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.
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Steven Kaplan Steve Kaplan is the owner and managing director of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as director emeritus of Lacoste Academy for New York City Parks Foundation, and executive director and founder of Serve &Return Inc. Steve has coached more than 1,100 nationally- ranked junior players, 16 New York State high school champions, two NCAA Division 1 Singles Champions, and numerous highly-ranked touring professionals. Many of the students Steve has closely mentored have gone to achieve great success as prominent members of the New York financial community, and in other prestigious professions. In 2017, Steve was awarded the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award by the USTA. He may be reached by e-mail at StevenJKaplan@aol.com. |