The good from 2018 USTA League Nationals so far

It is easy to write about the controversial things that occur, and I fall victim to that at times, but also want to remember to write about the good stuff that happens too and this year through two weekends, a lot of good has happened at USTA League Nationals.

First, from most everything I've heard, the new format is a hit.  People like the two matches per day and four guaranteed total as it gives more opportunity for more players to play and puts all the teams on equal footing.  It also gives a team that loses early a chance to still make the semis.

Second, it has only been host one weekend so far, but Las Vegas as a new site appears to have gone very well.  Good weather, and a good forecast this weekend, and no issues of any sort that I'm aware of.

Third, despite the weather challenges there have been, we have not had any co-champions declared and all semis/finals have been played to completion with full format matches.  One can debate the site selection and planning leading up to an event, but once you are there and weather happens, you do your best to adapt and the USTA was creative to get all the matches in last week in Arlington and were able to crown champs on Sunday using full format matches.  Thanks to them for that.

Fourth, Orlando as a site continues to work well.  I've heard no complaints and the National Campus has lots of courts and even some indoor courts in the event of rain, and multiple events have been held successfully.  It is a long trip for those out west like me, but perhaps I'll be fortunate to make it some day.

Fifth, and most importantly, there has been a lot of good competition between similarly skilled players.  A lot of the events have had teams in contention winning/losing 3-2 matches where multiple courts go to match tie-breaks and the results could have gone either way.  This is all you can hope for when you go to Nationals and by and large it is happening.

Let's hope there are more positives this weekend and next as the Adult Nationals wrap up.

What do you think?  If you've gone to Nationals this year, what is the biggest positive you have seen or taken away?