Comments on: Three Ways that Sony Ericsson and the WTA Tour Could Better Market Tennis

By: Aaress Lawless

Aaress Lawless — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:17:55 +0000

Very well said, Alice. At the moment, the player-fan interaction is primarily limited to tournaments. If somehow the Tour could heighten that presence on the internet, it would significantly help promote tennis to the masses.

By: Alice

Alice — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:13:51 +0000

Aaress, great post packed with realistic proposals.

I feel that sliding back the glass ceiling that exists between fans and players would be a positive development.

Yes there are risks involved, and some thought would have to go into how to enable more player-fan interaction, but I feel the benefits for the tour in terms of PR and social capital would be immense. Some players are more gregarious and approachable than others. But with the right structure, checks and balances, I think its workable.

As it is, fans can only look skyword to their hero’s.

Tapping and shouting on sound-proofed smoked glass is futile. I know how this can disillusion and dishearten fans more dedicated than I.

Excellent talking point.

By: Aaress Lawless

Aaress Lawless — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:45:22 +0000

That is a very good point, Van! I wonder if the lack of promotion is partially a USA thing? Perhaps some of our non-USA readers can tell us if they regularly see tennis advertising?

I know here in the States, I rarely see tennis being promoted except as you said during the USOS or the days/weeks before Grand Slams.

By: Van

Van — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:23:37 +0000

Hey Aaress, great points! I never even knew about that Netcords thing on the WTA’s Web site, which sounds like it should definitely be promoted.

I think something that can be done is more ads should be placed in areas outside of tennis: During the U.S. Open series is the only time you see ads promoting the sport and tournaments. But why wouldn’t the WTA spend a little bit more money to do its own promotion during prime time?