A women’s tennis icon generates controversy over French Open scheduling. The professional tours enter into the grass court season. Tennis Canada and the US Open launch summer hardcourt advertising campaigns.
Tennis Tops Women’s Sports, and Yet Still Fights for Footing
At the French Open over the past two weeks, the organizers staged night sessions that featured what they billed as the match of the day. Ten were played. Only one was a women’s match. Full Story: New York Times
French Open Director Claims Women’s Tennis Has Less ‘Appeal’
That director was Amelie Mauresmo, a former No. 1 women’s player who is in her first year as the French Open’s first female tournament director. Her explanation for why nine of the 10 night sessions at Roland Garros involved men’s matches because women’s tennis currently has less “appeal.” Full Story: Sports Illustrated
Women’s tennis needs more prime-time slots, Billie Jean King says
Female players should get prime time slots when they play if women’s tennis is to get a better audience, Billie Jean King said on Saturday amid a scheduling controversy at the French Open. King also said she backed Amelie Mauresmo, despite her controversial remark. Full Story: Reuters
Bedbugs, anxiety and friendships: the ups and downs of life on tennis’ lower rungs
Taylor Ng, a Dartmouth University graduate who currently ranks around No 650 in the world reveals details of what professional tennis is like for the players well out of the spotlight. Full Story: The Guardian
Where have all the great US male tennis players gone?
Our guys still do tennis in the US, but just not very well on the elite Grand Slam level. They’ve moved from the winner’s circle to backcourt claimers. Brad Gilbert believes that American men do not spend enough time on clay to build the defensive skills required to win at the upper echelons. Full Story: The Boston Globe
Tennis icon Stan Smith receives ITF’s highest honor
The award, named after the former ITF president, was introduced in 1996 and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the sport. “(Stan Smith) has made an enormous contribution to tennis on and off the court for more than half a century and it is an honor to recognize his achievements,” ITF President David Haggerty said in a statement. Full Story: ESPN
Outcry from tennis players squashes pickleball court installs at Los Altos parks
Plans to overstrike tennis courts with blended lines for pickleball have been put on hold following outcry from the tennis community. “It’s really hard to get a court, anyway,” said Rajat Suri, who plays tennis at Rosita. “The quality of the game and the quantity of the game are going to decrease with this proposal. … There’s not a single tennis player I’ve talked to who was not very emotional and strongly against it.” Full Story: Los Altos Town Crier
Tennis Canada “Feel Tennis” Campaign
Tennis Canada has launched its “Feel Tennis” summer campaign to promote the 2022 National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Montréal and Toronto from August 5 to 14. Full Story: Tennis Canada Full Video: YouTube
Queen Latifah stars as face and voice of 2022 US Open marketing campaign
Grammy, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor, rapper, singer and producer Queen Latifah will feature as the face and voice of the 2022 US Open’s multi-dimensional marketing campaign, “Spectacular Awaits.” Full Story: US Open Full Video: YouTube
This Week in Professional Tennis
| Date | Tournament | Tour/Level | Location |
| 6/6-12 | Boss Open | ATP 250 | Stuttgart, Germany |
| 6/6-12 | Libema Open Libema Open | ATP 250 WTA 250 | ‘S-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands |
| 6/6-12 | Rothesay Open Nottingham | WTA 250 | Nottingham, Great Britain |
| 6/6-12 | BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia | WTA 125 | Valencia, Spain |
Hello ‘Friend’
Was wondering if the USTA has plans to sue you over use of the name of the rule book?
Well, my site is “Fiend” rather than “Friend” so I think they would lose on that technicality.
I maintain a couple of “backup” domains in case the USTA ever asked me to stop using FiendAtCourt. However, I think that any such request or legal action would be an unusual step to take by the USTA because taking down a site that relentlessly promotes tennis would be contrary to the mission of the organization.