Thirteen writers honored at U.S. Open for winning entries
in 11th Annual U.S. Tennis Writers' Association Writing Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPT. 8, 2010
Flushing Meadows, N.Y.—Between post-match interviews of competitors vying to be named 2010 U.S. Open champion, the press corps assembled in the media center to present awards to the 13 writers whose work placed in the 11th Annual USTWA Writing Contest.
The Los Angeles Times is the winningest publication with three articles by columnist Bill Dwyre. Double winners are Inside Tennis editor Bill Simons and freelance writers Paul Fein and Joshua Rey.
"The contest drew more than 100 entries from mainstream print media and niche online sites in the United States and abroad," says USTWA President Emeritus Liza Horan, who coordinated the contest. "The winning pieces showcase this sport as a dynamic base for storytelling and service-oriented writing."
The esteemed judging panel was comprised of Robin Blackburn, former longtime director of Columbia University's National Magazine Awards; Juan Carlos Arancibia of Investor's Business Daily; and Tony Fong of GenomeWeb Daily News. All three are longtime tennis enthusiasts.
The winners of the 11th Annual USTWA Writing Contest, for work published in 2009, are:
FEATURE STORY (Pro Tennis)
1. Burkhard Bilger’s "Perfect Match" in The New Yorker
Judges say: "Superbly written and reported. Spotlighted a part of the game that doesn’t get the respect it deserves, but which all weekend players enjoy--doubles. Captured not only the spirit of the Bryan brothers, but of the doubles game itself and included historical tidbits along the way. Great job."
2. Dave Seminara’s "The Year the Davis Cup Felt Empty" in The New York Times
3. Wayne Coffey’s "Game, Set...Unmatched: Williams sisters continue to fire aces, on and off the court" in the New York Daily News
FEATURE STORY (Non-Pro Tennis)
1. Allen St. John’s “The 10 Greatest Racquets of All Time" in TENNIS Magazine
Judges say: "A story rich in history and analysis on racquet technology and its influence on the game. Interesting anecdotes helped enhance this superbly written piece."
2. Colette Lewis’ "Grips Program Takes Hold" in Racquet Sports Industry
No third-place award
GAME STORY (Pro Tennis)
1. Bill Dwyre’s "Nadal, Gasquet know all about pain" in the Los Angeles Times
Judges say: "A game story that went beyond what was happening on the court to tell us the extraordinary circumstances leading up to the match. While the first-round match may not have been anything special on its own, the artful storytelling that blended the mystery of Gasquet's drug doping scandal, the fallout that followed, and the political infighting between organizations with differing opinions and policies kept the reader's interest at all times and without taking sides. [It] made you care for its subject."
2. Marianne Bevis’ "Stefan Edberg and Pat Rafter Save 2009's Best Unit Last" in Bleacher Report
3. Bill Dwyre’s "It's no breeze to win finals at Indian Wells" in the Los Angeles Times
GAME STORY (Non-Pro)
1. Joshua Rey’s "British boys, American girls shine on sunny Day 4 of Orange Bowl" on DunlopOrangeBowl.com
Judges say: "Comprehensive round-up of one of the premier junior tournaments that spotlighted a part of the game that doesn’t get enough coverage, even among tennis publications--the juniors. I’ll be looking for some of these names at Grand Slams in the next few years."
2. Joshua Rey’s "Juniors Make Splash for New York Buzz" on TennisRecruiting.net
No third-place award
HARD NEWS/ENTERPRISE
1. Doug Robson’s "Getting to the top in tennis, stats say, is all about the return" in USA Today
Judges say: "Very entertaining and opened our eyes to what the pro game has become all about. Nice reporting mixing anecdotes with interview and math!"
2. Bill Dwyre’s "There’s a price to pay for missing Indian Wells" in the Los Angeles Times
3. Paul Bauman’s “Worn-Down Warburg Leaves Pro Tennis Tour" in the Sacramento Bee
COLUMN/COMMENTARY
1. Bill Simons’ "The End of the Great Characters" in Inside Tennis
Judges say: "This story has all the elements of an excellent profile: depth ofdetail, the player's impact on tennis and outstanding writing. Article put Safin's retirement and legacy in proper perspective."
2. Paul Fein’s "The Foot Fault that Freaked Out Serena," in Tennis Life
3. Bill Simons’ "Farewell Mr. Tennis" in Inside Tennis
SERVICE STORY
1. Paul Fein’s "Lessons from the French Open," in Sportstar
Judges say: "An insightful piece that any player, from beginner to advanced, could draw on to learn more about playing the game from watching any tournament. Never talked down to the reader. Entertaining as well as educational."
2. Greg Moran’s "Great Shot--Don't Do It Again" on TennisOne.com
No third-place award
Stay tuned to www.USTWA.org for news on the 12th Annual USTWA Writing Contest, which will cover work published in 2010. The contest is open to all tennis writers; members pay no entry fee.
ABOUT THE USTWA
The U.S. Tennis Writers’ Association works toward the welfare of tennis media workers on issues ranging from the rights of the press to expanding the profession by increasing tennis coverage by the media and creating opportunities for future writers. Please visit www.USTWA.org for membership details and much more.
For more info, email USTWA@earthlink.net.
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