Why I Am Leaving the USTA

By Javier Palenque

September 21, 2021

Today is my last day at USTA. After almost 14 years as a board member, I believe I have worked here long enough to understand the trajectory of its culture, its people, and its identity. And I can honestly say that the environment now is as toxic and destructive as I have ever seen it. It is impossible to see a better light for the sport.

To put the problem in the simplest terms, the interests of the sport continue to be sidelined in the way the USTA operates and thinks about making money. USTA is one of the world’s largest sports nonprofits and owns the US Open one of four Grand Slams. The nonprofit has veered so far from the volunteer place I joined that I can no longer in good conscience say that I identify with what it stands for.

It might sound surprising to a skeptical public, but the culture was always a vital part of the USTA’s success. It revolved around volunteers, teamwork, integrity, a spirit of humility, and always doing right by the sport. The culture was the secret sauce that made this place great and allowed us to bring people and trust to the sport for many years. Before it wasn’t just about making money; this alone will not sustain a nonprofit for so long. It had something to do with pride and belief in the organization. I am sad to say that I look around today and…