West Palm Beach city commissioners upended a prior decision to hand management of three public tennis centers to USTA Florida. In a 4-1 vote on Feb. 17, they declared the city’s bidding process flawed and gave Let’s Play Tennis LLC, co-founded by former world No. 5 Kevin Anderson and Palm Beach trainer Cameron Lickle, the chance to negotiate a contract.

The centers at Gaines Park, Howard Park and South Olive Park had gone to USTA Florida following a November bidding round. That outcome beat out five competitors, including appeals from Skip Jackson’s company, which runs South Olive, and the newly formed Let’s Play Tennis.

Both challengers argued the selection committee overvalued USTA Florida’s national brand at the expense of fair criteria. Lickle told commissioners the panel committed multiple errors. “Even modest corrections would change the award,” he said.

City procurement officials pushed back. They said no substantive legal or procedural mistakes occurred. Commissioners disagreed. Commissioner Christina Lambert, whose district includes South Olive, cited at least two issues where the committee failed to meet evaluation standards.

The decision capped a heated months-long dispute. Local tennis enthusiasts rallied against displacing Jackson, a fixture at South Olive. Residents packed meetings, decrying the shift to an out-of-state operator.

Anderson, the South African who peaked at No. 5 in 2018, partnered with Lickle last year to launch Let’s Play Tennis. After the vote, Lickle expressed excitement. He aims to reverse player losses to rivals in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. “The goal is growing tennis in West Palm Beach,” Lickle said in an interview.

His firm now enters contract talks with the city. It plans to hire pros for all three sites. Jackson could stay on at South Olive, Lickle added.

Lambert highlighted the passion on display. “Tennis is more than just a sport,” she said. “It’s a part of many people’s lives.” The outcry from players citywide drove home the stakes.

USTA Florida did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The centers serve thousands annually, hosting lessons, leagues and tournaments. Management shifts could reshape programming and staffing.

Commissioners’ rejection sets up fresh negotiations. Terms remain undecided, but the vote clears Let’s Play Tennis to pursue a deal. City staff will handle the process, officials said.