March Aces; USTA Announces First Results from COVID-19 Task Force; Kratzer Suspended in Anti-Doping Charge

Despite a dramatically shortened month, there were plenty of performances to feature for my regular Tennis Recruiting Network column; 17 to be exact. I've already said this several times, but given the cancellation of the NCAA championships this year, it's fortunate that we did crown six ITA National Indoor champions before college athletics was shut down. A special thanks to Division II head coaches Evan Isaacs of Columbus State and Avi Kigel of Barry for providing photos of their championship teams.

Now that no new performances are available to feature, I am considering doing a Greatest Hits column for April, highlighting prominent pros from when they first appeared in an Aces column as juniors.

The USTA has already sent out an update on the first decisions from the Tennis Industry United task force, which was formed this week, an admirably quick turnaround given the circumstances. There had been complaints about a 50 percent refund policy for those who had entered events that were cancelled, but that has now been changed to include full refund. Below is the email I received this evening:

March 27, 2020 USTA Policy Regarding Events Affected by COVID-19 Virus Cancellations and Suspensions

The USTA, with many tennis industry partners, has begun an analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 virus on the sport of tennis. A first step in this process was the creation of a joint task force to begin the collection of data and an analysis of immediate and longer-term needs for the sport of tennis. This effort would focus especially on those individuals on the front line of the sport who do so much to grow the game, and attract, engage and retain our tennis players. Regarding junior tournaments, the USTA, which originally called for 50% reimbursement of entry fees, is now calling for 100% reimbursement of entry fees for junior tennis players who had entered National March Level 3 tournaments, as well as the Easter Bowl, that were canceled through the sport’s suspension of play directives. Finally, the USTA, after redeploying internal resources, will create a comprehensive grant program to provide assistance to the organizers and tournament directors of the 114 Competitive Pathway events (Junior Level 1 – Level 3 National events, ITF World Tennis Tour events, and ATP Challengers) that have been canceled in the March 13 to June 7 play suspension window. Details of this new grant program will be sent directly to those affected. Tournament Directors that canceled Category 1 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, also will receive direct communication regarding grant opportunities. For Junior Tournaments Levels 4-7, tournament directors will work with their specific USTA Section on potential assistance opportunities. Working with the entire industry, the USTA will continue to analyze the data and formulate further plans to ensure that the tennis industry, its facilities, its professionals, and its players are in the best possible shape following the end of this pandemic crises.

The task force also has put together a page of resources for those in the tennis industry who may be seeking financial assistance due to this pandemic.

Ashley Kratzer, the 2017 USTA National 18s champion, has been suspended after she tested positive for a prohibited substance at this year's WTA 125 in Newport Beach. Kratzer, now 21, will have a full hearing on the charge. For more background on that prohibited substance and Kratzer's pro career to date, see this article from TennisLife.