©Fred Mullane/Camerawork USA
US OPEN
RECAP B
y the time you read this, the US Open will long be in the rearview mirror. But because of production deadlines for ADDvantage and having just seen the conclusion of the 2023 event, I thought it would be appropriate to give you some highlights (through my lens) since it is fresh in my mind. While I was not in NYC for the entirety of the two
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weeks, I am happy to share my perspective on several items. In this issue, Steve Flink will give his thoughts on the competition itself, which was, by all standards, superlative. I won’t waste my limited space in this column to opine on the tournament results. Suffice to say, we have all been waiting on Americans to break through and win slams, not
November/December 2023
Billie Jean King and Tracy Austin discuss the Battle of the Sexes at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball.
John Embree USPTA CEO
just one, but several. Given the rise of this generation of male and female players, we are on the brink of a cavalcade of successes in the near future. It will be fun to see. Thus, my intent here is to share some thoughts about meetings, or events, that took place around the Open.
1
While there was some rain and excessive heat during the three weeks, it did not dampen the enthusiasm for tennis in NYC and across the country. Unfortunately, Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day did have rain throughout most of the traditional Saturday before the matches got underway, but there were still a few hundred kids who visited the USPTA court, ably managed by past president Feisal Hassan and USPTA Elite Professional and director of tennis at the BJK National Tennis Center, Dale Evans (please see the below picture).
CEO MESSAGE
most iconic sporting events this country has ever seen. For me, having been in this industry as long as I have, it was a glorious night to be able to reconnect with so many Hall of Famers with whom I have had the pleasure of knowing throughout my career.
4
2
On the first Monday, representatives from the entire industry came together for a Tennis Industry United meeting. During this session, the USTA shared some ambitious targets they believe can be achieved with the whole industry working in concert. They are: a.) Goal is to have 10% of the U.S. population playing tennis by the year 2035. With the current base of players at 23.6 million (which equates to almost 7% of the current population), there needs to be growth of 12 million players over the next 12 years (one million players per year) to get to 35 million players (U.S. population is 350 million people). b.) Goal is to have one coach for every 100 players by 2035. Therefore, we need 88,000 coaches in the USA at all levels, from parents to P.E. teachers to instructors to certified professionals, to deliver our sport. The USTA will begin a study this fall to begin the process
of identifying where the needs are and establish a baseline of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches who exist today. c.) Goal is to have one tennis court per 100 players in 2035. Thus, we need to have 350,000 tennis courts identified and chronicled. If there are approximately 250,000 courts at present (although no one is certain what the exact number is), there should be an additional 100,000 courts constructed or identified in the next 12 years. d.) The USTA recognizes that the most fundamental requirement to grow the game is to establish relationships with coaches and facilities. None currently exists. If they want the game to grow, they believe that they must have direct contact and communication with coaches and facilities at every level.
3
One of my favorite social events of the year, if not the favorite, that I attend is the International Tennis Hall of Fame Legends Ball held on the Saturday night after the Women’s Singles Championship. Four hundred people in the room were gushing about Coco’s victory. But this night was special because it not only honored 50 years of equal prize money at the US Open, but it also paid tribute to the Battle of the Sexes between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs that was staged on Sept. 20, 1973, in the Houston Astrodome. If you are too young to know what took place, Google it because it is worth studying. But on this special night, Bille Jean was interviewed by Tracy Austin about the match itself, what led up to it, Billie’s mindset going in, etc. It was a fascinating look inside one of the
Finally, I am certain you have probably read the statistics about the recordbreaking attendance number for the fortnight. It was, unquestionably, the biggest and most financially successful event in our sport’s history. What a show! Here are the numbers: a.) Attendance over the whole three weeks, including Fan Week, was up 8% over the previous record with 957,387 fans going through the turnstiles. b.) For the two weeks of the main draw, 799,402 people turned out, a record. All 25 sessions in Arthur Ashe stadium were also sold out. c.) On the first Wednesday, 73,007 single day tickets were sold, breaking the 73,000 threshold for the first time. d.) The women’s and men’s finals were the highest attended finals ever with more than 28,000 people each day. e.) Attendance over Labor Day weekend broke the 200,000 figure for the first time ever, with 201,781 people on site. f.) Finally, you saw the advertising campaign the USTA produced, which focused on everyday people enjoying tennis and a celebratory spot thanking all coaches and tennis-teaching professionals for delivering tennis. I will give kudos to the USTA for recognizing that coaches are a vital part of the ecosystem. Wow! What a celebration of tennis, American tennis. USPTA pros should be proud of the role that we play to make tennis the lifetime sport of so many people who we touch.*
November/December 2023
ADDvantage Magazine - 45
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
new pathway is infinitely better than what we had previously. Applicants will now be much better prepared to enter the industry and we can start to build a pipeline of professionals coming into our association at the division level. I would be remiss if I did not recognize Feisal Hassan, who has shouldered the burden of the new pathway and has been a one-man band traveling across the country to certify our new members. 3.
In early 2022, we made the decision to bring pickleball certification in-house. Each division then identified a head coach developer in pickleball and we began the process of hosting pickleball certifications around the country. For the last year and a half, we were only
I
certifying USPTA professionals, adding this certifica-
and it has been a great privilege to give back. As I wrap up the final
the summer, this task force worked on a certification
few months of my presidency, I would like to highlight what this
pathway that would be appropriate for non-USPTA
association has accomplished during my term. We’ve had a lot of
members. We anticipate it will be finalized soon and be
t comes with a heavy heart and tremendous gratitude that I write
tion as a member benefit. But because there is a ton of
my last presidential address. Let me first start off by saying how
interest to open our pickleball certification to non-
much of an honor it has been to be president of this great associ-
USPTA members, a task force was formed this spring
ation. The USPTA has provided me with so much over the years
to determine the criteria for embracing them. Over
big decisions to make over the past two years and I believe the board and the Executive Committee made these decisions with
ready to roll out in early 2024. 4.
the best interest of the membership in mind.
On the endorsee front, we have added a host of new companies that wanted to be a part of the USPTA family, including Tennis Warehouse. They have been terrific
1.
The biggest decision made by the board and Executive Com-
partners since early 2022—footwear and apparel being
mittee in the spring of 2022 was to take a “pause” on being fully
the first categories they supported—and then joined
accredited by the USTA. Why?
with equipment support a year later. Their business
a.) There were some contractual commitments that were not met.
with USPTA professionals has grown quarter over
b.) The lynchpin of accreditation that we asked for was to influ-
quarter and there is no reason to think that this north-
ence the job market— mandate employers at facilities to hire
erly track won’t continue. Thanks to Rick Kerpsack,
certified pros. We found out after the fact that the USTA
Ann Long and the entire TW team for their support.
does not have as much influence over clubs and facilities as we were led to believe.
5.
Finally, John’s announcement in April of his pending retirement at the end of the year caught us all by
c.) Safe Play continues to be a focal point for the USTA, as it
surprise. The time spent with the CEO task force and
is with the USPTA. We all agree that it is the right thing to
our contracted search firm has been rigorous. We have
do for our customers. However, how we track these num-
been excited about the quality of the candidates who
bers and then ensure we have our full membership be com-
have applied and we strongly believe the person who
pliant is something we will continue to work through with
will assume this role will be a fantastic representative
the USTA.
of the USPTA.
Our time away from USTA accreditation and our continued development as an association has allowed us to recognize how much healthier racquet sports can be when we collaborate. So,
Thanks to the USPTA Board of Directors for their work on behalf of the association.
we have reapplied for full accreditation and hope to hear something soon. 2.
Thanks to the Executive Committee and the executive
After walking away from accreditation, we had to re-examine
directors for their leadership and all that they do to support
and reimagine the certification pathway, which caused consid-
their members in their respective divisions.
erable confusion in the marketplace, both among our members and our leadership. Granted, training coach developers to deliv-
Kindest regards and the utmost respect,
er both the Level I and Level II workshops has taken significant
Rich Slivocka
time. However, we are on the right track now and believe the
November/December 2023
ADDvantage Magazine - 47
©Fred Mullane/Camerawork USA
RECAP
WC23 AWARD WINNERS
TIM HECKLER HALL OF FAME
CHRIS EVERT O Collin Brazan, Public Relations Coordinator
ne of the most decorated athletes in history, Chris Evert penned the start of her remarkable legacy when she won the first of her 18 Grand Slam titles in 1974. With a game crafted at Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park and honed by her father, the late Jimmy Evert, she won at least one Grand Slam title each year over the next 13 years on her way to 157 Tour titles. She won 90 percent of her matches and holds a record of 1,209 wins to only 146 losses, a feat that has never been equaled by any player. In 1995, Chris received tennis’ highest honor, becoming the fourth player ever to be unanimously elected into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She’s been using much of her time since to impart her legendary skill-set and unparalleled experience onto the next generation of tennis players. The Evert Tennis Academy, founded in 1996 at her brother John’s suggestion, is where Chris now teaches countless junior, college and professional players nearly every day of the school year. “John’s the manager and he takes care of the business side of it. And I said to him, I’d love to be able to coach and I’d love to be able to spend time with our students,” Chris said.
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Chris has been an honorary member of the USPTA since 1996. Jimmy Evert, Chris and John’s father, was inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame in 2018 and Chris accepted the award on his behalf. Chris’s lifetime of tennis has afforded her the wisdom in understanding the sport’s impact on the many youths left under coaches’ care. During the school year, the academy coaches 90 juniors full-time, with up to 160 students involved in camps over the summer months. It offers personalized coaching from 22 professionals on staff, emphasizing focus on each individual player. The facility offers programs that cover the technical, tactical, physical and mental components of the game. “There’s so much more to developing a player, to developing a child. Parents leave their children with us and very often they fly to the other side of the world,” Chris said. “And it’s our responsibility to make sure that their child is safe and well taken care of, and we’re doing our job for them personally and for them tennis-wise and education-wise, to make sure that they can be the best they can be.” The Evert Tennis Academy addresses its core values of excellence, resilience, integrity and leadership with its students
November/December 2023
every day. “How the player turns out, what kind of person they become, is as important to us as the tennis player they become,” Chris said. Chris said she particularly loves tennis’s unique ability to serve as a lifetime sport, where it’s playable for children, for professionals in their athletic prime and for those older as a form of exercise and socialization. “I just am so fortunate that my dad got us all involved in tennis because, you know, I’m 68 years old and I’m still involved in tennis. I’m still involved with the USTA Foundation charitable aspect of it, and I’m still commentating,” Chris said. “I just feel very fortunate that I am in the sport of tennis still.” *
WC23 AWARD WINNERS
U
SPTA Master Professional Kirk Anderson has been among the most impactful tennis-teaching professionals of his generation, with countless speeches and seminars, 14 published books and a tenure as the USPTA director of education. His five decades as a USPTA member are filled with accomplishments that mark his induction into the USPTA Hall of Fame as a no-brainer. Anderson’s story in tennis was born near the instant he first tried the sport preceding sophomore year of high school. “I rode my bike down to Kalamazoo College where they held the national sixteens and eighteens tournament,” Anderson said. “That’s where I got hooked on the sport because I went back and I tried to practice the things that I was seeing.”
TIM HECKLER HALL OF FAME
KIRK ANDERSON Collin Brazan, Public Relations Coordinator
By senior year, he was asked to take over his coach’s summer program. “I began teaching the day after I graduated and worked all summer,” Anderson said. Anderson’s developmental efforts extend beyond his incredible contributions to the students he teaches. The books he wrote and online courses he designed were some of the first of their kind as an innovative, modern method of teaching others to coach tennis. He was a driving force between getting the USTA to adopt the Red, Orange, and Green Pathway and getting other coaches to implement it in their children’s lessons. Anderson found a way to impart what he learned as a coach to help others do as he had. “I think the most important thing to learn is to keep learning. You’ll want to continue to learn skills, tactics and techniques and keep refining them to become the best teacher you can be,” Anderson said. Anderson’s affinity for his students becomes apparent the moment you strike up a conversation with him, as he has said their development is among his proudest accomplishments. “The second piece is to realize you’re not only teaching tennis, but you need to teach people. You need to learn how to connect with kids, adults, seniors and special needs people,” Anderson said. “They all come for different reasons, so
you need to be able to learn how to teach them all.” Upon being selected for the USPTA Hall of Fame, Kirk said he was proud to be recognized for his work as a developmental coach, rather than a high-performance coach. “I think you can be a high-performance coach at the developmental level, and I have always wanted to be the best developmental coach in the world,” Anderson said. “I am so grateful to have spent my career working with people, getting them started and getting them excited about the game, because it’s such a great game.” Kirk’s philosophy of using his developmental education experience as a way to shape the lives of his students has guided him through an illustrious tennis-teaching career culminating in being named one of the newest USPTA Tim Heckler Hall Fame inductees. “I was trembling when John (Embree) told me I had been selected for induction. I couldn’t be more grateful for this recognition,” Anderson said. Despite his many accolades, Anderson said he hopes he will be remembered most for who he has been as a person. “The things that I’d like to be remembered for is when people think about Kirk Anderson, they said, ‘Yeah, he was a good guy, he always brought his best and he was always making other people better,’” Anderson said.*
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CEO MESSAGE
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November/December 2023
ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
SIMON PAEK
T
he USPTA is proud to announce Simon Paek as the 2023 Alex Gordon Professional of the Year. A mainstay in the tennis community in Southern California for more than 30 years and counting, Simon is a leader through and through. Simon works tirelessly in all he gives to the association. He exudes passion and energy as a coach developer for both tennis and pickleball certifications, mentors countless young professionals and implements grassroots efforts to grow the USPTA image in the tennis and pickleball communities. After an absence, Simon rejoined the SoCal Board and with his help and others, the division board has become active and vibrant. Like all coach developers, Simon has a unique opportunity to be the first in-person contact for applicants joining the USPTA. His care and commitment toward his candidates are unmatched and it is apparent to all his students how proud he is of them. Simon is one who constantly encourages everyone he comes across to become better coaches through USPTA involvement and continuing education. “I’m very active teaching, as well as with my responsibilities on the division board and as a coach developer for both tennis and pickleball. I think it’s fair to say that tennis, pickleball and the USPTA
isn’t just a career path, but it’s my passion and lifelong hobby,” said Paek. Simon is the kind of pro who truly takes extra time with everyone around him and cares about making our USPTA community better. You’ll often find him on the phone with pros answering questions, talking trade and giving advice. He also spearheads an annual school tennis program event. Most recently, he was at Walnut Elementary School in La Habra, Calif., where he, along with the help of Sarah Wong, Archana Ruiz and school P.E. teachers, introduced tennis to more than 175 4th, 5th and 6th graders. In addition, he personally takes on sixteen beginner tennis ladies every year. He spends 12 months with the students introducing them to the game — the goal, to have them playing on a 3.0 team by the end of the season. Simon has spoken at many conferences, as well as traveled abroad to Asia to present on topics including pickleball, tennis stringing, high performance and working with seniors. The Pro of the Year has a huge spot in his heart for diversity and inclusion, especially when it comes to bringing USPTA to his homeland of South Korea. He has been instrumental, along with his mentor Don Henson, in certifying dozens of Korean tennis professionals into the USPTA.
WC23 AWARD WINNERS
As busy as Simon is with his responsibilities, he still finds time to give back to his local community through hosting charity events. Some of Simon’s recent recognitions include being awarded the USPTA National George Bacso Coach Developer of the Year in 2022. He was named one of the 2023 Champions of Pickleball (USPTA Pickleball Member of the Year) in the national publication Racquet Sports Industry. Plus, this year Simon was named the USPTA Southern California Division Don Henson Professional of the Year. Simon says, “The USPTA has given me so much more than a successful career, it’s given me purpose and a sense of belonging.” It’s clear the USPTA could not have a better ambassador, and we’re proud of the positive impact Simon has on so many members of the tennis and pickleball communities. *
Marisa Lampe Director of Marketing & Communications
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GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
DR. DAVE PORTER
D
r. Dave Porter has been one of the paramount leaders in the USPTA educational program and played an integral role in designing the way tennis is taught in the modern day. His contributions across his entire career earned him one of the USPTA’s highest honors, the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes a member who, over a career, has demonstrated exemplary achievement regarding their contributions to the USPTA; contribu-
tions to the USTA; career accomplishments as a teaching professional; career accomplishments as a player; career accomplishments as a coach; education, research, publications and organizational affiliations and special achievements in and contributions to the community. USPTA members must be active for 30+ years to be eligible. Like many who have such a profound impact on tennis teaching, Dave forged his path because of the coaches who had a significant influence on him. Though he first enrolled at Brigham Young University with the intention of going to law school, those dreams quietly changed. “I thought about the people that had the biggest influence on me and it had been coaches and seminary teachers and so I thought, I’m going to move in a different direction,” Porter said. “So, I switched majors to get the exercise science degree.” Porter started the BYU-Hawaii men’s tennis program in 1984 and later took over the women’s team in 1992. With 1,438 career victories, Dave is the winningest coach in collegiate tennis history. From 1984 to 2017, he led his
WC23 AWARD WINNERS
teams to 11 NCAA division II or NAIA National Championships and coached more than 40 D2 All-Americans and 13 first-team NAIA All-Americans along the way. Dave was awarded the ITA National Coach of the Year six times and named as district, regional or conference coach of the year more than 30 times. Dave coached the Chinese women’s doubles team to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics, as well as the doubles champions at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006. Porter has been as influential in his work with the USPTA as he has been in his coaching career. He was instrumental in introducing the USPTA to China by conducting USPTA testing clinics in the country. Despite his many inspiring accomplishments, his advice to coaches remains to focus more on the people than the championships. “Forget about the results, focus on the kids. Try to make them better players and better people, and if you do, the results will come,” Porter said.*
Collin Brazan Public Relations Coordinator
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CEO MESSAGE
November/December 2023
ADDvantage Magazine - 57
WC23 RECAP
NEW MASTER PROFESSIONALS Marisa Lampe, Director of Marketing & Communications
M
aster Professional is the highest recognition offered by the USPTA. It’s reserved for those members who have demonstrated mastery of all aspects of tennis teaching and management, as well as achievements over the course of their career.
Becoming a USPTA Master Professional takes years of dedication and patience. Only 220 professionals all-time have received the special designation, with 149 currently active. We recently added three more to this illustrious group. The following members have not
only met the requirements for becoming a Master Professional, but they are prime examples of going above and beyond the call of duty — exceeding expectations while providing fantastic service and teaching ability to their students.
MARCOS DEL PILAR RIVERO
M
arcos del Pilar Rivero of Orlando, Fla., is a Padel pioneer. His determination, commitment, hard work and powerful networking have made Marcos one of the most influential and important figures in the development of Padel in the U.S. His continuous successes and great advances
for the sport have made him known as ‘The Godfather of Padel in the United States.’ Marcos has a clear vision to build a better world through Padel and racquet sports. With that in mind, he left his successful business in Europe to fully dedicate himself to his mission in life: to grow Padel in North America while creat-
ing opportunities for others. Del Pilar Rivero has a true vocation for coaching. He is the head of Padel certification for the USPTA/PadelMBA with more than 400 coaches certified. Among other great milestones, he is the key leader behind the first ever Padel World Championship in the USA (2022) and he is the proud co-founder and commissioner of the world-known PRO PADEL LEAGUE. Marcos was awarded the USPTA 2022 Professional of the Year for Central Florida. He is a true encourager, joy-spreader, team builder and Padel business growth strategist who enjoys making people’s lives better with “the magic of Padel.” “Being part of the 1% in the top of the pyramid of teaching professionals is a big responsibility as well as a big win for an entire life dedicated to others. My goal was always making people happy and spreading big smiles with a racquet in my hand,” said Del Pilar Rivero. “I will take my new designation with the greatest of pride and with the commitment to continue working every day for the benefit of Padel and racquet sports!”
KELLY MARSHALL
K
elly Marshall began playing tennis as a kid and has never stopped! She knew right away that all she ever wanted to do was coach, and she has done just that for the last 30 years. Kelly is currently the director of racket sports at Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas, which is a part of the Arcis Golf portfolio. She also serves as a vice president of the USPTA Texas board where she works closely with the executive director to organize conventions, workshops and education opportunities for other professionals. Marshall has presented numerous times on-court and in classroom seminars covering both tennis and pickleball. Kelly became the USPTA pickleball head coach developer for Texas in January and has already certified more than 55 coaches. She also happened to win the USPTA
J
ose Pastrello of Naples, Fla., is known for his impressive skills teaching the game of tennis and for providing meaningful leadership. He served as Quail Creek Country Club’s Head Tennis Professional from 2013 - 2015. He was the director of sports at Collier’s Reserve and an advisor to the Naples Pro League, scheduling pro leagues and pro exhibitions for Collier Reserve. Jose has been back at Quail Creek since 2019 and his
National Industry Excellence award this year. Kelly’s leadership and creative programming have made a Texas-sized difference at Onion Creek Club. Through charitable events like “Serving Up a Cure,” The Pink Pickleball Tournament and others, Kelly reinvigorated the rackets program in her community and surrounding area. Kelly is a true leader, growing the game through her experience, determination and vision. “Becoming a Master Professional has been the culmination of a long career. The process took me back to my beginnings as a player and new coach to all I have learned along
WC23 RECAP
the way,” explained Marshall. “I reconnected with former coaches, teammates and students. I felt every high and every low all over again as it forced me to slow down and look back. It is such a rewarding experience to see how far you have come! This tennis journey has given me much more than I could ever give back – I am honored and grateful to have achieved this recognition.”
JOSE PASTRELLO responsibilities include the development and execution of strategies to make Quail Creek tennis, pickleball, bocce and croquet the premier “court sports” offering in Southwest Florida. Jose has received many accolades during his time as a USPTA pro. He was named the 2015 USPTA District Professional of the Year, 2017 USPTA Florida District President of the Year, 2019 USPTA Florida Industry Excellence Award, 2019 USPTA Lessons for Life Award for Exemplary Community Service and became the USPTA Florida Professional of the Year in 2021. He is currently serving on the USPTA Florida Board and USPTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
National Committee. As an IPTPA and USPTA Certified Pickleball Coach and ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, Jose brings a wealth of skills and experience. He has a degree in business management from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he was ranked No. 7 in doubles tennis in NCAA Division II. A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Jose and his wife are the parents of three children. “I started working on becoming a USPTA Master Professional about 10 years ago. It made me look at the industry from many different angles. It brought me closer to my mentors and made me work with a purpose. It forced me out of my comfort zone to work on areas of our profession that I would not have otherwise. It is a great satisfaction to achieve such an honor and now be part of this selective group,” said Pastrello. Congratulations Marcos, Kelly and Jose!*
November/December 2023
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AWARD
WINNERS Jim Amick
Kelly Marshall
Michael Friedman
Texas
Midwest
Bob Ryland Diversity Award
USPTA Industry Excellence Award
Chad Berryhill
Tony Cherone
Dominique Lemperle
Florida
Southern
Florida
Midwest
Steve Wilkinson College Laurie Martin High School Coach of the Year Coach of the Year
2022 Top Education Credit Winner
George Bacso Coach Developer of the Year
Gonzo Garcia
Marcus Rutsche
USTA/USPTA Community Service Award
USPTA Star Award
Bruce Lipka
Bill Fletcher
Southern
Intermountain
Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year Mid-Atlantic
Manager of the Year Small Facility Pacific Northwest
Don Emery
Ellen Weatherford
Florida
National Staff
Manager of the Year Large Facility
President’s Paul Waldman Award
Billy Kim
USPTA Elevate Award Southern California
REFLECTIONS
GAUFF & DJOKOVIC END THE GRAND SLAM
SEASON IN STYLE
F
or all of the leading players in professional tennis, the US Open provides the last chance to secure one of the four most prestigious prizes in the sport and conclude the Grand Slam season on the highest possible note. Every year on the hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, the game’s most estimable competitors come to New York in search of validation for their deep dedication to a hard craft, sorely wanting to rule at a sports festival across a fortnight. This time around, Novak Djokovic claimed his fourth US Open title and his first in five years. He captured a 24th major in the process and stands alone as the man with the most Grand Slam tournament titles, tying the all-time record for all players set by the Australian Margaret Court. He made history of the highest order in New York by becoming the first man ever to win three major championships in four different seasons (2011, 2015, 2021 and 2023). Moreover, he established himself as the oldest US Open men’s champion, surpassing Ken Rosewall who was victorious at 35 in 1970.
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Steve Flink
International Tennis Hall of Fame Photo Credit: Fred and Susan Mullane Camerawork USA
Making Djokovic’s triumph all the more laudatory was his past misfortune at the Open. He was the champion in 2011, 2015 and 2018, and yet he has lost six finals. Considering that Djokovic has a stellar record of 24-12 in major finals— including a perfect 10-0 at the Australian Open on hard courts— he had not done himself justice at the US Open. The 36-year-old Serbian won six of his seven matches this year in straight sets but had to rally forcefully from two sets down against countryman Laslo Djere in the third round, lifting his career record in five set matches to an astounding 38-11. He avenged his 2021 final round loss to Daniil Medvedev with a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 triumph in this year’s title round showdown.
“His mental toughness has never been more prominently on display.”
The middle set of that spirited clash was one of the best ever contested in a US Open final, lasting an hour and 44 debilitating minutes. That was the defining moment for Djokovic. He won it predominantly on willpower. He may well be the best player under pressure that the game has ever seen. At this Open, he took both of his tie-breaks. Across the four Grand Slam tournaments in 2023, he won 17 of 19 tie-breaks. Overall, in 2023, he has prevailed in 26 of 31, and he has the best career record of any player in these crucial sequences at 319-163 (.662). His tie-break triumph over Medvedev in the second set of the Open final was powerful evidence of a towering champion refusing to lose. His mental toughness has never been more prominently on display. The women’s Grand Slam season in 2023 contrasted significantly from the men’s with three different players emerging as first-time champions. But the most significant breakthrough winner was irrefutably Coco Gauff. The 19-year-old American is immensely appealing, a player who relies more on speed than power, and a beguiling figure with a wide range of ambitions and the willingness to work exceedingly hard to attain them. Gauff has been in the public eye for five years. Back in 2019 at the age of 15, she knocked out five-time champion Venus Williams in the opening round of Wimbledon and made it to the round of 16. She has improved steadily ever since, but many critics were dissatisfied with her rate of progress. And yet, in 2022 she advanced to her first major final at Roland Garros. But this past summer Gauff reinvented herself. She hired the masterfully astute Brad Gilbert to join her coaching team, and his influence was immediately unmistakable. Gauff won two of her three hard court tournaments leading up to the US Open, taking the titles in Washington and Cincinnati. At the US Open, she was tested time and again but was never found
REFLECTIONS
wanting. Four of her seven matches went to three sets. Three times she was down a set before rallying with quiet ferocity to win. Capping it all off, the No. 6 seed Gauff beat No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 to capture her first major. Down 1540 in the opening game of the second set, she held on and did not look back. Her swiftness afoot across the last couple of sets was astounding. The big hitting Sabalenka started missing because there was almost no shot she could blast that Gauff could not track down. The audience in Arthur Ashe Stadium showered Gauff with some of the loudest ovations I have ever heard for any player in that arena. It reminded me of some Roger Federer matches when the fans were similarly impassioned. Gauff connected with these crowds unconditionally, becoming only the third American female teenager along with Serena Williams in (1999 and 2001) and Tracy Austin (1979 and 1981) to take the U.S. Open title, moving to a career high of No. 3 in the world. Gauff will be captivating galleries for the next decade and longer with her athletic flair, shot-making prowess and charisma. She does not call attention to herself, but her tennis speaks volumes about who she is, what she represents and where she is going. With Gilbert by her side, Gauff has a swagger that was missing in the past. Both Djokovic and Gauff were exemplary champions at the 2023 US Open. She will carry American tennis for a long while. He will make the most of the next few seasons and add to an already scintillating resume as far and away the most accomplished male player of the modern era. She is essentially just getting started at the tail end of her teens. He has taken no fewer than twelve majors in his thirties but remains inexhaustibly driven to succeed more on the premier stages. These larger-than-life individuals were inspirational and unwavering in New York.*
“her tennis speaks volumes about who she is, what she represents, and where she is going.” November/December 2023
ADDvantage Magazine - 65
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NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING
RECOGNIZING GENEROSITY THROUGH OUR DAY OF GIVING RAFFLE WINNERS Collin Brazan, Public Relations Coordinator
T
he inaugural USPTA National Day of Giving raised money in support of the association’s efforts to help USPTA professionals grow the game of tennis in underserved communities. The USPTA celebrated the generous donations of tennis-teaching professionals and their selfless willingness to help those in need by partnering with our endorsee, Dunlop Sports, and the USTA Foundation to reward them with a raflle prize. Thanks to Dunlop Sports, the firstplace prize—an all-expense paid trip to the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy including airfare, hotel and tickets for 2 people for 4 days/3 nights—went to Jacky Cheong. “I am deeply honored to the USPTA and Dunlop for this National Day of Giving grand prize and what it represents,” Cheong said. Cheong’s generosity has continued since the USPTA National Day of Giving, for he has continued to donate funds to DonorsChoose, which benefits autistic children in Southern California STEM classrooms, and the American Red Cross, with contributions including disaster relief for Hurricane Idalia and the Maui wildfires.
“Those who cannot afford my lessons are precisely those who deserve my hour of time the most, and often the most eager to learn,” Cheong said. “Being a good tennis ambassador to me means aspiring to make every court and country better than when I first arrived – that includes club members.” In 2022, Cheong helped the San Diego Women’s Tennis Association 500
“BEING A GOOD TENNIS AMBASSADOR TO ME MEANS ASPIRING TO MAKE EVERY COURT AND COUNTRY BETTER THAN WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED”
raise funding for charities through autographed ball auctions. Thanks to the USTA Foundation, the second prize—two tickets for one session in a suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the first week of the 2023 US Open— went to Elliott Datlow. “I’m happy to have played a small part in supporting USPTA’s National Day of Giving and the outstanding work of USTA Foundation,” Datlow said. “The US Open is the center of the tennis world and I was ecstatic that USPTA helped me watch it live in such unforgettable fashion.” Also thanks to the USTA Foundation, the third prize—two tickets for one session at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the first week of the 2023 US Open— went to Millie Didio (pictured left). The USPTA is honored to have so many of its members practice such selfless generosity and is grateful for the opportunity to support those who give back to underserved communities. The association looks forward to future opportunities to assist the less fortunate through the sport we all love so dearly.*
November/December 2023
ADDvantage Magazine - 67
JAMMIN' WITH
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT UPDATE
Maui Wildfires Serve Up Unforeseen Challenges for Tennis Community
A
ugust 8, 2023, started out much like any other normal day in paradise on the island of Maui, but by the day’s end more than 2,000 acres were engulfed in flames and would claim the lives of 115 people with more than 1,000 others being unaccounted for. The origin of the fires is still under investigation, but that Tuesday, around midnight local time, a brush fire started in Maui’s upcountry and quickly grew to a wildfire that was more than 1,000 acres in size. By morning, as the wildfire raged in upcountry, a smaller brush fire was fueled by strong winds from Hurricane Dora. Schools started evacuating just before 9 a.m. By early afternoon, the city of Lahaina was on fire and being evacuated. By nightfall, the National Guard deployed to activate assistance after the lieutenant governor issued an emergency proclamation earlier in the day. The Coast Guard entered the Pacific Ocean to rescue those who fled
JIM Jim Stockwell, USPTA Director of Membership
the fiery and smokey conditions. By morning, more than 14,000 had lost power and more than 2,100 people had to seek refuge in Maui shelters after abandoning their homes. The fires raged for the entire day on Wednesday. On Thursday, Aug. 10, widespread search and rescue recovery efforts continued in the aftermath. By 10:30 a.m., officials reported 80% of the fire was contained. In Lahaina alone, more than 2,700 structures were destroyed and thousands of Hawaii residents were left homeless. The resorts turned into makeshift shelters to stay for those who lost homes. Many USPTA members who live and work on Maui were affected by the wildfires. Elite Professional, 37-year member and current Hawaii Division president Cathy Nicoloff, who lives in Kihei, is one of those teaching professionals. Cathy had been working at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch and the Kapalua Tennis Garden up until the wildfires occurred, but unfortunately lost her job from the fires. “Almost everyone lost something, from a job to a pet, to a home, to a family member or friend.” Cathy said. In the tennis community, all teaching professionals were affected in different ways. She said she knew she needed to
do something to help those in her tennis family who had lost so much. “We all used a word on the island as we looked to help others in any way possible. “Ohana,” Cathy said. In native Hawaiian culture, the word means “family” and represents the concept of providing support to each other. Cathy became a hub for the other professionals. She started by setting up a GoFundMe to offer financial support for those in need. From there she has been offering whatever assistance she can from guiding those in need on how to apply for disaster assistance, to a simple text to check in and see how they are doing. She has done so much to help that she was invited to the 2023 US Open to sit in the President’s Box in recognition for her efforts. At the time of writing this article, Cathy has raised more than $57,000 in donations for the tennis professionals in need though various outlets. If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe, where every dollar raised will support the USPTA tennis professionals on Maui who have been impacted by this tragedy, you can scan the below QR code to help. The USPTA has stepped up and stepped in as well, giving all USPTA members who reside in Maui free dues for 2024. *
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE
President.............................................................Richard Slivocka First Vice President................................................ Trish Faulkner Vice Presidents...................... Tracy Almeda-Singian, Mark Faber, Jason Gilbert, Kevin Theos, Jenny Gray Immediate Past President.......................................Feisal Hassan CEO...........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell
Editor...............................................................................Marisa Lampe Managing Editor...............................................................Collin Brazan Layout/Design........................................................... Kerry Schneeman Editorial Assistance ........................ Jim Stockwell, Ellen Weatherford, Phoebe Allan Circulation............................................................................. Tim Baum USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com
68 - ADDvantage Magazine
November/December 2023
ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA.