August 2005

Volume 33 Number 8 $5.00

2005 GUIDE TO
STRINGING MACHINES
 Exclusive selection chart
 Generate more revenue
 Get your string certification
“Brand” your facility
with logoed windscreens
Capitalize on your shop’s
“moments of truth”
Vending machines can
keep players happy
French Open Player
Equipment Log
 Profiling Your Members
 Orthotics for Your Players
 String Playtest
 Ask the Experts
 Tips and Techniques
Contents R S I A U G U S T

INDUSTRY NEWS
2 0 0 5

7 Tennis teaching pros to meet

at TTC in NYC
7 USTA commits $1.5 million to
“Tennis in the Parks”
8 Prince offers its first tennis ball
8 Wilson debuts Crossfire Two shoe
8 MassMutual gives $525,000
for college scholarships

EXCLUSIVE! 9 Agenda set for USPTA World

Conference
GUIDE TO STRINGING 10 Prince introduces new O3
MACHINES Blue racquet

29 String of Successes 10 ATP picks Gerflor Taraflex surface

Our exclusive guide will help you generate more
revenue from your stringing business.
11 Penn introduces Pro Penn
Encore ball
32 Passing the Test 11 Mary Pierce wins with Lejay apparel
Display your expertise, and help your business,
by becoming a Certified Stringer or MRT.
12 Gamma Sports teams
34 Stringing Machine Selection Guide 2005 with Slinghopper
Use our chart to help you choose the right
stringing machine. 12 Diadora acquires Kaelin
apparel license
12 Prince launches new
Quiktrac GT shoe
13 Wilson debuts new line of Tour bags
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 26 Retailing Success
16 Focus on Footwear 40 French Open Equipment Log
18 Marketing Success 42 String Playtest: Head FXP 16
20 Customer Relations 44 Ask the Experts
22 Construction Trends 46 Tips and Techniques
24 Facility Management 48 Your Serve, by Marcia Frost

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

Our Serve
You Gotta Have Heart! (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
Publishers
David Bone Jeff Williams

I t was vintage Jim Baugh—laser pointer in his right hand,

slide projector clicker in his left, explaining the latest devel-
opment in tennis. All of Baugh’s excitement about the sport
Editor-in-Chief
Crawford Lindsey

Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
was there, as always, and he was thoroughly prepared, as
Associate Editor
usual. Greg Raven
But rather than addressing the usual group of industry bigwigs, Baugh was talk- Design/Art Director
ing to a group of tennis teaching professionals about something dear to his heart: Kristine Thom
fitness and tennis. This was a free workshop for teaching pros about Cardio Ten- Assistant to the Publisher
nis, a program that Baugh conceived and is bringing to fruition, together with the Cari Feliciano
Tennis Industry Association (of which Baugh is president) and with support from
Contributing Editors
the USTA. Cynthia Cantrell
I took part in this four-hour workshop, which was held at the USTA National Rod Cross
Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., in June and, even though I’ve known the Kristen Daley
Joe Dinoffer
details of the program for many months, I was impressed and amazed. This was
Liza Horan
one of 21 workshops being held across the country from May to September to give Andrew Lavallee
teaching pros an in-depth look at the program and to help them deliver Cardio Ten- James Martin
nis to their players. If you haven’t been to one of these free workshops, you need Mark Mason
Chris Nicholson
to go. (There’s still time to sign up for workshops at Stanford, Los Angeles, Orlan-
Mitch Rustad
do, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, and Hilton Head. Visit Drew Sunderlin
www.Partners.CardioTennis.com or call 866-686-3036.) Jonathan Whitbourne
The workshops begin with a lively and informative hour and a half presentation,
RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
then participants actually run through Cardio Tennis on court, wearing heart mon-
Corporate Offices
itors. Then it’s back in the classroom for a quick wrap-up. The excitement from the 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
nearly 40 people in the workshop was great to see. They clearly understood the Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
benefits for players, for their own businesses, and for the future of the sport. Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
The goal of Cardio Tennis is to get players moving, getting the heart rate into
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
the “Cardio Tennis Zone.” I was constantly on the move, and got an amazing work-
out, burning, according to my heart monitor, more than 1,240 calories in just over Advertising Director
an hour. And it was fun; I had a blast. Cardio Tennis lives up to the hype. John Hanna
770-650-1102, x.125
Key, of course, is the teaching pro, who needs to be able to keep the group mov-
john@racquettech.com
ing and not stop to correct strokes or technique. Facilitating on court at my work-
shop were Michele Krause, the TIA’s national Cardio Tennis business manager; Bill Apparel Advertising
Mountford, the director of tennis at the NTC; Dr. Sophie Woorons, the director of Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
tennis at Performance Tennis at Brookstone Meadows in Anderson, S.C.; and for-
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
mer touring pro Katrina Adams. All were fantastic, keeping things moving while
Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-
still taking time to explain various aspects of the program to the pros. 5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January
The program will roll out to consumers during the US Open, with fitness expert through August and combined issues in Septem-
ber/October and November/December by Tennis
and Cardio Tennis advocate Denise Austin taking part. And every week, more facil-
Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
ities are signing on to become Cardio sites. Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443 and addi-
If you haven’t looked into offering Cardio Tennis to your players, you need to. tional mailing offices. August 2005, Volume 33, Num-
ber 8 © 2005 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights
It’s
It s good for your players, and that’ll
tha keep your business alive. reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are
trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
advertising: 770-650-1102 x.125. Phone circulation and
editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the
Peter Francesconi U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St.,
Editorial Director
Vista, CA 92084.

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005


INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU
USTA Commits
$1.5 Million to New
“Tennis in the Parks”
The USTA will invest $1.5 million in new
funding to support public parks tennis
facility improvements, renovations, and
new construction projects to provide
more and enhanced tennis venues for
increased playing opportunities. The fund-
ing of the “Tennis in the Parks” initiative
follows the USTA's recent announcement
of a $10 million “Grow the Game” fund
created to develop new programs to
increase player participation and raise
the profile of tennis in the U.S.
The new initiative includes a local com-
munity advocacy component, in which
USTA-provided grants will be matched on
the local level, with the total investment
in the sport totaling $7.5 million in work-
ing dollars. This 20-fold increase in finan-
cial support from last year will impact
more than 1,000 outdoor and indoor
public facilities and thousands of courts.
More than 70 percent of recreational ten-
nis in the U.S. is played on public courts.
These grants can be applied toward new
construction, reconstruction, or facility
improvements, contingent upon ongoing
programming, coaching and maintenance
commitments at the local facilities.
“The revitalization of tennis in our public
parks, where the majority of the sport is
played at the grassroots level, is critical
to the growth strategy for tennis,” says
Franklin R. Johnson, USTA chairman of
the board and president. “I have made
this the key focus of my presidency.”
For more information on USTA Public
Facility Funding, email facilityfund-
ing@usta.com. These public tennis facili-
ty funds will be awarded in three grant
cycles during 2005.
R S I A U G U S T 2 0 0 5
RUN YOUR BUSINESS
Teaching Pros to Gather in NYC for 2005 TTC
F
ormer pro and perennial US Open favorite Todd Martin (below) will be the keynote
speaker at the 35th annual USA Tennis Teachers Conference, to be held Aug. 27 to
30 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, just as the US Open gets under way.
The theme of this year’s TTC is “Can we play now?” and it’s designed
to help teaching pros and coaches instruct people to play tennis, admin-
Courtesy USA Tennis Florida
ister programs, and manage their businesses and careers. While technical
instruction is an important part of learning tennis, simply "playing" the
game is key, and that’s the focus of many of the presentations and semi-
nars at this year’s event.
Seminars and on-court demonstrations will be presented by experi-
enced teachers and coaches such as Eliot Teltscher, Greg Patton, Rodney
Harmon, Wayne Bryan, Steve Bellamy, Donna Yuritic, Craig Tiley, and others. Some ses-
sions, including a session on Cardio Tennis, will be held at the USTA National Tennis Cen-
ter, site of the US Open, in nearby Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Free transportation between
the Grand Hyatt and the NTC is included.
Register for the full three days by Aug. 9 for $200; after that date, it’s $255. Single-day
registration is also available, as are group rates. Also, attendees are eligible for discount-
ed rates at the Grand Hyatt ($168 per night, not including taxes), access to US Open tick-
ets, welcome receptions sponsored by the USTA and PTR, and daily continental breakfast.
There also is a trade show during the conference.
The TTC draws more than 700 tennis teachers and coaches from across the country
and around the world. For more information, email TTC@usta.com or call 914-696-7004.
To register online, visit www.usta.com/TTC.
ATP to Implement Changes in Pro Doubles
S
tarting in September, ATP tournaments will feature changes to doubles that the ATP
says are designed to appeal to fans and better showcase the doubles game. ATP
doubles matches at many fall tournaments will feature no-ad games and sets
played to five games rather than six, with a tie-break at 4-4. Possible set scores will be 5-
0, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3 and 5-4.
The ATP says that scheduling policies will be changed to ensure that more doubles will
be prominently featured on show courts for spectators and TV viewers alike. The ATP and
tournaments also are developing a variety of promotional initiatives to showcase doubles
and increase its appeal to fans and sponsors.
Many of the changes, approved by the ATP Board at Wimbledon, were initially recom-
mended by a Research & Development Doubles Project Team chaired by Horst
Klosterkemper, ATP president Europe and player relations. It included player representa-
tives, tournament directors, and ATP staff and evaluated data from surveys from four
groups: fans, players, media, and tournaments.
“All groups clearly acknowledged that doubles is an important part of tennis, but
believe some enhancements were necessary,” Klosterkemper says. “Singles players said
they would consider playing doubles on a more consistent basis if changes were made,
citing the length of matches, which average more than 90 minutes, and scheduling diffi-
culties as reasons for the lack of participation. The project team not only found remedies
for these challenges, but also identified some format changes that will broaden the appeal
of the game for fans.”
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7
INDUSTRYNEWS A U G U S T 2 0 0 5
USTA, Amex Sign New
US Open Agreement
T
he USTA and American Express
announced a new sponsorship and mar-
keting agreement extending American
Express’s designation as the “Official Card”
and “Official Travelers Cheque” of the US
Open. In the new agreement, American
Express also becomes an “Official Sponsor of
the US Open Series,” the six-week summer
tennis season that links all major North
American tournaments to the US Open.
The first program under the extended
relationship was the option for Amex card
holders to buy tickets to the US Open in early
June, before sale to the general public. Also,
Amex offered a buy-one ticket, get-one-free
deal for the first three evening sessions in
certain seating areas.
“The US Open is a premier sporting event,
and we are pleased to extend our long-stand-
ing commitment to the USTA,” says Nancy
Smith, Amex’s vice president of Global Media
and Sponsorship Marketing. “Bringing spe-
cial access and experiences to cardmembers
at the US Open is one of the many ways we
recognize and reward our cardmembers.”
In recent years, the USTA and American
Express have developed extensive marketing
initiatives designed to elevate the profile of
the sport and enhance the experience of the
US Open, including US Open-themed adver-
tising and significant cardmember benefits.
American Express again will sponsor Arthur
Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess on Satur-
day, Aug. 27, a full-day tennis and music fes-
tival for children and families.
Wilson Offers Crossfire Two Shoe
Wilson’s latest tennis shoe for men, the
Crossfire Two, includes Wilson’s DST 3X
technology, which the company says
offers three times the cushioning com-
fort in the core and forefoot for maxi-
mum shock absorption and to aid
quick-moving players on the court. The
Crossfire Two is designed for all-around
tournament players. It retails for
$199.99 in a white/black/silver color
combination. Visit www.wilson.com.
8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
Prince Offers Its
First Tennis Ball
P
rince Sports has introduced a new tennis
ball—the Prince Tour. The company says
the Prince Tour ball, which is Prince’s first
foray into the tennis ball category, is a premi-
um grade, consistent, long-lasting ball.
The Prince Tour, which is USTA-
approved, incorporates a hi-vis
woven felt for optimal visibility
and a longer-lasting, dynamic
core for extended play, says the
company, and the balls are hand-
covered for consistent quality. The
Tour ball is offered in Extra Duty felt for
hard-court use, Regular Duty felt for soft
courts, and a High Altitude Extra Duty felt for areas
above 3,500 feet.
For more information, contact 800-283-6647 or www.princetennis.com.
MassMutual, Through USTA T&EF, Commits
$525,000 for College Scholarships
T
he MassMutual Foundation for Hartford Inc. and the USTA Tennis & Edu-
cation Foundation have awarded $5,000 college scholarships to 35 high
school seniors across the U.S. The honorees were selected by the USTA
T&EF on the basis of their commitment to academic success, their local com-
munity, and the game of tennis.
The MassMutual Foundation is supporting the USTA T&EF with 35 col-
lege scholarships annually for the next three years, for a total contribution
of $525,000. Each year, at least one scholarship will be awarded in each
of the USTA’s 17 sections throughout the country. The program builds upon
MassMutual’s current association with the USTA as a USTA Corporate
Champion sponsor of the US Open.
Through all organization-wide educational initiatives, MassMutual and
the MassMutual Foundation are providing nearly $900,000 in scholarship
funding to students in 2005.
 INDUSTRY NEWS

WTT to Use Hawk-Eye Agenda Set for USPTA

Instant Replay World Conference

H N
awk-Eye will provide instant replay
technology for the World TeamTennis
Coaches Challenge for selected regular
season WTT Pro League matches as well as
the WTT Finals. WTT officials selected Hawk-
Eye as the official instant replay technology of the World TeamTen-
nis Pro League following several months of research and testing.
The WTT Coaches Challenge allows teams to challenge calls
during a match utilizing the Hawk-Eye system. Established in
2001, Hawk-Eye uses a refined image processing technique that
converts the tennis action, recorded by on-court cameras, into a
highly detailed computer-imaging model. Unique to the comput-
er-generated model of Hawk-Eye is the ability to analyze a shot
from various angles and varying speeds.
Although instant replay has been tested in tennis and used in
exhibitions, the WTT Pro League presented by Advanta will be the
first time a challenge can be issued from the court in pro tennis
competition.
In other WTT news, the Houston Wranglers have named John
Lucas as their new head coach. Lucas, a former player and coach
in the NBA, played WTT with the Golden Gaters from 1976 to ’77
and with the Sun Belt Nets in 1978. The Hartford FoxForce have
named Aleco Preovolos as its 2005 head coach. Preovolos was a
four-year All-American and Hall of Fame inductee at the Univer-
sity of California-Davis.
ick Bollettieri, Mary Carillo, Allen
Fox, Jack Groppel, Tom Gullikson,
Rodney Harmon, Rick Macci, and
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy are among the featured speakers at
the 2005 USPTA World Conference on Tennis. Also featured
are Jim Baugh, Jill Fonte, Brett Hobden, and Luis Mediero.
The conference will be held Sept. 17 to 24 at the Marco
Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Marco Island, Fla.
Most major events—including night-time parties, national
awards presentation, buying show and silent auction—are
Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 21-24. The $30,000
International Championships begin Sept. 17. In addition,
more than 50 seminars and specialty courses will be pre-
sented.
“We have been able to strengthen our agenda the past
few years by holding more general sessions, with the help of
outstanding speakers focused on modern tennis and
because of feedback from members,” says USPTA CEO Tim
Heckler.
USPTA members and nonmembers are welcome. Regis-
tration fees before Sept. 1 are $285 and $325, respectively.
Special rates are offered for spouses and children. Registra-
tion includes seminars and general sessions, dinner parties,
the awards breakfast and buying show entry. For more infor-
mation, visit www.uspta.com or call 800-877-8248.

USTA Creates New Community Tennis

Development Position

V
irgil Christian has been named director of Com-
munity Tennis Development for the USTA. In
this newly created position, he will be respon-
sible for strategic planning of community tennis
development at schools, parks, colleges, Communi-
ty Tennis Associations and the nationwide network
of 2,800 Tennis Welcome Centers.
In addition, Christian will further develop part-
nerships with national organizations as well as the
USTA’s 17 sections. He will report to Scott Schultz,
the managing director of recreational tennis.
“Virgil is highly regarded for his proven ability
to develop and grow tennis in communities by
establishing partnerships with local agencies and
constituencies,” says Schultz. “His expertise in community development will help
support all 17 USTA sections in their efforts to create effective and self-sustaining
Community Tennis Associations.”
Most recently, Christian served as director of tennis for the Cary Tennis Center
in Cary, N.C., where he was responsible for tennis programming and teaching at
over 50 courts citywide. He also directed several major events including the USTA
Pro Circuit $50,000 Women’s Challenger. Prior to joining the Cary Tennis Center,
Christian served as executive director of the Development Authority in Peachtree
City, Ga., and director of tennis for the Peachtree City Tennis Center.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

 A U G U S T 2 0 0 5

SHORT SETS
INDUSTRYNEWS

of the West Classic (Penn Championship Ball) in Stanford, Calif.;

>OpenWilson’s nCode line of racquets claimed two titles at the French
this year. Justine Henin-Hardenne won the women’s singles
the Acura Classic (Penn Championship Ball) in San Diego; and the
Western & Southern Financial Group Masters (Penn ATP Ball—men,
title playing with the nTour. Meanwhile in an all-nCode men’s dou- Penn Championship Ball—women). In addition, the new Pro Penn
bles final, Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi, both playing with the Encore is the official ball of USPTA Divisional Conventions.
nSix-One 95, beat Bob and Mike Bryan, both playing with the nPro
Surge. Other Wilson athletes who fared well at the French included >is theSouthern California-based apparel manufacturer Bälle de Mätch
official apparel supplier of the Orange County Community
Roger Federer (nSix-One Tour) and Lindsay Davenport (nTour), who
Tennis Association in California. In related news, the company
both reached the semifinals. For more info, visit www.wilson.com.
added Amanda McTavish as its new sales rep in Utah and Colorado.
> Babolat had the winning racquet in the men’s final at the French
Open. Both champion Rafael Nadal and runner-up Mariano Puerta
For more information on Bälle de Mätch, contact 949-574-7300.

play with the Babolat AeroProDrive, which won the “Editor’s
Choice” designation by Tennis magazine in April. For more informa-
tion, contact 877-316-9435 or visit www.babolat.com.
>Open.
The new Prince O3 Tour had a strong showing at this year’s French
Playing with the frame, Paola Suarez won the women’s dou-
bles title, Liezel Huber reached the women’s doubles final, and Niko-
lay Davydenko reached the men’s singles semifinals. For more
information, visit www.princetennis.com.
> The 2005 US Open will be held Aug. 29 through Sept. 11 at the
USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. Arthur Ashe
Kids’ Day presented by Hess, a full-day tennis and music festival for
children and families, will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. Tickets for
the 2005 US Open and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day can be purchased at
usopen.org; by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX; at all Tick-
etmaster outlets; and at the USTA National Tennis Center box office.
> Penn will serve as the official ball in July and August for the Bank
>andTheimprove
USA Tennis Florida Section will spend $350,000 to help build
public tennis facilities in the state. The USTA started
funding public facility upgrades in 1999 with the Adopt-a-Court
program. Since that time, nine Florida facilities and 75 courts have
received more than $40,000 in funding. “Our board realizes the
importance of increasing and improving our public tennis facilities
in Florida," says USA Tennis Florida President Don Cleveland.
>dealWorld TeamTennis CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss announced a
with ESPN2 for the cable network to televise eight hours of
WTT programming, including three regular-season marquee match-
es in July and the WTT Finals in September.
>giumTheDavis
city of Leuven, Belgium, will be the site for the USA vs. Bel-
Cup World Group Play-off Round Sept. 23-25. The
series will be played on an indoor clay court at the 3,500-seat Sport-
plaza Leuven. The winner remains in the 16-team World Group and
is eligible to win the 2006 Davis Cup; the loser will be relegated to
zonal competition for 2006.

Prince Introduces New O3 Blue ATP Picks Gerflor

Taraflex Surface
P
rince Sports’ O3 Blue is the fourth addition to the Prince O3 family of racquets.
The new frame is 110 square inches and, says the company, offers “the ulti-

T
he ATP announced a three-year partner-
mate combination of more power and enhanced maneuverability and com-
ship with Gerflor, manufacturer of indoor
fort for players looking for a soft, velvety feel.”
sports surfaces. Under the agreement,
Like the entire O3 line of racquets, O3 Blue utilizes Prince’s proprietary O-Port
Gerflor’s Taraflex will become the “Official
technology. Prince re-engineered traditional small string holes into giant O-Ports,
ATP Court Surface.” The ATP also has select-
providing a livelier response across the entire string bed, says the company, and
ed Taraflex as the court surface for the Tennis
expanding the sweetspot up to 54 percent. O-Ports also act as “wind tunnels,”
Masters Cup Shanghai from 2005 to 2007.
says Prince, to reduce aerodynamic drag, creating a quick and maneuverable
Gerflor has supplied indoor surfaces for
frame that produces a faster swing speed for more aggressive play.
the Olympic Games and many indoor World
"The addition of O3 Blue will allow players of all levels and skills to find the
Championships. Taraflex, an indoor synthet-
perfect racquet to enhance their game,” says Howard Lay, vice president of prod-
ic surface, has been the official surface used
uct development at Prince. “Feel is the best part about O3 Blue. The curved shaft
at the BNP Paribas Masters for the past 15
of this racquet provides just enough flex to soften any off-center hit.”
years, the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon for
For more information, contact 800-283-6647 or www.princetennis.com.
18 years, the Kremlin Cup in Moscow since
2001, and, since last year, the St. Petersburg
Open.
The ATP, in a statement, says its selec-
tion of Taraflex was “motivated by the tech-
nology used to manufacture the Taraflex
surface. The technology provides an ideal
compromise between comfort, shock
absorption and high performance, allowing
players to perform at a world-class level
while preserving their physical condition.”

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 INDUSTRY NEWS

Penn Introduces New Pro Penn Encore Osborn Named Regional

P
enn introduces its new Pro Penn tennis ball, featuring Encore Tech-
nology, which the company says makes it last 33 percent longer, and V.P. at Prince Sports

C
Smart Optik felt, for greater visibility. harles Osborn is the
Encore Technology is Pro Penn’s new core com- new regional vice
pound that maximizes longer-lasting playing proper- president for the
ties, says Penn. By using a proprietary blend of Northeast Division of
natural and man-made polymers, ball softening is Prince Sports, responsible
limited and the core stays fresher longer, the compa- for leading the region’s
ny says. sales team. Osborn joins
Penn says its tests show that after 30 minutes of Prince after nearly 20
play, new Pro Penn shows significantly less ball soft- years at Wilson Sporting
ening than original Pro Penn, and after five weeks of Goods, where he was the
being out of the can, new Pro Penn Encore is just as director of national sales
lively as the original Pro Penn was after just 30 min- for the racquet division.
utes of play. In addition, new Pro Penn Encore fea- “Charlie’s energy, commitment and follow-
tures Smart Optik felt, which Penn says measures 19 through make him an exceptional addition to
percent brighter than a standard tennis ball for our team,” says Doug Fonte, president of Prince
greater visibility, enhanced accuracy, and set-up time. Sports, USA. “We look forward to using his
“Tennis balls that play like new longer and are expertise to strengthen the Prince brand and
easier to see will make tennis more fun and success- continue the company’s successes.”
ful for players of all levels,” says Jennifer Parker, busi- Early in his career, Osborn served as a teach-
ness manager for Penn Tennis Balls. “Our clear goal ing professional at various clubs throughout New
remains offering tennis players a ball that will help England. He has also been a top-ranked singles
them play their best tennis.” and doubles player in both the USTA New Eng-
For more information, visit www.pennracquet.com. land Section as well as at the national level.

Mary Pierce Wins With Lejay

Wearing a
two-piece out-
fit from Lejay,
Mary Pierce
powered her
way to the
French Open
final in June.
She also wore
Lejay outfits
at this year’s
Wimbledon
Championships. For more information on
Lejay and its apparel products, contact
800-932-7535.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

INDUSTRYNEWS A U G U S T 2 0 0 5
US Open Men’s Winner
to Receive New Lexus
T
he USTA and Lexus signed a multi-
year worldwide marketing partner-
ship that designates Lexus the
“Presenting Sponsor of the US Open
Men’s Singles Championship” and the
“Official Vehicle of the US Open.”
The new three-year agreement
includes a significant on-site presence
at the US Open, national TV media
commitments, an extensive presence
on USOpen.org, and all transportation
services for the more than 250 ath-
letes participating in the US Open.
Lexus is the USTA’s sixth Corporate
Champion.
Lexus will award an all-new 2006
Lexus GS 430 to the men’s singles
champion of the US Open—-a US
Open first. The same vehicle won by
the champion will be on display dur-
ing the two-week tournament with
other Lexus vehicles on the grounds
of the USTA National Tennis Center.
Penn Racquet
Sports Named Tops
in Arizona
P
enn Racquet Sports has been
named No. 1 in the eighth
annual edition of Ranking
Arizona: The Best of Arizona Busi-
ness. More than 5,000 Arizona
businesses, in more than 200
business and leisure categories,
are included in The Best of Arizona
Business, which is the largest busi-
ness opinion poll taken in the
state.
The results were determined
by Arizona residents who cast
their votes online at
www.azbusinessmagazine.com.
Penn shared the category of
“Manufacturing: Non-Electronic”
with companies such as Ping,
Shamrock Foods, Watson Phar-
maceuticals, and Holsum Bakery
Inc. Last year, Penn, which is
based in Phoenix, was ranked
fifth in the poll.
12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
Prince Launches New Quiktrac GT Shoe
P
rince Sports debuts its new performance footwear, the Quiktrac GT, which the
company says is designed to compliment its O3 engi-
neered racquets.
“Just as the O3 racquets are top of the line,
the GT shoe offers the best in performance
and stability—with a stylish design to per-
fectly coordinate with the O3 racquets,”
says Gary Wakley, senior director of
footwear and apparel at Prince.
The Quiktrac GT has the stylistic
features of Prince’s O3 racquets,
displaying the unique visual cue of
the racquets, the O-ports, in the
upper of the shoe and color-coordi-
nating with the racquets. The shoes
provide extreme comfort and sup-
port, the company says.
The new shoe is part of the QT
Series, and Prince says it’s ideal for players
who demand lightweight comfort. The shoe is built on
Goodyear Max outsoles, with DSS (Dynamic Suspension Sys-
tem) that the company says provides exceptional support, trac-
tion, and durability for all players.
The GT comes in a low- and midcut for both men and women and is available in
white with silver or blue accents for women and white with red, navy or black
accents for men. For more information, visit www.princetennis.com.
Gamma Sports Teams With Diadora Acquires
Slinghopper Kaelin License
D
iadora America Inc.,
G
amma Sports will be
based in Kent, Wash.,
the exclusive distrib-
recently acquired the
utor for SlingHopper
Kaelin license from Ermine
Drill Bags. “We have a
Investments of California.
long history of supporting
Under the licensing agree-
tennis professionals and
ment, Diadora now has the
players with innovative
worldwide license (excluding
teaching and training
Japan) for the Kaelin brand.
aids,” says Gamma Presi-
Diadora President Bill Nut-
dent Matt Ferrari. “Sling-
tall says that Diadora can now
Hopper is another extension of that support.”
produce product under the
“We believe that Gamma is the right company to get
Kaelin name while consolidat-
SlingHopper Drill Bags on the court,” says Slinghopper
ing its already established
President Paul Tobin.
sourcing, customer service,
The products include the SlingHopper Pro Drill Bag,
account-base and other oper-
which holds 40 balls and is designed for conducting
ational functions. “Kaelin has
active drills, and the SlingHopper Rally Ball Bag, which
a great reputation in the ten-
holds 20 balls and is designed to allow the pro more
nis business,” he says. “And
mobility. Both bags are available in right-hand and left-
it’s a reputation we will live
hand models.
up to by adhering to the qual-
For more information, contact Gamma at 800-333-
ity and performance stan-
0337 or visit www.gammasports.com or
dards Kaelin customers
www.slinghopper.com.
expect.”
 INDUSTRY NEWS

P E O P L E W AT C H
• Baylor's Benedikt Dorsch and Miami's (Fla.) Megan Bradley have been named the 2005
Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Players of the Year. Georgia's John Isner and Antonio Ruiz and
Stanford's Alice Barnes and Erin Burdette are the ITA National Doubles Teams of the Year. This year's award win-
ners will be will be honored at the ITA All-Star Outing and Awards Luncheon, presented by the Nick Bollettieri Tennis
Academy, on Aug. 26 at New York City's Central Park.

• Zuzana Zemenova, a Baylor University freshman, has been voted the nation’s most outstanding college tennis player, according
to results of national balloting among 1,000 NCAA member schools as part of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards program, now in
its 29th year. Zemenova, a native of Slovakia, completed the 2004–2005 season, earning the title of Big 12 Player-of-the-Year and Big
12 Singles Champion with a 9-0 mark. The other nominees in the tennis category were: Audra Cohen from Northwestern, Jen-
nifer Magley from the University of Florida, and Riza Zalameda from UCLA.

• The USTA has named Jean Desdunes, David Roditi, and Robin White new USA Tennis High Performance coaches. Des-
dunes will work out of the USA Tennis High Performance Headquarters in Key Biscayne, Fla., while Roditi and White will
work out of the USA Tennis High Performance Training Center in Carson, Calif.

• Steve Henderson and Annabel Rimmer joined the USTA Southwest Section staff. Henderson will direct marketing, spon-
sorship procurement and fund raising, while Rimmer will oversee office operations and communications.

• USTA Chairman of the Board and President Franklin R. Johnson and immediate past president Alan G. Schwartz (both at
right) were elected to the board of directors of the International Tennis Federation for two-year terms ending in 2007.

• David Zeutas-Broer, USA Tennis New England's High Performance Coordinator, was recently named New England Profes-
sional of the Year at the 2005 USPTA annual New England Spring Convention. Also at the convention, Paul Gagliardi of
Branford, Conn., the USA Tennis Community Coordinator for the Connecticut division of USA Tennis New England, was
named Western New England Professional of the Year.

• Harry Gilbert has been selected by Ginn Clubs & Resorts to assist with the development of the tennis facilities at Hammock Beach and
Reunion Resort & Club of Orlando, Fla. Gilbert is the USPTA’s first vice-president.

• USA Tennis New England inducted six into its section hall of fame recently: Dick Ernst of Cranston, R.I.; Elizabeth Freeman Young
of Newton, Mass.; Phil Kadesch of North Easton, Mass.; Sally B. Utiger of Weston, Mass.; John T. Moter of Winchester, Mass.;
and the late Dorothy Bruno Hills, formerly of Cambridge, Mass.

• R. Gary Pina of Falmouth, Mass., received the USA Tennis New England’s Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award
for outstanding contribution to tennis in New England. It is one of the section’s highest honors. Pina has been
working at promoting youth and adult tennis at the grassroots level for over 20 years. More than
12,000 people have participated in Pina's programs, lessons, and camps.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

 A U G U S T 2 0 0 5
INDUSTRYNEWS

Wilson Debuts New Line of Tour Bags Dunlop Launches New I.C.E. Squash Frame

W
ilson Racquet Sports debuted a new line of Tour bags at

D
unlop’s new I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature squash
Wimbledon, which features an updated look and new
racquet debuts in August. It’s the same racquet that Cana-
technology to better protect players’ equipment, says
dian Jonathon Power used in stringing together a winning
the company.
streak that returned him to world squash prominence.
The new Tour line features the classic Wilson red with
Power, who finished the season No. 4 in the Dunlop PSA
additional touches of black and white incorporated into the
World Squash Rankings, has not lost since he started playing
design. The new Tour bag is used by Justine Henin-
with the I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature racquet prior to
Hardenne, Roger Federer, Lindsay Davenport, Venus
capturing the Bermuda Masters title. He went on to win the
Williams and others. All ATP and WTA Wilson touring pro-
Canadian Nationals and defeated No. 1-ranked Thierry Lincou
fessionals will be upgraded to the new version.
of France at the Brit Insurance Super Series Finals in London.
The Tour bag features Wilson’s patented Thermoguard,
“The I.C.E. Elite Jonathon Power Signature racquet features
which insulates the bag to protect racquets from extreme
a forgiving 500-square-centimeter head that allows great con-
heat, and Moisture Guard, which
trol while providing added power at the same time,” says
keeps equipment safe from
Stephen Hall, director of Racquet Sport Sales for Focus Golf Sys-
moisture. Bags feature
tems Inc., the exclusive licensee for Dunlop golf and racquet
no-slip shoulder straps,
sports in North America.
padded carry handles
Power’s strong finish highlighted a season that also saw
and a variety of com-
Dunlop competitor Alana Miller take the No. 2 spot in the
partments, including
women’s Canadian Squash Championships and junior players
a shoe and wet pocket
Keith Pritchard and Stephanie Edmison claim the No. 1 ranking
compartment.
in Canada’s men’s and women’s under-19 championships,
The Tour line is available
respectively.
in several different models
In addition to Power, Lee Beachill of England, who plays the
including the Pro ($79.99), Super Six ($74.99), Six Pack
Dunlop I.C.E. Tour racquet, is at No. 2, according to recent Dun-
($59.99), Court ($49.99), Triple ($39.99) and Backpack
lop PSA World Squash Rankings.
($39.99).

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

k
FOCUS ON footwear
Orthotics Can Help Keep Your
Players Playing
ennis teaching pros and facility
T managers have a common goal—to
get as many people as possible to
play tennis. It’s simple: The more they
play, the more they pay—for racquets,
shoes, apparel, court time, etc.
Since keeping people on court is so
important to your business, you need to
do everything you can to keep your play-
ers healthy. One area that you need to
be aware of, and need to be able to
communicate to your players about, is
foot care.
If a player’s feet, arches, ankles, or
lower back hurt, rather than have them
stop playing, suggest that they look into
getting orthotics for their tennis shoes.
Like with any health-related issue, how-
ever, have your players or members con-
sult a podiatrist or other doctor for
specific care.
Orthotics, which are shaped like the
bottom of the foot, are placed in the
shoe and affect a player’s gait, yielding
better function and per-
formance. Orthotics can
be prescribed by podia-
trists, orthopedists,
trainers, physical thera-
pists, and chiropractors
for a number of reasons,
including:
Q To reduce fatigue and
lessen leg cramps.
Q To better align the foot and
lower extremities.
Q To beat a wide variety of
foot problems, including flat
feet, high arches, plantar fasci-
itis/heel spur syndrome, bunions,
neuromas, joint pain and instability,
and calluses.
Q To improve shoe comfort and support.
Q To rejuvenate an old, tired pair of
shoes.
Many consumers don’t realize that
the insoles in an athletic shoe are remov-
16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
BY DAVID SHARNOFF
able and can be replaced with other
types of insoles or orthotics. When play-
ers are considering orthotics, they need
to be aware of the two types: over-the-
counter or custom.
Over-the-counter orthotics are fab-
ricated as gender specific, with sizes
ranging from small, medium, and large,
and with activity-specific designs. The
OTC product will elevate the arch of the
foot and attempt to restore the foot to
normal foot function and alignment.
OTC orthotics are a good starting point
that may improve a player’s comfort and
relieve pain.
Custom-fitted orthotics, on the
other hand, are fitted to a player’s feet
and particular foot pathology. When the
orthotic device is worn during tennis or
other activity, the foot functions closer to
normal and more efficiently. But once
the device is removed, the foot returns to
its normal pathologic position or pre-
existing state. Custom-fitted orthotics are
lates into better
designed and intended to alter the
performance
mechanics of the foot significantly, so
with less foot
the foot and lower extremities func-
and leg fatigue
tion closer to normal. This trans-
and pain.
Today, many people spend a lot of
money on over-the-counter products like
insoles, and you may want to consider
stocking them in your shop. Often,
these products will provide some help
for your players, but if pain persists,
have them seek professional help.
The last thing you want to do is lose a
player to pain or an ailment that is easily
treatable. Q
David Sharnoff, a podiatrist in Shelton,
Conn., is a longtime advisor to the WTA
Tour and a member of Tennis magazine’s
Technical Advisory Panel. Dr. Sharnoff also
is a longtime contributor to professional
journals in the field of podiatric medicine.
& SUCCESS
marketing
A Recipe for Junior Success That
Goes Beyond Tennis BY JOE DINOFFER

P
ut yourself in a brainstorming ses-
sion with other industry leaders.
Your group’s assignment is to
come up with a recipe to help create
more dynamic and successful junior
development programs and tennis
academies. The recipe must include all
Courtesy Austin Tennis Academy

the components needed to attract and

retain both kids and their parents. What
would be your recipe for success?
Here’s what we came up with as a
starting point.

INGREDIENT #1
CREATE A "KIDS FIRST"
CULTURE
The first step in establishing a “kids
first” culture is to find out what moti-
vates the children. The first critical com-
ponent of this ingredient is to develop
an atmosphere of mentorship. Regularly
rotate the children so even the
youngest players get to spend time with
the older ones.
If you run more of an “after school”
program rather than a full-blown tennis
academy, this can become a reality by
scheduling the most advanced players
first and then have them stay an extra
30 minutes to help the next oldest
group. Then the second group stays an
extra 30 minutes to be with the third
oldest group, and so forth. You’ll be
amazed at the difference this small
scheduling adjustment can make. The
younger kids will be more motivated
than ever and, by helping one another,
will each quickly evolve into more car-
ing individuals.
Another feature of this ingredient is
to make decisions based on what is
best for each individual child's develop-
ment. Don’t sacrifice anything based on
winning and losing. An example is that
many of the tennis academies that have
tried creating their own mini-boarding
schools are now switching back to non-
boarding school programs. The result is
a more stable environment for the chil-
dren. The lesson learned is that the
greatest long-term support for the
juniors will always come from their own
families. Happy children will result in
happy tennis players.
INGREDIENT #2
ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN
STANDARDS
This ingredient consists of many smaller
parts, but each one is as important as
the other. Besides the practical aspects
of facility management, scheduling, and
promoting your programs, you need to
set standards with the people part of
the equation—your staff, the juniors,
and their parents.
The bottom line is that we are in the
people business and, while each of your
juniors may not turn into world champi-
ons, it is realistic to expect that they can
grow to experience the benefits of play-
ing college tennis. Even more important
is that they can become better human
beings through playing our lifetime
sport.
I always remember how in the mid-
1970s, veteran tennis teacher and entre-
preneur Peter Burwash was in charge of
the Hawaiian Junior Davis Cup Team.
One of the first things he did was to
call a meeting with players and parents
and establish that spots on the team
would be awarded based on attitude
and effort first and playing ability sec-
ond. Burwash knew that with the right
attitude and work ethic, the whole
group would flourish, rather than sim-
ply be a springboard for a few elite
players with varying degrees of imma-
ture attitudes.
The result of his drawing this line in
the sand was that he lost some of his
top players. However, in the long run,
he developed a team that made a dif-
ference in the lives of the team mem-
bers, and many more who they came in
contact with. And, yes, most ended up
being awarded college tennis scholar-
ships anyway.
INGREDIENT #3
GET THE PARENTS ON THE
SAME PAGE
Any coach, teaching pro, or program
director knows that tennis parents can
either be your best friends or give you
nightmares. Of course, they may not all
become your best friends, but you can
be proactive. At the very least, get

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

everyone—kids and parents alike—on
the same page.
The key is to set your standards and
communicate them to the parents. Put
them in writing. Be clear about what
you expect from the kids in your pro-
gram and stress life skills and character
development. With this emphasis, you
will establish a solid footing in your rela-
tionships and quickly gain the respect
of the majority of the parents. Remem-
ber that you can be both nice and firm
at the same time. Communication and
consistency are essential touches to this
ingredient in our recipe for success.
INGREDIENT #4
ATTITUDE OVER APTITUDE
In addition to life-skill training and char-
acter-building, you owe it to yourself
and the children to emphasize attitude
over aptitude. According to USPTA
Master Professional Jack Newman, “All
things in life are connected, you cannot
be someone in one area of your life and
someone else in other areas. For exam-
ple, you cannot be a slacker in academics
and expect to be a focused, hardworking
athlete in tennis.”
INGREDIENT #5
THERE IS NO "I" IN TEAM
The final ingredient in our basic recipe for
success is team building. Tennis can be a
lonely sport. For most individuals, it is a
lot more fun and satisfying to play tennis
as part of a team rather than only as an
individual. Shared losses are easier to
swallow and shared victories are sweet
and enduring. Therefore, it is critical to
develop a team and family atmosphere
that permeates your programs.
If a group goes to tournaments, make
sure all the juniors support the others.
This means that even if one junior loses in
the first round, he or she stays at the
tournament site and supports the others
in the group.
The inspiration for this article came
from a visit to the Austin Tennis Acade-
my (ATA) in Austin, Texas
(www.Austintennisacademy.com).
Coach Jack Newman, the
owner/director, is one of the best team-
builders and junior tennis mentors in
the U.S. His project is only a few years
old and growing by leaps and bounds.
Many people run academies; few do
it with solid character-building at the
heart of their programs. Along with
building solid citizens, the ATA also has
a growing group of national champi-
ons. Q
Joe Dinoffer is a Master Professional
for both the PTR and USPTA. He
speaks frequently at national and
international tennis teacher work-
shops as a member of both the
Head/Penn and Reebok National Speaker’s
Bureaus. He is president of Oncourt Offcourt Inc.
and has written 16 books and produced more
than 30 instructional videos.
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19
3 customer RELATIONS
Capitalizing on “Moments of Truth”
T he paper towel dispenser is empty,
the front door sticks, paper cups are
blowing around the parking lot,
there’s a light out, the apparel fixtures are
dusty. No big deal, right? Wrong. These
conditions, known as “moments of
truth,” all contribute to your cus-
tomers’ perception and
satisfaction with your
business. They’re
brief—“moments”
being the operative
word. They’re often
unspoken. Their
impact is often sub-
conscious. They’re
always hugely powerful.
Moments of truth form our opinions
about an organization. They can deter-
mine whether we feel confident or
uncomfortable with the service we’re
about to receive. They can either encour-
age us or deter us from purchasing. They
can indicate whether our business is
appreciated or taken for granted. They
can make us feel safe or at risk. If you
and your employees have been there
for a while, it’s easy to stop noticing
them. It’s also risky. Though fleeting,
moments of truth shout volumes to your
customers!
To illustrate, let’s look at some of the
more common scenarios in a tennis envi-
ronment which impact your customers’
impressions of your business. Take a fresh
look to determine whether you’re creat-
ing positive or negative moments of
truth.
THE SIGN
Do you still notice the sign in front of
your club or shop? If not, go take a look.
Is that sign hanging straight? Is the paint
crisp and fresh? If it’s lighted, are the
lights in good repair? To your customers,
your sign says “Here’s how we want to
present ourselves to you.” Does the sign
at your facility convey that your club is in
disrepair and that you aren’t paying
attention to detail, or does it show peo-
ple that you’re on top of your game?
20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
THE PARKING LOT
First and foremost, is your parking lot
clean? Trash and cigarette butts aren’t
very welcoming. If your parking lot is
paved and striped, are the painted stripes
kept fresh? If it’s gravel, is it free of
weeds? If your shop is in a strip mall and
you’re not happy with the condition of
the parking lot, is it time to have a talk
with your property manager? If you’re on
main street and have no parking lot, do
you keep the sidewalk in front of your
store swept in the summer and free of
ice and snow in the winter?
THE WALKWAY
Is it clean, neat, and in good repair? If it’s
lighted, are all the lights working proper-
ly? If they’re the little walkway lights, are
they all straight? Are the fixtures clean?
Are the pavers, mulch, or gravel kept free
of overgrowth from grass or other vege-
tation? Ask every employee to notice the
parking lot and walkways every day and
to pick up trash when they see it.
THE FRONT DOOR
Like the sign, the parking lot and the
walkway, you see your front door dozens
of times each week. Do you really see it
as your customers do? If so, does it put
your best foot forward? If it’s painted, is
the paint clean and in good repair? Is the
door knob clean and tight? Does the
door stick at all when it’s opened or
closed? If it has glass, is the glass kept
clean?
WINDOW DISPLAYS
All of us have wandered into stores sim-
ply because the window displays are
inviting. The windows are clean, the mer-
chandise is not dusty or faded, the man-
nequins are in good repair. The displays
say, “Come on in. We have great mer-
chandise and we display it with pride.”
What do your window displays convey?
THE AMBIENCE
Once inside the shop or club, what do
your customers see from the condition of
BY JILL FONTE
the paint, lights, fixtures, and carpet?
We’ve all walked into restaurants where
the carpet is dirty, there’s food on the
floor and the hostess stand is cluttered.
Subconsciously, we might say, “Yikes. If
this is how the front looks, what must
their kitchen be like?” This is true in every
retail environment. If the store is neat,
clean and in good repair, we may infer
that the business is just as buttoned up.
Conversely, if the store is messy, dusty, or
dirty, we may question whether our
requests and transactions will be handled
properly.
THE FRONT DESK
Stand aside and really notice what goes
on at your front desk. How are people
greeted? How is the phone answered?
How are requests handled? The momen-
tary interactions at your front desk shape
your customers’ opinions of your facility
and your service.
RESTROOMS AND
DRESSING ROOMS
Your customers are alone when using
these facilities. Your concern for their
comfort is clearly on display here. Empty
toilet-paper holders and pins on the
dressing-room floor don’t convey much
concern. We expect overflowing trash
baskets, empty paper-towel holders, and
messy sink areas in public restrooms, but
when we encounter them in private busi-
nesses, we form harsh judgments. Make
sure the private areas in your business
send a message of caring and concern for
your customers.
THE SHOWERS
Check the drains periodically throughout
the day to make sure they’re not covered
with hair. Remove used razors and wet
towels. Make sure every club member
walks into that shower as you would
want to if you were the member.
THE COURTS
As a player yourself, what do you want
to see when you walk onto a court? If
you see cups blowing around, dirty or
empty water coolers, empty cup dis-
pensers, trash on the benches, or
used balls littering the back fences,
you don’t get a positive impression of
the club. As a facility owner or man-
ager, make sure these moments of
truth are tended to throughout the
day so that each player’s impressions
are positive.
While the moments of truth sur-
rounding the court setting are impor-
tant, your customers have already
formed dozens of opinions about
your facility before they even get to
the courts. Try to see your business
through the eyes of someone who
has just moved to your area and is
looking for a place to buy equipment
and/or play. You’re continually send-
ing subtle messages about how that
person’s experience with you will
unfold.
By taking a fresh look, you can
check to see whether you’re really
putting your best foot forward and
making the impression you want to
make. Moments of truth are a very
big deal. By knowing when they
occur and by paying attention to
detail, you can capitalize on them to
benefit your customers and your
business. Q

Jill Fonte is
a speaker
and trainer
specializing
in manage-
ment and
customer
service.
She is a
frequent
presenter
at tennis
conven-
tions and
workshops throughout the U.S. An
avid, frequent tennis player, she is
the current chair of the USTA's
National Tennis Innovation Commit-
tee. She has also recently joined Dr.
Jack Groppel and Dr. Jim Loehr as a
performance coach and keynote
speaker at the Human Performance
Institute in Orlando, Fla.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21


construction TRENDS
Establish Your Identity
Placing logos on court windscreen helps schools, clubs, and parks
“brand” their facilities.
M
ention logos, windscreen, and ten-
nis facilities, and the word “brand-
ing” keeps popping up. That word
simply means utilizing various marketing
methods to link an identity with a specific
message in order to set oneself apart
from the competition. Branding is, per-
haps, the reason behind the growing
practice of printing club names and mas-
cots on tennis-court windscreen. But talk
long enough about the subject and,
sooner or later, everyone gets around to
the money issue.
Larry Ball, president and CEO at BP
International Inc. (formerly Ball Products) in
Deland, Fla., equates his company’s quick-
ly growing logo business with an
increased savvy and sophistication among
his club and sports facility customers.
“The concept of printing on wind-
screen is more widely understood than it
used to be,” Ball says. “We’re seeing a lot
of increased activity in our logo depart-
ment from tennis clubs, high schools, and
colleges. They recognize that a standard-
sized logo on windscreen is much more
economical than, say, a fancy sign.”
Ball points out that windscreen can be
used for sponsorship opportunities, or
even as an advertising medium. He sug-
gests that, although many higher end
country clubs will maintain a more tradi-
tional use of logos on their courtside
windscreen, other types of facilities are
looking for ways to replace the cost of
their sports equipment. “They like the idea
of windscreen as an income producer.”
“Windscreen on a tennis court is like a
great big billboard,” says Randy Futty,
director of sales at Lee Tennis in Char-
lottesville, Va. “For a public facility, it’s a
great way to generate income.”
With competition for membership and
patronage at an all-time high, even the
more exclusive clubs want to distinguish
themselves. They logo their restaurant
napkins, their pro shop apparel, and now
they are putting their logos on wind-
22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
BY LAURIE BLACK GROSS
Douglas Sports
screen. “Attractive logos will set a club
apart, and spark recognition among mem-
bers and guests. It can go so far as to be a
tool for increasing membership,” Futty says.
Part of the reason logoing has grow in
popularity has to do with technology. Costs
are down, and design complexity is greatly
expanded. Not very many years ago, the
standard logo was a one-color, blocky-look-
ing item. Now, competent screen printers
can generate a multi-color, elaborate design
that will bond with the windscreen material
for a long-lasting, highly visual effect.
John Douglas, national sales manager at
Douglas Sport Nets & Equipment in
Eldridge, Iowa, estimates that he’s doubled
his quotes for logos in the last year. “Tennis
clubs are using logos for branding—to dif-
ferentiate their club.” He explains that
BPI
logos are becoming part of image-build-
ing and awareness. “An attractive logo
gives the player a feeling that he is at a
high-quality facility.”
Although costs have declined, Dou-
glas admits that the logo is usually more
expensive than the material. A large,
complex logo on a 9-foot windscreen
panel can be as much as $10,000. Anyone
making that sort of investment, he says,
should be committed to proper screen
maintenance—keeping the windscreen
properly attached to the fence or even tak-
ing it down in extremely bad weather. For
that reason, he encourages his clients to
put their logos on a separate, smaller piece
of windscreen that can be removed if nec-
essary.
And at Advantage Tennis Supply in
Richmond, Va., manager Amy Ward esti-
mates that her logo business is up about
40 percent since last year. "We've had 25
quotes for logos in the last three weeks,
and that’s a lot for us, because it’s not our
main thing,” says Ward. “We offer logoing
on our website and in our catalog for cus-
tomer convenience, but we subcontract all
of our screen printing to a graphics compa-
ny because they do a quality job."
“As far as the future,” Larry Ball says, “I
can’t see any way but up for this part of
our business.” He points out that the trend
right now in Europe is for all clubs, even
high-end clubs, to carry advertisements
and/or sponsorships on their windscreen.
“We are usually a few years behind
Europe but, when the fashion catches
on over here, it’s always much bigger
than anywhere else,” he says. “In the
not-too-distant future, in this country, I
expect all public facilities, and some of
the more forward-thinking private ones,
will begin utilizing printing on their court-
side windscreen as a way to produce addi-
tional income.” Q
Magazine and newspaper writer Laurie Black
Gross has recently completed her third book.

facility MANAGEMENT
Are You Machine-Ready?
Frequently overlooked, a vending machine may be essential to keeping
your members happy.
A
tennis club's general manager (at
least a successful one) intimately
knows every inch of his or her facil-
ity's real estate: the locker rooms,
courts, front desk, café, lobby area,
nursery, etc. These vital areas are con-
stantly maintained and regularly
upgraded under the watchful eye of the
GM, with the intended result of keep-
ing even the most finicky members
happy.
But there's one highly popular—but
ironically, virtually invisible—staple of
nearly every tennis club or public facili-
ty that's so commonplace, even the
most conscientious manager can tend
to overlook it—the vending machine.
In 2003, these ultra handy snack
and beverage dispensers brought in a
whopping $42 billion in revenues in
the U.S., according to Vending Times.
Though a cross-section of tennis man-
agers interviewed for this story may
not view them as a crucial revenue
source, most agreed that they're ulti-
mately as essential to a tennis club as
the net posts and cash register.
“No matter how you slice it, you
have to have them,” says Ajay Pant,
regional manager at Indian Creek Rac-
quet Club in Overland Park, Kan.
“When members are in a hurry or
don't want to wait in line in the café
or want a certain kind of soda, it's
there to serve a purpose. I'd hate to
have a member go away frustrated. To
not have at least one would be a dis-
service to the members.”
“I see them as a tool of conve-
nience,” says Scott Hanover, general
manager at the Plaza Tennis Center in
Kansas City, Mo. “Especially during
off-hours when the café isn't open,
they provide a necessary service.”
But that doesn't mean all club man-
agers are racking their brains deciding
on what kinds of chips and snack bars
to stock. “It's kind of off my radar
24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
BY MITCH RUSTAD
screen,” says Laurie Wilson, the gener-
al manager of the West Branch Tennis
Club in Pennsylvania, a six-court facili-
ty with one vending machine fully
maintained by an outside vendor.
“[The outside vendor] takes care of
everything, so it's something I don't
even have to deal with.”
BUY OR LEASE?
Though many club managers will sim-
ply inherit a facility’s vending
Vending 101
Does your club need a new vending
machine? For vending newbies, here are a
few “getting started” tips from Kim Men-
donsa, the food and beverage director at
Mid-Town Tennis Club in Chicago.
1. Network! Before looking in the yellow
pages or typing “vending” into Google,
try networking with local business own-
ers who already utilize on-site vending.
“Ask them which companies are good,
and make sure to choose a company
that’s regionally based,” says Mendon-
sa, “because you'll need them to be ser-
viced regularly.”
2. Contact Local Distributors: Local food
and beverage distributors are also a
good place to start; in fact, they often
will throw in a vending machine with
your order, if it’s substantial enough.
Restaurant supply stores also have vend-
ing machines for lease.
3. Lease or Buy? This decision is easy once
you consider these two factors—time
and space: “Can you commit time out of
your schedule for restocking?” says
Mendonsa. “And if you can spare two
hours a week for that, does your facility
have enough storage space? If not,
you're better off leasing. Purchasing is
better in the long run, if your facility is
set up to handle it.”
machines, the decision to lease or
buy—even before what products to
stock—is the first step to consider.
How hands-on you are is completely
up to you, however; if you prefer,
vending companies will handle virtually
everything from initial delivery to
repairs to refills.
Kim Mendonsa, who has dealt with
a variety of vending scenarios in her
role as the food and beverage director
at Mid-Town Tennis Club in Chicago,
likes to implement both options as she
juggles her own list of daily responsi-
bilities vs. the needs of her members.
“Traditionally, if you get a vending
machine that’s an exclusive product
machine [like Coca Cola], you can
either purchase it outright or contract
with the vendor on the premises, then
you can stock it yourself or contract
with the vendor and they will stock it
for you,” she says. “Ultimately, I see
vending machines as another club
amenity.”
From there, keeping tabs on ven-
dors is essential, whether you lease or
buy; you can’t just assume the
machines will be maintained and/or
stocked on time, says Hanover.
“We’re outsourcing our machines
now, but when it was my responsibili-
ty, I was always worrying whether the
vendor would show up and fill them,”
says Hanover, “because sometimes
they didn't show up on the day they
were supposed to, and then you're
going to hear it from the players.”
However, it’s also essential to moni-
tor each machine to decide if the
machine is even worth maintaining.
“I’ll monitor usage and assess things
from there,” says Mendonsa. “If you
see the products are going stale before
they’re being sold, it’s time to take
that machine out. I think most of this
is just plain common sense, like trying
to find a round hole for a round peg.”
 WHAT TO STOCK?
The presence of at least one vending
machine may be a given, but that does-
n't mean it has to add to a manager’s
daily headaches. But Pant says that tak-
ing a moment to review the contents of
your clubs' vending machines can be
well worth the few minutes of effort.
“Moms and dads want healthy
stuff and kids want junk,” says Pant,
“so when juniors come in, we stock
the healthy bars. We're very careful
not to stock it with complete junk.”
Pant's practical approach goes well
beyond caring for his members' nutri-
tional needs, however. “There are cer-
tain kinds of candy that can be so
A Different Kind
of Ball Machine
Everyone’s familiar with beverage and snack
vending machines, but there also are vending
machines for tennis ball cans. The Court Pal can
be equipped with coin/ATM/debit/credit card
readers, so your members will always be able to
access fresh tennis balls. Club or school logos
can be placed on the front and side panels. For
more information, call 269-806-8936, email
info@courtpal.com, or visit www.courtpal.com.
messy and even ruin the carpets, so
the last thing I want to do is stock that
kind of stuff,” says Pant. “We will
often avoid chewing gum, because
you can have a real mess on your
hands. You have to take all that into
consideration.”
Stocking your vending machines is
also an ideal way to engage members,
says Mendosa. “Get out and talk to
people, and ask members what they
want,” she says. “If you don't have a
restaurant, offer samples and taste
tests. For example, a lot of beverage
companies will come out and offer
samples, and it helps members feel
they’re participating in the decision-
making process.”
JUST HANGING OUT?
For Pant, however, vending machines
are merely a necessary evil, because
they can detract from one of a success-
ful club's most essential elements—cre-
ating an environment that encourages
members to hang around before and
after matches.
“It's not like you can hang around
the vending machine with your friends
after a match,” says Pant. “We’re try-
ing to connect with our members. Our
big picture goal is right after someone
is done playing, to give them a reason
to stay in the club, to socialize and
connect.”
For larger clubs like Pant's, the
obvious solution is having a café,
which can serve as a gathering point
for members before and after play.
But even if your club is too small to
warrant a
café, you can
improvise and
give your
members a
feel-good
social setting.
“Get a
fridge behind
the front desk,
and stock
items which
people like,”
says Pant,
“and when
people come
off the court, make up a lounge area
with three chairs and a table, and you
can hand people the refreshments.
This way they will sit down, and stay
awhile.”
A CLUB STAPLE
But in lieu of a café (makeshift or oth-
erwise), club managers like Mike
Woody, the managing director of Mid-
land Community Tennis Center in Mid-
land, Mich., have come to rely on
vending machines to keep their players
happy.
“They’re important to our mem-
bers,” says Woody, who oversees the
32-court facility’s five on-site vending
machines (four beverage, one snack).
“If they forget breakfast or lunch, at
least they [can] have something to eat.
They’re not really a revenue source for
us, but people would be pretty
bummed if we took them out.” Q
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25
G
retailing SUCCESS
Fit the Profile
Anticipate what your customers will need—and want—by keeping
records on them.
I t isn’t necessarily a coincidence,
nor the result of spousal extrasen-
sory perception, that causes an item
longingly handled by shoppers at the
Family Circle Tennis Center’s pro shop
in Charleston, S.C. to transform into
their next birthday, anniversary or hol-
iday gift. In fact, sometimes Santa has
a helper—merchandise manager
Peggy Caulder.
“The key is to tune right in to your
customers whenever they’re in your
shop,” says Caulder, who freely
admits to eavesdropping for the
greater good of providing exactly
what her Family Circle member and
non-member clientele want and need.
“I learn who likes shorts, A-line
dresses and black and red combina-
tions, and I file that away so when I
get a shipment I can call or email
them,” says Caulder, who hosts open
houses and fashion shows to get to
know customers more personally. She
also records the names and contact
information of customers’ spouses so
she can alert them when their partner
has lingered over an item without
purchasing it. “Ninety percent of the
time, they’re so grateful they say wrap
it up without even seeing it.”
Caulder is one of a growing num-
ber of retailers who depend on
record-keeping when ordering mer-
chandise, in addition to past sales his-
tory and memory. And the trend
seems to be even stronger in racquet
sales.
Kim Cashman, co-owner of
Advantage Yours Tennis in Clearwa-
ter, Fla., says her staff enters all rac-
quet and stringing information into a
database which also contains a play-
er’s grip size, shoe preference and
shoe size.
“When we restring, we can see
every previous stringing statistic and
26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
BY CYNTHIA CANTRELL
help the customer decide if they just
want the same as last time, or if they
need help with more power, more con-
trol, tennis elbow or string breakage
problems,” Cashman says. “I do think
this is a valuable tool, and our cus-
tomers love our professionalism.”
When placing orders, Cashman is
also mindful of the store’s largest
demographic, the 3.5 to 4.5 recreation-
al doubles player. As a result, she
stocks a minimum of frames designed
for advanced players. Her policy of con-
stantly seeking customer feedback has
also led, for example, to offering cus-
tom hybrid stringing.
“Our customers get exactly what
they want, and feel like they are get-
ting special service, too,” Cashman
says. “We try to make it a fun and
informative experience. We like to get
to know our customers and let them
know that we are here to help make
them better players. We know our
stuff, and we want them to realize that
our expertise is worth the trip to our
store.”
Paul Kepler, owner of the
Seascape Sports Club in Aptos, Calif.,
agrees that good record-keeping is
“absolutely essential” in generating
maximum revenue. “It’s easy to carry
a wide variety, figuring customers will
find something they like, and there’s
some validity to doing that. But it’s
worth taking the extra step,” he says.
“If you do, it can make a big differ-
ence.”
According to Kepler, the stringers
at Seascape Sports Club use their files
to proactively alert players when their
string jobs are several months old and
in need of attention. Stringers also
advise players on how a particular
racquet will play at different tensions,
based on an individual’s playing style.
Because shoes are generally a con-
venience purchase for his clientele,
Kepler says he tends to stick with one
manufacturer to limit his exposure.
The club’s apparel buyer has a good
sense of what will sell, he says, but
she also invites customers to browse
catalogs before she places an order.
“The husbands don’t always
appreciate it, but the wives do,”
Kepler says.
Steve Vorhaus, owner of Rocky
Mountain Racquet Specialists in Boul-
der, Colo., also tracks customers’ rac-
quet and stringing habits. He doesn’t
make note of customers’ apparel
preferences, however, because styles
change too frequently and clothing
lines from the same manufacturer
may fit differently from year to year.
To compensate, he accepts special
orders—for which he is now consider-
ing requiring a deposit. “The worst is
when a customer doesn’t show up, or
does come in and says she doesn’t
want it after all,” says Vorhaus, who
marks down slow-moving merchandise
or donates pieces to charity in order to
gain a tax write-off and good public
relations in the process. “This is a cus-
tomer service-oriented business, but it is
a business.”
Bob Patterson, owner of Player’s
Choice Tennis in Birmingham, Ala., uses
inventory control software to capture
sales history and log racquet specs. He
can then generate reports indicating
how many of a certain Nike dress, for
example, are currently in inventory and
when the last one sold. He can also
track how many sold this season as
opposed to last season, indicating when
the popularity of one style is giving way
to another.
Additionally, he can run brand-spe-
cific reports. “If [one brand of] racquets
have 25 percent of the wall space but
only 10 percent of sales, then maybe it’s
time to give more attention to [another
brand], which could be doing 25 per-
cent of sales with only 10 percent of
the wall space,” says Patterson, who
also uses his customer database to
send quarterly newsletters featuring
trends in apparel, shoes, racquets,
and a tip from a local teaching pro.
“You have to adapt, because if you
don’t, then you’ll miss a lot of sales.”
John Gugel, who owns e-tennis
inc. with former ATP touring pro
Tobias Svantesson in Winter Park,
Fla., has specialized in racquet cus-
tomization since opening the store in
February 1999. In fact, former ATP
touring pro Mikael Pernfors and cur-
rent ATP pro Robert Kendrick are
among the 3,500 customers whose
personal preferences in grip size, rac-
quet weight, balance and stiffness
are painstakingly duplicated with
each stringing job. In all, Gugel says
he collects about 50 pieces of data
about each customer’s racquet using
industry standard and custom diag-
nostic equipment, plus a proprietary
software system which he plans to
market to the public later this year.
“As busy as we are, we take the
time to keep a ton of records
because we need to know this kind
of information in order to provide the
best customer service we can,” Gugel
says. Additionally, e-tennis records
every purchase along with customers’
contact information (with the excep-
tion of a quick cash sale from an out-
of-town visitor). That information is
used to create email blasts designed
for specific customers based on a
specific brand or interest, or even
when apparel in a hard-to-find size
such as extra small arrives at the
store. Customers are also emailed
individually when a newly strung rac-
quet is ready to be picked up.
“People are grateful we do it,”
Gugel says. “It keeps them coming
back.” Q
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27
 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES
STRING OF
SUCCESSES
Our exclusive guide will help you generate more
revenue from your stringing business.
W hether you’re sitting at the top of the pro rankings
or languishing at the bottom of your club’s singles
ladder, you won’t win a single point without them. And even
the most high-tech racquets are merely well-honed sticks of
graphite without this essential product.
Be it natural gut or good old-fashioned nylon, tennis
strings are one of a retailer’s best sources of regular income,
if they treat them as a category on par with racquets, shoes,
and apparel, and if retailers can afford to have a little patience
while building their clientele. With some savvy sales and mar-
BY MITCH RUSTAD
keting help, your stringing operation can create repeat busi-
ness at your cash register.
“You have to wait it out, because it’s hard work,” says
Randy Stephenson of Frisco, Texas, who’s been stringing
full-time for 11 years and was named RSI’s Stringer of the
Year in 2004. “There is no easy way to do it but to put your
time and effort into it.”
But how exactly can you turn your stringing business into
a cash cow? RSI caught up with some of the best stringers in
the tennis business to find out.
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29
 successful in any size store, it just depends on what kind of
Nobody Does It Better service you give the people,” he says. “But in some cases,
One of the best arguments small retailers can make to grab smaller is even better, and that’s how I’ve built my business.”
customers from the big-box outlets is having the clear edge in
more personalized interactions, especially when it comes to Keep Learning
stringing. “Don’t even try to compete with the big-box Of course, getting certified by reputable professional associa-
stores,” says Vince Chiarelli, owner of String Along With tions like the USRSA (see page 32) is almost a prerequisite
Vince, a retail shop in Largo, Fla., that relies heavily on its these days to being successful. Mark Campanile, owner of The
stringing business. “They cannot provide the level of service Racquet Man in Northbrook, Ill., a racquet repair and cus-
that you can provide, so you want to use that as your building tomization company that strings about 80 frames a week,
block.” says, “Anytime you can become accredited in your profes-
Offering each customer professional suggestions and mak- sion, it’s a feather in your cap.”
ing them aware if they’ve received a less-than-stellar string Joining the USRSA will give you access to all the profes-
job from another store, says Chiarelli, can build a loyal fol- sional resources that can help your stringing business, and
lowing and plenty of you’ll get a certificate to
repeat business. “I con- display that indicates to
stantly get frames in your customers that you’re
here that are strung keeping abreast of the lat-
incorrectly,” he says. est developments in
“Just putting strings in strings, racquets and cus-
the holes doesn’t do the tomizing techniques. The
job.” By finding out your next step with the USRSA
customer’s style of play is the Certified Stringer
and taking their age, level, then there’s the ulti-
skill level and frame into mate designation, the
account, you’ll be build- USRSA’s Master Racquet
ing a solid customer Technician, who is
base, says Chiarelli. schooled in all aspects of
“I think you can be racquet customization.

Tips for Generating Stringing Revenue

Show It Off: Make your stringing machine a showpiece in your busi- pose, too—they can show off particular strings and tensions, in addition to
ness; don’t hide it in the back room. If customers see you or a staff showing off your expertise in stringing and customizing racquets. Don’t let
member stringing a racquet, they’ll want to know more—about the your demos get ratty; you want them to play their best at all times. Keep a
machine itself, about different types of string, about the customizing file on your demo racquets that lists string and tension.
and stringing process. And don’t ignore the effect that a well-known
An Eye For Detail: “The little things can make a difference,” says
stringing machine brand can have on your customers’ perception of
Stephenson, whose eye for detail goes down to the finishing touch—the fin-
your business.
ishing knot. “I make sure the knot tail always faces the some direction, rather
Know Your Customer: “Decide what your clients are like and go than going down or up. It always looks the same no matter that tension or
from there,” says Stephenson. “Most of my clients are retired; they type of string, so the frame always looks clean after it leaves my machine.”
want comfort from the strings, so I use multifilament string. It’s easier
Keep Notes: Keep a file, either handwritten or on computer, on your cus-
on the arm, and that in itself can make a big difference to people.”
tomers and their stringing preferences, to make it easy to duplicate things
Offer Deals and Specials: Build up your business with programs they like and change what they don’t like. Also, send your customers
that offer incentives to have racquets strung. For instance, offer a spe- reminder notices when it’s time to restring their racquet, according to the last
cial string deal if a player buys a new frame from you. Or offer so many restring date you have in your files.
restrings, then the next one is free. Maybe offer a half-price string job
String by Appointment: “The big-box stores take too long to string rac-
on a player’s birthday, or offer teams a special restringing price. Be cre-
quets,” says Stephenson. “I make sure no matter how busy I am to get the
ative, and you can get more players hooked on regular string jobs.
frame done as soon as possible. There isn’t a tennis player out there who isn’t
Be Consistent: “This is a pure volume business, so one of the things anxious to get their frame back. I insist on same day delivery, absolutely,
you can do is offer consistency,” says Campanile. “I make sure that six that’s a must. I also string by appointment, they can wait while I string.”
months later your racquet will come out exactly the same as the one
Get Certified: Join the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association, then look into
you get from me today.”
becoming a Certified Stringer and a Master Racquet Technician. It will show
Don’t Forget Your Demos: Demo racquets can serve another pur- your players you really know what you’re doing.

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 “I try to display my cer- But Li knows there’s no
tifications and let players An Educated Consumer . . . second chances in this busi-
know I know my stuff,” Strings don’t have to break to go bad. As they get older, they’ll lose tension ness; you have to be per-
says Stephenson. “Surpris- and will feel different. That will affect the player’s shots, making them less fect—and innovative—right
ingly, most tennis clubs and less effective as the player struggles to compensate for the racquet’s from the second a new cus-
could care less whether change in feel. tomer walks in the door.
they have a good stringer.” “After one string job,
The rough rule of thumb is that a player should restring as many times each
Another route to keep- we’ve got them hooked,” he
year as he or she plays each week. But a better, more technical way is to
ing your stringing business says. “Tennis is very hard. If
measure the string-bed stiffness of the freshly strung racquet and get it
fresh and competitive is to you don’t think of new ideas,
restrung each time it loses 20 to 30 percent of its freshly strung value. (This is
keep on top of the latest you have to close down the
where good record-keeping comes in.)
techniques. One of the shop. You need to keep
best ways of doing that is You need to educate your players on the value of regular tension checks and being creative and know
to apply to work at local restringing. When possible, offer to do a quick tension check and visual what you’re doing and keep
pro tournaments or travel inspection of the strings. Check for notches or frays. If a player uses “string updating with the latest tech-
with a manufacturer’s savers,” make sure they understand that while they’ll make the strings last nology. We’re always on the
“team” to a Grand Slam longer, the strings will still lose tension and resiliency over time. lookout for new ideas.” Q
event, where the best
stringers in the world are
customizing and stringing for the best pros.
“It helps if you can get to travel on the pro tours,” says
John Li, who with his brother Julian has owned Rackets
Racquets, two shops in Burbank and Arcadia, Calif., since
1991, and who has previously worked for Team Babolat in
France. “We’ve done it since 1993, and it’s a great way to
get to know all the stringing techniques.
“Year after year we’ve learned more and more,” says Li,
who has traveled as far as Shanghai to string for the pros.
“It’s also a great way to get started and exchange informa-
tion with other stringers.”
Education means potential income in the stringing busi-
ness, but it’s not necessarily going to bloat your bankbook
overnight, says Chiarelli. “Some people think they’re going
to go to the Slams to make money, but often it won’t nec-
essarily even pay for your trip,” says Chiarelli, who strung
at this year’s French Open. “It depends on each sponsor.
It’s just something I really enjoy doing, and it doesn’t hurt
business to say you string at pro events.”

Customize, Customize, Customize!

Providing a perfect string job is a must to keep customers
happy, but knowing how to add those special touches to
complement each string job—such as adjusting a frame’s
weight, grip, etc. to the preferences or style of each play-
er—can turn a successful business into a booming one.
“Knowing how to customize each racquet can really get
Image of Mark Camponile courtesy of Albert Lee

your income up,” says Li. “Try to learn from the best and
then create new ideas—and even new products.”
For example, Li worked with a chemist to create Glide
Stick, a dry material that you apply to the steel track of a
stringing machine, which then serves as a lubricant for the
machine. Li says he’ll market the product to other stringers
and retailers to supplement his business, but he remains
focused on customization.
“We make enough profit on the racquet, but we make
the real profit on the strings and grips,” he says. “The rac-
quet is less important, so we just want to sell the racquets
out and then get repeat stringing customers.”

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES
PASSING
THE TEST
Display your expertise, and help
your business, by becoming a
Certified Stringer or MRT.
W ant a surefire way to add to your credibility as a
stringer, and to help boost your stringing business?
Then you need to check out the certification program offered
by the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association. If you string and
customize racquets and aren’t either a Certified Stringer (CS)
or a Master Racquet Technician (MRT), you’re doing yourself,
your business, and your customers a disservice.
Just like other professional certifications, USRSA certifica-
tion adds to your credibility in the minds of your customers,
peers, competition, vendors, and potential employers. This is
because they know you’ve passed a test demonstrating your
ability to offer the highest level of professional service. And,
if you choose to be an MRT, you also have demonstrated that
you continue to be up to date on the latest technology.
This means that customers will be quicker to accept your
advice and service. Your peers will have greater respect for
your opinion when you discuss issues with them. Your com-
petition will find it much harder to undermine your authority
in the minds of customers. Your vendors and reps will feel
more comfortable recommending your service to players
they meet. And, if you find yourself looking for a new job or
just looking to add another shop or school to your list of
clients, it will be much easier to get your foot through the
door.
A lot of shop managers know nothing about racquet ser-
vice. The only way they will know if you are any good is if
you’re certified. It is also common for shops to pay their
stringers more if they are certified, because they understand
that a qualified professional stringer can keep more cus-
tomers happy and bring in more new ones.
Among the benefits that Certified Stringers and MRTs can
enjoy is a discount program offered by many of the major
manufacturers (visit the USRSA’s website,
www.racquettech.com, for more information and a list of
32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
participating manufacturers). In some cases, simply taking
advantage of one of these companies’ discounts can more
than pay for earning and maintaining your certification.
The USRSA’s original stringer certification program was
initiated in 1986 to recognize individuals with a basic level of
stringing competence. Certification, either as a Certified
Stringer or an MRT, involves a comprehensive written test
and a detailed practical test. Both measure your understand-
ing and skills with respect to all facets of racquet service,
such as installing grommets and string, regripping, handle-
sizing, and customizing weight and balance. Additionally, to
attain MRT status, you’ll be required to demonstrate an
understanding of current frame and string technologies and
how those technologies translate to player satisfaction.
To receive an application for certification testing, go to
www.racquettech.com, click on “Stringing,” then click on
“Certification.” You’ll find links to the Certification Applica-
tion, along with a Study Guide and Test Locations. For cur-
rent USRSA members, the test fee is $95, for nonmembers
it’s $180. The test fee for Certified Stringers looking to
upgrade to MRT status is $55 for USRSA members, $135 for
nonmembers. (USRSA membership is $99 annually.)
Certified Stringer status carries no expiration date, but
MRT status is good for one year from the test date. Main-
taining MRT status will require passing an annual written
mini-test designed to demonstrate an understanding of the
year’s significant new technologies. The mini-test is open
book, administered through the mail.
Every month, more and more people join the USRSA or
become either Certified Stringers or Master Racquet Techni-
cians, demonstrating to their customers and to the industry
that they’re doing everything they can to keep their careers
moving forward. Don’t miss out in setting a standard of
excellence in racquet service. Q
 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES

B
uying a stringing machine is one of
the most important purchases you
can make for your business. It is
also one of the most difficult. With the
plethora of machines, technologies, and
features available, selecting a machine is
a daunting task.
Our Stringing Machine Selection Guide will guide you
through the minefields and help you choose the best
machine for your business. Below we explain the essential
machine features, and the chart on pages 36-39 displays
the features of almost every professional machine on the
market.
6-point systems will tell you that more points of contact
must be better. Six-point systems do sup-
port the frame in more places, which
means it is a little easier to lock the rac-
quet in place so it does not slide back Klipper
and forth during stringing. It also
allows a better view of the grom-
440-CS
mets at the head and throat of a
racquet. Six-point systems can
require fewer adapters for
frames of different shapes.
Finally, some of these systems
have side arms that can be
adjusted simultaneously, making it
easier to center a
racquet.

2-Point & 4-Point Mounting.

MOUNTING SYSTEMS
The chart lists machines with 2-, 4-, 5-, or 6-
point mounting systems.
This refers to how
many places they sup-
port the frame. There
are many subtle dif-
ferences in mounting
systems. The three
most common types of mount-
ing systems are the 2-point, 4-
Alpha point and 6-point, though
each of them is safe.
Orbiter SE
6-Point Mounting. Fans of
Fans of two-point and four-
point systems suggest that
it is quicker to mount a
racquet on a 2-point
machine because there are
fewer mounting points to be
adjusted. They will also say
that these systems offer more
support at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock,
(the two most important points to sup- Babolat
port), because the amount of surface Sensor
contact with the frame is greater at
these locations.
Turntable Lock. This allows you to

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 stop the turntable in one posi- wraps the string
tion. Helpful for calibrating and around a spool,
tying knots. then rotates the
spool to pull tension
360o Rotation Turntable. Allows on the string.
you to turn the racquet all the way
Gamma around during stringing. Diablo/Nosecone. The string is
5800 Els wrapped around the diablo or
3-D Rotation Turntable. Allows the nosecone before it is put in
Silent Partner
turntable to tilt so that each string gets pulled the tension head, allowing
straight through the grommet. This is the tension head to grip the
Aria
designed to reduce the friction of the string string more gently.
against the grommet when tension is
being pulled. Foot Tension. Foot-activated ten-
sion head.
TENSIONING SYSTEMS Manual Calibration. Allows you to adjust (correct) the
There are two main types of tensioning systems available
today—lockout and constant pull. Lockout pulling force manually, as
means that the machine pulls the string to the opposed to a few machines
desired tension and then locks the length of that are designed to calibrate
the string until you clamp it and release the themselves automatically.
tension head. So, as soon as you lock the
length of the string, it starts equalizing and los- Diamond Coated Tension
ing tension. Constant-pull machines pull the string Head. Grips the string with less
to the desired tension, but when the string starts to
Mutual Power pressure.
equalize and lose tension, it pulls a little more to ES5 Pro
stay at reference tension. Constant-pull machines Tension Sets. Three types: dial
generally achieve slightly higher stringbed stiffness tension set, +/- key tension set, and numeric
(we find the difference to be about 5 percent to 10 keypad.
percent).
Knot Tensioning. The machine can be
Drop Weight. These machines use a lever (with a instructed to pull the last string before a knot
weight attached to it) to pull tension on each tighter than the reference tension to allow
string. Moving the weight on the bar determines for the tension that is lost between the
how much ten- clamp and the knot.
sion it pulls.
These machines quali- CLAMPING SYSTEMS
fy as constant pull The clamping system is meant to hold strings in the rac-
because the weight quet under tension. If clamps slip, or allow strings to slip
continues to pull the through them, a string job can be ruined. There are many
string as the string different clamps, but we will only discuss three here.
stretches.
Prince Flying Clamps. These
3000 Hand Crank. Tension is pulled clamps are not attached
by hand crank. These machines to the machine. They
lockout when the desired tension use one string to hold
has been reached. tension on another
string. They generally do
Electric. These machines require not hold tension as consis-
electricity to pull tension. Most of tently as the other two types of
these machines are constant pull, clamps. The low price tag makes
but a few allow you to choose them attractive to new
between constant pull and lockout modes. Some offer multi- stringers testing the Tecnifibre
ple pull speeds and a prestretch mode. waters. TF-8000
Linear Pull & Rotational Tensioners. Machines that pull ten- Fixed Clamps that Swivel.
sion in a straight line away from the machine are said to be These clamps are attached to the
linear pull. The alternative is a rotational tensioner, which (Text continued on page 38.)

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35

 Sports Height Mounting Tensioning

3-D Turntablen Turntable

Rotation

Hand Cranktem-Drop
Table Top O ndard

Constant Pu ed Pull
Height Adjustptional
able

6-Point Mou nting

4-Point Mou ting
5-Point Mou ting
Turntable Lonting

Rachet Sys rop

Table Top Stable

360º Rotatiock
ed

k
n
n

2-Sided Cran

ll
Full Clutch-D
2-Point Mou

Drop Weight

Multiple Spe
Stand Availa
Stand Includ
Racquetball
Badminton

Linear Pull
Prestretch
Lockout
Squash

Electric
Tennis
Price Warranty
Brand Model (MSRP) (years)
AG 601F $219 5 x x x x x x x x x x
www.gutermanintl.com 602F $269 5 x x x x x x x x
800-343-6096 602S $379 5 x x x x x x x x x x
603GB $549 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
604S $569 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
603S $699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
607 $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x

Alpha String Pal $129 5 x x x x x x x x x x

www.alphatennis.com Pioneer FL $269 5 x x x x x x x x x x
800-922-9024 Pioneer DC $419 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
Revo 4000 $549 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
Shuttle Express $549 5 x x x x x x x x x
Axis Pro $749 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Blu-DC Plus $899 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Apex $1,149 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Orbitor $2,695 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Orbitor SE $2,995 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

ATS
www.atssports.com Super Stringer II $135 Life x x x x x x x x x x
800-866-7071 Traveler $189 Life x x x x x x x x x x

Babolat Sensor $5,200 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

www.babolat.com Sensor Expert $8,500 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
877-316-9435

Gamma X-2 $135 5 x x x x x x x x x x x

www.gammasports.com Progression 602 $299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
800-333-0337 X-6 $299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
Progression 602 FC $469 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
X-6 FC $469 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
Progression ST II $629 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
X-ST $629 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
Progression Es II+ $899 5 x x x x x x x x x x
E-Es $899 5 x x x x x x x x x x
6004 $1,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5800 Els $1,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6500 Els $1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7500 Els $2,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
8500 Els $3,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Klipper USA Klippermate $145 Life x x x x x x x x x x x
www.klipperusa.com Klippermate Bad’ton $155 Life x x x x x x x x
800-522-5547 280-CS $245 10 x x x x x x x x x x x
440-CS $445 10 x x x x x x x x x x x

Mutual Power Viking 200 $79 Life x x x x x x

www.mutualpower.com Alpine 500 $179 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
832-868-0168 Hercules 610 $319 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Alpine 2000 $399 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 Self-Elevatin

x x
Automated g Linear Pull

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Diablo/NoseTension Release

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Rotational Tcone
e

x
x x
x x
x
x x
x x
Foot Pedal T nsioner

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Pounds & K ension Activator

x x
x x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Manual Calibilos Tension

x
x
Self-Calibra ration Adjustable

x x x
x x x
x
x x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Diamond Coting

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Tensioning

Knob/Dial T at Tension Head Grip

en

x
x
x
x
x
x
Plus/Minus sion Setting
T

x
x
x
x
Full Keypad ouch Pad Tension Set
LED/LCD Te Tension Setting
Knot Tensio nsion Display

x x x x x
x x x x x
x
x x x
x
x
x x x
x x x
x x x
x x x
Removable ning
Electric Ten
sioner Unit

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Flying Clam
ps

x
x Fixed Clamp

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Dual Swivel s on Glide Bars

Dual Swivel Double Action Fixed
360 Degree Single Action Fixed

x
Single Swiv Clamps on Glide Bars

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Diamond Duel Fixed Clamp

x x
Clamping

Automated st Clamps
B
Magnetic Au ase Release Clamps

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
No Tool Nee to Clamp Base Relea
ded to Adju se
st Clamps

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Tool Tray

x
x
x
x
x
x x
x x
x x
Cover Includ

x
x
x
x
x
x
String Measued

x
x
x
Built-in Rule rer

x
x
x
x
x
x x x x x
x
x Reel Rack r
Racquet S

x
Cabinet wittahnd

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
xx x
x
xx x
x
x
xx x
x
xx x
x
xx x
x
xx x
x
x
x
x
x
Extra Features

Leveling Pa Drawers
ds on Base

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Under 50 lb
s

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

50-75 lbs

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Over 75 lbs
Weight

Calibrator

x
x
x
x
x
x
Starting Cla

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Diagonal Cump
tt

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Needlenose ers

x x
x x
x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
x
x x
x x
x
x x
x
x x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Awl Pliers

x
x
x
x
x
x
Flying Clam

x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x x
x x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Assembly Inp

x
x
x
x
x x
x x x x
x x x x
x x x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Owners Ma structions/Video

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x x x x x
x x x x x x

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Guiding Awnual/Video

x
x
x
x
x
Tools Included

Bent Nose Pl

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

37
Assembly T liers

x
x
x
x
Flying Clamools
p Starting P
ins
 Sports Height Mounting Tensioning

n Turntable
Rotation

Hand Cranktem-Drop
Table Top O ndard

Constant Pueed Pull

Height Adjustptional
able

6-Point Mou ing

4-Point Mou ting
5-Point Mountting
Turntable Lonting

Rachet Sys rop

Table Top Stable

360º Rotatiock
Stand Availaed

k
3-D Turntable
n
n

2-Sided Cran

ll
Full Clutch-D
Drop Weight
2-Point Mou
Stand Includ
Racquetball

Multiple Sp
Badminton

Linear Pull
Prestretch
Lockout
Squash

Electric
Tennis
Price Warranty
Brand Model (MSRP) (years)
Mutual Power Alpine 2500 $499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
www.mutualpower.com Alpine 6000 $469 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
832-327-0256 Alpine 6500 $569 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
Hercules 630 $529 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Hercules 650 $629 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
e-Bravo 550 $509 5 x x x x x x x x x x x
e-Bravo 760 $599 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x

Prince Neos 1000 $1,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x

www.princetennis.com 3000 $2,995 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
800-283-6647

Silent Partner Swing $199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x

www.sptennis.com e.Stringer $249 5 x x x x x x x x x
800-662-1809 e.Stringer 6 point $299 5 x x x x x x x x x
e.Stringer CL $469 5 x x x x x x x x x
Jazz $599 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
e.Stringer FL $699 5 x x x x x x x x x x
Maestro $799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x
e.Stringer DG $999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
e.Stringer Aria $1,599 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Tecnifibre Pro Cord $3,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x

www.tecnifibre.com TF-5500 $4,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
877-332-0825 TF-6000 $4,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
TF-7000 $5,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
TF-7000 w/ Cabinet $6,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
TF-8000 $7,500 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Wise USA 2086 Pro. ETH $495 2 x x x x x x x x x
www.tennishead.com
888-836-7466

Yonex ES5 Pro $6499 1 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

www.yonex.com
800-449-6639

machine and can be turned in any direc-
tion, especially helpful
when stringing fan pat-
terns. They also allow
you to switch from
main strings to cross
strings without having
to remove and replace
glide bars. There are
two kinds: dual swivel,
dual action fixed clamps
Wise that require you to lock two
2086 Professional ETH levers to clamp a string; and
dual swivel, single-action fixed
clamps that require you to lock
one lever. 360º glide bar clamps
are clamps that rotate 360
degrees, but they are mount- ATS
ed on glide bars. Single swiv- Traveler
el fixed refers to machines
with only one clamp attached
to the machine. Machines with
this type of clamp will general-
ly require a starting clamp or
flying clamp for part of each
string job.

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 Tensioning Clamping Extra Features Weight Tools Included

No Tool Nee to Clamp Base Release

Full Keypad Touch Pad Tension Set

Single Swiv Clamps on Glide Bars

sioner Unit

st Clamps
Knob/Dial T at Tension Head Grip

Magnetic AuBase Release Clamps

Dual Swivel Double Action Fixed
360 Degree Single Action Fixed
Self-Calibra ration Adjustable
Pounds & K ension Activator

Owners Ma structions/Video
Diablo/NoseTension Release

LED/LCD Te Tension Setting

Dual Swivel s on Glide Bars

ins
Diamond Du l Fixed Clamp
Plus/Minus ension Setting

Knot Tensio nsion Display

Automated g Linear Pull

ded to Adju
Manual Calibilos Tension

Electric Ten

p Starting P
ds on Base
Automated st Clamps

Guiding Awnual/Video
Leveling Pa Drawers
Foot Pedal T nsioner

Pliers
Rotational T cone

Needlenose tters

Assembly T liers
Removable ing

Built-in Rule rer

Flying Clamools
Diamond Coting

Diagonal Cu p
String Measued

Cabinet withnd
ps

m
e

Assembly Inp
e

Cover Includ
Self-Elevatin

Fixed Clamp

Racquet Sta

Bent Nose Pl
Under 50 lb
Over 75 lbs

Flying Clam
Flying Clam

Starting Cla
50-75 lbs
Reel Rack

Calibrator
Tool Tray

Awl
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Fixed Clamps that Don't

Swivel. These are clamps
WEIGHT
Categories indicate whether the machine weighs
that are attached to the less than 50 pounds, between 50 and 75 pounds,
machine by glide bars, but or over 75 pounds. Heavier machines can be
can only be turned in two more stable and solid, but they can be less conve-
directions (90 degrees and 0 nient when moving or traveling.
degrees). These require removing Yonex
and repositioning glide bars to ES5 Pro
switch from main strings to cross TOOLS INCLUDED
strings. This final category indicates which supplies and tools are
included with the machine. For descriptions of each tool,
Diamond Dust. see pages 9-10 of the USRSA Racquet Service Techniques
book. Q
Holds a string with less
pressure, avoiding string crushing.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39

 PLAYER EQUIPMENT LOG

When Justine Hen

ROLAND GARROS culmination of a g
used in their bid f
their favorite play

MEN
Round Racquet Racquet String

1 S Roger Federer SUI Wilson nSix-One Tour 90 Luxilon/Wilson

Rank Reached Player Name Country Brand Racquet Model Headsize Brand

2 DNP Lleyton Hewitt AUS

3 W Rafael Nadal ESP Babolat AeroPro Drive 100 Babolat
4 2 Andy Roddick USA Babolat Pure Drive Team+ 100 Babolat
5 4 Marat Safin RUS Head Liquidmetal Prestige Mid 93 Luxilon
6 1 Andre Agassi USA Head Flexpoint Radical OS 107 Luxilon
7 S Nikolay Davydendo RUS Prince O3 Tour 100 Polystar
8 Q Guillermo Canas ARG Wilson nPro Surge 100 Kirschbaum
9 2 Tim Henman GBR Slazenger Pro X-1 95 Luxilon/Babolat
10 2 Joachim Johansson SWE Yonex RDX 500 90 Luxilon/Babolat
11 F Mariano Puerta ARG Babolat AeroPro Drive 100 Babolat
12 4 Gaston Gaudio ARG Wilson nSix-One 95 Kirschbaum
13 Q Tommy Robredo ESP Dunlop 300G 98 Luxilon
14 4 Guillermo Coria ARG Prince O3 Tour 100 Luxilon
15 Q David Ferrer ESP Prince Shark DB MP 100 Luxilon
16 3 Radek Stepanek CZE Volkl Tour 10 Mid V-Engine 93 Pacific
17 1 Ivan Ljubicic CRO Babolat Pure Drive Team + 100 Luxilon/Babolat
18 4 David Nalbandian ARG Yonex RDX-500 98 Luxilon
19 4 Carlos Moya ESP Babolat Pure Drive Team 100 Luxilon
20 2 Thomas Johansson SWE Dunlop M-Fil 200 95 Luxilon/Babolat

WOMEN
Round Racquet Racquet String

1 Q Lindsay Davenport USA Wilson nTour 95 Wilson

Rank Reached Player Name Country Brand Racquet Model Headsize Brand

2 Q Maria Sharapova RUS Prince Turbo Shark MP 100 Babolat

3 3 Amelie Mauresmo FRA Dunlop 300G 98 Babolat
4 DNP Serena Williams USA
5 4 Svetlana KuznetsovaRUS Head Flexpoint Instinct 100 Luxilon
6 4 Elena Dementieva RUS Yonex RDX-500 MP 98 Luxilon
7 W J. Henin-Hardenne BEL Wilson nTour 95 Wilson
8 S Nadia Petrova RUS Babolat Pure Storm MP Team 103 Luxilon
9 DNP Alicia Molik AUS
10 1 Anastasia Myskina RUS Head Flexpoint Instinct 100 Luxilon
11 4 Patty Schnyder SUI Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 Kirschbaum
12 3 Vera Zvonareva RUS Fischer Pro No One FT 98 Kirschbaum
13 F Mary Pierce FRA Yonex Ultimum RD Ti-80 98 Luxilon
14 4 Elena Bovina RUS Head Flexpoint Radical MP 100 Luxilon
15 S Elena Likhovtseva RUS Wilson nSix-One 95 Wilson
16 3 Venus Williams USA Wilson n4 111 Wilson
17 4 Kim Clijsters BEL Babolat Pure Drive Team 100 Babolat
18 3 Nathalie Dechy FRA Head Liquidmetal Prestige MP 98 Babolat
19 3 Tatiana Golovin FRA Volkl Catapult V1 Mid Plus 102 Tecnifibre
20 1 Jelena Jankovic SCG Yonex NSRQ-5 105 Kirschbaum

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

nin-Hardenne and Rafael Nadal came off the French Open red clay as victors, it was the
grueling two weeks in Paris. Here’s a look at the equipment that the top 20 men and women
for Grand Slam glory. Post these pages in your shop, so your customers can check out
yers, too.

String String Footwear Clothing

BB Alu Power Rough/ Wilson Natural 16L 55/50.5 Nike VAPOR S2 Nike
String Model Gauge Tension Brand Footwear Model Brand

Duralast 16 53 Nike Air Max Breathe Free II Nike

VS Team 16 73 Reebok - Lacoste
Alu Power Rough 16L - Adidas ClimaCool Feather Adidas
Big Banger Alu Power 16L 66 Nike MAX Breathe FREE Nike
Energy 16 55/53 Diadora - Diadora
Super Smash Honey 1.2 53 - - KDY
BB TIMO / VS Team 18 51.6 Adidas Barricade III -
BB Alu Power/VS Team 17 - Yonex SHT-304 -
Pro Hurricane 16 59.5 Babolat Team Clay Babolat
Super Smash 16 59.5 Diadora Protech DA2 Diadora
Big Banger Original 16 51 Sergio Tacchini - Sergio Tacchini
Big Banger Original 16 52 Adidas ClimaCool Feather Adidas
Big Banger Original 16 - Diadora Speedzone DA2 Diadora
Tough Gut 17 61.5/57 - - -
BB TIMO / VS Team 17 57 Diadora Speedzone DA2 Diadora
Big Banger Original 16 64 Yonex SHT-304 Yonex
Big Banger Original 16 60 Nike MAX Breathe FREE Nike
Alu Power/VS Touch 17/16 59.5 Adidas Barricade III Adidas

String String Footwear Clothing

Wilson Natural 15L 63/64 Nike Air Zoom Thrive Nike

String Model Gauge Tension Brand Footwear Model Brand

VS Team 17 64 Nike VAPOR S2 Nike

VS Touch 16 57.2 Reebok - Reebok

Big Banger Alu Touch 16L 53/50.5 Fila X-Point Fila

Big Banger Alu Power 16L 51/48.5 Yonex SHT-304 Yonex
Wilson Natural 16 57.5 Adidas Barricade III W Adidas
Monotec Supersense 16L 61.5 Adidas Barricade III W Adidas

Big Banger TIMO 18 56/52 Nike - Nike

Touch Turbo 17 55/53 Adidas ClimaCool Feather W Adidas
Super Smash 16L 55/53 Adidas ClimaCool Feather W Adidas
Big Banger TIMO 18 - Nike Air Commit LeJay
Big Banger TIMO 17 64/61.5 - - -
NXT 16 50.5/48.5 Wilson Crossfire SL Wilson
Wilson Natural 16 65 Reebok VESW DMX Reebok
VS Touch 16 66 Fila X-Point Fila
VS Touch 16 - ASICS Gel Enqvist Lacoste
X-tra Dynamic 16 66 Adidas ClimaCool Feather W Lacoste
Super Smash - 61.5/55 - - -

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 41

 string PLAYTEST

Head FXP 16
FXP is a new multifilament designed to package. The average number of hours
build on Head’s well-established playtested was 24.8.
Our playtest team agrees that FXP
FiberGEL technology. (See the playtest
is easy to string. It has a nice feel, and
report for Head FiberGel in the Septem- although fairly soft, blocked holes are
ber 2002 issue of Racquet Tech maga- no problem. It has virtually no coil
zine, and the playtest report for Head memory, and even seems to unkink itself
during stringing. More than half of our customers FXP. This could well
FiberGel Power in the January 2004
playtesters reported that FXP is easier to be the one string that “does it all” for the
issue.) FXP starts off with a polyamide 6 install than other strings, with none majority of your clients.
core with an integrated “tri-cluster” of reporting it was more difficult to install, Head is so confident about FXP, that a
gel fibers for power. Around this core is making it one of the very easiest to install free set of FXP 17 is being sent to each
of strings we have playtested in the last USRSA member in the United States in
a wrap of polyamide 6 monofilaments,
several years. This is not too surprising, this issue of RSI.
each of which incorporates three poly- given that FXP uses FiberGel technology, —Greg Raven Q
ester filaments for control. Finally, the and Head’s FiberGel Power also garnered
high marks for ease of installation. EASE OF STRINGING
string is coated with DuPont 66 for
As you might expect from a string (compared to other strings)
durability. Number of testers who said it was:
rated this easy to install, none of our
The result according to Head is an much easier 7
playtesters broke his sample during string-
easy-to-install string that has a crisp feel somewhat easier 11
ing, or reported any problems with coil
and maximum ball pocketing, for power about as easy 16
memory, tying knots, or friction burn.
players who need superior control. not quite as easy 0
FXP is available in 16 and 17 gauges in not nearly as easy 0
ON THE COURT
natural only. It is priced from $11 for coils OVERALL PLAYABILITY
Our playtest team found Head FXP to
of 40 feet. For more information or to (compared to string played most often)
exhibit above average performance almost
order, contact Head at 800-289-7366, or Number of testers who said it was:
across the board. The team particularly
visit www.head.com. much better 1
liked the Playability, Power, Touch/Feel,
somewhat better 9
and Tension Holding of FXP, with strong
IN THE LAB scores for Durability, Control, Comfort,
about as playable 8
We tested the 16-gauge FXP. The coil not quite as playable 14
and Resistance to Movement. not nearly as playable 1
measured 40 feet 10 inches. The diameter
What’s really telling are the over-
measured 1.36 mm prior to stringing, and OVERALL DURABILITY
whelmingly positive comments we
1.30 mm after stringing. We recorded a (compared to other strings
received from our playtest team. Many of
stringbed stiffness of 81 RDC units imme- of similar gauge)
the comments echoed Head’s marketing Number of testers who said it was:
diately after stringing at 60 pounds in a
materials, indicating that FXP has hit its much better 1
Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern)
design goals dead on. somewhat better 11
on a constant pull machine.
about as durable 18
After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed CONCLUSION not quite as durable 3
stiffness measured 73 RDC units, repre- Head FXP is a solid performer in all the not nearly as durable 0
senting a 10 percent tension loss. Our important categories, and according to
control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Origi- our playtesters, if its description makes it RATING AVERAGES
nal Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units From 1 to 5 (best)
sound like something in which you would
immediately after stringing and 71 RDC Playability 3.5
be interested, you’re likely to be very
Durability 3.5
units after 24 hours, representing a 9 per- happy once you try it. Power 3.4
cent tension loss. FXP added 15 grams to Judging by the response we received Control 3.5
the weight of our unstrung frame. from our playtesters, Head FXP could be a Comfort 3.4
The string was tested for five weeks great “go-to” product for stringers with Touch/Feel 3.3
by 34 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP rat- customers who don’t have a strong pref- Spin Potential 3.1
ings from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, erence for one string over another, but Holding Tension 3.6
with each playtester receiving an still want a quality product. And, as easy Resistance to Movement 3.4
unmarked set of strings in an unmarked as it is to install, you’ll love selling your

42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005

 TESTERS TALK

“ This string played great, and remained crisp during the entire three
weeks I used it. It holds tension better than any other string I used. This is
“ I recently purchased two racquets. One came strung with an
average synthetic. I put the test sample in the second racquet, and
a real winner, and when I find out what it is, I intend to use it in each of the improvement over the other string was profound. This string is
my racquets.
”
4.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson Pro Staff 6.0 strung at 60
very “gut-like,” imparting excellent feel and control. It maintained
this quality over the entire test period, but it did begin to notch
pounds CP (Wilson NXT 16) noticeably after about 10 hours of play, which indicated that it might
break earlier than typical “durability” strings. Nonetheless, I give it

“ Two firsts for this string: One, it’s the first string I haven’t cut out
after the required 15-hour test period. Second, it’s the first string I’ve
good durability scores because it did maintain its resiliency over the
entire test period. I would probably not switch from my reference
rated above average in every category. Really nice product. Played crisp, string, but I would have no problem recommending this string to
comfortable, and fresh for over 20 hours. Strings didn’t move for the first
10 hours. Nice pocketing feel, and the control was excellent. Unless this
better players who would really appreciate its overall playability.
4.5 male all-court player using Pro Kennex Kinetic Pro 5G strung at
”
62 pounds LO (Gamma Live Wire XP 16)
string is priced outrageously, I’ve found my new favorite.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Pro Staff Surge 5.1 strung at 60/58
pounds CP (Babolat Tonic 16)
“ Easy to install. Nice soft string,
which gives a good amount of comfort

“ An excellent soft synthetic

string. Very comfortable on the
arm. The ball seems to hold on the
strings a tad longer due to their
comfort.
”
4.5 male all-court player using
Völkl Catapult 3 Gen 2 strung at
55/53 pounds CP (BDE Perfor-
mance 17)
“This is probably the and power. I would play with this string
best test string I have again.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Prince
ever used. I would definitely buy Shark MP strung at 54 pounds CP
(Prince Lightning Power 17)
this string when available. It held tension bet-
ter than any other good-playing string I have
ever tested. It also did not move much during
“ This string plays very well. I used it
in my USTA league matches and was
my 24 hours of test play. I highly recommend
very satisfied.
”
3.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wil-

“ This string provides very good

control while yielding above-aver-
age power. It holds tension well. I
would like to know more about this
this string for players wanting a great-playing
string.”
4.5 male all-court player using Head i.x6 strung at
son Pro Staff 6.5 strung at 63 pounds
CP (Wilson Stamina 16)
“This string has a solid feel from the

4.0 male all-court player using

”
string, and will definitely use it.
60 pounds CP (Gamma Live Wire Professional 17)
first hit: it’s comfortable immediately. It
displays above-average power and
Head Classic MP strung at 61 durability, and holds its tension well. It
pounds LO (Head Intellitour 17) didn’t quite have the playability of a 17 gauge, but the ball rebounds
with vigor.
”
“ ”
Nice soft string.
6.0 male all-court player using Wilson nSix-One 95 strung at 53 pounds
4.5 male all-court player using Head i.prestige strung at 57 pounds
LO (Gamma TNT 17)
LO (Poly/gut 16)

“ This test sample was relatively straightforward to string. It is a

“ Good power, especially on serve. Nice solid feel. The string has a good choice for players who like to use lots of spin and for those
who use control and feel. Volleying with this string is a joy, with
good combination of control and power.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Pro Staff Surge X 5.1 strung at both excellent control and power readily achievable. Because of the
58/56 pounds CP (Gamma TNT 18) rigidity of the string, it provides less comfort than my usual string,
but I became a fan and would certainly consider using it as my regu-

“ Easy to string. I thought this was a great synthetic. If the price is less
than $10, I would highly recommend it. Will perform well by itself or in a
”
lar string.
4.5 male serve-and-volleyer using Wilson Hyper Hammer 2.3 strung
at 63 pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 16)
hybrid set. Loved it. Best synthetic I’ve tried in awhile.
”
4.0 male all-court player using Wilson Hyper Pro Staff 6.0 strung at 61
pounds LO (Wilson Natural 17) For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 43

 ask the EXPERTS
Your Equipment Hotline
RACQUET MATCHING
Q I CAN SORT OF UNDERSTAND
matching two racquets, if one is
lighter and has a lower swing-
weight, but I’m having trouble getting
started on matching three racquets where
the measurements seem to be all over the
place. Any tips?
A THE FIRST TIP IS TO USE OUR on-line
tools so you don’t have to wade
through mountains of calculations by
hand. For example, you could use the Rac-
quet Optimizer for fast and easy modeling
of simple racquet modifications, but typi-
cally you would use the Racquet Cus-
tomizer. (Each of these is available to
USRSA members under the “Tools” head-
ing at www.racquettech.com.)
The second tip is to realize that it is not
always possible to match two (or more)
racquets. For example, there is no way to
modify the flex of a racquet, so if you
hope to end up with matched racquets,
you must start with similar racquets that
44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
have the same flex. Even then, you may modification, to ensure that your modifica-
not be able to match the weight, balance, tions are correct.
and swingweight, but at least the possibili-
ty exists. When it’s not possible to match
the weight, balance, and swingweight of
Here is an example of three frames.
The first is standard length, while the
other two are 1/16-inch shorter. The first is
two racquets, Racquet Customizer will tell the heaviest, while the other two weigh
you which characteristics can be matched. the same. The first and second have the
The third tip is that adding mass under same balance point, while the first and
the grip at 10 cm up from the butt cap third have the same swingweight.
does not change the swingweight, even
though it changes the weight and balance.
The fourth tip is to use the Racquet
Frame
Length
Starting
1 2 3
68.58 68.42125 68.42125 cm
Customizer solution that works best in mass 336.00 332.00 332.00 grams
Starting
your situation. Racquet Customizer will cal- balance 30.20 30.20 30.40 cm
culate a lot of different ways that two Starting
frames can be matched, but some of them swingweight 313.00 310.00 313.00 kg•cm2
will call for adding a lot of lead tape in (Notice that we converted fractional inches to deci-
inconvenient positions on the frame. As a mal centimeters for the Length measurement.)
rule of thumb, you want to keep sections These measurements allow us to calcu-
of lead tape to 4 inches or shorter, so that late how differently the racquets will
the actual result will better correspond respond in play:
Center of
with the calculated goal. Because there are Percussion (COP) 56.12 56.22 56.21 cm
so many solutions, you can pick and Recoilweight 176 175 175 kg•cm2
choose based on what you want. Hitting-
weight @ COP 147 145 147 kg•cm2
The fifth tip is to re-measure after every
 Now we can start matching. Applying
tip three, we add four grams of lead tape
10 centimeters up from the butt cap of
frame 3. Measuring frame 3 after this
modification reveals that adding this
weight also moves the balance point to
almost exactly where we want it. This
gives us two racquets with the same
weight, balance, and swingweight, and
one racquet to which we can add weight
to increase the swingweight.
Use Racquet Customizer to calculate
the amounts and positions where you will
need to add mass to make the second
frame (in our example) match the first
frame. Racquet Customizer comes up with
98 solutions. Among these 98 solutions,
you should find one that fits your needs.
For example, the first 21 solutions
require adding lead tape to the very tip of
the racquet. If you don’t want to do this,
you can eliminate all of these from consid-
eration. The next 21 solutions require
adding lead tape to the highly-curved sec-
tion of the hoop, where precise placement
is difficult. You might also want to discard
any solutions that require tiny pieces of
lead tape, or so much lead tape that there
will be a huge lump at that location.
In this case, we’ll go for solution 5,
which does specify a short piece of lead
tape at the tip of the racquet, but we can
put it underneath the bumperguard to
hide it from view. In the hoop, there will
be four short sections of lead tape just
over an inch long, and the remainder goes
under the grip, just above where the play-
er’s hand normally holds the racquet. Here
are the masses and locations for adding
weight to frame 2, so that it will match
frame 1.
Calculating the center of percussion,
recoilweight, and hittingweight (which
can be calculated under the “tools” head-
ing at RacquetTECH.com) shows that
these racquets are indeed very well
matched.
Some racquets will be easier to match,
and some more difficult, but using our
on-line tools eliminates a lot of the
drudgery, leaving you more time to con-
sider how best to affect the modifications.
FEAR OF FLYING
Q I HAVE OFTEN WONDERED ABOUT
the effects of flying on a strung
racquet. Does it matter to the
strings if the racquet is carried on or if the
racquet is packed in a suitcase and put in
the cargo hold? People have asked me
this and I’ve read and heard conflicting
answers.
A PEOPLE WHO FLY WITH STRUNG
racquets at some time or another
notice that the stringbed is different on
arrival than it was on departure. There are
two potential factors to consider when
transporting a racquet in a jet aircraft: air
pressure and temperature. As far as we
know, air pressure has no effect on either
racquets or strings, which leaves just tem-
perature. If you take your racquet with
you in the passenger compartment, the
temperature differential is minimal. How-
ever, if you check your racquet as bag-
gage, the temperature extremes can and
will affect the stringbed. Therefore, you
should either carry on your racquets, or
plan on having them restrung once you
reach your destination.
Of course, temperature extremes are
not found only in airplane cargo holds.
The temperature in the trunk of your car
can also kill your strings, as we showed in
“The Effect of Temperature on String
Tension,” published in March 1985. This
article is available to USRSA members on-
line at http://www.racquettech.com/
members/strings/198503temperature.html.
—Greg Raven Q
We welcome your questions. Please send them
to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista,
CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email:
greg@racquettech.com.

Added mass 0.13 grams

Location 68.42 cm
Added mass 1.09 grams
Location 58.26 cm
Added mass 2.78 grams
Location 12.54 cm
Here are the final measurements for
our three matched frames:

Final mass 336.00 336.00 336.00 grams

Final balance 30.20 30.16 30.16 cm
Final
swingweight 313 313 313 kg•cm2
Final COP 56.1 56.2 56.2 cm
Final
recoil weight 176 176 176 kg•cm2
Final
hitting weight 147 147 147 kg•cm2
The weight and swingweight are iden-
tical, and the balance is only .04 cm off.

August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 45

 tips and TECHNIQUES
Readers’ Know-How in Action
END STRIP SEARCHES
Whenever a customer of mine buys a
new racquet from me or anywhere else, I
encourage them to buy extra grommet
kits right away. I try to carry some kits,
and there are others I can order, but in
time the availability inevitably becomes a
problem. I have people bring in racquets
that are only 3 to 5 years old, and already
I cannot find replacement grommet kits.
5 Sets of Gosen OG Sheep Micro Super
JC 16 and a Gosen T-shirt to:
Jon Miller, Battle Creek, MI
Editor’s note: Finding grommet kits for
older racquets continues to be a problem,
but one that has been greatly mitigated
since the introduction of USRSA’s Grom-
mets Network: An e-mail newsletter that
puts you in contact with thousands of
other USRSA members with your grom-
met kit needs. It might be a good idea to
encourage your customers to turn over
their grommet kits to you if they change
46 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
racquets before needing a grommet strip
replacement, so you can make those grom-
mets available to others on the Grommets
Network. If you are a USRSA member and
you’re not a member of the Grommets Net-
work, send an e-mail request to grom-
mets@racquettech.com, and you’ll be added
to the list.
QUICKER CROSSES
The currently-available 40- to 44-foot string
sets are much longer than they used to be,
and they usually have much more string
than is needed to complete the normal rac-
quet. After I weave the first few cross
strings, I count the remaining cross string
grommets, measure and pull that number of
lengths across the middle of the frame, then
measure two more racquet widths for insur-
ance, and cut off the excess. This speeds up
the job as there is less string to pull, and it
reduces wear and tear on the crosses.
5 sets of Silent Partner Headspin 15L to:
Bob Tuttle, MRT, Freeport, NY
BECOME A
STRINGING DOCTOR
Sometimes when weaving the cross, I
find the strings either slip or they are too
hard to pull through the mains. The
answer is very simple: I purchased some
surgical gloves that fit my hand perfectly.
They allow me to grip the strings even if
they have a lubricated coating, and at the
same time they offer some protection to
my hands. I still have great feel for the
string, and perhaps best of all, I look like
a "stringing doctor" when I’m finishing
up a racquet.
5 sets of Head FiberGEL Power 16 to:
Lazar Lowinger, Newton, MA
HAND ME THAT STAT, STAT!
I recently purchased a set of military sur-
plus medical hemostats from a discount
store and found that they are very useful
tools for stringing racquets. The large
ones are "beefy" enough to pull strings
that have a lot of friction on them and

the small ones are perfect for getting into
those hard-to-reach places between
frame and clamps.
5 sets of Prince Premier with
Softflex 16 to:
Harold Smallacombe, Montrose, PA
MARKETING
GENERATING NEW BUSINESS
Helping maintain public tennis courts in
your community is one way to increase
your customer base, gain exposure, and
generate new business. Clean, well-main-
tained courts are an enticement to play
tennis. I stop by my local courts regularly,
pick up any trash, report any major prob-
lems to the recreation department, adjust
net heights, and repair nets as they fall
into disrepair.
In my community, the threads that
hold the headband to the net disintegrate
over time, leaving a gap between the two
long before the nets are replaced. I bring
an awl, snips, and used tennis string to
reconnect the net to the headband. I punch
two holes in the headband about a half-
inch apart horizontally, lift up the net and
insert the tennis string through the two
holes catching a vertical net string, knot the
string on the other side, and snip off the
excess tails. It only takes a few minutes to
make several such ties and close the gap.
Many people see me maintaining the
courts and come over and thank me for my
efforts. I get to know them, they get to
know me, and many of them give me a call
when their racquets are in need of repair.
5 sets of Gamma Zo Power 16L &
Zo Hat & Zo T-Shirt to:
Michael Shaughnessy, Wakefield, RI
Editor’s note: If you’re really ambitious, you
can set aside one day a year for a thorough
clean-up. Use leaf-blowers and brooms to
clean the windscreens and court surface,
trim up any encroaching vegetation, and
then hose down the windscreens and
courts. Heavy-duty tie-wraps are good to
have on hand, too, as they can be used to
reattach windscreens, and to hold the
net to the net cord after the headband
splits on top. You can even lubricate the
hinges on the gates, and make minor
adjustments to hinges and latches with a
pair of wrenches. If you put out fliers to
advertise your clean-up efforts before-
hand and ask for volunteers, you should
be able to get a lot of help, and there
will be less risk of angering those who
show up to play, only to find the courts
out of service. It’s also good to let your
local parks and recreation department
know what you’re doing, not only so
they see there is an active tennis commu-
nity, but also because you can oftentimes
get them to provide extra trash recepta-
cles, so you don’t have to haul away
bags and bags of trash and leaves after
all your other hard work.
—Greg Raven Q
Tips and Techniques submitted since 2000 by USRSA
members, and appearing in this column, have all been
gathered into a single volume of the Stringer’s Digest—
Racquet Service Techniques which is a benefit of USRSA
membership. Submit tips to: Greg Raven, USRSA, 330
Main St., Vista, CA 92804; or email
greg@racquettech.com.
August 2005 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 47
 Your Serve
Open the Door to College Players
A longtime college tennis advocate says it’s time the USTA and
US Open stop shutting out top amateurs. BY MARCIA FROST
A
s I finish my coverage of the 2005
NCAA Championships for
www.CollegeAndJuniorTennis.com, I
can’t help but wonder if I will see any of these
talented players at the US Open. Until three
years ago, the winners of the NCAA Division I
Championships received wildcards into the
main draw. It was also likely that the finalists
and a handful of other top college players
would receive wildcards into at least the US
Open Qualifying event.
But all that changed with one memo
four years ago, which seems to have
closed the door to great opportunity for
talented college players. Just before the
2001 NCAA Championships, the Intercolle-
giate Tennis Association received the fol-
lowing:
“The USTA and the US Open have
made several changes in our wildcard poli-
cies this year. …The US Open Wildcard
Committee will seriously consider offering
wildcards to singles and doubles winners
of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Cham-
pionship. That offer, however, will no
longer be automatic.”
Though many college tennis advocates,
including myself, were disappointed in this
loss, we were still satisfied that in 2001
there was an abundance of amateur play-
ers given entrance into the Open. Unfortu-
nately, the number of those players
decreased each year, and by last year, col-
lege tennis had nearly no representation at
America’s Grand Slam. Two-time NCAA
champ Amber Liu was the only college
player given a wildcard in 2004. Even the
qualifying event did not have a single col-
lege tennis player.
So where did the American wildcards
go? They were all given to the new crop of
teen professionals and another handful of
teens who were on the brink of turning
pro. These kids, a few as young as 14,
were talented indeed, but not able to play
with the world’s greatest. Almost all fell in
the first round. And while 17-year-old
48 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2005
Brendan Evans (who had already been a
pro for two years) won two rounds, a
dozen others didn’t advance at all.
One of the college players noticeably
absent last year was the University of Ken-
tucky’s Jesse Witten, a top-five collegian
who made the finals of the NCAAs,
played the USTA Pro Circuit during his
breaks from school, and had actually won
two events. He was thought to be a shoo-
in for at least a wildcard into qualifying.
But Witten had something against
Many of the most
talented players are
training on college
campuses.
him: He was set on going back to school
in the fall and he did not want to turn pro
yet. (He has since finished his degree and
joined the circuit.) “We really thought
that he would get stronger consideration
than he got,” said a disappointed Dennis
Emery, Witten’s coach at Kentucky.
The college community has been vocal
in its disappointment over last year’s lack
of wildcards, but there has thus far been
no word from the USTA that things will
change this summer. The remaining set
wildcards for the US Open main draw are
for the USTA National Hardcourt Boys’
and Girls’ 18s winners. Last year, for the
first time, the USTA passed a call item
allowing professionals under age 18 to
play the 18s National Hardcourts, and play
they did. The winners—Scoville Jenkins
and Jessica Kirkland, both professionals—
were put into spots previously reserved for
our nation’s most talented amateurs.
While I do not wish to discourage the
upcoming group of talented Americans in
our professional ranks, we need to recog-
nize and reward players in our collegiate
system. In prior years, draws were filled
with many of these players. In 2003, most
of these players came from the spectacu-
lar University of Illinois team that captured
the singles, doubles, and team event at
the NCAAs that year. Three players from
that team were given the opportunity to
showcase their talent without having to
give away their amateur status.
Craig Tiley, former head coach of that
winning team and former vice chair of the
High Performance Committee for the
USTA/ITA, says, “I agree with the USTA
that the wildcards should be evaluated on
a year-to-year basis. I would like to see a
wildcard set aside for a U.S. college player
who has had success in the previous year,
not only in college, but also in Futures and
Challengers. Wildcards must be given to
players who are serious about pursuing a
career in tennis and have the skills to be
able to take advantage of the wildcard.”
It’s our Grand Slam event. US Open
wildcards need to be given out based on
talent. The fact is that many of the most
talented players in this country are training
on college campuses. Let’s not punish
them for retaining their amateur status
and getting an education. It’s time to re-
Open the door. Q
Marcia Frost is the editor of
Photo by Cynthia Lum
www.CollegeAndJunior-Ten-
nis.com, published by the non-
profit Port Washington Tennis
Academy. In her role as a college
tennis advocate, she is the edi-
tor/manager of www.College-
TennisConnect.com, owned by
PWTA and Sports Marketplace,
where she writes the Monthly Guide To College
Planning. She is also a member of the USTA Eastern
Section College Tennis Committee.
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