Can An Outsider Tame The Tour?

In February, at the opulent, seven-star Burg Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the titans of men's tennis suddenly glimpsed an end to the years of inertia that have plagued their sport. There, new ATP Tour Inc. Chairman and President Etienne de Villiers had convened a powwow with four of the game's top names, including its biggest star, Andre Agassi. Flanked by No. 1 Roger Federer, No. 2 Rafael Nadal, and 2000 U.S. Open champion Marat Safin, Agassi pressed de Villiers about the ATP's stagnant fortunes. "What I want to know," Agassi said, according to those present, "is whether we are in the same play with different characters, or do we have a new plot and actors?"

De Villiers was taken aback but didn't flinch. The Rhodes scholar and former Walt Disney Co. (DIS ) executive calmly volleyed Agassi's shot, saying he didn't need the ATP job to fatten his wallet or stroke his ego. De Villiers meant to fix the cracks in the sport even if his moves exacted a short-term price for players and tournaments alike. "I have no agenda here other than to make a difference," de Villiers said to Agassi.