The USTA has announced its No-Cut Coach All-Star Team, recognizing exceptional high school coaches nationwide who implement an inclusive “no-cut” policy which welcome all students to be a part of their high school’s tennis team. Since 2013, the USTA has honored coaches for their dedication and leadership in providing young players the experience of representing their school.
WTA Finals Awarded to Shenzhen, China
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced its selection of the city of Shenzhen, China to host the WTA Finals, the most prestigious event on the WTA calendar, from 2019 through 2028.
Citi Named Title Sponsor of Taste of Tennis
AYS Sports Marketing announced that Citi will serve as the title sponsor of the Taste of Tennis event series through 2019. Citi Taste of Tennis features cuisine prepared by top chefs and some of the world's best tennis players in Indian Wells, Miami, and New York City. Additionally, Citi Taste of Tennis will mark its first year in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., in late July to kick-off the Citi Open.
USTA Restructures Community Tennis Division
The USTA announced a restructuring of its Community Tennis division prompted by the success of the USTA National Campus in the Lake Nona district of Orlando, Fla. This restructuring will allow the USTA to better focus its people and resources as it continues to innovate across all grassroots areas, including youth and adult tennis, tournament play, digital outreach, education and overall tennis participation.
USTA National Campus Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
The USTA commemorated the one-year anniversary of the USTA National Campus, which officially opened on Jan. 2, 2017, in Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla., as the new “Home of American Tennis.” In its inaugural year, nearly 200,000 players visited the groundbreaking facility, with more than 100 international, national and local tournaments held throughout the year.
Universal Tennis Partners with Tennis Channel
Universal Tennis and Tennis Channel are joining forces to evolve and accelerate the growth of tennis by unifying the language of the sport through technology and media. The collaborative partnership focuses on supporting more competitive play and enjoyment across the tennis community through the use of the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).
Tennis Channel Owner Sinclair Signs Agreement To Expand Carriage
Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. has reached agreement with the National Cable Television Cooperative ("NCTC"), which allows NCTC's member companies to opt into a multi-year retransmission consent agreement. The agreement also provides for carriage of Sinclair-owened Tennis Channel.
Williams Reappointed as TIA President in New, Expanded Role
The Tennis Industry Association Board of Directors voted in early December to reappoint Jeff Williams as the ongoing TIA president in a new and expanded capacity. Williams will become the first president as a staff position since Jim Baugh held that position 10 years ago. This newly created role will allow Williams to further focus on the industry’s specific challenges and opportunities by working closely with TIA staff and industry partners.
USTA Develops Coaching Accreditation Program
The USTA announced the creation of a tennis coaching accreditation program for organizations and institutions that certify U.S. tennis professionals. The program will begin in 2018.