combines the various men’s and women’s pro tennis tournaments in the U.S. in the months leading up to the U.S. Open and includes a bonus pool for players competing in the series.  Kantarian also pushed for the addition of instant replay technology, introduced blue tennis courts, and allowed tennis fans to move down from the cheap seats into the box seats late at night on Arthur Ashe stadium.  He also added video highlights on big screens in Arthur Ashe stadium, had players hit autographed balls into the stands after matches and presented live music including superstars like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin and fireworks as part of the U.S. Open!  Kantarian also placed the women’s final at the U.S. Open in prime time TV on Saturday night and pushed for the USTA to become involved in the ownership of pro tennis tournaments, i.e. Indian Wells and Cincinnati, as well as in cable TV, i.e. The Tennis Channel.  In the past year, Kantarian also become responsible for elite player development and installed Davis Cup Captain, Patrick McEnroe, as General Manager and Jose Higueras as Coaching Director.  Despite all his success, not everyone agreed with some of Kantarian’s moves.  One question that will be need to be answered as the USTA seeks Kantarian’s replacement is whether and/or how the success and profile of professional tennis through the U.S. Open and other pro tennis tournaments in the United States and on the Tennis Channel affects tennis player participation at the grass roots level.

Posted by TC at 10:24 PM |