Publisher's Notes: U.S. teaching profession leaderless?

…PTR CEO Dan Santorum resigned

The message that Dan Santorum had resigned came into my office like a John Isner serve: fast and hard. It seemed like only moments ago that I witnessed a pleasant exchange between Dan and the newly appointed CEO of USPTA, Brian Dillman. Dan had also just shared with pride the PTR's relocation to Florida. However, upon reviewing the influx of messages I have received, both past and present, I came to realize the gravity of the situation. The current state of affairs in the world of tennis teaching appears far from ideal.

The manner in which this press release was drafted, coupled with the fact that Dan had already departed on that day and indicated on his LinkedIn page that he was "transitioning," speaks volumes. It appears that this was not a voluntary resignation or retirement. Rather, it appears to be a departure marked by frustration, where both parties have reached a mutual understanding to employ delicate language. “End of an Era: Dan Santorum Concludes Four Decades of Exemplary Service at PTR. After four decades of dedicated service, Dan Santorum is departing PTR.”

My industry contacts are Master Professionals, International Master Professionals, Elite Professionals, and so forth. Everyone has an opinion, of course. Some are closer to reality than others. Here are some reactions.

… It seems too sudden, hope it is not a health issue

… I’m sure politics played a role as well as moving their headquarters to Florida, also, Lynne Rolley, PTR Board Chair, is very aggressive in her business tactics.

… It would be the perfect opportunity for the two organizations to join and begin a new campaign of representation and real involvement with the entire industry.

Rumors also about the USPTA

When a friend hinted that “Dillman has jumped into a real sh**show” I began wondering what was going on at the USPTA. Word is there is a financial crisis but I don’t want to speculate and just repeat rumors. Meeting both Ramona Husaru and Brian Dillman at RacquetX in Miami, I did not get the impression there was any crisis at all. To the contrary, both seemed upbeat and Dillman downright exploded with energy!

And then there is the USTA

Sigh. A good friend said that “the best thing the USTA has ever done was paying USPTA and PTR membership dues during Covid.” That may be but why are they trying to mess up the certification process in this country?

It appears that the USTA Board is heavily supportive of the strategy to centralize teaching and certification, potentially leading to the displacement of USPTA and PTR. It is worth noting that this is the same Board that compensates Martin Blackman with $700,000 and Lew Sherr with $1.3 million, just for the year 2022. The upcoming 2023 tax filing is anticipated to reveal more million-dollar salaries. Additionally, the Board has allocated $300 million toward Player Development over the past two decades, with questionable results at best. I had to laugh when I read the Futterman article in the Athletic titled “Top coach criticizes USTA for ‘wasting millions’ and cutting player development program.” The top coach is Jose Higueras who has milked the USTA just like McEnroe did and Blackman is doing today. He got it all wrong in my humble opinion. But read it for yourself.

USTA leadership has been observed to be lacking in various areas, contributing to the decline of tennis in the country. Given these circumstances, it raises concerns about placing trust in their ability to lead teaching professionals.

I hope that Brian Dillman avoids encountering a situation similar to that of Mike Dowse's with the USTA Board, as we are all aware of how that ended.

I believe that Dan has decided to pursue new opportunities due to his dissatisfaction with an overly politicized PTR. It is likely that he has received a more enticing offer from another organization. Based on his recent interactions with Jarrett Chirico, it is possible that Dan's potential options include the Director's Club of America or one of the Pickleball groups. These organizations would greatly benefit from Dan Santorum's wealth of experience, strong leadership skills, and valuable connections. Then again, the USTA may be interested in Dan but that’s an offer I think he should not entertain. They don’t have a history of listening to outsiders who come in with an opinion.

I wish him all the best. Don’t be a stranger, Dan!

…Saudi Arabia

Bombshell news broke March 12th when Yahoo Sports/The Telegraph reported, under the headline "Saudi Arabia launches tennis takeover with $2bn take-it-or-leave-it offer," that the new PIV TOUR would merge the men's/women's tours. Additionally, it was revealed that the four Grand Slam tournaments would not be included in the new tour, creating a potential perfect storm.

My take: The four Grand Slams continue to offer substantial prize money as an incentive to top players who are undecided. However, it is worth considering whether ATP/WTA may contemplate withdrawing the 2,000 ranking points if conflicts heat up. This situation may develop into a captivating spectacle.

Update on March 14th: The Guardian reported PIF sources deny it has made $2bn ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ offer to unite tennis tours

Update on March 14th: The Athletic (Matthew Futterman) reported Inside Saudi Arabia’s $1billion sales pitch: Plan for Princess Reema call with top female players

Update on March 26th: The Athletic (Matthew Futterman) reported The latest Saudi tennis bid stalls – now Qatar and UAE may rival them for Masters event.

…Match Fixing, Doping & Other Crimes

ESPN reported under the headline Czech tennis boss stays in detention amid fraud investigation that Czech Tennis Federation president, Ivo Kaderka, be kept in a detention cell because of the financial scandal that has rocked Czech tennis.

My take: I am wondering whether charging for overpriced or even nonexistent services and then pocketing that money is only happening in the Czech Republic or if it is business as usual in every Tennis Federation or National Governing Body…

Reuters reported ‘Feels like I never left’ - Halep back on court in Miami. The Romanian former world number one had her four-year doping ban cut to nine months by the top court for global sport last week, making her eligible to return to competition immediately.

My take: I’m happy for Simona. Better to be on court than in court. But - what happens to Mouratoglou? Will he skate amid all those allegations of playing with his players’ health?

… Transgender Women

Women’s Tennis Blog posted, “Pro athlete launches anti-trans sports apparel brand to protect women’s sports.”

Marija writes, “The participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports remains a contentious issue. Former professional gymnast Jennifer Sey has been a vocal advocate against the inclusion of athletes assigned male at birth in women’s sports. One of her initiatives to support this cause is the XX-XY Athletics sports clothing brand.” Read the entire article here.

…A Letter from a Reader

Subject line: Why?

Rich,

I love your newsletter and have been an avid reader for years.  Over those years, yourself and other readers (and contributors) have somewhat mocked and/or took shots at other racquet sports, and those companies/businesses/associations that took on said racquet sports to be more inclusive maybe…and I totally agreed with you and them for voicing your staunch support of tennis as we are in the sport and business of TENNIS.

The USTA, governing body of tennis, taking on all racquet sports now, the Tennis Channel sometimes  showing and promoting Pickleball more than tennis, and questioning all these clubs and parks turning tennis courts into pickleball courts, and so on.  Again, I agreed with you wholeheartedly.

And now you’re excellent Tennis Club Business newsletter is changing to Racket Business???  Pretty sad.  Is it against the law to just be about tennis?  Of all “tennis” people I did not get the vibe that you would change course- but I was wrong.  Please save me the “times change….”, “you have to evolve…”, blah, blah.

You had a great thing going- wonderful tennis content. 

Believe me, as of now I will still support you my fellow tennis professional.  But I do not like hypocrisy, and this wreaks of it.  If I start reading about Padel- which virtually no one cares about, or pickleball- which most true tennis professionals could care less about, my support will definitely waver.  And I know I’m not alone on this- go back and read some of the responses to your one question surveys. 

I certainly wish you the best and look forward to the next, in my eyes, Tennis Club Business newsletter.

Thank you Rich.

Sincerely,
The Commish

Dear Commish,

Tennis is a sport that I am deeply passionate about and will continue to pursue as long as I am physically able. However, I am also aware of the growing popularity of Pickleball among teaching professionals and club owners. They have embraced this sport in response to the demands of their students and members, recognizing the additional revenue opportunities it presents. Although I have yet to personally experience Padel, it is a sport that I am eager to try in the future. The concept of a "faster Pickleball" that more closely resembles tennis and utilizes a low-noise ball (!) is particularly intriguing to me.

As we are incorporating various racquet sports into our existing program at TCB and will continue to do so, and considering my new partner Tim Farthing's extensive experience in these sports, we have made the decision to change the name. We have chosen the UK version, 'Racket Business', which reflects my appreciation for all things British, having previously resided in London.

I would like to highlight that our publication has a substantial readership in countries where Padel is experiencing rapid growth, surpassing that of the U.S. Furthermore, I have been informed that Pickleball is also gaining popularity in numerous regions worldwide. However, I was also told that Germany seems to be an exception to this trend.

I want to assure you that tennis will remain our top priority at Racket Business. We are committed to providing you with the most comprehensive coverage and analysis in the industry. Unlike other publications, we pride ourselves on our independence and our ability to hold NGBs accountable.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to be a loyal reader of our newsletter. Your support is greatly appreciated.

With great admiration,

Rich Neher, Publisher