Network coverage of professional tennis tournaments is incredibly frustrating to me. For most of the year, the Tennis Channel is the source of my ire. However, once the US Open starts, ESPN will also annoy me. The main channel broadcasts myopically feature a handful of the “big stars.” That limits exposure to other more compelling matches where equally deserving players toil in relative obscurity. Now more than ever, it is important for true tennis fans to “vote with their remote.” Not only does that allow viewers to control their viewing experience, but it also signals to the network that people are interested in other players.
The sorry state of tennis coverage isn’t exactly the networks’ fault. That is particularly true when events hop from carrier to carrier. ESPN lacks a long-term reason to develop interest in players who will not be on their station once the tournament they are covering ends. Additionally, decision-makers are responsible for ensuring that the ratings on the main feed are as high as possible. That allows them to maximize advertising revenue. Television broadcasters are businesses and have to be run as such.
On the other hand, the current broadcast decisions prevent the overall fan interest in tennis from reaching its full potential. There is considerable angst in the industry over the recent and imminent retirements of some of the game’s most iconic stars. Besides Carlos Alcaraz metaphorically wrestling the torch away from Novak Djokovic, the other rising stars struggle to achieve consistent exposure.
In addition to building future fan interest in players, tennis broadcasts have dramatically departed from televising doubles in the main feed. That is unfortunate because doubles matches offer a unique blend of strategy, teamwork, and fast-paced action that cannot be replicated in singles. Unless there is a novelty factor, usually one of the designated stars wandering out onto the doubles court, it gets no air time. The very best doubles specialists are virtually unknown even to the most ardent tennis fans.
That is why it is critically important for tennis fans to “vote with your remote.” Not only do you get to watch players and events that are more interesting to you, but it also sends a demand signal to the broadcast carrier that fans are interested in matches other than the ones they decided to shove down our throats.
You can play an essential role in shaping the future narrative of tennis. Whether you’re passionate about supporting a lesser-known player, curious about the next generation of tennis stars, or eager to see more doubles action, your viewing choices can make a difference in how the sport is presented and enjoyed. So, this US Open, take charge of your tennis-watching experience and explore the full spectrum of what this incredible tournament offers by taking advantage of the on-demand matches of your choice. You will enjoy the tournament more, and it might even help shape future coverage for the better.
My gripe with the doubles coverage is the fact there is no announcer. I typically “watch” tennis with my ears, while I am doing something else. I know that some announcers are so unliked that people will mute matches, but when I stream, I get the European former players that don’t talk just about their own past tennis exploits or overly emphasize how great the US player is when that isn’t the actual case.
So yes, I agree, vote with your remote.