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PIIRCIJiET .THE GAMES BEGIN: Prince. The Exclusively EndOTsed Racquet of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
C 1990 Prince Manufacturing, Inc.
Q The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession
The Trade Magazine of Men and Women Tennis-Teaching Professionals'"
Volume 14 - Issue 1
January 1990
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Rod Dulany First Vice President Jack Justice Vice President Gordon Collins
On the cover ... Top-ranked players like Jimmy Connors have made a habit of appearing at the Lipton International Players Championships. Photo by Russ Adams.
Vice President Dave Sivertson
CONTENTS
Vice President Cliff Drysdale Vice President Kathy Woods Secretary /Treasurer Will Haag
President Rod Dulany's Message .................... .
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Announcements ...................................... .
CEO T1m Heckler LEGAL COUNSEL Paul Waldman NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Assistant to the Executive Director Rich Fanning Coordinator ol Tenn is Teacher Development Allan Henry Communications Coordinator Bill Gordon Marketing Coordinator Dana Stull Public Relations and Magazine Coordinator Becky Senseney Communications and Public Relations David Selman Financial Manager Renee Heckler Corporate Services Manager Christi Neumann Computer Services and Club Relations Kathy Buchanan Membership Coordinator Laraine Reid Membership Processing Donna Woodstead Corporate Secretary Lori Garrett Receptionist/ Secretary Nanci Seehorsch Merchandis•; Services and Accounting Stephanie Hulbert Director of Certification and Academies George Bacso Co-Director of Academies Biii Tym Advertising / Marketing Information Phone(813)973-3777
ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. For 1nformat1on. write USPTA Nat1onal Headquarters at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort, P.O. Box 7077 , Wesley Chapel. Flor1da 33543, or phone (813) 973-3777 . Office Hours: 9:00-5:30 EDT Copyright® United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1990. All ri!)hts reserved. Reproduction of any portion of th1s magazine is not permitted without written permission from the publisher.
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Tea Time in Key Biscayne .............................
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New Members ........................................ .
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Where Player Meets Teacher . ..................... . Butch Buchholz An AOOvantage Interview •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •
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USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships
14 Ask The Professor by Jack Groppel ••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • 1 6 Teaching the Serve by Jim Mclennan ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • •••••••••• • 1 8 Test Your Knowledge Tennis History ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • 21 Entry Form •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •
USPTA Drills .........................................
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Pointers From The Pros
24 Field of Dreams ..................................... 2 6 Dealing With Forehand Myths ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •
29 Industry Action ...................................... 30 CEO Tim Heckler's Message ....................... 32 Division News .......................................
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president's message
Decade of Advancement The '80s saw USPTA grow in size, scope and stature
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the dawning of the new decade, we need to take a look at what the next 10 years will bring . In order to more clearly focus on our future, however, we should first look back at where we have come from. For USPTA, the 1980s may be best described as the "decade of advancement. " It was a period during which our membership more than tripled and attendance for the National Convention grew from a couple hundred people to the 1,300 who in September attended what has come to be regarded as one of the premier events in the tennis industry. Meanwhile, the 1 7 regional divisions, the backbone of our Association, have become productive entities in terms of educational opportunities, publications and tournaments. USPTA's progress over the years has been well documented in published messages from past presidents and in meetings of the Executive Committee. In the following paragraphs, I have taken this one step further by quoting three USPTA presidents from the past decade. Their comments follow. "Before 1980, USPTA was mostly a playing organization with limited educational opportunities for the pro. In the past 10 years, we have provided better educational programs that not only have helped our pros become better teachers but better business people, too. Our certification testing procedure has grown in stature to the point where it's now the standard for the industry. And whereas before 1980 we lacked respect from the leaders of the industry, we are now seen as an important industry entity" - George Bacso, USPTA president 1979-80 "In 19 74 USPTA upgraded by hiring its first executive director and establishing a standard testing certification at the divisional levels. We went from an all-volunteer organization to developing a professional staff that could better service and provide quality benefits to the membership. We have created a better working relationship with our fellow associations, which has put us in the forefront of
Rod Dulany, President tennis. And the academy concept has helped provide the nucleus that has made our national and divisional educational programs as fine as any in the world" - Bill Tym, USPTA president 1983-84 "There were three key advancements that helped us grow in the 1980s. The growth of our National Convention into one of the major events in tennis has brought great visibility to USPTA The idea of having a Convention with something for everyone has helped take it from 250 attendees in West Palm Beach in 1983 to 1, 300 in Boca Raton this past year By having a broad membership base, we have gained strength in numbers and become the true voice of the teaching professional. Our respect has even broadened to the international horizon to include a strong alliance with the Japan Professional Tennis Association and other countries which seek our help"Jim Reffkin, USPTA president 1987-88 The growth I have seen over the past 10 years can be attributed to two things: a greater level of understanding and a broadening of our involvement. Today, we better understand the needs of our members and have increased services and benefits to meet these needs. We have come to understand the evolution of tennis " pro" to complete tennis " professional " and the need to provide quality educational vehicles at the national and divisional levels. We understand the need to work harder to promote stronger ties with our allied associations. During this decade, we have also broadened the scope of our divisions to the point where each division now puts on quality activities and makes them available to all our professionals. We have also broadened our means of communication by constantly improving our educational books and magazines. And most important, our professionals have broadened their sharing of ideas with other members. This may not sound significant, but it has created a "team concept" throughout the country.
All of these things, along with guidance from our national and divisional leaders, have propelled USPTA to its current prosperous state. Yet the question remains: Where do we go from here? In the '90s, we need to continue our strong forward movement. USPTA is now laying the groundwork for a sweeping new education program that will be designed to meet the needs of every professional, from his or her first day on the job and into the future. This will be done by developing teacher training centers throughout the country for the training of teaching professionals and by offering Specialty Courses at both the divisional and national levels. And there will be three to five USPTA accredited colleges in the country so that we can maintain an influx of new people into our profession. Mandatory education for the entire USPTA membership will be in place by 1991 . It will be achievable by all our members and will boost the US PTA professional 's image and stature to a new plateau . Our certification exam will become more streamlined and constantly upgraded with the new information that will be coming out in the sport science and technology fields. The divisions must continue to grow and make their activities as accessible to the members as possible. We have developed from our divisional roots and will continue to grow by improving our grassroots system . By following the models set by our past leaders , these goals will be achievable in the '90s. Now is a particularly productive time in our Association 's history. Our industry is beginning to experience a resurgence , and we can be ready for it this time by pulling together . The opportunities available to us are numerous and the future is bright. If the '80s were the "decade of advancement, " then certainly the '90s can become the "decade of achievement. " Don't stand on the sidelines . Be a part of the tennis-teaching profession 's ¡ future growth. H
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
DRYSDALE APPOINTED TO USPTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS TAMPA, Fla. - Former playing great Cliff Drysdale, acclaimed of late for his work on ESPN 's tennis telecasts, assumes the position of vice-president on the USPTA National Board of Directors on Jan. 1. "We are obviously quite pleased to have Cliff Drysdale on our board," said USPTA Chief Executive Officer Tim Heckler. " Having served in a number of tennis capacities over the years, Cliff brings with him a great amount of experience and expertise." During his playing career , Drysdale appeared in at least the quarterfinals of each of the Grand Slam tournaments and was ranked in the top 10 from 1965-69 and again in 1971 .
Cliff Drysdale
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Drysdale became the first president of ATP in 1972 and later served on its board of directors. He also served as a player representative on the Men's International Professional Tennis Council (later shortened to Men 's Tennis Council) from 1977-81 . Drysdale lives in Wilm ington , N C, and is a member of USPTA's Southern Division.
of the foot to enhance stability and minimize roll , and availability in several width sizes for a custom fit.
USPTA AGREES TO ENDORSE NEW PRO PENN SHOE LINE The new Pro Penn footwear line has been appointed "the offi cial shoe of the United States Professional Tennis Association ." The new shoe line, featuring a men's and a women's model, is manufactured by Penn Racq uet Sports, maker of the Pro Penn ball - for several years " the official ball of the USPTA " The shoe line is endorsed under a multi-year agreement. The Pro Penn shoes are designed by Jan Matthias, the internationa lly acclaimed designer of Porsche accessories. Like the Pro Penn ball , the shoes will be sold exclusively through pro shops, beginning this spring. " In choosing the Pro Penn as our official shoe, we took Penn 's performance as the official ball into consideration," said USPTA Chief Executive Officer Tim Heckler. "They have consistently produced and delivered a quality ball we are proud to call our own ." After conducting extensive research on the needs of professional tennis players, Penn found that durability, stability and comfort ranked at the top of the list. The Pro Penn shoes feature the exclusive 144A rubber sole , a " Hytrel " strap across the top
USPTA President Rod Dulany (left) with Penn President Doug Fonte
"We 're delighted to be the Association 's official shoe and want USPTA members to know we're a company backed by a team of sales and service representatives eager to hear members' suggestions and concerns," said Penn President Doug Fonte. USPTA members wanting additional information on the new Pro Penn shoes and distribution program should call their local Penn sales representative.
HAVE YOU RECEIVED YOUR TENTATIVE USPTA RANKINGS? All persons who competed in a USPTA national tournament (International Tennis Teachers Championships, National Championships or National Team Championships) in 1989 have been sent information on tentative rankings. Those who have not may call Will Haag , USPTA's national tournament chairman, at (305) 564-1271 .
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Clockwise from top left: Now in its fifth year, the Lipton International Players Championships (LIPC) has become a major spectator draw; one reason why is the inclusion of top players such as Yannick Noah; following its second move in as many years, the LIPC in 1987 found a permanent home at the International Tennis Center on Key Biscayne, as seen from overhead looking west toward downtown Miami.
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LIPTON INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
What's big, rich and just around the corner? The Lipton International Players Championships
It
Tournament Facts What: Lipton International Players Championships When: March 16-25, 1990 Where: International Tennis Center, Key Biscayne, Florida How Much: $2.5 million (approx.} prize purse Format: The world's top players will compete in men 's and women's singles and doubles Past Singles Champions: Men 1985: Tim Mayotte 1986: Ivan Lend/ 1987: Miloslav Mecir 1988: Mats Wilander 1989: Ivan Lend/ Women 1985: Martina Navratilova 1986: Chris Evert 1987: Steffi Graf 1988: Steffi Graf 1989. Gabriela Sabatini
stands to reason that the Lipton International Players Championships (LIPC) is regarded as one of the most important tennis tournaments in the world . Just about anyone who is anybody on the pro tours has played in "The Lipton ". Then there is the case of Boris Becker, who, as the 55thranked player in the world , slipped into the inaugural LIPC almost unnoticed . Five months later, Becker, at 17, stunned the tennis world by capturing the first of three Wimbledon titles. As much as the individual stars who dominate the 10 days of play, the LIPC features a unique marriage of tennis entities. Here, for the first time, the two touring groups, ATP and WITA, have worked together in co-designing a tournament. Never before, either, has an event featured touring pros and teaching pros competing side-byside such as has occurred with the inclusion of the USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships at the LIPC site. The man behind all this is Earl " Butch " Buchholz (see the AODvantage interview on page 12). a USPTA member whose career is as storied and diverse as the dream event he conceived more than 20 years ago. Over the past three decades, Buchholz has served in a number of tennis capacities: as a world-class player (and one of the first touring pros). as executive director of the ATP, and , for the past seven years, as chairman of the LIPC.
Under the leadership of Buchholz and his brother, Cliff, also a former world-class player, the LIPC has steadily grown to the point where it is now one of the largest, richest and most prestigious tournaments in tennis. Occasionally, it has been referred to as "the fifth Grand Slam." "I've never been to the (U .S.) Open, but because of the Lipton , I've never had a desire to, " said Will Hoag, co-tournament director of this year's USPTA International Championships. For the game's top stars, the LIPC not only represents big bucks, but also one of the first major hardcourt tests of the year. Indeed, the month of March has seen a pilgrimage of famous faces to Key Biscayne, including such headliners as Ivan Lendl , Jimmy Connors , Mats Wilander , Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graff and Gabriela Sabatini. Following one-year visits to Delray Beach and Boca Raton , the LIPC in 1987 moved to its permanent home, the International Tennis Center on Key Biscayne, across the water from Miami. There the tournament has consistently drawn large crowds and television audiences. This year 's $2.5 million LIPC, scheduled March 16-25, will be televised by both ABC and ESPN. H For further details on the Lipton International Players Champ ionships (including ticket information}, please call the tournament office at (305) 361 -5252.
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NEW MEMBERS A hearty welcome to the following new USPTA members, who fulfilled requirements for membership between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. NEW MEMBERS CALIFORNIA Dale E. Yates
SPONSORS C. Loughridge
EASTERN Angelo Bacciotti Samuel T. Bernhard Paul H. Gross Nicky Haridopolus Michael Kleban Metin Ozturk Gerard Picariello Lee J. Sutor Darryl L. Wiggins Marla Zeller
B. Seligman W. Kurtain R. Holmberg R. Tucker R. Wagner S Shore R. Rabayo E. Ellis J. Lawandus D. O'Brien
FLORIDA Timothy M. Barber John Biedenharn Michae l T. Cooper Marshall Copeland John A Fitzsimmons Reynaldo Garrido Gayanne F. Gromm Kim Hamels David Harrington Bud Landesman Amy L. Moseley Robert Pulver Leslie A Riblet Joseph Roediger Todd S. Roth Nelson San Pedro Stephen J. Sawer
R. Gilmore S. Gales P Scott T. Fernandez B. Van Glabek B. Herschel P Olbrys W. DuBois J. Beardsworth F. Drilling P. Mason B. O'Brien M. Johnson L. Zacharias C. Poske M. Gouts A Deege
INTERNATIONAL Omar Benitez
C. Hart
NEW MEMBERS
SPONSORS
Dale M. Bloom Sonatina Gabino Lars Hakansson Takeshi Takuma Antonio Zielinski
J. Krinsky J. Brandi I. Macedo H. Tomita J. Brandi
INTERMOUNTAIN John L. Calton Kent. W. Waryan MID ATLANTIC Zach Bogue Paul M. Bress Ernest Cohen Kimberly Lewers Kevin G. McClure John McDaniel Christian L. Stambaugh MIDDLE STATES Paul Amrein Cheryl L. Kline Armand Procacci Marc A Tyndale MIDWEST Ken W. Abrams Ronald J. Barnett Ross H. Brown Gregory D. Contro Mindee E. Epstein Jon C. Ezzo Sam Z. Gendler Vicki L. Giotis Laury Hamburg Christopher E. Kanenberg
L. Bradford
NEW MEMBERS Bernie Miller Kerry M. Rickert Roberta M. Risdon Jennifer H. Roth Arthur R. Steiger Feleo A Tuazon John J. Wallner Charles V. Williams
SPONSORS W. Knight O.Kennedy C. North W. Davis D. Gobbie R. Lewis C. Cabanban W. Cleveland
C. Davis
L. Bybee F Hatten J. Schure F Earle T. Hawkins M. Duncan T. Lewin
T. Hassall P. Daub S. Stemmler T. Sweitzer J. Huffman J. Jerome H. Schroeder R. Green R. Schroeder B. Skurdall P. Thomas H. Davis N. Hoekstra B. Skurdall
MISSOURI VALLEY Christopher J. Hoover Maria J. McDonald Anne Schleicher Cameron P. Thomas
R. Golsmith R. Grisham N. Worker M. Lewellen
NATIONAL William C. Burns John M. Salvador
J. Sizemore D. Bailey
NEW ENGLAND David G. Altshuler Joseph R. Angiolelli Craig E. Cutler Joseph A Gallo NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Gurpal Paintal PACIFIC NORTHWEST Craig L. White SAN DIEGO Juan C. Costa Janet Craig Debra L. Koellmer Shelley L. Susman SOUTHERN Jim Acord Francisco J. Acuna Daniel J. Alea Sharon L. Avants Christopher R. Baker Christopher T. Bogue Glenn E. Crouch Mario Luis Dorado C. Stephen Faulk Rick Grooms Tommy R. Gru nditz Robert Horton Ill Barry J. Hyde Mark L. Irish Eric W. Little William D. Martin David E. Mathews Todd Mobley Sara L. Presedo Frank T. Smith Bart G. Szafnicki Drew M. Wittman SOUTHWEST Randy Frase Thomas Redman TEXAS Bret L. Arrant Eyvonne Childress Joshua ~stein Michael . Gooding Timothy Hauge Bob McKinley Mark A Olman James E. Simmons Don J. Van Ramshorst U.S. TERRITORIES Edward Hall
E. LeDuc D. McCormick R. Polizzi P. Paltsios
R. Kop
W. Judy
P. Segura R. Young D. Henson W. Bond
T. Knowles J. Hurst W Hoblitzell B. O'Boyle B. McGuire C. Jones B. Tym D. Gill D. Gladman N. Kalkhoff L. Lopes B. Spillman M. Bran G. Wilmot B. Schillings J. Hobson G. Johnson M. Kirk T. d'Aquin E. Cloer J. Carroll H. Schroeder
R. Fanning M. Morse
A Rosiles R. Elmore J. Parker T. Rupert S. Smith R. Gramman J. Williams S. Morse L. Lyman
D. Kerr
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN! SPECIAL INVITATION TO TEACHING PROFESSIONALS: ORGANIZE AND ESCORT YOUR OWN GROUP TO
THE LIPTON INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA MARCH 16 TO MARCH 25, 1990 BRING YOUR OWN CHEERING FANS AND PARTICIPATE IN THE USPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONALS TOURNAMENT Special packages available for groups of 20 persons or more 7 nights - Mar 19 to Mar 26, 1990 or final 3 night weekend - March 23 to Mar 26, 1990
Including: * Private Motor coach transfers AirporVHotei/Airport * Hotel accommodations for number of nights requested *Tennis facility at hotel * Reserved seats for specified number of tournament sessions *Daily roundtrip transfers from Hotel to Tournament sight
Featuring: * Personalized brochures for distribution to your members * Discounted "special event" group air fares from your city to Miami * One free land package for every 20 full paying persons booked.
For information call Caroline Pitman, Coordinator
AROUND THE WORLD TRAVEL INC./WOODSIDE Biltmore Executive Center, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, Fla. 33134
Official Travel Agency TEL.: (305) 443 7706 - 1 800 323 3218 (Outside Florida)
LIPTON INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
At the Lipton Championships Everyone's a Tennis Professional
WHERE PLAYER MEETS TEACHER F rst, there's the lockerroom situation . For many a teaching pro , it's hardly what you might call typical. Not when you may find yoursel f showering next to Ivan Lendl or Jimmy Con nors or some other household name who happens to drop in from center court.
USPTA's Fred Viancos in action.
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" I've got to admit, I was in awe ," said Will Haag of his initial experience at the Lipton International Players Championships (LIPC) , in Key Biscayne, Fla , where he was on hand to compe te in another kind of tournament , th e USPTA Interna ti onal Tennis Teachers Championships. At the LIPC, Haag discovered, touring pros and teaching pros are treated as one and the same . " We (teaching pros) we re treated no differently than the top players," said Haag , co- tournament director for this year's International Championships. "These guys treated us just as well. " The seeds of th is unprecedented relation-
ship were sewn a few months prior to the inaugu ral LIPC when it was agreed that USPTA would hold its International Championships in conjunction with the LIPC. In the five years since, USPTA tournament players have benefitted in such ways as being around the game's top stars, reduced rates on fine hotel accommodations and, says USPTA's Jorge Andrew, a former touring pro, "the feeling that for a week you are back on the circuit. " " It 's just a great feeling be ing around all these world-class players," said Michele Sn iffen , who made it to the semifinals last year in her first USPTA appearance . " In a tournament with all these divisions, to feel a part of it and be treated as an equal ... they do the same for you ." For teaching pros like Andrew and Felicia Raschiatore , the LIPC experience has produced a different kind of plus . As former members of the men 's and women's tours, they enjoy renewing old fr iendships. "It's real exciting to be around these players again ," said Raschiatore, a twotime winner of the International Championships who wil l return this year to defend her title . " It's fun because I get to see all my old friends ." As for the USPTA tournament itself. the draws are deep and th e compe tition is keen . So much so that the spectators
sometimes are pressed to discern a difference in the quality of play between the Players Championships and the Teachers Championships. "Where I have seen the greatest change is in the fact that the level of play has gone way up. More players are entering the tournament who are former and current tour players," Hoag said, adding that the 1988 tournament drew five players with computer rankings and that the figure was even higher last year. It could grow even higher this year with the prize purse being expanded to $40,000. That could mean appearances from excircuit standouts such as Ricardo Acuna, Butch Walls and Mario Martinez . The tournament is scheduled March 19-25. For all concerned, however, the underlying importance of the USPTA-LIPC experience remains the unification of goals. "I think it lets the public see that some of these teachi ng pros are darn good players. It gives the teaching pro a good public perception ," said Hoag. "And it reassures some of these players who are not quite making it on the tour that when they're off the tour, life does not end." 4~
WHAT THEY SAID
Tournament Facts What: USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships When: March 19-25, 1990 Where: International Tennis Center, Key Biscayne, Florida How Much: $40,000 prize purse Format: The world's top tennis-teaching professionals will compete in men 's and women 's singles and doubles
Past Singles Champions: Men 1985.· Rick Fagel 1986: Juan Nunez 1987: Ron Hightower 1988: Fred Viancos 1989. Pat Serret Women 1985. Sue Bartlett 1986: Felicia Raschiatore 1987: Vikki Beggs 1988.· Vikki Beggs 1989: Felicia Raschiatore
"I like the idea of competing the same time as all the (touring) pros. People who are there to see all the world-class pros can also see you It lets them know our level" - Michele Sniffen "I used to play ATP and it makes me feel like I'm playing in a big tournament again It's like a Grand Slam atmosphere" - Greg Neuhart "The most important thing is the whole environment of a big, big tournament with pros and teachers playing at the same time. Ours is an important tournament" - Jorge Andrew
"I like the competition. I'm still a very competitive person and I don 't play many tournaments anymore" - Felicia Raschiatore
'What's most enjoyable is the atmosphere. It's the best men and women in the world, plus future champions" - Vikki Beggs
For further details on the USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships (including player registration), please call the USPTA National Headquarters at {813) 9 73-3777.
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D R I L L
Five past participants in the USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships were asked what they liked most about "the Lipton experience."
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Have Your Drills Published ~
ADDvantage is..ccepting tennis-teaching drills from ~SPTA me~er.s .. ·... #. ·.. . for pubhshmg m the magazme's monthly "Dnlls" sectiOn.
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and should mclude a simple court diagram to Illustrate the dnll. , All submissions should include the author's name, city and state.
Send to: USPTA Drills, P. 0. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.
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BUTCH BUCHHOLZ The straight-talking chairman of the Lipton International Players Championships recalls the realization of a dream and looks to the future
USPTA member Butch Buchholz has been closely associated with professional tennis for over three decades, first as a topfive player and touring pro and later as a spokesman and as executive director of the A TP. After two years with the A TP, Buchholz left to devote his energies fulltime to organizing a tournament that would showcase the game 's top players. Finally, in 1985, "Butch 's baby" - the Lipton International Players Championships - was born. ADDvantage: What inspired you to conceive the Lipton Championships? Buchholz: I think the real inspiration came out of my frustration during the years after I turned pro, at the end of the 1960s. I played amateur tennis when I was 17, 18 and 19. I turned pro in 1960 because I thought open tennis was going to happen. At that time, the ILTF and Jack Kramer were in a big fight and it looked like the ILTF was going to reverse its decision on open tennis, open tennis being pros and amateurs playing together. So the rumors and the winds were starting to point towards open tennis. I thought if I turned pro and had a coup le of years of playing against guys like Lew Hoad, Ken Rosewall and Pancho Gonzales that I would be better prepared when it happened. Unfortunately, it happened when I was almost finished playing . So those years from '61 to '67 , the pros were not allowed to play at the U.S. Open , Wimbledon, and all the major tennis tournaments. I joke that we used to sit around in the bars in Europe, Africa, here in the States and Australia, sipping tea, talking about the day that we were going to have our own championships. I just never forgot that. So when I was at the ATP and I was negotiating a contract with the Men 's Tenni s Council , I put down two weeks for the ATP for a major Grand Slam-type event. That's were it came from . ADDvantage: So the first LIPC actually occurred many years after you began doing the leg work for the tournament. 12
Buchholz: Oh, definitely. I started the leg work in '82 when I was with the ATP - '80, '81 , '82 . The first tournament was played in '85. I moved here (to South Florida) in '84 and I worked on the tournament for two years before we actually hit the first ball. But the thought about" it goes back literally to my days with (Rod) Laver, Rosewall, Hoad and Gonzales. We used to say, some day, pro tennis will have its own championship, our own Wimbledon, our own U.S. Open. ADDvantage: What were your priorities in organizing the first Lipton event in 1985? Buchholz: I think the first part really was to hit a tennis ball because much of the tennis political world was against this event, and with some justification, because we were moving people around on the calendar, people who had been established. So they had a reason for their frustrations. We were concerned that the politics would kill it. There were so many things that were important to it (and) some things we failed . One thing important was we wanted to get network television , which we did. We had good sponsorship. I think we picked the right location in terms of geography. But I guess where we failed, and probably the thing that hurt the tournament more than anything else, was not having a permanent site. The first three years, we had three different locations and I think that hurt the credibility of the tournament. It hurt with the players. I think it hurt some with our television . It certainly hurt in the political world . But we have persevered because we are going into our fourth year at Key Biscayne. Hopefully, we will be here for the next 100 years. ADDvantage: Describe how the first LIPC at (ian) Laver's International Tennis Resort in Delray Beach came off. Buchholz: Again, I think there were sort of mixed reviews. A lot of people truly never thought we were going to ever hit a tennis ball. I think we persevered the political animosity toward it. We had all four of the Grand Slam chairmen at the tournament and they supported it and showed their support by showing up. We had some unfortunate things - the second coldest day ever recorded in Florida, terrible winds. We had some bad weather problems. And then shortly after the tournament, Laver's wentunderfinanc~l~ .
Laver 's wouldn 't have been my first pick, but we had an agreement with another real estate company that had been developing some property and they were sold. So this brought about some last-minute complications . I felt really good that we got the two touring associations, the men and the women , together. And I think it was the first year we did something with USPTA. I always thought that was very important. As a whole , the first year was not an overwhelm ing success, but it was started . ADDvantage : How did the permanent move to Key Biscayne in 1987 help? Buchholz: You know, tennis players are creatures of habit. Every year, the guys in the lockerroom would joke, "Where are we going next year?" I think some of that has
disappeared now that we have our permanent lockerroom facilities. I thin k everyone is getting comfortable with Miami and Key Biscayne. A permanent stadium ... that's the last piece of the puzzle for the tournament to reach the status it has in terms of days on the calendar and the prize money that we put up. It needs a world-class tennis stadium. Once we have that, then this tournament will only get bigger and bigger and bigger. ADDvantage: How do you account for your success in securing commitments from so many of the top players as well as sponsors? Buchholz: This is the players' event and has been created basically for them. It hasn 't received 100 percent acceptance, but it's getting there. It takes time . I think that this year, from the men's side, we'll have the strongest tournament we have ever had and I think the biggest part of that is that we're back in the same place. They know that we 're trying to build a tournament and build a permanent stadium , and I think the ATP has gotten the message that we need to support the tour and certainly support more of our events. ADDvantage: You have long been an advocate of better relations between touring pros and teaching pros. How has holding the USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships alongside the LIPC helped in this area? Buchholz: Actually, I'm somewhat frustrated that we haven't made better progress. We 've had time, but there have been three executive directors to deal with on the players' side (ATP). three executive directors on the women's side (WITA) . There have been lots of political things happening from the playing side that have made it difficult to focus on the relationship between the USPTA and the ATP and the WITA. The fact that we are at one place, the fact that it's the only tournament in the world that has the playing pros and teaching pros together, is a step in the right direction. Again, I'm a little bit frustrated that we haven 't done more, and I don 't think any one person or entity is to blame. It's just that we get so busy and that they have their own things that they've got to worry about. Maybe this year we'll have a chance to spend more time together, not just from Lipton but from the three associations talking about things that will mutually benefit
Butch Buchholz (right) with '89 champion Gabriela WIT A executive director Merrett St1erheim.
LIPTON INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
them . As long as we 're together at the same site, there 's no reason why we can't spend more time together and talk about how to help each other. ADDvantage: On that subject, what does the presence of USPTA and USPTA pros add to the LIPC? Buchholz: I think it adds a sense of unity. I hope that the pros who are members throughout the country look at this as something that. one, is growing and, two, is an asset that they have in their association; that they have a direct involvement with a major stop on the men 's and women 's tours. We're hoping that we can keep spreading the word that this is their event, that they have some equity in this, and tell people that they're involved and make sure to watch it on television or go see it in person. From the teaching pros' side, those pros who can play ... ! hope that by mixing with the touring pros that they pick up new ideas and see new things that are happening in the game so that they can take it back to their clients, whether it be on the equipment side or the technique side. Hopefully, they will do a better job at their clubs and in their tennis facilities. ADDvantage: What's in store for the 1990 LIPC? Buchholz: We're going from 14 days to 10, so we're working around the clock and around the year to have more people come in. Hopefully, we 're going to see greater crowds. Television coverage is going to be on ABC and ESPN. Our foreign sales, we 're told , will be in over 40 countries. I think you 're going to see a more condensed tournament, but I also think you 're going to see a better product. There are a lot of players who haven't played the tournament, some players who have never played it and a lot of players who haven 't played it in a few years. ADDvantage: What are the top priorities for the LIPC right now? Buchholz: All I think about is getting that stadium built. That's the only thing keeping this event from being one of the major sporting events in the country. As long as you can dismantle the stadium , no matter if it's the best and biggest temporary stadium in the country, people always feel that it could go some place else. So our focus is to try to get the permanent stadium Sabatin i and former 4) built. 13
1990 USPTA INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TEACHERS CHAMPIONSHIPS $40,000 In Prize Money
To Be Held In Conjunction With The Lipton International Players Championships at the International Tennis Center Key Biscayne, Florida March 19-March 25, 1990 TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS Will Haag Tom Krukiel
event in the three days prior to the main event On March 16 & 17, a Qualifying Tournament will be held if necessary (site to be announced).
GENERAL INFORMAION The Cou rt surface will be Laykold "Cushion 3000." The balls to be used are USPTA Pro Penn c hampionship ye llow.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS Players wi ll be accepted into the tournament based on the following qualifications: ATP/WITA Points (rankings) National Rankings USPTA Rankings Sectional or State Rankings Individual Playing Records (win /loss record must be elaborated on the second sheet) Wild Cards: The Tournament Committee reserves the option to keep four Wild Card positions in the main draw for use at its discretion
ELIGIBILITY: Only current national and international members of USPTA who have paid 1990 dues will be eligible . All membership requirements including completion of the certification test must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the entry date of the tournament DRAW EVENTS: *There will be two divisions of play: 1) Men's Open (Singles & Doubles) 2) Women 's Open (Singles & Doubles) The Men 's Draw will be limited to 64 entries in Singles (32 Doubles). The Women 's Draw wi ll be limited to 32 entries (16 Doubles). Players will be permitted to play both events. *The Tournament Committee reserves the option to conduct (or cancel) a qualifying
ENTRY FEE: $50/player for singles and $20/player for doubles. Total entries received in each event will determine the proportionate prize money for each event Make checks payable to: USPTA International Championships. TRAVEL ARRANG EMENTS All airline reservations, car rentals, and hotel accomodations should be made through Around the World Travel. Outside Florida call1 (800) 329-7756, inside Florida call 1 (800) 448-7058 and in the Miami area call (305) 443-7706. Airline Reservations: Eastern Airlines will offer an attractive discount off the regular coach fares when booked through Around the World Travel. Car Rentals: Contact Caroline Pittman at Around the World Travel. Hotel Accommodations: Local hotels will offer special d iscounted " player rates" for reservations made through Around the World Trave l.
ENTRY DEADLINE: Entries must be received no later than Friday, February 9, 1990 and must include the entry fee . No entries will be accepted unless accompanied by a check or money order made payable to USPTA International Championships. Absolutely NO entries wil l be accepted over the telephone or without an entry fee . Delach form below and mail.
MAIL ENTRIES TO: 1990 USPTA International Championships USPTA National Headquarters PO Box 7077 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 NAME
DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 9, 1990
_________________________________________ TELEPHONE ________________________________________
ADDRESS - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- CITY _____________ STATE _____________ ZIP - -- - - -- -- -- - USPTA MEMBER# - - -- - - - - - - USTA # ___________
SSN# ______________ AMOUNTENCLOSED$ _________________ (Make checks payable to: USPTA International Championships)
SINGLES
COVERING ENTRIES IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
DOUBLES
PARTNER
MEN'S OPEN WOMEN 'S OPEN
CU RRENT PLAYING RECORD:
1) ATP/WITA Points (Ranking) 2) National Rankings - - - - - - - - - - - - -3) USPTA Rankings -
- - --
4) Sectional Rankings - - - - - - - - -- -- - - -- -
- - - - - - - - - - 5) Individual Records _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __
(Include separate sheet of wins and losses if you wish to have them considered)
1990 USPTA/LIPC National Participation Day
U
SPTA is again takin g an active part in the Lipton International Players Championships (LIPC). The USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships - the premier teachers tournament in the world - will be he ld in conjunction with the March 16-25 LIPC, in Key Biscayne, f la., from March 19-25. Teaching professionals will compete side by side with the top names in the game in a one-of-a-kind event that joins the playi ng (ATP and WITA) and teaching (USPTA) entities of the game. The final two days of the LIPC, on March 24-25, will see the return of USPTA/LIPC National Participation Day at tennis faci lities across the nation . Th is grassroots tennis event is designed to promote interest in recreational ten nis and to underscore the fact that te nn is is fun , but for some it's serious business, too.
I
As a USPTA professional , you can ensure the success of thi s year's USPTA/ LIPC National Partic ipati on Day, as well as US PTA's positive relationship with the LIPC, by hosting an event at your facil ity on either March 24 or March 25 or both days. Here's how to get involved: 1. Organize a fun social event at your club such as a roun d-robi n, a clinic, or soc ial mixed doubles . 2 . Set up an area in the club where members and their guests can view the televised men 's or women 's singles finals of the LIPC (depending on the day). It is recommended that this immediately fo llow your scheduled fun social event. If not possible, try to arrange to meet at a location where everyone can watch the LIPC. 3. Com plete the registration form below to establish your commitment to USPTA/
LIPTON INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
LIPC National Participation Day. (Remember: As more USPTA professionals become involved, our chances increase for exposure and / or recogni tion on national TV.) In recognition of your efforts in hosting an event, you wil l be presented with an official ce rti ficate of display for your offi ce or pro shop. For more information, contact the USPTA Marketing Department at (813) 973-3777 . USPTA has a pair of good friends in the LIPC and its chairman, Butch Buchholz. It is a relationship that has helped boost the image of USPTA members to the top of their profession. Now you can help solidify this un ique relationship by getting involved in one of the most important grassroots events of the year . Support the 1990 USPTA/LIPC National Participation Day.
---------------------------------------, USPTA/LIPC NATIONAL PARTICIPATION DAY
Return to: USPTA National Headquarters, P.O. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.
____ Ve~! I plan to organ ize an event for USPTA/LIPC National Participation Day. Tennis Facility /Address - - - - - -- - -- -- - - - - - - - -City _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ ___:;:__ __
- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State
---~ i p
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Telephone (. - - - - _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __
Tennis Director Signature USPTA Professionals Participating
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Type of Event Held : Number of Participants: - - - - - -- - -- - - - -- - - -LIPC Tournament Viewing: [
]
Yes
No
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ask the professor
el Ph.D.
Developing Power in Your Game
Q. Recently, I have heard TV com-
mentators refer to tennis as a "power" sport. Given the velocity of the shots in today's game, I understand this statement. What I don't understand is how to truly develop power in a good player. Can you shed some light on this topic and possibly give a sample program on how this might be accomplished. A. Basically, there are two factors which determine power in a tennis player: strength and speed. Power is determined by how much work an athlete can do in a certain amount of time. Since force and velocity are both involved in this equation, they both play a role . When watching the smaller players on the men's tour like Andre Agassi and Michael Chang , it's hard to imagine how tennis can be considered a strength sport. However, it's easy to realize why many professionals consider tennis a speed sport. The quickness of footwork and the synchrony of the body's linked system all contribute to racquet head speed . The issue really comes down to this: It is neither strength nor speed alone which allows you to be a good tennis player. It is the combination of the two which enables an athlete like Chang or Agassi to perform so wel l. This combination of strength and speed can be -identified as power. Whereas strength can be defined as the ability to produce maximum force , power is defin ed as the product of force X speed . Peak power results neither from maximum force nor maximum velocity, but rather a combination of the two, meaning an athlete must coordinate his or her strength and speed ratios. During a serve-and-volley point, for example , incredible leg power is manifested during the service motion which literally lifts the player off the ground. The player lands and explodes toward the service line with a tremendous burst of speed over the short distance. The player strikes the first volley and continues in toward the net in a forceful manner. The
16
opponent lobs and our player must suddenly screech to a halt, change direction and prepare to explode upward to try to hit a winning jump overhead . Although this sequence of shots - serve, first volley and jump overhead - may take only about six seconds, the amount of work done is extremely high, as is the rate at which the work must be done. Those players who don 't serve and volley ve ry often still need power to hit forceful ground strokes from behind the base line. If they want to be able to penetrate their opponent's court with piercing forehand and backhand strokes, they must develop this power through the legs, hips and trunk. Th is holds true at virtually every level of the game. Obviously, the intermediate player will not develop the same amount of power as the world-class athlete, but power is still a key to optimal performance in tennis. How to Strength Train for Tennis The jury is still out as to the best way to train for power, but one thing is certain : Your training needs to be specific to tennis. For example, isometric strength training has little effect on maximum power and training at ve ry high speeds only increases power production at those speeds. Bear in mind , however, that the player is not trying to achieve maximum power, but rather optimal amounts of power in order to become a better player. It is also known that greater increases in power are obtained with force training than high-velocity training. Since there are several theories about power development, my approach at Harry Hopman/Saddlebrook International Tennis is to supplement strength training off the court with speed and power training on the court (reaction drills, sprints, light plyometrics) and to combine this with the daily drill program of the Hopman camp. In my mind , it is this combination of training methods that will enable the athlete to reach optimal levels of power development for tennis. With regard to strength training, we
advise athletes to first develop foundational muscle strength by completing a weightlifting program of eight to 12 weeks that is geared from low intensity initially to high intensity later on. This is obviously an offseason training program , and the player is not trying to peak for any particular tournament. This off-season, or preparatory, program lays the foundation for power development by increasing strength levels. In the next phase, pre-competitive, it is necessary to work at sub-maximal levels of strength. All lifting activities should be smooth, not jerky. In pre-competitive training, the amount of weight used to develop power is in the 50-65 percent range of maximum strength
Andre Agassi is one of the game's smal ler players. and one of its biggest hitters.
with three to five sets of eight to 12 repetitions. Two workouts a week are devoted strictly to maintenance of power, while the third workout is mainly for endurance with higher repetitions. The precompetitive phase should last from four to eight weeks. (A word of caution : All strength training programs should be designed and supervised by a trained professional and with safety in mind) When performing strength training excercises, remember that the force you produce basically comes from the lower limbs, hips and trunk. Although strength in the upper limb and upper chest area is important to accommodate all the force you are developing, the actual creation of force comes from the large body parts. Therefore, when exercising with a machine such as the Nautilus, bear in mind that the strength training you do must be oriented to the calf muscle (which enables you to push off maneuvers). the hips, abdomen and low back (crucial for the transfer of force from the lower to upper body). When using free weights , it is believed that partial squats (those which do not take you completely down in the movement) and easy lunges will assist in force development with the lower body. Foll owing is a possible list of exercises (and the muscle groups which they affect)
NCA
NaiioruJl Qub Association
which you might perform three days a week in your tennis training program: Exercise
Muscle Group
Toe raises Back squats Knee curls Curl-ups Rotary torso Back hyperextension
Gastrocnemius (calf) Quadriceps (front of thigh) Hamstrings (back of thigh) Abdomen (front of lower trunk) Abdomen (front of lower trunk) Gluteal and lower back muscles (hips and lower back) Pectoral, deltoid, triceps and latissimus muscles (chest, upper back, shoulder, and back of upper arm) Latissimus (upper back) Deltoid (shoulder and trapezius (upper back and neck) Trapezius (neck and upper back) Biceps (front of upper arms) Hand extensors and flexors (back and front of forearm) Triceps (back of arm)
Bench press
Pullovers Lateral raises Shoulder shrugs Dumbbell curls Vari ous wrist curls Forearm extension
These exercises are to be used only as a guide. Available equipment varies from facility to facility and the exercises suggested use a mixture of dumbbells, barbells and weight machines. If equipment is limited, the program should be adapted accordingly. As you work with a trainer, the athlete's progress should be recorded to measure and inspect improvement or to detect problems which might develop in training. H
Dr. Jack Groppel is the director of player development for Harry Hopman/Saddlebrook International Tennis and the director of Sports and Health Development for Saddlebrook Resort. He is a USPTA Master Professional and was the 1987 USPTA Pro of the Year. He has authored numerous articles on biomechanics, fitness and nutrition, and is an Instructional Editor for TENNIS magazine. Dr. Groppel is also the chairperson of the USPTA Advisory Committee on Sport Science and Sports Medicine and is a sport science advisor to the USTA Player Development Program .
The Indispensable Membership For Private Clu6s
The National Club Association is the club of clubs. Today, 1000 private clubs belong because it's a membership they simply cannot do without. • NCA represents the business, legal, legislative and policy interests of private clubs, coast to coast. • NCA provides the tools a club must have to operate within a framework of sound business practices. • NCA develops programs and techniques that keep clubs up to date on a host of issues and developments. • NCA monitors Congress on issues that protect and expand clubs' business opportunities. • NCA protects clubs' rights to select the members they want and control their destiny.
NCA promotes the business of clubs, the education of their members and the defense of their rights.
It's the Indispensable Membership To find out how your club can join the club of clubs call (202) 466-8424, or write to 1625 Eye Street, NW, Suite 609, Washington, D.C. 20006. 17
Teaching the Serve Have your students swing up and inside the ball by Jim Mclennan
~e
te~ch
serve is extremely difficult to as well as learn. The tempo of the se rvice moti on and, in particular , the speed of the final acce lerati on of the arm and racquet at contact make the instructor's visual assessment of the stroke extremely difficult Further, this tempo obscures accurate physical awareness by the student In other words, the most critical part of the service motion is extremely difficult to both see and feel. As wi th al l other strokes. speed , spin and trajectory on the serve are determined by the: 1) swing direction; 2) racquet head speed , and ; 3) angle of the racquet face at impact A number of recent instructional articles have discussed pronation of the serve without any specific analyses of the racquet face during this action. I hope to show that when the forearm roll moves the racquet up and inside the bal l (as practiced by Steffi Graf, Boris Becker and Pancho Gonzales, among others), both power and consistency improve. Traditional teach ing suggests we swing up and over the ball , " peeling the cover" from 7 to 1 o'clock, and that we accomplish this action with a well-known but poorly defined "wrist snap." Indeed, most instructional articles, as well as TV announcers, make reference to the wrist snap, alluding to the whip action in which the wrist becomes the final element accelerating the racque t through the ball. 18
Jim Mclennan is head professional at Fremont Hills Country Club in Los Altos Hills. Calif. He is the third VICe-president of the North ~ rn Californ ia Division of USPTA, coach of the NCTA Boys¡ 18 Intersectional Team , and has received a research grant from the USTA to study the eHects of b1 omechanical feedback on the performance of tennis skil ls.
Ac tually, a careful analysis of Gonzales, Lew Hoad , Fred Stolle or Becker reveals a surprising fact: Racquet acceleration at contact occurs not from the wrist snap. but from considerable inward rotation of the forearm and shoulder . Th e distinc ti on between the wrist snap and inward forearm roll lies in the racquet face . The wrist snap moves the initial follow through over the ball wi th a closed racquet face . Th e inward forearm roll moves the initial follow through
up and inside the ball with a vertical racquet face . Stanley Plagenhoef, author of Fundamentals of Tennis, is one of the few authors to accurately describe this service method. Howard Brody's Tennis Science for Tennis Players offers exce llent insight into the size and shape of the "service window" (the area above the net through which all successful serves pass) . Brody refines the concept " margin of allowable error" into "angular acceptance ." The difference in the racque t face angle for a serve which skims the net and one wh ich clears it by the greatest margin and still lands in the service cou rt is termed "angular acceptance ." Shots with a high probability of success have large angular acceptance (i .e. 20 degrees). As shots increase in speed , the probability of success decreases - these shots have lesser degrees of angular acceptance . When a player serves a ball 90 miles per hour with moderate topspin and fr om a con tact height of 100 inches (a reasonable goal for most tournament playe rs), Brody calculates a vertical angular acceptance of 2 degrees and a horizontal angular acceptance of 10 degrees. The vertical axis of the racquet face controls the height of the serve, the horizontal axis controls the width . Stated another way, this window as defined by angular acceptance measures approxi-
first serves in. Gonzales also had a big mately 18 inches high and 90 inches wide , accelerate s the racquet through 1 80 degrees range of motion, whereas the wr ist second serve . He had a simple motion that or five times wider than high . As we all was rhythmical and biomechanically efficient" know (and these numbers clarify) , when flexion used by most of her opponents Careful slow-motion video analysis reveals se rving , the probability of an error in height produces only 90 degrees range of motion that during the critical contact phase of and much less racquet speed . The timing far exceeds the chance of an error in width. Swinging up and over the ball with wrist Gonzales' serve, the primary racquet accelof the forearm roll in combination with the fl exion actually magnifies errors within the shoulder turn into the hit can be likened to eration occurred largely in the horizontal the me c han ics of a baseba ll pitch ing plane . The final hitting action was produced height dimension (vertical angular accepby forceful elbow extension (swinging up), machine. Two rubber-coated wheels spin tance is 2 degrees) . Wrist flexion creates which led to a sharp significant racquet speed , but because forearm roll (inside the ball) When viewed at th e racquet accelerates in a plane pernormal speeds, th is movement is all but pend icular to the net invisible. Fellow USPTA (swing up, snap down), professional Skip Singlea successful serve can be hit within only 2 ton , who authored deg rees of verti cal Intelligent Tennis, describes how we are toleranc e. Compare this with the accompanyfascinated by the styles of the world's best playing photo sequence ers and, as a result, of Ivan Lendl. The inward attempt to imitate them. rotation of the forearm accelerates the racquet However, the nuances of Gonzales' motion in a plane paral lel to unseen by the naked the net along a hori eye haven 't been zon tal axis and therecopied in the same fore allows for greater way that Laver's topmargin of error (hori zontal angular acceptspin ground strokes inspired future generaance is 10 degrees). tions to imitate and A word on tim ing. perfect that more easiWe know that during ly discerned style. contact the ball rests Note how Ivan Lend I accelerates through the ball by rotating his forea rm and shoulder inward . I have shown Gonagain st the strings for zales' slow-motion foot.004 seconds. Whereopposite of one another . When a ball is age to quite a number of elite and worldas teachers now accept the difficulty of dropped into this action it is literally class players. They recognize that his forearm attempting to execute a topspin ground squirted out at a speed greater than either roll looks and feels completely different from stroke by rolling the racquet face over the wheel could produce alone . Similarly, as their wrist snap. However, they generally ball , the wrist snap actually encourages a seen in the above photo sequence , when display a curious reluctance to experiment or similar action on the serve . I recently a righthanded player's shoulde rs turn into even consider the advantages of learning this watched some of the best American juniors the hit counterclockwise , the forearm roll technique. The usual response is, "Well, I've compete at the Boys lntersectionals in (which immediately follows a forceful gotten pretty far as it is ... " These same players South Carolina. The wrist snap service upward extension of the elbow) turns may unwittingly be "losing sight of the forest motion was in far greater evidence than the clockwise and generates more racquet because of the trees." In other words, in this forearm roll. Interestingly, the forearm roll speed than would a similarly timed wrist instance, what has become an accepted action seemed more easily controlled in snap. serving style (i.e. wrist snap) is assumed to be tight situations. whereas the wrist snap effective only because it is commonly used. Many tennis historians consider Pancho produced telltale errors of height on many Gonzales' serve the best of all time . In an I believe the game of tennis is still in its of these same critical points. infancy. The advent of sport science will allow interview with Inside Tennis, Vic Braden Steffi Graf now serves with power preus to examine the biomechanics underlying agreed, adding, "Night after night, Gonzales viou sly unknown in the women 's game. strokemaking technique, and perhaps future hit first serves at 130-135 mph and got Watch her closely and you will notice generations can truly be influenced by between 71-72 percent of them in. Today's incredible inward forearm rotation on both n masters of the past players get between 51-53 percent of their first and second serves. Her forearm roll
'
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r-----------------------To: USPTA Insurance Plans 4250 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 Phone: (708} 359-4210 Please send me information on the USPTA Insurance Coverages:
0 Life Insurance 0 Disability Income Insurance 0 $1 ,000,000 Major Medical Insurance 0 Accidental Death Insurance 0 Cancer Insurance 0 Hospital Indemnity Coverage Print N a m e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address-----------------
test your knowledge
1.
What were the three main factors that, by 1968, paved the way for the major tennis tournaments around the world to begin accepting professional players?
7.
Tennis . H I story
a. Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the " Battle of the Sexes" b. ATP was formed c. En route to¡ the U.S. Open title, Ilie Nastase's ¡ outbursts prompted the establishment of a point penalty system for conduct unbecoming of tennis d. Chris Evert became engaged to Jimmy Connors
a. Emergence of young stars like Arthur Ashe, worldwide pro tour, growth of golf relative to tennis b. Introduction of aluminum racquets, declining crowds , success of the " Handsome Eight" c. Dawn of TV tennis, matches held in stadiums, introduction of tiebreaker d. Establishment of WTA and ATP, congressional investigation, declining amateur fields 2.
What 1968 event was critical to tennis being considered a "sport" as well as a "game"?
4.
9.
This person, now a USPTA member, was the first president of ATP. Butch Buchholz Cliff Drysdale Jack Kramer Jim Hahn
a. Governing body of tennis in Holland b. Name first given tennis by its inventor, Major Wingfield c. Major European racquet manufacturer d. Popular ice cream sold at Wimbledon Answers on page 3 1.
Don Budge Fred Perry William Perry Rod Laver
This successful doubles tandem was nicknamed the "Whiz Kids." a. b. c. d.
5.
True or False: The first national tennis tournament in America was held in 1921 at the Newport Casino in Rhode Island.
10. What is Sphairistike?
This player became the first to capture the Grand Slam. a. b. c. d.
8.
a. b. c. d.
a. International Lawn Tennis Federation opened Wimbledon and other tournaments to amateurs and professionals b. First tennis enthusiast was elected to White House (Richard Nixon) c. Establishment of equal prize money for men and women d. First issue of TENNIS magazine hit the newsstands 3.
This event on Sept. 3, 1972 changed the face of professional tennis.
Martina Navratilova and Pam Shriver Lew Hoad and Ken Rosewall Stan Smith and Bob Lutz Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton
This man is referred to as the "father of American tennis." a. b. c. d.
Harry Hopman Bud Collins Bill Tilden James Dwight
6.
In what country did the earliest forms of tennis begin? a. b. c. d.
Luxembourg England France Mexico 21
USPTA DRILLS
Half-Court Scrambler This is a fast-paced , action-oriented drill for three to six players, intermediate to tournament level. Players A and B start the circuit as volleyers. Players C and D begin at the baseline , each defending his or her halfcourt. The Instructor (I) is positioned out of the path of movement in the middle of the court behind the baseline. The alleys are in play on both sides of the net. To begin the drill, volleyer A touches the net with his or her racquet and backpedals down the singles sideline, touching the service line junction (X) with his or her foot. The Instructor feeds a low shot to the center of the service box. Player A must move in and volley to player C's half-court. If successful , players A and C play out the point (half-court only, no lobs permitted). After the first point, or if the initial volley is unsuccessful, player C sprints to the volley line behind player B. Volleyer A starts the next point against player D by touching the net with his or her racquet at the center strap and backpedaling down the center line to the middle of the service line. The Instructor feeds low again and another half-court point is played out with player D. After the point is played , player A sprints to take player D's position. Player D slides over to player C's old position and player B becomes the new volleyer, with player C next in line. Players learn the sequence quickly. I run this drill for seven to 10 minutes counterclockwise, then reverse it for the same amount of time . Variations can include two volleys on the first circuit; one volley and one lob on the second circuit; two lobs on the third circuit; and one lob and one volley on the fourth circuli. Ken Hupka Willow Grove, Pa.
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pointers from the pros
DEALING WITH FOREHAND MYTHS ~
Go western or semi-western for the high return. At one time, the western and semi-western grips were thought to be unsuitable for this return, however, we now know these grips help generate tremendous power on the return as opposed to the old eastern-grip return . Today's junior players, using the western and semi-western grips, practice rolling over the ball for topspin , enabling them to hit downward for winners.
Ricardo Acuna
Tommy Ho
The open stance is OK. Although once considered taboo, the open .... stance actually offers numerous advantages. It negates the need to step forward with the left foot on the service return ; req uires less backswing and allows the user to hit earlier; does not cause blind spots, as is the case with the closed stance ; does not cause loss of power since power is generated through the hip rotation (however , it is still necessary to have a firm grip on the racquet) ; is good for disguising shots; and upon completion of the stroke , leaves the user in the ready position. Because the forehand usually is the first stroke learned and the first stroke " lost" , people tend to regard it as most important. The forehand is difficult to master (see Stefan Edberg) and will keep your students coming back for more advice. Al lan Henry Tampa, Fla.
24
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PRINCECTS. YOU CAN'T BEAT THE SYSTEM. Right off the bat you can see that the Prince Constant Taper System TM (CTS) TM is special. Both the racquet and baseball bat have their largest or strongest parts at the top where you meet the ball, so you can hit with more power.
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The tip of the CTS racquet has a higher cross section, which makes the string bed more responsive and increases the sweet spot considerably. And because the racquet is stiffer all around, it flexes less for more control. As for comfort, there's the exclusive Cushion Grip System TMwhich absorbs every shot. To meet your different style of play, pictured below are the CTS Thunderstick, CTS Approach~M CTS Graduate;M and CTS Precision:" Find out where you can demo the line by calling 1-800-2-TENNIS. And find out for yourself why you just can't beat the system . TM
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Prince. The Exclusively Endorsed Racquet of the United States Professional Tennis Association. © 1990 Prince Manufacturing, Inc.
DIVISION NEWS
MEMORIAL FUND SET UP FOR LINDSEY ABRAMS A memorial fund has been established for Lindsey Abrams, the wife of New England Division board member Larry Abrams. Mrs. Abrams died last month following a lengthy il lness. Donations in the name of Lindsey Abrams may be sent to: Vermont Regional Cancer Center, c/ o Dr. James Stewart, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401 . The center will be conducting a special research project in Mrs. Abrams ' name.
MID-ATLANTIC MEMBERS SPEAK AT FERRIS STATE Three M iddle Atlantic teaching pros recently appeared as guest speakers at a Ferris State University professional tennis management class. They are: John Adams, owner of the Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club; Tim Harvey, Quince head professional; and Sue DiChiara, Quince pro shop manager. The three presented lectures on the professional tennis field and conducted inte rviews of Ferris PTM students for intern positions at Quince Orchard and other clubs in the Washington , D.C. area. "We have had a great relationship with John, Tim and Sue, " said Scott Schultz, director of the PTM program. "They have hired quite a few of our students for internships and full-time positions over the years." The Ferris PTM program , the only one of its kind in the nation, was developed jointly with USPTA to meet increased industry
needs for skilled tenn is-teaching professionals. The program leads to a bachelor's degree in marketing.
USPTA'S KOMULA HONORED AT BURWASH CONVENTION Denise Komula, a Peter Burwash International (PBI) head professional from Lahaina Tennis Ranch, recently was named cowinner of the PBI Rookie of the Year award along with Mauricio Miranda, tennis director at La Belle Creole , British West Indies. The award was presented during the PBI Convention at the Woodlands Inn and Country Club, in Houston. Komu la is a USPTA professional with a bachelor's degree in physical education / sports management and a minor in business administration from the University of Wisconsin -LaCrosse.
Denise Komula
USPTA'S ZEMAN, MOTHER RUNNERS-UP AT TOURNEY Defending champions Louella Parsons and Leslie Lipson of Carpinteria, Calif, turned back Hawaii Division member Shelly Stillman-Zeman and her mother, Brenda, 2-6 , 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the USTA National Mother-Daughter Hardcourt Championship on Oct 22 . The tournament was played at Prestonwood Country Club in Dallas. Another USPTA pro, John Ingram, served as tournament director during the two -day event. Ingram is director of tennis at th e Prestonwood club.
KING AND GULLIKSON TO SPEAK AT TENNIS TEACHERS WORKSHOP Tennis champions Billie Jean King and Tim Gul likson will speak at the ninth annual Tennis Teachers Workshop, scheduled Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at West Chester (Pa.) University. Leading coaches and teaching pros from the Middle States Division will be featured on the workshop program . Proceeds from the day-long session will benefit the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center of Philadelphia. Players, coaches. professionals and anyone else interested in tennis are welcome to attend . Registration fee is $25 (before Jan. 21) or $35 at the door. For more information, con tact Becky Desmond at (215) 269-8037 or Patty Epps at (71 7) 626-0594 . 29
INDUSTRY ACTION MAROlD AND ISSlEIB WIN BUICK MIXED DOUBlES ClASSIC NEW YORK- The team of Steve lssleib of Hinsdale, Ill., and Hilary Marold of Glen Ellyn, Ill , defeated the team of Buck Stephenson of Sal isbury, N.C. and Becky Kopack of High Point, N.C., 6-3, 6-2 to capture the 1989 Bu ick Amateur Mixed Doubles Classic title. The Dec. 2 final was held in conjunction with the Nabisco Masters at Madison Square Garden and marked the culmination of the nation 's largest mixed s:Joubles tournament, which began in April at 1,800 local sites nationwide. USPTA pros produced several hundred of these sites. The final pitted the Western champions (lssleib-Marold) versus the Eastern champions (Stephenson -Kopack) . The four finalists advanced through four rounds of play to reach the championship in New York, winning at the local, regional and sectional levels before advancing to the Eastern and Western Finals, which were held at the Saddlebrook Golf and Tenn is Resort (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) and the Sheraton Tucson El Conquistador Gold and Tennis Resort, respectively. The Buick tournament annually attracts more than 10,000 teams . Now in its 13th year, the Classic combines with Buick National Tennis Month to form the largest grassroots tennis promotion in the country. For more information on Natonal Tennis Month and re lated activities, cal l Lori Stukes
Steve lssleib and Hilary Marold
30
at National Tennis Month Headquarters (800) 344-4469 , (203) 373-7151 in Connecticut.
PRINCE INTRODUCES DIGITAl CAliBRATOR PRINCETON , N.J. - Prince Manufacturing, Inc. introduced a new concept in string ing machine calibrators - the Prince Digital Electronic Calibrator (DEC) Prince is offering the DEC to all USRSA members. The DEC features computer calibrated electronics engineered reliable to within 0.5 pound, according to Prince. The calibrator fits any machine and needs no special tools to operate. Its LCD display is large and easy to read and features an auto-zero setting and auto-off functions. The DEC offers an automatic kilo/pound conversion switch. The calibrator is avai lable for $80 plus $2.50 shipping charge . New Jersey and California residents add 6 percent sales tax ($4 .80) unless c harged on the Prince account. Pr ince also accepts cash-inadvance (payable to Prince Manufacturing, Inc.) and VISA or MasterCard charges. Send orders by check or credit card to: Prince Manufacturing , Inc. DEC, P.O. box 2031, Princeton, NJ 08543-2031 , Att: Order Processing Dept.
ATIF REPORTS TENNIS POPUlARITY ON THE RISE NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. (UPI) - A growing number of Americans are picking up tennis racq,Jets again for the first time since the late 1970s, when the sport's popularity peaked 1n the United States, an industry official said . The American Tennis Industry Federation (ATIF) reports an estimated 21.2 million Americans older than 12 have played tennis at least once this year. up from 20 million a year ago and 17.5 mill ion in 1987. The sport's popularity in the United States peaked in the late 1970s, when tennis became a fad and an estmated 40 million Americans played . said ATIF Execu tive Director Brad Patterson . The boom was followed quickly by a bust, though, and
participation ebbed to fewer than 15 million players by the middle of the '80s. ATIF hired a New York research firm to conduct nationwide telephone surveys of tennis players beginning in 1987. Figures on participation have risen each year since, Patterson said. "I think the biggest reason behind the increase right now is the fact that we are doing a better job of marketing the sport. Everybody knows how to market a product. For the first time , we are really putting some time and effort into marketing the sport," Patterson said . "We are doing a much better job of introducing the game to people at a younger age. I don 't necessarily mean just kids," he added. " Now we are taking the game to the inner cities, to the schools, to the parks and recreation departments." Patterson said the survey results are supported by figures on racquet sales. Sales of tennis racquets rose by more than 20 percent during the first nine months of 1989, compared with the same period a year ago, he said. While a portion of that increase can be attri buted to the introduction of wide body racquets, ATIF said that sales of racquets costing less than $50 wholesale were up 18.5 percent. "The new players are the ones buying the less expensive racquets, " Patterson said . "The real chal lenge now is to keep those new players involved enough and interested enough in the sport to con tinue playing."
RACQUETS-FOR-KIDS DONATIONS TOP $2 MilliON NORTH PALM BEACH , Fla. - The Amer ican Tennis Industry Federation 's Racquets-ForKids (RFK) program completed 1989 with donations total ing more than $2 million. As of Oct. 1, a total of 40,913 racquets had been collected. The RFK program recently received 1,012 racquets from a retailer who was clean ing out his inventory. The racquets could have sold for more than $65,000 at retail. The racquets were brand-new Snauwaert models, a mixture of wood , aluminum and graphite. The racquets were strung locally in Florida, and ATIF Executive Director Brad Patterson says they are now being put to good use.
Among the beneficiaries of the 1,012 racquets were the 17 USTA Schools Program directors; a program in Santa Fe N.M., which gives clinics to native Americans; the Police Athletic League tennis programs around the country; the national YWCA, which is starting a pilot tennis program at sites around the country; and various youth and adult programs. For more information on the program , call {407) 848-1026.
USPTA PROS MAKE MAGAZINE'S TOP TENNIS RETAILERS LIST TRUMBULL, Conn. -In its December issue, Tennis Buyer's Guide recognized 30 shops
as "America's Best Tenn is Retailers." USPTA pros whose shops made the list were Phil Lancaster, Dallas, Texas; Jack Michalko, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Randy Chamberlain , Charleston, S.C. The best retailers were chosen from among five catagories: Pro Shops, Tennis Specialty Shops, Resorts, Sporting Goods Stores and Specialty Footwear Stores. The winn ing retailers were chosen on the basis of their merchandising philosophy and dedication to tennis, broken down into eight factors: administrative skills, business performance , promotion/public relations, service , staff management, store/ shop appearance, strength versus the competition and tennis equipment/apparel/ shoes.
AMERICA'S BEST TENNIS RETAlLERS
Athletic AttiC Lew Stephens Charlottesville, Va.
F001WEAR The Competitive Foot Tim Eggert Oak Park, Ill.
Reyers Vince Cardamone Sharon, Pa.
PRO Bent Tree Country Club Phil Lancaster Dallas, Texas Phoenix Country Club Jack Michalko Phoenix, Ariz. Tennis ltd. Charleen Bradeen Nancy Marsh, Susan Caruso Columbus, Ohio
Just For Feet Harold Ruttenberg Don Ruttenberg Birmingham, Ala. SHOPS Greenspring Racquet Club Loretta Hirshfeld Patti Spero Lutherville, Md. Short Hills Club Pro Shop Karen Irvine Short Hills, N J. Westwood Country Club Robin Sivertson Austin, Texas
RESORTS The Greenbrier Longboat Key Club LJsa Watkins Beth Johnes White Sulfur Springs, W. Va. Longboat Key, Fla. Port Royal Racquet Club Dennis R. Bianco Hilton Head Island, S.C. Saddlebrook Resort Cindy Sawyer Wesley Chapel, Fla.
Wild Dunes Randy Chamberlain Charleston, S.C.
TENNIS SPECIALTY SHOPS Mason's Tennis Mart Nevada Bob's of Atlanta John Van Blaricom Mark Mason Brian Van Blaricom New York, N.Y. Decatur, Ga. The New Racquets Samuels Tennisport and Jackets Susan Samuels Betty Dupre John Samuels Knoxville, Tenn . Cincinatti, Ohio Top Spin Tennis Sherri's Tennis Love Marcus Cootsona Sherri Boyte Menlo Park, Calif. Louisville, Ky. Van's Pro Shop Topspin, Inc. Darlene Polk Susan Lewis Mesa, Ariz. Marietta, Ga. Your Serve Total Tennis Dale Queen Joel Herzog Stone Mountain, Ga. Colorado Springs, Colo. SPORTING GOODS STORES Gordon's Gateway to Sports Kokesh Athletic Frank Matsuda Jim Hadfield Cos Cob. Conn. Eden Pacific, Minn. Montecito Sports Steve Ruggles Montecito, Calif. Sam Wyche Sports World Jim Herd Greenville, S.C.
Pro Appeal Mark Fairchild Roswell. Ga
TENNIS MAGAZINE TABS DOHERTY AS NEW EDITOR TRUMBULL, Conn . - Donna Doherty will become editor of TENNIS magazine at the close of the March 1990 issue, according to the magazine's publisher, the New York Times Company Magazine Group. Doherty currently serves as managing editor for
TENNIS. The decision was prompted by the resignation of Alexander McNab, editor of the magazine since July 1986. McNab will pursue outside writing interests and remain with TENNIS as a contributing instruction editor. "Donna is an enthusiastic tennis player and fan who ... will bring fresh thinking to our intensive coverage of the game at all levels," said Nick Seitz, editorial director of the parent company's Sports / Leisure Division. Doherty joined TENNIS as assistant editor in 1979. She is a graduate of Northeastern University, where she became the first woman editor of the campus paper. In related news, GD/T Sports Marketing, a division of Golf Digest/TENNIS, Inc., appointed Steven C. Nazurek as director of marketing. Nazurek joins the firm from PGA of America, where he held a similar position.
CROWN MANUFACTURING NAMES NEW MARKETING DIRECTOR VALENCIA, Calif. - Crown Manufacturing, maker of tennis ball throwing machines, appointed Paul Guay as sales and marketing director. Guay has been with the company since 1983 as office manager and as a regional sales manager. In his new position , Guay will coordinate the national and international sales efforts for the Match Mate and Clean Sweep lines. Answers to Tennis History Quiz on page 21 . 1.
c
2. a 3. a 4. b 5. d
6.
c
7. b 8. False. It was held in 1881. 9. b 10. b 31
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Countdown to Ll PC Time now to mark your calendar for the Lipton International Players Championships Tim Heckler, CEO
O ne of the many welcome things about the Christmas holidays is that they allow us the chance to pause, reflect and "recharge our batteries." Considering the ambitious plans USPTA has in store for the coming year, we can be extra thankful. We now enter a new decade with high expectations for the continued growth of the game, the industry, the teaching profession and our individual caree rs. By all accounts, we have good reason to feel optimistic. Recent studies by reputable sources, one such being the American Tennis Industry Federation , indicate a growing number of Americans are now playing tennis the first time this has occurred since the tennis boom of the 1970s. Undoubtedly, two of the main reasons for this resurgence have been the rise of exciting new American tennis stars such as Andre Agassi and Michael Chang and the continuing efforts by groups suc h as USTA and USPTA to promote the game in the grassroots. As a result, thousands of new players have been introduced to the game while thousands more have been reassured that, for them , tennis is truly a lifetime sport. It is with this in mind that I bring up one of the most important events in the tennis ind ustry, the Lipton International Players Championships. This year's tournament is to be held March 16-25 at the International Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Fla. As in the past.
32
USPTA's International Tennis Teachers Championships will be held in conjunction with the Lipton Championships, from March 19-25. If you have been a frequent reader of this magazine over the years, you know that the Lipton is regarded as one of the premier professional events in the world, annually attracting such top names as Ivan Lend! , Jimmy Connors, Chris Evert and, in recent years, Steffi Graf and Gabriela Sabatini. You also know that it is one of the richest tournaments in the world , this year offering $2.5 million in prize money. USPTA has been an avid supporter of the Lipton Championships over the years and will continue to be this year. As you can see, much of this issue of AODvantage has been devoted to the 1990 Lipton Championships, and you will be reading more about the event in the next several weeks. In addition, we will again conduct our USPTA/ LIPC National Participation Day, encouraging members to host fun events at their facility and bring the participants together to watch the televised finals of the Lipton Championships. USPTA/LIPC Day serves an important function in that it highlights the fact that tennis is fun and that for some , it is serious competition, too. Look for details on this grassroots event in ADDvantage and in special mailings. In the meantime , I urge you to get involved in this year's Lipton Inter-
national Players Championships by hosting a USPTA/LIPC Day event at your facility and watching the ongoing tournament coverage on TV; by playing in the USPTA International Championships (see the tournament entry form on page 14); by getting involved in USPTA efforts to promote ticket sales for the Lipton Championships; or by attending the event itself. I look forward to seeing many of you at this year's Lipton Championships. qt
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