The head of the International Tennis Federation has called for more female players to remain involved in the sport after they retire in order to help develop its future.
David Haggerty has told The Telegraph that he believes the number of females in senior positions within the sport, such as coaches or administrators, is not good enough. The 64-year-old was named a HeForShe Champion back in September which is a UN initiative that advocates for gender equality worldwide. At the time of his appointment, he said action needs to be taken to address the ‘change in culture across our sport (tennis) that sees women on an equal footing with men at all levels.’
The American tennis official has previously stated that he hopes to have at least 40% of the ITF committee and commission members to be female by 2024. The governing body currently has more than 190 representatives who work with the ITF and its Board of Directors across key areas. According to the latest list, the Olympic committee features four women among its 15 members and only one woman sits on the 11-member wheelchair tennis board.
“In terms of officiating, coaching, when we look at administrators and boards of directors, committees in the nations, regions and the ITF level, it is just not good enough. We have to do better,” said Haggerty. “We have set targets and ambitions around the number of female board members that we want. We want more women from tennis on boards but just as importantly we want them as officials and coaches. It will be a great benefit.”
It is unclear as to if the ITF are aiming for 40% female representation in each of their committees or as a whole.
Haggerty has praised Andy Murray for what he has done to show his support for gender equality with his previous work with former coach Amelie Maureasmo. The former world No.1 women’s player coached Murray between 2014-2016. During that period the Brit won seven out of 12 ATP finals played, reached No.2 in the rankings and was runner-up at the Australian Open twice. Mauresmo is one of only a small handful of women to coach a top-level player on the ATP Tour.
“It was great when Andy Murray had Amelie Mauresmo coaching him – he was not afraid and he said ‘she is the best coach for me’ and he truly believed it and not everybody agreed with him but I think it was great to see how Amelie helped him in that part of his career,” said Haggerty.
“Andy has been a beacon of light. His upbringing and Judy, his mum, has already shown the strength of a woman and the importance of a woman in a man’s career.” He added.
As it currently stands the heads of the ITF, WTA and ATP are all male. Furthermore, only one woman is a member of the Grand Slam Board, which is Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka.
