The ITF, Grand Slam Committee and ATP Tour formally
announced a new marketing partnership yesterday, which
includes a rebranding of the Tour's Super 9 Series and a new
ranking system (ATP Tour). In Toronto, Jason Paul writes
that with the changes, "Tennis finally has its act together"
(TORONTO SUN, 12/10). In N.Y., Richard Sandomir writes that
the ranking system "starts with each player having zero
points" and will be in effect for 18 tournaments. ATP Tour
CEO Mark Miles, on the "marketing makeover": "We wanted fans
to know more than just four times a year that something
important in tennis is happening" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/10). In
Miami, Juan Rodriguez, on the ranking system: "Ideally, the
points race will spark greater fan interest and increase
head-to-head meetings between premier players. Whether it
simplifies the game remains to be seen" (MIAMI HERALD,
12/10). In St. Petersburg, Tom Tebbutt writes, "Men's
tennis should be exciting and entertaining next year. But
as for cataclysmic changes, let the buyer beware. Caveat
ATP Tour" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 12/10).
