PHOTO COURTESY USTA FOUNDATION T highlighting a combination of 50 NJTL highlighting acombination of50NJTL series ofstories titled“NJTL 50for50,” for2019a newlogo andwilllaunch a sary, theUSTA Foundation hascreated largest markets inthe United States. and educationprogrammingtothe50 basis, providing freeorlow-cost tennis about 180,000 youngsters onanannual features nearly300chapters thatreach dan Snyder. Today, theNJTLnetwork tennis greatsCharliePasarell andSheri- network in1969alongwithlongtime campaign. by launchinganNJTL50thAnniversary Tennis andLearning(NJTL)network 50 Years ofNJTL Network USTA Foundation Celebrates CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS www.tennisindustrymag.com In celebrationofthe50thanniver- Arthur Asheco-foundedtheNJTL Industry of theNationalJunior the 50thanniversary the USTA, willcelebrate national charitablearmof he USTA Foundation, the Information tohelpyou runyour business and initiatives. million insupportofitskey programs Foundation awarded morethan$6.6 since itsinception. In2018, theUSTA surpassed $40millionintotal giving ebration Courtatthe2019 USOpen. Avenue 50thAnniversary ofAces Cel- text-to-donate option, andunveil an USTA Foundation will implementanew alumni. For itsfundraisinge orts, the participants, leaders, pioneersand The USTA Foundation recently News younger players. Supplementingitscurrent dale Managementtogrow tennisamong equipment, includingracquets. as well asoffering players spacetostore ball launcherwhichholdsupto144balls, that incorporates afully-functional tennis served ontheTIAboard ofdirectors. Prince, heworked forVFCorp.Hehasalso he worked for11 years. Priortojoining career inthelate1980satWilson,where including mostrecently asCEOofPrince. experience intheglobaltennisindustry, extensive market knowledge andbrand CEO. Ballardie bringstoSlingerBag ball launcher, hasnamedMike Ballardie part oftheRacquet&Paddle SportsShow." process ofplanningwithReedExhibitionsas Conference inJanuary, whichweare inthe Aug. 26inNewYork City, andfortheTOM for theTIABoard meetingandTIAForum on pany through thistransition process, intiming the selectedassociation managementcom- the TIA,” deBoersays.“We’ll workcloselywith numerous challengesthatare alsoimpacting the selectedmanagementgroup. close asallbusiness operations transition to ters onHiltonHeadIslandisexpectedto through September, whentheTIAheadquar- Boer andherteamwillcontinueintheirroles and benefits. TIAExecutiveDirector Jolynde day-to-day andothermembershipservices pany torunTIAoperations, administrative, services ofanassociation managementcom- TIA toMake Operational Changes Partners WithUSTA Cliff Drysdale Management Joins SlingerBagasCEO Former PrinceExec Ballardie tinues tofocusonkey areas oftheindustry. sition theassociation forthefuture asitcon- structure andoperation oftheTIAtohelppo- Committee hasannouncedchangestothe SlingerBag,makers ofaportabletennis The Tennis IndustryAssociation’s Executive The USTA ispartneringwithCliff Drys- Slinger Bag is a modular tennis bag Slinger Bagisamodulartennisbag Ballardie startedhistennis business The TIAisintheprocess ofseekingthe “The tennis industry continues to face “The tennisindustrycontinuestoface

May 2019 IndustryNews TennisIndustry

5 IndustryNews

TennisIndustry

BADMINTON PUBLISHER JEFF WILLIAMS

EDITOR Black Knight Introduces PETER FRANCESCONI Badminton Feeding System MANAGING EDITOR SCOTT GRAMLING

CREATIVE DIRECTOR IAN KNOWLES

SENIOR EDITOR ED M GROGAN

ART DIRECTOR CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ

PRODUCTION EDITOR SAM CHASE

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR BOB PATTERSON

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR, DAVID LASOTA, KENT OSWALD, CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR TIM M ARTHUR

EDITORIAL DIRECTION lack Knight Canada has introduced a redesigned version of its highly 10TEN MEDIA successful Knight Trainer, the world’s fi rst practical badminton machine. The new Knight Trainer Pro is a more advanced product, with TENNIS INDUSTRY additional control features and increased versatility. 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017 The robotic training unit is capable of feeding all kinds of smashes, drives, clears, 646-381-8735 B [email protected] drops, net shots, short serves and long serves in continuous sequences, whether random or in any chosen order, or in a combination of the two, for up to 250 shots ADVERTISING DIRECTOR before refi lling. The new Knight Trainer Pro is 50 percent more powerful than the JOHN HANNA original Knight Trainer, which debuted in 2008, delivering the shuttle at the actual 770-650-1102, x125 speeds and intervals of human shots. [email protected] For more information, including demonstration videos, visit knighttrainer.com. APPAREL ADVERTISING CYNTHIA SHERMAN 203-558-5911 youth programs, all Cliff Drysdale-managed USTA Texas to Build [email protected] facilities and their tennis professionals will 40-Court Facility, New HQ receive resources, support and coaching USTA Texas will move its headquarters Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year: tools from the USTA, including access to the and facilities to the Indigo Ridge Mixed monthly, January through August with combined issues in September/October and November/ USTA’s Net Generation youth tennis offerings Use Development in the City of Cedar December, by The Tennis Channel, Inc., 250 Park and its programs and apps. Park, north of Austin. Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical postage paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing “Our mission has always been to improve The planned Tennis Campus will offi ces (USPS #004-354). May 2019, Volume 47, the tennis delivery system in an effort to include approximately 40 outdoor tennis Number 5 © 2019 by The Tennis Channel, Inc. All rights reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo are grow the game,” says Don Henderson, CEO courts, six to eight indoor tennis courts, trademarks of The Tennis Channel, Inc. Printed in and president of Cliff Drysdale Management. a stadium court and related amenities for the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation and editorial: 646-381-8735. “We’re thrilled to partner with the USTA, uti- training, development and competition. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. lize their resources to support our coaches, "The USTA is excited to be part of POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tennis help introduce more players into tennis, and Industry, 250 Park Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY this development and looks forward 10017. Tennis Industry is the offi cial magazine of the retain those players for years to come.” to working with Indigo Ridge Develop- USRSA, TIA and ASBA. As part of the partnership, Cliff Drysdale- ment Partners to design and develop Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet managed facilities and teaching pros will the facility," says Tom Hunt, president of Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website, engage in and support the USTA’s Net Gen- USTA Texas. TennisIndustryMag.com, for free digital versions. eration brand by registering and completing The Tennis Center will be owned and

a mandatory Safe Play background check. operated by USTA Texas. BLACK KNIGHT COURTESY

6 TennisIndustry May 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

MEDIA USTA Names Award Winners at Annual Meeting Tennis More than 900 volunteers gathered in Austin in March for the USTA Annual Channel Meeting. Several annual awards were presented, including: Unveils • Eve Kraft Community Service Award: Toni Wiley • CTA of the Year: Charlotte Tennis Redesigned Association • Janet Louer Junior Team Tennis Tennis Mag Organizer of the Year: Conan Lorenzo • Member Organization of the Year: The ennis Magazine, the sport’s contribute to the magazine. Greens County Club largest print media outlet and “While this modern, clean-yet-bold • Brad Parks Award: Dee Henry a publication managed by the look is the current standard across all • International Tennis Hall of Fame T Educational Merit Award: Tim Russell, Tennis Channel since early 2017, has Tennis Channel platforms, in creating unveiled a new design with its March/ the new design we kept in mind what Gigi Fernandez April issue, marking the latest advance makes the print medium unique: long- • International Tennis Hall of Fame in a two-year process that has seen the form storytelling, striking photography Samuel Hardy Award: Bobbie Farley, magazine and its digital arms steadily and the highest level discourse about Don Tisdel (posthumously) integrate with Tennis Channel’s brand. all facets of the game,” says Ken Solo- • NJTL Founders’ Service Award: The redesigned magazine features a mon, president of Tennis Channel. Lendward “Lenny” Simpson clean and more modern look. Equally Tennis Channel parent-company • Ralph W. Westcott Family of the Year: significant is the publication-wide con- Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired Wilson Pipkin Family nection with the Tennis Channel brand, Tennis Magazine, Tennis.com, the • Seniors’ Service Award: Tony Fontana as the network’s visual identity joins Baseline website and Tennis Industry • Volunteer Exceptional Service Award: the stable of on-air analysts who now magazine in March 2017. Carlos R. Cruz-Aedo, Bob Ingersole McEnroe, BNP Paribas Launch New Program BNP Paribas USA and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy have launched Team BNP Paribas Mac 1 in New York, designed to “turn today’s underserved and deserving tennis hopefuls into tomorrow’s champions.” The new program will be comprised of 10 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 17, selected and trained under the direct supervision of Patrick and John McEnroe. Starting in September and backed by an operating budget of $500,000 during its fi rst full year, with additional support from the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) and matching under- LOVE LOVE writing support from Sportime LLC, the Team BNP Paribas Mac 1 program Club members and students will LOVE facing will be able to provide year-round off against the phenom. You will LOVE training and coaching. The program offering the added advantage. will take place at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Sportime Randall’s Island in New York City.

® PTR, Universal Tennis follow lobstersports on play more. win more®. Launch New Benefi ts For more information, please call or visit www.lobstersports.com 888.380.9460 PTR and Universal Tennis announced TEAMTENNIS TENNIS MAGAZINE, WORLD COURTESY

8 TennisIndustry May 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

new offerings for all PTR member of ownership in the league with San Diego Sparc Wins January professionals, designed to drive Aviators owner Fred Luddy, while league Innovation Challenge engagement and revenue at PTR founder and tennis legend Billie Jean King The winner of the fourth Tennis Innova- clubs in the United States. The new also remains a co-owner of WTT. David- tion Challenge held in January in Orlando offering will give PTR coaches access son purchased his WTT ownership stake was Sparc (www.playsparc.com), made by to Universal Tennis tools and technol- from Mark Ein, who remains the owner of CCP Games, not Virtual Tennis as previously ogy, including its Universal Tennis WTT’s Washington Kastles and retains a reported. A unique, physical sport in which Rating (UTR) Powered by Oracle seat on the WTT board of directors. players connect online to compete in global rating system and the UTR engagement platform. “The partnership allows PTR mem- bers to access UTR’s Premium Club, which is their most comprehensive product available,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “This UTR platform for our member coaches in the U.S. will deliver a creative and fl exible engagement tool for their players, which will ultimately keep people playing tennis and grow the game.” “We are pleased to offer our tools and technology to PTR members to make it easier for them to create opportunities for level-based play and drive tennis engagement in their local communities,” says Mark Leschly, Universal Tennis chairman and CEO.

Eric Davidson Named WTT Chairman of Board Southern California native and Orange County Breakers owner Eric Davidson (below) has been named World TeamTennis’ new chairman of the board while acquiring an ownership share in the team tennis organization. Davidson, a 57-year-old resident of Laguna Beach, Calif., currently shares the largest stake

www.tennisindustrymag.com May 2019 TennisIndustry 9 IndustryNews

fast-paced, full-body VR gameplay, Sparc Nominate for 2019 Tennis growing both pickleball and tennis. is a genuine virtual sport that has been Industry Hall of Fame “After seeing how easy it is to learn hailed as one of the best, most active how to play pickleball, the concept games available for virtual reality. of a program designed to effectively introduce two great sports was a Pros Loeb, Aragone Win no-brainer,” says PTR/PPR Chief Oracle US Tennis Awards Executive Officer Dan Santorum, who Tennis pros Jamie Loeb and JC conceived the program. “From there, Aragone are the recipients of the third PTR COO Brian Parkkonen took the annual Oracle US Tennis Awards. PickTEN idea and put together an Loeb and Aragone each will receive a effective 10-session program.” $100,000 grant to help develop their Nominations are open for the annual PickTEN creates an environment tennis careers. Tennis Industry Hall of Fame. Inductees for that allows players to use pickleball as The two young professionals were 2019 will be announced at the 12th Annual an introduction of basic skills (striking selected by a six-member advisory TIA Tennis Forum, to be held in New York City and tracking the ball) and tennis to council comprised of former tennis on Aug. 26. Visit TennisIndustry.org/HoF further develop those skills. PickTEN professionals and executives. The for more information or to nominate. (All provides clubs and facilities with a Intercollegiate Tennis Association will nominations will be confidential.) Nomina- new tool to grow both tennis and pick- administer the grants. tions for 2019 will close on July 1. leball participation, as well as provide "JC and Jamie are talented young an additional revenue stream. players with bright futures,'' said PickTEN to Benefit The PickTEN program will be part of Oracle CEO Mark Hurd. "We created Pickleball and Tennis the PPR Organizational membership. these awards to help young players Professional Pickleball Registry (PPR) For more information, call 843-785- with college experience as they transi- and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) 7244 or 843-842-9777. tion into professional tennis.'' have created PickTEN, a program aimed at Lucky in Love Debuts Mattek-Sands Collections

Global tennis apparel brand Lucky in Love has released two exclusive capsule collections with Bethanie Mattek-Sands called the “BNP Paribas Open” line and “Miami Open” line as part of the brand’s Tournament Series. The two new lines were released leading up to the 2019 BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open Grand Slam tournaments in March. Both lines retail for $46 to $148. The Tournament Series is part of an ongoing design collaboration between Lucky in Love, and the former doubles World No. 1 and 2016 mixed-doubles

Olympic Gold medalist. The new line IN LOVE LUCKY COURTESY

10 TennisIndustry May 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

Short Sets

The ATP and Dunlop have announced a Confirmed PTR Regional Education Élan Racquet Club facilities include three new, five-year partnership that will see Centers are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, hard courts, two Har-Tru clay courts and Dunlop become the Official Ball of the Dallas, Denver, Miami, New York, four pickleball courts. Sand Valley has 15 ATP Tour and the Nitto ATP Finals begin- Northern California and Washington, DC. grass tennis courts and is the first of its ning in 2019. kind in the Cliff Drysdale Tennis portfolio. Prince has announced a strategic part- The International Tennis Federation has nership with David Grutman, founder of The USTA hosted the second of four announced that the 2019 Beach Tennis Miami-based Groot Hospitality, to launch American-only “National Closed” World Championships will take place in Prince Off-Court lifestyle creative. The women's wild-card tournaments in April Terracina, Italy, June 10-16. first collaboration was with UNKNWN, at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, the fashion sport and street style retailer, Fla., with the singles champion earning a PTR is partnering with nine premiere who introduced limited-edition tennis main-draw wild-card entry into a future tennis facilities across the U.S. for its inspired clothing at the Miami Open. ITF World Tennis Tour W15 event and the new PTR Regional Education Centers. runner-up earning a qualifying wild-card The centers have been established to Cliff Drysdale Tennis has been selected entry into an event of the same level. serve as hubs for PTR education, and to to manage tennis operations at Château Throughout 2019, the USTA will host provide coaches a convenient place to Élan Winery and Resort in Georgia and eight National Closed events, four each pursue education and mentoring. Sand Valley in Rome, Wis. The Château for men and women.

encompasses high-impact sportswear that blurs the line between tennis apparel and streetwear. “Lucky in Love is excited to grow its design partnership with Bethanie,” says Brad Singer, CEO and founder of Lucky in Love. “Known in tennis for her authentic style, she is now making the jump from on-court tastemaker to fash- ion entrepreneur.”

USRSA Names MRTs, CSs Master Racquet Technicians • Mauro Lissandrini, Verona, Italy • Paolo Mangione, Gelatos, Italy Certified Stringers • Mark Fronrath, Cornelius, N.C. • Christopher Juneau, Eden Prairie, Minn. • Mark Paquariello-Williams, Niwot, Colo. • Marcello Surace, Palermo, Italy

Kermode to Leave ATP Chris Kermode will leave his job as executive chairman and president of the men's professional tennis tour when his current term finishes at the end of this year. Kermode became head of the ATP in 2014.

www.tennisindustrymag.com May 2019 TennisIndustry 11 IndustryNews

ACCESSORIES Krause Leaves Cardio Tennis, Joins PlayYourCourt Vulcan Michele Krause, who was hired by the Tennis Industry Association in 2015, when Introduces Cardio Tennis was developed, has resigned as the Global Education Director for Cardio Max Tacky Tennis. The resignation follows the shift of Cardio Tennis management from the TIA to the USTA at the end of 2018. Overgrip Krause has been a major figure in the growth of Cardio Tennis in the U.S. and ulcan Sporting Goods has internationally. In the U.S., Cardio Tennis launched the Max Tacky over- has been the only program in tennis to grip, with a new advanced poly- show consistent growth year over year— V most recently increasing to 2.5 million mer material and a unique manufac- turing process that delivers high tack players at year-end 2018, a 12.6 percent plus a cushion feel, says the company. increase in participation from 2017. “Teaching pros and high-level play- Cardio Tennis also is in 30 countries. ers are saying the same things: Max Krause has taken a position with Play­ Tacky is tackier than the leading over- YourCourt, which is designed to make grips,” says Brandon Nugent, Vulcan’s tennis more accessible by sending coach- sales manager. The overgrip is avail- es to local courts for convenient instruc- able for tennis racquets and pickleball tion and connecting players for practice paddles. Call 800-826-6373 or visit and matches through their membership. vulcansportinggoods.com. She can be reached at 941-457-7880, or at [email protected]­

K-Swiss Pairs with Bryans on Signature Lifestyle Shoe K-Swiss has launched the Classic 88 THE EXPERTS IN II Bryan Brothers lifestyle shoe model. The limited-edition shoe marks a year- long collaboration with Bob and Mike STRINGING MACHINES Bryan, widely known as the greatest SALES AND SERVICE doubles team in the history of tennis. “Our lifestyle shoe collaboration recognizes Bob and Mike’s accom- Since 1934, Tennis Machines has been selling, servicing, and repairing plishments and contributions,” says stringing machines from every major brand in the industry. K-Swiss VP Mike Miringoff. The Classic 88 II features K-Swiss’ EXCLUSIVE iconic D-rings, three-piece toe and USA DISTRIBUTOR CALL US SHOP FOR ALL premium leather. Besides helping TODAY! ONLINE PRINCE design the cosmetics on the shoe, the MACHINES Bryans also customized the model by adding their BB logo in key areas, as STRINGING MACHINE SERVICES well as a special sock liner, with Bob’s • Lockout and constant pull tension head repair • Base clamps • signature on the left shoe and Mike’s • Activation switch • Potentiometer • String clamps • Dog kits • on the right. Suggested retail is $80. • Calibration • Brake disc • Turntable repairs • Load cell • Sensors • Visit KSwiss.com. • Circuit boards and power switch •

   St. Louis • Nashville • Memphis • Online

1.800.572.1055 WWW.TENNISMACHINES.COM ST. LOUIS, MO COURTESY K-SWISS, VULCAN SPORTING GOODS SPORTING VULCAN K-SWISS, COURTESY

12 TennisIndustry May 2019 www.tennisindustrymag.com IndustryNews

People Watch

The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Milena Stephens is the new education which will be headquartered at TbarM (LADF) announced that equality trailblaz- administrative coordinator for the PTR. Racquet Club in Dallas. The mission is to ers Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss will be encourage children to learn the values of honored at its 5th Anniversary Blue Qiang Wang, China’s No. 1 women’s ten- hard work, self-discipline and giving 100 Diamond Gala on June 12 at Dodger nis player, has signed a multi-year equip- percent every day through tennis. The Stadium. The social activists, tennis ment deal with Dunlop. She will use the foundation will help create opportuni- champions and longtime partners, who Dunlop CX 200 racquet on the WTA Tour. ties through scholarships, after-school recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers programs, camps and special events. ownership group, will be recognized for LSI Industries Inc. has hired Nelson their ongoing commitment to creating Wesley as vice president of Strategic French player Alize Cornet has joined the positive change through sports. Initiatives. Nelson will oversee initia- Tourna Grip team in a multi-year deal with tives focused on improving sales, driving the company. A mainstay on the WTA Tour, Head Penn racquetball players Annie operational effi ciency and ultimately Cornet has fi nished with a Top 50 ranking Roberts of Gresham, Ore., and Antonio improving fi nancial performance of the the last seven straight years, with six Rojas of Stockton, Calif., earned spots company. He will report to the CMO, tour singles and three doubles titles. The on the USA Racquetball High School All- Scott Coleman. 29-year-old joins fellow tour players American Team after winning their singles Karolina Pliskova, Eugenie Bouchard, divisions at the 2019 USA Racquetball WTA pro player Elina Svitolina launched Christina McHale and Dominika Cibulkova National High School Championships. the Elina Svitolina Foundation in March, on the Tourna Grip team.

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