1st?

Pete, great news all around.

I've been reluctant to get Tennis Channel this year, because it there is not enough live tennis. I have gotten by with ATP TV and other internet feeds. Sounds like Tennis Channel will improve immensely with this deal, so looks like they'll be getting me as a customer because of it.

Well that, and also I'll be able to use a DVR so I can get more sleep!

I just wish we didn't have to wait until next year for this...

Also, I am one American who loves the multinational nature of today's tennis game.

It really adds loads more interest, and contributes to a brand of globalization that can only improve the relationships between the populations of different countries.

I mean, look at TW - although people may be more inclined to cheer their countrymen first (except for Rachael and "Bad Murray":)), the fandom definitely crosses nationalism lines. And it's great to be able to converse with people of different countries about tennis. It brings us all together.

Great news that ESPN2 will be the Slam network with plenty of coverage. Hope it goes well. The USO Series are one of the biggest beneficiaries of this announcement, I believe.

Will "Slam" coverage include the USO Series, Master Ace? Great if it does.

Vetmama,
Yes, ESPN2 will still do the USO Series. ESPN2 probably is planning a celebratory luncheon for landing all the Slams.

Interesting.

I'm visiting Houston today and tomorrow. Stopping in my old tennis club, I saw HD Tennis Channel. I almost broke down and cried - get me back to the States, pronto!

When Pete and I talked with Pasarrel and Moore at IW this March, it was clear that they'd been "thrown under the bus" by ESPN. One of the things that did come from that conversation, and I think is implicit in Pete's post, is that customized digital is the future, and it'll be here quicker than we think. I know it's already there in the UK for Wimbledon.

Andrew, along those lines: US Open has retained rights to stream anything and everything, ESPN is all over the various digital platform options, and I think TC will also make available whatever they can do on the side while trying to keep up with their main business. I think, though, that there is some matter of debate about whether or not streaming video to computers should be cost-free.

Ok at first I was iffy about this - I liked tennis on USA. But this seems like a good deal and if they think it will promote the game, then that's great as well.

Neat-o! This is great news. Many of the people outside of my family who are Tennis fans are because they happend to catch one of the four majors on TV at some point and decided to watch. So if ESPN, "THE" sport network has all four biggies this can only help, IMO.

And hopefully this will help TC grow into more markets and as a more main stream cable network (i.e. golf channel). Although I must say that i am a bit sad that USA will no longer be broadcasting the USO. USA Net at the end of summer has been a staple in my household.

Anything that brings more tennis coverage is okay by me. I get ESPN and Tennis Channel, so I'm good.

But are we saying that IW and Miami will continue to get shafted and stuck with Fox Sports next year? I hope not. Their coverage was truly awful this year, and it was a huge shame for two such great tournaments.

At my house at school I can't even get the TC. It isn't included in the cable programming and rent covers my cable bill, so getting some type of satillite is not an option. But as Abby Road said above - maybe it will move into more markets by 2009.

'...it was clear that they'd been "thrown under the bus" by ESPN.'

While this stinks, especially with the whole Fox Sports debacle this year, I think in some ways the trade off is better for Tennis in general, even if not for IW/KB.

I just wonder if there is a possibility of TC picking up one or the other (or maybe [me dreaming] both) with the selling off of the Vegas tourney?

Does this mean that we'll have fantastic coverage for the slams, but still have limited or no coverage for the other tournaments? (Watching tennis on Fox was virtually useless)

I am left wondering where the tennis will rank in the ESPN stable of stars in terms of broadcasts = they have underused the "rights" in the past.

As for Tennis Channel, perhaps it is different elsewhere but I have found it bound with other expensive premium sports channels, not in the basic enhanced cable packages (like golf channel) rather an extra expensive add on where to get the Tennis Channel, one has to also purchase a load of rubbish.

I would not be suprised to find out down the road the real "mothership" for tennis.com and Tennis Magazine turns out to be ESPN.

Great news, but TC still has a long way to go as far as being available around the country. I am fortunate that I've had TC since it's first year but there are so many folks that do not have access to it.

Pete: you write "I think, though, that there is some matter of debate about whether or not streaming video to computers should be cost-free."

My feeling is that the AMS TV model works really well. I hope we're within five years of a TV-PC interface (see Apple TV as a starting prototype) where the cost of setting up and transmitting information (and storing it) becomes so low that we have a menu of options - basic TV, enhanced TV, customized TV. Customized TV might have images supplied by ESPN, with commentary from your favorite Tribe member, or you/Steve.

One other thing as a Time Warner subscriber, I am not able to get ESPN 360. :( I guess sine I'll be attending the US Open nearly every day, I won't need it. ;)

Tokyo Tom (tt),
I think you are right. That's the issue with my parents getting TC for me while I am home for summer. They have to add a lot more channels just to get TC and my mom hasn't made up her mind yet if she wants to do that. They already have one of the medium packages, but TC is only included in the premium package.

ALMOST everyone can get the Tennis Channel--except those of us who are Cablevision customers in the New York City/ Westchester/ Fairfield area. This is a region with a lot of people who not only play tennis but can afford to buy whatever the tennis sponsors are selliing--so when do we stop being second-class citizens in a market monopolized by one cable company?

well when they figure out how to make tennis streaming Mac friendly, we'll really be in business! it shuts out mac users across the board, its just baffling... ATP cant fix it or wont even both to try...even their free video interviews dont work on Macs... discrimination, I cry!

streaming tennis is the way to go, Fox proved that this year, consumers will not be left without choices much longer, they will jsut find the coverage that suits them best...

I am so glad ESPN will be covering more matches again, their announcers are so much better than the announcers from the tennis channel.

I'd be interested in knowing who among TW does not have access to Tennis Channel besides the Cablevision subscribers. Which cable/satelite outlets do not carry it.

Overall, great news for tennis. ESPN2 and TC did a great job during the AO and if that kind of partnership is what we have to look forward to, then yes, I see the sport growing. Also, the partnership is a big win for TC and as a result will certainly grow in viewership and perception in quality of service they provide.

Re: other tournaments, I guess this will be a separate project.

*off to send resume to TC and ESPN2*

I can't get ESPN 360 because Comcast is run by a bunch of rancid *$#s.

Will the USO be available on ESPN 360? The USO has had an internet blackout policy as far as I can tell. It makes sense when you are selling TV rights for an arm and a leg but it makes the USTA look like prehistoric relics compared to Wimbledon.

Wow. That's a nice pic of Serena.

You're right, Tim. While FSN wasn't showing anything from IW or Miami, I tried the ATP way, which as you know is "no way." It wasn't Mac friendly, which could probably be corrected given the cross-over between PCs and Macs nowadays.

I'm all for the marriage of ESPN and TC, for the sake of growing tennis. Good going. However, I hope the producers of ESPN air matches other than ones with Americans playing. If tennis is an international game then, of course, international personalities should be broadcast in order to sink the global village concept and wash away the separatism.

Tennis is one sport that lists a player's name and his/her country's name. Many of my friends, who aren't tennis nuts, think this coupling (marriage) is odd. I wonder what would happen if the country names were dropped? Would that help promote more internationalism?

Can't understand why everyone is so happy about the extension of ESPN/TC coverage.

I reserve judgement until I find out how many minutes of every hour are filled with commercials. I gave up on ESPN2 a long time ago because I couldn't stand the relentless, repetitive advertising.

And with the extended coverage, who will be commentating? Certain people are deal breakers for me. Think Fox Sports.

Internet streaming has been absolutely wonderful. In some cases, no advertising at all. When there is advertising, it is blessedly brief.

Plus the commentators on Eurosport actually talk about the tennis..or even don't talk at all!

Temes, good to see you are still alive after viewing that picture. :)

lol temes, nevermind the fact that ESPN will be covering all the slams.

On my local Comcast, I looked in to getting TC around this time last year, and was bitterly disappointed:
I'd have to shell out for the $100/month digital cable package to be able to get it. Bleh! I can't afford that, and even if I could, I don't even really watch TV otherwise, I just need the internet.

Really silly.

"live ESPN2 coverage from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m."

Hmmm, with the major sports (American football, baseball, basketball, hockey, etc...), in addition to all kinds of fringe sports, games and events(billiards, bowling, poker, children's spelling bees, etc...) in competition for air time on ESPN2, I'll belive this when it actually happens.

Temes – on Serena: Word! That is a nice shot.

While this whole partnership with ESPN deal is great for coverage of the Grand Slams, I doubt it will benefit Tennis Channel much as they depended on ESPN of coverage for Miami and Indian Wells. So this year ESPN doesn’t cover those events and as a result, Tennis Channel looses coverage of two very large tennis events – American tennis events I might add – meat for the Tennis Channel’s market.

I really hope the TC can pick up more of the smaller events. Really, with the packed tennis calendar, there shouldn’t be a week where there isn’t any live tennis being shown. It’s great that after watching the Italian open final that I click on the TV this morning to be treated by Tsonga playing his first round match in Hamburg – SWEET! But if they can’t get pro matches, are there college matches that you could cover somewhere?

If the TC can’t pick up the events like Miami and will only show what ESPN picks up, then I’ll just stick to ESPN and stop paying for the TC. TC really has to provide the coverage that I can’t get on ESPN to be relevant and deliver value to the fans.

USA or ESPN2, we are going to see some of the USO.
The real problems are MUCH bigger than which cable channel get their 0.1 rating.

The men's SEMI FINALS of the FO and Wimbledon were on delayed tape in the US last year.
These are some of the biggest matches in the sport.
The Henin-Bartoli match wasn't on tv at all. It's a Wimbledon semi final!

Fans are screwed. Totally screwed. And we are the only ones who care.
Mike and the Mad Dog talked golf hor an hour today, and no tennis.

Lets not kid ourselves. Tennis in the US is off the map.

Pete,

"a large part of tennis's viability as a spectator sport here will be determined by how willing the non-captive tennis audience is to accept the international face of the game"

Is there an estimate of how large this population is, i.e., people who will watch tennis only if Americans are involved? I don't know of a single such person....but I don't know that many people :).

jrstriker12,

Good point re: Tennis Channel. I can't stand the fact that I pay all this extra money to get a premium sports package, but only watch TC.

I hope this new partnership with ESPN will lead to better value. I like what they did for AO and RG.

My biggest problem with TC is what you mentioned, the severe lack of live tennis. Most of the time, they broadcast reruns of reruns of "No Strings: Juan Ignacio Chela -- South America's newest Gloden Boy" over and over.

On the flip side the daily coverage of the Masters tournaments is amazing. I just wish TC would add IW and Miami, like they used to. And it wouldn't hurt to add some of the smaller tournaments like say, WTA Tashkent.

My thought is that if this partnership is handled correctly (eg. AO'08), then there should be excellent coverage.

They stated that they started with the slams and my believe is that based on this model they will work backwards with the goal of growing viewership. Of course they have to execute well and not lose viewers in the process. If I understand this correctly, a likely scenario is that if NFL is the ESPN priority on a given night, then TC can pick up the slack and provide coverage. This just makes sense (I know, common sense and reality are not a given).

I don't believe that this partnership implies that TC will back off from other coverage they are currently providing (I know it is limited) but I am reading into some of their recent decisions, such as selling the TCOpen, implying to me that they are making an effort to make wiser decisions about managing budgets to provide better coverage. At least that is my dream.

Waste of my time....I can't even get TTC - and my cable company has NO plans to add it in the future.

I have far less tennis coverage than 10 years ago.

Tennis Esq - I am so over Chela , south america's newest golden boy
and those endless reruns of Chris " yawn " Myers , and Murphy Jensen
words cannot describe my irritation with him
I wish they would get new episodes of those old time fillers
or just spend the money to get us more tennis

but then, that may be the problem - money

"Juan Ignacio Chela-South America's Newest Golden Boy"--are you kidding me? He's almost 30!

beth,

How about "Destination Tennis with Mieke Buchann"?

It's a catch 22. TC needs more viewers to get more advertising revenue so they can pay for television rights. But, that won't happen if they keep broadcasting episodes of "No Strings: Carlos Moya -- The Reign in Spain."

My dream is to watch Akgul Amanmuradova compete in her hometown event. Is that too much to ask TC?

I keep getting flagged as spam
this is annoying
Tennis Esq - that Mieke Buchann woman is horrid
and yep - catch 22 it is
need viewers to get money - need money to get good matches and programs - need good programs to get viewers
what are they to do ?

Ok - as I seem to be able to get through over here - and have been flagged as spam 5 times at the crisis center post
Tari - I am trying to answer you
sadly - I will not be able to make it to the open this year - someday - I hope I can get back there , but my parents are moving to LA this summer , and I see myself being very busy
I am gonna keep trying

THE PLAYERS SCHEDULE:

I just looked at the schedule for the PLAYERS,they have got to be kidding. I was looking forward to My best PLAYERS(RAFA NADAL)and
(THE FED)fighting it out for the ITALIAN MASTERS title but one got injured and to my belief one was bone tired. Instead I seen nothing but players falling out like flies. All the others either pulled out or just quit to the point that Djoke almost got a complete walk-over to the title. I think this was unfair to the viewers,(such as myself an advit TENNIS FAN,that gets up as early as 3am to get all my work done so as not to miss a thing) and diffinately to all the PLAYERS. Something has to be done so thaat this will NEVER happens again or as much as I LOVE the game I will stop my TENNIS CHANNEL PROGRAM and just look at the scores on the net. These Money hungry people had beter get with the program or they will ,such as myself,problely lose a lot more than viewers. It is bad enough that we have to pay to view the games,then to be CHEATED out of the pleasure of seeing the other BEST PLAYERS in the world not be able to compete is PATHETIC. SOMEONE DO SOMETHING,PLEASE! HELP!

Tennis Channel is not a Nielsen rated network, that's what generally costs them the ad dollars.

I live in NYC and I get TC on Time Warner Cable, but beyond the matches, the programming is weak. The only compelling things they've shown have been Agassi: Between The Lines and their "Grand Slam Classics" series, where I get to see matches I either only faintly recall, or never got a chance to see.

While I'm isappointed that the Vegas tourney will probably be moving to Riyadh, I do hope that the cash saved can build on TC's capabilities and coverage.

Tennis Channel is not a Nielsen rated network, that's what generally costs them the ad dollars.

I live in NYC and I get TC on Time Warner Cable, but beyond the matches, the programming is weak. The only compelling things they've shown have been Agassi: Between The Lines and their "Grand Slam Classics" series, where I get to see matches I either only faintly recall, or never got a chance to see.

While I'm disappointed that the Vegas tourney will probably be moving to Riyadh, I do hope that the cash saved can build on TC's capabilities and coverage.

Some thoughts on tennis coverage:

1) Tennis Channel

I get Tennis Channel as part of a package with NFL Network and a few other sports channels, for $5 a month. While it has added coverage of tournaments that I hadn’t been able to get before, it still leaves a lot to be desired. They have too much “dead air” – programming of little interest – beyond their tennis coverage. Also, the video quality is generally not that great. Hopefully Comcast in my area adds the HD version of Tennis Channel soon.

2) ESPN/USA

I have mixed feelings about ESPN picking up the US Open coverage in 2009. I’ve been a big fan of USA’s coverage for years, and will be sad to see it go. I’m not sure if ESPN’s coverage will measure up. On the plus side, ESPN does provide excellent video quality. Which brings me to my next point ...

3) HD broadcast

I’m sure some people here are tired of all my posts about wanting more HD tennis coverage, but I think it’s important for tennis to offer more of this. Currently I can get coverage of all the Slams in HD in the US, as well as some of the summer hardcourt tournaments. Being able to watch tennis in HD adds so much to the viewing experience. It allows the viewer to gain a greater appreciation for the game, as they are able to more closely follow nuances such as ball rotation, footwork, etc. If that’s not a selling point, just imagine how much better the players that you find attractive will look in HD. ;-)

4) Streaming video

I love Andrew’s idea of a TV-PC interface with a menu of options. Hopefully that is not too far away. I signed up for ATP Masters Series TV a few months ago. Aside from the lack of archived full matches, I think it’s a good option for now (unless you have a Mac). The video quality is pretty good on my computer screen, but if I want to watch that feed on my TV, it’s not quite as good

5) Cost

While free or low cost is ideal, I’m okay with paying for coverage as long the cost is reasonable, and I’m getting a good product in return. Right now, I'd like to have the options of watching any tournament I want, with reasonable quality (i.e., being able to see the ball!)

2008 French Open on ESPN2
May 25 - June 8
Paris, France

May 25 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 27 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 28 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 29 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 30 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 27 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 29 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 30 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
May 31 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
June 1 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Early Rounds ESPN2
June 4 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Round of 16 ESPN2
June 5 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET (Live) Quarterfinals ESPN2
June 6 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET (Live) Men's QF ESPN2
June 7 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET (Live) Women's SF ESPN2

*All Times Eastern

Sam

I agree with what you said about tennis channel.

Also I love when we get HD coverage and I think that in Canada we get more (on top of ESP etc).

Marian: What other channels besides ESPN do you get HD coverage on? Here we also get it on Universal HD (US Open), CBS (US Open, Indianapolis), NBC (French Open & Wimbledon weekend coverage).

There's something I don't understand here.

100 hours for the year from ESPN is practically nothing. I mean -- how does that even cover the four grand slams?

I see that this will basically mean little for me -- The Tennis Channel is way overpriced -- I already have an advanced package for cable and of course TTC is not in that package. So I'm still stuck with see essentially only the Grand Slams.

My how things have changed. As little as five years ago I could watch the Grand Slams, all of the Masters Series tournaments, with a few smaller tournaments thrown in. Little did I know that it would all go away.

Sarah,

When I was a little kid in the late 70s early 80s I could see tons of tennis on PBS!

Now I watch most of my tennis online.

Btw, I love Masters Series TV.

Sarah: The 100 hours that Pete was referring to was only for the US Open.

Since my cabale is connected with ESPN, I can watch!!!!

Hi Sam. Good points.

Oops. That should spell c-a-b-l-e.

Oops. That should spell c-a-b-l-e.

Hi Ren: What other channels do you typically get tennis coverage on?

Firstly, I must say Serena is looking fabulous up there. Nice pose, flowing hair, healthy glowing skin, great smile! When was this taken?

ESPN for the Slams is good news for fans in Asia as we get ESPN on most cable networks. Cable charges per month here is about 12-15 US Dollars per month. Not bad, huh!

However, ESPN for the Master Series tournaments is now-you-see-it-now-you don't affair. For Hamburg yesterday, they show Verdasco/Youzhny before I get home, and when I'm ready to watch, they switch to Premier league until I sleep at midnight right after checking out the final score online between Marat/Cilic game. Then I wake up 3AM to see Marat Safin playing "live" vs Cilic (they had the word "live" onscreen?!). They always favor the soccer/football over tennis here.

I think I better save my sleep and my nerves for the FO come 25th. No Eurosport either for Rome either -- probably in the later rounds this week.

We have star sports. I don't know if you have this. Then we have Solar Sports, Balls.com, Wowow (Japan), and all the other Pacific Sports Channels.

Ren,
You sound like you are in Hongkong, Singapore or Manila. I got ESPN, ESPN Star Sports, Basketball channel, Eurosport where I can watch the WTA matches (usually they just feature 2 matches in the early rounds, then the quarters, semis and finals).

ok - i'm going to be lazy and second Sam's post... except.

My favourite model for online streaming is wimbledon. They've done it right from the start. multiple courts to watch, and they let you catch up with matches. I can come home from work and catch up on matches. for a week after wimby I'm still catching up, lol!

Masters series doesn't let you do that - its a huge gap as far as i'm concerned. Its not like I'm some 'let them eat cake, stay home and eat bon-bon kind of girrrl'. i gotta work to pay for my tennis habit.

as for espn 360. pfft - comcast doesn't have access. ABSOLUTE humbug. *big dope slap for comcast / ESPN for not playing nice* My access / coverage in OZ was actually far less this year than last year, where I was able to get all sorts of streaming coverage while espn was showing reruns. this year, i couldn't get alternative matches at all. sigh.

RE: "Sarah: The 100 hours that Pete was referring to was only for the US Open."

Thanks, Sam, for the clarification -- I feel better now. ; > )

Yes Sam. I am actually in Baguio City, one of the more beautiful cities of the Philippines. It is the Summer Capital of the country as it is the coldest place in my country...with (still) many pine trees. Quite perceptive of you Sam. Hope you can visit my city in the near future. I will be willing to tour you around free of charge.

That is a horrible dress Serena is wearing. Sorry but it is and it has nothing to do with the colour.

With my pay for tv sports coverage I get ESPN but all in seems to show is the same sports stories over and over again. I thought they would show tennis especially the women. But I do get coverage of women's matches at gs events which is great. Wimbledon though they were only allowed to televise outer court matches.

On the commercial network I don't get any coverage of the FO until finals and then it is way too late and for Wimbledon they start showing matches at 10.30pm and have the audacity to say it's live when its not.

I am really enjoying watching the AMS this year and last year was my first year I could actually watch the FO at the proper time. I was in heaven.

jb: I haven't checked out Wimbledon's streaming yet, but it definitely sounds better that the ATP TV setup. Who does the commentary for the Wimbledon streaming?

Also, I have the same problem with ESPN360 as you do.

Sarah: ;-)

Ren: Thanks. I just checked out some images of Baguio City and it looks very nice there.

Ren: We don't get Star Sports, but I have watched a bit of their coverage on some of the Sopcast streams.

Sharapova and Ivanovic are the best dressed female sportstars-both on and off the court.

Oh I see Sam. Hopefully, I'll be able to watch my favorite players this time. I know I might stay up late because the games are telecast in the evenings.

So you saw some of my City's pics. Heavy fog here in the afternoons, most especially that rainy season is fast approaching. How about you Sam, from where are you?

BTW, do you have some faves in Hamburg? Rome?

BTW, do you have some faves in Hamburg? Rome?

Hi Ren,

Do you live in Baguio?
I went to college there?

Faves - Rafa, Rog, Ferrer

sorry, should read " I went to college there. (not a q mark)

It has got to be safe to assume that, based on Economics 101 or Advertising 101, the ATP will not be able to ffer free or low cost livestreaming in the same markets covered by the network that has paid them loads of money to show a tournament (with commercials). That's why, as we may remember, there was that list of countries which were blocked from the streaming in a few past events. (I remember seeing, for example, that the Cayman Islands and some other Caribbean areas that had access to the American commercial broadcasts were blocked from getting livestreaming during the AO.)

If two sources of matches shown have the same owner,they could work together, deciding who will show which matches at which times; but I can't see us having ESPN showing a Nadal or Fed match while the ATP is streaming it live to American viewers in the ESPN market area. Right?

Anyway, like all tennis fans, I am excited by news of any increase in coverage of my favroite spectator sport.

"...I think you have to really savor and appreciate the entrepreneurial and strategic thinking that resulted in Tennis Channel being included in the mix here. Full disclosure: the USTA is an equity partner in Tennis Channel, which is bait that a cynic will rise to with the appetite of a trout. But the fact that they're partners doesn't mean they can't work together for the common good, right? It's an important principle, often forgotten by those who go looking for unsavory collusion, intrigue, or empire-building behind every decision..."

OK, I've been bidding my time, Bodo, on the unsavory ESPN lapping that's been going on since both you and Tignor started writing semi-blogs for them. ESPN sucks. They own the market however, so I'm at their mercy, but overall their coverage sucks and the advertising sucks. This is the network that broadcasts scores, from LIVE completed matches they REFUSE to show, on their stupid little ticker while airing taped delays!!! Give me a freakin break! This whole bid is going to suck for those (like me, full disclosure as well) who don't want to add another $50 onto an already hefty cable bill to see more taped tennis (this has been the case in the past). And as was said earlier upthread, ESPN has had the rights for three slams now, and they've mucked EVERY single one up. TC is a croc as well; for three months this year, they aired two tournaments while several were happening. So basically, ESPN and TC are teaming up to ensure that tennis remains an elitist entertainment venue. Does not sound at all good to me. I'll even take the debacle that was FSN tennis over this 'team-up'. You don't have to 'look' for unsavory collusion or empire buliding when it's not even being hidden...

Rant over.

Hi Ren: I grew up and currently live in the southern portion of New Jersey, about 20 minutes east of Philadelphia.

Aussie Ange: What is wrong with Serena's dress?

Tennis has the potential to be the greatest thing to ever hit the TV. I can't wait to have HD and picture-in-picture multi-angles and customised replay options. It's going to be better than wathcing it live ... there is only so many people you can seat in the nose-bleed sections.

Kenneth, good to hear from you, amigo, despite the "rant." While I appreciate your thoughts and criticisms, you've seen what happens when ESPN abandons a tournament to, well, Fox. I think you can attack the deal from an idealistic point of view, but I need to traffic in realities or else I'd just go crazy venting in posts about how things "should be." ESPN is here to stay, and I believe they want to do the best they can, for everyone's benefit. Sometimes they do better than at others.

Being in the UK I have no idea about the merits of each channel but I do feel sorry for you all.
Here , if you have digital TV (most do) and one of the cheaper Satelite packages you get British Eurosport showing the larger WTA tours (albeit not every game) Sky Sports' interactive live coverage of Masters Events, ATP events and at least one Davis Cup tie (ie the whole 5 matches) at every stage and the BBC showing Wimbledon (of course!!) live and interactive with online replays and coverage of the other 3 Slams.
- All this and only 1 player in the top 100!

Does this spell the end of Tracy Austin's broadcast career?

Hmm. I'm gonna reserve judgment as well, until we have a chance to see how this unfolds.

Is it a good thing that -- theoretically -- there will be lots more tennis coverage on America's leading sports network (tm)? Definitely.

But isn't the proof in the pudding? ESPN is decidely the sports leader here in America. And McDonald's is America's "burger leader." Coke is our "drink leader." Are these good things?

By some measures yes. More coverage, more advertising dollars, broader penetration, more hype, more flash, loud music and graphics. Lots more money, potentially, for the sport and the players, and more entertainment for the fans.

However, I detected no caution or concern in Pete's post. Are there any legitimate reasons to be concerned about how ESPN will treat our sport? I can think of a few, for sure.

But I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt for now, keep my fingers crossed, and wish for the best.

The change to ESPN/TC will probably be for the better, especially if TC goes HD on my satellite system. I will miss the USA coverage, though. Their US Open theme music has become the background music for my transition from Summer to Fall.

Kif: Meant to mention this in my post, but some of the HD coverage I've watched has been better than some live tennis I've seen (especially the US Open nosebleed seats).

Now all we need is a couple more Butch Bucholzes and the U.S. fan base will be pleased! (Butch is the tournament director for the Miami masters tournament...I think it's one of the best tennis events in the States; it certainly outclasses a lot of events (sorry New Haven; and Delray Beach, sorry too...you are two of the events I would single out as "bad events".) I love the DC event but wished it were in a month when fans wouldnt pass out!)

Todd, I think ESPN has treated our sport very well, historically. Who was it that made tennis a part of their regular programming, something like two decades ago? Sure caution is in order, but why not celebrate this deal rather than bury it in all kids of caveats. We certainly will see what happens, but I'll say this: it doesn't serve anyone's interest - including ESPN's - to do a lousy job on anything.

ESPN2 is the network that didn't show the SF in Amelia Island because the players weren't big enough names.
So they repeated Sharapova's QF win, which they had televised the day before, while the SF was being played.
This is a network that does NOT care about tennis, or they would show a live SF, when they are at the tournament and on the air, instead of a repeat.
But Ebersol is worse. He is killing 2 majors for fans in the US.

Pete, I can't agree with you regarding how ESPN has treated tennis since maybe around 2004 or so, when American stars started dropping out early, and we got endless replays of early round Serena or Sharapova matches.

Hail, tennis was not even on the front page of their website for a long while -- you had to open up a drop-down list of "other sports," which had our beloved sport snuggled in between curling, rock/paper/scissors and all the other sports covered by "Obscure Sports Quarterly."

Still, once they came to grips with having Roger and Rafa as dominant forces, and figured out how to market them effectively, they have rebounded along with the popularity of the sport generally, so I'm hoping for the best and looking forward to a successful partnership.

Tommy,
I was disappointed also in the semis at Amelia Island where Lindsay had to w/d due to sickness and they did the replay of Maria/A Bondarenko instead of showing us live coverage of Cibulkova/Cornet. But, they did well at the AO earlier this year so there are signs of encouragement.

You thought the 2007 AO coverage by ESPN was done well? pfft
I gave up on replays of SW and AR and loved my time on AO Radio!!!

The most frustrating thing about ESPN is when I have gone to great lengths to avoid seeing scores all day so that I can watch the DVR at a convenient time, it gets to some sort of a cliffhanger in the match--and then they say "live coverage will continue on ESPN Classic at the top of the hour"---apparently the DVR doesn't understand that..............AAAARGGGGHHHHHH!!

FeFe, good point -- but at least they now realize they have to embrace guys like Fed, Djoker, Rafa and promote them as stars on the same level as Roddick or Serena.