2022 offered some silver linings in the American efforts in elite player development. 2023 ( French Open starts the rock throwing again : No Americans in the running! )

Forgive the pilvering: I can’t find the true author of a recent attempt to identify American shortcomings and causes in player development. Several systemic flaws listed are capsuled : Inadequate care of player’s injuries—lack of parental involvement—motivation and mental toughness—lower birthrate—lots of other attractive sports.

The first and main problem listed is described this way:

“… if you don’t start out with a trust fund, you’re stuck, especially for a sport like tennis that requires years of youth investment. This is a major, fatal disadvantage for American tennis. In Europe, South America and lately in Asia, kids from all social classes have a shot at a tennis career. If they show sufficient talent and motivation, there are numerous community organizations, government programs and general social assistance systems to help build up their careers, in part because these other societies strongly support investment in their youth. “

My inclination is to cite #1 as the core flaw to be dealt with.

“After all is said and done, more is said than done~” a.k.a. –What can we do?

Here are two starting suggestions:

1. Reserve a large portion (50 % ? ) of college tennis scholarship aid for Americans.

2. Support Hgh School boys and girls varsity teams.

High School teams are one place that participation is relatively inexpensive,

The coach is the key.

Team play adds a whole new element to the process. And teammates share the pressure.

A tremendous wealth of knowledgable people could help the coaches. players, teams, and parents.

This is not going to be easy. Money, Time, and effort are “musts”.

THE HARDEST THING TO GET IS GOING!

“JUST KEEP PECKING AWAY AT IT!”