The WTA yesterday named Steve Simon CEO, a job that "immediately intrigued him because of the opportunity to have an even greater influence on the sport," according to Andrew John of the Palm Springs DESERT SUN. Simon: "There aren’t a lot of these opportunities out there where you have a platform to really step up and hopefully take things to the next level or make change that is positive for your industry." He said that he was "approached by the WTA board of directors" about his interest in the job "not long after" former CEO Stacey Allaster announced her resignation Sept. 22. As ATP/WTABNP Paribas Open COO, "constant change, innovation and improvement has been Simon’s philosophy," and he "plans to take that mentality to the WTA." Simon: “I’m going to take the same principles that we have here in Indian Wells with me because I don’t think that they change. It’s all about delivering a premium experience for everybody and the striving and pursuit of excellence. Innovation is a key element of that because you have to evolve" (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 10/6). Simon started his new role yesterday, but will continue with the event in Indian Wells for 60 more days. Simon plans to review the structure of the WTA, both the organization and the circuit, but did not identify any particular structural element. He said, “We want to make sure we have the right people in the right position.” Simon called for a look at the circuit structure, which would mean how tournaments are classified, where they fall on the calendar and player commitments. One area that he seemed to have no interest in tackling is grunting. Simon: “I am not sure it detracts, especially if the product and competition on the court is compelling” (Daniel Kaplan, Staff Writer).
OVER EXTENDED? ESPN's Peter Bodo wrote the WTA's Asia swing has "developed so many potholes that it may be abandoned." This week's China Open, the "crown jewel of the Asian swing," saw the withdrawal of Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka due to injury, coming after Serena Williams "pulled the plug" on '15 and opted not to travel to Asia. WTA President Micky Lawler said, "We need to look at spreading things out. ... We need to sit down and work out some significant changes, and we need to start on that soon." Bodo noted while the addition of the Asian swing has seen prize money "increased dramatically" and overall participation by top players "has risen significantly, withdrawals and retirements have become a nagging issue" (ESPN, 10/5). Simon said of the slew of withdrawals due to injury late in the season this year, "The athleticism that's coming into the game is definitely taking its toll on the athletes because matches are becoming so much more strenuous." He added, "We have to be open to evolution. ... Our athletes are our product and if they're not on the court, we don't have a product" (ESPNW, 10/5).
