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When We Work Together We are a Stronger Sport

On By Teresa Merklin

In 1990, the organization known as the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) transitioned from an association that only represented the players to a partnership between the players and the tournament organizers. The ATP Board of Directors is composed of three player representatives and three tournament representatives. The Chairman of the ATP Board only votes in the event where there is a tie between the players and the tournaments. That structure is what ultimately emerged following “The Press Conference in a Parking Lot.”

The Press Conference in a Parking Lot

On By Teresa Merklin

Yesterday we discussed how the organization known as the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) was established as an influential force in tennis via the Wimbledon player boycott of 1973. When the ATP was first founded, the fledging organization considered creating their own tour. However, the ATP lacked both the financial resources and confidence to make it happen at that time. The Men’s Tennis Council (MTC) was formed to fill the void and oversaw the professional men’s tennis tour from 1974 to 1989. The demise of that arrangement is a fascinating tale of power and politics in tennis.

The Wimbledon Player Boycott of 1973

On By Teresa Merklin

The organization known as the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) was founded in 1972. Initially the ATP membership consisted of only the players and the organization didn’t have all that much power. That all changed in when the ATP membership pulled together to boycott Wimbledon in 1973. It was one of the most effective labor strikes in the history of professional sports.

Breakfast at Wimbledon

On By Teresa Merklin

Strawberries and Cream at Wimbledon is arguably the most iconic food associated with any of the Grand Slam tournaments. Noshing on strawberries and cream is the perfect way to get into the spirit when watching the final rounds of the tournament this week. Despite the claims of many recipes on the internet, at Wimbledon fresh strawberries are served with unsweetened (and not whipped) cream. It couldn’t be easier to prepare.

Titles and Towels at Wimbledon

On By Teresa Merklin

In 2019 Wimbledon announced that female players would no longer be referred to by titles that reflected their marital status when announcing the score during matches. The change to “move with the times” was a result over controversy at the tournament the previous year when “Mrs. Serena Williams” was used after she was married. Since she did not take the name of her husband, it would have been incorrect to refer to her as Mrs. Alexis Ohanian.

The Lace on Gussie Moran’s Panties

On By Teresa Merklin

The “lace on Gussie Moran’s panties” is a metaphorical expression that originated from tennis. It indicates that something is a distraction from more important issues of concern. Gussie’s famous panties are an indelible part of the history of Wimbledon and the All England Tennis Club. It is the perfect story to examine in the midst of the current fortnight.

Less Tennis is Never the Answer

On By Teresa Merklin

Today I am wrapping up my final observations from a feedback letter I recently submitted to the USTA Adult Competition Committee (ACC). My letter was one of many from tennis advocates within the Senior Women’s Tennis Community. The conclusion of my letter shares that some of the recent innovations were likely sourced or justified from a belief that court capacity is an issue driving necessary change.

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USTA Tournament Seeding Matters

On By Teresa Merklin

On a tournament by tournament basis, seeding is one of the most consistently controversial topics for USTA recreational play. Whether it is too early to complain about the seeding at an event is a frequent theme in the Facebook group for active USTA Texas tournament players. I am of two minds on this topic. Those divergent perspectives are reflected in the point from a feedback letter I recently submitted to the USTA Adult Competition Committee (ACC) which has purview over USTA Adult Tournament Tennis.

Even Shorter Formats at Nationals

On By Teresa Merklin

I participated in the inaugural year of the USTA NTRP National Championships. That tournament is played using “Fast4” format. I have also played a similar version of short set tennis in local UTR tournaments. Those experiences is what brings me to the next point of my feedback letter recently submitted to the USTA Adult Competition Committee. (ACC) In a way, it is a preemptive strike against something that the USTA hasn’t done yet, but might consider in the future.

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