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Racket Business - Publisher's Notes for September, 2025

Letters - RIP Inside Tennis Magazine - RacquetX - Things that make me go hmm - much more

Author

Rich Neher
August 31, 2025

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

I hope August was a good month for you, despite the heat over large parts of the United States.

I’m hearing that Steve Simon, CEO of the WTA, will be retiring in December. I think Steve has done a great job at the helm of this fine organization after doing an equally fine job as COO of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open. We here at Racket Business wish him all the best. Don’t be a stranger!

This month, we have taken the “Webinar Watch” section and given it its own page. It was getting too big, and I believe our readers should experience the delivery of information they can actually use. Our friends from CourtReserve are a great example for helping racquet clubs simplify operations, grow membership, and stay ahead in Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel. We also have webinars from RSPA and the Directors’ Club of America. Just look for the page “Webinar Watch.”

Check out the ad from our newest advertiser, TENNIS BUSINESS ACADEMY, just after the RIP Inside Tennis item below. They developed an interesting system to get players into your programs…

Btw, have you seen the Paolini image The Guardian calls “one of the best tennis photos of all time?” https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/28/best-tennis-photo-jasmine-paolini-us-open-ray-giubilo

And how about that woman who scored a free US Open ticket with quite the creative, handwritten sign? https://nypost.com/2025/08/28/us-news/tennis-fan-scores-free-us-open-ticket-with-sign-ripping-sore-loser-jelena-ostapenko/

Regarding my experience at the US Open: While there are areas for constructive criticism, as I continue to highlight as part of my “holding their feet to the fire” campaign, my overall assessment remains overwhelmingly positive. The US Open consistently delivers a world-class sporting event. The USTA demonstrates exceptional proficiency in event management, creating an electric atmosphere, and showcasing top-tier tennis matches.

The organization's attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident throughout the tournament. From the seamless logistics to the engaging spectator experience, the USTA has clearly refined its approach over the years. This level of execution sets a high standard for international tennis events and contributes significantly to the sport's global appeal.

While maintaining a critical eye for continuous improvement is crucial, it's equally important to acknowledge the USTA's achievements. Their ability to consistently deliver a tournament of this caliber is commendable and deserves recognition. The US Open remains a jewel in the crown of professional tennis, attracting fans and players from around the world.

Quick IMHO Comments Regarding the US Open

…. If it’s true what sore loser Jelena Ostapenko said to Taylor Townsend after the match, I think she should be suspended by the WTA for 6 months and fined $50,000. https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/c87ev17en4yo

… Medvedev received a hefty USTA fine after the US Open meltdown. Good.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/cn724z07pj7o

… The real reason why children over the age of 2 years have to pay full adult ticket prices at the US Open? I guess lawyers told the USTA Board that you can’t encourage ticket holders to get drunk and allow Marijuana smoke wafting through the crowd and over the courts while children are present.

… Wait. What? ‘Game, set, matchmaker’? The US Open gets into the dating game.’ I am speechless but also slightly amused.

(More about the US Open and my visit on August 28: Scroll down to “Things that make me go hmmm.”)


On a different note, I can’t wait to go to Las Vegas on September 10. No, I’m not the gambler type at all. (Best example: When I walked into a small, off-the-beaten-path casino and put $1 into a one-dollar slot machine, I thought I broke it when all the bells went off. The attendant had to tell me I had just won $800.) The reason for my one-day trip to “Sin City” is the 2025 World Tennis Esports Championship at The Space. If some of our readers are going, let’s get together for a “cup of coffee” or something stronger. 😀 

I sincerely hope you find value in the September 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

LETTERS


Re: Gary Horvath’s July article “The Upcoming Dogfight to Attract and Retain Tennis Athletes”

Rich,

Found Gary's article full of figures that may or may not be important to everyday tennis from a teaching pro’s perspective.  334 or 350 million people in the US, tennis should be pulling in more, regardless of the 16 million.

I worked in some successful group lessons programs for 15 years, and you can see the pros who constantly fill each group A and B sessions in advance and the ones who don't care if it's 3 or 6 students.  Guess which has the students continue?  Creativity to programs is so important, as is the ability to make it fun for everyone in the beginner levels and challenging as they continue to improve. I've watched pros give a Vic Braden physics of tennis lesson to 9 years old while hitting 10 balls an hour - no fun and not the right program for them.  The USA123 program to bring (focus was not keeping them) new players to the game. Short-sighted "business" pros tried to make a few bucks by having high school players teaching these classes for $10 an hour.  Most left tennis after the initial session!  Put your best pro in there and now they take lessons for months and years and that's where the money was.

We saw as COVID was diminishing and kids went back to soccer and baseball...the best pros planned ahead and made the lessons and practice so much more fun than watching the grass grow!  They kept their programs going.

The teaching organizations are more member hungry, than making sure the pros are teaching to keep players in the sport.

So we still have 200 million more to pull from, does the additional 16 million matter?  

Jamie Blatman
Chicago, IL

Rich,

The USTA just keeps inventing titles and adding  $$$ to their quest to make it look like they are doing good things.  They hire expensive PR firms to come up with ideas and then spend $$$ to pursue those "sales pitches".  The PR firms love it as it's an endless need to satisfy a struggling organization's problems.

The Commish
Everywhere, USA
Pronouns: They/Them

Re: Deloitte’s “Taking the Red Ball Approach” article

Rich,

Did the Deloitte president go to a Coldplay concert, and does the USTA have pictures?  If this isn't true, then the Google search below may have a better answer.

Bring on Charmin!

The Commish
Everywhere, USA
Pronouns: They/Them

Rich,

IMO.... we don't need Deloitte and people that don't know anything about red ball writing articles about stuff. JC...the USTA confuses the public enough on it. Can the 4 of us, plus Jenny, Bunny, and Mark Faber (new incoming RSPA President), just run tennis? 

Susan Nardi
President, LA Tennis
Los Angeles, California

In the meantime, I learned that Deloitte is indeed looking to put their stamp on the game of tennis. It was reported that it is common practice for them to tie in to making connections and influence when they are financially associated with an organization.

What do our readers think about the big US Open sponsor trying to come across as experts in tennis? Email me.

Rich,

You saw that coming, right? I mean, the entire firing was questionable to say the least. How much time did Solomon spend with Dr. Phil in Texas? Half his work week? That’s indefensible. Was it 10% of his time? That’s defensible.

I hope someone will come forward and tell us what’s really going on at The Tennis Channel…

The Commish
Everywhere, USA
Pronouns: They/Them

RIP Inside Tennis Print Magazine

I learned recently that the print version of the popular tennis magazine Inside Tennis was discontinued, publishing its final print edition in August after 45 years. The San Francisco Chronicle called Inside Tennis "the most informative tennis publication in the English-speaking world," and tennis commentator Wayne Bryan said the magazine is "No. 1 in writing, insight, class, heart and love for the great game." I have to agree with the father of the Bryan Brothers.

The magazine had a strong reputation for its content because of one brilliant writer, Publisher Bill Simons. I was working for Bill almost 20 years ago as the writer for his Los Angeles section. The magazine will be missed for sure. It now only continues to exist online at Insidetennis.com.
 


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THINGS THAT MAKE ME GO HMMMM…

USTA Roundup: US Open Booze - Weed - Luxury - Virtue Signalling
USTA Coaching Money Grab?


USTA Roundup

US Open Time 1 - The Booze

The recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted a significant aspect of the US Open night matches that deserves attention: the prominent role of alcohol sales. While player Medvedev's performance certainly contributed to the crowd's excitement, and the umpire's handling of the situation could have been more effective, it's crucial to examine the broader context.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) appears to have adopted a strategy that prioritizes revenue generation through the sale of alcoholic beverages, including their signature Honey Deuce cocktail, wine, beer, and champagne. This approach seems particularly tailored to cater to high-net-worth individuals, such as Wall Street professionals, who can expense their premium tickets, often priced at $2,800 or more.

This revenue-driven model has contributed to the US Open's reputation as a more boisterous event, contrasting sharply with the decorum associated with Wimbledon. While this strategy may boost short-term profits, it raises questions about the long-term impact on the tournament's prestige and the overall spectator experience.

Fox News wrote August 26, “US Open's legendary Honey Deuce cocktail faces stiff competition as fans party hard.” Quote, “Even top American tennis star Frances Tiafoe joked in a 2023 interview, “Seventy percent of the fans are just loaded and just absolutely drunk.”

Nice. Is that the only way the USTA is getting so many fans to come to the Open? With booze?

US Open Time 2 - The Weed

The article quoted Caspar Ruud, calling the open aroma of pot “the worst thing about New York. “The smell is everywhere, even here on the courts.” He continued, “It’s quite annoying to be playing, tired, and just meters away, someone is smoking marijuana.”

While workers at the Open didn’t know what to do because they were reportedly given no direction, others were quick to chime in New York style. Chantal Bishop, 52, a lifelong New Yorker from Crown Height, Brooklyn, “We don’t f–king care. We are New Yorkers.”

Nice. Booze and weed sell tickets. Quite sad, imo.

US Open Time 3 - The Luxury

The recent New York Post article highlights a longstanding issue within the tennis community: the U.S. Open has become increasingly inaccessible to the average fan. This prestigious tournament, while a cornerstone of the sport, has faced criticism for its pricing structure that favors affluent spectators. Stadium tickets are prohibitively expensive, with ground passes costing hundreds of dollars per person per day. Additionally, children over two years of age are required to pay full adult prices, further limiting family attendance.

The tournament's concessions also reflect this trend towards luxury pricing. Champagne is offered at $32 per glass, while the signature Honey Deuce cocktail costs $23 per cup. These high prices raise questions about the allocation of revenue, with concerns that a disproportionate amount is directed towards high-figure salaries rather than grassroots tennis initiatives and efforts to grow the sport.

During my one day at the US Open last month, I noticed the following regarding F&B prices:

The United States Tennis Association's justification for high-priced food and beverage options at their events by citing "plenty of lower-priced food options available," is misleading. Upon examination, these lower-priced alternatives often prove to be of subpar quality, failing to meet reasonable expectations for taste and value.

A personal experience at the Open illustrates this issue. After reviewing menu options featuring $45 steaks and $39 pasta dishes, I opted for a more modestly priced $14 cheeseburger. The quality was disappointingly poor, with the burger being dry and flavorless. Similarly, a $9 hot dog purchased by Pat was equally unsatisfactory. Another attendee reported that their pizza was of such low quality that it represented a poor value for the price paid.

The payment process for food and beverages also raised concerns. The point-of-sale system appeared to coerce customers into leaving a minimum 15% gratuity, presenting this as a requirement for credit card transactions. This practice, coupled with the pressure of queues forming behind customers, creates an uncomfortable purchasing experience that may negatively impact customer satisfaction.

Beverage quality and value also emerged as significant issues. The widely promoted $23* Honey Deuce cocktail, while fashionable, failed to deliver on both taste and alcohol content. The drink was overly sweet and diluted, with multiple customers reporting an inability to detect the advertised Grey Goose vodka. This raises questions about the value proposition of premium-priced beverages at USTA events.

In contrast, some attendees found that standard alcoholic beverages, such as a $16 can of Heineken, offered a more transparent and reliable purchase option. This disparity in perceived value between specialty cocktails and standard offerings may impact customer trust and overall event experience.

* A sign at a Harlem restaurant reads: “US Open Honey Deuce $12,” so I asked the owner why it’s so cheap. She said, “They can charge whatever they want.” She assured me it’s made with real vodka, not watered down. Oh, and it doesn’t come with the commemorative cup. Duh…

Further compounding these concerns, Javier Palenque, a noted critic of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), recently uncovered a $116 million item in the USTA's financial statements labeled as "other" expenses. This substantial sum has raised eyebrows within the industry, with some characterizing it as a potential "slush fund." While concrete evidence regarding the nature of these expenses is lacking, industry insiders have expressed skepticism about the transparency of this financial reporting.

These issues point to a need for greater accountability and accessibility within professional tennis, particularly concerning major tournaments like the U.S. Open. As the sport continues to evolve, addressing these concerns will be crucial for ensuring its long-term growth and maintaining its connection with fans across all economic backgrounds.

US Open Time 4 - The Virtue Signalling

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has designated August 28 as "Pride Day" at the US Open, with Arthur Ashe Stadium being certified as an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. While this initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusion, it raises questions about the necessity of such events in light of recent legal advancements for LGBTQ+ rights.

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and the 2022 Respect for Marriage Act further protected same-sex and interracial marriages. These legislative milestones have significantly improved LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance in the United States. However, the continued emphasis on creating "safe spaces" and hosting Pride events at major sporting tournaments warrants discussion.

The USTA's recent appointment of an openly gay president and the focus on welcoming LGBTQ+ athletes may be viewed as positive steps towards inclusivity. However, some industry observers question whether these initiatives are:

  1. A reflection of the USTA Board's progressive agenda

  2. A strategy to divert attention from more pressing organizational challenges

These challenges reportedly include:

  • Discrepancies in participation numbers

  • A debt of over $500 million

  • Plans for an $800 million modernization of the US Open facilities

The financial implications of these initiatives and projects raise concerns about the USTA's fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. As the organization moves forward, it is crucial to balance social progress with sound financial management and transparent reporting to stakeholders.

During my one day at the US Open last month, on August 28, which was designated ‘Open Pride‘ day, I expected the usual circus atmosphere when it comes to Pride Parades, but that was not the case. Everything was done low-key and tastefully with a few banners on and off the courts. Nice!

USTA Coaching Money Grab?

The USTA's recent press release highlights an interview with Craig Morris, a key executive within the organization. Morris, who previously served as CEO of Community Tennis, has been appointed to the position of CEO, Coaching. This transition comes after his tenure in the Community Tennis role, which yielded results that fell short of organizational expectations.

Morris says, “We all know the idea of the USTA educating and certifying tennis coaches has been talked about for decades. And while we certainly respect the past, we're making this decision to protect the tennis coaching industry and, therefore, to protect and ensure the game for decades to come.”

My Take

  • The current tennis coaching industry certification and education processes, managed by organizations such as the RSPA and PTR, appear to be functioning effectively. I am not convinced that USTA Coaching will provide opportunities for further enhancement and standardization across the industry.

  • The USTA Coaching initiative, reportedly initiated by Kurt Kamperman over two decades ago, has raised concerns about its primary objectives and potential impact on the industry. Is its primary objective to generate revenue and nothing else? It is crucial to critically evaluate the merits and drawbacks of this program to ensure it serves the best interests of the coaching community.

  • The USTA's questionable track record in managing large-scale initiatives and the leadership experience of key individuals, such as Mike Morris, should be thoroughly examined to assess the organization's capacity to successfully implement and maintain this coaching certification program.

  • The introduction of USTA Coaching certification may have far-reaching implications for the tennis coaching industry. It is important to consider the potential consequences for teaching professionals who choose not to pursue this certification, and to ensure that any new standards or requirements are implemented fairly and transparently.

As the USTA continues to evolve its leadership structure, stakeholders in the tennis community will likely be watching closely to see how this change impacts the organization's overall strategy and effectiveness in promoting and developing the sport across the United States.

“Inclusion” is more important than “safety” and “fairness” for girls and women

OUTKICK reported August 5: Trans-Identifying Sex Offender Gained Access To Young Girls Through USTA. The 47-year-old male competed in a tennis tournament against a 14-year-old, according to Reduxx.

From the article:

An incredibly disturbing story, about a 47-year-old convicted sex offender, has come to light thanks to a new report from Reduxx. According to the website, Cary Sutton was arrested in the 1990s for two counts of statutory rape. Then, in 2008, Sutton was arrested again, this time for an inappropriate relationship with a 12-year-old girl that he met at a park where he was a part-time tennis coach.

Apparently, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) allowed Sutton to compete in women's events, notably a USTA Southern Closed Playoff Series match against a 14-year-old girl. Given Sutton's history, this appears to be a massive violation of safety for the young girls in the association. Sutton also competed in the 2023 Atlanta City Open Southern Hardcourt Championships in the "Women's Open Singles" division and had a gender listing of "female." 

Read the entire article here. You can’t make that stuff up, folks. Let me know what you think here.

SHOUT-OUTS + ONE REVEALING QUOTE + ONE FUNNY TWEET


Big Shout-Out to Recycleballs for hitting the magic number 17,000,000!

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“Before you even know for sure that you’ll be making money as a tennis professional, you’ll have already invested at least €450,000 to 500,000.”

Veronika Rücker, Board member of DTB, the German NGB

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