The U.S. Tennis Association has hired Stacey Allaster to take over as the chief executive for professional tennis. Allaster previously was the CEO and chairman of the Wome's Tennis Association, and she will report to USTA executive director Gordon Smith.
The organization announced the move on Monday, saying that the "newly created post" will allow Allaster to have a big impact on the development of tennis in the United States. The USTA added that U.S. Open tournament director David Brewer will report to Allaster. The U.S. Open is the biggest tennis event in the United States and now Allaster has "oversight" of that tournament and the developmental program for the USTA.
Allaster started off with the WTA in 2006 as president, and was later promoted to the CEO position in 2009. She stepped down from her post last year. Now she will be back in the game with the USTA.
"I worked 28 years straight, hard between the Ontario Tennis Association, Tennis Canada and the WTA, and that was a mistake," Allaster said. "There needs to be these scheduled breaks. Academics do it. A lot of law firms do it. Nike does it. It just rejuvenates you physically, mentally and emotionally and brings you back stronger. And I am at that place and super excited to join the USTA."
The United States is at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to tennis, as there have not been many new American stars in recent years. Andy Roddick was the highest profile player on the men's side for a long period of time, while Serena Williams is dominating the sport and has been the most high-profile player for over a decade. But overall, the United States needs some new blood.
The positive drug test for Maria Sharapova could open up some opportunities for other women to step up into the void. The United States need to develop more players on the men's and women's side and now Allaster can help push that development.
Williams is currently playing in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells for the second straight year after avoiding the tournament for a decade. Williams advanced to the fourth round with a win over Yulia Putintseva on Sunday. The American star won over Putintseva after a tough first set, outlasting her 7-6 (2), 6-0 to get into the next round. Williams has been out of action since the Australian Open and that could have been one of the reasons for her slow start in the match.
