USCTA Scheduling Committee Report
May 14, 2021
The Scheduling Committee met May 4th and conversed about the activity at each club and the viability for returning to tournament play. As one can imagine, there is some variance in the rules for each club’s usage, but there is a sense that things continue to head in the right direction. Nearly all report an uptick in on-court lessons, recreational games, and intra-club tournaments. The committee also discussed a draft of a “Pathway to Play” document. Its contents aim to give clubs a guiding instrument to help think about how best to host a USCTA event. Early feedback suggests a growing comfort, but there’s room to strengthen and sharpen the document. A follow-up survey is also in motion to ascertain what hosting an event might look like for our participants using the guidance.
Here is a club-by-club update:
Aiken reports their court is very busy although they have not hosted any events since November 2020. They’ve had a few guests and masking is left to individual discretion.
Boston reports no major changes to their operation. They’re seeing approximately 40-50 hours of play per week and are excited to be hosting the National League this week. If things continue to improve, they’re aiming to host the Jimmy Knott in the fall (date is not yet confirmed) and the Sears Cup.
Chicago has seen an increase in court reservations and believes it’s running between 90-100%. They’ve recently completed all of their 2020 draws and plan to finish 2021 draws soon. 2022 is RCC’s centennial—they’re quite eager to host events and will take on the The Etchebaster, Jan. 21-23, 2022 and the U.S. Amateur April 29-May 1, 2022.
Newport reports that their frequency of play remains unchanged from the last report, but their club championships are progressing. They’re also aiming to host the U.S. Professional Singles Playing for the Schochet Cup Oct. 9-16, 2021. The Pell Cup is only in planning stages—considering outdoor meals, reduced format and no under 18s limited indoor spectators. They’re also hoping to set up an outdoor monitor for spectators.
RCOP reports the court is very busy and there’s an effort to finish up last year’s tournaments. They’re also aiming to host the U.S. Open Oct. 20-28, 2021 and the Jimmy Dunn the weekend prior to Thanksgiving.
DC communicated that its court was bustling with activity. They recently hosted a junior event that included six players that went really well. DC also intends to host the Cherry Blossom next April.
Tuxedo’s court continues to receive a great deal of play. Many precautions are in place including fans and doors open. There have been several intra-club tournaments since the beginning of the year. Tux does plan on hosting Hadden Tomes in mid-October and Gold Racquets in February as per usual.
Lakewood is still subject to what the Georgian Court University does. Right now they are formulating their plans for next year in terms of students on campus.
New York states that its operating at about 80% of its capacity and sees a continued increase in participation as more people get vaccinated. The R&T has also committed to hosting the Below Zero/National Open September 22-27, 2021
Ladies/Juniors are waiting to see as there’s a concern of event dates being too “stacked up.” More to come as things evolve and folks weigh in.
Seniors Steve Hufford, has brought up the idea of a seniors doubles (with possibly a different format) event the first weekend in October (more to come).
Professionals Tim Chisholm reported out on Tuxedo and the prospect of summer events including the ladies and junior camps. The issue at the moment is housing given COVID, but hoping we’ll know more in the coming weeks.
Barring unanticipated circumstances, such as a dramatic increase in infection rates from a variant in the virus, we look forward to returning to competition this fall. Here is a glimpse at the first half of the season:
Fall 2021 Tentative Schedule
Amateur Events
| Oct. 1st – 3rd | Senior Event | RCOP |
| Oct. 8th – Oct. 10th | Jimmy Knott* | BOS |
| Oct. 15th – Oct. 17th | Hadden Tomes | TUX |
| Oct. 22nd – Oct. 24th | Jimmy Knott* | BOS |
| Nov. 5th – Nov. 7th | Calhoun Witham | AIK |
| Nov. 10th -Nov. 14th | Silver Racquets/NY Open | R&T |
| Nov. 19th – Nov. 21st | Jimmy Dunn | PHL |
| Dec. 10th – 12th | Whitney Cup/ USCTA Dinner | R&T |
*Jimmy Knott dates will likely be one of the two listed, but is not yet confirmed
Other confirmed dates include:
Gold Racquets – Feb.18th-20th, 2022 at TUX
The Etchebaster – Jan. 21st-23rd, 2022 at CHI
U.S. Amateur (singles & doubles) – Apr. 29th – May 1st, 2022 at CHI
Pro Events
| Sept. 22nd– 27th | Below Zero/National Open | R&T |
| Oct. 9th-16th | Pro Singles | Newport |
| Oct. 20th-28th | U.S. Open | RCOP |
