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ONLY ON TENNISWIRE... Links open in new browser window - Federer Uses Media Spotlight to Help Children through UNICEF - McEnroe, King Among Friends Honoring Scott - Rest In Peace: Eugene L. Scott - Winners of Seventh Annual U.S. Tennis Writers Assoc. Writing Contest [doc]

April 3, 2006             A Sport of Individuals

Hi there,

This past week put me in two places that, for those moments, seemed like the center of the tennis universe. A too-quick trip to Key Biscayne for the Nasdaq-100 Open was followed by a jaunt back to New York City for the memorial service of Eugene L. Scott, founder and editor of Tennis Week. Many people took a flight Friday, and from many locations, to be in place Saturday morning in tribute to Gene.

I was at the Nasdaq-100 Open specifically for the on-court presentation of awards to journalists who placed in the Seventh Annual Writing Contest by the U.S. Tennis Writers' Association, of which I serve as President. This thrilling opportunity is a great step in gaining exposure for the group in our effort to boost tennis coverage in this country. You'll hear more from me at a later date on this important initiative, but being surrounded by familiar faces working in the media room and walking around the grounds really shows that tennis is a small world.

Nearly everyone is on a first-name basis, and everyone's got tenure. There are so many people for whom only a first name is required, from our on-court stars who I saw playing--Roger, James, Maria and Anastasia--to our off-court stars I saw working--Bud, Butch, and Mary Joe.

Federer Uses Media Spotlight to Help Children through UNICEF This morning I saw Roger Federer, fresh off yesterday's trophy win at Key Biscayne, sign an agreement to become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Standing before a packed room of United Nations types and media for a press conference, the world's No. 1 player looked every bit the part, though he admitted being more nervous on the dais today than on stadium court yesterday. Click here for the story.

There's another person who straddled both roles of player and worker in tennis who had the day off, and in whose honor hundreds of people gathered on Saturday: Gene Scott.

It was standing room only in Manhattan's massive Church of the Heavenly Rest as family, friends and admirers gathered to celebrate and reflect on the life of Gene. Solemn moments were accompanied by quiet prayers and angelic notes from a choir and brass horn. Laughter came often as family and friends related anecdotes that spoke to the man of honor's character. John McEnroe and Billie Jean King were among those offering tributes, and while both deliveries were sobering and sensitive, their stories were entertaining and elicited nods of agreement about the protagonist's personal style. Click here for the story.

Immediately following, the corner of Fifth Avenue and 90th Street on Saturday was a Who's Who of Tennis. From USTA brass to champions Virginia Wade and Stan Smith to members of the media, there was no way even the most determined New Yorker out for a stroll could squeeze by the crowd of Gene's admirers. There was no room!

From my speedy stint in Key Biscayne and back to the Big Apple, a theme emerged...
- On Thursday, one media outlet dominated the winners' circle of the USTWA's Writing Contest. Tennis Week swept half of the awards. I wish Gene had known.
- On Saturday, all parts of the industry were represented in celebrating decades of vigor that one man brought to the individuals and institutions in the game.

As every match names a winner, so has this Gene-themed week. The winner has been tennis.

Click here to view the latest press releases on TENNISWIRE.org.

'Til next time,
Liza Horan
Editor, TENNISWIRE.org
liza@tenniswire.org

From the Tennis Industry Association...

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