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New York Times: Could a Merger of Men’s and Women’s Tennis Come Out of This Hiatus?
This column by Christopher Clarey first appeared in the New York Times, April 25, 2020. When Roger Federer, with time on his hands in the midst of tennis’s shutdown, floated the prospect this week of merging the men’s and women’s tours, Billie Jean King saw potential for her 50-year dream to come true. “I’m thinking,…
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USTA Announces Cancellation of Key Junior Events
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, The United States Tennis Association has announced the cancellation of two major junior team competitions. The 2020 USTA Zone Team Championships, as well as the 2020 USTA National Boys/Girls 18s Team Championships, have been canceled for this year. Both events will return to the USTA calendar in…
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PRATT: Cattle Disease Halted Ojai Tournament In 1924
By Steve Pratt The Ojai Tennis Tournament turns 125 years old this week, but will do so without the playing one of the longest-standing and unique events in the world. Because of the world-wide Covid-19 pandemic, Ojai Valley Tennis Club President Carolyn Burke called an emergency meeting March 15 where board members voted unanimously to…
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Earn Youth Progression Points At Home – Learn How!
While Junior Tournaments, Early Development Camps, Team Challenges and Junior Team Tennis are all on hold, you can still earn credit in Youth Progression from the safety of your own home! Now through July 1, 10-U players will be able to earn stars (participation points) towards their progression by submitting video(s) of themselves completing…
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PRATT: Tennis Lover Arjad Cook Making Masks To Keep Business Open
It seems like forever, but it’s been just four short weeks since local tennis enthusiast and entrepreneur Adeline Arjad Cook went from being a successful boutique designer and manufacturer of tennis clothing, bags and jewelry to using her resources and manpower to aid those in need during the current Covid-19 pandemic. Shortly after President Donald…
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PRATT: Autism Awareness Month Continues In April
The closing of just about everything save for “essential” businesses like grocery stores and gas stations continues around the nation, and the world, and has affected just about every recreation sport that exists, including tennis. Last Friday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) released a statement advising individuals not to play tennis during the coronavirus…
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PRATT: SoCal Teaching Community Rallies Around Master Pro Henson
An unfortunate accident nearly a year ago has kept one of Southern California’s top teaching professionals off the court, out of work and in dire financial need, and the tennis community has come together to help in a huge way. Burbank resident Don Henson could actually be better described as the tennis teacher to the…
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In College Tennis, Seniors Lament What Might Have Been
The Highlanders needed a win. Badly. The women’s squad at UC Riverside had lost five decisions in a row and dropped to 3-8 overall on the 2019-20 tennis season, with Youngstown State University in town to face off at UCR’s Student Recreation Center. The team looked to their three seniors to guide the Highlanders…
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PRATT: Tennis Can Still Be Played If Precautions Are Followed
We are living in a new world with things changing day-by-day, hour-by-hour concerning the pandemic COVID-19 and the potential spread of the infectious coronavirus through close human contact. Even in this time of uncertainty and precaution, tennis still provides an opportunity to get outside and escape the claustrophobic feeling of house arrest. In fact, playing…
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COVID-19: TOURNAMENT CANCELLATIONS AND SUSPENSION OF TENNIS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Due to the increasing concern surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus, the USTA has cancelled all tennis tournaments through April 21, 2020. Separately, USTA Southern California is suspending Adult League play and Junior TeamTennis competition until March 31, 2020. At that time, we will review the situation and determine whether or not the suspension…