The Int'l Tennis Federation's recent trial balloon to launch
a rival men's pro tour "was stunning in its arrogance but also
instructive in revealing the serious rift between the ATP, which
runs men's tennis, and the ITF, which aspires to," according to
Julie Cart of the L.A. TIMES. Cart calls the ITF's idea "perfect
in its simplicity" since it would "solve several problems,"
including a "cluttered" events schedule. The plan would also
"maximize sponsor dollars," as with fewer sponsors, they would be
required to pay more for the "greater product identification"
that would result. Cart: "It was interesting while it lasted,
but what a blunder. The damage to the already shaky relationship
between the ITF and the ATP is serious. ... How do you reconcile
and work along a group that has professed a desire to put you out
of business?" (L.A. TIMES, 8/20).
TALKING UP THE SPORT: The Tennis Industry Association (TIA)
has "recruited" announcers Bud Collins and Mary Carillo to help
them attract 500,000 new tennis players by '97 by talking up the
sport on TV. TIA PR Committee Chair Carole Graebner has
"provided key broadcasters with a slew of information on the
'Growing the Game' initiative" (Josh Young, WASHINGTON TIMES,
8/19).
