British performance tennis..............what now?

paulisi · Tennis legend

RE: British performance tennis..............what now?

indiana · Tennis legend

Hmm, the current British number one at least seems to take a lot of interest in the wider British tennis picture and players in a way Tim has never particularly noticeably done as a player or since he retired, beyond the odd cliche about some players' attitudes.

Not at all suggesting they give Andy a role in in this palava, he's got enough to be getting on with. But not really sure what Tim brings to proceedings rather than a name to impress the easily impressed.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Agree with Eddie.

The two roles ares completely intertwined.

Mass participation means more chance of good elite players; good elite players means more appeal to the masses to participate. Both are needed (and the in-between) for a healthy sport and industry of tennis. In fact, the in-between seems the area that's getting the most ignored - i.e. club tennis. Club presidents (from the few I've spoken to) seem furious with the LTA - or disinterested (which can be worse). And they say the LTA is completely disinterested in them ------ brilliant -----

In fact, one of the things I notice more and more is how many of the huge number of top 1000 French players come from families of high/good-level tennis players. The current national U18 boys' winner has a father who was a full-time coach since age 18, a mother who was ranked about 2.1 (equivalent) and went to an academy, a top rated sister, and a grandfather who is a key person in his Ligue (the regional admin and organisation bodies). He won against the son of the trainer of Amelie Mauresmo.

Hardly any of the GB players have top tennis level families (because there are so few top tennis players in the UK).

Except - of course - the Murrays.

Andy, and Jamie, would not be world class tennis players if their mother hadn't been practically pro herself, and a professional coach later.

So the lack of interest in the pyramid is, in my view, a complete disaster. (And the only reason they're interested in the very bottom of the pyramid - i.e. the complete beginner 'participators' - nis for lottery funding).

I also agree with Eddie - I find it impossible to comprehend that the Board of the LTA has no one who has any tennis experience. I mean, ????????

Obviously, the head person doesn't have to come from tennis - there's a lot of crossover skills - (the head of French tennis is currently a rugbyman) - but no one ? Surely we haven't got SO few players/coaches/admin people involved in tennis that they can't find SOMEBODY ?

However, I also think that the whole LTA - AELTC split is a nightmare. I understand that it's historical and difficult to change now but it's still a nightmare and completely wrong.....