HEAD CUSTOM MADE

RACQUETS
NEW PRODUCTS
- ASHAWAY CROSSFIRE
- BABOLAT ORIGIN
-TECNIFIBRE T-FLASH
INDUSTRY NEWS
TIPS
ISSUE 10 - 2013
EUROPEAN RACQUET STRINGERS ASSOCIATION
european racquet stringers association

RACQUETTECH
Contents
Features
04 My Serve
06 New Products
16 Industry News
26 Tips

Industry News
- Ashaway PTR Official
String
- Kermode ATP Chef
- IMG Sold to William
Morris
- IMG Eurosport
Contract
4

My Serve Welcome to ISSUE 10 of our magazine!

RACQUETTECH EUROPE ERSA wishes you all a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2014!
European Racquet Stringers Association
Director
I was happy to be invited to the Mubadala World Tennis
Mark Maslowski Championships this year, so I spent Christmas Holidays with
my family in a beautiful warm country (Abu Dhabi), along
ERSA Germany, Austria, Switzerland
Sanda Maslowski
with stringing 3 days for the top players in the world.

ERSA Australia Manager We are organizing the member packets for 2014. If you have
Anthony Aley
not signed up for 2014, use the sign-up sheet included in this
ERSA UK Manager issue or go directly on our web-site shop and purchase your
Jamie Pethick membership. We will not send any packets out this year until
ERSA UK Tester
payments are received this year. The new Stringers Digest
Roger Dalton 2014 has over 330 new racket stringing instructions for ten-
nis, racquetball, squash and badminton.
ERSA Spain Manager
Richard Parnell
We have contracted the same hotel as last year for the Sym-
ERSA Italy Manager posium so we will send out a hotel sign up sheet this week
Marco Rossani
with the prices. The hotel is close to the airport and close
ERSA Benelux Managers to our offices and tennis hall. The room prices will include a
Timo van Driel great breakfast buffet, free WiFi and Fitness and Wellness
Rob Maessen
use. We will also have a badminton and squash stringing
ERSA Greece Manager course along with the new Certified Stringer Badminton and
George Pahiakos Squash. If you are already a tennis MRT, your new designa-
ERSA Greece Tester
tion will be Master of Racquet Sports.
Petros Biris
The next issue will be out after ISPO the first of February and
ERSA Czech Republic & Slovakia
Vacalv Smat
will include new products and 2 string tests. The Symposium
schedule will also be included. The presentations will be
ERSA Latin America Managers expanded to include badminton stringing, business manage-
Andrea Amaral - Ricardo Dipold
ment and more hands on courses.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Ashaway Babolat My schedule for the next months until the Symposium will be
Head Isospeed
Kirschbaum Luxilon
January 26- February 3 Davis Cup first round World Group
Pacific Wilson in La Roche Sur Yon in France, workshops in February and
March (exact dates and venues to be announced this month),
CORPORATE MEMBERS
Ashaway Head
then the AGM Tennis Europe in Sofia, Bulgaria from the 27-
Prince Isospeed 30 March, 2014.
GOSEN Tecnifibre

STRING SUPPLIER MEMBERS

We will be adding a new concept in our online shop this
Apollo Leisure Bow Brand month. Some people are out of the
Kirschbaum Signum Pro way, cannot find time or cannot afford
Tyger / Tennis Planet
to come to a workshop. ERSA will be
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT offering video analysis of your string-
Rod Cross ing when a video is uploaded to us
TENNIS CONSULTANT
with an in depth analysis of your skills,
Gabe Jaramillo tips to string better and what you need
to work on to pass your certification
European Racquet Stringers Association
Lenaustr. 38
tests.
40470 Düsseldorf Best wishes
DE Germany Mark Maslowski
Phone / Fax +49(0)211-68814151
 New Certified Stringers, Master Racquet Technicians and Pro Tour Stringers.
ERSA now offers certification for different levels of stringers, from beginners to the top
professional stringers in the world. The first level is ERSA Stringer is for new stringers to
show they have completed a stringing course and learned to string correctly. Certified
Stringer is for stringing services, such as coaches, club stringers, shop string¬ers, after
passing a day of practical and written tests. Master Racquet Technician is for shop
stringers and owners who can tune racquets, string at a high level and have a broad
knowledge of products for their customers. Pro Tour Stringer certification is for MRTs
who are stringing at ATP and WTA tournaments. There are 3 levels for this certification,
Level 1, Level 2 and Master Pro Tour Stringer. The highest level, Master PTS is only given
to stringers who have proven themselves at professional tournaments for over 10 years.
NEW – Anyone with a Master Racquet Technician certification can take the Level 1 Pro
Tour Stringer certification without tournament experience. This will only be a practical
test. After five years, the applicant can apply to take the Level 2 certification. A resume
will be required with tournament experience. Master Pro Tour Stringer can be applied
for after 10 years and must be recommended from another Master PTS.

CERTIFIED STRINGER -
Valentin Abrudean - Italy

MASTER RACQUET TECHNICIAN -

Sanda Maslowski - Germany
Manfredini Aldo - Italy

PRO TOUR STRINGERS - LEVEL 1 -

STRINGS
MADE IN GERMANY
SINCE 1985
6

New Products

FEEL LIKE A PRO WITH HEAD CUSTOM MADE

Customizing is now entering a whole new territory: HEAD introduces a revolutionary service that
allows players of all levels to create their tennis racquets. Following the principle “Be unique, play
unique, feel unique”, HEAD Custom Made takes individual playing level, experience, and technical
needs into consideration to provide players with the most personal tennis game yet.

“HEAD Custom Made opens the door to a unique level of personalization that, until now, only
world-class players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray or Maria Sharapova had access to. We are
very proud to be able to offer this exclusive service to every tennis player out there going forward”,
says Ottmar Barbian, Vice President and Division Manager for HEAD Racquet Sport.

HEAD offers the Graphene™ Speed Model either in black or the inline Speed design. Users can
then not only personalize the weight, length, and balance of the racquet, but also choose between
different stringing as well as the form and size of the grip – all a world first service from HEAD.
And if that is not enough, tennis enthusiasts can even name their racquet. The easy-to-use online
platform also features a surprise for tennis fans: In an exclusive video, Novak Djokovic shows how
he customizes his racquet.

HEAD Custom Made is available

online at head.com/CustomMade in
Austria, USA, Canada, Switzerland,
UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy,
Belgium, the Netherlands and Lux-
embourg as of December 9, 2013.
Individual price information and de-
livery timelines are available at head.
com/CustomMade.
MAKE IT YOURS.
HEAD CUSTOM MADE.
WHERE CUSTOMIZATION MEETS INNOVATION.
Many players have long been waiting for the opportunity to customize their
tennis racquet, and HEAD has now made that a possibility.
With HEAD CUSTOM MADE you can choose from different weights, lengths, strings
and many other settings to create your very own racquet; a racquet, that will help
you improve your skills on court. So, whether you’re a top notch player like Novak
Djokovic or an aspiring athlete, HEAD CUSTOM MADE will take your game to a
whole new level.

4
2

1
8 5 7
6

1
DESIGN 5
BALANCE
Choose between the Speed or Black design. Choose between head heavy and head light to influence
maneuverability during your swing.
2
SETTINGS 6
GRIP SHAPE / SIZE
Start from scratch or start with basic pre-settings for one out Choose between three different grip types and two
of 3 Speed racquets: Speed Pro, Speed MP or Speed S. different grip shapes for a comfortable feel when playing.
3
WEIGHT 7
STRINGS
Weight is a key element in stabilizing your racquet and Choose between three string types with different benefits:
controlling your power level. For a faster swing and more agility control, power, touch and spin – and between two
choose a lighter racquet, for extra power go for a heavier one. string patterns: 16/19 and 18/20.
4
LENGTH 8
PERSONALIZE
Choose a longer racquet for more power and added reach Make it your own! Have your name or motto
or a normal length for better swing and maneuverability. laser-printed onto the inside of the racquet shaft.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR HEAD SPEED RACQUET.

NOW ON head.com/CustomMade
8 7

April 11 – 14, 2014 Join us for 4 days of meeting top

stringers from around the
world, presentations and hands
Friday, April 11, 2014 on courses, private stringing
20:00 Friday Evening Meet and Greet Cocktails lessons from the tour pros. We
are limiting the Symposium to
Saturday, April 12, 2014 60 participants so sign up early.
We are negotiating with several
9:00 – 17:00 Presentations
hotels and will announce the
14:00 – 18:00 Stringing and Racket Testing – TC Blau-Schwarz venue and presentations in the
next issue of RacquetTech.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
9:00 – 17:00 Presentations & Workshops
12:00 – 17:00 Private Lessons

Monday, April 14, 2014

9:00 – 17:00 CS, MRT and Pro Tour Stringer Testing
9:00 – 14:00 Private Lessons

ERSA Member 99€ ERSA e-Member 159€ Non-Member 259€

COMPANY____________________________________________________________________________________________

NAME________________________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________________________________________

POSTCODE______________CITY__________________________________________________________________________

COUNTRY____________________________________________________________________________________________

PHONE__________________________E-MAIL_______________________________________________________________

DATE______________SIGNATURE_________________________________________________________________________

CREDIT CARD_____AMEX_______VISA________MASTERCARD

CC NUMBER_________________________________________________________________________________________

EXPIRATION DATE_____________________________________________________________________________________

e-mail or Fax to mmaslo3330@aol.com +49-211-68814151

 9

New Products

Ashaway Brings Zyex® Monofilament Technology to its

Tennis Hybrid Line with Two New Crossfire® Strings

-- Crossfire ZX combines 17 gauge Kevlar® +Plus Mains with MonoGut® ZX Pro Crosses
-- Crossfire ZX Tour Includes Ashaway's co-polymer MonoGut Original with MonoGut ZX
Crosses
-- Both strings add a new dimension of soft power, spin and durability

Ashaway, RI – Ashaway Racket Strings has extended its well-known Crossfire® line of hy-
brid tennis strings to include its increasingly popular 100% Zyex® monofilament strings.
Additions to the line include Crossfire ZX, which combines Ashaway's 17 gauge braided
Aramid/PTFE Kevlar® +Plus mains with MonoGut® ZX Pro cross strings; and Crossfire
ZX Tour, which includes Ashaway's co-polymer string, MonoGut Original, mains with
MonoGut ZX for the crosses.

"Our 100% Zyex MonoGut strings are increasingly known for their ability to generate
power and spin, and their soft, gut-like feel," said Steve Crandall, Ashaway Vice President.
"Aramids and co-polymers are known for their stiffness, durability and ability to gener-
ate spin. Combining these two adds a new dimension to the hybrid spectrum, and offers
players added combinations of exceptionally soft power, spin control and durability."

Crossfire ZX is the lighter of the two hybrids, combining 1.25 mm Kevlar +Plus mains for
superior durability and control with MonoGut ZX Pro crosses. 17 gauge Kevlar +Plus is a
blend of braided Aramid and silky soft PTFE fibers that softens the string's feel. The 1.22
mm MonoGut ZX Pro is a 100% Zyex monofilament that has the closest dynamic stiffness
to natural gut of any synthetic string and
sets the benchmark for soft power and spin.

For heavier hitters is Crossfire ZX Tour. This

hybrid utilizes 1.27 mm MonoGut Original
co-polymer monofilament strings in the
mains for excellent durability and enhanced
spin with 1.27 mm MonoGut ZX for the
cross strings. This 100% Zyex monofilament
maximizes power and improves the feel
of the ball. The Crossfire ZX Tour hybrid
allows players to experience similar play-
ability and performance to the co-polymer/
natural gut hybrid that is so popular on the
tour, but with the extra advantage of opti-
mum durability.

Visit: www.ashawayusa.com
 Sign-up 2014

Sign up Now for 2014 and receive 3 sets of Test String.

Become a member today and receive:
- STRINGERS DIGEST
- RACQUETTECH MAGAZINE - 10 ISSUES
- WEB ACCESS
- DISCOUNTS ON ADVERTISERS PRODUCTS
- FREE SAMPLES
- REDUCED PRICES ON WORKSHOPS AND CERTIFICATION
- ANNUAL MEETING / SYMPOSIUM - Value 350€ for 99€ -
Minimum 100€ in Free Samples so it is at no cost to you.

2014
1 Year Membership -99€
2 Year Membership – 170€
3 Year Membership - 220€

Name_____________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________

Postcode___________________City____________________________________

Country___________________________________________________________

1.Year Membership 99Euro____________________________________________

2.Year Membership 170Euro___________________________________________

3.Year Membership 220Euro___________________________________________

Credit Card AMEX_____ VISA_____ Mastercard______

Card Number________________________________Exp. Date_______________

Signature_____________________________________________________

Please Fax or e-Mail this form to European Racquet Stringers Association.

Phone & Fax +49(0)211-68814151; email mmaslo3330@aol.com
 11

New Products
Ashaway Introduces New PowerKill® Racquetball String Line with
Power Filament Technology™
-- New PowerKill 17 and PowerKill Pro "morph" from recent PFT™ R&D advances in Ultra-
Kill® 16
-- Line includes surface element of Zyex® filaments to increase durability and tension
maintenance, and optimize power
That "one thing leads to another" has certainly been true in the Ashaway R&D lab of late
as the company has continued to experiment with different ways to utilize various combi-
nations and constructions of Zyex® filaments in its racquet string products. Recently, the
company announced a new PFT™ (Power Filament Technology™) wear layer, or "jacket,"
for its UltraKill® 16 Racquetball string. Now that concept has morphed into an entirely new
line of PowerKill® strings for racquetball.

Said Ashaway's Steve Crandall, "Our new PowerKill line with PFT represents a significant
advance in string technology for racquetball that will allow players to push their game to
the limit. What we've done with PFT is create an entirely new surface element of Zyex
filaments in the jacket of the string that increases durability and tension holding, and opti-
mizes power. It also enhances loop strength to reduce frame breakage."

Zyex is a trade name for a high temperature, engineering grade polymer known as poly-
etheretherketone, or PEEK. PEEK materials like Zyex have several physical properties that
recommend them for racquet strings, Crandall explained. Among other qualities, PEEK
monofilaments and fibers are very tough and durable, and have excellent abrasion resis-
tance. In tests measuring "thread on thread" abrasion -- one of the key factors in string
fatigue -- PEEK multifilaments lasted more than five times as long as "bullet proof" aramid
fibers.
The new line will initially consist of two strings, PowerKill Pro, and PowerKill 17. PowerKill
Pro is geared for professional level players and heavy hitters who consistently break
string. It's a heavier, 16 gauge (1.30 mm) string designed
to maximize durability and tension holding properties.
PowerKill 17 is a slightly lighter gauge string at 1.25 mm,
and is designed to provide superior elongation and resil-
iency for a wide range of professional and amateur play-
ers who want to optimize power and ball control.

Bright red in color, both PowerKill Pro and PowerKill

16 are available in 40 ft. sets and 360 ft. reels. Recom-
mended stringing tension is up to 35 lbs., but Ashaway
suggests using 10-20% less tension than normally used
for standard nylon strings.

www.ashawayusa.com
12

New Products

Tecnifibre has introduced the new 2014 T-Flash line this

month along with the new 2014 Tour ATP bag line.

T-Flash 265
Weight: 265±7g / 9,3oz
Balance: 335±7mm
Headsize: 645 cm²/100in²
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross Section: 23/25mm progressive beam

T-Flash 285
Weight: 285±7g / 9,9 oz
Balance: 325±7mm
Headsize: 645 cm²/100in²
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross-section: 23/25mm progressive beam

T-Flash 300
Weight: 300±4g / 10,6oz
Balance: 325±4mm
Headsize:645 cm²/100in²
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross section: 23/25mm progressive beam

T-Flash 315
Weight: 315±4g / 11,1oz
Balance: 325±4mm
Headsize:645 cm²/100in²
String pattern: 16 x 19
Cross section: 23/25mm progressive beam

The TOUR ATP bags are available in 3,

6, 9, and 12 racket bags and a back-
pack. Black with yellow trim.

The 12 racket bag features 2 racket

pockets, 1 central pocket, 1 “Heavy
Stuff” pocket, 1 ventilated shoe pocket
and 1 accessory pocket. 2 Carrying
Handles, 2 air mesh backpack straps
and 4 air mesh pads for comfort.

www.tecnifibre.com
 13

New Products
Natural Tennis Freestyle
and Diamond Racquets
Head Size: 105 sq. in.
Length: 27.25 in. (F.); 27.25 in. (D.)
Weight*: 10.8 oz.
Balance*: 10 pts. HL
Swingweight: 318
Beam Width: 23-26-22.5mm
String Pattern: 16 x 19
Choice of ATP pro Brian Battistone, the Freestyle and Diamond racquets feature a double-handled design,
which the company says allows players, on both sides of the body, to hit with greater leverage, reach, and
stability. (“The modern tennis stroke,” states Natural Tennis, “is a combination of the push-pull concept.
Optimal leverage is created by pulling with the front handle and pushing with the back.”) What’s more, the
company claims that, by discouraging lopsided stroke development and encouraging more symmetrical
play, the two handles reduce the types of muscle imbalances that can stress the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
Save for a difference in length—the Freestyle is 27.25 in. long, the Diamond 27.5 in.—what distinguishes
each racquet is shape of its handles: Whereas the Freestyle’s are constructed like a V, the Diamond’s han-
dles conform to a more rectangular configuration. According to the sticks’ designers, both promote strong
wrist positions at contact, as well as a wide variety of heretofore uncommon shots. (Think of two singled-
handed Western forehands, or the two-handed “Santoro Slice.” For instruction and demonstrations by Brian
Battistone himself, click here.) Both racquets are approved by the International Tennis Federation for use in
sanctioned competition.
Web: http://www.naturaltennis.com

DA-RT Tester Badminton DA-RT Tester Racket Stiffness Tester

STRINGLAB 2 by Stringway
The features of the Stringlab 2 are:
* Measures the string-bed-stiffness in kg/cm (= DT value).
* Measures the SBS of all racquets including badminton racquets.
* Measures the SBS in every position of the stringbed, (sweetspot test).
* Measures with an accuracy of hundredth of kg/cm.
* Measures the stiffness of racquets in kg/cm with the optional RA frame.
* No ERR results .
* Stringbed-stiffness tester € 226.12 * Racquet stiffness test € 72,48
* Support ring for badminton stringbed-stiffness tester € 18,88
www.stringway-nl.com
14

New Products

Babolat launches its new string: Babolat Origin

In keeping with a long tradition of innovation in tennis racket strings, Babolat launches Babolat
Origin, a new synthetic string providing a combination of power and comfort.

In 1875, Babolat invented the first tennis racket string. This year, Babolat innovates with Babolat
Origin, a synthetic string for passionate players looking for performance products. This achieve-
ment is made possible thanks to an exclusive new material, Pure Combo, made from a natural
resource. This technical revolution
provides an unrivalled level of power and comfort at ball impact for a synthetic string.

Features of the Babolat Origin string

Babolat Origin is made out of a new revolutionary material, Pure Combo, an organically- sourced
polyamide, integrated in a monofilament construction. These exceptional features provide Babolat
Origin an unmatched level of elasticity and flexibility for a monofilament string.

A key element in equipment and play, the string accounts for 50% of a racquet’s

performance. At ball impact, a 4-thousandth-of-a-second period, the string is the

only element that comes in contact with the ball. “Thanks to its flexibility, the Babolat Origin
string provides a feeling of comfort at ball impact for a full-power play,” said Franck Fernier, Strings
Product Manager for Babolat.

The Babolat Origin string is available in 125,

130, and 135 gauges.
Babolat Origin will be available at retail
stores starting in December 2013.

www.babolat.com
16

Industry News

Leading String Innovator Ashaway Named Official String of

Professional Tennis Registry

-- With more technical "Firsts" than any other manufacturer, Ashaway is only US
string maker
-- Company will support PTR mission to educate, certify and service tennis teachers
and coaches worldwide

Ashaway, RI – Longtime string innovator Ashaway Racket Strings has been named the Official
String of Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), the company recently announced. The designation is
part of a three-year sponsorship agreement with PTR, effective January 1, 2014.

PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 14,600
members in 117 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of
any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and
coaches around the world in order to grow the game.

"PTR is excited to sign with Ashaway. The company produces high quality racket strings, and has
been a long-term supporter of the industry," said Dan Santorum, PTR CEO. "In keeping with PTR's
emphasis on our family culture, it is apropos that we partner with a great family owned and run
company like Ashaway."

"Ashaway is delighted to partner with Professional Tennis Registry and its worldwide member-
ship," said Steve Crandall, Ashaway Vice President. "Ashaway has been a leading innovator in
the tennis industry since 1949, and as PTR's Official String, we're happy to support its mission to
educate, certify and service tennis
teachers and coaches around the
world, and to help grow the game
of tennis."

Now in the 21st century, Asha-

way has introduced the first 100%
Zyex monofilament strings under
the MonoGut® ZX brand. These
revolutionary monofilament strings
play more like natural gut than
any other string and will be incor-
porated into new Crossfire hybrid
products in 2014.

www.ashawayusa.com
 2012 - 2013
TENNI S Valuable insights into the
European tennis market
¨The encyclopedia for
your tennis business¨

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• Federation contacts and facts
• Statistical data with current situation and 3-year trends of:
• Players (total/club members/licensed/recreational/junior/senior) More Features
• Clubs
• SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS
• Courts (indoor/outdoor)
INC. insight on European and
• Coaches
USA tennis business and mar-
• Tennis Federation publications & media
ket trends
• Professional player performance
• Tennis Europe’s A, B, C
• Four-year statistics of International Tournaments (2008 - 2011) nations summarised
(junior/professional/seniors/wheelchair & beach tennis)
• Quick reference quide for all
• European Tennis Trophy Ranking, current and 2010 statistical data

Conducted by
Tennis Europe (by constitution European Tennis Federation) is the largest regional association of the sport’s
governing body, the International Tennis Federation. As a non-profit organizing body of European tennis,
based in Basel, Switzerland, Tennis Europe is comprised of 49 member nations and co-operates with consti-
tuent national federations to sanction, manage and support over 1,000 international tennis tournaments each
year across the continent. Tennis Europe maintains excellent relations with the ATP and WTA Tours, European
Union, and the wider tennis industry.

SPORTS MARKTING SURVEYS INC. is the 'Official Research Partner' of Tennis Europe. It is an experienced and
focused sports research business servicing the sports facility, equipment & sports’ goods industry.

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ALBANIA FYR MACEDONIA
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390 € plus shipping costs ARMENIA GERMANY NETHERLANDS
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18

Industry News
News Shorts
PTR Week will be held in February at Van der Meer Shipyard Tennis Center and the Sonesta
Resort Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This year the PTR Championships will be held from
February 17-19 and the International Tennis Symposium will be held from February 20-23. Profes-
sional Development Courses will be held before and after the Symposium. Teachers and coaches
come all over the world, including speakers Dr. Jim Loehr, Pat Etcheberry, Dennis Ralston, Anne
Pankhurst, Leo Alonso. A total of 40 presenters will offer on court and off court presentations
during the Symposium covering business, teaching, tactics and more. Contact the PTR at www.
ptrtennis.org for more information.

Specialty Store Sales USA - Racquet sales in units were down 7% in the first three quarters in the
USA down 3% in dollar sales. Babolat Aero Pro Drive and Babolat Pure Drive were in first and
second place in unit racquet sales for this period. Prince SynGut Duraflex remains number one in
string sales in units and Prince T22 shoes number one in dollar sales in shoes.

Czech Republic repeated their victory in the Davis Cup Final with a 3-2 win over Serbia. Radek
Stepanek also repeated his feat of winning the deciding fifth set rubber two years in a row. He is
the first player to accomplish this 2 years in a row.

Italy won their fourth Fed Cup final in Sardenia November 2-3. The team defeated Russia 4-0.

The second annual WorldTennis Day will take place on Monday, March 1. The event, sponsored
by the International Tennis Federation and Star Games, will offer high profile events featuring for-
mer and current stars in New York, London, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Novak Djokovic, Andy Mur-
ray, Bryan brothers, John and Patrick McEnroe will play exhibition matches in New York. In 2013,
55 nations took part in the event.

Kermode starts new ATP Tour role

Chris Kermode started his three-year term as ATP Executive
Chairman and President on New Year’s Day, marking the
occasion with his thoughts on a number of issues on ATP-
WorldTour.com.

The new boss has been involved in tennis for more than 30
years as a player and, most recently, as Tournament Director
of the Aegon Championships and Managing Director of the
Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Kermode feels it is an honour to be entrusted with the ATP

leadership and has taken the off season to let the appoint-
ment sink in and to consider the challenges ahead.

He wants to see continued growth in the sport, both in terms

of on-site attendances and also TV numbers, with people
looking at every avenue so they can to watch and engage with tennis.

With his background in the entertainment business, Kermode believes marketing the game plays a
vital role in raising its profile.
 19

Industry News
“Any sport now would be naïve to think you can get away without marketing and our product is so
strong and watched by so many people,” he said.

“We just want to engage with an audience that have never seen live tennis before and get them to
experience it on-site, on television or online.”

“They are being pulled in loads of different avenues - entertainment options of film, music [and]
sport. So we just need to make sure that our market share remains and, hopefully, grows as well.”

Kermode sees the future rich with potential stars.

“It is very difficult to predict which ones will come through,” he said. “But, obviously, we’ve got Mi-
los Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov, Jerzy Janowicz and Bernard Tomic and Kei Nishikori.

“They all bring something new to the court. I think those are the players who are going to battle it
out over the next few years.

“I think it’s this changing of the guard. I’m not saying it’s imminent in the next year, but over the
next three years.

For more visit www.atptourworld.com  

Wozniacki says Yes to Rory McIlroy

After months of speculation, two former world number ones in their respective sports have decided
to tie the knot.

Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki and BritIsh golfer, Rory McIlroy, have been dating for more than
two years and erroneous reports over their relationship has led some to claim it has resulted in
their respective drops In form.

“Happy New Year everyone! Rory and I started 2014 with a bang! ... I said YES!!!!” Wozniacki
tweeted above a picture of her hand sporting an engagement ring.

The Dane, 23, has dropped to No 10 in the world rankings but claimed her first title of 2013 by win-
ning Luxembourg in the autumn.

McIlroy, 24, who hails from Northern Ireland, had to wait until December to gain his first title of the
2013 season when he dramatically edged Adam Scott on the final hole to win the Australian Open.

He has claimed an early victory in 2014 after Caroline accepted his marriage proposal, made in
Syney as the couple celebrated the New Year together.

Wozniacki returns to Babolat

After playing with a blacked-out racket for much of last season, it has been reported that Caroline
Wozniacki has returned to Babolat after signing a new deal.

The Dane had played with Yonex for about two years but began using a blacked-out racket in late
spring, which many presumed was a Babolat as she had played with one before signing with Yo-
nex in 2011.
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Industry News
The decision to switch to Babolat came after Wozniacki apparently appeared dissatisfied with her
Yonex racket as her performance slumped.

Her contract with Yonex, however, did not allow her to play with any other brands for the remainder
of the year, so she was forced to spray-paint the frame until the end of the 2013 season.

Wozniacki has been working hard with a new coach Thomas Högstedt in the hopes of climbing
back into the world’s top 5; but she was forced to withdraw from the Brisbane International tennis
tournament this week after succumbing to a shoulder injury.

She is currently ranked tenth in the world and ended the season by winning her first title that year
in Luxembourg, sporting her new Babolat racket and with her new coach alongside her.

Murray returns to match play

Andy Murray bounced back to claim his first win against the
world number eight Stanislav Wawrinka, 6-3 6-4, to finish
fifth at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition
in Aub Dhabi.

He had been happy enough with his movement, if not the

result, after making a losing return on Boxing Day after back
surgery and 15 weeks on the sidelines.

The 26-year-old world number four called an early end to his 2013 season after playing a Davis
Cup World Group GB v Croatia tie in mid-September to have minor surgery on his lower back.

He had a minor operation on a long-standing back problem later that month, bringing an early end
to his season.

Murray was trying to lower expectations as he began his comeback from injury and was not too
concerned at losing his first match at the Zayed Sports City.

“I moved well in the first set, especially once I got into the rallies,” he said after his 7-5 6-3 defeat
at the hands of French world number 10 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Thursday.

The Scot lost his US Open title in a quarter-final defeat to Wawrinka so a win against the Swiss
after shaking off some of the rust was satisfying.

The Scot got the better of three successive breaks to take the first set and then forged ahead
again with a break for 4-3 in the second.

Wawrinka saved a match point on his own serve with a forehand winner but Murray confidently
served out the victory and then declared himself pleased with the way his back has responded to
playing matches again.

“It was good to get two matches against top players. Everyone needs matches at this stage, espe-
cially me. It’s been a perfect start and hopefully I’ll get better.”

Murray now makes the short trip to Doha for next week’s Qatar ExxonMobil Open, where he will
start his ATP World Tour season alongside world number one Rafael Nadal.
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22

Industry News
IMG sold to William Morris Endeavor Entertainment
Private investment firm Forstmann Little has agreed to sell sports, entertain-
ment and fashion agency IMG to competitor William Morris Endeavor and its
financial backer, Silver Lake Partners.

Although the financial terms were not disclosed on Wednesday when the news broke after weeks
of speculation, various media reports have listed the value of the deal to be around $2.4 billion.

The sale could have massive ramifications in the areas of athlete representation and marketing,
depending on how WME is able to adjust to the sports world, in which it currently has relatively
little stake.

With the acquisition, WME, which makes its money primarily in the Hollywood and music represen-
tation businesses, has a chance to pick up athlete clients, although IMG’s business is no longer
driven by athlete contracts and endorsements as it once was.

Over the past decade under Forstmann, IMG has let contracts for football, basketball, baseball
and hockey players go, as the margins on commissions thinned and the cost to acquire and retain
clients grew.

What remained was a robust golf business that represents the likes of Luke Donald, Ernie Els, K.J.
Choi, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Anthony Kim, Vijay Singh, Yani Tseng and Paula Cream-
er, and a tennis business that represents Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and Li Na as well as
broadcaster brothers John and Patrick McEnroe.

WME already markets athletes Serena Williams, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash
and commentators Andy Roddick, Ray Lewis, Michael Strahan and Dan Marino.

While WME continued to focus on Hollywood and music with clients that included Steven Spiel-
berg, Adele, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars and John Legend, IMG represents Taylor Swift and Justin
Timberlake, and its modeling division numbers Kate Upton, Chrissy Teigen and Christie Brinkley
as clients.

IMG is the largest independent producer of sports programming in the world, putting together
more than 21,000 hours of television and more than 30,000 hours of radio per year, but Its biggest
growth engine is its college business, which through licensing, marketing and ticketing contracts
with the majority of the BCS conference schools generated $483 million in 2013, the company
said.

IMG Worldwide entered the local community through its July 2010 purchase of ISP Sports in a
deal the Wall Street Journal has valued at between $80 million and $100 million.

IMG College is the nation’s leading collegiate sports mar-

keting company, offering national, regional, and local
multi-platform marketing opportunities targeting 190 million
college sports fans.

The Wall Street Journal also reported that IMG College

now represents about one-third of the company’s sales
with revenue expected to exceed $480 million this year.
 23

Industry News
While WME is a major player in Hollywood, with its small presence of professional sports athletes
ahead of the deal, its chief rival, Creative Artists Agency, established its professional sports divi-
sion in 2006.

Buying IMG Worldwide now gives the WME access to domestic US and international sports events
that IMG Worldwide produces, which tend to be lucrative in terms of marketing revenue and media
rights, as well as its clients in the fashion industry.

IMG was created by lawyer Mark McCormack and Hall of Fame golfer Arnold Palmer with a hand-
shake in 1960, and now operates in more than 30 countries.

It was purchased by Forstmann Little in 2004 for about $700 million after McCormack died in 2003.

Forstmann Little founder, Theodore Forstmann, died in 2011, convincing some investors that the
time was right to unload IMG for a 200-plus percent profit in order to pay off some of the private
equity firm’s limited partners, including some pension funds for General Electric.

A year ago, Forstmann Little had hoped to raise as much as $3 billion for IMG, according to insid-
ers, but more recently it lowered its expectations to $2.5 billion.

WME is run by co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell and Silver Lake, a tech-heavy private
equity firm, is a stakeholder in the agency.

While it has been known for a year that IMG would eventually be sold, the auction process began
in the summer, and observers expected WME to bid aggressively for the firm with the view to ex-
panding its sports business and carving out a larger international role.

IMG’s
G’s list of talent boosts an alread
already impressi
impressive
e line
lineup
p at WME
WME, which
hich also represents the likes of
Christopher Nolan, Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey and Seth MacFarlane.

For more visit www.img.com

g

IMG and Eurosport secure global LTA events package

Pan-European sports broadcaster Eurosport and the IMG
Media agency have agreed a joint five-year rights partner-
ship with the Lawn Tennis Association, the governing body of
tennis in the UK.

IMG Media and Eurosport will distribute rights relating to

LTA-run tournaments outside of the UK across all media
platforms.

The events package includes the men’s ATP Tour event at

Queen’s Club, London and the International Championships
at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne; the latter featuring events
from both the ATP Tour and the women’s WTA counterpart.

The deal, which will run from 2014 to 2018, also includes the new WTA event to be held in Not-
tingham from 2015, during the newly formed three-week gap for grass court tennis between the
French Open and Wimbledon Grand Slam tournaments.
24

Industry News
will manage media-rights distribution outside of Europe.

Eurosport’s international tennis coverage includes over 1000 hours of live tennis action in 2014,
including extensive multi-court coverage from three Grand Slams, Australian Open, French Open
and US Open alongside a selection of ATP and WTA tournaments.

Fans can also enjoy in-depth analysis from expert Mats Wilander in magazine shows Game, Set &
Mats and Mats Point.

For more visit www.img.com, www.lta.org.uk and http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com  

Djokovic named World Champion as he appoints Becker as Head Coach

On the day that the ITF announced Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic as the 2013 ITF World
Champions, the Serbian world number two appointed Germany’s Boris Becker as his Head Coach
in place of Marian Vajda.

Djokovic narrowly edged out Rafael Nadal to become Men’s World Champion thanks to his consis-
tency at the Grand Slam tournaments and year-end performances.The 26-year-old won his third
successive Australian Open title, and was a finalist at Wimbledon and the US Open and a semi-
finalist at Roland Garros.

He won seven titles during the year, including the ATP World Tour Finals, and was unbeaten in
seven singles rubbers as Serbia reached the Davis Cup Final.

Becker, 46, who is a a six-time Grand Slam champion, will begin working with Djokovic ahead of
next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

Vajda, who has been with Djokovic since 2006, will remain part of the Serb’s coaching team along
with Miljan Amanovic and Gebhard Phil-Gritsch.

Serena Williams is named ITF Women’s World Champion for the fourth time, while Americans Bob
and Mike Bryan are named Men’s Doubles World Champions for the tenth time in 11 years, and
Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy become Women’s Doubles World Champions for the second
successive year.

Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev of Germany are named ITF Junior World
Champions, while the ITF Wheelchair World Champions are Aniek van Koot of Netherlands and
Japan’s Shingo Kunieda, who becomes men’s champion for the fifth time.

The ITF World Champions will receive their awards at the ITF World Champions Dinner on Tues-
day 3 June, in Paris, during Roland Garros.

Williams, 32, reclaimed the year-end world No 1 ranking for the first time since 2009 and was al-
most invincible in 2013, winning 78 of 82 singles matches played, and a career-best 11 titles.

She captured two Grand Slam titles, at Roland Garros and the US Open, to stand at 17 career
majors, and went on to win the year-end WTA Championships.

For more visit www.itftennis.com

26

TIPS

Easy Use of Grip Build Up Sleeves

Getting Your Knots Tight

27

ERSA Around the World

Abu Dhabi - Mark Maslowski, ERSA Director, was invited to string at the Mubadala WTC for 6 of
the top players in the world including the top 4. Andre Maslowski (above right), MRT, had to fill
in for an oncourt for the Number 1 player in the world, Rafael Nadal for his first ever tournament
racket. He managed in 20 minutes and perfectly strung!

Richard Parnell, Spain Manager and Tester, conducted a workshop and certification testing for
TennisWarehouse Europe. Five stringers and 4 languages. Welcome to Timo Maier (German),
Thomas Beiner (German), Sebastien Fernandez (Spanish), Mark Kreder (French), Paolo Santa-
maria (Italian).

ENTDECKE Die Int. Plattform für alle

DIE WELT
DER
Trainer und Coaches
die professionell
unterrichten

WE MAKE
A WORLD OF INFO: PTR European Headquarters

DIFFERENCE Leichtergasse 28 - 39012 MERAN

Fon: +39 0473 230097 - www.ptrtennis.de - info@ptrtennis.de