The quest for Future Tennis Stars

Dan Brown — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:28:15 +0000

Where do the stars of tennis come from? What makes kids choose tennis over other sports? Why have so many countries lost their status as tennis powerhouses? Is the future of tennis secure? These and many similar questions are being asked by the Tennis Associations of many countries, all of whom are concerned about the future of tennis within their own country, and concerned about the future of tennis worldwide. They can be assured that tennis worldwide has never been in better shape. Revenues are increasing every year, attendance is higher at all venues than in previous years, the prize money awarded to the players has increased steadily year after year, and the quality of the game has continued to improve. The advances in the technology of rackets and shoes has provided good players with an additional edge over lesser players, and brought the game to its highest level.
For many years tennis was dominated by two countries, USA and Australia. These two countries produced many of the players who are now included in the Tennis Hall of Fame and who’s names are synonymous with the game. Every tennis fan is familiar with these names, but neither Australia or the USA is dominant anymore, in fact Australia’s tennis future looks dismal, and that of the USA is not looking much better. Just take a look at the top 10 players. On the men’s side there are no Australians, and only one American, Andy Roddick. On the women’s side there are no Australians, but two Americans, the Williams sisters. Roddick’s position is not improving, he’s past his prime, and both Serena and Venus are closing in on 30, cutting back on their schedules and are both engrossed in other interests. If they retire next year, which is a strong possibility, there will be no US woman in the top 100. Among the American men there are players such as Querry, Blake, Fish, Gineppri, Irvine, and a couple of good juniors on the way up, but being realistic, none of these has the potential to be the next Connors or the next McEnroe, and none who have the game to challenge for the number 1 ranking or even a place in the top 10! The USTA is worried about their future, the prospect of having no American player competing successfully in a major tournament is of monumental concern, and they are taking steps to rectify the situation. They will hire better coaches, spend more money searching for talented kids, and more money on tennis scholarships. Will it be enough?
What is the magic ingredient that has made Rafael Nadal such a great player? Is it just a simple talent that he was born with? Is it a mixture of hard work, dedication and coaching? The same questions could be asked about Roger Federer, or Novak Djokovic.

The answer to these questions is being sought by many countries, but we must recognize the fact that being a top 10 player is being a part of a very exclusive club. Tennis players are born not manufactured.

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The quest for Future Tennis Stars