Time to Rally: You Gotta Have A Gimmick

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Patrick Mouratouglu, the coach of Serena Williams and promoter of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown, is gaining headlines by warning, “We need a revolution or tennis is dead.”

His plan for this revolution centers on attracting new fans to the game includes events like his where players will be “miced up” so that they can “express their emotions freely on the court.”

Is he talking about the artistry of Roger, the grit of Rafa or the athleticism of Novak? No, none of the above!

Tennis will be “saved” by becoming performance art like the WWE.

Who knew that the popularity of tennis is limited by its shortage of crybabies whining and complaining?

Ironically, if Patrick is correct, his event is irrelevant.

Just go to any Boys 12U event throughout the country. I guarantee there will be no shortage of emotions expressed freely on the court.

 

Centercourt
USTA NTC

January/February 2024 Digital Edition