USTA Metro Region Update: September/October 2012
A Chat With Ron Rocchi
USTA Eastern volunteer Daisy Schwartz had a chance to chat with Ron Rocchi, senior designer-CRO, global tour manager of racquet sports for Wilson Sporting Goods about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which we all know is really tennis!
When/how/why did you get your start in tennis? Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Ron Rocchi: I consider myself a life-long tennis player and tennis enthusiast, and as I look back on the different stages of my life, tennis has always been a major influence. I was the first person in my family to play tennis and had no real influence or exposure to the sport as a young child. Around the age of eight or nine, I picked up a racquet and have had one in my hand ever since. I love playing the sport and found competitive tennis filled a desire to train and compete, through high school, college and beyond. I am fortunate to have worked in the tennis industry for more than 30 years now, and my experience is extremely diverse. My very first job in tennis was folding towels at the local club in trade for court time, and I even washed courts at a resort as a full-time job! I have taught tennis in both private and public facilities, at resorts and country clubs, managed facilities, developed innovative programs and trained teaching professionals. Currently, I am the senior designer and global tour manager for Wilson Racquet Sports, and work with over 100 professional tennis players on tour.
What about the sport are you most passionate about?
Equipment, more specifically, racquets and strings. For any player in the world, having the right equipment absolutely can make a difference in their game. Elite athletes and professional players have the same desire and need to match the right racquet that will allow them to play their best tennis as does the average player at the local club. There are many factors that contribute to the racquet, the string, and the handle, all of which will determine how each player will perform. The challenge is to find the right combination for each individual player. In the history of tennis, we have never seen the sheer magnitude of products being produced and offered for players than today, and to understand those equipment choices takes a comprehensive knowledge.
What about tennis is most inspirational?
One aspect of tennis I find inspirational is the unique path each player takes to reach the top level. For the pros, background is almost unimportant as many of the top players come from a very modest upbringing. Then, the drive to be the best takes over and with a lot of hard work, amazing things can happen. Our media coverage of the sport today does not begin to tell these amazing stories, full of struggle and challenge. These stories transcend tennis, andare truly inspirational.
What direction do you see tennis going in, overall?
Court-balanced with the external business influences. Around the world, the governing bodies of tennis struggle with the notion of how to protect the sport, while increasing the revenue required to grow and improve. For example, the addition of "on-court" player challenges has proven to be a real improvement to the sport, without changing the dynamics of play. But this addition has cost significant dollars in research, testing and equipment. On the business side, sponsors, agents, manufacturers, tournaments and players all compete to find their share of the respective pie. This delicate balance is important and should be a major focus for those of us involved in the sport of tennis to protect its future.
What advice do you have for young players just getting started?
Take your tennis extremely seriously. Training, diet, skill-building, tactics and shot selection are the cornerstones of your game. I guarantee your opponents are working with 100 percent of their effort and even beyond. Do all of the little things well, know your equipment, shoes and grips, and these things will factor into your success.
How did you come up with the idea for an all-star international team of stringers? Which are some of the tournaments where we can find you and your team?
For decades, Wilson and the USTA have been partners on many projects, from grassroots programs, to being the official ball of the U.S. Open. In 2006, the USTA identified a need to upgrade the stringing service provided to the players at the tournament, and approached Wilson with this request. What most tennis fans don’t know is that the "on-site" stringing service is a major component of how the tournament is operated, and is extremely difficult to perform well. We will see almost every player each day, and to fulfill their specific stringing needs is no simple task. On a busy day, we will string more than 350 racquets, each with their own set requirements tailored toward the individual players. Our ability to string their racquet efficiently and correctly each day is central to their performance and can make the difference between a loss and a win. This is something we take very seriously. To handle this monumental task, having a well-trained team is essential. The Wilson Stringing team was created to become the very best in the world, and perform at the highest level possible at a Grand Slam event. While many other stringing services are just that—a service—we operate as a team. Each stringer goes through a rigorous and comprehensive training program, and we have standardized every aspect of stringing down to how we tie certain knots. Team members come from all over the world, and are the some of the finest tournament stringers in the world today. In 2012, the Wilson stringing team can be found stringing at the Australian Open, Sony Ericsson Open, and the U.S. Open. These tournaments represent three out of the five biggest tournaments in the world, and they trust Wilson for their stringing.
When you are in New York City during the U.S. Open, which restaurants/bars do you like best? Any tips for the fans/spectators?
During the U.S. Open, there is not much time to get out and enjoy the city. The stringing team stays in midtown Manhattan, and we are always looking for late night spots to eat or just hang out. We have been known to frequent Smith and Wo, Blondies, Wheel Tapper, Dos Caminos and East Japanese for sushi.
If you are considering coming to the U.S. Open as a fan to watch tennis, consider a weekday during the first week. This is your best chance to see many outer courts of action with great players, and also take in a night match which is a must during the Open. In the second week, there is less tennis to see and the demand is greater. Be prepared to spend some money as the U.S. Open is expensive. You may have to fight some crowds, but the experience is well worth it as a fan! I have been to every major tournament in the world, and almost all of the smaller ones as well, and what you hear is true, there is nothing like a night match at the U.S. Open!
Although on the tour so much of the time, where do you spend most of your days coming up with your great ideas? Without revealing too much, what are you working on now?
As senior designer for Wilson Racquet Sports, I am always working on new and innovative products for players of all skill levels. Currently, our BLX line of racquets can be found in stores, clubs, and online all over the world. We typically launch new models once a year, and are rapidly approaching the 2013 debut of new models. I am currently working on some great things for 2014, and have even started work on things for 2015! Stay tuned for some great products from Wilson.
Outside of tennis what else are you up to this summer?
For a lot of people, today it is challenging to balance work and family, and this is certainly true for me as well. I spend as much time as possible with my wife and kids just doing summer things and taking vacations. I had two boys playing baseball this summer and it was great to go to all the games. The girls were busy with friends and soccer and activities. We did find the time to take a road trip to Colorado, and when at home, we like to spend time at the pool. I consider myself to be a semi-professional chef and love to barbeque all summer long!
The David Dinkins Tennis Club Offering Free 10 & Under Tennis
The David Dinkins Tennis Club at The Jungle has announced that it is offering a summer of Free 10 & Under family tennis. Every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. through Saturday, Sept. 30, five- to 10-year-old children and their parents are encouraged to participate in tennis instruction with their children at Fred Johnson Park, located at 150th Street and 7th Avenue. These lessons are presented under the direction of Sam Penceal, a USPTR-Certified Professional, and racquets, balls and all equipment is provided. To RSVP for these sessions, send an e-mail with the names and ages of participants to princsam@aol.com or call (917) 687-2576.
Yonkers Native Jonathan Agyeno Selected to Attend USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning Leadership Camp
The USTA has announced that 13-year-old Jonathan Agyeno from Yonkers, N.Y. was one of 36 student/athletes from around the nation selected to attend the 28th Annual USTA/NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp in Minneapolis, held July 16-20. The camp is for kids ages 12-14 who participate in National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network chapters nationwide. This year’s camp was held on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Agyeno was nominated by Dante Brown from the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program based on his leadership qualities, academics, tennis skills and extracurricular activities.
The all-expenses paid week-long camp provides the attendees with tennis instructions, as well as rewarding educational and motivational experiences. During the camp, instructors emphasized the importance of individual skill development, physical fitness, proper nutrition and good sportsmanship. The students received tennis lessons four to seven hours daily from several of the most experienced coaches in the game; heard from guest speaker Jon Rydberg, U.S. Men’s wheelchair tennis player and 2012 Paralympian; and volunteered locally to sort and pack donated books for shipment to the “Books for Africa” projects and programs.
The USTA/NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp was created in 1984 to provide an educational and motivational tennis experience for NJTL participants who might not otherwise have access to such an opportunity. The camp is held in a different city each year and has recently been held in Atlanta; Denver; Washington, D.C.; Seattle; San Diego, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; and Sonoma Valley, Calif.
Bronx Player Raising Funds to Rebuild School, Tennis Courts in Niger
The world of tennis knows no bounds. Just ask Ibrahim Siddo of the Bronx, N.Y. who founded a non-profit organization last year after learning about the destruction of a school in his hometown of Niger during the country’s rainy season. Siddo, who visited the school in December, saw the impact on the local community firsthand: Students were sitting on bricks in classrooms, the school was missing basic educational supplies and the tennis courts where he used to play were all ripped up. We caught up with Siddo and asked him about his organization, SUPAD Inc., and its efforts to help rebuild and develop Niger.
What is the name of your organization? What is its mission?
SUPAD Inc. comes from truncating the words “SUPport” and “Advancement,” and its mission is to help create better conditions for learning and development for children in Niger.
What inspired you to create this organization?
My inspiration to create this organization came two years ago when I received an e-mail from a cousin of mine from my native village asking me to send money to help reconstruct the classrooms the storms destroyed during the rainy season. When I saw the pictures of the damage, I shared them with friends and colleagues who did not hesitate a bit to join me when I told them about my idea of creating a non-profit to help in this poor country where small help could go far. That was how SUPAD was created on July 25, 2011.
In December 2011, I traveled to Niger, and saw for myself how serious the situation was. The school had no benches or tables, the students were sitting on bricks in classrooms and had no basic school supplies. The tennis club I used to play at was unrecognizable, the courts were ripped, the nets torn and the balls were worn out beyond recognition. That is why I have decided to do something to bring this situation to the knowledge of those who are capable and willing to join us to make a difference for these children.
What can people do to help your organization?
When I came back from Niger, I developed the first project: To support the school of Fetetchide. This can be seen on the Web at www.supadinc.org. I am also doing everything I can, as mandated by the Niger Tennis Federation, to collect balls, rackets, shoes, nets and anything anyone can give to support the Niger Tennis Federation.
If people want to help, how can they contact your organization?
Whoever wants to help can do so at www.supadinc.org or mail us at:
SUPAD Inc.
1230 E. Tremont Avenue, #10F
Bronx, NY 10460
They can also call us at (917) 545-9825.
What’s your hope for the children who are learning to play tennis in Niger?
My hope for the children who are learning to play tennis in Niger is to have decent courts, nets, and balls which, I have no doubt, will galvanize these children and lead them to be even more enthusiastic about tennis. This will ultimately create champions for Niger.
Local Players Compete in the American Tennis Association’s National Championships
By Esu Ma’at
Thirteen players from the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program (HJTEP) took part in the 95th Annual American Tennis Association (ATA) National Championships, held July 29-Aug. 4 at the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Formed in 1916 by a group of African-American businessmen, college professors and physicians, the ATA, is the oldest African American sports organization in the United States.
The first ever ATA National Championships, consisting of three events (men’s and women’s singles and men’s doubles), took place at Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park in August of 1917. In August 2012, several thousand players took part in more than 50 different events at the 95th Annual ATA National Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Representing the HJTEP were: Shayna Spooner, Donovan Spigner, Nia Rose, Kiara Rose, Courtney “Jaycen” Murphy, Alexa Colas, Joakim Duffy, DJ Smith, Zuhri Masters, Jonathan Agyeno, Kumeil Hosain, Ameer Hosain and Vashni Ballesti.
The HJTEP has been a member club and fervent supporter of the American Tennis Association. Juniors making the annual ATA National’s excursion is a time honored tradition for the 40-year program located in Central Harlem.
For most of the students, this is an all-expenses-paid trip. The HJTEP is a non-profit organization. Operational expenses are largely covered by fundraising efforts, grants and private donations. For more information or to support the HJTEP, visit http://harlemjuniortennis.org.
Esu Ma’at is currently the Metro Region, Tennis Service Representative for USTA Eastern. A product of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, Esu played Division I college tennis at Farleigh Dickenson University. He is a USPTA and USTA High Performance-certified tennis teaching professional who has been training students for more than 20 years. He may be reached by phone at (914) 216-5691 or e-mail maat@eastern.usta.com.
