NCAA proposal for tennis creates backlash

The NCAA in recent years has been an excellent training ground for the pro tennis tours.

John Isner is a prime example.

But an NCAA initiative to change the scoring format -- a third-set tiebreak instead of a third set for singles -- could threaten that relationship, and the plan is creating quite a backlash.

Bradley Klahn of Stanford had this to say, via Twitter: "It is unfortunate that in this era media accessibility and popularity trumps the best interests of those student athletes who have Sacrificed much to achieve their dreams. You can't sell your program as a stepping stone to pro tennis with super breakers for a third set."

Also part of the NCAA proposal: Remove the warm-up with the opponent before matches; reduce the time between singles and doubles to five minutes; shorten each changeover to 60 seconds.

The goal is to shorten matches, perhaps to deliver a better product for television.

"By shortening the format and bringing greater excitement to the dual match, programs will be able to attract fan support and attention to tennis," the NCAA said in its report.

Reigning NCAA champ Nicole Gibbs of Stanford had this to say, via Twitter: "I play tennis for tennis, not for tv coverage and frat boy attendance. Playing a tb for a third set compromises the integrity of the sport!"

A new Facebook group has been launched, started by Michigan's Evan King and Florida's Bob van Overbeek, called "Official-Against the changes to NCAA Tennis," which has more than 1,400 members.

The USTA also opposes the move and sent out this statement Friday morning: "The USTA is aware of the proposed format changes being made by the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee to the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Championships. Working with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the USTA is preparing a joint opposition letter to these changes. The letter will be distributed to the committee in advance of its Monday, August 20th meeting."

Source: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2012/08/ncaa-proposal-for-tennis-creates-backlash/1?csp=34sports

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