New Round Robin Format Provides Endless Opportunities
In a fast-paced world where time is a person's number one commodity, the new USTA Round Robin format is taking the tennis community by storm. Designed for the busy junior or adult player, a Round Robin is a single event, non-elimination tournament draw format that only lasts up to half a day. The Round Robin will become the Junior Circuit for younger players at the start of 2021.
While there are many benefits to the new format, adult players agree that the low commitment and a chance to try singles without the result affecting their rating are major selling points.
"You can play two or three hours on a Saturday afternoon without it being an eight-week league commitment," said Judy Tilmont, Executive Director of USTA Central Indiana.
The Central Indiana district staff have run several adult and junior Round Robins, all received with glowing feedback.
"All of the comments I got were positive," said Karen Griffiths, Director of Business Operations and Community Outreach for USTA Central Indiana. "They said it was great and played a lot of tennis."
During a 3.5 men's Round Robin that Griffiths hosted, players had the opportunity to participate in three rounds of tennis, as well as socialize and meet new people.
From a junior perspective, the format can serve as a wonderful introduction to the world of tournament play without the pressure.
Central Indiana recently hosted a boys' round robin event.
In addition to a boys' round robin, Central Indiana also hosted a successful and fun girls' round robin event.
The Farwell CTA hosted a round robin doubles tournament that was a hit among players.
- Central Indiana recently hosted a boys' round robin event.
- In addition to a boys' round robin, Central Indiana also hosted a successful and fun girls' round robin event.
- The Farwell CTA hosted a round robin doubles tournament that was a hit among players.
"Most parents that I spoke with mentioned that this was a first tournament for their kids, and it was good that they gained playing experience in a low-stress environment," said Bryant Beard, Director of Tennis, Anderson University.
As a first-time provider, Beard said that one of his favorite parts was the ease of use of the Round Robin app as well as the flexibility. Unlike traditional tournaments where draws must be set weeks in advance, providers are able to make updates to the roster as late as the day of the event.
In addition to Central Indiana, other Midwest districts are hosting more Round Robins. Recently, the Farwell Community Tennis Association (located within the USTA Southeastern Michigan District) put on their popular Summer Slam Round Robin event. Provider Charles McCrary said that the event is always a hit with doubles teams and encourages fair play and comradery.
"We like using the round robin tournament because every double teams will play the same number of matches and the champion in our round robin event is the player or teams that wins the most games," said McCrary. "The fun is no one is favored, and everyone feels this format is synergetic to all players playing each other."
So, no matter where you call home, Round Robin opportunities are coming to a court near you. With flexibility and a low-stress environment, these exciting one-day events will soon become your favorite way to play tennis.
Providers, get started here.
Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Adult Program Coordinator, Amanda Susnak at amanda@midwest.usta.com.
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