SCHWARTZ, BOLLETTIERI, AND THEIR LEGACY FOR TENNIS, AND YOU USTA?

By Javier Palenque

I had the pleasure of listening to Alan Schwartz at a business conference a few years back, enough to say that I was extremely impressed with his drive and acumen to start his business around the sport of tennis. I also had the good fortune to know Nick Bolletieri, whom I met several times in Miami and interviewed as well, he was always kind to give some pointers to my son on the court, and while in a group, he was sure to make even more positive comments about my son in front of everyone, he sold me.

I just got back from a trip to South America and when I read the news, I was indeed very sad, first because both men were legends of the game and second because of their love for the game. They left a legacy that only made our country better for the next generations as we all should. This of course can only happen if you have a love for the game that is so strong and deep that you decide to put your whole livelihood behind this love and help others.

In South Florida, Midtown-Weston is a wonderful place for tennis and other family activities and of course, the name Nick Bollettieri is legendary on its own everywhere. For those who do not know, about 30 years ago Alan Schwartz concluded that tennis alone would not sustain itself and he diversified while keeping tennis…