Class of 2009 Graduate ATP University

© ATP2009 Graduates

ATP players returned to the classroom for the ATP University, from March 18-20 at the Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The three-day workshop included presentations, which were translated into Spanish and English, on the following areas:

- History and the creation of the ATP
- Organizational structure and goals of the ATP
- Rules and officiating
- Tennis anti-doping program
- Anti-corruption
- Giving Back
- Player Relations & Medical Services programs
- Communication and media skills training

Johan Brunstrom, James Cerretani, Victor Crivoi, Adrian Cruciat, Brendan Evans, Andrey Golubev, Scoville Jenkins, Mikhail Kukushkin, Jean-Claude Scherrer, Eduardo Schwank and Bruno Soares successfully completed the ATP University workshop.
 
Golubev, currently No. 110 in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings, said: “I liked Disney, it was my first time here and everything was very well organised. I had an idea on some of the topics that were covered, but the ATP University was very important to learn more in depth about the tour and our job as players. I liked the presentation about Giving Back the most.” 

Florida resident Evans, 22, said: “I was very happy to learn and interact with the other players. I really enjoyed the Tournament’s presentation because it was good to see what happens behind the scenes and how we can help.”

American compatriot Jenkins commented: “I thought the media presentation and workshop were great. Players can see how they can screw up and how they should interact with the media instead.”

Kazakhstani World No. 142 Kukushkin said: “[The workshop] is really helpful for us. I was surprised about many of the things I didn’t know about the ATP and players in general. I feel more part of the ATP and this should help in becoming a better professional.”
 
In 1990 the ATP Player Council recognised that for the long-term growth of the game, it was essential to educate young players as they came onto the circuit. The ATP University is designed to make players more responsible tennis professionals. Recognising the long-term benefit to the players, the ATP and to the game, the ATP is firmly committed to the University program. All Division 1 ATP player members must pass through the University.

Administered by the ATP's Player Relations department, the ATP University featured classroom presentations made by ATP staff members and outside experts specialising in the fields of communications, finance, and medicine. The workshop covered topics including the history of the ATP, how to control personal finances, and the importance of the media and promoting the sport."

Last year, the ATP University celebrated its 700th graduate since the program began in 1990.