"So what exactly has happened to women's tennis in this
country?," writes Susan Festa Fiske of TENNIS magazine. The
"most popular explanation is that the paucity of top players is
merely cyclical," but the "desire quotient" is also mentioned.
Chris Evert cites the American "lifestyle," while foreign
players "are hungrier" and "more eager." Some of the "finger-
pointing has been squarely in the direction of the USTA. And
depending upon whom you ask, that criticism is considered either
exceptionally valid or horribly misplaced." Evert says she
"wishes she could blame our lack of champions on the USTA
development system," but she adds "champions are born, not made."
But others "have felt abandoned by the USTA." Lisa Raymond, who
has been helped by the USTA, says "they definitely pick and
choose whom they want to help." Among suggestions to boost the
USTA's role include having them sponsor "a few small-money
tournaments in this country to showcase its own players," or to
continue its promotional mandate (TENNIS, 9/95 issue).
