Say Goodbye to College Tennis as We Know It

With these words on the NCAA Men's and Women's Tennis meeting minutes from the July 2012 meeting, college tennis will most certainly no longer be relevant.

Is the NCAA getting its cues from the same people that are advocating 10 and Under Tennis?

It looks that way.  Making the third set of singles matches a super-tiebreak, match tiebreak or whatever you want to call it turns college tennis into World Team Tennis, minus the loud music in between points and the multi-colored courts. (No offense to Billie Jean King and her WTT, as there is a place for her organization in our sport)

Not only would players like Steve Johnson and John Isner not have stayed four years at their respective institutions, many other players would've bypassed college altogether with this rule in place.  This hurts the development of many players who aren't ready for the rigors and the great unknown of the pro tours.  If there is one player the committee should've talked to before thinking about these changes, they could've talked to Isner.  Look at what college did for him.

One of the great things about college tennis at all levels is that it is an endurance test.  Matches can go on long, but sometimes they go quickly as well.  Yes, they are student athletes, but they are also supposed to be young athletes that can play all day.

It's about singles, doubles and at some events, it would be fun to see mixed be thrown in as well.

Let's add to college tennis, not take away from it.

Here is a link to the entire report:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By9sEF9wNPH-eldDZjNvT20xZVE/edit

Here is the Facebook page where you can join the fight to save college tennis.

http://www.facebook.com/events/297275993713513/