10SBALLS WISHES EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS, GLOBAL CHICK SHARES HER “DEAR SANTA” LETTER

Written by: Global Chick on 24th December 2015

10SBALLS WISHES EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS, GLOBAL CHICK SHARES HER "DEAR SANTA" LETTER |

Dear Santa,

You probably remember me writing last year and asking you to keep both Serena Williams and Roger Federer playing on the tour. Boy, did you and Rudolph ever deliver. What a year Serena Williams has had. Santa you made me a believer when she won the Australian, French and Wimbledon titles but the Sports Illustrated Athlete of the Year? Wow! Another run at a Grand Slam for Serena in 2016 would be sweet!

You also delivered on my wish for Roger to keep playing. Ho, ho, ho Santa… Little did we know what a great year it would be for him as he continues to make his mark in the record books. Oh, and how about the SABR— Sneak Attack by Roger. Very cool Santa. Maybe another trick and Slam for him in 2016? The fans would go crazy.

And this year I want you to reach into your bag and continue to provide good healthy vibes for Venus Williams. You remember the older, taller and talented Williams sister? The one who has been hampered with injuries and illness for the past few years. Venus is such a great ambassador for the game. Santa, I’d sure like her win another Slam in 2016.

Oh, and hey Santa, the US Fed Cup team is playing in Hawaii in February. Any chance you could encourage both Serena and Venus to play for team USA?

And what about those Bryan Brothers Santa? They play like a Christmas dream team. As they wind down their career, how about giving them more air time on TV, they are so fun to watch…

Speaking of tennis on TV, Santa how about making the Tennis Channel available in every household?

Santa I know I’m asking for a lot this year but it is Christmas after all and the season to give, so I’m hoping you’ll help some of our young American players have a break out year. So many are out there working hard to rise to the top. It’s time to create another American tennis dynasty.

Got a tougher one for you now. I would like to see if could you to straighten out the USTA. I just hate to see no accountability from them on the growth of tennis at the grassroots level. Peter Francesconi said it so well in Tennis Industry Magazine, ““the hard facts are that equipment sales, and in particular youth racquet sales, are not good, participation isn’t growing like it should, “core players” have actually declined slightly, and while youth tennis participation may have bumped a little, where’s the huge growth” Santa this just isn’t good news at all. Peter goes on to say, “we’ve had six years of heavy investment and focus on getting more kids in the game—shouldn’t we be much further along?” Peter is absolutely right Santa. We should have more kids playing and we should be further along. How about a little help for the USTA from you and your elves Santa? And Santa, if it has to be coal this year to get your point across, then coal it has to be. We need the governing body of tennis in the US to help grow the game, not just make and spend boat loads of money on big tennis facilities and hefty salaries.

On the flipside, Santa could you leave a little extra for all those individuals out there in the trenches who work tirelessly to grow and support this game. There are so many Santa and fortunately, I know you and Rudolph know who they are. Shine your nose so bright on these individuals. They deserve it.

And Santa when you and Rudolph make your rounds this Christmas, can you please shout from the rooftops about what a great game tennis is. Can you shout about all the health benefits, both socially and physically. Can you tell all your merry elves that tennis is a game that can be played for a lifetime. That it really doesn’t cost that much to get started — just a ball, a wall and a racquet.

Thanks Santa. The milk and cookies are by the tennis court.