Racket Business - Publisher's Notes for July, 2025

Hello, dear readers, friends, and racquet sports enthusiasts.

I hope June was a good month for you.

There’s so much going on right now. You may want to read one of our newest guest author articles. Stefan Laporte writes about a topic near and dear to my heart in his article Tennis - is the amateur game at a crossroads or in the crosshairs? The topic: while pro tennis is booming, amateur tennis is not. I know that the numbers the USTA is feeding us year after year just don’t add up. We are being deceived big time, in my opinion.

While reading Stefan’s article, I remembered communicating with the last, short-lived USTA CEO, Mike Dowse, the only USTA Executive who ever called me, what I posted in the newsletter for a long time: The USTA should pivot toward showing the fun in tennis. I want kids to say, "Wow, what an organization, what a fun sport, I WANT TO BE PART OF THAT SPORT!" I want adults to say the same and start becoming tennis fanatics because of the health aspects AND the social qualities of our sport. Forget the competitiveness. Leave that to the league players.

I have looked closely at Pickleball lately and also organized a Pickleball beginner clinic in June (although I'm not a PB player yet) as part of a program for my company, Conga Sports. The fun people had with that sport, the excitement and energy, that's something I have never seen in tennis. More about this in my article, Pickleball Enthusiasm - The Most Amazing Phenomenon in Racquet Sports Today.

Bravo, Stefan, for writing such a good piece.

Here’s my favorite photo for the month of June. Did I tell you I love Coco and I play with a HEAD racquet? (Prestige Pro)

I sincerely hope you find value in the July issue of Racket Business. Our aim is to provide you with insights and strategies that will contribute to the growth and success of your business in the competitive racquet sports industry.

Rich Neher
Co-Publisher

Table of Contents

• LETTERS

• NEW PARTNERSHIPS

• SPEAKING OF RACQUETX

  • Big news from RacquetX: New Venue!

• WHAT’S NEW AT HEAD PENN RACQUET SPORTS?

• INTENNSE + BOAST UPDATE

• WEBINAR WATCH

  • Spark Webinar on June 17, 2025CourtReserve and Clu …

  • Spark Webinar on June 18, 2025CourtReserve and Rac …

• THINGS THAT MAKE ME GO HMMMM…

  • USTA Roundup - Hold on to your seats! Houdini Effe …

• NOTEWORTHY

  • Conga Sports is determined to make a difference!Ne …

• SHOUT-OUTS + ONE REVEALING QUOTE + ONE FUNNY TWEET

Re: $800M US Open Facelift

Rich,

Great Newsletter this month!

I agree, the U.S. Open site is not that old to need an $800 million facelift. The USTA did some good in the $10 Million Grant fund to revitalize tennis courts around the U.S recently. Part of the $800 million should instead expand the USTA Grant Fund to fix up and expand tennis playing facilities around the U.S. and help struggling tennis programs. That would help the health of our Sport.

We don't need to do what U.S. Congress does and spend money on unnecessary projects, but put into what really would make a difference in the World and the Tennis World.

I like the idea of a City Series, similar to what is in Europe, to promote Community Tennis Play without players trying to chase a trip to a National Championship.

Let those who want to be snobbish about their rating have that opportunity, but offer local play to those who just want to play and get exercise in a Recreational program, with modified competition. For Adults and juniors.

We conduct a local junior tennis league in the SW Houston area, with minimal emphasis on what a team's rank is in the standings. The kids just want to play and compete and possibly make their school tennis team. This needs to be explored more thoroughly.

Having good facilities, USTA Grant above, would help with this.

Tennis has been my life and career for over 50 years. We have the opportunity to keep tennis thriving amid the challenges of Pickleball and false participation reporting of the number of players.

Keep it up!

Chuck Sanchelli, USPTA / PTR
2020 Inductee - Texas Tennis Hall of Fame
Fort Bend Tennis Services
Sugar Land, TX

Re: French Open

Rich, 

The French Open produced great drama in both the women’s and men’s finals over the weekend. Now, how do we “capture” those moments by the pros and pass them onto the recreational player on the local courts? That’s my question. Sure, the game looks healthy when you have the Slams for two weeks on TV in beautiful stadiums in the most popular cities in the world. The pro tour setting is very attractive.

With newer “Swing” sports becoming popular by the day, I hope tennis remains number one in participation numbers according to the USTA. Nationwide, I would be surprised if those stats are accurate. In Wichita, that’s not the case for sure. Throughout California, tennis is probably at the top of the list.

With the recent announcement of a new program by the USTA, maybe it will jumpstart enthusiasm for more court play at the parks and centers. Welcoming and inviting would be terrific to have more tennis boots on the court…

Our Lite Tennis initiative is gaining interest and play around the country. When our new performance ball arrives in mid-July, I’ll send you some to give it a try among your friends. We’re doing our best to have “racquets in hand” playing our version of tennis on a lite tennis/pickleball court. You’re playing your role with the City Championships and other events. I assume it’s going well among your player base.

There’s a lot going on in the industry right now, and hopefully, tennis players win.

With Wimbledon upcoming, we need to ride the “Wave”…

Sincerely,

Leo Estopare
Wichita, Kansas
[email protected]

Re: Play Your Court Message

RSPA sent out an email with a message from “Scott Baxter, CEO of our trusted partner, PlayYourCourt". The email is too long to post here, but the gist is that Baxter is offering to promote RSPA members to his 600,000 player members for $199 per month. While I have no idea whether that can be realistically achieved, but wish Scott Baxter all the best, I received a message from The Commish, who is a RSPA member:

“I received an RSPA email from a fellow ‘trusted member’, Scott Baxter. I had to laugh. I mean, seriously, he wants us to pay him to attract people to our club's programs. Clearly, someone is having "delusions of grandeur." 

Ouch. I have a feeling this has something to do with the ongoing nationwide concern about “court squatters” on public courts that pay no city fees and are, for the most part, not insured.

Racket Business Partners With NHSCA

The National High School Coaches Association (https://nhsca.com), a nonprofit whose mission is to provide leadership and support to coaches and their programs, and Racket Business have partnered up in the selection process for the annual Tennis Coach of the Year and Tennis Athlete (Boys and Girls) of the Year awards.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
If you know of a deserving High School Tennis Athlete (male/female) and/or a Coach, please let Rich know via email. I will keep you updated about this process.

RacquetX Partners With Director’s Club of America
for the “RacquetX City Series”

RacquetX prides itself on being able to “…gather some of the brightest minds in racquet sports, thought leaders, club professionals, and visionaries, to push our industry forward.” Since the Directors Club of America is “…an exclusive community of Industry Leaders with the sole purpose to educate, communicate, and illustrate the continued path to success in the Racquets and Hospitality Industry,” partnering with RacquetX seems to make sense.

RacquetX announcement about the June 29 event in Philadelphia: A quick reminder that we’re closing out June with something we’ve been building toward for a long time - the official launch of the RacquetX City Series, starting in Philadelphia on June 29 at the historic Philadelphia Cricket Club!

In partnership with The Directors Club of America, this one-day event brings the energy and expertise of our Club Summit to racquet sports professionals across the country. Expect high-impact sessions, smart networking, and fresh strategies you can take straight back to your club. More information

RacquetX Newsletter HEARD ON THE COURT

RacquetX is moving to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale in 2026! 

New venue, same mission, uniting the entire racquet sports community under one roof.

Why the move?
✅ More space to play, connect, and innovate.
✅ Better layout flow for attendee traffic and brand exposure.
✅ Easier access for global attendees and exhibitors.

Mark your calendar:
📍Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale
📅 March 13–15, 2026

Expect the same electric energy, top-tier speakers, one-of-a-kind experiences, and, of course, unmatched networking!]

We are so excited to partner with Visit Fort Lauderdale to continue bringing the racquet sports community together - stay tuned for LOTS of surprises over the next few months!

We can’t wait to see you in sunny South Florida!

75 Years of HEAD - And the Power of Collaboration

For 75 years, we’ve built performance, innovation, and identity into everything we do. But some of our boldest, most defining moments were built in bold projects working with others.

From fashion houses to tech pioneers, explore the unexpected collaborations that shaped our journey — and still drive it forward.

Arthur Ashe 2025 Legacy Edition

As the first Black man to claim a Grand Slam singles title, he broke barriers on the biggest stages in tennis — from the US Open to Wimbledon.

Ashe wasn’t just changing scoreboards — he was changing the sport itself. He played a key role in a revolutionary shift away from wooden racquets, working with HEAD to develop the HEAD Competition racquet — built for innovation, control, and a new era of performance.

His greatest victory, though, was using his voice to fight for equality, education, and human rights. Inspired by his legacy, we’ve created the Arthur Ashe 2025 Legacy Edition: a limited collection featuring a signature racquet, a timeless bag, and a custom racquet cover — a rare tribute to a truly rare figure.

INTENNSE Tennis Lights Up Atlanta in Debut Weekend

A Full House and Impressive Twitch Viewership Highlight the Weekend

The energy was electric at INTENNSE Arena as the league’s opening weekend delivered packed stands and high-octane tennis. The excitement for the new league spread beyond the fans in the building to viewers at home and on mobile devices. Close to 250,000 unique viewers absorbed 600,000 minutes of INTENNSE content over the weekend, with broadcasts delivering high engagement and global reach.

Home Team Jacksonville Goes 2–0 to Open the Season

"The inaugural week of INTENNSE was nothing short of phenomenal,” said CEO Charles Allen. “Seeing the electrifying energy from everyone in the building, the on-court drama, and the incredible streaming numbers truly underscores the massive potential of what we're building here!"

The history-making INTENNSE pro league began with its first ‘SURGE’ - a four-day gathering, packed full of competitive action - in the brand-new, purpose-built INTENNSE Arena. Team Jacksonville played host to Team Tampa on Saturday night, followed by a Sunday afternoon clash with Team Atlanta, opening its campaign with back-to-back wins.
Read the entire article here

BOAST Named Official Partner and Preferred Apparel Provider of INTENNSE Tennis

INTENNSE™, the new professional tennis league built for today’s fans, is excited to join forces with BOAST, naming them the Official Partner and Preferred Apparel Provider of INTENNSE Tennis. This partnership unites INTENNSE’s innovative vision for professional tennis with BOAST’s rich heritage in racquet sports apparel.

BOAST will design and supply the official on-court uniforms for all INTENNSE tennis players and coaches. The partnership will also extend to a range of co-branded fan apparel, allowing supporters to showcase their enthusiasm for the league and its dynamic new format.

Founded in 1973, BOAST is the original American tennis brand. From reigning on-court and in country clubs to its rise in pop culture, BOAST has always been a challenger brand and embodies a champion’s spirit – taking on the traditional mainstays in tennis and representing those that play on their own terms.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome BOAST to the INTENNSE tennis family, a company that shares our spirit to challenge conventionality and build a successful brand by doing things differently,” said INTENNSE CEO, Charles Allen. 

BOAST, known for its distinctive Japanese maple leaf logo and a reputation for understated elegance and durability, has been a staple in tennis and casual wear for decades.

Read the entire press release here

Pickleball Coaching That Scales: Lessons from Club Pickleball USA

The invitation read: Join Suzee Anderson from Club Pickleball USA and Ashley Owens from CourtReserve & Old Coast Pickleball, to learn how clubs can hire and train great pros, run better lesson programs, and grow pickleball instruction revenue.

My take: A must for every club owner and Racquet Sports Director with Pickleball programs. Suzee Anderson is the Director at Suzee Anderson Pickleball Academy in Springville, Utah. She is also the Academy Director at Club Pickleball USA and PPR Coach Developer since 2019.

Packed with 54 minutes of high-quality information!

Here is the link to the webinar.

“Chargebacks, Fraud & Smart Payments: Protecting Your Club’s Bottom Line”

The invitation read: Join Ashley Owens from CourtReserve and Rachael Burgess, Risk & Underwriting Specialist at SafeSave Payment Services, for an essential webinar focused on helping clubs protect their revenue and navigate the complexities of chargebacks. This session will break down the chargeback process, explain why disputes happen, and offer clear strategies for crafting effective responses. Rachael will also share expert insights on spotting payment fraud before it hits your bottom line and implementing proactive fraud prevention without creating friction for your members. Whether your club has faced chargebacks or you're simply looking to tighten your processes, this webinar will provide practical guidance and tools to help you run a more secure and resilient operation.

My take: If you’ve experienced the pitfalls of chargebacks or the ramifications of payment fraud, you’ll appreciate that webinar. Rachael Burgess knows that topic like the back of her hand.

45 minutes of excellent information.

Here is the link to the webinar

USTA Roundup

Houdini Effect - The mystery of the vanishing 4 million tennis players

The $800M question - Why spend it all in one zip code?

Divided by 50 states, you would have $16 million to grow tennis and upgrade courts in every state! Let that sink in! The stupidity of spending that much money in one Zip code becomes even more apparent in light of those BIG announcements in June about the USTA Foundation making $5 million in grants available over a period of 5 years. Hu? If someone checked how little money the USTA Foundation is actually spending every year, we would all be shocked.

Apparently, money is growing on trees again after a slow spending period since COVID. I get that. We’re back to the area of reckless spending of the tag team Gordon Smith/Kurt Kamperman.

Power & Money Grab - Is the Coaching/Certification Business up for grabs?

The cat’s out of the sack. Check out the following USTA announcement and write me how you feel about it. (Hint: We checked with USTA Coaching and learned that SAM Insurance is not included! (And as one insider remarked, “It will never be included because of all their history!”)

We asked both RSPA and PTR for a brief comment.

Brian Dillman, CEO, RSPA: 
“From my first day on the job, I have said we need to elevate the prestige of our industry, make it a highly desirable place to work, and pursue a meaningful career. I have learned, over the past 18 months, that we are still fighting against the other side of the industry, who doesn’t care about quality, doesn’t care about higher standards, and who doesn’t take our careers seriously. How do we expect to recruit new members into our industry and show them a fulfilling and rewarding career, if we have ½ of our industry unregulated? Why are other entities lowering the bar and their standards? To increase numbers on a PowerPoint presentation in a board room? We don’t confuse a sign-up with qualification.

At the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), our focus has always been on building careers, not just certifications. We’re a professional association dedicated to developing racquet sports leaders who manage programs, run facilities, mentor coaches, and grow the game—on and off the court. While we’ve collaborated in the past, our priorities have grown in different directions. Today’s facilities need professionals who can lead across multiple racquet sports, and that’s exactly what the RSPA prepares them to do. We’re the only organization certifying across tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis under one trusted membership. We're not here to compete—we’re here to lead. For those seeking a serious, long-term career in racquet sports, the RSPA is built for that journey. As both organizations evolve, new opportunities may arise to collaborate in ways that reflect our shared commitment to growing the game while honoring the distinct strengths of each model.”

Peter Hurley, CEO, PTR: 
“At PTR, we see increased awareness and marketing investments aimed at new audiences as an opportunity and welcome efforts that aim to raise the bar for tennis coaches.

We support the USTA's 2035 initiative and believe strongly that coaches are the key to growing the game we all love so much.

PTR has led the way in elevating coach education, certification, and development, and as we embark on our 50th year, we are doubling down to grow our best-in-class education and training, setting higher standards, and bringing in new talent to better serve our coaches, members, partners, and communities.

Tennis is the brand, and we look forward to lifting the sport and partnering with the USTA and those who share our commitment to making a world of difference.”

Update: Captain Sherr abandons the good ship USTA

Last month, we reported that USTA CEO Lew Sherr has resigned, effective June 30, to join the New York Mets as President of Business Operations. I asked our readers, “Please email me and don’t hold back!”

Update 1: I commented, “Why would anyone leave a job that pays more than 1 ½ million dollars, with super benefits, first-class travel, and President’s Suite tickets for all 4 Grand Slams?” A reader pointed out that the average salary for that kind of position in the MLB was around $2.5 million in 2023. (Oops)

Update 2: The Commish chimed in with a positive comment about Lew Sherr:

“For what it’s worth, I thought Lew Sherr was fantastic and did an amazing job. Do I agree with everything the USTA does? No, but I thought he was great.”

Update 3: Javier Palenque, noted USTA critic, sent me his comments: “Lew Sherr, the outgoing CEO of the USTA, was ultimately a glorified salesperson paid like a transformative executive—but judged by neither sales metrics nor visionary leadership. His tenure is marked by superficial gains and strategic decay. Yes, revenues rose, but largely by squeezing more out of a shrinking, aging base. That’s not innovation—it’s liquidation. How many new sponsors did he bring in over 15 years? How many new players? If income rises while participation plummets and youth engagement dies, then that revenue is a mirage, not a victory. Worse still, that money now has to be spent fixing the very decay it ignored—proof we are in the worst of all worlds: more money, fewer fans, and a sport in retreat.

This is the bitter fruit of cultural rot, where intelligence takes a backseat to groupthink and pretense. It’s not just Sherr’s failure—it’s an ecosystem of cowardice, where wrong decisions go unchallenged, mediocrity is recycled, and no one is held accountable. That’s why, despite 32 hidden sexual abuse cases and zero firings, Sherr walks away instead of facing Congress. But the rot didn’t leave with him. The Chair fellow still sits atop this farce—a culturally convenient, performatively progressive figure who hides behind symbolism while embodying the same paralysis. He, too, must go. Real change doesn’t come from PR campaigns or rainbow flags. It comes from clearing out the incapable, the complicit, and the cowards. And until then, tennis in America will keep dying—not from lack of money, but from lack of courage.”

Missed Opportunity at Lake Nona

It seems another “Disruptor” has voiced his displeasure with something the USTA did - or didn’t do.

This event was supposed to prove Lake Nona deserves to host the NCAA Championships for the next decade. Instead, it raised a bigger question: why has the USTA poured so much into a place few people visit? Spread the wealth.

No intern on-site. No post-match interviews. No sponsors. No updates. More than 5 million followers across platforms — and zero were told about the event you’re hosting on your own national campus?

And not one call to a brand for a partnership? No activation. Nothing. Sheesh.

This was a chance to grow the game — and get a win on your home turf.

Positive note…big shoutout to Stefan Dostanic and Valerie Glozman for taking home the titles. The players showed up. Fun to watch.

Feel for Michael Zheng, who won the NCAA singles title — a big-time achievement — and still won’t receive a main draw wild card.

If the USTA ever wants help turning the spotlight on the next generation — we’re just a call away.

A lot of people chimed in with comments.

martinoncourt
Why does the USTA national training center have pickleball courts?!

conga_sports (that’s me)
This is not the first time they have made unfortunate decisions when it comes to events other than the US Open. Just remember the Billie Jean King Cup at Lake Nona against Belgium last year. If it wasn't for USTA Section staff at a conference in Orlando, they wouldn't have had any people in the stands. They just won't spend any money promoting events (other than the US Open). Or look at the Davis Cup match against Colombia 3 years ago. No one cared where it was played, so they gave it to the highest bidder. Reno, Nevada, reportedly paid the $250K fee. Reno! If they cared, they would have gone to Miami with it.

allidurst10
@conga_sports I live in Orlando and really wanted to attend the Billie Jean Cup. I play league tennis. I filled out and submitted a form to try to buy tickets (would have paid a lot btw) and got a form email that unfortunately I was not allowed to buy a ticket. I watched it on tv but would’ve loved to have been there.

isedmedia
Holy moly

maddy25e
I 100% agree

kellyrhahn
say you don't care about #ncaatennis without saying you don't care about ncaa tennis -- completely agree! went down to support our guy, Stef 🎩💪🏼 and was shocked at how little support and fanfare there was. maybe 150 people watching. why wasn't every junior who trains there, who aspires to play high level D1 tennis not sitting in the stands? why wasn't there ball kids? tiny score board you could hardly read. as for the woman's match, there were not even any permanent seats, just a high school aluminum bench. maybe 20 people watching. terrible look for college tennis and the #USTA. #USTA -- DO BETTER!

completecourt
Pretty disappointing from @usta . Had more info on it from you, @ctennisnation & @tweenerheadtennisphil than the governing body of the country. Dropping the ball

alwarlegal
This plus whiffing on showcasing doubles teams alongside top singles players in mixed doubles - bad week for US tennis

troyhalliwell
@usta what is you doing bb

realnicknevarez
If this was in California or any other state… it would be successful

alistairjeffs
USTA is a public organization. If we don’t like it, we gotta get involved to do something. The pickleball sounds were a travesty and I understand it was a lot of people playing. How many years till USTA becomes USR(acket) Association?

ameriviano
💯 agree, the USTA and the official staff is more focused on how they can subsidize their own corporate access to the US Open than truly supporting the next generations of tennis players.

jpmorgan.barbados
What about hosing year round professional tournaments there as well for tennis development on a whole? How many courts are there at the facility? Like 100?!

elizabeththigpenlandry
That really sucks. It is a perfect venue to host the NCAa. What a disappointment!

coachmikestory
Absolutely spot on! Seriously, what is going on?! Lets put our efforts together and start asking for interviews from decision makers at the USTA. Help us help you! Oy Vey 🙉

noadnoproblem
Speak on it 🗣️

starsandstripestennis
Absolutely spot on @usta.nationalcampus @usta College Tennis is a global phenomenon creating opportunities and opening doors through sport and education. Our future players and leaders play @ita_tennis let’s get behind them and this sport. An opportunity missed let’s now stand up and be counted.

Martina Navratilova’s Broadside

A lot of people have criticized the US Open’s new mixed doubles format. Martina calls it just wrong, and it makes a mockery of the title. See more background and her Tweets in this article Martina Navratilova Lashes Out at Us Open’s ‘Mockery’ of Mixed Doubles.

I call my company Conga Sports, “the first green racquet sports network,” for two reasons:
1. Our commitment to keeping tennis balls out of landfills
In June, we collected and shipped 1,400 used tennis balls to RecycleBalls thanks to the Burbank Tennis Center, Sunset Hills Country Club’s Paul Steele, Community Organizer Delia Holguin, and the collection at our first-ever “Racquet Rendezvous” pickleball beginners clinic and networking event.

I’m proud to say that RecycleBalls recognized our effort with the coveted “10,000+ Tennis Balls Recycled To Date” award. Thank you, RecycleBalls.
 
2. Planting a tree for every can of tennis balls or pickleball balls used
We don’t use as many cans of balls as large tennis clubs and tournaments, but we keep our commitment to be environmental frontrunners and planted 30 trees in June. Happy to report that we have planted 155 trees so far in 2025.

One last piece of information: We’re planning to launch our new platform, CONGAX RACQUET SPORTS HUB, and our app, CONGAX RACQUET SPORTS EXCHANGE, on July 20. I can’t wait to post details about all this in the August issue of Racket Business.

Big Shout-Out to HEAD Penn Racquet Sports for really cleaning up at the French Open this year!

One Revealing Quote

“To be honest, I’m not in the mood to sit here and talk right now. I’ll go and play golf. I so can’t be bothered with tennis right now.”

Sasha Zverev after his quarter-final loss at the 2025 French Open

One Funny Tweet

After losing to Coco Gauff in the French Open final, Aryna Sabalenka said that Iga would have beaten Coco. Here is Jannik Sinner’s comment.