The Future of Tennis: Discussion Outline with Timecodes
40:53-41:22 - Tennis as a Health and Community Improvement Initiative
Summary: Sherr emphasizes that the USTA is a nonprofit focused on growing tennis as a means of improving people's health. The organization's primary mission is not financial gain, but promoting tennis as a transformative activity for individual and community wellness.
Key Points:
Tennis is documented to add 9.7 years to longevity
The sport provides both physical and mental health benefits
Organizational focus is on growing participation, not revenue
Summary: Sherr discusses the complex relationship between tennis and pickleball, viewing it largely as an opportunity rather than a competition. He highlights the potential synergies in the racket sports ecosystem while expressing concerns about court allocation in public spaces.
Key Points:
Pickleball growth is not primarily coming from tennis players
Potential benefits include:
More opportunities for teaching professionals
Improved club economics
Potential cross-sport attractions
Challenges include competition for public park court space
Suggestion to build additional courts rather than repurpose existing tennis courts
45:04-46:41 - The Individual Nature of Tennis
Summary: A discussion about tennis as an individual sport and the challenges of introducing team formats. Sherr compares tennis to golf and explores why team elements haven't gained widespread traction in the sport.
Key Points:
Lack of team dynamics differs from team sports
Challenges in creating team affinity
Limited economic opportunities from team-based merchandising
Existing team competitions like Davis Cup have limitations
46:48-48:49 - Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in College Tennis
Summary: Sherr addresses the uncertainty and potential implications of NIL for college tennis, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining a pathway for youth participation in the sport.
NIL stands for "name, image, and likeness" and refers to the rights of college athletes to control and profit from their personal brand:
Name: An athlete's legal name
Image: How an athlete visually appears in photos or videos
Likeness: An athlete's identity and persona, such as their voice, habits, or other unique characteristics
In the past, the NCAA prohibited student-athletes from profiting from their NIL. However, in June 2021, the NCAA implemented a policy change that allows athletes to monetize their NIL: Signing endorsement deals, Appearing in advertisements, Selling merchandise, and Getting compensated for social media content.
Key Points:
Significant uncertainty about NIL's impact
Potential crisis for college tennis programs
Concerns about youth participation if college pathways diminish
Potential for USTA support and resource allocation
Football and basketball will likely drive funding decisions
49:03-50:01 - Operational Differences: From MSG to US Open
Summary: Sherr shares his personal experience transitioning from Madison Square Garden's continuous business cycle to the US Open's focused, annual event model.
Key Points:
Dramatically different operational rhythm
US Open requires year-long planning for a three-week event
Similar to consumer product launch cycles
Extensive preparation and post-event learning process
Discussion Summary
Lewis Sherr's keynote provided a comprehensive overview of tennis's current landscape, focusing on the sport's mission beyond financial success. The USTA is strategically positioning tennis as a health and community improvement tool, navigating challenges like pickleball's rise and college sports transformations. Sherr's approach emphasizes adaptability, participation growth, and creating inclusive pathways for players at all levels.
The discussion highlighted tennis's unique characteristics: its individual nature, health benefits, and the complex ecosystem of racket sports. Sherr's leadership appears focused on long-term sport development rather than short-term financial gains, with a keen eye on maintaining tennis's relevance and accessibility for future generations.
4:59 Anna Leigh Waters/JW Johnson vs Jorja Johnson/Gabriel Tardio
50:35 Milan Rane/Dylan Frazier vs Yana Newell/Yates Johnson
1:19:56 Megan Fudge/Andrei Daescu vs Parris Todd/Hunter Johnson
Chris Evon and Terri Graham, Racquetball Legends, Bring Their Passion for Sport to the Fastest Growing Game in AmericaNaples, Florida is the epicenter of the pickleball world this week, as the sport's brightest stars and most passionate fans converge for the annual US Open Pickleball Championships. At the heart of this spectacle are two racquetball legends, Chris Evon and Terri Graham, who have poured their hearts and souls into building this event into the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts.
With over 3,200 players competing and 45,000 spectators expected to pass through the gates, the US Open Pickleball Championships has grown into a behemoth, showcasing the meteoric rise of a sport that has captivated players of all ages and skill levels. And at the center of it all are Evon and Graham, two pioneers who have seamlessly transitioned from the world of racquetball to the booming world of pickleball.
In a wide-ranging interview, the duo opens up about their journey from racquetball royalty to the architects of pickleball's biggest party, sharing their insights, their passion, and their plans for the future of this ever-evolving sport.
Chris Evon and Terri Graham are no strangers to the spotlight. As legendary figures in the world of racquetball, they have spent decades honing their skills, earning accolades, and leaving an indelible mark on their sport. But when the duo set their sights on the rapidly growing game of pickleball, they knew they had a new challenge to conquer.
"When we first tried pickleball, we were looking at each other like, 'Oh boy, this is slow,'" Graham recalls with a chuckle. "Compared to racquetball, it was a bit of an adjustment. But once we started playing more and really understanding the strategy, it just became addicting."
That addiction has led Evon and Graham to the pinnacle of the pickleball world, as the co-founders of the US Open Pickleball Championships, a nine-year-old event that has become the sport's premier showcase. With over 3,200 players competing this year and an estimated 45,000 spectators expected to pass through the gates, the US Open has evolved into a full-fledged celebration of all things pickleball.
"We didn't just want to run a tournament," Evon explains. "We wanted to create an event, a true championship experience. That's what Doug Ganam did with the racquetball US Open, and we really took a lot of inspiration from that."
And they've certainly delivered on that vision. The US Open boasts a championship court with VIP suites and a party-like atmosphere, complete with food trucks, bars, and a live DJ. But the true heart of the event lies in the player village, where competitors from around the world set up tents and create a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
"It's the people that we're going to miss the most," Graham says wistfully. "We've developed these incredible relationships with our volunteers, our staff, and the players themselves. It's like a big family reunion every year."
Indeed, the US Open has become a must-attend event for pickleball's biggest stars, with the likes of Jessie Irvine, Callie Smith, and Zane Navratil making regular appearances. But it's the camaraderie and community spirit that sets this event apart, as players of all skill levels come together to celebrate their shared passion for the sport.
"It's amazing to see the racquetball guys coming out and supporting this event," Evon muses. "Guys like Jimmy Layfield, John Kleinman, they've been here since the beginning, and it's just so cool to see them embracing pickleball and bringing their energy and enthusiasm."
And that cross-pollination between the two sports is exactly what Evon and Graham hope to foster, as they believe the future of both racquetball and pickleball lies in a collaborative approach.
"We need to get the industry together, whether it's racquetball or pickleball," Graham says emphatically. "The growth has been so fast that there have been some hiccups, and we've seen some of the same divisions that plagued racquetball starting to creep into pickleball. That's something we really want to caution against."
Evon echoes that sentiment, arguing that the key to the longevity of both sports lies in finding common ground and building a unified front.
"Racquetball players are a unique breed – they're always willing to try new things," he says. "And I think that's something pickleball can really benefit from. We need to find ways to bring those two communities together, to celebrate the passion and the shared love of sport that unites us all."
As the US Open Pickleball Championships enters its final year under the leadership of Evon and Graham, the duo is focused on ensuring that their legacy lives on. They're exploring opportunities in the charitable and community-building realms, eager to leave a lasting imprint on the sport they love.
"This event has been our life for the past nine years," Graham admits. "But we're ready to pass the torch and see what the next chapter holds. We're excited to see where pickleball goes from here, and we'll always be here to support it in any way we can."
Summary:
In this article, we delve into the captivating story of Chris Evon and Terri Graham, two legendary racquetball players who have transitioned into the world of pickleball and become the driving force behind the US Open Pickleball Championships. The event, which has grown exponentially over the past nine years, has become the premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts, boasting over 3,200 players and an estimated 45,000 spectators.
Evon and Graham share their journey, from the initial adjustment to the slower pace of pickleball to their unwavering commitment to creating a truly exceptional event. They reveal their vision for the US Open, which goes beyond just a tournament and instead aims to capture the spirit and community of the sport. The article explores the vibrant player village, the party-like atmosphere, and the camaraderie that has become the hallmark of the US Open.
As the duo prepares to step away from the event, they reflect on the relationships they've built and the impact they've had on the sport. They emphasize the importance of unity between the racquetball and pickleball communities, recognizing the shared passion and energy that can drive the growth and longevity of both sports.
The article paints a vivid picture of the US Open Pickleball Championships, a testament to the dedication and vision of Evon and Graham. It showcases their desire to leave a lasting legacy, not just through the event itself, but also through their continued involvement in the sport's development and their commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and celebratory atmosphere for all pickleball enthusiasts.
US Open Pickleball Championships 2024: A Celebration of Growth and Community
Founder Terri Graham Shares Insights on the Phenomenon of Pickleball and the Anticipated Excitement of This Year's Event
In the bustling atmosphere of the East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida, where the sun shines bright and the spirit of competition thrives, the stage is set for the annual spectacle that is the US Open Pickleball Championships.
Since its inception in 2016, this event has not only grown exponentially in size but has also become synonymous with camaraderie, passion, and sheer excitement. As we embark on the eighth edition of this thrilling tournament, Kaitlin Miller, host of Kitchentalk-Pickleball Edition, catches up with one of the masterminds behind it all, Terri Graham. From humble beginnings to a phenomenon that draws thousands of players and spectators alike, Terri sheds light on what makes this year's event truly special and why it has become a must-attend for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.
Kaitlin Miller: We're at the US Open Pickleball Championships, and I'm joined by someone very special, one of the founders of the US Open, Terri Graham. Terri, so good to see you. This has been going on since 2016, but we have a big year ahead of us.
Terri Graham: Yeah, this is our eighth US Open Pickleball Championships. We started in 2016 with 800 players, and this year we're going to have 3,200 players. In 2016, hardly anybody knew about pickleball, and now here we are only nine years later, and it's a household name.
Kaitlin Miller: What do you think is so special about this year's event?
Terri Graham: So many people want to try to get into the US Open to play, and if they don't get in to play, they come as spectators. This year, we had over 5,000 players try to get in. It's the biggest pickleball party in the world, and it's on people's bucket lists to just come and experience the energy.
Kaitlin Miller: For someone who's not here, talk to me a little bit about the atmosphere.
Terri Graham: The atmosphere is like none other. It's like a little bit of Woodstock mixed in with a Jimmy Buffett concert. You know, we're going to have Margaritas and Zing Zang Bloody Marys, and we got a bunch of Fat Tire Beer going on. So, it actually is a huge party, and the people come in groups from all over, and they just are here having the times of their life.
Kaitlin Miller: Well, Terri, it's amazing to see what you've done with this event. I'm so happy to be here, and you can live stream all the events on the Pickleball Channel.
Summary:
The US Open Pickleball Championships has kicked off its eighth edition with a record-breaking number of participants and spectators. From its humble beginnings in 2016 with 800 players, the tournament has grown exponentially, drawing in 3,200 players this year, showcasing the sport's meteoric rise in popularity over the past decade. Terri Graham, one of the founders of the US Open, reflects on the event's evolution, attributing its success to the growing enthusiasm for pickleball, which has transformed it from an obscure pastime to a household name.
What sets this year's event apart is not just the sheer number of players but also the palpable energy and camaraderie that permeate the atmosphere. Described as a blend of Woodstock and a Jimmy Buffett concert, the US Open offers a unique experience for both players and spectators, with festivities including Margaritas, Zing Zang Bloody Marys, and Fat Tire Beer. It's more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of community, passion, and the shared love for pickleball.
With over 5,000 players vying for a spot in the tournament, it's clear that the US Open has become a coveted destination for pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. For those unable to attend in person, the Pickleball Channel offers live streaming of all the events, ensuring that the excitement of the US Open reaches audiences far and wide.
As the tournament gears up to showcase the best of pickleball talent and spirit, anticipation is high, and the stage is set for another unforgettable year at the US Open Pickleball Championships. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious spectator, this year's event promises to deliver thrills, excitement, and plenty of pickleball magic.
Chapter 1: Introduction to the US Open Pickleball Championships
The US Open Pickleball Championships has exploded in popularity since its inaugural event in 2016, morphing from a fledgling tournament with 800 players to the world's largest annual pickleball spectacle. Over just eight short years, founders Terry Graham and Chris Evon have stewarded exponential growth in participants while also cultivating an infectious, multi-generational atmosphere that makes the Open a must-attend event for players and fans alike.
1.1. Founding Amidst Accelerating Interest
Graham and Evon founded the US Open Pickleball Championships in 2016 after identifying a gap in the sport for a marquee tournament as part of their work in the broader paddle sports industry. With pickleball quickly gaining traction in the United States, they envisioned an open-entry competition focused equally on pros and amateurs to help accelerate interest in the burgeoning game. The first year's field of 800 players validated their belief in pickleball's imminent rise.
1.2. The Co-Founders' Vision
As co-founders, Graham and Evon's overarching goal was to showcase pickleball on the national stage. They landed a broadcast television deal with CBS Sports Network to air matches from the initial 2016 competition to help expand the event and sport's visibility. They also pioneered an inclusive, open-age format that welcomed professionals and novices while offering equal payouts across skill levels. This singular focus on spotlighting pickleball's merits fueled attention.
1.3. Understanding Pickleball's Surge
To comprehend the Open's viral success, it is essential to recognize pickleball's broader ascent in the United States. Between a fun format, low barriers to entry, and health benefits, pickleball appeals widely to children, working-age adults, and older populations. As seemingly the ideal lifesport, pickleball participation has swelled by 39.3% over the past two years alone, surpassing 4.8 million American players in 2022. Much of this grassroots traction served as a tailwind for the tournament itself.
Chapter 2: The Growth and Scale of the Tournament
In just eight short years, the US Open Pickleball Championships has morphed from an inaugural event with 800 competitors to what is widely considered the sport's marquee annual tournament. The Open's exponential growth in participants and fans underscores both accelerating interest in pickleball nationally and the co-founders' vision for creating a big-event atmosphere.
2.1. Surging Participation and Spectator Numbers
The growth in players and fans attending the Open is nothing short of staggering. The initial 2016 field featured 800 players and 2,000 spectators. By last year's 2023 tournament, participants swelled to over 3,000 while the number of fans in attendance skyrocketed to 40,000. For the 2024 Open, organizers project another increase to around 5,000 hopeful players through the registration lottery system, while spectators could approach 50,000.
Driving this unprecedented demand from participants and observers alike is the tournament's widespread appeal thanks to its multi-day festival format. With opportunities to watch elite talent, enter competitions, enjoy parties, and more, the event attracts diverse pickleball enthusiasts ranging from professionals to first-timers.
2.2 Opening Access Through Lottery Registration
Given swelling interest, the tournament began utilizing a registration lottery several years ago. The current system accepts lottery entries for five days, using a computerized drawing to randomly select around 3,000 players rather than a first-come, first-served queue. This helps reduce barriers to entry while still allowing organizers to cap total participants.
2.3. Catering to Crowds with Multiple Courts
Aiding the Open's ability to accommodate over 5,000 hopeful entrants and 50,000 spectators is its sprawling Naples, Florida venue. Encompassing 64 dedicated pickleball courts, the park-like facility provides plenty of competition space for different events and matches occurring simultaneously from dawn to dusk across the weeklong tournament. The vibrant atmosphere of players, music, food and drinks evokes a lively festival for attendees.
Chapter 3: The Competitors and Fans
A central aspect of the US Open Pickleball Championships' appeal is its diverse and passionate participant and fan base. Beyond the swelling numbers of attendees, what truly makes the event special is its multi-generational and multi-background player and spectator community united by a shared affection for pickleball.
3.1. Drawing Enthusiasts Ages 8 to 80+
While many tournaments segment by skill level or age brackets, the Open pioneered an open-division format welcoming players across ages and abilities. This singular approach gives rise to distinct matchups like a 12-year-old and 72-year-old competing as doubles partners. From talented juniors to vacationing retirees, the player spectrum spans over 70 years for those as young as 8 to older than 80.
Such age diversity lends itself to many families attending together across multiple generations. Parents enjoy watching their kids play while grandparents cheer on their grandkids, making for lasting memories through pickleball.
3.2. Providing Community For All
With multi-generational appeal also comes attraction from different groups and walks of life beyond just age. For some players managing stresses, health issues or seeking positive outlets, discovering pickleball and the Open community gives purpose. Hearing fellow player stories about what the sport means to them adds deeper meaning.
The Open's welcoming vibe resonates across ages, backgrounds and abilities. Seeing wheelchair athletes play competitive matches on the main stadium court sends a vivid message about inclusion. Ultimately this diversity in all forms makes attendees feel part of something special.
NAPLES, Fla. — In a sun-drenched corner of the East Naples Community Park, Megan Fudge is holding court at a picnic table, recounting her journey from collegiate tennis standout to professional pickleball player.
Ms. Fudge, 34, was once a top singles and doubles player for the University of Illinois women's tennis team. Now, she and her husband are crisscrossing the country in an RV with their two young children, competing in professional pickleball tournaments.
It's a road less traveled, but one that Ms. Fudge believes will lead to success. "Pickleball has come around and has given us both a new opportunity," she said in an interview at the 2023 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, where she recently won a bronze medal in women's singles.
Topics from the Megan Fudge Interview:
0:09-0:18 - Introduction
Megan Fudge joins the podcast at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida. She recently won a bronze medal in women's singles, which was her first medal at the U.S. Open.
0:18-0:30 - Megan's Tennis Background
Megan was a standout tennis player at the University of Illinois, playing number one singles all four years and making All-Big Ten. She met her husband Ryler DeHeart there; he played professionally for six years and ranked as high as 200 in the world.
0:30-0:48 - Transition to Pickleball
After injuries ended Ryler's tennis career, Megan eventually convinced him to take up pickleball. They played their first professional tournament in January 2022. The sport is easier on their bodies than tennis.
0:48-1:19 - Life on the Road
In 2022, Megan and her family sold nearly everything they owned and bought an RV. They travel from tournament to tournament with their two young kids. This allows the kids to have stability instead of constantly changing hotels and flights.
1:19-2:07 - Parenting on Tour
Megan homeschools her kids on the road. They get two boxes each for toys and possessions. The kids have adjusted well and made lots of friends. Megan feels less mom guilt being able to keep the kids with her.
2:07-2:43 - Kids and Pickleball
Her kids are obsessed with pickleball and are developing well. Megan is trying not to push them too much and just let them enjoy the sport. They are excited to watch the junior competition at the U.S. Open.
2:43-3:07 - Junior Pickleball
Juniors can start competing as young as 8 years old. Megan thinks 8 may be a bit young to compete against 18-year-olds. Her friends' 13-year-old son just took silver with an adult partner.
3:07-3:39 - Playing Doubles with Her Husband
Megan and her husband played mixed pro doubles together last year. The good is very high, the bad can be low. This is their last event playing together; they've been drafted to separate pro teams.
3:39-4:31 - Professional Pickleball
Megan was drafted by a Major League Pickleball (MLP) Dallas team, then traded to Columbus for this first MLP Premier League season. Players can be traded after every event. She's still adjusting to the team aspect after mostly individual tennis.
4:31-5:10 - Advice for Beginners
Megan advises new players to embrace pickleball and not judge it prematurely. Have an open mind, don't overthink it, and let yourself enjoy playing this fun sport.
5:10-5:46 - Mental Game and Anger
Megan says her biggest frustration is her own mental game while playing singles. She needs to be mentally tougher and not let bad line calls or score effects rattle her.
5:46-6:13 - Kids Starting Pickleball
Megan's kids are developing fast and love the sport. She wants them to enjoy it first.
6:13-7:07 - Pros and Cons of Playing with Her Husband
Communication can be difficult between spouses on the court. He knows her so well that he anticipates instead of communicating. But they have great chemistry from knowing each other's games inside and out.
7:07-8:01 - Drafted to Separate Teams
This is Megan and her husband's last tournament playing doubles together. They've been drafted to separate MLP Premier League teams for the next event and season. Megan is excited for the new challenge.
8:01-9:00 - Buying a Pickleball Team
With league expansion, many new team owners are coming from outside pickleball. Megan jokes that everyone and their dog is buying a team, including possibly the podcast host.
9:00-9:57 - Where to Follow Megan
Megan's most active on Instagram @officialmeganfudge. She also uses Twitter but is still building her Facebook page and other social media.
9:57-11:55 - This or That Game
Megan chooses beer over wine, mowing the lawn over dishes, hole in sock over hole in underwear, and broken down RV over stuck in an airport.
11:55-12:19 - Conclusion
Megan thanks the podcast for having her on and promotes her social channels again. The host wishes her good luck in the tournament.
Living the RV Life
The RV lifestyle is central to Ms. Fudge's new career. "We walk home to our home," she said, describing the convenience of having their residence along for the ride. But it's also a calculated decision to create stability for her two children, Lillian, 8, and JR., 6, as she and her husband chase titles across the country.
"I want to provide them a stability home base," Ms. Fudge said. "An RV is a house on wheels — that's our home on wheels with us."
While unconventional, the arrangement seems to be working. "They have adjusted really well and made lots of friends," Ms. Fudge said of her children. "I want them with me, and they want to be with me as well at the tournaments."
New Opportunities in Pickleball
With tennis in the rearview mirror, Ms. Fudge has quickly risen to become one of the top competitors in professional pickleball. She and her husband played their first pro tournament in January 2022, and now she's already claiming medals at major events like the U.S. Open.
It's a familiar story for many pickleball players, who tend to come from other paddle sports like tennis and badminton. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years, with nearly 5 million players in the U.S. as of 2021, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
"Pickleball has come around and has given us both a new opportunity," Ms. Fudge said of her and her husband's transition. Though pickleball is easier on the body than tennis, she noted there is still a "very steep learning curve."
Homeschooling on the Road
The travel schedule has led Ms. Fudge to homeschool her two children on the road. She follows the Florida Virtual School curriculum and has a teacher assigned to provide guidance. It's a constant balancing act, as she acknowledged some subjects get more attention than others.
"Their math skills are off the chart," Ms. Fudge said, laughing. "But Megan science is missing."
Still, her kids seem to be thriving in the unconventional environment. "They have met people from all over the world and have made a million friends," Ms. Fudge said. She strives to make the RV feel like any other home, with structure and routines in place.
Blazing Her Own Trail
Ms. Fudge has already etched her name in the tennis record books at her alma mater, the University of Illinois. Now she's on a quest to do the same in her new sport of pickleball.
If her recent U.S. Open bronze medal is any indication, Ms. Fudge is well on her way. "I feel like people keep saying the first one's the hardest," she said of winning her first medal at the event. "I hope that's the case."
With her family's support, she is confident more podium finishes lie ahead. "There's no stopping Megan," as one of her supporters aptly put it. Though her journey to the upper echelons of professional pickleball is just beginning, Megan Fudge is ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
