Racket Business - Publisher's Notes for November 2024

INTENNSE Event October 26 - Georgia Tech vs University of Georgia

As mentioned in our October Spotlight article about this new tennis company and format called INTENNSE, the Georgia Tech vs UGA showdown combining fast-paced matches, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, promised an action-packed day both on and off the court at the Ken Byers Tennis Complex in Atlanta.

This unique format also gave fans a rare chance to watch the current Georgia Tech team alongside UGA and GT legends and alumni, all competing on a single court in just a few hours, a setup that would typically allow for only one or two matches.

The event’s impact reached beyond the court, too, thanks to Redfoo, who bought out all the tickets so that proceeds could go directly to Team Luke Hope For Minds, a foundation dedicated to helping kids with brain injuries. This blend of fast-paced tennis, crowd engagement, and a cause with real heart made the day unforgettable, leaving everyone fired up for more, especially the winning team from Georgia Tech.

(Watch this video on the INTENNSE YouTube Channel to see what players, coaches, and parents think of the format.)

…WINGFIELD - German Answer to PlaySight

I had the pleasure of speaking with a representative of Wingfield GmbH and found their product (really Made in Germany!) quite interesting. See my article in TECH this month.

…Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA)
(Poster Child For An Industry In Transition)

I’m tackling the RSPA Town Hall Meeting from October 24 including some of the concerns voiced by a few members. See my article.

Spotlight OTF Gender Bias Against Women in Tennis

Dear Rich,
Thank you for your email. We request that the article be withdrawn due to multiple inaccuracies and misrepresentations of facts, as outlined in our previous correspondence. The article is based on information provided by Mr. Dan O’Connell, which we believe was not properly fact-checked before publication.

Specifically, we wish to address the following inaccuracies which are detailed in statement-by statement reality as attached:

• Misrepresentation of Gender Equality: The report references the “Gender Equality Brief for 14 Pacific Countries and Territories” and suggests it applies to tennis. In Tennis, eleven of 21 OTF member federations have female presidents, with an additional two female representatives on the board, resulting in a 75% female representation on the OTF board.

• Marshall Islands Status: The claim that the Marshall Islands are suspended is false. They have been reinstated for eight months after paying their ITF membership fees.

• Funding Discrepancies: The article implies bias in funding between male and female players. In reality, the funding differences are due to the structure of ITF events, where men’s teams have participated in more events than women’s teams. It is important to note that this funding is provided by the ITF, not the OTF.

• Captaincy Roles: The claim that women are not considered for captaincy roles is incorrect. The OTF regularly seeks nominations from member nations, but in the past decade, we have received only one female nomination.

• ITF Regional Training Centre: The statement that the ITF has moved the Regional Training Centre to Australia is inaccurate. The ITF closed all training centres during COVID, and they remain closed during Covid. Subsequently just 1 (partly funded by the ITF), has been reopened in Tunisia https://www.itftennis.com/en/news-and-media/articles/sousse-to-be-new-home-of-itf-african-regional-training-centre/

Given these inaccuracies, we request the immediate removal of the article and publication of our statement to ensure that both perspectives are represented. We believe this aligns with standard journalistic practices.

We look forward to your response.

David Smith
Executive Officer (Joint)
Oceania Tennis Federation
PO Box 128 057
Remuera, Auckland
New Zealand
Mob: +64 21 403 325
www.oceaniatennis.com

Reply to the above OTC letter from Dan O’Connell:

The 2022 OTF BJK Cup players were not paid, but 2022 OTF Davis Cup players were paid.  After the 2023 Davis Cup Captain resigned, only then, the OTF Executive paid the 2023 BJK Cup players.  The Captain’s email explains his reason for resigning was gender inequality, and two selectors breaking the OTF rule they created after the 2017 Vanuatu issue.  From 2005 – 2014 OTF women did not have funding to play Fed Cup, but from 2005 – 2014, men had funds to play Davis Cup.  In the next decade, if as David mentions only one women from 15 nations was nominated to be Fed Cup / BJK Cup Captain; does that indicate there is a gender problem?  What effort did the OTF Executive make to help our women?  This century, 8 men were approved by the OTF Executive, to attend the ITF Level Two Course in Spain.  Women coaches were discouraged for two decades.  2023 was the year the 1^st and only woman visited Spain for the ITF Level Two.  Only one woman since 1995 has been elected by the OTF Executive, to become an OTF Team selector.  One man from New Zealand and one man from Australia dominated all women team selections from 1995 – 2024, even though New Zealand and Australia players cannot play on our Pacific Oceania Teams.  After 30 years of ITF development, why can’t Pacific Oceania officials select Pacific Oceania teams?

From 2013 – 2021, only one women (two years) was elected to the OTF Executive.  From 2013 - 2021, the OTF Executive ignored 26 women that gained USA full-scholarships.  Many of them taught tennis, 4 at the university level.  I am delighted women control the OTF Executive Board since 2021.  Besides the new outstanding Tennis Australia / Australia Government Volunteer Program, what else has improved for women since 2021?  Women still gain only 25% of ITF senior funds since 2005.  Will this information encourage these ladies to play a role to provide Pacific Oceania women deserved opportunities? 

If for one decade New Zealand women will not want only men to select their teams, why since 1995, will Pacific Oceania women want only men to select all of their teams?  If Australia and New Zealand women will be unhappy, if a woman was not elected their Fed Cup / BJK Cup Captain since 2004, why has the OTF Executive made decisions for only Pacific Oceania men to be our Fed Cup / BJK Cup Captain since 2004?  Why since 2015 have OTF New Zealand and Australia men selectors allowed this to happen, knowing it will be unacceptable back home?  Why did these men during ten years as OTF selectors, not prepare a woman until 2023, when they sent a woman to Spain? 

The OTF Executive did not seem to defend the BJK Cup Captain and they reappointed these selectors.  The OTF President told ABC (Australia National Radio) there is no discrimination.  Is that true?  

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/oceaniatennisfinance/103446096
If a woman is not elected 2025 BJK Cup Captain, the OTF starts the 3^rd decade of gender inequality.

Dan

The Turf War Between Tennis and Pickleball Is Escalating - WSJ

Rich, I’ve been saying that our “LiteTennis” is a solution to the continuing dilemma that faces the tennis industry. The USTA is full-of-you-know-what… This story has been going on for years and it’s not going away. Also, I’ve been scanning through the October Issue and it seems "over-cooked” with the same topics. Since moving to the new format, it has a different tone and vibe. Your audience might have shifted...
Good luck with the new presentation and articles.
Thanks,
Leo Estopare
[email protected]

Thank you, Leo. We’re trying to give Racket Business a new vibe and the positive emails are very encouraging. October was a little heavy on teaching and learning. Other months may be heavy on competition all the while “holding their feet to the fire.” However, I appreciate that you hang in with us, and let me assure you that your comments are always welcome. 

October 2024 Issue

Rich - thanks for your good work - always a pleasure to read your thoughts on the Great Game!

Sincerely,
Craig Bell
Keep up the good work!

Thank you, Craig. Always a pleasure to read encouraging words from an industry legend!

USPTA Re-branding

Rich, I think the USTA began trying to take over the USPTA in the late 1980s or early 1990s, although they denied it. During the last years of Embree's reign, I felt the USPTA focus was on being woke. They did not understand the value of the members and how to incorporate them into the industry.  For example, having a webinar or women speakers was viewed as a sign of doing something for women members. Today the percentage of women members has declined. The reason is that people refuse to fill out surveys or provide their demographic information to the office. I know there are board members sincerely trying to address that situation. I don't have a problem with the USPTA becoming RSPA and serving other racquet sports, although the acronym sounds like some type of STD.  My question: Why would they focus on other racquet sports, when they have not completed their mission in their primary sport of tennis?   
The Commish

Thank you, Commish. I’m sure the USPTA Board has agonized over the new name for the organization. Not an easy decision. I agree with you that it seems fewer women are coming into racquet sports.

ITA Rising Coaches Program
Article in wearecollegetennis.com

Rich, hats off to the ITA for filling this void. Tim was Mr. USTA prior to being ITA. He would have voted for WTN simply because it was USTA.
The Commish

Thank you, Commish. One nagging question remains for me: did Tim get a “no court fees at Lake Nona for their Nationals” deal in return for dropping UTR and using WTN? Not really important, but…

World Racquet Conference 2024
- Free Virtual Experience Access -

The RSPA email was directed at WRC24 participants and stated: We loved making memories together at the World Racquets Conference 2024 with you! If you want to experience some of your favorite sessions or catch the ones you missed, the WRC24 Virtual Experience can help! We want you to relive the conference through our livestream edition, which includes 48 sessions as they aired in Rancho Mirage. Courses will be made available individually at a later date, but RSPA members who attended the conference can click the button below to log in and access the full Virtual Experience!

Gofundme for Hurricane Relief

RSPA posted on LinkedIn: The Racquet Sports Professionals Association would like to support members whose homes and/or businesses were affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and invites those who can assist to join us.

The RSPA is starting the fund with a $5,000 donation. Join us in contributing to help our friends and fellow professionals recover from disaster and return to doing what they love—inspiring people in every racquet sport on every court.

Due to RSPA bylaws, the association cannot run a fundraiser, so RSPA Director of Finance Ellen Weatherford is hosting this drive with the full support of RSPA President Trish Faulkner and RSPA CEO Brian David Dillman Dillman.

If you're an RSPA member affected by either storm, apply here for relief.

Expensive Private Pickleball Lesson in Atlanta

The Commish felt they needed to comment on the Pickleball pricing at ITA Atlanta:
“$125 for private lessons at a public/private facility. Do you wonder why tennis is struggling?”

Hmmmm… I’ll go with Janis Choplin: “Get it while you can!”

Grandstanding ‘Six Kings Slam’ Showing Off Arab Wealth

Larry Krieger sent that to me with no comment. The promo video is titled “The Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia -- The most Stunning Promo in Tennis History.” And stunning it is. I wished I had their budget for my videos, haha.
The tennis stars were playing some mystical figures: Carlos Alcaraz - Sand man. Jannik Sinner - Renaissance artist. Holger Rune - Viking warrior. Daniil Medvedev - King of bears. Rafa Nadal - Clay warrior. Novak Djokovic - Leader of wolves.

So far so good, but the one that stood out as quite foolish-looking was Jannik Sinner’s Renaissance Artist. The others were warrior types, he was an artist. Silly. But he won the whole thing, didn’t he?

Hmmmm… The power of money on display.

‘Pickleball Brief Business Summit’ With Sound Strategy?

The Pickleball Brief company held its summit on October 17 and 18. The invitation read, “Join us for two half-day sessions packed with invaluable insights to propel your pickleball business forward. This exclusive B2B event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to share cutting-edge strategies and best practices.”

So far so good. I was interested in listening in and writing about it. However, paying $189 for General Access, $499 for Premium Access, or $1,299 for VIP Access didn’t make sense since I don’t run a Pickleball organization. I asked Mr. David Feldman, co-founder, and a recent LinkedIn connection of mine, for media credentials. Would have been a nice promo for this business. He declined and requested payment if I wanted to participate. Does that sound like a smart position from someone teaching you how to run your business?

Hmmmm… What are they hiding?

Celebrity Pickleball Bash: Who’s Playing?

The Pivot Agency is known for successfully organizing exciting sports travels and events. For February 15 and 16 in 2025, they put on another Pickleball Bash in San Francisco’s The Warfield auditorium.

So far so good but when I check the list of ‘celebrities’ I get that familiar feeling of hu? Chris Mullin, NBA Hall of Fame. Terrell Owens, NFL Hall of Fame. Brandi Chastain, World Cup & Olympic Champion. Hunter Pence, MLB All-Star. Jalen Brunson, NBA All-Star. Anthony Anderson, Actor and Comedian. Mario Lopez, Actor and TV Host. Jessie James Decker, Singer and Songwriter. Eric Decker, NFL Star.

I have heard of Terrell Owens and Mario Lopez. Would I pay one dollar to see that Bash? Not in a million years. But that’s just me. I think the odds for this bash to happen are less than stellar.

Hmmmm… I’d rather watch Patrick Mouratoglou dope up another star player.

“I don’t play for money.”

Jannik Sinner when asked about the Six Kings Slam payout after winning the $6 million purse.
tennis.com article

The recent USTA press release from October 21 was quite interesting as it was titled
”USTA CREATES SINGLE COHESIVE DEPARTMENT TO ENHANCE SUPPORT FOR PLAYERS AT ALL LEVELS OF THEIR COMPETITIVE PATHWAY” (Release)

Before I start analyzing, I need to let you guys know that the press release has disappeared from the USTA website. That’s a first for me. Those press releases are normally all posted on the site because celebrating each other and themselves is the USTA executives’ favorite pastime. Oh, well…

Now, with most USTA press releases one needs to always look behind the shroud of possible disinformation, follow the money, and trust some insider will tell you what’s really behind the issue. I have received some information but need corroboration before posting it. However, I want to comment on various statements in that announcement.

”Combines Player Development, Pro Circuit, Team Events, Collegiate and Junior Competition Teams to Optimize Resources and Support for Elite Athletes”

Hmmh…. Most of these departments are now under Stacey Allaster. Will she stay on? Have they thought that through?

”Current General Manager of Player Development Martin Blackman to Step Down”
Ah, Martin Blackman. I don’t know the man but he must have lost his clout with the Board. Most people say he is a very capable coach. But is he worth almost $1M in salary? What are his chances to get employment at that income level again? Another organization where money is growing on trees? Do you know one? Padel? (Do you really think he stepped down? Doesn’t it look like he was fired? I mean, who on earth would voluntarily leave a job like this?)

”Search for a Leader of the Newly Combined Team Now Underway”
What are the chances this has not already been promised to someone in the organization? I just hope that the new position wasn’t promised to Mike Morris.

Conclusion
Our readers know how much I like to analyze USTA decisions. I call that “educated guesses combined with insider gossip” and form my own opinion. Most of the time I’m spot on, of course. Why else would no one ever correct any of my posts?

I think this was a financial decision. Someone smart told the Board “We have to save money” and that someone may well be a bank. A debt level of $726M could make some of the investors nervous especially if the CEO has no intention to use the $275M from the sale of Cincinnati to pay down that debt but even more money is needed for another planned ambitious expansion of the US Open.

A little birdie tweeted to me that this decision, while probably designed to save money, may well create a department that becomes an even bigger money pit than today’s PD.

Saving money is really easy when it comes to our tennis NGB. Is Lew Sherr already at $2M salary this year? We’ll see in the 990 filing next year. Someone must have realized that Player Development, with a budget of $20M+ and mediocre results at best, is an easy target. I guess salaries are at least half of that budget. But how to downsize PD without losing face and giving enemy no. 1, Javier Palenque a W? Reorganization!

Blackman had to go, naturally. He failed to produce an American Grand Slam Champion and I assume he won’t be replaced because Kathy Rinaldi and Kent Kinnear are shouldering the brunt of PD work anyway.

The USTA ‘Money Grows on Trees Saga’ continues.

Why do most American adult beginners leave tennis again within a year?

Could the USTA Adult League system be the culprit?

My research indicates several factors contributing to the high attrition rate among adult tennis beginners within their first year of play. These include perceived difficulty, financial considerations, time constraints, and the growing popularity of alternative sports like Pickleball. However, my findings suggest that the most significant factor may be the structure and culture surrounding the industry-dominating USTA Adult League.

The USTA League, while designed to promote competitive play, appears to present unintended barriers for newcomers to the sport. The pressure of league play, combined with the tendency of more experienced players to form exclusive groups, can create an unwelcoming environment for beginners and lower-level players. This social dynamic may be inadvertently discouraging new entrants from continuing their tennis journey.

Read the article here.

“Once we realize we are all members of humanity,
we will want to compete in the spirit of love.”

Muhammad Ali
As seen in the October 30 issue of 1440

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING !! We all know who ingrained us with these words so I won't try to take credit but rather borrow Johnny Mac’s sentiments. How is it possible that the International Tennis Hall of Fame snubbed Daniel Nestor from being enshrined in their hallowed Hall?

Unlike other sports, it would seem this is just a public popularity contest rather than an acknowledgment from those within the profession as done by the other major sports.

Some might think I’m biased as I coached Daniel in his early development years but numbers don’t lie.

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Thank you for considering Ace the Moon. I am eager to explore the potential of integrating our SoCal vibe into your pro shop and building a mutually beneficial partnership. [email protected]