2018 Citi Open

[Smittithekitty]

We are here this morning before the first day for qualifying. Should be an exciting year...

Big change from the Stringing Room at Tecnifibre.
Previously they kept the stringer to the back and unseen which I thought was crazy because some other tournaments, the string team is well seen to the public. This year they have the stringing room center stage in front where people can pass by and see how things operate.

I believe that is a great marketing technique and people can be more concern about their racquets.

We are picking up an Ergo Pro Machine at the end of the tournament and this year seems to be a bigger mix for the Ergo One Machine as it is the ideal traveling machine.

The String Team are mostly the same from last year. Craig Brotman is still leading the front. I believe I’ve seen a very young stringer (might be one of the US stringers son) as a new addition to the team.

We are they this year as Social Media so we will be doing coverage inside the tent. Stay tuned!

 

[Rabbit]

Dude! Thanks so much. I look forward very much to your updates. Great job on the previous WTT work you did.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Dude! Thanks so much. I look forward very much to your updates. Great job on the previous WTT work you did.

I believe there is a market for Stringing Social Media. Besides the amazing group we have here not too much insight is given at the stringing room. I see once every year Wimbledon has a 3 mins section of BTS with the stringing tent. However, imagine they smacked a cam or live cam on a string from their morning routine to their sleep routine... Talk about how life is on the road or away from family... doing 40 plus racquets a day for a week or so, how much money they get paid to do the event and of course why they deserve a bigger chunk! I am talking about a hour special on stringers. That is our ultimate goal is to get some swag points to the stringers.

IF THIS WAS F1, STRINGERS WOULD BE CONSIDERED THE PIT CREW... Pit crew gets more cred in their sport!!!

 

[Rabbit]

@Smittithekitty - absolutely great idea, I love it!

 

[kkm]

I believe there is a market for Stringing Social Media. Besides the amazing group we have here not too much insight is given at the stringing room. I see once every year Wimbledon has a 3 mins section of BTS with the stringing tent. However, imagine they smacked a cam or live cam on a string from their morning routine to their sleep routine... Talk about how life is on the road or away from family... doing 40 plus racquets a day for a week or so, how much money they get paid to do the event and of course why they deserve a bigger chunk! I am talking about a hour special on stringers. That is our ultimate goal is to get some swag points to the stringers.

IF THIS WAS F1, STRINGERS WOULD BE CONSIDERED THE PIT CREW... Pit crew gets more cred in their sport!!!

And in F1 the pit crew don’t have to pay for their transportation to the grands prix!

 

[am1899]

A little devils advocate: aren’t pit crews more in harms way during races - than racquet technicians during tournaments? I generally do agree those who service racquets (especially at the professional level) often get very little (if any) credit, where more is due. I’m probably biased in that opinion, though.

@Smittithekitty After you add the new Tecnifibre machine, does that signal the departure of one of your other machines?

I love the idea that you guys will be visible. I hate the concept of hiding racquet technicians in some dungeon, where nobody can see them. Same in the retail environment - I can’t understand why some shops hide their machine(s) in the back or in a basement? I wouldn’t trust any shop that wouldn’t string a racquet out in the open, in front of customers.

 

[Smittithekitty]

A little devils advocate: aren’t pit crews more in harms way during races - than racquet technicians during tournaments? I generally do agree those who service racquets (especially at the professional level) often get very little (if any) credit, where more is due. I’m probably biased in that opinion, though.

@Smittithekitty After you add the new Tecnifibre machine, does that signal the departure of one of your other machines?

I love the idea that you guys will be visible. I hate the concept of hiding racquet technicians in some dungeon, where nobody can see them. Same in the retail environment - I can’t understand why some shops hide their machine(s) in the back or in a basement? I wouldn’t trust any shop that wouldn’t string a racquet out in the open, in front of customers.

We aren’t planning to sell the Racket Station as we just replaced the Ergo One. We use it for travel and have this additional Machine probably be at home and actually another one is going to a friend who we are buying it for...

Stringers needs to be in the spot light for sure!!!!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

@Smittithekitty
have you seen the new wilson camo pjs rakets come through yet? I figure you would have by now.. I just saw tsitsipas using them on court..
whats your impression of the paint job?

 

[Smittithekitty]

@Smittithekitty
have you seen the new wilson camo pjs rakets come through yet? I figure you would have by now.. I just saw tsitsipas using them on court..
whats your impression of the paint job?

Nishikori has the desert camo on his... I embrace the fact that they are no longer marketing for the 30s and above anymore

No more smaller head sizes, solid or heavier frames etc...
They are attacking the Net generations... Parents now have a good source of income and the rising prices of products. Slap neon or Star Wars type paint job and you’ll sell. I don’t blame them because parents at the end of the day will get their kids what they want. You and I might not, but come on don’t lie and say tennis isn’t still a higher income type sport... we string at many USTA jr events and I’ve seen parents TRYING TO BUY EVERYTHING FROM US FOR THEIR CHILD. Too bad the kid always blocking my sales haha. Can you explain 250$ plus for a racquet??? Can you tell me why 8 years old playing with neon poly?
They know people will buy

I like the camo and now all they have to do is make the Military version USN, USMC, Army, USAF and CG color and boom that’s another big marketing sale

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Agree, all sales driven now
specially since "the cats out of the bag", about the pro players using paint jobs,,
nothing stopping companies on cashing in on "limited edition", paint jobs,,