european racquet stringers association

AUSTRALIAN OPEN STRINGING

HEAD RED COLLECTION
TECNIFIBRE T-Flash
BABOLAT PURE AERO
INDUSTRY NEWS
Head Radical XT
TIPS
Yonex Ezone DR
Babolat POP
New Strings
Industry News

ISSUE 5 1- -2015
ISSUE 2014
issue 8 - 2015

RACQUETTECH
Introducing the new
TeXtreme® Tour 100P

The TeXtreme Tour 100P delivers increased

control and feel through its 100 square inch
headsize without compromising any of its
racquet “pop” or power.

Play the TeXtreme Tour 100P today.

THE TECHNOLOGY IS REAL.

THE CONTROL AND FEEL IS UNREAL.

[Link]
4

My Serve
RACQUETTECH EUROPE
European Racquet Stringers Association

ERSA Australia
Anthony Aley

ERSA Benelux
My Serve
Timo van Driel, Rob Maessen
Welcome to Issue 8 2015 of
ERSA Czech Republic & Slovakia
Vaclav Smat
RacquetTech Magazine.
ERSA Germany, Austria, Switzerland We have 2 big racket product launces this issue. The new
Mike Emenako, Mark Maslowski
HEAD Radical line is out with 6 models plus 3 ASP models
ERSA Greece Manager to change the stringing pattern from 16 x 19 to 16 x 16. Also,
George Pahiakos on top of the new Radical bags they have launched a cloth-
ERSA Italy Manager
ing line to go along with the rackets. Also introduced with the
Marco Rossani Radical line is the HAWK TOUCH string, which we have a
short review from Timo van Driel covering 4 new strings out
ERSA Korea
Taikki Lee
this Fall.

ERSA Latin America Yonex is launching their new EZone DR line with 7 rackets
Andrea Amaral, Ricardo Dipold
plus a junior model. I was in Japan for the launch last month
ERSA Spain at the same time as the Australian Open Stringing Service
Richard Parnell announcement. Belinda Bencic and Ana Ivanovic were in To-
ERSA Taiwan
kyo playing with the new models at the WTA Toray PPO Open.
Bernie Chen
The ERSA managers are running workshops all over the world
ERSA UK
Paul Skipp, Huw Phillips, Jamie Pethick
this winter, so if you are interested in upgrading your skills,
learning to string or preparing for one of our certification tests,
ERSA UKAINE contact the ERSA or your area manager. We have workshops
Sergey Konovolenko
scheduled in Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Australia and
FOUNDING MEMBERS Benelux already with more announcements coming.
Ashaway Babolat
Head Isospeed
Kirschbaum Luxilon
Our ERSA Pro Tour Stringer training and certification is show-
Pacific Wilson ing the fruits of our labor over the last 12 years. More and
more ERSA Pro Tour Stringers are getting jobs stringing at
CORPORATE MEMBERS
Ashaway Head Babolat
tournaments than ever before. The ERSA PTS is becoming a
Prince Isospeed Yonex minimum requirement with
GOSEN Tecnifibre some stringing services. We
STRING SUPPLIER MEMBERS
will be offering extensive
Apollo Leisure Bow Brand training and testing at our
Kirschbaum Signum Pro 2016 Symposium in Marbella,
ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Spain in March.
PTR Europe TIA UK
TENNIS EUROPE Our next issue will be out the
TECHNICAL CONSULTANT
end of November including
Rod Cross Tennis and Badminton Tips,
along with tennis and bad-
European Racquet Stringers Association
Lenaustr. 38 40470 Düsseldorf
minton string tests.
DE Germany
Phone / Fax +49(0)211-68814151 Mark Maslowski
[Link]
New Certified Stringers, MRT, PTS.
ERSA now offers certification for different levels of stringers, from beginners to
the top professional stringers in the world. The first level is ERSA Stringer is for
new stringers to show they have completed a stringing course and learned to
string correctly. Certified Stringer is for stringing services, such as coaches,
club stringers, shop stringers, after passing a day of practical and written tests.
Master Racquet Technician is for shop stringers and owners who can tune rac-
quets, string at a high level and have a broad knowledge of products for their
customers. Pro Tour Stringer certification is for MRTs who are stringing at ATP
and WTA tournaments. There are 3 levels for this certification, Level 1, Level 2
and Master Pro Tour Stringer.

Certified Stringer - Louis Lin, Taiwan

Certified Stringer Badminton - Louis Lin, Taiwan - King Kong, Taiwan -
Wang Chih-Chun, Taiwan
Master Racquet Technician - All South Korea - Shin Young-Ho,
Shin Eui Choul, Lee Sang Moon
Park Young-Joo, Moon Jong Jo, Kim Seung Woong,
Kang Soon Choun, Kwon Chan Jung, Kim Szung Ki
Pro Tour Stringer Level 1 -

STRINGS
MADE IN GERMANY
SINCE 1985
6

New Products
HEAD LAUNCHES THE NEW RADICAL TENNIS
COLLECTION WITH FUTURISTIC CAMPAIGN
The Future is Radical. And it is already here.

Recommended by Andy Murray, the new HEAD Graphene XT Radical rac-

quet series, launching together with a matching bag collection, draws attention through its
youthful and dynamic design. Consumers will enjoy even more power and maneuverability
thanks to the revolutionary Graphene XT Technology, making the Radical series the perfect
choice for creative, versatile players.

The eye-catching Radical collection gives consumers a broad range of choices to match all
of their tennis equipment from head to toe. It also underlines the focused attention of HEAD
to holistic product development. The introduction of this new collection is accompanied by a
futuristic digital campaign, which will launch at the end of October. With a unique soundtrack
and the use of powerful photo and video content, consumers will be taken on a journey to the
“radicalized” future of tennis.

The introduction of the revolutionary Graphene XT technology into the Radical series allows
an even better distribution of weight from the shaft to the tip and grip, which results in more
power and an improved energy transfer for a faster game. Of the six available models, the REV
PRO and MPA models come with the innovative adaptive string pattern (ASP). It allows the
player to exchange the grommets and choose between a 16/16 and a 16/19 string pattern for
ultimate spin adaptability.

The Graphene XT Radical racquet series will come in six models (PRO, MP, MPA, REV PRO, S
and LITE) to match the different playing levels of versatile players everywhere. Combined with
the matching bag collection it will be available at selected retailers November 13, 2015. Tennis
fans are able to complete the radical look with the corresponding apparel collection picking up
the racquet’s eye-catching razzle-dazzle design (available as of January 2016). So beware; The
future is coming – and it will be Radical.
For more information please visit:
[Link]/tennis
[Link]/headtennis
[Link]/head_tennis

[Link]/headtennis_official
 7

New Products

HEAD Hawk Touch is a softer version of the

popular HEAD Hawk string. It is available in
1.15, 1.20 and 1.25mm. It comes in Anthracite
color and is available in 12 meter sets and 120
meter reels.
The string incorporates Head’s Crystal Core
Technology using a complex process making
the center core and outer surface playing char-
acteristics different to maximize the playability
of the string.
8

New Products

The new Radical Bag Line contains a 12 rack-

et Monstercombi bag, a 9 racket Supercombi
Bag and a Backpack.
 9

New Products
Head is offering a total collection with the new
Radical Graphene XT rackets, bags and clothing. The clothing line will
be available in January 2016.

HEAD Lite Function Cap HEAD Vision Cross

Short Radical

HEAD Visiion Camdem Polo

10

New Products

Following the invention of the world’s first connected tennis racket,

Babolat enhances its offering with the launch of a connected tennis wristband

Discover your game with the new Babolat

POP

Tennis specialist and pioneer, Babolat con-

tinues to transform tennis from conventional
to connected. To complement the range of
Babolat PLAY rackets, and extend the con-
nected tennis experience to more play-
ers, Babolat introduces a wristband dedi-
cated to connected tennis: the new Babolat
POP.

By observing players and anticipating their

needs for 140 years, Babolat has helped
evolve thesport of tennis from the invention
of tennis strings to the world’s first connect-
ed tennis products. Now Babolat expands the connected tennis revolution with the new Babolat
POP.

Babolat POP: Give Your Game Extra POP!

Tennis lovers of all ages and playing levels can enter the exciting universe of connected tennis
thanks to the new Babolat POP wristband, an easy to use, performance wearable that works with
any tennis racket.

Babolat POP’s entertaining features bring players together,

and bring the game to life. POP enhances the tennis
experience by allowing players to interact with and challenge each other. Whether it’s best fore-
hands, backhands or serves, players can create a collective challenge and compare scores with
friends.

Babolat POP also allows players to define swing, analyze the quality
of their topspin or measure overall performance based on exciting data
including: number and type of shot (forehands, backhands, smashes,
volleys, serves), spin, power, playtime, best rally and number of shots
per minute.
 11

New Products
“It’s great that it works with any racket. I can challenge my coach, my
friends.
Anyone that plays tennis could essentially use it.”
– Sam Querrey, member of Babolat Pro Team.

Babolat Connected Tennis Offering: Gaming, Discovering, Sharing

Connected tennis brings a new dimension to the sport; a new way to

experience the game. Babolat’s connected product offering includes
the new POP wristband and the PLAY range of rackets, each with
the opportunity for players to discover their game based on their own
goals and motivation level as well as gaming and sharing features.

NEW! Babolat POP: Fun Connected Tennis Experience Wearable

device (wristband + sensor + app); pairs with Android or IOS (Babolat POP sensor is compatible
with iPhone 4s+ / IOS7+ and with android BLE smartphone / OS 4.3+)
- Works with all tennis rackets
- For tennis lovers of all playing levels who want more interaction with other players; commu-
nity challenge
- Experience Highlights: Fun challenges with friends; sharing, active participation in Babolat
connected community
- Pre-sale starting November 1 at [Link]/pop-preorder
- Available December 2015
- RSP: £69.95

Babolat PLAY: Ultimate Connected Tennis Experience

- Tennis rackets (Babolat Pure Aero PLAY, Babolat Pure Drive PLAY and Babolat Pure Drive
PLAY Lite with embedded technology + apps)
- For frequent players who want to upgrade to a connected
Babolat racket
- Experience Highlights: Self-improvement, individual performance goals, richness and accu-
racy of data (e.g., ball impact locator)
- Available now
- RSP: Pure Aero PLAY £300

View Babolat POP video: [Link]

For more information and to find out where Babolat POP is sold:
[Link]/POP
14

New Products
Yonex New EZONE DR
Racket Line
Game-changing
technology and design
With the EZONE DR, 7% more ball speed compared to competitor racquets. The EZONE
DR racquet gives players an easier access to power, even on off-center shots, for dynamic
power and increased speed.

Ultra resilient technology for high flex strength

NANOMETRIC DR is a revolutionary premium-grade carbon
graphite material originally developed by Toray Industries, Inc.
for the next generation of space aviation. NANOMETRIC DR is
ultra-resilient giving the racquet frame higher flex strength.

Increased frame snapback for higher

repulsion power
Embedded within the inner portion of the frame between the 2
and 10 o’clock positions, NANOMETRIC DR material provides
better frame snap back, increasing repulsion power and
improving ball speed.

Yonex has introduced 7 new frames plus a juniior 26 inch racket.

There are 2 - 98 in² frames, the EZONE DR 98 which comes in
310 grams and 285grams, the EZONE DR 98a which comes in
275 grams.
The EZONE 100 comes in 300 grams and 285 grams. The EZONE
DR Lite is also a 100 in² frame with 270g.
The EZONE DR Feel is a 102 in² frame weighing 255 grams. The
DR 26 is a 102 in² head also with 26 inch length 250 grams.
The DR Rally is a 107in² frame with 275 grams.
The above frames all come with 16x 19 stringing patterns.
The DR 108 is a 255 gram racket with a 16 x 18 stringing pattern
for more power and spin.

[Link]
16

Sign-up 2015

Sign up Now for 2015 and receive 3 sets of Test String.

Become a member today and receive:
- STRINGERS DIGEST
- RACQUETTECH MAGAZINE - 10 ISSUES
- WEB ACCESS
- DISCOUNTS ON ADVERTISERS PRODUCTS
- FREE SAMPLES
- REDUCED PRICES ON WORKSHOPS AND CERTIFICATION
- ANNUAL MEETING / SYMPOSIUM - Value 350€ for 99€ -
Minimum 100€ in Free Samples so it is at no cost to you.

2015
1 Year Membership -99€
2 Year Membership – 180€
3 Year Membership - 230€

Name_____________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________

Postcode___________________City____________________________________

Country___________________________________________________________

[Link] Membership 99Euro____________________________________________

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[Link] Membership 220Euro___________________________________________

Credit Card AMEX_____ VISA_____ Mastercard______

Card Number________________________________Exp. Date_______________

Signature_____________________________________________________

Please Fax or e-Mail this form to European Racquet Stringers Association.

Phone & Fax +49(0)211-68814151; email mmaslo3330@[Link]
17

Designed for Pro‘s. This monofile polyester string offers ultimate control
combined with high ball speed. Now released!

Diese Monofile Polyestersaite wurde speziell für die Anforderungen auf der Profitour entwickelt. Volle Kontrolle bei
hoher Beschleunigung. Jetzt released nach erfolgreichem Einsatz auf der Tour!

[Link]
18

String Intro
Timo van Driel, manager for ERSA in the Benelux, has been testing four differ-
ent co-polyester strings since his return from the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo,
Japan. All four of them have been tested outdoors on clay, strung at a Dynamic-
Tension of 36.

Luxilon Element
Launched on the tour as the “Bronze Prototype”, the new Luxilon
string has been seen already on the tour with some players. It
comes in two gauges, 1.25mm and 1.30mm. Compared to their
most popular string,the Alu Power, it’s less stiff and more forgiv-
ing. The power level is fairly high and especially the thinner gauge
produces lots of spin.
In terms of string movement, it moves more compared to their
other strings. Being a more softer and comfortable poly it makes
sense that it moves more. If you are a big spin player, you may
want to check out the thicker one (or a different string).

The breaking point is similar too their poly’s in the Luxilon familiy.
The tension loss after 5 hours of play is a lot less compared to
the Original or the [Link] I think the Element can be a good addition to their present top
poly’s.

Yonex Poly Tour Fire

The newest addition to the Poly Tour family is the Fire. Red and dan-
gerous is what you see on (and in) the [Link] SIF (Silicone
oil Infused Filimant) technology is their newest piece of work in the
string. It comes in three different gauges, similar to the yellow Poly
Tour:1.20mm,1.25mm and1.30mm. Testing all the gauges in different
rackets made clear why these gauges are chosen.

They respond similar if you choose the right gauge in the right
racket. The VCoreTour 97F really has benefit of the thinnist gauge.
The movement on the string is average,it only started moving after a
period that the string became looser. A very big plus in theFire is
the ‘jumpiness’ of the string. It feels like the balls jumps off without losing [Link] the
1.25mm in a Pure Strike 100 and the 1.30mm in a Pure Drive107,had the same feel, touch and
power.
If you need more spin and power, you should try the thinnest one. In a
bigger racket it will result in less durability. The string lasts quite long
 19

String Intro
though, so no need to be scared of early breaking.

Yonex Poly Tour Spin G

Coming as a fiery orange string, it’s a lot heavier looking
than the blue Poly Tour Spin. Where the Poly Tour range is
quite soft, this one feels firm. It has a sharp edge which-
makes it a little bit more difficult to string. But if it’s set
good, it stays perfect! It is a very hard string, so it’s not suit-
able for nonestring-breakers. But the heavy spin players will
love the non-moving string pattern.

The durability is medium plus. It doesn’t wear out fast and

it also keeps the tension nicely, better than the regular ver-
sion. Therefore it’s a bit short on comfort. But the better and
heavy players- who should use this string-, won’t mind!

Head Hawk Touch

The softer version of their previous string, the Hawk, has a
special technology, which has an inner core surrounded by
a firm outer shell: Crystal Core. The two guages that have
been tested - 1.20mm and 1.25mm - have similar charac-
teristics: low power, but a lot of control. When taking big
swings (with or without heavy topspin) the string has a very
good control over the ball.

Of course, the 1.20mm wears out faster than the 1.25mm.

The thicker one of the two is a lot more durable then expected. Therefore big hitters
should choose the 1.25mm. Compared to the regular Hawk it’s definitely more play-
able but it is still a string for the better playes. Heavy swingers will love the control.
20

Industry News
Squash Legend John White Signs with
Ashaway and Black Knight USA
-- To play with new SuperNick® string from Asha-
way and a Quicksilver LT racquet from Black Knight

Ashaway Racket Strings and Black Knight USA have jointly announced signing a sponsorship agreement
with squash legend John White. A former world No.1 ranked player with 13 tour titles during his 17-year
career, John is currently the Head Squash Coach at Drexel University. Still active as a singles and doubles
player on the Legends Tour, John will be using a pre-release version of a new SuperNick® string from
Ashaway, and a Quicksilver LT racquet and other equipment from Black Knight. Other terms of the sponsor-
ship agreement were not released.

"We are honored to have a player of John's caliber and experience represent Ashaway and Black Knight on
the squash court," said Ashaway's Steve Crandall. "Not only does his stature as a player and coach speak
for itself, but as one of the hardest hitters in the game, we can think of no one better to represent our new
next generation SuperNick string, which will be introduced early next year.

A native Australian, John represented Scotland on European Teams, World teams, and the World Cup from
1999 to 2008, playing in 34 finals matches and winning 13 titles. He finished runner-up at both the World
Open and the British Open in 2002, won both the PSA Masters title and English Open in 2003, and won the
British National Championships in 2004. He was ranked #1 in the world in March, 2004, and until October
2011 held the record for the fastest recorded shot at 172 mph. John became Head Squash Coach at Drexel
in 2011 after a four-year stint as the head coach at Franklin & Marshall.

Said John, "My career goals are to bring a national title to Drexel Athletics, and to continue to play on the
Legends Tour as long as possible! I am delighted to be affiliated with Ashaway and Black Knight, and to
represent and endorse their great squash products."

"Very few players have the playing and coaching talents of John White," said Black Knight USA co-owner,
President, and former World Champion, David Palmer, a legend in his own right. "We are very excited to
have John join our Black Knight Team. Being a former World no.1, the hardest hitter in the game, and one
of the most exciting players of all time, John
has a great reputation worldwide from his
playing days and more recently as Head
Coach at Drexel University in Philadelphia.
John will be starting with our new model, the
Quicksilver LT, and we have started working
on a custom racquet (“the great White”) to be
released early in 2016."

visit [Link].
21
EUROPEAN ALBANIA
ANDORRA
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TENNIS A uniqu
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Tennis Europe (by constitution European Tennis Federation) is the largest regional SERBIA
association of the sport’s governing body, the International Tennis Federation. Based SLOVAKIA
in Switzerland, Tennis Europe is comprised of 49 member nations and co-opera-
tes with constituent national federations to sanction, manage and support well over SLOVENIA
1,000 international tennis tournaments each year across the continent.
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Tel: +41 (0)61 335 90 40 > Fax: +41 (0)61 331 72 53 > [Link] > contactus@[Link]
 2016 ERSA
Symposium and Annual General Meeting
Sign-up Sheet [Link]
Friday, March 11, 2016
20:00 – Welcome Cocktail – Atalaya Park Hotel
Samstag, March 12, 2016
9:00 – 15:00 Presentations
15:00 - 17:00 String and Racquet Testing - Private Lessons
Sunday, March 13, 2016
9:00 – 15:00 Presentations
15:00 - 17:00 String and Racquet Testing - Private Lessons
Monday, March 14, 2016
9:00 – 15:00 Presentations
15:00 - 17:00 String and Racquet Testing - Private Lessons
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
9:00 - 14:00 Certificaton Testing & Private Lessons - Racquet & String Testing

ERSA Member 99€_________

ERSA e-Member 150€______
Non-Member 250€________

CS, MRT, PTS, Badminton, MRS ______119€ Members______200€ Non-Members

ATALAYA PARK Golf Hotel & Resort

Avda. de las Golondrinas s/n 29688 Estepona - Málaga, Spain
Tel: +34 952 889 000, Fax: +34 952 889 019
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[Link]

Single Room 55€ per Night _____________________ Check-In ______________Check-Out

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All rooms including breakfast buffet.

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e-mail or Fax to mmaslo3330@[Link] +49-211-68814151
 23

Industry News
Lleyton Hewitt named Australia Davis Cup captain
Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt has been named captain of Australia’s Davis Cup tennis team.
The 34-year-old takes over from interim captain Wally Masur, who led Australia in their semi-final defeat by
Great Britain in Glasgow last month.
Hewitt announced earlier this year that he will end his playing career after the Australian Open in January.
He was a member of victorious Davis Cup teams in 1999 and 2003, and played in a record 41 ties over 16
years.
His first tie as captain will be a World Group first-round match at home against the United States from 4-6
March.
Top five Australians
1. Bernard Tomic (ranking 18, age 23)
2. Nick Kyrgios (ranking 30, age 20)
3. Sam Groth (ranking 53, age 28)
4. John Millman (ranking 74, age 26)
5. Thanasi Kokkinakis (ranking 76, age 19)
Among Hewitt’s tasks will be to get the best out of Nick Kyrgios, the 20-year-old world number 30 who was
left out of the team in Glasgow due to “ focus on his personal and professional development” following dis-
ciplinary issues.
“When I came on (tour) I didn’t always have the best image out there either, so it’s about dealing with that
and learning from the mistakes that you’ve made over time,” said Hewitt.
“Nick’s, I think, really finding himself at the moment.
“But he has massive upside, as well, and I think with the right people around him and the right team around
him I think he can really improve the next year or two (in) leaps and bounds and hopefully hold up a Grand
Slam trophy.”

YTEX is proud to announce a new partnership with Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach to bring
coaches and players the
ultimate Point of Contact
experience.
Billie Jean King’s Eye Coach
9 out of 10 shots our head shifts
away too soon from the Point of
Contact. This causes loss of bal-
ance, mishits, and unforced errors.
Eye Coach Point of Contact Training
guarantees to help correct this prob-
lem while greatly enhancing your power and accuracy. When combined with YTEX String, your ability to hit
on the sweet spot is greatly enhanced.

YTEX is looking for distributors in many new areas.

If interested contact Ivor at Ivor@[Link]
24

Industry News
HoF Capital Campaign Exceeds $15 Million Goal
The International Tennis Hall of Fame’s fundraising on the Match Point Capi-
tal Campaign has exceeded its $15 million goal, the HoF announced in September.
“After three years of hard work by the Capital Campaign Committee and especially by Chairman
Ed Woolard, I’m very pleased to announce the campaign has exceeded its goal and, in fact, con-
struction on the improvement projects that will result from the campaign is already more than 70
percent complete,” said HoF Chairman Christopher Clouser.
The entire project is set to be completed and dedicated in May. The campaign was focused on a
complete renovation of the museum; six new tennis courts and major expansion to the tennis club;
improvements to Bill Talbert Center Court, primarily new seating on the South and East sides; an
overall expansion and enhancement to the property, including the addition of a significant new
building to house offices and tennis club facilities.
Industry Loses Dr. Howard Brody
The industry’s foremost physicist of tennis, Dr. Howard Brody, passed away
on Aug. 11 in Bryn Mawr, Pa., at the age of 83. Brody was an emeritus profes-
sor of physics at the University of Pennsylvania, where he spent his entire career.
Brody became interested in the science and physics of tennis in the 1970s and was the first to
make the sport the object of serious scientific study. An avid recreational player, he wrote the book
“Tennis Science for Tennis Players” and co-authored “The Physics and Technology of Tennis,”in
addition to dozens of other scientific articles on the sport. He also wrote the PTR’s science
manual.
He was a member of the ITF’s Technical Commission, and among the many honors he receive
were the Educational Merit Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Stanley Pla-
genhoef Award for sport science achievement.

TIA Sales in the USA 1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive 2013 (MP)
Here is some interesting data from the USA 2. Babolat Pure Drive 2015 (MP)
TIA shop surveys. Some changes in the last
surveys. Babolat and Wilson still dominating 3. Wilson Pro Staff 97 (MP)
the racket sales stats. In shoes, Asics overtook 4. Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 (MP)
Prince’s number one position after years. Babo-
lat RPM Blast is in the number one position in 5. Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Auto (MP)
strings (Unit Sales) with Prince SynGut DF still
in number 2. “Hot New Racquets”

Top-Selling Racquets at Specialty Stores (introduced in the past 12 months)

By year-to-date dollars 1. Babolat Pure Drive 2015 (MP)

Jan.-June 2015
2. Wilson Pro Staff 97 (MP)
3. Wilson Pro Staff RF 97 Auto (MP)
4. Babolat Pure Drive Team 2015 (MP)
5. Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2015 (MP)
 25

Industry News
Top-Selling Tennis Shoes at Specialty Stores Top-Selling Strings at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-June 2015 By year-to-date units, Jan.-June 2015
1. Asics Gel Resolution 6 1. Babolat RPM Blast
2. Prince T22 2. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
3. Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour 3. Wilson NXT
4. Asics Gel Solution Speed 2 4. Wilson Sensation
5. Asics Gel Resolution 5 5. Luxilon 4G (Source: TIA)

Head player Sloane

S S
Stephens won her Former USTA and TIA President Dave Haggerty was
first career title at the Citi Open in Wash- elected president of the International Tennis Federa-
ington in early August, playing with the Head tion on Sept. 25 at the ITF Annual General Meeting
Graphene
p Radical. in Santiago, Chile. Haggerty will serve a four-year
term, from 2015 to 2019, heading the world gov-
Head players found success at this year’s US erning body responsible for the rules of tennis and
Open. Novak Djokovic won his third Grand maintaining the integrity of the sport.
Slam of 2015 and 10th in his career after de- The 58-year-old succeeds Francesco Ricci Bitti,
feating Roger Federer in the singles final. who held the post for the last 16 years. Ricci Bitti
Taylor Fitz won the boy’s singles title. has been named an Honorary Life President of the
Head player Leander Paes, with Martina Hingis, ITF.
won a third mixed doubles title of the season.
Haggerty was elected on the second ballot with 200
And David Wagner earned the Men’s Quad
votes, over Anil Khanna (IND) with 192 votes. Rene
doubles title, with partner Nicolas Taylor.
Stammbach (SUI) and Juan Margets (ESP) were
Former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka eliminated on the first ballot.
has switched her representation from the Katrina Adams, the current president of the USTA,
Lagarderecompany to IMG. was elected to the ITF Board of Directors and also
named as an ITF Vice President. The other vice
Ben Porter is the new Global Product Manager
presidents are Khanna and Stammbach.
for Wilson Sporting Goods.
The rest of the ITF Board of Directors for the
South African Kevin Anderson received the fifth 2015-19 term include: Martin Corrie (GBR), Ser-
annual US Open Sportsmanship Award pre- gio Elias (CHI), Ismail El Shafei (EGY), Bernard
sented to the professional tennis player who Giudicelli (FRA), Jack Graham (CAN), Thomas
best demonstrates excellence in sportsmanship Koenigsfeldt (DEN), Celia Patrick (NZL), Aleksei
throughout the Emirates Airline US Open Series Selivanenko(RUS), Rene Stammbach (SUI), Stefan
and the US Open. Tzvetkov (BUL), and Bulat Utemuratov (KAZ).
Haggerty has held a variety of roles within the USTA
since 2001 and within the ITF since 2009. He served as
chairman, CEO and president of the USTA in 2013-14,
and was a vice president on the ITF Board of Directors
in 2013-15. He is a former president of the TIA and a
current board member of the International Tennis Hall of
Fame. His 30-yearcareer in the racquet industry includes
being a former chairman of Head USA, president of Penn
Racquet Sports, and president of Dunlop Maxfli Slaz-
enger Sports. •
26

Industry News
Users Praise the Playability, Spin Generation, and 'Healing Power' of
MonoGut® ZX Strings
By Steve Crandall
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Ashaway Racket Strings

It's been over three years now since we introduced the MonoGut® ZX family, and still not a week goes by
without a call or email -- usually more than one -- from a player or stringer who has just 'discovered' the
string and wants to rave about it. I am also happy to report that sales for the product have also increased
steadily over that time, and even more rapidly with our recent introduction of MonoGut ZX Black. Black, it
seems, is very hot.

As a manufacturer, it is of course gratifying to see a product grow and succeed in the marketplace. But
based on the nature of the comments we receive, it seems that with MonoGut ZX (and Pro) we've done
something more than simply make a successful product. In our introductory announcement, we noted that
many playtesters had predicted that, "the long sought goal of producing a synthetic string to rival the perfor-
mance of natural gut has been reached."

In that same announcement, I said, "Like natural gut, MonoGut ZX string provides exceptional energy re-
turn, better than any other synthetic material. This means more power. Also like gut, MonoGut ZX remains
soft at higher tensions, reducing impact shock. This results in more comfortable performance— what we
call 'soft power.'" I also noted that MonoGut ZX contains no polyester, and that "its 100% Zyex monofila-
ment construction maximizes abrasion resistance and enhances string life."

Subsequent testing has shown that MonoGut ZX is indeed closer to natural gut in dynamic stiffness than
any other synthetic string material. But it's in the context of the current craze for polyester, and the need
for more and more spin, that MonoGut ZX has made the greatest mark. These days everybody wants to
improve their "up and down" game, and play like the top pros with "heavy balls" that drop like stones just
inside the baseline. To generate that spin they think they need to use those so-called "high-tech," high- per-
formance polyester strings, and many are paying a high price in impact related injuries.

Not only do MonoGut ZX and ZX Pro strings generate spin as well as polyester, they do so without gener-
ating the same arm jarring, injury causing impact shock as polyester, and even help players recover from
their impact related injuries.

From the comments we receive, it seems that MonoGut ZX is proving: 1) that you don't need to suffer
injuries to generate spin, much less be sidelined by them; 2) that you can improve your overall performance
without polyester; and 3) that you can get additional benefits from your string, like better tension holding,
more durability, and more power as well.

Most comments are brief, such as, "Great tension maintenance. Phenomenal control for such a comfortable
string." But a number of people provided much greater detail as to why they
switched and how the string performs for them. While we can't include all
these comments, I've reproduced several below -- in slightly edited fashion
-- from people whose names you might recognize:

1) From Geoff McKee, coach, stringer and father of rising junior star Clare
McKee, who will be playing for
 27

Industry News
Princeton next year:

"I first purchased Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro for my 12-year-old daughter because she was sidelined with
wrist and elbow problems and the MZX Pro tested as the softest non-gut string on the market. Since the
switch, my daughter has had no elbow or wrist problems for four years. Also, the durability, power, and con-
trol of MZX Pro have been fabulous. My daughter was the team champion in the #1 spot for Florida and she
reached a super national final with MZX Pro.

Several of her coaches and training partners have switched to MZX Pro, as well. For comfort, control, and
durability, there is no better string on the market."

Clare herself said, "Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro gives me really nice feel and a lot of variety. I get good pop
with these strings and good control. It helps me get more spin, especially on my serve and forehand."

2) Well-known stringer Geoffrey Jones also has a top-notch junior among his clientele. Geoff has been Cer-
tified as a Master Racquet Technician (MRT) with USRSA for 12 years, and as a USRSA Certification Tester
for 11 years. Retired and stringing part-time, Geoff strings 300-400 racquets a year. His young client, Aditya
Srinivasan, recently ranked 21st in the East Boys 12-year-old division. Said Geoff:

"Aditya was breaking a popular multifilament string weekly; now with Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro he is get-
ting a month or more before restringing. Aditya's parents wanted a string that was durable but not a polyes-
ter that might injure him. With Ashaway Monogut ZX Pro they found a
soft durable string that almost has the same resilience, softness and safety as natural gut. Search over!
Aditya is a Big Topspin Hitter, loves the Spin, Power and the Durability of Ashaway
Monogut ZX Pro."

Says Aditya, "I like the MonoGut ZX Pro because it gives me a lot of power; I put a lot of spin on the ball
and this allows me to hit my shots deep."

3) From expert technician and recent Tennis Industry Racquet Stringer of the Year, John Gugel. John
strings about 200 racquets a month at his business, Racquet Quest ([Link]) in Cassel-
berry, (Orlando) Florida. He has spent many years studying the mechanics of "string bed stiffness linearity"
to see if he could discover why so many players using polyester strings were suffering arm pain. His conclu-
sion was that, "the forces required to take advantage of polyester string were about the force where stiff-
ness increased." In other words, in order to take advantage of polyester strings, you had to hit really hard,
and the harder you hit, the stiffer it gets. Thus, he says:

"Monogut ZX and Monogut ZX Pro have become my primary string(s) for many reasons, the most impor-
tant, however, is arm protection. I started using Monogut ZX and ZX Pro for customers that even mentioned
polyester!

The high elongation of the Monogut ZX series almost guarantees no arm issues. Even at higher tensions
than would be possible with polyester! It is well known that natural gut is the string to use if there is an arm
issue, but now Monogut ZX is an option. Recently I moved a previous polyester player into Monogut ZX just
so he could play! His arm was really bad but he simply had to play
the league finals. He won all his matches, by the way. I know players will say
just reduce tension when using polyester and all is well... but that is not realis-
tic at the recreational level.

Monogut ZX also exhibits unusual durability unless miss-hit. I am always

28

Industry News
amazed at the condition of Monogut ZX when used as a cross string in a hybrid format. There is virtually no
wear on the Monogut ZX.

I have many junior tournament players who are constantly being "marketed" polyester string. It is my prac-
tice to not put polyester in any junior's racquet. This is when I recommend Monogut ZX Black as an alterna-
tive. I know it works and it looks like the "other" black string. Monogut ZX is easy to string and is a perfect
string for the player looking forward to comfort, spin, power, and durability."

4) Player/stringer Eric Burke summarized the comments of many when he said:

"Ashaway MonoGut ZX is the ONLY string that provides durability, feel, power, comfort, and tension main-
tenance. It is by far the best string to use as the crosses for hybrid stringing in those popular new 'spin-
enhancing' racquets."

Eric has played on a national level, strung racquets for tour players, and has coached thousands of tennis
enthusiasts over the years. Eric is the Official Racquet Technician of Professional Tennis Registry (PTR)

(of which Ashaway is also the Official String) and has strung for many top professionals at men's and
women's events. As a player, he has ranked #2 in the South Men’s Open Singles, #3 in the US Men’s
35’s Doubles, and in 2014, #30 in the US Men’s 45. Eric has operated Hardcore Tennis in Marietta, GA
since 2000 ([Link]), where he strings about 3000 racquets a year. “MonoGut ZX contin-
ues to be our most popular string," he added. "It is the best overall string ever!”

What these and other comments have in common is that players initially switch to MonoGut ZX (or ZX Pro)
for its ability to eliminate their arm pain -- its 'healing power' if you will -- but stay with it because it provides
other playing benefits as well. They love the power and control, the "softness," comfort and overall feel of
the string; and they love the remarkable tension holding abilities of the true 'high-tech' Zyex® polymer from
which it's made. That tension holding not only means they can keep the string in their racquets longer -- a
considerable saving -- but they can count on more consistent play, game after game, match after match,
throughout the life of the string.

So the MonoGut ZX bottom line for us is more than the business bottom line (which is OK, too!): it's the
satisfaction of knowing that we've been able to develop a string that is not only fundamentally healthier than
the current injury causing polyester offerings, but one that disproves the conventional wisdom and beats
those strings at their own game.

But the comments also have one other familiar

refrain: many say, "More please!" As much as
people like the MonoGut ZX family as is, they still
want more Zyex-based designs and constructions.
Specifically, they want the same “healing” proper-
ties as MonoGut ZX for players who prefer a soft
multifilament string bed to a stiffer monofilament
string bed. So, being the dutiful manufacturer
that we are, that's what
we're working on! Stand
by for some MonoGut
ZX Multifilament news
in early 2016.
 Is String
your
Business?

We are there for you, driving tennis business in

support of growing the game throughout the
Benefits
country. * Your business profile online
in the searchable TRS
The TIA UK is the trade body for all tennis
directory on [Link]
businesses, including yours - independent
stringers and coaches dependent on the well- * Access to workshops,
credits and certification
being of our sport - and, collectively, we are the courses at preferential
authorative voice of tennis commerce. rates
* Networking opportunities
via Member Forums and
The Tennis Summit
* Industry contacts and news
* Access to TIA UK Preferred
Suppliers, including
ActionCoach (business
mentoring), BLM (legal
services), Conference
Co-Ordination (meeting
professionals), Newby
Crouch (Chartered
Accountants), Perkins
Slade (Insurance) and
Traveleads (business travel
experts)

Tennis Industry Association UK Ltd * Playing your part in the

business of tennis
c/o Sport Wins * And more to come... so
PO Box 238
Tadworth Join the TIA UK now!
Surrey KT20 5WT

Gilly English Phil Sandilands

Membership & Events Manager Business Development Manager
Phone 01737 831 707 Phone 020 8398 3232
Mobile 07904 526 779 Mobile 07786 390 855
Email gilly@[Link] Email phil@[Link]
Registered Office Company Registered in England No 5345983
Tennis Industry Association UK Ltd
c/o Newby Crouch, Ember House, 35 - 37 Creek Road, East Molesley, Surrey KT8 9BE VAT No 989 4586 33
Phone 020 8979 4666 / Fax 020 8979 5934 / Email office@[Link]
30

ERSA ATW
The Second ERSA / KRSA Workshop took place in Busan, South Korea the
first week of October, 2016.
Taekki Lee, ERSA Korea Manager and the founder of the KRSA, Korean Racket Stringers Asso-
ciation, organized a two day workshop and certification testing for 16 KRSA members.
Mark Maslowski, ERSA President, was invited to do the workshop and had a great experience dur-
ing the week.
The members travelled from all over Korea to take part in the workshop which was organized with
meetings, hotel, meals. Thanks to ERSA Korea and their team for a great organization.
Taekki Lee, was also invited this year to be part of the Babolat Roland Garros stringing team.

Richard Parnell, ERSA Spain Manager and ERSA Latin America Director,
got a taste of Japan being invited by Yonex to string at the ATP 500 Rakuten Open in Tokyo, Japan
in October. Richard is also invited to string for Yonex at the 2016 Australian Open.
 31

Symposium Schedule
The 2016 ERSA Symposium Schedule will be updated as we get more presentations con-
firmed. As of now the schedule includes:

Hands-On - Beginner/Intermediate Stringing Course

Hands-On – How to become a Master Pro Tour Stringer. Master Pro Tour Stringers will work with
you on your weaknesses to become a great stringer.

Hands-On – Racket Grip Moulding

Hands-On – Racquet Tuning

Social Media – How to use it to build up your shop and / or stringing business

Managing Your Shop Presentation

Free Private Lessons with the Top Stringers in the World

CS, MRT and PTS Tennis, Badminton and Squash Certification Testing

On Court Racket Testing – Prince, Head, Babolat Yonex, etc.

On Court Smart Tennis Devices Testing

ENTDECKE Die Int. Plattform für alle

DIE WELT
DER
Trainer und Coaches
die professionell
unterrichten

WE MAKE
A WORLD OF INFO: PTR European Headquarters

DIFFERENCE Leichtergasse 28 - 39012 MERAN

Fon: +39 0473 230097 - [Link] - info@[Link]
32

ERSA ATW
ERSA-Taiwan organized their second workshop in Taichun City this October. Bernie Chen and his
team did another great job organizing the 3 day Badmiinton and Tennis Workshop and Certification
Testing.
Only started this year, ERSA-Taiwan is becoming the fastest growing ERSA country. Separate
Badminton and Advanced Tennis Stringing Workshops are already being planned for 2016.
The workshop was sponsored by Yonex for Badminton and Tennis rackets and strings and by the
three major stringing machine manufacturers in Taiwan.

ERSA-Taiwan Workshop in Taichung City Taiwan with Mark

Maslowski and Bernie Chen instructing the badminton and tennis
workshop.

ERSA Germany First Workshops

Mike Emenako, ERSA Germany Manager along with Mark Maslowski, ERSA President and co-
manager for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, is offering 2
Workshops this winter.
The first is being held November 21-22, 2015 in
Dusseldorf, Germany will take place in the
TC Blau-Schwarz Clubhouse.
The second will take place in Frankfurt (FFM), Germany
on December 5-6, 2015. Venue TBA. The workshops are
almost fully booked with several manufacturers sponsoring
the workshops, including Yonex
for the stringing machines.
Registration is now available on
[Link] or
contact ERSA at
mmaslo3330@[Link]
 BUYER’S GROUP FOR
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The Racquet Tech Sports Group

offers many advantages to
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 HEAD PRO PLAYERS MAY PLAY WITH DIFFERENT RACQUETS FROM THE MODEL SHOWN.
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