A leading French newspaper has quoted unnamed sources saying that two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Maureasmo has been tipped to become the new director of the French Open.
L’Equipe has reported that the president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) Gilles Moretto has offered the position to the former world No.1 who is yet to respond. It is understood that the offer was first made back in October whilst Guy Forget was still working in the role. Forget submitted his resignation earlier this week but his contract was due to expire at the end of this year. He said he was offered the chance to renew his contract but refused to do so due to a lack of communication and trust with Moretto.
“From the beginning of Gilles’ mandate, I felt that communication was not going well,” Forget told L’Equipe in a separate interview. “There was never any communication with him. And clearly, I felt that there was no trust.”
It is understood that one of the reasons why the FFT has approached Mauresmo is due to her recognition around the world. As a player the Frenchwoman won 25 WTA titles, including the Australian Open and Wimbledon during 2006. She also held the world No.1 ranking for 39 weeks and is the only player from her country to have held that position since the system was introduced back in the 1970s. After retiring from the sport, Mauresmo worked as a coach for players such as Andy Murray and Lucas Pouille.
Should Mauresmo decline the job opportunity, it is understood that another leading candidate is Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. The current managing director of the FFT who is also a former player herself. Castéra also is also the former the head of e-commerce, data and digital at French retailer Carrefour and a former senior executive at insurance firm AXA insurance.
Forget was also the tournament director of Paris Masters prior to his resignation. L’Equipe has reported that his role will now be split into two separate jobs. Those who have been shortlisted to take over control at Brecy include Arnaud Clément and Sébastien Grosjean.
The FFT says Forget’s replacement will be announced ‘soon’ but has given no exact date.
