ATP Event Is History, Now Kermode Waits For ATP Phone Call
ATP Event Is History, Now Kermode Waits For ATP Phone Call
After a feverish period of activity ensuring the smooth running of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Englishman Chris Kermode can now settle down to await the call of the ATP’s six man board of directors who appear to have ended their deliberations on who should finally succeed the late Brad Drewett as chief executive and president.
Kermode has filled the role of managing director of event at the London 02 since its’ inception five years ago and also fills the role of tournament director at the AEGON Championships at London’s Queen’s Club in June.
The 48-year-old former journeyman player, who reached a career high ranking of world no.141 at the beginning of 1985, is the prime candidate among a short list of four to fill the post that has been vacant since Drewett’s tragic death in early May from Motor Neurone Disease.
As there seems to be no end to Europe’s dominance of the men’s game, producing seven out last week’s eight competitors, Kermode’s candidacy seems to tick most boxes and his case will not have been hindered by his part in another hugely successful edition of the World Tour Finals, which again saw more than 260,000 spectators pour through the doors despite Andy Murray’s absence.
“In the past few weeks I haven’t really had a chance to think about my chances because my focus has been to deliver the event to the highest standard,” said Kermode. “But of course it is a huge position which anyone would like to take.”
He would not be drawn too closely on the matter but of his candidacy, he admitted: “It’s a reflection of what myself and the team here have done over the last five years. We have just put a hell of a lot of work in and we’re very proud of what we have achieved.
“Not many people thought it would work in year one because tennis was perceived to be a very seasonal sport in Britain with Queen’s and Wimbledon at the height of the summer. We started off with a 250,000 customers and have continued to grow every year.”
Kermode is certainly very popular with the players and he said: “They just seem to respect you for listening to their views. All anyone wants is to have their voice heard and some understanding of what their demands are. It’s quite simple really.”
Although the ATP World Tour Finals are only contracted to be in London for two more years, discussions are already in place for a further extension. Champion Novak Djokovic would like a move but massive crowds and corporate support make a compelling case for the lease to be extended.
“We will see what happens in forthcoming months but for the time being, we have got two more years on which to focus,” said Kermode. “The ATP board will take everything into account, including the opinions of the players. Multiple views and issues have to be taken into account but I would think geography is a major factor with most of the players being European and the event coming after the indoor European season.”
Should Kermode emerge from the shortlist it would be something of an awkward moment for the Lawn Tennis Association who, to the frustration of Murray among others, did not even get an interview for the domestic governing body’s equivalent position to succeed Roger Draper after a lengthy and expensive selection process. Canadian Michael Downey eventually won the appointment.
Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Atp, ATP World Tour Finals, Brad Drewett, Chris Kermode, Lta, Novak Djokovic, Roger Draper, Tennis, Tennis News
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