We have heard that the USPTA will soon name John Embree as their replacement for longtime CEO Tim Heckler, who is being forced into retirement because the board felt that he was too argumentative with the USTA and is less supportive than he should be of the USTA's 10-and-under program.

Embree comes into the new role having served at Wilson, Balle de Match, Prince, USTA, and Donnay. Many industry insiders indicate that Embree's best days were when he was the No. 2 man behind Jim Baugh during his days at Wilson. Time will tell whether John will be able a strong leader for the USPTA; Embree has a tall order to motivate pros to increase their focus on 10-and-under tennis.