MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the USA celebrate winning a point in their men's doubles final match against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia during day thirteen of the 2010 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bob Bryan;Mike Bryan |
Wednesday’s matches at the Farmers Classic got me thinking. The tennis community has been trying to raise public appeal, but what could tournament directors and tour managers do to make tennis even more appealing? Here are my top 3 changes or rather implements that could put tennis as main stage entertainment.
1.More enthusiastic tennis aficionados.
Someone needs to invite Sam Querrey’s Samurai team to all of the tournaments. The Los Angeles crowd was a buzz with the shirtless fellows’ entertainment.
2.More fan and player interaction.
Besides the occasional autograph signing, there is not much interaction. Though it may not be possible to ask players to engage while playing, an after match interview and game with fans could work. Fans were giddy with excitement when the Bryan brothers stay post match to hit some balls with some junior players.
3. More entertainment on water breaks.
Did someone say kiss cam? Though the players might not be bored, the drone of the 90 second changeover could be made a little bit more bearable by using the screens with games and such.
The ITF announced today that it is further increasing the use of electronic line-calling review in its official team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, starting with this weekend’s Fed Cup World Group first round ties on 4-5 February.
Aravane Rezaï et Pauline Parmentier viendront renforcer le contingent français au 20e Open GDF SUEZ, qui se déroulera du 4 au 12 février 2012 au Stade Coubertin à Paris. La direction du tournoi a accordé une « wild card » aux deux joueuses, qui intégreront donc directement le tableau principal aux côtés de Marion Bartoli.
Lee Couillard is a major part of Punahou School's junior development program. As part of the USPTA he travels and attends many conferences and discussions about the potential growth of our sport and how to enhance it. I visited with him and learned about an incredible product he made that may revolutionize the way children learn and pick up the game.
Sisters Serena and Venus Williams, Christina McHale and Liezel Huber Battle Belarus and Australian Open Champion Victoria Azarenka to Compete for 2013 Cup.