National Tennis Month: Otis Sadler on the Evolution of Sportsmanship and Character in Tennis

HOUSTON, Texas — When Otis Sadler stepped onto the courts at the University of Texas in 1988, he wasn’t just playing for a scholarship or a trophy; he was carving out a piece of history. As the first African American male to play for the Longhorns, Sadler’s journey from a junior player in the "champs" and "super champs" circuits of Texas to a leader in the USTA has been defined by a single, unwavering principle: sportsmanship.

Now 55, Sadler reflects on a career that spanned collegiate excellence, business, and decades of advocacy within USTA Texas. Having served as the first Multicultural Participation Coordinator (MPC)—a precursor to modern DEI initiatives—and currently chairing the USTA Texas Sportsmanship Task Force, Sadler views the game as the ultimate test for character.

"Sportsmanship is more than just not throwing a fit or cursing," Sadler says. "It is the respect in which you play the game and the respect you give your opponent. To me, it is a glimpse into your character."

For Sadler, the court is a microcosm of life. He emphasizes that tennis, unlike many sports, offers the grace of the "next point," a philosophy he believes translates directly to personal growth and societal contribution.

Q&A: A Conversation with Otis Sadler

USTA Texas: You’ve been called a star player, perhaps one of the best ever at UT. How do you view your legacy there?

Otis Sadler: I doubt very seriously that’s the truth! I wasn’t close to the best ever, but I was lucky. Coach Nader gave me a chance. He used to introduce me as the "best African American player he ever coached," and I’d remind him I was the only one. He’d just say, "Nobody needs to know that, just go with the story." Being the first was an honor, but it was about the opportunity to compete at that level from 1988 to 1992.

USTA Texas: How do you personally define sportsmanship, and how has that definition changed for you over the years?

Sadler: It’s about respect—whether you’re destroying your opponent or getting destroyed. It’s how you carry yourself. I always say tennis is like life; you can miss seven or eight shots and still be in the game. In life, if you make a bad decision and you're contrite, you get another chance. The easiest thing in the world to do is quit, and quitting is habit-forming. Sportsmanship is the grit to keep fighting without losing your integrity.

USTA Texas: You’ve mentioned Arthur Ashe as a primary influence. What lessons did you take from his approach?