fans per hour. don Smith. “With the ITC, we But for all of its many uses now have a building that has during the Open, the ITC’s most exceeded our expectations in important use—and its greatest every way 365 days a year and success—is in providing a world- that is aesthetically spectacu - class tennis facility for players of lar.” all ages and abilities. From 6 In a ceremony on Sept. 6, a.m. until midnight, 11 months during the 2012 US Open, USTA out of the year, the 12 courts are Chairman of the Board and hotbeds of tennis activity. Add President Jon Vegosen dedicat - to that the classroom space, ed a plaque to Schwartz just out - world-class fitness facilities and side the main entrance to the locker rooms, and it’s easy to ITC. “His vision, leadership and see why the number of people expertise made this facility a playing tennis there has reality,” the plaque reads. increased significantly in the “This building has allowed us years since it opened. to be a hub for tennis activity all The numbers tell an impres - year round,” says Vegosen. “It sive story: During the old building’s last year of operation in 2008, has been an invaluable addition and an incredible asset—both for it brought in $1.9 million in revenue. In 2011, the new building the US Open and for us to be able to make tennis more accessible accounted for $3.6 million—an 88 percent increase. Adult pro - to more people.” w
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39 ? AYsoku trh Eeq Euxippmeretns t Hotline
PLAYTESTER COMMENTS on-line version of the playtest that appears wrap around the diablo / nosecone before WHEN READING THE comments on our website. entering the tension jaws, there is less in your playtest reports, the for - Until February 2007 we included a line stress on the string (and therefore, less mat always confuses me. For at the bottom of the comments that read, crushing or other damage), and less stress example, here are a couple of typical “Strings normally used by testers are indi - on the tension jaws (and therefore, they Qcomments: cated in parentheses.” In March 2007 we last longer and/or don't fly apart under changed this line to refer readers to the full high tensions). “This string’s remarkable comfort is on-line version. matched only by its controlled power.” 4.5 USRSA CLASSIFIED ADS male all-court player using Babolat AeroPro YTEX PROTOUR I HAD MY EYE ON A CERTAIN Drive strung at 61 pounds CP (Gamma Pro - BLUE STRING GAUGES stringing machine, but the manu - fessional 17) YOU JUST PUBLISHED THE results facturer is back-ordered on them from the Ytex Pro Tour Blue 1.25 so I thought I'd check out used machines “This is a solid feeling control sting with playtest. But in the USRSA string Qfor sale. I can't seem to find that area impressive durability. Very crisp response specifications tool, the gauges given are (classifieds?) on the USRSA site. Am I on groundstrokes and volleys. The bite is Q1.23 and 1.27. Each has a different stiff - missing something? pronounced.” 4.5 male all-court player ness and tension loss, although not using Wilson BLX Pro Team FX strung at markedly so. Since neither stiffness nor WE DON’T POST THE CLASSIFIED 64 pounds CP (Babolat RPM Blast 64) tension loss was mentioned in the article, ads on-line except in the PDF ver - which of the two Ytex Pro Tour strings sions of the full magazine. Published classi - I don’t understand the string refer - listed on the string selector tools menu Afieds depend, of course, on member ences in parentheses at the end of each did you guys test? Or is this yet a third submissions. For up-to-date ads for used comment. Is this the string the playtester version? stringing machines for sale, you’re often normally uses? better off consulting other sources such as YTEX PROTOUR COMES IN BLUE Craigslist, Ebay, and TennisMachines.com. YES, THE STRING REFERENCE IN and orange. At the time we did the parentheses shows what each playtest report, we did not have lab results SPAGHETTI STRINGING playtester has been using, and the gauge. oAn Protour Blue. We did, however, have I HAVE A FEW OLD RACQUETS WAe do this to help you interpret the lab measurements on Protour Orange, sitting around and tons of string. I results. For example, you can compare the which comes in two (different) gauges than wonder if you could direct me to comments against the type of string in the does Protour Blue. Sorry for the confusion. someone that could spaghetti-string a rac - playtest, to see if only those players Qquet for me. I'd like to try a racquet already using that type of string had some - WHAT THE DEVIL strung that way mostly out of curiosity. thing positive to say, or if players using IS A DIABLO? other types of string also reacted favorably. WHAT IS A "DIABLO" attachment WE DON’T KNOW OF ANYONE Also, keep in mind that we only publish on a stringing machine and what off-hand, but you’re missing more eight or nine playtester comments in the does it do? than just a person to do the stringing: You magazine because of space constraints: All aAlso need all the little tubes that feature in playtester comments are available in the QTHE DIABLO — AKA NOSECONE a true spaghetti string job. You’ll also need — is the roughly cylindrical part on some heavy duty trebling to tie the mains the tension head assembly just for - together, but you should be able to find ward of the tension jaws. You wrap the some braided cord that will suffice. Astring around the diablo / nosecone before Spaghetti stringing is no longer legal putting it through the tension jaws prior to because the ITF changed the Rules of Ten - tensioning. Because the string does a full nis to specify, “the hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross.” On a spaghetti-strung frame, the mains are neither interlaced nor bond - ed to the crosses. As spaghetti stringing evolved, the mains are tubed to reduce friction as they
40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com slid relative to the crosses, and to mini - a stringbed that creates exaggerated spin. mize string breakage. Each main is actu - The photo shows what is perhaps the ally two parallel strings (the grommets ultimate expression of the spaghetti string - must be enlarged to accommodate ing technique, the Fischer system. Note them), and there are only five or six cross the dabs of glue on the mains to prevent strings. Anytime the ball hits the the tubing from moving out of position, stringbed at an angle, all of the mains and the special tie-off knots that do not deflect as a unit due to the trebling. This need an anchor string. means that all the mains try to snap back —Greg Raven w into position at the same time. Combined We welcome your questions. Please send them to Rac - with the virtual absence of friction quet Sports Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096; between the mains and crosses because fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected]. of the parallel, tubed mains, the result is
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 41 String Playtest Gamma Zo Dart 17
amma Zo Dart looks to be a are blind tests, with playtesters monofilament string, but in receiving unmarked strings in fact is really comprised of a unmarked packages. Average soft co-polyester base string into number of hours playtested wGhich are embedded six stiffer was 27. monofilaments. The sample felt thicker The Zo high-energy polyester core than a 17-gauge string out of is softer for greater feel and comfort. the package, but we had no The six embedded monofilaments are problems installing it. ultra high molecular weight polyester, No playtester broke his which are stiffer than the core poly for sample during stringing, greater control and durability. one reported problems Zo Dart is designed for poly users with coil memory, none who want something that is softer and reported problems tying easier on the arm and offers more feel but still provides plenty of spin and EASE OF STRINGING control. (compared to other strings) knots, and none reported fric - Zo Dart is available in 16 and 17 in Number of testers who said it was: tion burn. black or white. It is priced from much easier 1 somewhat easier 1 $13.50 for sets of 40 feet, $121.50 for ON THE COURT 360-foot reels. For more information about as easy 17 Gamma Zo Dart scored well with our or to order, contact Gamma at 800- not quite as easy 12 playtesters, claiming the eighth-best not nearly as easy 2 333-0337, or visit gammasports.com. ranking for Resistance to Movement Be sure to read the conclusion for OVERALL PLAYABILITY and the 13th-best ranking for Durabil - more information about getting a free (compared to string played most often) ity of the 167 strings we’ve playtested set to try for yourself. Number of testers who said it was: for publication. Our playtest team much better 1 also adjudged Zo Dart excellent in somewhat better 5 Control and Spin Potential, and well IN THE LAB We tested the 17-gauge Zo Dart. The about as playable 8 above average in Power. Overall, not quite as playable 16 coil measured 40 feet. The diameter Gamma Zo Dart’s ranking is well not nearly as playable 3 measured 1.25-1.26 mm prior to above average. stringing, and 1.20-1.22 mm after OVERALL DURABILITY Two testers broke the sample dur - stringing. We recorded a stringbed (compared to other strings ing play, one at five hours and one at stiffness of 75 RDC units immediately of similar gauge) 17 hours. Number of testers who said it was: after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wil - much better 5 son Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) somewhat better 15 CONCLUSION Don’t be mislead into thinking this on a constant-pull machine. about as durable 12 After 24 hours (no playing), not quite as durable 1 softer offering by Gamma isn’t wor - stringbed stiffness measured 69 RDC not nearly as durable 0 thy of consideration by those seeking units, representing an 8 percent ten - traditional poly experience. Zo Dart RATING AVERAGES sion loss. Our control string, Prince scored highest in Resistance to Move - From 1 to 5 (best) Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, mea - ment, Durability, Control, and Spin, Playability 3.2 sured 78 RDC units immediately after four of the main characteristics play - Durability (13th overall) 4.4 ers seek in a polyester string. Add to stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 Power 3.5 hours, representing a 9 percent ten - Control 3.7 this Zo Dart’s high score in the Power sion loss. Zo Dart added 16 grams to Comfort 2.9 category, and you’ve got yourself one the weight of our unstrung frame. Touch/Feel 2.8 potent poly. The string was tested for five Spin Potential 3.5 If you think that Gamma Zo Dart weeks by 33 USRSA playtesters, with Holding Tension 3.4 might be for you, fill out the coupon NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These Resistance to Movement (8th overall) 4.2 to get a free set to try. —Greg Raven ◗
42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com prefer more touch and comfort.. 4.5 female growing crop of polys. 4.0 male baseliner TALK with moderate spin using Prince OZone Tour TEThisS is Ta veEry soRft poSly. Players who all-court player using Head Six S”tar strung at 58 ” MP strung at 56 pounds CP (Polyester 17) w“ant the feel of a hybrid will love this. pounds CP (Head Sonic Pro 17) 5.0 male serve-and-volley player using ” Volkl Organix 8 strung at 60 pounds CP Not enough feel, power, touch, or spin. This (Strings normally used by testers are indicated in paren - theses.) For the rest of the tester comments, visit (Tecnifibre Black Code 18) s“tring doesn’t distinguish itself from the ever- www.racquetsportsindustry.com.
This is a very good poly. Great bite. T“he comfort is quite high. 4.5 male FREE PLAYTEST all-court player using Wilso”n K Blade STRING PROGRAM strung at 57 pounds LO (Wilson Enduro Gamma will send a free set of Zo Dart to USRSA Pro 17) members who cut out (or copy) this coupon and send it to: USRSA, Attn: Gamma String Offer Nice combination of power, spin and PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 c“ontrol. Excellent touch for a poly. 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin usin”g or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to [email protected] Babolat Pure Drive Roddick strung at 60 Offer expires 15 November 2012 • Offer only available to USRSA members in the US. pounds LO (Solinco Tour Bite 16) Name: Excellent playability, spin, control and USRSA Member number: “feel in the beginning. After the tension Phone: drops, so too do the playability and con - trol. 6.0 male all-court player using Email: Wilso”n BLX Juice strung at 55 pounds CP If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent. (Luxilon Alu Power 16)
Great tension maintenance. Very mini - m“al string movement. This would add nice spin and control to a hybrid. 4.0 male baseliner with mode”rate spin using Prince O3 Speedport Black (hole inserts) strung at 48 pounds CP (MSV Focus Hex 17L)
This is a comfortable poly with a nice b“alance between control and power. There is a little pinging, even with a dampener. Excellent spin.. 4.0 male all-court play - er using Wilson” BLX Pro Open strung at 45 pounds CP (WeissCannon Black 5 Edge 16L)
Quite firm. For non-poly players, this is “probably best used in a hybrid or at the low end of the tension range. Control is good. 4.0 male serve-and-volley player using ”Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 strung at 54 pounds LO (Wilson NXT 16)
While this has all the standard poly “attributes of control, spin, and durability, I
www.racquetsportsindustry.com November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 43 encourage parents to choose tennis for their kids, based on the tremendous Your Serve opportunities—especially in education— that tennis can provide. Chaired by David The Sport of Opportunity Benjamin, Executive Director of the Inter - collegiate Tennis Association, and with former NYC Mayor David Dinkins serving The USTA’s president says tennis is ideally suited as the Honorary Chair, the task force has to promote higher education among youth. been determining how the USTA can best promote the importance and value of every American youngster obtaining a BY JON VEGOSEN college education—and to convey the USTA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND PRESIDENT message that tennis is the sport of oppor - tunity for achieving this goal. here’s no other sport quite like made possible through USTA Serves help The USTA’s commitment to support - tennis. It sharpens the mind as it make college accessible to youngsters of ing and promoting higher education is in shapes the body. Every time a all abilities. And once they’re on campus, lockstep with the nation’s priority to ball is hit, you need to respond quickly. students not only can be on a varsity team expand the promise of education. Once ATll the while, you have to be thinking, or play club tennis (through USTA Tennis the world’s leader in the percentage of calculating and planning, as you map On Campus), they also can get involved young people with college degrees, the out a strategy to be successful against with bringing tennis to other kids through U.S. has fallen to 12th among the 36 your opponent. The interaction of these such initiatives as Kids’ Tennis Clubs, Play nations tracked by the Organization for mental processes helps keep your mind Days, Campus Kids Days, Campus Show - Economic Co-operation and Develop - agile and alert—which is precisely why downs and Campus QuickStart. ment. With more than a million kids tennis and education make such fitting This year alone, USTA Serves will help dropping out of high school every year, partners. to enhance health and educational oppor - America’s ability to compete in a global In recent years, the USTA has been tunities for approximately 300,000 young economy has been severely tested. taking this synergy to the next level, rea - Restoring America’s leadership in higher soning that by being the sport that pro - ‘In championing one of education clearly requires a myriad of motes not only fitness and fun but also strategies and solutions. education, we can attract many more the true mind-body Serving up tennis as the sport of people to tennis. By being the sport of opportunity is among them. By helping to opportunity—and spreading the word sports, the USTA now open the doors of higher education to about the opportunities we offer—we has in place a more of America’s students, the USTA is not only can fulfill our mission to pro - working to make a difference in commu - mote and develop the growth of tennis, tremendous infrastruc - nities across the country—not only by but also we can do our part to enhance ture that can support growing the game but also by enhancing the lives of those who get involved in the lives of those who play it. w our great game. and promote higher In championing one of the true mind-body sports, the USTA now has in education among Scan this QR code, or visit place a tremendous infrastructure that USTA.com/education. can support and promote higher educa - America’s youth.’ tion among America’s youth. It has a rich array of delivery systems, programs people and individuals with disabilities. and allied partners that reaches kids of 90% of high school seniors in USTA Serves all ages and is committed to diversity after-school funded programs are graduat - and inclusion, including USTA Serves, ing from high school, and 91% of scholar - USTA National Junior Tennis and Learn - ship recipients are attending college for ing (NJTL), USTA School Tennis, USTA Jr. four years. These are numbers of which Team Tennis, USTA Tennis On Campus, we are particularly proud. Jon Vegosen has been USTA USTA Player Development and Tennis Indeed, through these innovative pro - Chairman of the Board and in the Parks. grams, we have made some real inroads President for the 2011-2012 NJTL provides a wide range of free in growing our sport and enhancing peo - term. He leaves office Dec. 31, tennis and education programming ple’s lives. But there still is work to be 2012. across the country that helps better pre - done. That’s why I made it a priority last pare kids for college and beyond. Schol - year to assemble a Tennis and Higher Edu - We welcome your opinions. Please email arship and assistance opportunities cation Task Force to look into ways to comments to [email protected].
44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
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