Can tennis take off in the U.S.? Peter Lebedevs is betting—and working—on it in Dallas

Talk to any tennis fan in one of the fifty states and it won't be long until you hear a common refrain: "Boy it sure would be great if there were more events in the U.S." Despite the sport's well-deserved recognition as a global game, American fans selfishly want to see more of their heroes up close and personal. It's a real feeling, and one that is shared by many involved in tennis as well. Peter Lebedevs is one of those people, and he's actually doing something about it.

"We're committed to American tennis," Lebedevs said in regards to the company, GF Sports & Entertainment, that is putting on the event. "But we've also got to train the players to understand what they're doing."

And what that means is promotion, and lots of it. Dallas boasts several big names in American men's tennis, not a small feat for a 250-level event. The skill level will be there, but as Lebedevs eloquently articulates, it will require a collaborative effort by everyone involved to drum up interest and awareness.

Murray understands this better than anyone, having put on three successful events in Chicago last fall, while also coaching players with strict schedules and an aversion to anything that gets in the way of competing. It takes a large force to bridge the gap, and nobody is larger—literally or figuratively speaking—in Dallas than John Isner. A resident, Isner jumped at the chance to have an ATP event in his backyard, and is acting as a much-needed spokesman.

"John wants to have fun with the guys and show off his city," the tournament director said. "The players have reached out to me saying: 'John said it's gonna be great.' John's on the hook!"

The conversation covers many intricate details that people might not realize are part of running a tournament, and there's a ton of optimism that this event can stand the test of time. As the only indoor hard-court tournament at the tour level in the country, and with a deep field of many proud Americans, it's got the ingredients necessary for success. After hearing these two tournament directors share their knowledge, make sure you catch the action on Tennis Channel from the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex at SMU. starting Monday February 7. Hopefully this red and blue court becomes a permanent fixture on the calendar.