Eugene L. Scott

Eugene L. Scott, 1937 - 2006

The passing of Tennis Week founder and publisher Eugene L. Scott has prompted an outpouring of love, support, condolences and tributes from Scott's friends, colleagues and readers.

Obituary (The New York Times)

If you'd like to post a tribute, please submit it here.

Dr. Roland A. Carlstedt
I frequently turned to Eugene when I had an idea, complaint or wanted some feedback when it came to tennis projects, or articles. Just this last weekend I emailed him inviting him to be a member of our Editorial Board for the new Journal of the American Board of Sport Psychology. He said that he would get back to me. Who knew! With Eugene you could be candid, up-front, because he was like that and above all valued fairness. He was an advocate who stuck his neck out and supported those who try to make an impact. I called lines at the United Bank of Denver Tennis Classic in the 70s where he played the qualies of this WCT event, my first encounter with him. I was impressed that a former top-10 player and lawyer still loved to compete enough to fly out to Denver just to play the qualies. He impressed me ever since. Even after a minor disagreement recently, I told him what a fan I was of him and Tennis Week. I think that he appreciated that. He'll be sorely missed!

Roland A. Carlstedt, Ph.D.
Chairman, American Board of Sport Psychology

Dede Allen, former USTA Adminisrator, Junior Competition
I was stunned when I heard about Gene's passing. He was a man truly passionate about our great sport. He was not afraid to speak out about what was right and wrong with tennis - he made us think therefore making all of us better. The number of people he touched is unimaginable. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Sasson KHAKSHOURI
On behalf of myself, Sasson and Golar KHAKHSOURI please accept our deepest sympathies in the sudden passing away of Gene Scott.

Gene had been a very good friend of the Khakshouri Family for many years and had been involved in the Kremlin Cup ATP Tour event which we founded many years ago.

Gene and I remained in touch over the years.
When I started the President's Cup in Tashkent Uzbekistan, I asked Gene to bring in a Team to assist for the first year and once again we joined forces to build up the ATP Tour event in Uzbekistan.

Both Golar my wife and myself held the highest regard for Gene.

We are deeply shocked and saddened by his sudden passing and ask you please to extend to his Wife and Family our sincerest condolences in their very sad and untimely loss of a man who made strong in roads in the world of tennis for many, mnay years.

Gene will be sadly missed by all of those who knew him.
Sincerely yours.

Sasson KHAKSHOURI

Michael Bernstein- Championship Tennis Tours
Gene Scott can't be gone, he was perhaps the most "alive" guys I ever met. I'm truly shocked. I can see his smile and hear that wit. I feel very fortuanate to have had so many good memories with Gene in places all over the world. A true mentor to me in the early years of my business. Such a charismatic, classy gentleman. I always enjoyed his company and the many good laughs together. You'll be sorely missed Gene and will always be in my thoughts. See you on Center Court in the sky my friend..My deepest condolences to Polly and the kids. Mike
Jennifer Kenas, Former Tennis Week Staffer
First and foremost, to Polly, Lucy, and Sam, you are in my thoughts and words can’t express how sorry I am. In my mind, Gene was completely unstoppable and undefeatable in every way, whether on the court or in the office. It still seems impossible that this could happen. Total shock and disbelief have transitioned to terrible sadness, as I recall how profoundly Gene influenced my life. At Tennis Week he challenged me constantly, and as a result, I accomplished things I couldn’t have imagined possible. The incredible things I learned from him, the countless places and events I visited, and the special people I met have shaped my life since.

It’s astounding to think of how many lives he has influenced, and how many people he’s pushed to do more and to do better for tennis. Losing Gene is a devastating loss for tennis, and our community will never be the same without him. He was truly brilliant and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work for him and learn from him. I will always be proud to be a part of the Tennis Week family and so very grateful to Gene.

Jennifer Kenas
Tennis Week Staffer, 1994-1998

Bill Mountford
Gene Scott was like the North Star. Speaking with him or reading his column… he’d always bring you to your senses. Nobody else had his vantage point, and he knew it. That never kept him from sharing though, and his generosity was unparalleled. His departure has already left a terrible void. Goddamn that he is gone. Lucky that he touched so many while he was around.

Bill Mountford
Director of Tennis, USTA National Tennis Center

Mark Winters-Tennis Week contributor
Everyone who spent time with Gene Scott has a story or two to tell about their interaction with him. A compilation of these remembrances would make a very readable book provided that some of the more stinging exchanges were red penciled by the exacting editor that he was.

My most vivid memory of Gene is a below freezing night at the Kremlin Cup. He invited me to go with him to a party hosted by the tournament organizers. On the drive to the house where the gathering was being held, he (as he always did) wanted to know what I thought about this and that. Once I commented, he was leopard quick asking why I held a particular belief. Words and thoughts were his playground, a landscape that one had to be prepared to enter if they engaged in conversation with Gene.

Having been around Scott for years, I was well versed in dealing with Gene simply being Gene. At the party, while we were selecting from the sumptuous buffet, he startled me. "How would you like to write for me," he asked?

Then, as only he could do, he went on to explain that I would really have to write, not simply turnout ordinary thoughtless pieces, but stories with bite and flavor.

Living up to the challenge has been foremost in my work with Tennis Week. I will miss our conversations. Gene Scott, his qualities and boldness, will always be my guide.

Tim Bauer, Director of Tennis Eau Gallie Yacht Club
I am sad to learn of Gene's passing. I have long felt he was a voice of reason for the best interests of our fine sport, and one not afraid to go against the grain for the good of all.
We will miss a man of his character and hope to continue on in his traditions. Thank you Mr Scott!
Bob Reich, Pecquannock, NJ
how tragic it was that during the same week of tennis' latest innovation, the instant replay, tennis' greatest innovator of all-time passed away. steve bellamy, ceo of the tennis channel, was recently named tennis person of the year. in my mind Gene has been the tennis person of the year for many years. he will be sorely missed by the entire tennis industry.
Maureen "Mo" Rankine Tennis Against Breast Cancer, Inc.
I'm stunned to hear of the passing of Gene Scott. In 1996 Gene was one of TABC's first supporter and he participated in my first ever Tennis Against Breast Cancer Celebrity Challenge Fundraiser at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, in NYC.
Ever since, Gene and Polly has been a constant supporter and contributor to our cause and events. Last year I called Gene to ask his advice as to what more could I do for TABC. He offered some great advice and suggestions and I must say one of those suggestions has now come to fruition...thank you Gene

Gene will be missed and I am so grateful to have known him and I will always remember his constant support and encouragement. My condolences to Polly, the children and the rest of the Scott family, he will truly be missed.
Maureen "Mo"

Doug Fonte, President Prince Sports USA
I had the privilege to work with Gene on the Tennis Industry Council and always enjoyed his straight forward rhetoric and style. There is no doubt that his life and his work were about tennis. Until his family became his center of attention, his life was tennis and he never stopped caring about growing and improving the game.

Our sport has lost a good friend, a defender of its traditions and its values. I wish I could have known him better, but I am glad that I was able to know and work with him at all. Godspeed to his family

Doug Fonte
President
Prince Sports USA

Sam Cook, Völkl Sport America
Words cannot describe how deeply saddened I was to hear of Gene's unexpected passing. Gene was a champion of tennis on every level and his direct and honest approach will leave an unfillable void to not only the entire tennis industry, but also to the many individuals he touched. I will always remember Gene for his quick, dry wit and for his love for the greatest game on earth. Gene, God speed and God bless.
Kathy Bryan, Wimbledon mixed doubles partner
I'm shaken and stunned to hear of Gene's passing. When I started traveling internationally at 17, Gene took me under his wing. He was my Professor 'iggens. He even gave me the book, The Elements of Style" to try to improve my writing. He was a total joy to play mixed doubles with. I am so thankful I was able to visit with him one last time at the Davis Cup match in La Jolla. He spoke so proudly and lovingly of his two children. What a heartbreaking loss for all of us.
Peter Bodo
I can forgive Gene that pink ultra-suede suit he wore back in the day when he was tournament director of the Orange Lawn TC's grass court US Open tune-up; I can forgive Gene all the woeful puns committed by his pen; I can forgive Gene for showing up to cover a world class tennis match, towel draped around his neck - just moments after he had just played one.

But I can't ever forgive him for having that amnably clever wit - with which he flummoxed me on so many occassions. I'm going to miss you, Gene. May the road rise with you. . .

Pete
Bill Rompf
It is still tough to think that Gene Scott is no longer with us. He was a unique and major factor in the game of tennis at every level. He will not be soon be forgotten. We are still in shock to know that he is gone.
When at the NBTA in the early 90's, Gene and I would work on Nick's monthly articles. We became fast friends and respected one another's wheeling and dealing - although no one even came close to bettering Gene in this department. I pity the souls who even attempt to try to figure out all of his "trades and deals".
When there was ever a problem or need for a solution, Gene was just a call away and was always a good listener with thoughtful and steady advice and prudent guidance.
When a trade for a NY room fell through this fall, he offered my family his apartment. Who else would have done that? When we visited Las Vegas this month and wanted to see the Tennis Channel event, Gene provided us with the best seats in the house. He was the most “connected” person in the game.
I could hardly wait for my Tennis Week each month to see what trouble Gene was brewing or in the midst of; who he had chastised or offended with the reality and truth he espoused. Or, who he would choose to showcase and praise for all of their good works in the game. He could and would shoot out of both guns. He kept all of tennis on it's toes and offered great conscience and guidance for the sport and all its participants and players.
In the last few years he would tell me how his entire life and schedule was arranged around his family so that they could be together as much as possible. I am happy, but not surprised at this forethought.
Gene Scott was a wonderful man, a tennis icon, a legend and a great friend that will be hard to live without. I feel very honored to have known him. We will miss him.
He and his family are in our hearts and thoughts.

Bill Rompf
Vice President/Director of Tennis
International Tennis Hall of Fame

Bob Williams
I met Gene through my mother ~ Barbara S. Williams (former VP, USTA). When she was allive she considered Gene one of her closest friends in the "Tennis World" primarily because they believed in the same principles ~ Grow Tennis for Everyone, Tennis is a Sport for your Lifetime, be very, very helpful to anyone who wants to learn more/be more about Tennis and always Volunteer. I have enjoyed watching Gene play tennis in the his earlier years at the West Side Tennis Club all the way to now at Manursing Island Tennis Club. Tennis has benefited Greatly because of Gene Scott, his wisdom, his volunteerism and his guidance. (Bob Williams, Harrison,NY)
Julie Tupper Cummings, former Tennis Week Staffer
I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of a true tennis icon. I was very fortunate to have worked for Gene for over six years. His passion for tennis and willingness to make a difference in the sport was truely unmatched. Every day at Tennis Week was an adventure. Gene provided us with so many opportunities, Moscow, Wimbledon, US Open and most of all the opportunity to see him in action, amazing. I ran into him at the Open last year and we chatted for over an hour. He made me feel like he had no place to go, no meeting to attend, no competitive match to watch. Needless to say, I knew better...... The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of Polly, Lucy and Sam was so touching, he was so proud of them. Gene, first my boss and then a true friend, I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with Polly, Lucy, Sam, and the other million people that cared so much about him.
V C Alexandropoulos
I am a subscriber of long standing and it has been real shock to read in the NY Times the demise of Eugene L. Scott. I can't see anybody replacing the excellent write-ups of 'Tennis Weekly' Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. I'm really sorry to say that our magazine won't be the same without him. Please convey my condolences to his family from
Athens, Greece.

Donna Doherty - friend, former Editor Tennis magazine
As rival journalists in a relatively small sport, Gene and I had a complex relationship. He liked to kid me and often tried to push my buttons. We often agreed to disagree, mostly on matters concerning our various publications, but rarely did I disagree about his courage to "tell it like it is" in his column and his eloquence in doing so - both borne from his deep passion and love for the game, which was more than a sport of a lifetime for him; it was his life.

That voice was a strong and unparalleled one whose silencing is going to leave a huge void in the game. He worked unfailingly to make tennis better, which is why the world's best journalists wanted to write for him.

I will never forget the night of Feb. 6, 1993 in Atlanta when Gene sought me out at the Tennis magazine party during the Tennis Industry Show to make sure he told me first that our dear colleague and friend Arthur Ashe had died. We cried in each other's arms for a few moment before we both recovered our game faces and I prepared to pass along the news to our guests.

My deepest sympathy to his family and all of you at Tennis Week. You have lost a true visionary and the game has lost its best friend.

Donna Doherty
Former Editor
Tennis magazine
James Broder, Managing Director, Broder's Skunkware Scoring & Timing Software
Gene Scott, my former boss, friend, and sage, was very possibly the brightest and most astute character I have encountered in my 25 years in business at the pinnacle of professional sport.

Gene was perhaps the ultimate "renaissance man". He was world-class at everything he attempted, and in doing so, invited the rest of us to raise our games. Whereas most modern sports figures first ask "how does this benefit me?", Gene's first question was always "how does this benefit my sport?".

Over the years, during any discussion involving policy, scoring, politics, money, or influence in the
sport of tennis, my first two questions have always been:

1) What does Gene Scott think about it?
2) What does Billie Jean King think about it?

Oh yeah, and one more thing. Despite our age difference, I never won a set off the guy. If Gene is somehow reading this, I'm sure that confession will
bring out his trademark wry grin.

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Dr. Roland A. Carlstedt I frequently turned to Eugene when I had an idea, complaint or wanted some feedback when it came to tennis projects, or articles. Just this last weekend I emailed him inviting him to be a member of our Editorial Board for the new Journal of the American Board of Sport Psychology. He said that he would get back to me. Who knew! With Eugene you could be candid, up-front, because he was like that and above all valued fairness. He was an advocate who stuck his neck out and supported those who try to make an impact. I called lines at the United Bank of Denver Tennis Classic in the 70s where he played the qualies of this WCT event, my first encounter with him. I was impressed that a former top-10 player and lawyer still loved to compete enough to fly out to Denver just to play the qualies. He impressed me ever since. Even after a minor disagreement recently, I told him what a fan I was of him and Tennis Week. I think that he appreciated that. He'll be sorely missed! Roland A. Carlstedt, Ph.D. Chairman, American Board of Sport Psychology
Dede Allen, former USTA Adminisrator, Junior Competition I was stunned when I heard about Gene's passing. He was a man truly passionate about our great sport. He was not afraid to speak out about what was right and wrong with tennis - he made us think therefore making all of us better. The number of people he touched is unimaginable. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Sasson KHAKSHOURI On behalf of myself, Sasson and Golar KHAKHSOURI please accept our deepest sympathies in the sudden passing away of Gene Scott. Gene had been a very good friend of the Khakshouri Family for many years and had been involved in the Kremlin Cup ATP Tour event which we founded many years ago. Gene and I remained in touch over the years. When I started the President's Cup in Tashkent Uzbekistan, I asked Gene to bring in a Team to assist for the first year and once again we joined forces to build up the ATP Tour event in Uzbekistan. Both Golar my wife and myself held the highest regard for Gene. We are deeply shocked and saddened by his sudden passing and ask you please to extend to his Wife and Family our sincerest condolences in their very sad and untimely loss of a man who made strong in roads in the world of tennis for many, mnay years. Gene will be sadly missed by all of those who knew him. Sincerely yours. Sasson KHAKSHOURI
Michael Bernstein- Championship Tennis Tours Gene Scott can't be gone, he was perhaps the most "alive" guys I ever met. I'm truly shocked. I can see his smile and hear that wit. I feel very fortuanate to have had so many good memories with Gene in places all over the world. A true mentor to me in the early years of my business. Such a charismatic, classy gentleman. I always enjoyed his company and the many good laughs together. You'll be sorely missed Gene and will always be in my thoughts. See you on Center Court in the sky my friend..My deepest condolences to Polly and the kids. Mike
Jennifer Kenas, Former Tennis Week Staffer First and foremost, to Polly, Lucy, and Sam, you are in my thoughts and words can’t express how sorry I am. In my mind, Gene was completely unstoppable and undefeatable in every way, whether on the court or in the office. It still seems impossible that this could happen. Total shock and disbelief have transitioned to terrible sadness, as I recall how profoundly Gene influenced my life. At Tennis Week he challenged me constantly, and as a result, I accomplished things I couldn’t have imagined possible. The incredible things I learned from him, the countless places and events I visited, and the special people I met have shaped my life since. It’s astounding to think of how many lives he has influenced, and how many people he’s pushed to do more and to do better for tennis. Losing Gene is a devastating loss for tennis, and our community will never be the same without him. He was truly brilliant and I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work for him and learn from him. I will always be proud to be a part of the Tennis Week family and so very grateful to Gene. Jennifer Kenas Tennis Week Staffer, 1994-1998
Bill Mountford Gene Scott was like the North Star. Speaking with him or reading his column… he’d always bring you to your senses. Nobody else had his vantage point, and he knew it. That never kept him from sharing though, and his generosity was unparalleled. His departure has already left a terrible void. Goddamn that he is gone. Lucky that he touched so many while he was around. Bill Mountford Director of Tennis, USTA National Tennis Center
Mark Winters-Tennis Week contributor Everyone who spent time with Gene Scott has a story or two to tell about their interaction with him. A compilation of these remembrances would make a very readable book provided that some of the more stinging exchanges were red penciled by the exacting editor that he was. My most vivid memory of Gene is a below freezing night at the Kremlin Cup. He invited me to go with him to a party hosted by the tournament organizers. On the drive to the house where the gathering was being held, he (as he always did) wanted to know what I thought about this and that. Once I commented, he was leopard quick asking why I held a particular belief. Words and thoughts were his playground, a landscape that one had to be prepared to enter if they engaged in conversation with Gene. Having been around Scott for years, I was well versed in dealing with Gene simply being Gene. At the party, while we were selecting from the sumptuous buffet, he startled me. "How would you like to write for me," he asked? Then, as only he could do, he went on to explain that I would really have to write, not simply turnout ordinary thoughtless pieces, but stories with bite and flavor. Living up to the challenge has been foremost in my work with Tennis Week. I will miss our conversations. Gene Scott, his qualities and boldness, will always be my guide.
Tim Bauer, Director of Tennis Eau Gallie Yacht Club I am sad to learn of Gene's passing. I have long felt he was a voice of reason for the best interests of our fine sport, and one not afraid to go against the grain for the good of all. We will miss a man of his character and hope to continue on in his traditions. Thank you Mr Scott!
Bob Reich, Pecquannock, NJ how tragic it was that during the same week of tennis' latest innovation, the instant replay, tennis' greatest innovator of all-time passed away. steve bellamy, ceo of the tennis channel, was recently named tennis person of the year. in my mind Gene has been the tennis person of the year for many years. he will be sorely missed by the entire tennis industry.
Maureen "Mo" Rankine Tennis Against Breast Cancer, Inc. I'm stunned to hear of the passing of Gene Scott. In 1996 Gene was one of TABC's first supporter and he participated in my first ever Tennis Against Breast Cancer Celebrity Challenge Fundraiser at Roosevelt Island Racquet Club, in NYC. Ever since, Gene and Polly has been a constant supporter and contributor to our cause and events. Last year I called Gene to ask his advice as to what more could I do for TABC. He offered some great advice and suggestions and I must say one of those suggestions has now come to fruition...thank you Gene Gene will be missed and I am so grateful to have known him and I will always remember his constant support and encouragement. My condolences to Polly, the children and the rest of the Scott family, he will truly be missed. Maureen "Mo"
Doug Fonte, President Prince Sports USA I had the privilege to work with Gene on the Tennis Industry Council and always enjoyed his straight forward rhetoric and style. There is no doubt that his life and his work were about tennis. Until his family became his center of attention, his life was tennis and he never stopped caring about growing and improving the game. Our sport has lost a good friend, a defender of its traditions and its values. I wish I could have known him better, but I am glad that I was able to know and work with him at all. Godspeed to his family Doug Fonte President Prince Sports USA
Sam Cook, Völkl Sport America Words cannot describe how deeply saddened I was to hear of Gene's unexpected passing. Gene was a champion of tennis on every level and his direct and honest approach will leave an unfillable void to not only the entire tennis industry, but also to the many individuals he touched. I will always remember Gene for his quick, dry wit and for his love for the greatest game on earth. Gene, God speed and God bless.
Kathy Bryan, Wimbledon mixed doubles partner I'm shaken and stunned to hear of Gene's passing. When I started traveling internationally at 17, Gene took me under his wing. He was my Professor 'iggens. He even gave me the book, The Elements of Style" to try to improve my writing. He was a total joy to play mixed doubles with. I am so thankful I was able to visit with him one last time at the Davis Cup match in La Jolla. He spoke so proudly and lovingly of his two children. What a heartbreaking loss for all of us.
Peter Bodo I can forgive Gene that pink ultra-suede suit he wore back in the day when he was tournament director of the Orange Lawn TC's grass court US Open tune-up; I can forgive Gene all the woeful puns committed by his pen; I can forgive Gene for showing up to cover a world class tennis match, towel draped around his neck - just moments after he had just played one. But I can't ever forgive him for having that amnably clever wit - with which he flummoxed me on so many occassions. I'm going to miss you, Gene. May the road rise with you. . . Pete
Bill Rompf It is still tough to think that Gene Scott is no longer with us. He was a unique and major factor in the game of tennis at every level. He will not be soon be forgotten. We are still in shock to know that he is gone. When at the NBTA in the early 90's, Gene and I would work on Nick's monthly articles. We became fast friends and respected one another's wheeling and dealing - although no one even came close to bettering Gene in this department. I pity the souls who even attempt to try to figure out all of his "trades and deals". When there was ever a problem or need for a solution, Gene was just a call away and was always a good listener with thoughtful and steady advice and prudent guidance. When a trade for a NY room fell through this fall, he offered my family his apartment. Who else would have done that? When we visited Las Vegas this month and wanted to see the Tennis Channel event, Gene provided us with the best seats in the house. He was the most “connected” person in the game. I could hardly wait for my Tennis Week each month to see what trouble Gene was brewing or in the midst of; who he had chastised or offended with the reality and truth he espoused. Or, who he would choose to showcase and praise for all of their good works in the game. He could and would shoot out of both guns. He kept all of tennis on it's toes and offered great conscience and guidance for the sport and all its participants and players. In the last few years he would tell me how his entire life and schedule was arranged around his family so that they could be together as much as possible. I am happy, but not surprised at this forethought. Gene Scott was a wonderful man, a tennis icon, a legend and a great friend that will be hard to live without. I feel very honored to have known him. We will miss him. He and his family are in our hearts and thoughts. Bill Rompf Vice President/Director of Tennis International Tennis Hall of Fame
Bob Williams I met Gene through my mother ~ Barbara S. Williams (former VP, USTA). When she was allive she considered Gene one of her closest friends in the "Tennis World" primarily because they believed in the same principles ~ Grow Tennis for Everyone, Tennis is a Sport for your Lifetime, be very, very helpful to anyone who wants to learn more/be more about Tennis and always Volunteer. I have enjoyed watching Gene play tennis in the his earlier years at the West Side Tennis Club all the way to now at Manursing Island Tennis Club. Tennis has benefited Greatly because of Gene Scott, his wisdom, his volunteerism and his guidance. (Bob Williams, Harrison,NY)
Julie Tupper Cummings, former Tennis Week Staffer I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of a true tennis icon. I was very fortunate to have worked for Gene for over six years. His passion for tennis and willingness to make a difference in the sport was truely unmatched. Every day at Tennis Week was an adventure. Gene provided us with so many opportunities, Moscow, Wimbledon, US Open and most of all the opportunity to see him in action, amazing. I ran into him at the Open last year and we chatted for over an hour. He made me feel like he had no place to go, no meeting to attend, no competitive match to watch. Needless to say, I knew better...... The sparkle in his eyes when he spoke of Polly, Lucy and Sam was so touching, he was so proud of them. Gene, first my boss and then a true friend, I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with Polly, Lucy, Sam, and the other million people that cared so much about him.
V C Alexandropoulos I am a subscriber of long standing and it has been real shock to read in the NY Times the demise of Eugene L. Scott. I can't see anybody replacing the excellent write-ups of 'Tennis Weekly' Publisher and Editor-in-Chief. I'm really sorry to say that our magazine won't be the same without him. Please convey my condolences to his family from Athens, Greece.
Donna Doherty - friend, former Editor Tennis magazine As rival journalists in a relatively small sport, Gene and I had a complex relationship. He liked to kid me and often tried to push my buttons. We often agreed to disagree, mostly on matters concerning our various publications, but rarely did I disagree about his courage to "tell it like it is" in his column and his eloquence in doing so - both borne from his deep passion and love for the game, which was more than a sport of a lifetime for him; it was his life. That voice was a strong and unparalleled one whose silencing is going to leave a huge void in the game. He worked unfailingly to make tennis better, which is why the world's best journalists wanted to write for him. I will never forget the night of Feb. 6, 1993 in Atlanta when Gene sought me out at the Tennis magazine party during the Tennis Industry Show to make sure he told me first that our dear colleague and friend Arthur Ashe had died. We cried in each other's arms for a few moment before we both recovered our game faces and I prepared to pass along the news to our guests. My deepest sympathy to his family and all of you at Tennis Week. You have lost a true visionary and the game has lost its best friend. Donna Doherty Former Editor Tennis magazine
James Broder, Managing Director, Broder's Skunkware Scoring & Timing Software Gene Scott, my former boss, friend, and sage, was very possibly the brightest and most astute character I have encountered in my 25 years in business at the pinnacle of professional sport. Gene was perhaps the ultimate "renaissance man". He was world-class at everything he attempted, and in doing so, invited the rest of us to raise our games. Whereas most modern sports figures first ask "how does this benefit me?", Gene's first question was always "how does this benefit my sport?". Over the years, during any discussion involving policy, scoring, politics, money, or influence in the sport of tennis, my first two questions have always been: 1) What does Gene Scott think about it? 2) What does Billie Jean King think about it? Oh yeah, and one more thing. Despite our age difference, I never won a set off the guy. If Gene is somehow reading this, I'm sure that confession will bring out his trademark wry grin.
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