Admittedly, I had never heard of Katrina Adams when I saw this book offered on NetGalley and then I kept it buried in my TBR pile (unintentionally, of course). Glad I finally pulled it out and read it, thanks to a couple of Goodreads challenges. Here is my review of "Own the Arena."
Title/Author: “Own the Arena: Match Points for Winning, From the Blacktop to the
Boardroom” by Katrina M. Adams
Rating: 4 of
5 stars (very good)
Review: In tennis, the U.S. Open is not only one of the four Grand Slam
events, but it has also been compared to the Super Bowl in terms of its power
to attract fans, celebrities, top players and generate money. Katrina Adams provides readers of this book a
first-hand look at not only the action on the court, but an inside look at what
goes into putting on an event like the U.S. Open, well beyond the two weeks of
tennis.
Adams draws on her experience as a college and professional player
and later her term as President of the United States Tennis Association (USTA)
to not only showcase the U.S. Open but also provide readers with glimpses into
her life, both personally and professionally.
Her success in both areas was due to many factors and some of those she shares
with readers in such a way that no matter one’s profession and athletic
interests, if any, they can be used to achieve one’s goals.
Being the first Black woman to hold the position, Adams faced many
challenges as one might expect. She
speaks eloquently and passionately about overcoming racism and sexism in the
sport and does so without bitterness.
Indeed, she talks glowingly about those who helped her along the way and
shared the same passion. One excellent
example is Billie Jean King, who she credits as being a pioneer in brining many
issues to the forefront for women’s tennis such as equal pay and
facilities. Her dialogue on these social
issues is never condemning – she does include white men when she talks about
diversity and welcoming all views – and a reader will come away with a new
sense of awareness for these matters.
As for the tennis, her career as a player is covered adequately,
but her career in the management of the USTA is much better. It may be due to recency, or maybe the
accomplishments, but for both topics, a reader will learn much about Adams and
her work at the USTA and U.S. Open. An
excellent story, for just one of many examples, is how her culinary team makes
sure that there is appropriate food for all tastes and cultures of VIPs who
visit those suites during the tourney.
One particular guest whose taste for Southern food resulted in collard
greens and fried chicken made for a very touching story.
Accounts like this are what make this book an enjoyable read for
any tennis fan, whether or not they are familiar with Adams’ career either as a
player or as an executive. The tips are all applicable to her work in both
areas and will be for a reader as well.
I wish to thank Amistad for providing a copy of the book via
NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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