Since Arlen Kantarian arrived on the scene as CEO of the USTA in March of 2000, its fortunes have grown and grown. More money in the bank, more Tennis events acquired, more TV coverage, just about more everything! So why wouldn’t the Board give him more money? Did someone disagree with Kanatarian’s policy that seems to be zeroed into the bottom line, no matter what? Did a voice of reason suggest that just maybe the US Open is being over sold? Should the function of the USTA be more multi-directional? Should player development be its most important role? Is it actually un-American to consider a policy that is not solely measured by monetary accomplishments?

The 2008 US Open raked in a cool $200 million, up over 80% since Kantarian came on board. He introduced the US Open series, he helped promote instant replays and he scheduled women’s matches in prime time.

If I wasn’t one of the game’s greatest advocates I wouldn’t write these articles, but it bugged me that many of the best matches of the US Open were scheduled for night time, and many could not start before the stadium was emptied of the patrons who had only paid for seats for earlier matches, so that if I wanted to see a semi final match between the Williams sisters, I would have to wait around for a few hours for it to start. I missed many matches because I chose not to wait, not to stay up until past midnight to see the outcome. The main reason for prime time matches is TV revenue. The biggest objection for me is the never-ending commercials, the insistence of the TV schedulers to feature US players, no matter how bad they are, over high ranking non-US players matches, and the obnoxious rah-rah attitude that has pervaded the sport. I call this the Jimmy Connors effect.

Kanatarian has expressed an interest in acquiring the vacant top job at the ATP. He says he is interested in developing the possibilities of the game on an international level. I take that to mean that he wants to exploit the players even more, to fill the coffers of the ATP. It would be a good idea if he also built a hospital to take care of all the players who suffer from a playing schedule that is already too gruelling.

Wimbledon, Roland Garros and Melbourne Park, the three venues for the Grand Slam events, are all sold out year after year, when none of the home countries has had a local player in their finals. The US Open was not sold out for the Womens final even though Serena was playing, empty seats were available throughout the stadium, I just wonder what the attendance will be next year if Znoreva meets Safina for instance?

The USTA should be concentrating its efforts on developing new young players, and with the appointment of Patrick McEnroe as the top man, it is hoped that all their goals will not be only on the money.

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